AMERICAN CLASSICS SET TO HEADLINE RM SOTHEBY’S AMELIA ISLAND SALE

AMERICAN CLASSICS SET TO HEADLINE RM SOTHEBY’S AMELIA ISLAND SALE

• A desirable 
  assortment of great American Classics set for RM Sotheby’s 21st annual Amelia Island auction, extended to two days, 8-9 March
• Official auction of the Amelia Island Concours led by beautifully restored 1930 Duesenberg Model J ‘Sweep Panel’ Dual-Cowl Phaeton, alongside additional sought-after Classic Era motor cars
• Detailed lot and event information can be viewed at rmsothebys.com

Following enthusiastic bidding and the successful sale of desirable American Classics at the company’s recent Arizona auction, RM Sotheby’s is delighted to announce important Classic Era entries for its 21^st annual Amelia Island auction on 8-9 March at the Ritz-Carlton. The group is led by a stunning 1930 Duesenberg Model J ‘Sweep Panel’ Dual-Cowl Phaeton by LeBaron.

The Duesenberg Model J nicknamed the “Duesy,” represents anything truly great or grand. It was bankrolled by E.L. Cord and designed from the outset to be the world’s finest car. When the Model J debuted at the New York Auto Salon on 1 December 1928, its launch dominated newspaper headlines. Today, the Model J still marks the crowning achievement of the Classic Era.  

Interestingly, of the mere 18 examples ever produced of the ‘Sweep Panel’ Dual-Cowl Phaeton body style, engine no. J-487 is the one and only example on the long 153½-in. wheelbase. This Duesenberg, fully restored to concours-quality from the ground up by the renowned Fran Roxas, is finished in a stunning rich black and café au lait combination, highlighted by a subtle red pinstripe that delineates the iconic sweep panel, providing a handsome match to the tan cloth top and sumptuous leather interior, with its distinctive engine-turned dashboard. It is an exceptional example of the marque, and one with a known and continuous history from new, which has always been well maintained and cared for throughout its life, as evidenced by its ACD Club Category One Certification (Est. $1,600,000 – $2,000,000).

Further significant pre-war automobiles sure to draw attention in Amelia Island include the only factory non-supercharged 1935 Auburn Eight Custom Speedster, a sought-after Classic in today’s market, offered without reserve from the esteemed Richard L. Burdick Collection, from which strong results were achieved in Arizona ($500,000 – $650,000, offered without reserve); an authentic 1934 Packard Twelve Convertible Sedan Custom, offered fresh to the market following an exceptional restoration (Est. $1,250,000 – $1,500,000); a 1931 Packard Deluxe Eight Convertible Roadster by Derham, formerly of the Julian Eccles and James Weston Collections, coming to Amelia Island complete with its original chassis, engine and bodywork (Est. $650,000 – $750,000); and, formerly of the Imperial Palace and Michael Calore Collections, a 1932 Stutz DV-32 Convertible Victoria by Rollston, one of just five built to this design on DV-32 chassis and an AACA and CCCA 100-point Senior First Prize winner (Est. $750,000 - $1,000,000).

“The RM Sotheby’s Ocean Front Lawn at the Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island has long been where collectors find some of the hobby’s most coveted American Classics,” says Gord Duff, Global Head of Auctions, RM Sotheby’s. “As we saw in Arizona, there is a sustained and perhaps renewed appetite for great pre-war Classics in today’s market, and we’re thrilled to bring collectors rare opportunities such as one of Fran Roxas’ final Duesenberg restoration projects, yet to be shown following completion, an as-pure-as-it-gets Packard Twelve Convertible Sedan Custom, and an Auburn Eight Custom Speedster—a Classic in high demand.”

Ten Brass and Classic Era motor cars will cross the RM Sotheby’s block in Amelia Island, entirely without reserve, following decades of careful stewardship in The Leon-Hackey Collection, a long-standing, true enthusiast name in the hobby. Highlights include:

• 1909 Delaunay-Belleville Type IA Victoria by Brewster, a prized part of the collection since 1975, having had only three additional owners from new. This is one of the great French Brass Era automobiles, wearing elaborate Victorian coachwork by one of America’s finest coachbuilders (Est. $250,000 - $325,000); and,
• 1934 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental Close-Coupled Saloon by Barker, a centerpiece of the collection since 1978, formerly owned by Hollywood legend Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., wearing sporting one-off coachwork with numerous unique features, and complete with original chassis, engine and body as delivered in 1934 (Est. $350,000 - $450,000).

