AMERICAN CLASSICS, CONVERTIBLE CRUISERS AND A MODERN SUPERCAR TAKE FLIGHT AT RM SOTHEBY’S SANTA MONICA SALE

AMERICAN CLASSICS, CONVERTIBLE CRUISERS AND A MODERN SUPERCAR TAKE FLIGHT AT RM SOTHEBY’S SANTA MONICA SALE

·        RM Sotheby’s single-day Santa Monica auction generates $9.3 million in total sales for smaller, boutique offering of cars

·        Top ten results demonstrate diverse Southern California collector car culture, led by Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster at $1,100,000, 1992 Ferrari F40 at $957,000, and a pair of sought-after American Classics

·        RM Sotheby’s continues summer auction calendar with flagship Monterey sale, 18-19 August

·        Full results from the sale now available at www.rmsothebys.com

SANTA MONICA, California (26 June 2017) – RM Sotheby’s celebrated the fifth annual Santa Monica sale this past weekend—held for the first time in partnership with sister company Auctions America—with more than $9.3 million in total sales. The single-day auction, held 24 June at the historic Barker Hangar, featured a more boutique selection of 175 vehicles and an array of automobilia, while, as evidenced by the event’s top ten results, still catering to diverse Southern California tastes at a variety of price points. The eclectic lineup of cars and RM Sotheby’s international reach drew bidders from 19 countries, including from as far as Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.

Top billing for the sale went to a fully-restored, matching-numbers 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster, chassis no. 198-042-10-02551, whose Light Green Poly finish shone throughout the preview day. A perfect coastline cruiser, the 300 SL narrowly missed its reserve on the auction podium, though was sold immediately following the sale for a well-deserved $1,100,000. Ferrari supercars have proven consistent high performers since the debut of the SoCal sale in 2013, and this year did not disappoint. A recently serviced, U.S.-delivery 1992 Ferrari F40, chassis no. 93065, drew eyes throughout the weekend, achieving a within-estimate $957,000 when it roared onto the block.

At the other end of the enthusiast spectrum, the Saturday sale was highlighted by a private California collection of American Classics, offered entirely without reserve, whose results once again demonstrated the healthy demand for great pre-war cars at auction. The group was led by a correct, pure 1929 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Berline by Murphy, J-259. Delivered new to Pasadena, the well-preserved Model J boasts numerous one-off features and was sold to its sixth owner for a strong $880,000. Perhaps the true star of the collection, however, was an authentic 1930 Cadillac V-16 Fleetwood Roadster, body no. 73, wearing its original two-passenger body. One of the most desirable American Classics in today’s collector community, the V-16 smashed its pre-sale estimate ($450,000 - $550,000), to sell for a final $797,500 following a lively bidding contest between bidders in the room and on the phone.

“We’re thrilled with the strong results for our fifth annual Santa Monica sale,” said Alexander Weaver, Car Specialist for RM Sotheby’s following the event. “The new single-day format proved a success, with the busiest auction room we’ve seen yet. Our top ten results also illustrate the appeal of the Southern California venue for the sale of a number of collector car segments, from American Classics to late-model Porsches, icons of 1960s European motoring and modern collectables

.”

The Santa Monica sale has also become known for some of its more unique offerings, which this year included Michelle Phillips’ 1970 Mercedes-Benz 250 C, which brought $28,050 while The Mamas and the Papas singer watched from the crowd, as well as a luxuriously appointed 2004 Maybach 62 Sedan, which achieved a strong $110,000 after incredible interest throughout the weekend.

RM Sotheby’s Santa Monica Top 10 sales:

1.      Lot 213 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster	$1,100,000
2.      Lot 229 1992 Ferrari F40	$957,000
3.      Lot 189 1929 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Berline by Murphy	$880,000
4.      Lot 187 1930 Cadillac V-16 Roadster by Fleetwood	$797,500
5.      Lot 230 1995 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 3.8	$434,500
6.      Lot 191 1966 Aston Martin DB6 Vantage	$341,000
7.      Lot 214 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren	$264,000
8.      Lot 217 1997 Porsche 911 Turbo S	$220,000
9.      Lot 212 1936 Bentley 3½-Litre Sedanca Coupe by Windovers	$200,750
10.    Lot 224 1960 Porsche 356 B 1600 Roadster by Drauz	$170,500

RM Sotheby’s continues its summer auction calendar with its flagship Monterey sale, 18-19 August during the world-famous Pebble Beach Motoring week. Led by the recently announced 1956 Aston Martin DBR1/1, the two-day auction is set to feature 100 of the world’s finest and most sought-after motor cars. Next up on RM’s European calendar is the company’s eleventh annual London sale, 6 September at Battersea Evolution, closely followed by a historic single-marque sale held in partnership with Ferrari, 9 September in Maranello.

Complete results from RM Sotheby’s Santa Monica sale, along with additional information on upcoming events can be found at www.rmsothebys.com. Further information on upcoming Auctions America sales, including the company’s flagship Auburn Fall collector car weekend, August 31 – September 3, is available at www.auctionsamerica.com.

*Results are listed in USD and include 10 percent buyer’s premium for automobiles and 15 percent for all other lots. Results include select post-sale transactions that occurred immediately following the auction.