AMERICAN CLASSICS IN THE MOTOR CITY: RM SOTHEBY’S GENERATES $6.4 MILLION AT ANNUAL MICHIGAN SALE

AMERICAN CLASSICS IN THE MOTOR CITY: RM SOTHEBY’S GENERATES $6.4 MILLION AT ANNUAL MICHIGAN SALE

·        RM Sotheby’s continues longstanding summer tradition in the Motor City, generating $6.4 million at its annual Concours d’Elegance of America sale in Michigan

·        Classic Era Model J Duesenberg tops the list at $1.54 million, with proceeds benefiting Michigan’s Hillsdale College

·        Additional highlights include a 2006 Saleen S7 for $632,500; a 1934 Pierce-Arrow Eight Silver Arrow for $242,000; and, a 1930 Cord L-29 Cabriolet for $187,000

·        Complete results and upcoming event information available at www.rmsothebys.com

·        RM Sotheby’s continues summer calendar of events with flagship Monterey, California sale, August 19-20

DETROIT, Michigan (July 31, 2016) – RM Sotheby’s, the official auction house of the Concours d’Elegance of America at St. John’s, celebrated another fantastic Motor City sale this weekend, achieving in excess of $6.4 million* with 80 percent of all lots sold at the company’s annual Michigan auction.

Held on the grounds of the Inn at St. John’s in Plymouth, and acting as a prelude to today’s Concours d’Elegance of America, the well-established sale saw 70 quality automobiles cross the podium, attracting bidders from nine countries and 35 states across the U.S., with strong participation from Mid-West collectors. 

In keeping with past tradition, American Classics were the toast of the sale, led by the 1929 Duesenberg Model J ‘Disappearing Top’ Convertible Coupe by Murphy, engine no. J-119. A true enthusiast’s Duesenberg offered complete with its original engine and dealer-installed Murphy ‘Disappearing Top’ body, the Model J sparkled under the auction lights, exceeding expectations at a strong $1,540,000. Proceeds from the Duesenberg’s sale will benefit Hillsdale College, a top-ranked, non-profit, classical liberal arts college in Michigan.

Reflecting the broad spectrum of American automotive design on offer, a 2006 Saleen S7—America’s ultimate Supercar—claimed the second highest sale of the day, passing on to its third owner for a final $632,500. One of the fastest street-legal American automobiles ever produced (the S7 can sprint 0-60mph in just 2.8 seconds, with a reported top speed of 248 mph), the featured Saleen was one of just 13 factory Twin Turbo road cars built in 2006 and believed to be one of the lowest mileage examples in existence, showing a mere 300 miles on its odometer.

“Our Motor City auction continues to be a very consistent venue and provides a fantastic and fitting backdrop to celebrate America’s rich automotive history,” says Gord Duff, Car Specialist, RM Sotheby’s. “We were delighted to offer such great vehicles as the Duesenberg Model J and the Cord L-29 as part of this year’s lineup; their solid results reflect a continued healthy appetite for quality American Classics. The Duesenberg Model J sale was a particular highlight – it was great to be able to support the fundraising efforts of Hillsdale College with such a strong result, and to see the car go to a great new home. All in all, it’s been another great hobby weekend in the Motor City!”

Additional highlights of the July 30 auction included:

·        an ACD Club Category One Certified 1930 Cord L-29 Cabriolet, offered out of single-ownership since 1946, achieved $187,000;

·        a striking 1934 Pierce-Arrow Eight Silver Arrow, the first production Silver Arrow built and one of just five known surviving examples, realized $242,000; and,

·        a 1955 Jaguar XK 140 MC Drophead Coupe well-exceeded expectations at $187,000 against a pre-sale estimate of $100/140,000.

In addition to the automobiles, the RM auction presented a trio of exclusive experiences on behalf of the Concours d’Elegance of America, including a Ron Fellows Performance Driving School package, a runway-side New York Fashion Week Experience and The Ultimate Football Experience – Super Bowl IL, which collectively raised $23,575 to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

RM Sotheby’s Motor City Top 10 Sales

1.      Lot 155 -1929 Duesenberg Model J 'Disappearing Top' Convertible Coupe (Chassis 2551) $1,540,000

2.      Lot 158 - 2006 Saleen S7 (Chassis 1S9SB18106S000073) $632,500

3.      Lot 123 - 1933 Packard Twelve Coupe Roadster (Chassis 901615) $365,000

4.      Lot 153 -  1938 Packard Twelve Coupe Roadster (Vehicle 1139-2021) $330,000

5.      Lot 139 - 1934 Pierce-Arrow Eight Silver Arrow (Chassis 2580001) $242,000

6.      Lot 140 - 1930 Cord L-29 Cabriolet (Serial 2927648) $187,000

7.      Lot 142 - 1955 Jaguar XK 140 MC Drophead Coupe (Chassis S 817884 DN) $187,000

8.      Lot 151 - 1960 Mercedes-Benz 220 SE Cabriolet (Chassis 128.030.10.003512) $165,000

9.      Lot 159 - 1965 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 4.2-Litre Roadster (Chassis 1E 10525) $159,500

10.    Lot 161 - 1957 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL (Chassis 121.042.7501407) $154,000

RM Sotheby’s continues its 2016 calendar with its flagship Monterey sale, August 19-20 during the renowned Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance week in California. A tradition spanning more than 30 years, the RM Sotheby’s sale will present some 100 blue-chip motor cars across two evenings. This year’s incredible Monterey lineup is led by the 1956 Le Mans-winning Jaguar D-Type, CSX 2000 - the very first Shelby Cobra, and the first Alfa 2.9 to be offered at auction this century.