RM Sotheby’s 21^st annual Amelia Island sale is set to take place during the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance on 8-9 March at the Ritz-Carlton, presenting more than 120 of the world’s most sought-after blue-chip automobiles. Additional entries to be announced. For further information on RM Sotheby’s 2019 Amelia Island auction, please visit rmsothebys.com. Interested consignors and bidders are invited to call RM Sotheby’s headquarters at +1 519 352 4575 to speak with a car specialist. 

MASTERPIECES OF GERMAN ENGINEERING STAR AT BONHAMS GRAND PALAIS SALE

MASTERPIECES OF GERMAN ENGINEERING STAR AT BONHAMS GRAND PALAIS SALE

On 7 February, Bonhams will hold its annual Paris auction, Les Grandes Marques du Monde au Grand Palais under the imposing wrought-iron domes of the Grand Palais. The 2019 sale marks Bonhams eighth sale at the landmark Parisian building and will feature some of the most sought-after classic, collectors’, and competition motor cars in the world.

The last word in luxury German road cars

Several of the most desirable lots in the sale are landmark examples from the finest German marques in the world. The 1957 BMW 507 is a Series 1 example (€1,800,000 – 2,200,000), meaning that it is eligible for some of the most prestigious events in the world including the Mille Miglia and the Tour Auto. It is one of only 34 Series 1 examples built and has matching numbers throughout. The interior is delightfully original, and the engine is effectively ‘as new.’ The eye-catching teal exterior makes this one of the most distinctive and attractive examples of BMW’s most beautiful model.

The second masterpiece of German engineering is the 1939 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Cabriolet A (€1,700,000 – 2,300,000) that was originally owned by HRH King Hussein of Jordan and is being offered directly by his family. The rarest of the Cabriolet examples built by the German marque, the ‘A’ has the shortest chassis, lending the stately and imposing car a slightly sleeker silhouette.

Arguably one of the most recognizable and desirable classic cars in existence is the Mercedes-Benz Gullwing. The 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL ‘Gullwing’ Coupé (€1,100,000-1,500,000) offered is in immaculate concours-ready condition and is believed to be the only Gullwing in the world fitted with a new factory-supplied aluminium engine. It has been exhibited and taken part in some of the most prestigious motoring events in the world including the Concours Arts et Elegance Richard Mille in Chantilly, the Flying Stars exhibition at Mercedes-Benz Paris showroom and the Spain Rally FIA.

A variety of important Porsches are included in the sale, such as the blisteringly fast 1997 Porsche Ruf CTR2 – for many years the fastest production vehicle in existence. Capable of reaching 69pm in under 3.5 seconds and with a top speed of 220mph, this is arguably the ultimate 90’s performance car. It outperformed the Ferrari F50, Jaguar’s XJ220 and equalled the astonishing Nissan R390 GT1. Rare, exotic and dazzlingly powerful.

A second interesting offering from the Stuttgart marque is the timeless 1950 Porsche 356 Split-Window ‘Four Digit’ Coupé (€800,000-1,100,000), a concours-ready example of one of the most iconic sports cars ever created. This seriously rare split windscreen version is thought to be one of only 30 survivors and has won prizes across Europe such as ‘Most Iconic Car’ at the Zoute Concours d’Elegance and ‘Best Restoration’ at InterClassics Brussels. It is in absolutely original condition and would make a remarkable addition to any collection.

RM SOTHEBY’S SEES STANDOUT PRICES AND STRONG BIDDER TURNOUT AT $37 MILLION ARIZONA SALE

RM SOTHEBY’S SEES STANDOUT PRICES AND STRONG BIDDER TURNOUT AT
$37 MILLION ARIZONA SALE

RM Sotheby’s kicked off its 2019 auction calendar this past week with the company’s 20^thannual Arizona sale, 17-18 January at the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix. The two-evening auction totalled $37 million in sales, with 85 percent of all lots finding new homes. The top sale of the week was a fresh-to-market, 2,900-mile 1985 Ferrari 288 GTO, which drew enthusiastic bidding from several parties on Thursday night before selling for a final $3,360,000 (est. $3.2/3.6m).

