RM Auctions

Classic Talbot & Bugatti for Auction at Villa d'Este

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions

Lovers of Art Deco-era French sportscars will have their opportunity to bid on a couple of pristine examples at the upcoming Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este, where RM Auctions is to set up shop for the first time.

In addition to the Bertone concept cars on the docket will be this beautiful 1938 Talbot-Lago T150C-SS Teardrop Coupe. Chassis #90112 is one of only 11 with Figoni et Falaschi's second-series "New York" bodywork, and is further distinguished by its sun roof.

There's also a 1937 Bugatti 57SC Atalante (not to be confused with the rarer Atlantic coupe). One of only 40 built, chassis #57551 is an absolute gem in its own right.

Tags: 1937 Bugatti 57SC Atalante, 1938 Talbot-Lago T150C-SS Teardrop Coupe, bugatti, concorso deleganza villa deste, rm auctions, talbot, talbot-lago, villa deste

Bertone Concept Cars up for Auction at Villa d'Este

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions

Concept cars are typically designed and crafted as one-of-a-kind creations by automakers or independent design studios, shown at a couple of expositions, and then disappear into museum collections. But every once in a while, these radical rarities come up for sale or auction. And that once in a while is about to arrive, and arrive in a big way, this coming May. That's when the venerable Bertone Museum collection will cross the auction block.

The six concept cars were all created in the 1960s-1980s by the famed Italian design house, which is now facing a restructuring and is selling off much of its collection. The items up for auction are the 1967 Lamborghini Marzal, 1970 Lancia Stratos HF Zero, 1963 Chevrolet Testudo, 1974 Lamborghini Bravo, 1980 Lamborghini Athon and 1978 Lancia Sibilo concept cars, ranging in pre-sale price estimates between six figures and as much as $2.5 million apiece.

The sale is being conducted by the venerable RM Auctions as part of its first event during the prestigious Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este on the shores of Lake Como on May 21.

Tags: bertone, concept car, Concorso dEleganza Villa dEste, lake como, rm auctions, villa deste

Steve McQueen's Famed 1970 Porsche 911S at Auction

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions, The Classicist

RM Auctions, the world's largest collector car auction house, will offer Steve McQueen's iconic 1970 Porsche 911S, featured in his epic Hollywood film Le Mans, at its highly-anticipated Monterey sale in California on August 18 – 20. Built to the highest 1970 specification, complete with air conditioning and a full complement of factory options, the slate grey 911S stars in the film's legendary opening sequence as McQueen's character, hotshot Porsche driver Michael Delaney, drives through the French countryside reflecting on life, death, and racing.

In addition to its starring role in the film, the Porsche 911S was used as Steve McQueen's personal transport during the movie's production, later joining his own stable of extraordinary motor cars in California – a collection that over the years included everything from a Jaguar XK-SS, multiple Ferraris, Porsches, airplanes, motorcycles and everything in between. Today, the 911S is presented in exceptionally original condition, and is offered from the collection of one of America's foremost Porsche aficionados.

Tags: 1970+911s, 1970+porsche+911s, 1970911s, 1970porsche911s, amelia+island, ameliaisland, auctions, California, car collection, celebrity car, classic cars, king of cool, king of cools cars, Le Mans, McQueens Machines, Porsche, Porsche 911, Porsche 911S, porsche+911+auction, porsche911auction, RM Auctions, Steve McQueen, Steve McQueen cars, Steve McQueen Porsche, steve+mcqueen+911, steve+mcqueen+911s, steve+mcqueen+car+auction, steve+mcqueen+porsche+911, stevemcqueen911, stevemcqueen911s, stevemcqueencarauction, stevemcqueenporsche911

The Classicist: London's Luxe Salon Prive Comes to 'Gosford Park'

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Estates, Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions, Events, The Classicist

The Salon Privé, Europe's finest and largest dedicated display of supercars, exotics, classics and luxury goods in an English garden party setting, is moving to an amazing new venue this summer to house the largest exhibition to date and an incredible auction alongside. Syon Park (above), the sprawling London estate of the Duke of Northumberland, whose family have lived there for over 400 years, is best known as the mansion used in the movie Gosford Park and is the last surviving ducal residence retaining its country estate in Greater London, making a fitting new setting for the five-star event slated for June 22nd – 24th.

