An ultra-rare 1963 A.T.S. 2500 GTS 3.0-litre sports car (above) will be sold at RM Auctions' Automobiles of London event on October 28, marking the first time one of these highly desirable cars has been offered at auction. One of only eight A.T.S. sports cars produced between 1962 - 1965 to rival Ferrari, this example, chassis number 004, will be offered without reserve and is expected to fetch in excess of £500,000 or about $820,000. Of immense historical significance, A.T.S. (Automobili Turismo Sport) was an Italian car maker and racing team that formed by Carlo Chiti and Giotto Bizzarrini, who established the company as a direct competitor to their former employer, Ferrari. Financially supported by Count Giovanni Volpi, the company produced a small number of road-going sports cars and a Formula One car which boasted Phil Hill as one of its drivers. The car made its debut at the 1963 Geneva Motor Show, and although 12 chassis were produced, only 8 cars were ultimately completed, making each a rare collector's item.

Maybach is well known today as a modern ultra-luxury marque, having been revived by Mercedes-Benz in 1997; even more exclusive however are the original models made between 1921-1941. Less than 2,000 Maybachs were built during this period, of which fewer than 150 survive today, all in the tight grip of collectors. An ultra-rare 1938 Maybach SW 38 Cabriolet with coachwork by Spohn of Ravensburg (above) has now surfaced for sale in Germany via global online luxury marketplace JamesList for €690,000, or about $1 million. The elegant 5-passenger convertible, finished in two-tone red and aubergine, was exhibited at the 1938 Berlin motor show and sold right away to her first owner, Baron von Mylke. At the the end of the war the car was allocated to the Chinese military mission in Berlin and was acquired many years later later by a German architect who commissioned a meticulous restoration.

How many cars is too many for one collection? 50? 100? How about 500? Evidently one collector thinks so, because he's selling off his entire stock of five hundred classic automobiles. Among those, 200 will be auctioned off with no reserve price whatsoever, making this the largest no-reserve auction in American history.

If you're wondering which long-established auction house will be handling such an enormous consignment, it's not Barrett-Jackson. It's not RM. It's not Gooding or Bonhams, either. It's Coys. The British auction house with offices in Italy, Germany and Monaco has never in its hundred-year history dabbled in the American market, but this strikes us as a good place to start. The 500-strong collection includes classics from both Europe and the United States, and will take place in Houston on September 19.

On August 13th - 15th Russo & Steele will stage their Monterey Sports & Muscle sale in California, offering some incredible deals on classic Ferraris and more. We've written plenty about the multimillion-dollar auctions taking place but the R&S sale looks like a great place to grab a bargain. On the high end is this 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4, with an estimate of $1 million – $1.1 million. As we noted earlier this year, this model is widely considered to be one of the world's most beautiful Ferraris. Formerly in the collection of racing legend Skip Barber, the car has not only been impeccably restored but tuned up for maximum driving pleasure.

Somewhat less expensive but no less appealing is a 1960 Ferrari 250GT Series II Cabriolet finished in a deep maroon over tan hides and a black cloth convertible top. It was imported when new by Vilem B. Haan, one of the pioneers of the American sports car aftermarket and known to readers of period automotive magazines for his catchy advertising and unique offerings. The car remains in show-quality condition, most recently on display just this past fall at the Palos Verdes Concours d'Elegance. It's estimated at only $550,000 - $650,000.

For a real steal, how about the 1970 Ferrari 365 GT2+2? Estimated at only $125,000 - $150,000, it sports a fresh full-leather interior and contains all the period correct items including the vintage Blaupunkt radio, owner's manual with pouch and warranty card and a completely-correct and authentic tool kit. It even has period-correct Michelin XWX tires on the gorgeous Borrani wire wheels. The car has won several Ferrari Club of American Concours Class Awards. Read on for more great cars after the jump.

On July 26 Mercedes-Benz hosted the 2nd Annual Hamptons Pursuit "Road Rallye", a 60-mile scavenger hunt from Bridgehampton to Montauk. Car enthusiasts including local East End VIPs drove vintage, classic, or just plain cool cool cars including several amazing Mercedes looking for clues and answering trivia questions at checkpoints, all while raising money for The Retreat, a non-profit program that supports victims of domestic violence throughout Long Island. Stunning Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue model Julie Henderson (above) and Top Chef's Sam Talbot attended a barbecue following the auto-scavenger hunt at Kalbacher's Auto in East Hampton where road stories were shared with good food and drink during an auction of classic cars.

Welcome to the first in a new series of exclusive photo features showcasing seasonal style essentials inspired by classic icons of elegance, sport and design, photographed with the most beautiful and coveted cars on the road. The emphasis is on luxury of course, but of the timeless variety as opposed to mere extravagance.

In our recent Classicist column on the 2010 Jaguar XK convertible coming out this August, we remarked on the sleek new cat's stylistic heritage dating back to 1948's XK120, as driven by the likes of Gary Cooper, Humphrey Bogart and Clark Gable, as well as later models like the D-Type (or XK-SS) made famous by the great Steve McQueen. The first in our new series of exclusive shoots is inspired by them and stars the XK in homage to these stylish icons, both man and automotive (read all about the new XK here).