Additional top sale highlights from RM Sotheby’s Arizona auction cover the spectrum of the collector car market, from American Classics in high demand through high-performance modern collectables, illustrating strong collector interest in several segments. Thursday evening also saw a Classiche-certified 1967 Ferrari 330 GTS by Pininfarina offered from nearly 20 years of single-ownership bring a strong $2,012,500 to become the second-highest sale of the auction. Adding to Ferrari highlights for Thursday night, a one-off 1971 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona NART Spider with intriguing design by Michelotti sold for an above-estimate $670,500 (est. $600/650k), while a highly optioned, 280-mile 2017 Ferrari F12tdf attractively finished in Grigio Titanio over a two-tone blue interior sold for $1,006,000 (est. $950k/1.1m). Modern collectables also drew strong interest in the form of a one-of-50 2012 Lexus LFA Nürburgring Package, which sold for a final $885,000 (est. $850k/1.1m).

Perhaps the most exciting moment of the Thursday evening sale came when a pair of 1993 Vector Avtech WX-3 Prototypes, the first all-American supercar, incited extended bidding competitions. Following great interest during the preview, the original coupe brought $615,500, well-exceeding its pre-sale estimate of $450,000 - $550,000, while the WX-3R Roadster version sold for a final $500,000 (est. $450/550k). 

Friday evening also resulted in stand-out individual prices, most notably for motor cars from three private collections offered without reserve on the night. First up was the Torque Collection, which included a selection of Porsche 911 models that drew strong bidding activity across the board. The final and most unique lot of the collection was a rare, fully restored 1951 Spartan Royal Mansion trailer, which started a bidding contest between bidders in the room and on the phones, eventually bringing a final $351,500, soaring past estimate (est. $200/250k).

Final offerings from the Calumet Collection were next on the block, a single-owner group of British luxury automobiles ranging from 1923 to 2012. With enthusiastic interest across the unique Rolls-Royce and Bentley models on offer, highlights included the final $252,000 for a truly one-of-a-kind, coachbuilt 1987 Rolls-Royce Carmargue Retractable Hardtop with only 987 actual miles after a back and forth bidding battle (est. $100/150k), as well as the $246,400 for what is believed to be the very first 2000 Bentley Continental SC (est. $150/200k).

Finally, selections from the Richard L. Burdick Collection went under the hammer, demonstrating the high demand for exceptional American Classics in today’s market. Highlights include a 1930 Cadillac V-16 Sport Phaeton by Fleetwood, one of just 18 surviving examples and wearing an award-winning restoration, which began a long bidding contest between bidders on the phone, with a bidder in the room jumping in at the end and bringing the car home at a final $940,000 (est. $750/900k). A 1932 Marmon Sixteen Two-Passenger Coupe also warranted enthusiastic bidding from multiple parties on the phone, selling for a final $665,000 (est. $400/600k).

Beyond the private collections, additional highlights from Friday included a 2010 Porsche 911 Sport Classic, which saw two bidders in the room bring the car to a final price of $654,000—setting a new benchmark for the model as the first example ever offered at auction (est. $400/500k). A freshly restored 1948 Tucker 48, a car the RM Sotheby’s team has become renowned for presenting at auction, also sold well at a final $1,600,000 (est. $1.5/1.7m).

“We were thrilled to bring an exceptional, high-quality offering of blue-chip collector cars to our 20^th Arizona sale,” said Gord Duff, Global head of Auctions, RM Sotheby’s following the auction. “We received fantastic feedback on the catalogue of cars, and, while we certainly witnessed a continued shift in collecting interests, we saw strong prices achieved for fresh-to-market motor cars from several segments of the market, most notably for great American Classics and for late-model collectables. There was an enthusiastic atmosphere throughout our preview hours, and high energy and a packed house inside the tented auction area on both sale evenings, with the strongest bidder turnout we’ve seen at Arizona in more than five years, signalling a new interest in the hobby.”

