FERRARI DAYTONA SPIDER CONVERSION LEADS HIGHLIGHTS FOR
RM AUCTIONS AUBURN FALL WEEKEND
RM AUCTIONS AUBURN FALL WEEKEND
POPE SAINT JOHN PAUL II’S 1976 FORD ESCORT ALSO SET FOR AUCTION BLOCK
- RM Auctions announces select early feature cars for Labor Day weekend Auburn Fall sale
- Highlights led by Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Spider Conversion, along with 1976 Ford Escort formerly owned by Pope Saint John Paul II, offered to benefit charity
- Auburn Fall set to present more than 800 quality collector cars, wide selection of automobilia, onsite swap meet, car corral, and automotive activities for the entire family
- Updated list of entries for the sale available at rmsothebys.com
AUBURN, Indiana (30 May 2018) – Fresh on the heels of the company’s annual Auburn Spring event, RM Auctions has announced early feature highlights for Auburn Fall, a Labor Day weekend tradition for collector car enthusiasts across the U.S., held during the renowned Auburn Cord Duesenberg Festival. Set for August 31 – September 2 at Indiana’s historic Auburn Auction Park, star cars for the four-day sale are led by a 1971 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Spider Conversion.
Ferrari debuted the angular 365 GTB/4 at the 1968 Paris Motor Show as the marque’s new V-12 grand tourer, replacing the 275 GTB/4 and the 365. The car was an instant success, and following Ferrari’s 1-2-3 finish at 24 Hours of Daytona the media quickly nicknamed the new model, the “Daytona.” Initially offered solely as a Berlinetta, demand for a spider became evident and Ferrari would produce a limited run of 121 GTS/4 examples. The stunning Daytona Spider design led many Berlinetta owners to convert their cars to the open-top configuration in the 1970s and 1980s—such is the case with the example offered at Auburn Fall.
This left-hand-drive, European-specification 1971 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Spider Conversion, chassis no. 13729, was originally delivered to an official dealer in Bologna, Italy, finished in Argento Metallizzato over a blue leather interior. The car was later exported to California, where, in 1981, it was converted into a spider by Michael Sheehan’s European Auto Restoration, a firm well-known for their Daytona conversions. Acquired by the current owner in 2007, the Daytona is now presented in the traditional combination of Rosso Corsa over black leather and rides on chrome knock-off Borrani wire wheels. The interior features Daytona-style seats with red inserts, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, power windows, and air conditioning. With its exceptional presentation and recent servicing, the Daytona Spider conversion is ready for the road (Est. $500,000 - $600,000)
From an iconic model to iconic ownership, Auburn Fall is also set to present a 1976 Ford Escort 1100 GL Sedan. While on its own a humble automobile, this Escort was the final car driven by Pope Saint John Paul II before his election to the Papacy in 1978. Sold to benefit the Vatican’s charities in the mid-1990s, the car’s sale at Auburn Fall will benefit the John M. O’Quinn Foundation. Founded by the late collector whose name it bears, the Foundation supports a wide variety of charitable activities, focusing on conservation, education, health and programs benefitting underprivileged youth in Houston, Texas and the surrounding area. Following two decades in storage, “the world’s most famous Ford Escort” remains in original condition, and is a remarkable, evocative artefact of one of the most respected world leaders of modern times (Est. $150,000 - $300,000, offered without reserve).
Gord Duff, Global Head of Auctions, RM Sotheby’s Group says, “The Auburn Fall atmosphere is unlike that of any other event on our global calendar, and our early highlights are a testament to the variety you’ll find only at the Auburn Auction Park. The Daytona Spider Conversion offers a more affordable acquisition of one of Ferrari’s most sought-after models, while the Papal Ford Escort represents a rare collecting opportunity and the ultimate conversation piece. We look forward to welcoming back thousands of enthusiasts to the classic car capital of America once again this year.”
RM Auctions' 2018 Auburn Fall sale, the 48th annual event, will present an expected 800 quality collector cars and an assortment of automobilia during a four-day sale, ranging from American classics to European sports cars, Detroit muscle, hot rods, customs, and modern collectables. Beyond the auction action, Auburn Fall offers fun for the entire family, with onsite RV camping, a swap meet, car corral, monster truck rides, Monster Energy Freestyle Motocross shows, an appearance and autograph session by Cristy Lee, car enthusiast, biker, model, and star of Velocity’s All Girls Garage, and more.
For further event information, an updated list of entries for Auburn Fall, or to register to bid please visit rmsothebys.com. To speak with an RM Auctions specialist about entering a car in the sale, please call +1 519 352 4575.