In particular, the influence of Gable (with his XK120 in 1954, top right) and McQueen (with his XK-SS, center right) can be seen in the summery style essentials we've assembled for this shoot. For the pastoral setting we drew on another classic Jaguar reference, an image of writer Truman Capote in a Jaguar XK-E, the model most closely aligned with the new XK, in the Hamptons in 1965 (bottom right).

In the spirit of summer we've chosen a classic combination of navy and white, popular as fashionable resort wear for a nearly a century and still going strong in the right circles. While navy blazers of the type shown here originated as part of English cricket club scenery and other elegant sporting occasions such as the Henley Royal Regatta, without gold buttons it needn't be unnecessarily nautical or costume-y.

The jacket shown here, in tropical weight wool with soft shoulders by the dashing Italian house of Etro, references its sporting antecedents with grosgrain tipping on the lapels, pockets and cuffs; however, since it is finished in the same color as the jacket the effect is a subtle one, while the slim cut updates the look with Italian flair. A cream linen camp shirt by Paul Stuart and white linen pants by Polo Ralph Lauren round out the rest of the ensemble.

As an alternative on cooler days or evenings - which we've certainly had plenty of this summer - we've also included a variation of the navy blazer by Brooks Brothers made of butter-soft goat suede with spiffy sporting details including a throat latch, stand-up collar, action back and pure Irish linen lining, which calls to mind the jacket worn by Gable above.

While a polka dot foulard silk scarf by the venerable British clothier Turnbull & Asser (shirtmaker to the Prince of Wales) provides not only another classic touch and added dose of sprezzatura, it also protects against the elements while piloting the XK with the top down at serious speeds. A hefty dose of McQueen meanwhile can be seen in the rakish cap, sunglasses and watch. For the feet and the road, a pair of pebble-sold leather driving moccasins by Tod's keep the haute Italian vibe going.

The checked linen driving cap - this model is made by Brooks Brothers - of the type favored by McQueen has no brim to collide with a car's headrest, and is infinitely more elegant than a baseball cap. Also on view: iconic Italian Persol sunglasses, in particular the model made famous by McQueen in The Thomas Crown Affair. Starring in this feature are a foldable version of McQueen's faves, as well as a couple of other killer Persol models; all are available at Ilori. Also included is a pair of shades by Paul Smith. The watch is a classic and vintage stainless steel Rolex GMT-Master II, available at Tourneau, of a similar design to the Rolex Submariner model favored by McQueen (and which recently fetched a record price at auction). Read on for details of the rest of the accessories after the jump.

Looking for a fun and free Father's Day event in the Los Angeles area? On June 21 the 2009 Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance will take place in Beverly Hills featuring more than 100 exotic cars on display lining Rodeo Drive north of Wilshire Boulevard. "In addition to our traditional and classic collector cars featured at the Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance, this year we are also proud to showcase a unique selection of alternative energy vehicles, micro and electric cars, and solar vehicles, amongst others," notes Bruce Meyer, co-chair of the Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance. "From the display of luxurious, cutting-edge automobiles to the world-renowned fashion boutiques, Rodeo Drive offers something for everyone to enjoy on Father's Day."

On Saturday, March 14, RM Auctions is staging its Automobiles of Amelia Island sale at the Ritz-Carlton in Amelia Island, Florida, featuring several gorgeous vintage Ferraris, Bugattis and more. The auction coincides with the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance and features some of the event's former prizewinners. The down economy is reflected in significantly lower estimates, a boon to collectors who still have some cash, as the rarity of the vehicles means they're more than likely to increase in value.

The top draw is a 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider, estimated at $2.4 million - $2.9 million, one of only 50 made. There's also a beautiful 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 (above), estimated at only $700,000 - $900,000. Among the Bugattis on offer is a 1939 Type 57 C Faux Cabriolet 'Charmaine', est. at $550,000 - $750,000, and a 1936 Type 57 Stelvio, est. at $350,000 - $450,000. Also worth noting is the ex-Le Mans 1963 AC Cobra, est. at $1 million - $1.4 million. See the gallery for pix.

[via JustLuxe]

Earlier this month my colleague Deidre Woollard wrote about the rare $8 million Bugatti found in a barn, which is being auctioned off in Paris on Feb. 7. While that may be the highest priced lot in Bonhams' Retromobile sale, there are several other gorgeous classic cars on offer as well, including some beautiful rare Ferraris, at much better prices. For starters, there's a 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB 'Alloy' Berlinetta (above), estimated at about $2 million - $2.5 million. Also included are a 1966 Ferrari 275 GTS Spyder, est. about $400,000 - $550,000; an incredible 1964 Lotus 30 Mk1 Group 7 Sports-Racer, est. about $300,000 - $450,000; a 1962 Maserati 5000GT Coupé, est. about $460,000 - $600,000; the ex-New York Auto Show 1961 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II Drophead Coupé, est. about $280,000 - $340,000; and more.