RM Sotheby’s Arizona 2019 – Top Ten Sales

Lot 149	1985 Ferrari 288 GTO (CHASSIS NO. ZFFPA16B000056761)	$3,360,000
Lot 246	1958 BMW 507 Roadster Series II (CHASSIS NO. 70157)	$2,175,000
Lot 142	1967 Ferrari 330 GTS (CHASSIS NO. 10773)	$2,012,500
Lot 243	1948 Tucker 48 (CHASSIS NO. 1040)	$1,600,000
Lot 238	1956 Bentley S1 Continental Drophead Coupe (CHASSIS NO. BC7LBG)	$1,077,500
Lot 144	2017 Ferrari F12tdf (CHASSIS NO. ZFF81BFA3H0224226)	$1,006,000
Lot 257	1930 Cadillac V-16 Sport Phaeton (ENGINE NO. 702401)	$940,000
Lot 141	2012 Lexus LFA Nürburgring Package (CHASSIS NO. JTHHX8BH8C1000485)	$885,000
Lot 163	1968 Ferrari 330 GTC (CHASSIS NO. 11517)	$687,000
Lot 159	1971 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona NART Spider (CHASSIS NO. 14299)	$670,500

RM Sotheby’s continues its 2019 calendar with the company’s first European auction of the year, set for 6 February in Paris during the world-famous Rétromobile show week. Held on the stunning grounds of Place Vauban in the city’s centre, the auction will present more than 80 of the finest sports, racing, and touring cars from both pre- and post-war periods. The Paris sale is led by a stunning 1987 Ferrari F40 LM, a two-time Le Mans entrant, alongside the first-ever Ferrari Special Projects car presented for public sale. The complete Paris catalogue is now available at rmsothebys.com.

Complete results from RM Sotheby’s Arizona auction and additional information on all upcoming RM Sotheby’s 2019 events are available at rmsothebys.com. 

RACING CARS OLD AND NEW STORM THE BONHAMS GRAND PALAIS SALE

RACING CARS OLD AND NEW STORM THE BONHAMS GRAND PALAIS SALE

On 7 February, Bonhams Grand Palais sale will offer an impressive range of classic and modern racing and sports cars, ranging from 1930’s Mille Miglia competitors from Scuderia Ferrari to the ex-Pikes Peak 1997 Ruf Porsche CTR2 Sport Prototype.

One of the indubitable highlights of the sale is the 1930 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 4^th Series Supercharged Gran Sport Spider (€1,200,000-1,600,000) that was driven by Luigi Scarfiotti for Scuderia Ferrari during the 1930 Mille Miglia. Scarfiotti wanted a motor car that would be as at home in a grueling race as it would be at local political parades – the elegant yet sporty Alfa was the perfect choice.

An offering of a similar vintage is the 1928 Bugatti Type 43 Grand Sport Tourer (€1,250,000-1,450,000) that was originally owned by Crown Prince Leopold of Belgium. It is one of just 160 examples from the Molsheim factory, is Mille Miglia-eligible and was in single-family ownership for 85 years. 

For many years one of the fastest production vehicles in existence, the 1997 Porsche Ruf CTR2 (€1,300,000-1,600,000) is truly a sight to behold. Blisteringly fast, it is capable of reaching 69mph in under 3.5 seconds and has a top speed of 220mph thanks to its 702bhp engine (the most powerful CTR2 example). It outperformed the Ferrari F50, Jaguar’s XJ220 and equaled the astonishing Nissan R390 GT1. Rare, exotic and dazzlingly powerful - for a glimpse of the Ruf in action, watch this.

Mille Miglia entrants abound in the sale - the 1956 Porsche 356A Carrera GS/GT Coupé (€420,000-560,000) has taken part no fewer than four times between 1987 and 2012. It is fitted with the ultra-rare 692/0 Carrera GT engine, one of approximately 20 built. This race-ready Porsche has taken part in some of the most prestigious rallies in the world and is ready to take on many more.

The 1969 Abarth 1300 Sport Spider SE010 ‘Quattro Fari’ Sports Racing Prototype (€600,000-750,000) is one of the most iconic cars from Abarth. A class winner at the 1000km Monza in 1971 and highly eligible, it has been restored and returned to road and track under its current owner.

