rm auctions

1959 Ferrari Sells for Record $7.26 Million at Pebble Beach

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions

A rare 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider Competizione (above) with coachwork by Scaglietti fetched a whopping $7.26 million at Gooding & Company's Pebble Beach sale in California over the weekend, setting a new world record for the model and capping a round of stunning auction results. The stunning roadster, which took 5th place overall at the 1960 12 Hours of Sebring race, was just one of several multimillion-dollar Ferraris to cross the block over the weekend. Gooding & Co. also hammered down a rare 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB SEFAC Hot Rod for $6.1 million, and a 1933 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Monza for $6.7 million. As we reported previously, Bonhams set another world record over the weekend with the $4 million sale of a 1970 Porsche Gulf-JWA Le Mans 917K coupe, while RM Auctions netted $4.6 million for a 1954 Ferrari 375 MM Berlinetta, among others. Gooding achieved a new record in sales, realizing $64.5 million for 106 cars during the landmark event.

Tags: Alfa Romeo, auctions, Bonhams, California, classic cars, Ferrari, Gooding Company, Monterey, Porsche, race car, RM Auctions, world record

World's Most Expensive Porsche Sells for $4 Million in Monterey

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions

A rare 1970s Porsche racecar just fetched $4 million at Bonhams' sale in Monterey, setting a new world record for the most expensive Porsche ever sold at auction. The stunning and historic car, the ex-Jurgen Neuhaus/Jurgen Barth 1972-73 European Interserie and David Hobbs/Mike Hailwood Gulf-JW Automotive team 1972-73 Porsche 917 Interserie Spyder, neé 1970 Gulf-JWA Le Mans 917K Coupe (above), was hammered down after fierce bidding. The car is similar to the famed model driven by Steve McQueen in Le Mans. Many other strong prices were attained for Bonhams' rarest offerings, including a 1930 Mercedes-Benz 7.1 Liter SS Tourer for $2.5 million, and the ex-works, Gerhard Mitter/Lucien Bianchi Nurburgring 1000 kms-leading 1967 Porsche 910 Endurance Racing Works Coupe for $800,000. Earlier we reported on the nine Ferraris which each fetched over $1 million at RM Auctions' own Monterey sale.

Tags: Bonhams, California, classic cars, Ferrari, Le Mans, Mercedes-Benz, Monterey, motor racing, motorsports, Porsche, Porsche 917, racecar, RM Auctions, Steve McQueen, world record, worlds most expensive

Queen Elizabeth II's 1984 Daimler Double Six LWB up for Auction

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions

It's not every day that the Queen's limousine is offered for sale. That day came a few months ago in the UK, where Her Majesty's 2001 Daimler Majestic V8 went up for sale. Now comes to consignment of Her Majesty's previous vehicle, the 1984 Daimler Double Six Long-Wheelbase Saloon you see here, marking the first time a royal limousine has been offered for sale publicly in the United States.

Built specifically for Her Majesty's use, this Daimler underwent over 2,000 miles of testing to iron out any kinks and was fitted with a series of special features before being delivered to Buckingham Palace, upon which it became the Queen's personal transport. Her Majesty was known to drive it around herself much of the time rather than take a back seat to an official chauffeur, driving herself along with princes and prime ministers around London and to her palaces across the kingdom. After being retired from service, it was returned to Jaguar where it became part of the company's museum.

Jaguar says that this will be the last of its royal limousines offered for sale, offered as it will be at the upcoming RM Auctions event in Monterey, California, during the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, with pre-sale estimates placing its value between sixty and eighty thousand dollars.