Full results from RM Sotheby’s Motor City sale, along with the complete Monterey digital catalogue and upcoming event information, are available at www.rmsothebys.com.

*Results are listed in USD and are inclusive of 10 percent buyer’s premium for vehicles and 15 percent for all other lots. Auction total includes post-sale transactions.

BRITISH MARQUES TO THE FORE AT H&H CLASSICS DONINGTON PARK

BRITISH MARQUES TO THE FORE AT H&H CLASSICS DONINGTON PARK

There were some surprises at H&H Classics Donington Park sale yesterday including an absence of any Brexit jitters. Some 114 of the 164 motorcycles and motorcars on offer changed hands resulting in a 70% sale rate. British marques led the way. Highlights included:

Lot 16 - Lotus Elan Sprint

A 1972 Lotus Elan Sprint which had been in the vendor's care for twenty-five years but barn stored for the last fourteen of those surprised many yesterday by making £25,168 (against a saleroom estimate of £12,000 - £14,000) especially as it was a non-runner and had been converted from a Fixed Head Coupe to a Drophead Coupe by Lotus specialist Mick Miller

Lot 39 - Daimler V8 250

Supplied new to Sydney, Australia and resident down under for four decades, the 1966 Daimler V8 250 had been repainted and re-trimmed during the 1980s but was otherwise remarkably original. It made £15,444 against a guide price of £10,000 - £12,000

Lot 70 - Jaguar E-Type V12 Fixed Head Coupe

A home market car that had belonged to the seller since 1982, the 1972 Jaguar E-Type V12 FHC also boasted manual transmission and what appeared to be its original red leather upholstering. Displaying a credible but unwarranted 48,000 miles, it attracted fierce bidding to become the day's best seller at £41,756 against a saleroom estimate of £24,000 - £28,000

Lot 71 - Sunbeam 25hp Sports Coupe

One of just two known survivors, the 1933 Sunbeam 25hp Sports Coupe with its elegant four-door pillarless design was an eloquent reminder that the Wolverhampton marque was once a direct rival to the likes of Bentley, Alvis and Lagonda. An older restoration, the handsome four-seater made a respectable £34,320

Lot 74 - Lancia Flavia Coupe

A former television star that had been thoroughly restored for the popular programme 'CAR SOS', the 1967 Lancia Fulvia 1.8 Coupe had been with the vendor (its second keeper) since 1977. Stated to have covered just 55,000 miles from new and decidedly rare as a RHD survivor, it made £21,450 against a saleroom estimate of £14,000 - £16,000  

Lot 88 - Jaguar MKI 3.4 Saloon

An older restoration that had received several sympathetic mechanical upgrades, the 1958 Jaguar MKI 3.4 drew bidders like moths to a flame due to its no reserve status. Driven to Donington Park from France for the sale, it defied the vendor's expectations to reach £33,176

Lot 89 - Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

The vendor's pride and joy for many years and a car with various show wins to its credit, the 1976 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray was a pure slice of Americana. Finished in Red with a White interior and sounding decidedly purposeful thanks to its bespoke exhaust system, the two-seater sportscar sold for £20,134 against a saleroom estimate of £10,000 - £12,000.

THE BEST OF GERMAN ENGINEERING HEADS TO BONHAMS CHANTILLY SALE

 

 

THE BEST OF GERMAN ENGINEERING

HEADS TO BONHAMS CHANTILLY SALE

 

   

• Bonhams bring the best of historic German pre-War engineering to the Chantilly Sale, with a selection of multi-million Euro machines of the 1930s
• Headlining the sale is the ex-1935 Berlin Motor Show Mercedes-Benz 500K Special Roadster, estimated at €5,000,000-7,000,000
• Also offered are four rare classics from Audi predecessor, Horch: the 1937 Horch 853 Stromlinien Coupé, estimated at €600,000-900,000; the 1937 Horch 853 Spezial Roadster Continuation, estimated at €1,000,000-1,300,000; the 1938 Horch 853 A Sport Cabriolet, estimated at €700,000-900,000; and the 1934 Horch 780 B Cabriolet, estimated at €600,000-900,000

 

The best of German automotive engineering is headed to Bonhams 3 September Chantilly Sale, led by one of the greatest performance automobiles of the 1930s, the Mercedes-Benz 500K Special Roadster. This superb example comes direct from the oldest industrialist family in Germany, and is estimated at €5,000,000-7,000,000.