Other highlights include:

• 1966 Lola T70 Mk2 Spyder (€300,000-400,000)
• 1938 Alvis 4.3-Litre Short Chassis Tourer (€€425,000-475,000) One of only 12 produced, raced at Brooklands and was used as a test car by The Autocar
• 1964 Sunbeam Tiger Works Rally Car (€200,000-300,000) is one of only five surviving works Sunbeam Tiger rally cars.
• The ex-Toyota Team Europe, 1993 Toyota Celica ST185 Turbo 4WD Group A Rally Car(€190,000-230,000), winner of the 1994 San Remo Rally

131 MILES IN 28 YEARS - ‘TIME-WARP’ PEUGEOT TO GO UNDER THE HAMMER AT BARONS

1991 Peugeot 309 GT

131 MILES IN 28 YEARS - ‘TIME-WARP’ PEUGEOT TO GO UNDER THE HAMMER AT BARONS

An immaculately-preserved, totally original one-owner 1991 Peugeot 309 GTi with a remarkable 131 warranted miles on the clock is among the early entries for Barons’ Classic Winter Warmer sale at Sandown Park on February 26.

The vendor bought the car new in 1991 but was working overseas a great deal and had a second car, so the Peugeot was barely used, as the mileage so clearly shows. Throughout its life the car has been kept garaged and it is in showroom condition. Engine, electricals, interior, bodywork etc. are as-new and, with a guide price of £8,000-£11,000 it represents a fantastic opportunity to acquire a ‘new’ classic family saloon that can only prove to be a sound investment for the future.

American car fans will be drooling over the immaculate 7.5-litre 1976 Lincoln Continental Mk IV - which could also appear to music fans, as it was owned for 12 years by the drummer Mark Brzezicki who is mainly known for his work with Big Country but how has also played with The Cult, Ultravox, Roger Daltrey, Brian May, Peter Gabriel, Lionel Richie, Peter Gabriel and Procol Harum. The Lincoln is the extremely rare and luxurious Versailles model, with Cartier interior clock - which still works perfectly. At £10,000-£13,000 it’s a huge amount of gloriously over-the-top luxury American motoring for the money, and comes complete with a fantastic amount of history, including rare workshop manuals.

Other well-presented early entries for February 26 include a 1992 Ginetta G33 and a 1973 Volvo P1800 ES. One of just 70 still in existence, the Ginetta has been restored to original specification by the vendor, who likes this car so much that he has owned it three times! (£15,000-£20,000). The P1800 has been meticulously maintained, comes with a very comprehensive history folder and has a guide price of £11,500-£13,500.

Entries also include a 48,000-mile 1981 Range Rover Classic 2-door. This highly desirable 4x4 comes with the rare power steering option and Friary overdrive and has already had a great deal of money spent on it, including a full body respray, new fuel tank, Holley carburettor and full new interior. It’s a real eye-catcher, in Bahama Gold and definitely more early Land Rover than modern Range Rover to drive! This charismatic and practical car to own and use has a guide price of £9,000-£11,000.

For those looking for something to get their teeth into for the spring, there’s the 1974 VW Karmann Ghia convertible restoration project. This RHD model has recently been imported from Ireland and is offered at no reserve; a great chance for an enthusiast wanting to take on a project that results in a really pretty and enjoyable classic.

For more information about Baron’ February 26 Sandown Park Classic Winter Warmer sale, please visit www.barons-auctions.com.

SUCCESSFUL DEBUT FOR SILVERSTONE AUCTIONS AT AUTOSPORT INTERNATIONAL

SUCCESSFUL DEBUT FOR SILVERSTONE AUCTIONS AT AUTOSPORT INTERNATIONAL

Silverstone Auctions kicked off the 2019 classic car auction season in fantastic fashion achieving a 63 per cent sales rate at its inaugural Autosport International Sale.

36 of 57 classic and competition cars offered were sold at the auction which took place at the NEC, Birmingham on 12th January, generating combined total sales exceeding £2.6m.

Indeed, despite the lack of confidence within the wider economic climate and ongoing uncertainty over Brexit, the results were particularly impressive given that 10 lots valued in excess of £100,000 were successfully hammered away. Furthermore, not only was the sale the first in the UK of 2019, it also marked Silverstone Auctions’ debut as the show’s new official auction partner.