Gallery: Queen Elizabeth II's 1984 Daimler Double Six Long-Wheelbase Saloon

Source

Tags: 1984 Daimler Double Six long-wheelbase saloon, 1984 Daimler Double Six LWB, daimler, elizabeth II, jaguar, pebble beach, queen elizabeth, queen elizabeth II, rm, rm auctions

Rare Jaguar D-Type Added to RM's Monterey Sale

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions

A rare and highly-desirable 1955 Jaguar D-Type, XKD558 (above) has been added to RM Auctions' stunning Sports & Classics of Monterey sale slated for August, which as we reported previously is being headlined by a wicked 1958 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa. XKD558 boasts a continuous chain of ownership from new, with some early racing history in Canada, and is presented in excellent running and driving condition. Finished in classic British Racing Green, it features its original monocoque and chassis, and is accompanied by its correct, original numbers-matching engine. The star among a magnificent selection of Jaguars from the noted Jaguar collection of Kathy Nell appearing in the sale, it's estimated at $2 million $2.5 million but could easily hit $4 million or more.

Gallery: 1955 Jaguar D-Type

Tags: Canada, Ferrari, Jaguar, Jaguar D-Type, RM Auctions

Rare 1958 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa at Auction in Monterey

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions

A rare 1958 Ferrari 250 'Pontoon Fender' Testa Rossa will be offered at RM Auctions' 25th anniversary Sports & Classics of Monterey auction in August, raising the possibility of a new world record. One of the most highly-sought-after and iconic of all Ferrari racing cars, the beautiful Scaglietti-designed vehicle was produced from 1957 to 1958 during which only 21 were constructed. "RM's recent record-breaking Monaco sale coupled with the steadily improving economic climate demonstrates the ideal time for the debut of this rare and coveted Ferrari," notes Rob Myers, Chairman and CEO of RM Auctions. "In May 2009, during a period many considered the depths of the global recession, RM set the current world record price for a car sold at auction with another pontoon-fender TR selling for $12.4 million."

The '58 Testa Rossa, the estimate for which is undisclosed, will be joined by no less than 22 other exceptional multimillion-dollar Ferraris in the Monterey sale. Notable entries include: a highly-desirable, covered headlamp 1959 Ferrari LWB California Spyder, s/n 1489 GT, (est. $2.75 million - $3.25 million) delivered new to Italy's Prince Vittorio Emanuele di Savoia; a rare 1959 Ferrari 410 Superamerica, s/n 1323 SA, (est. $1.6 million - $2.2 million) one of only 12 Series III Superamericas built; a fully-restored 1957 Ferrari 250 Pininfarina Spyder Series I, s/n 0979 GT, (est. $1.6 million - $1.9 million); and a stunning, multi-award-winning 1966 Ferrari 500 Superfast, s/n 8565 (est. $800,000 - $1 million).

Gallery: 1958 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa

Tags: classic cars, Ferrari, Italy, Monterey, RM Auctions

James Bond's 1964 Aston Martin DB5 at Auction for First Time Ever

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions, Men's Style

One of the coolest and most significant cultural icons of the 20th century, the 1964 Aston Martin DB5 driven by Sean Connery as James Bond in Goldfinger and Thunderball, will be put up for sale for the first time in history at RM Auctions' Automobiles of London event on October 27 where it is expected to fetch over $5 million. Offered by in association with Sotheby's, the famous Aston Martin is one of only two, and the sole remaining, of the original '007' DB5s. With its "rather interesting modifications" as originally conceived by Oscar-award-winning special effects expert John Stears, the car is factory-fitted with the full complement of operational 'Q-Branch' gadgets.

These include machine guns, bullet-proof shield, revolving number plates, tracking device, removable roof panel, oil slick sprayer, nail spreader and smoke screen, all controlled from factory installed toggles and switches hidden in the center arm-rest. Since 1969 the car has been in the collection of Jerry Lee, a radio broadcaster and philanthropist based in Philadelphia. The car is set to make its first 21st century public appearance at the Bond-themed Midsummer Classic / Thunderball concours and black-tie reception scheduled for June 26 at the Stoke Park Club located outside of London, familiar to Bond fans as the site of the first confrontation between 007 and Goldfinger.