To mark the occasion, RM Auctions, the world's largest collector car auction house, has selected Salon Privé as the venue for its third annual European sale. Themed 'Quintessentially English' and scheduled for June 23, the new RM sale is set to become a regular fixture on the company's global events calendar, catering specifically for collectors with an affinity for British marques. Also joining the luxe event, now in its sixth season, for the first time is Land Rover who have confirmed that they will show the new Range Rover Evoque models which guests will be able to test drive.

2011 marks a return to the event for Porsche alongside such brands as Aston Martin, Bentley, Bugatti, Jaguar, Lamborghini, Maserati, Maybach, Mercedes-Benz, Morgan and Rolls-Royce. In addition to the stunning display of modern super and luxury cars, the event's internationally renowned Concours d'Elégance returns with seven new categories and a display of some of the rarest and most valuable cars in the world. Examples of this year's categories include Ferrari 250 Competizione, Historic Grand Prix Single Seaters, Grand Routier, Oddballs, Motorcycles from the Steve McQueen era and a collection of stunning Rolls-Royce models to celebrate the 100 year centenary of the Spirit of Ecstasy. [cont'd]

Gallery: Salon Prive & Syon Park

Tags: Aston Martin, Bentley, Bugatti, classic cars, Concours dElégance, concours delegance, English country house, events, Ferrari, Gosford Park, Land Rover, London, luxury goods, Maserati, Porsche, Range Rover Evoque, RM Auctions, Rolls-Royce, Salon Privé, Salon Prive, Steve McQueen, supercar, the+classicist, theclassicist

Continue reading “The Classicist: London's Luxe Salon Prive Comes to 'Gosford Park'”

Rare 1950s Ferraris on Offer at RM Amelia Island

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions, The Classicist

Rare 1950s Ferraris on Offer at RM Amelia Island

A remarkable 1952 Ferrari 340 Mexico Berlinetta (above), and a rare and highly original 1953 Ferrari 212 Inter Coupé by Vignale which sat in a garage for over 25 years, are set to cross the auction block on March 12 as part of RM Auctions' annual Amelia Island sale. One of only three Berlinettas built, the 1952 Ferrari 340 Mexico boasts an impressive competition history having been successfully campaigned at a number of the world's most prestigious racing events, including the 1953 Mille Miglia. Purchased by its current owner in 1979, it comes to market following long-term display at the Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg Museum in Indiana and is estimated at $2.75 million - $3.5 million.

Considered one of the most original examples in existence, the early production Ferrari 212 Inter Coupé is one of just six examples bodied by Vignale, and was displayed at the Turin Motor Show in 1953. Since the mid-1980s, it has sat untouched in a private garage in the Midwest, emerging for the first time in decades just last week. Presented in very original condition, with the exception of its paint which was returned to its original color scheme of black with a green roof and fins in 1979, it's offered in 'as is' condition with an estimate of $375,000 - $500,000. Other desirable Ferraris in the sale include a 1967 Ferrari 330 GTS (est. $650,000 - $800,000), and a 1957 Ferrari 250 GT Boano Berlinetta, est. $550,000 - $650,000.

Gallery: RM Ferraris at Amelia Island 2011

Tags: Amelia Island, auctions, classic cars, Ferrari, Mille Miglia, RM Auctions

1956 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham Town Car Concept at RM Amelia Island

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions

1956 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham Town Car Concept at RM Amelia Island

These days people are prone to refer to anything top-of-the-line as "the Mercedes-Benz" or the "Rolls-Royce" of whatever category they're in, but once upon a time that position belonged to Cadillac. And with good reason: in the 1950s, Cadillacs were the very pinnacle of luxury motoring. And few examples could demonstrate that as aptly as the 1956 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham Town Car concept.