 

In 1935 the 500K took pride of place on the Mercedes-Benz stand at the Berlin Motor Show, where it was promptly bought by Hans Friedrech Prym (1875-1965). Hans came from the industrial Prym dynasty, a family who for twelve generations had produced haberdashery, copper, and brass products, leading to Hans becoming known locally as the ‘zipper king’.

 

“It’s no surprise that the 500K appealed to Hans Prym, who was a highly successful industrialist,” said Philip Kantor, Bonhams European Head of Motoring. “The vehicle was vast, stately, and incredibly powerful, only to be possessed by the elite.”

 

 

 

Ex-1935 Berlin Motor Show Mercedes-Benz 500K Special Roadster

 

 

In 1945 the invading American troops confiscated the car from Hans Prym’s estate, after which it disappeared without trace for the next quarter of a century. It was later discovered in America, where it passed through the hands of several well-known collectors.

 

It was then restored by Richie Clyne of Imperial Palace and added to the collection of the renowned Lyon family. Offered at auction in 2011, the car was purchased by a well-known Dutch Mercedes collector. However, when the new owner brought the car back to Essen, Germany, it was seized by the authorities.

 

 

 

A quad of Horch motor cars

 

 

“Whilst it was believed by many to have been sold in 1945, a 2012 ruling later stated that the 500K was actually stolen. It is thought to have been taken from the Prym’s property – based near the Belgian border – by U.S. soldiers at the end World War II. Now this incredible motor car is safely back in the hands of its rightful owners, who have elected Bonhams to offer it at auction.” added Philip Kantor. “The pinnacle of 1930s automotive technology, it is one of only 29 of its type produced. In magnificent condition, we expect strong bidding.”

 

Elsewhere in the auction, four Horch classics from the 1930s. Founded in 1904, Horch is one of the ancestors of the present Audi company. In its short lifetime, the company produced several magnificent motorcars, four of which will be offered in the Chantilly sale: the 1937 Horch 853 Stromlinien Coupé, estimated at €600,000-900,000; the 1937 Horch 853 Spezial Roadster Continuation, estimated at €1,000,000-1,300,000; the 1938 Horch 853 A Sport Cabriolet, estimated at €700,000-900,000; and the 1934 Horch 780 B Cabriolet, estimated at €600,000-900,000

 

Bonhams Chantilly Sale takes place on the grounds of the Château de Chantilly, at Chantilly Concours d’Elegance now in its 3rd year. The annual event attracts thousands of spectators, taking in the delights of the "Concours d'Elegance" competition for modern concept cars, and a superb "Concours d'Etat" for classic cars from around the world. The "Art & Elegance" event also plays host to fine art exhibitions, fashion shows, live music and various lifestyle exhibits, all on the grounds of the magnificent château.

CCA - First cars confirmed for our September Sale

First cars confirmed for our September Sale   It may be July but our team has already consigned some great 'everyman' classics into our September Sale taking place on Saturday 24th September at the Warwickshire Exhibition Centre. There’s already been huge demand to sell with us this year, so if you’re looking to sell your car please get in touch. See the lot list so far here, or read on for more details of the first cars announced in the sale. 1996 Porsche 911 993 Carrera This right-hand drive 911 (993) Carrera is presented in Midnight Blue Metallic with a Sand leather interior, plus the addition of a 'turbo tail' spoiler and BBS style alloys. With just two owners from new, it’s showing little sign of wear. Estimate (£): 25,000 - 30,000 Read more. 1964 Ford Thunderbird Convertible This truly magnificent low mileage Thunderbird is in outstanding condition. Finished in Arcadian Blue, it would make a remarkable addition to any collection of period Americana. Estimate (£): 22,000 - 26,000 Read more. 1989 Maserati Biturbo 430 E-Si This rare, right-hand drive Biturbo is finished in Maserati White with a black leather interior. A rapid classic car that offers real world practicality and value for money.   Estimate (£): 6,000 - 8,000 Read more. 1985 Audi UR-Quattro "Fire up the Quattro." This right-hand drive 80s icon presents very well in Silver and with a little 'TLC' will make an excellent example of the model topping the list of 80s performance classics. No Reserve Read more

MECUM AUCTIOS

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1942 INDIAN FOUR CYLINDER SERIAL NO. 1 Engine No. DDB101

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VIVARI AUCTIONS - 1948 Mercury Eight Consigned

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Consign Now, Consign Early! 3 day sale, expecting over 700 cars. Just Consigned this 1948 Mercury Eight  Purchased new in 1948 by Dominic LaRocca and remains in the family as of today. Dominic "Nick" LaRocca was the band leader of the original Dixieland Jazz Band that recorded the first Jazz record in 1917, wrote songs such as "Tiger Rag", "Livery Stable Blues" and more. Restored to its original condition, all documents and receipts included. Best in show at "Back to the Beach" Best original at Sheriff Officers Benefit Show Best Restored at Sheriff Officers Benefit Show Best in show at Knights of Columbus Show and Best in Class at the World of Wheels Professional frame-off restoration in 2010 MS #1099 Vicari Auction | 504-264-2277 | www.vicariauction.com | info@vicariauction.com