Gallery: 1964 Aston Martin DB5 James Bond

Tags: 007, Aston Martin, entertainment, James Bond, London, memorabilia, movie car, movies, Philadelphia, RM Auctions, Sean Connery, Sothebys

Ferrari 250 GTO Sold to Private Buyer for $30 Million? [UPDATED]

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Wealth

The legendary 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO offered for private treaty sale by RM Auctions that we wrote about back in February has been sold to an undisclosed buyer for a price that some speculate could clock in at $25–$30 million. The car, chassis no. 4675 GT from an important collection in Japan, is one of only 36 250 GTOs originally produced and one of a limited few with Series II GTO bodywork. In 2008 British real estate baron Bill Ainscough reportedly sold his 250 GTO for about $28 million to an anonymous tycoon. It ranked as the world's most expensive car until two weeks back when, as Luxist's Noah Joseph reported, an ultra-rare 1936 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic changed hands privately for $30–$40 million.

UPDATE: The buyer has been revealed as UK radio host Chris Evans, who claims he got the 250 GTO at the bargain basement price of about $18 million. He might be dissembling, however; Top Speed says the price was $25 million, and Top Gear notes that Evans said he expected to pay closer to $25 million when originally announcing his intention to acquire one of the rare cars for his Ferrari collection, which also includes a $12 million 250 California Spider SWB, 275 GTB, 288 GTO, F40 and an Enzo. Quite a score in any case.

"The exclusivity of the Ferrari 250 GTO cannot be understated," notes Max Girardo, Managing Director of RM Europe. "As they rarely come to market, new owners become part of a very exclusive 'club' and are welcomed with open arms at literally any of the world's great concours events, races and rallies. We are pleased to have been able to unite this exceptional car with a new and immensely enthusiastic owner. It's fantastic that this car will now be used in earnest on the classic car scene around Europe." Evans joins the exalted ranks of Ralph Lauren, Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason and some of the richest men in the world with 250 GTOs in their garages.

Gallery: 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO

Simon Clay c 2010 courtesy of RM Auctions

Tags: car collection, Chris Evans, classic cars, Ferrari, Ferrari 250 GTO, Ralph Lauren, RM Auctions

RM Auctions Off Millions in Classic Ferraris and More at Monaco Historic

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions

The Grand Prix de Monaco Historique just wrapped up this weekend in Monte Carlo, and Canadian firm RM Auctions was there to set new records with a slew of million-dollar classic automobiles.

In its first time at the iconic Monaco weekend, RM managed to rake in a whopping €33,235,917 ($45 million) in sales, matching the all-time record for single-day auction results... incidentally set three years ago at RM's own event at the Ferrari factory in Maranello. And once again it was classic Ferraris that helped RM achieve the record figures.

The highest amount was garnered for a rare 1962 Ferrari 400 Superamerica Cabriolet Pininfarina SWB, which sold for a high bid of €2,800,000 ($3.8 million), exceeding its estimate and fetching the highest price ever paid for this model. The Superamerica wasn't the only automobile – not even the only Ferrari – to break seven figures, however. A 1957 250 GT Tour de France went for $3.2 million, a 1959 250 GT California Spyder for $2.8 million, and a pair of mid-60s-era 275 GTBs fetched over a million each. A 1960 Maserati Birdcage went for $3.3 million, a rare 1930 Zagato-bodied Alfa Romeo went for $1.2 million, and several Rolls-Royce classics brought in bid figures as well.

Gallery: 1962 Ferrari 400 Superamerica Cabriolet Pininfarina SWB

Tags: 1962 ferrari 400 superamerica cabriolet pininfarina swb, ferrari, ferrari 400 superamerica, ferrari superamerica, grand prix de monaco historique, monaco, monte carlo, rm, rm auctions

Classic Car Auction To Aid Chrysler Museum

by Jonathon Ramsey (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions

Two years ago the Walter P. Chrysler Museum Foundation, with just 70 cars and six full-time employees at the time, switched to non-profit status and asked Chrysler dealers for $5,000 donations to assist with expenses. We aren't sure what's transpired in the interim, but whatever it was doesn't appear to have done the trick. It is now being reported that the museum will auction 20 of its vehicles in order to help its own bottom line, and they'll go on the block during the Classic Car Auction of Michigan, overseen by RM Auctions.