Unveiled at the Motorama – GM's own traveling auto show – the Broughham Town Car was a concept version of the Cadillac Eldorado that would hit the market the following year. Only this version was even more opulent, with a split cabin: open in the front and trimmed in black leather and chrome for the chauffeur, enclosed in the back with beige leather and gold everything – from the telephone to the decanter – for the occupants.

The one-of-a-kind car never went into production in this version, but was rescued from being scrapped after touring the United States in the traveling exposition. Recently restored and given a gold-trimmed 365 cubin-inch OHV V8 engine for show use, the Town Car is expected to fetch between $500,000 and $750,000 at the upcoming RM Auctions event at Amelia Island on March 12. Visit RM Auctions' website for more information.

Gallery: 1956 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham Town Car

Source

Tags: 1956 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham Town Car, 1956 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham Town Car concept, amelia island, Cadillac, Cadillac Eldorado, Cadillac Eldorado Brougham, Cadillac Eldorado Brougham Town Car, Cadillac Eldorado Brougham Town Car concept, rm auction, rm auctions

Rare $5 Million Ferrari Stars in RM's Villa d'Este Sale

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions

Rare $5 Million Ferrari Stars in RM's Villa d'Este Sale

A rare 1955 Ferrari 375 MM Berlinetta by Pinin Farina (above) is expected to fetch up to $5 million at RM Auctions' debut sale during the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este in Lake Como on May 21. Resplendent in two-tone ivory and metallic blue, the unique Ferrari, s/n 0490 AM, was the last 375 MM built and reportedly the last Ferrari to carry the famed 'Mille Miglia' designation. Displayed on the Ferrari stand at the Turin Motor Show in 1955, its first owner was official Ferrari dealer and gentleman racer Inico Bernabei. 0490 AM was later acquired by Count Antonio Naselli before being exported to the U.S. In 2003, it was the recipient of an extensive, concours-quality restoration returning the car to its Turin Motor Show specifications. It has since been displayed at a number of the world's most prestigious concours events, including the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in 2004 where it was judged 'Best in Class', as well as the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este in 2005.

Tags: classic cars, Ferrari, Ferrari 375, Lake Como, RM Auctions, Villa dEste

1964 Dodge Hemi Charger Concept up for Auction

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions

Trying to imagine a Dodge being worth over a million dollars can be a bit of a stretch, but this is no ordinary Dodge. This was the very first car to wear the iconic Charger nameplate, the first to hold the famous Hemi V8 engine, and stands as a one-of-a-kind concept car. And it's going up for auction.

Built in 1964, the Dodge Hemi Charger concept showcased the Detroit automaker's headline engine – all 600 race-bred horsepower of it – in a chopped-down speedster body that forecasted the production model that followed. The last time it went up for auction in 2007, it sold for $1.1 million. And with values for 60s muscle cars going up all the time, it's anyone's guess what it will trade for this time when RM Auctions brings it to the block at the Arizona Biltmore on January 20.

Gallery: 1964 Dodge Hemi Charger

Tags: 1964 dodge hemi charger, 1964 dodge hemi charger concept car, dodge, dodge charger, dodge hemi charger concept car, rm auctions

Rare 1949 Ferrari 166MM Touring Barchetta Joins Arizona Sale

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions

Last month we told you that a rare rare 1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Spyder formerly owned by both baseball great Reggie Jackson and famed daredevil Evel Knieval is expected to fetch up to $1 million at RM Auctions' annual Automobiles of Arizona sale in Phoenix on January 20 – 21. Now another even more desirable Ferrari has been added to the sale, a rare, race-bred 1949 166 MM Touring Barchetta (above) estimated at $1.9 million – $2.4 million. The incredible car, chassis number 0024 M, was originally commissioned for the 1949 Paris Motor Show and has been owned and raced by many notable individuals in the Ferrari world. The 10th built of just 25 examples featuring striking "Barchetta" coachwork from Carrozzeria Touring of Milan, the car made its racing debut at the 1950 Mar del Plata in Argentina, finishing an impressive first overall. It was also raced in period in the 1951 Mille Miglia, where it was driven by well-known female driver Aprile Palmer, who purchased the car shortly afterward; more recently the car underwent a complete and total restoration.