Results highlights include a stunning 1970 Ferrari 365 GT 2+2, one of just 52 produced in right-hand drive, offered for sale for the first time in more than 20 years from a private collection. Finished in its original Azzurro Hyperion and superbly maintained by marque specialists, it sold for £200,250 including premium at the auction, the most valuable lot of the day.

A 1990 AC Cobra Mk IV 'Lightweight', one of only 21 genuine, alloy-bodied, lightweight examples in right-hand drive, was the subject of an extended bidding war between telephone and room bidders. The very rare and desirable V8 muscle car sold to a round of applause for £139,500, almost £50,000 over its lower estimate.

Also exceeding its sale estimate, an elegant 1935 Mercedes-Benz (W18) Type 290 2-door Cabriolet 'B', particularly rare in right-hand drive and presented in restored condition, sold for an impressive £121,500, more than double its lower estimate.

“We’re delighted with the results of our first ever sale at Autosport International as the new official auction partner,” comments Lionel Abbott, classic car specialist, Silverstone Auctions. “A new sale comes with an element of the unknown, but the turn out on the day combined with our global audience of online bidders has maintained the strong results we achieved in 2018, generating good returns for our vendors.”

The sale also included a number of impressive competition car sales, including a one of three, 1966 Ford Cortina Lotus ex-works cars with incredible race history. Driven by motorsport legends including Jim Clark, Peter Arundell, Jacky Ickx, Sir John Whitmore and Graham Hill in period, the rare fast Ford sold for £168,750 to a telephone bidder.

Another of the rare classics which performed well on sale day was a ‘rotisserie’ restored 1969 Ford Cortina Lotus (MkII), one of only three factory finished in Fern Green, which sold over estimate to a buyer in the room for £40,275.

The only motorcycle in the sale, a 1989 Ducati 906 Paso first registered to Nigel Mansell CBE and sporting his autograph on the rear tail cover, attracted many show goers and was sold for £7,313 as the final lot of the day.

Silverstone Auctions is now inviting quality classic and competition car consignments to its next sale taking place at Race Retro at Stoneleigh Park on 23rd and 24th February. Vendors benefit from just 5% + VAT seller’s commission.

To see all the results from the Autosport International Sale visit http://www.silverstoneauctions.com/autosport-international-sale-2019/view_lots/pn/all.

FERRARI 250 GT COUPE SPECIALE AND LAFERRARI APERTA LEAD FIRST SALE OF 2019

FERRARI ROYALTY SET TO HEADLINE RM SOTHEBY’S ARIZONA AUCTION

FERRARI 250 GT COUPE SPECIALE AND LAFERRARI APERTA LEAD FIRST SALE OF 2019

COMPLETE ARIZONA CATALOGUE NOW AVAILABLE

• One-off 1957 Ferrari 250 GT Coupe Speciale originally delivered to Princess Lilian de Réthy of Belgium set to star at RM Sotheby’s Arizona auction, 17-18 January at the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix
• 250 GT Coupe Speciale is joined by sought-after LaFerrari Aperta, alongside additional prancing horse highlights
• Arizona lineup also includes Vector Prototypes, BMW 507 Series II, Porsche 911 Turbo S Exclusive, and more
• Complete catalogue and event information on the Arizona auction is available at rmsothebys.com

 RM Sotheby’s is thrilled to release the complete catalogue for the company’s first sale of 2019—Arizona. With the catalogue, which features 158 motor cars, a selection of automobilia, one motorcycle, and one trailer, RM Sotheby’s has announced final, headline entries for the auction, which are led by an incredibly rare and fascinating 1957 Ferrari 250 GT Coupe Speciale by Pinin Farina, alongside the ultimate Ferrari road car of this century—a 2017 LaFerrari Aperta.

Originally sold by the factory directly to Princess Lilian de Réthy of Belgium, the rare 1957 Ferrari 250 GT Coupe Speciale by Pinin Farina, chassis no. 0751, is one of a handful of Ferraris delivered new to European royalty and one of just two in this configuration. Upon ordering a Ferrari coupe in early 1957, Princess Lilian was afforded something truly unique – the car was dispatched to Pinin Farina’s workshop and crafted with a distinctive body that employed elements of concurrent Ferrari designs while presaging the forthcoming series-built Pinin Farina Coupe. The Speciale’s long nose featured covered headlamps like the 250 GT Tour de France racing berlinettas of the time, while the front fenders were notable for large chromed and louvred vents, reminiscent of those found on the California Spider.