The RM catalog doesn't break down which cars are being offered by the museum, but they will include a 1904 Rambler Model L Tonneau, and a celebrity-owned 1964 AMC Rambler Coupe – for those of you who count former Michigan Governor George Romney, father of ex-GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney, a celebrity.

The auction takes place next Saturday and Sunday at The Rock Financial Showplace in Novi, Michigan with a preview day on Friday, April 23 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tickets are $10.

Source

Tags: auction, chrysler, classic car auction, classic cars, michigan, museum, rm auctions, Walter Chrysler Museum

1930s Duesenbergs bring in Millions at Amelia Island

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions

The Great Depression put an end to a lot of opulence in America, not the least of them the super-luxury automobile. Today that market is held by such brands as Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Bugatti and Maybach – European brands all, each owned by a German automaker – but in the inter-war period Duesenberg stood among them. The American auto marque made a name for itself with its powerful engines at the Indianapolis 500, and was subsequently acquired by E.L. Cord, the auto industry magnate behind the Auburn, the Cord and the Checker Cab. Cord launched the Duesenberg Model J shortly before the infamous stock market crash. But as close as the economy may look to the one at the Model J's dawn, the rolling symbols of early 20th-century American wealth continue to trade hands at high prices.

At RM Auctions' recent event at Amelia Island, two Duesenberg Model Js from the collection of John O'Quinn fetched several million dollars between them. Both feature coachwork by Murphy and 420-cubic-inch straight-eight engines. The 1930 hard-top exceeded expectations with a $1.7 million winning bid, while the second 1932 convertible came in significantly lower at $800,000. Considering that either must have cost in the neighborhood of $20,000 when they were new – at a time when an average family sedan went for around $500 – the six- and seven-figure prices the two Duesenbergs fetched at auction look just about right.

Gallery: 1930 Duesenberg Model J Sport Berline by Murphy

Gallery: 1932 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Coupe by Murphy

Tags: 1930 Duesenberg Model J Sport Berline by Murphy, 1932 Duesenberg Model J convertible coupe by Murphy, amelia island, auction, Duesenberg, duesenberg model j, rm auctions

Vintage Ferraris Sell for Seven Figures at RM Amelia Island

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions

You wouldn't know we were in the midst of a major recession. Not by looking at the recent results from Amelia Island last week, where RM Auctions managed to sell some $19 million worth of cars with a remarkable 88% sale rate. Among them were four automobiles that exceeded the million-dollar mark: one classic Duesenberg, and three classic Ferraris.

But the vintage Prancing Horses in question were not from the iconic 250 series –like the GTO, Testa Rossa or California Spyder – which has broken all the records recently. These were the models that came after, and they each fetched seven figures. A rare 1971 Daytona Spyder once owned by auto scion Edsel Ford II sold at a hair over a million. A copper-toned, alloy-bodied 275 GTB/4 used as Ferrari's North American show car in 1967 went for a little under estimate at $1.26 million. And a stunning yellow 275 showpiece topped the bidding at $1.65 million, setting new high-water marks for late 60\'s/early 70s Ferraris.

Gallery: 1972 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Spyder, ex-Edsel Ford II

Gallery: 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 Alloy Berlinetta, ex-Luigi Chinetti

Gallery: 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 Berlinetta

Tags: amelia island, auction, daytona spyder, ferrari, ferrari 275, ferrari 275 gtb4, ferrari 365, ferrari 365 gtb4, ferrari daytona, rm, rm auctions