[via JamesList]

Gallery: 1949 Ferrari 166MM Touring Barchetta

Tags: Arizona, Carrozzeria Touring, classic cars, Ferrari, Mille Miglia, racing, RM Auctions

Reggie Jackson's $1 Million Ferrari & More at Auction

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions, Celebrity Shopping, Sports

A rare 1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Spyder (above) formerly owned by both baseball great Reggie Jackson and famed daredevil Evel Knieval is expected to fetch up to $1 million at RM Auctions' annual Automobiles of Arizona sale in Phoenix on January 20 – 21. The car is one of a number of stunning Ferraris on offer in the stunning auction taking place at the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa (previewed by my colleague Noah Joseph), including a gorgeous 1966 Ferrari Superfast Series I, estimated at $900,000 – $1 million; a fully-restored 1950 Ferrari 166 Inter Berlinetta, est. $400,000 – $600,000; a well-known 1995 Ferrari F50 Show Car, est. $600,000 – $800,000, the very first F50 built; and a stunning jet black 1967 Ferrari 330 GTC. Other classic European thoroughbreds set to cross the block include a 1921 Rolls-Royce 40/50HP Silver Ghost Phaeton, est. $350,000 – $475,000; a 1932 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Newmarket Sport Phaeton, est. $300,000 – $450,000; and a 1958 Aston Martin DB2 Mark III, est. $200,000 – $250,000.

Gallery: RM Auctions' Arizona Ferraris

Tags: Arizona, Aston Martin, auction, baseball, celebrity, celebrity cars, classic cars, Ferrari, Reggie Jackson, RM Auctions, Rolls-Royce, sports

James Bond's 1964 Aston Martin DB5 Fetches $4.6 Million at Auction

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions

It's been months since RM Auctions announced it had received this very special historic automobile on consignment. The 1964 Aston Martin DB5 was used in not one, but two James Bond movies: Goldfinger and Thunderball. Packing all the special features installed for 007's covert operations, the Aston has been dubbed the most famous car in the world. And now it's finally crossed the auction block for the first time ever.

At yesterday's Automobiles of London auction, the one-of-a-kind DB5 – fully street-legal in the UK despite the spikes and machine guns – sold for a massing 2.9 million pounds sterling (approximately $4.6 million). A little shy of the $5 million it was expected to fetch, but not by much. The winning bidder was one Harry Yeaggy, and the price included RM's twelve percent commission, the rest of the proceeds going towards (now former) owner Jerry Lee's namesake charitable foundation.

Gallery: 1964 Aston Martin DB5 James Bond

Tags: 007, 1964 aston martin db5, aston martin, aston martin db5, bond, goldfiner, james bond, rm, rm auctions, thunderball

RM Auctions to Feature Celebrity Classics in Arizona

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions

Some collectors seek out celebrity memorabilia. Others collect classic cars. Once in a while those fields intersect, however, as they are set to at RM Auctions' upcoming Automobiles of Arizona event.

Still several months away, the Canadian auction house is already lining up consignments. This year they'll be featuring classic British motors as well as several important examples of Ferrari's history. But few are as exciting as the celebrity factor behind these four early announcements: a rare 1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Spyder once owned by baseball legend Reggie Jackson and motorcycle stuntman Evel Knievel, estimated at a million dollars; the 1929 Duesenberg Model J Dual Cowl Phaeton driven by Elvis Presley in the movie Spinout (also estimated around a million), a 1941 Lincoln Continental Coupe given by Orson Wells to Rita Hayworth (pictured above, estimated around $175k) and a 1949 Cadillac Series 75 Woodie Limousine commissioned by MGM studios from the Schwartz garage (~$300k).