On Saturday, Gooding & Company is staging an impressive auction of classic and collectible cars in Scottsdale, Arizona, headlined by an extremely rare and original covered headlight 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider that could fetch up to $7 million. The car comes from the recently uncovered Van Kregten Collection (above) of more than 20 highly-prized vehicles. Ron Van Kregten, a gas station attendant who founded a very successful automotive trade school for mechanics, started collecting the cars in the early '70s. His 250 GT California Spider is one of only 54 short wheelbase examples ever built and is in pristine original condition. It's one of several Ferraris in the sale, including a 1963 250GT Lusso, est. at $700,000 - $850,000, and a 1966 275 GTS, est. at $400,000 - $500,000.

One man's passion, 1957 classic cars, could soon be a collector's dream. The LA Times reports that car collector and real estate developer Glenn Patch is selling his '57 Heaven museum in the Dick Clark American Bandstand Theater in Branson, Missouri. The museum offers 66 1957 beauties including every convertible built in the United States during that year. The museum opened just three years ago but sales dropped by half last year and in September Patch announced the cars and the museum's contents were for sale for $17 million. He's seeking to sell the collection whole but some feel this is an unlikely goal, especially at that price. A more likely result is that the individual cars, once carefully gathered together and restored, would be auctioned off to various collectors in one big sale. The museum is still open for those who want to experience the a slice of 1950s Americana.

Swiss watchmaker Frederique Constant is celebrating its longstanding sponsorship of events for enthusiasts of Austin-Healey sportscars with a new limited edition timepiece inspired by the classic British marque.

The Austin-Healey automatic watch (right) has a two-way winding system activated by movements of the wrist. The turning rotor is visible through the sapphire glass on the back of the watch, which comes on a hand-stitched leather racing strap. A high quality miniature Austin-Healey car in a luxurious wooden box will accompany each $1,795 timepiece.

"Our Healey sponsorship is a celebration of the appealing classical design and excellent engine performance of Austin Healey cars," says Frederique Constant Geneva CEO Peter Stas. "These are the same core values we emphasize at Frederique Constant."

Possibly the finest example extant of Jaguar's famed E-Type, aka the "automotive sex symbol of the '60s," will be auctioned off by Bonhams at The Larz Anderson Auto Museum in Brookline, Mass. today. Estimated at $120,000 - $150,000, making it one of the most expensive E-Types ever offered at auction, this 1967 roadster finished in the classic combination of British Racing Green with tan leather interior has captured several Best of Show and class wins and 100 point scores, from Amelia Island to the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix.

First unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in 1961, the E-Type's legendary power to attract the opposite sex was phrased best by American motoring writer Henry Manney III, who dubbed it "The greatest crumpet-catcher known to man." 1967 was the last year before Federally-mandated regulations tampered with the E-Type's perfection, increasing this example's desirability. In one ownership for 16 years, this model was exquisitely restored down to the last nut and bolt, taking an estimated 3000 hours of restoration time and at a cost of over $200,000; in other words, let your conscience rest easy while bidding - it's also a good deal.

A legendary prototype sportscar that helped shaped the future of Jaguar was auctioned off at Bonhams & Butterfields' Quail Lodge Sale in California on Friday for just under $5 million, setting a new world record. Bids for the 1960 E2A (above), often called the "missing link" between the marque's classic D-Type and E-Type models, had been expected to reach up to $7 million in what has lately been a heated market for multimillion dollar automotive classics.

Raced by some of the world's top drivers at Le Mans and elsewhere, the beautiful car had an historic win in August of 1960 at Bridgehampton, NY, beating out a Maserati Birdcage. James Knight, International Head of Bonhams' motoring department, called the E2A "one of the most charismatic and significant prototypes ever produced anywhere." And $5 million - now the highest price ever paid for a Jaguar at auction - isn't too shabby.

On Aug. 15th and 16th RM Auctions is staging its 23rd annual Sports & Classics sale during the famed Monterey Auto Week in California, featuring 15 milestone Ferraris and more. In May, RM set a new world record for the most expensive car ever sold in auction history: $11 million for a 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spyder formerly owned by actor James Coburn. Starring in the Monterey sale is a very similar car, a 1961 250 GT SWB Berlinetta, which is estimated at $3.7 million - $4.2 million but could well go for much more (the Coburn car sold for nearly double its estimate).

Also on offer: a 1962 400 Superamerica Coupe Aerodinamica, est. $1.5 million - $2 million, one of only 17 made; a 1967 275 GTB/4 Berlinetta, est. $1.6 million - $1.8 million; a 1973 365 GTB/4 Daytona Spider, est. $1.4 million - $1.6 million, one of the last examples ever produced; a 1965 Ferrari GTB/6C Berlinetta, est. $800,000 - $1 million, pictured above; and a 1964 250 GT Lusso Berlinetta finished in green, est. $700,000 - $800,000.