One-Off 1937 BMW Mille Miglia at Auction

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions

In yet another stunning addition to its Sporting Classics of Monaco sale on May 1st, RM Auctions will offer one of the world's most significant pre-war sports racing cars, a one-of-a-kind 1937 BMW 328 Mille Miglia 'Büegelfalte'. Expected to fetch several million dollars, the car participated in the 1937 Le Mans race as well as the 1938 Mille Miglia among many others. The beautiful and entirely unique bodywork was designed by BMW's Wilhelm Kaiser; its nickname is derived from the creases on the top of the fenders, referred to as 'Büegelfalte' meaning 'trouser crease', and the iconic bodywork influenced many later designs including the famed Jaguar XK120 Roadster. Of significance to BMW historians, the 'Buegelfalte' is the only special roadster ever built at the BMW factory in Munich. As it's a one-off even BMW's own museum only has a copy of this amazing vehicle.

Tags: BMW, Mille Miglia, MilleMiglia, Monaco, racecar, RM Auctions, RmAuctions

Rare $25 Million Ferrari 250 GTO Offered for Sale

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Wealth

Ralph Lauren has one. So does Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason and some of the richest men in the world. Now you can get your hands on an extremely rare automotive icon, a legendary 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO being offered for private treaty sale by RM Auctions, at a price that could easily top $25 million. The car, chassis no. 4675 GT from an important Japanese collection, is one of only 36 250 GTOs originally produced and one of a limited few with Series II GTO bodywork. In 2008 British real estate baron Bill Ainscough reportedly sold his 250 GTO for about $28 million to an anonymous tycoon, making it the world's most expensive car. "The Ferrari GTO is unquestionably one of the most iconic and coveted cars in the world," notes Max Girardo, Managing Director of RM Europe. "This is truly a rare occasion for collectors to acquire such an important piece of automotive history."

[via JustLuxe]

Tags: Ferrari, Ferrari 250 GTO, Ferrari250Gto, Ralph Lauren, RalphLauren, RM Auctions, RmAuctions

World's Best Rolls-Royce Collection in Monaco Sale

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions

It looks like the famed "Star of India" Rolls-Royce we wrote about back in the fall failed to find a buyer at its eye-popping $13 million asking price. The incredible auto, a bespoke, one-of-a-kind 1934 Phantom II 40/50 HP Continental "All-Weather Convertible" (above) custom made for an Indian Maharaja, is now slated to be auctioned off during RM Auctions' Sporting Classics of Monaco sale on May 1. The car and two dozen other highly prized Rolls-Royces on offer are from the world famous collection of Hans-Günther Zach, who had them on display at his private museum dedicated to the British marque in Germany. Among the other stellar Rolls models crossing the auction block in Monaco is a 1926 40/50 HP Phantom I Open Tourer, built for the Maharaja of Nanpara with a polished aluminum body and chassis; a Phantom II Cabriolet "Hunting Car" built for the the Maharajah of Rewa specially made for tiger shooting with a built-in gun rack; and a 1920 40/50 Silver Ghost Coupé de Ville made for cognac king Jean Hennessy and later owned by winemaker and noted car collector Baron de Rothschild.

[via JustLuxe]

Tags: Maharaja, Monaco, RM Auctions, RmAuctions, Rolls-Royce

Rare $1 Million Aston Martin in Arizona Auction

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions

An extremely rare alloy-bodied 1963 Aston Martin DB4 GT (above), one of only 75 built, is expected to fetch up to $1 million at RM Auctions' Automobiles of Arizona event at the Biltmore Resort and Spa in Phoenix on January 21. The exclusive competition variant of Aston's famed DB4, the model was formally introduced in September 1959 at the London Motor Show and was based on the race winning prototype driven to victory at Silverstone in May 1959 by the great Stirling Moss. The example on offer is the last DB4 GT built and underwent a complete restoration during 1994-95. The car has a luxurious Connolly leather interior with Wilton wool carpets, handles like a race car and does 150 mph.

Tags: Arizona, Aston Martin, AstonMartin, Biltmore Resort, BiltmoreResort, classic cars, ClassicCars, Phoenix, RM Auctions, RmAuctions, Stirling Moss, StirlingMoss