Watch this space for more info and photos as the event is still three months away.

Tags: 1929 Duesenberg Model J Dual Cowl Phaeton, 1941 Lincoln Continental Coupe, 1949 Cadillac Series 75 Woodie Limousine by Schwartz, 1973 Ferrari 365 GTB4 Daytona Spyder, automobiles of arizona, elvis, elvis presley, evel knievel, mgm studios, reggie jackson, rita hayworth, rm, rm auctions, spinout

Pussy Galore's Helicopter Joins Bond's DB5 in London

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Wings, Auctions

Back in June we reported on the historic offering of the iconic 1964 Aston Martin DB5 driven by Sean Connery as James Bond in Goldfinger during RM Auctions' upcoming Automobiles of London sale on Oct. 27. Now another eye-catching Goldfinger vehicle has just joined the lineup: famed Bond Girl Pussy Galore's 1960 Hiller UH -12 E4 helicopter (above). Expected to fetch up to $650,000, the historic aircraft has been completely restored to the highest standards and is in full flying condition. Also up for sale is the 1998 Jaguar XKR driven in the famous ice hotel chase scene by the villain Zao in 2002's Die Another Day. The car, fitted out with some wicked "weapons systems", is currently the property of the Jaguar Heritage Trust and is estimated at up to $55,000.

Tags: 007, Aston Martin, Aston Martin DB5, auctions, celebrity cars, helicopter, Jaguar, James Bond, London, movie cars, movies, RM Auctions, Sean Connery, UK

Rare Roger Moore Lamborghini at Auction

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions

A rare 1969 Lamborghini Islero GTS (above) driven by Roger Moore in the cult 1970 flick The Man Who Haunted Himself, his last movie before taking up the role of James Bond, has been added to the lineup at RM Auctions' upcoming Automobiles of London sale next month. Estimated to fetch up to $215,000, the highly-coveted car would be quite a collector's catch even without the celebrity provenance. One of 100 Islero GT "S" models and one of only five RHD examples ever built, the car is considered by many to be a hidden gem. Ferruccio Lamborghini himself drove an Islero. Moore was recently reunited with the car in London where he autographed the sun visor, the original driver's handbook and a special plaque. These come with the car, along with an impressive collection of documents, including the original factory invoice, a photographic record of the recent total restoration and a letter from Valentino Balboni, the legendary Lamborghini test driver, confirming this is the actual movie car.

Gallery: Roger Moore 1969 Lamborghini Islero

Tags: auction, celebrity, classic cars, James Bond, Lamborghini, Lamborghini Islero, London, RM Auctions, Roger Moore, Valentino Balboni

Historic Jaguar C-Type to Fetch $3.7 Million in London

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions

A rare 1950s Jaguar C-Type has been added to the lineup at RM Auctions' Automobiles of London event on October 27, where it joins the famed 1964 Aston Martin DB5 driven by Sean Connery as James Bond in Goldfinger and Thunderball as we reported in June. The 1952 C-Type (above), which was taken to victory at the Golden Gate Nationals, San Francisco, by well-known driver of the period, Masten Gregory, boasts successful racing history and an unbroken chain of ownership.

Eligible for the world's most prestigious events, it is expected to fetch up to $3.7 million. "Specifically designed to win the Le Mans 24 hour race, the legendary C-Type Jaguar is one of the most desirable sports racing cars ever built," notes Max Girardo, Managing Director of RM Europe. "Powered by a 210bhp, 3,442 cc six-cylinder engine, Jaguar C-Types have an enviable racing heritage from the glory days of 1950s motorsport. The example on offer, XKC-015 is a wonderful illustration and an exciting addition to our London sale."

Gallery: 1952 Jaguar C-Type