The one-off coupe was delivered to the Princess in January 1958. Nearly ten years later, the Princess gifted the car to enthusiast Dr. Ernest De Bakey of Mobile, Alabama, who had been visiting a cardio-vascular speciality hospital that the Princess sponsored. Shortly after, the car’s wheels were modified to 15-inch units and disc brakes were installed. By 1977 the engine was rebuilt by marque expert John Hajduk. In 1997, the Speciale was presented at the Ferrari 50^th Anniversary meet at Rome and Maranello and then in 2001 at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in the Pininfarina class. Now offered for the first time in 20 years, refinished in Grigio Metallizzato with beige leather interior and accompanied by a toolkit and extensive historical documentation, this unique Speciale offers a premium level of coachbuilt elegance on the 250 GT platform (Est. $11,000,000 - $13,000,000).

Representing Ferrari royalty in another sense of the term is a 2017 Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta, also set to cross RM Sotheby’s Arizona podium. Continuing the grand tradition of mid-engined Ferrari hypercars that began with the 288 GTO, the LaFerrari offers total output of 950 bhp, with the even more exciting open version, the Aperta, reserved for Ferrari’s most important clients. One of just 210 built, of which all were pre-sold prior to the car’s debut at the 2016 Paris Auto Show, the example on offer in Arizona was delivered new to Ferrari of Beverly Hills, fully optioned and finished in Nero Daytona with red accents throughout the interior and exterior. Carefully driven (approximately 1,500 miles), regularly serviced, and displayed in the owner’s collection of Italian supercars ever since, this LaFerrari Aperta epitomizes what Ferrari is today: a company that provides cars with the utmost performance and exclusivity, honoring their past whilst looking toward the future (Est. $6,500,000 - $8,500,000).

“We’re looking forward to kicking off 2019 with an exciting offering in Arizona,” says Gord Duff, Global Head of Auctions, RM Sotheby’s. “We have long been the auction house of choice for important Ferraris, and the 250 GT Coupe Speciale is no exception. One of the most significant road cars of the 1950s, the only other example in this body style was also delivered to European royalty and remains in long-term ownership, unlikely to be sold anytime soon, making the acquisition of 0751 an unmissable opportunity. Fast-forward to today and the LaFerrari Aperta is without question the ultimate in Ferrari performance and a nearly unobtainable must-have in any world-class collection of Ferraris.”

No less than 20 Ferrari models are slated for RM Sotheby’s Arizona sale. Additional highlights include:

• A Classiche-certified 1973 Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spider by Scaglietti, the 90^th of just 121 examples built, showing less than 34,500 miles, retaining its original engine and gearbox, and restored in its original colors (Est. $2,200,000-$2,600,000);
• A rare, freshly serviced and Classiche-certified 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4, one of only 330 examples and finished in the stunning color combination of Blue Sera over Pelle Bleu (Est. $2,800,000-$3,200,000); 
• A highly-optioned 2017 Ferrari F12tdf, offered from single ownership in as-new condition, showing fewer than 280 miles and attractively finished in Grigio Titanio over two-tone blue interior (Est. $950,000-$1,100
• 
  

Beyond Ferraris, RM Sotheby’s has assembled an exceptional lineup of highlights across the market for the Arizona:

• A pair of Vector models, a marque with a certain cult-following, offered from company founder Jerry Wiegert, including a 1993 Vector Avtech WX-3R Roadster Prototype, the 1993 Geneva Motor Show car and the only roadster produced (Est. $450,000 - $550,000) alongside a 1993 Vector Avtech WX-3 Prototype, the only prototype of its kind, also exhibited at the 1992 and 1993 Geneva Motor Show (Est. $450,000 - $550,000);
• A 2018 Porsche 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series, the most powerful 911 Turbo to date and one of just 200 built for U.S. delivery. A fantastic example of the capabilities of the Porsche Exclusive department, also exhibited on the recently sold ‘Project Gold’, on a road-ready car (Est. $375,000 - $450,000);
• A desirable 1958 BMW 507 Roadster Series II, comprehensively restored in Midnight Blue over a red leather interior and fitted with correct five-speed gearbox and disc brakes for ultimate hobby usability (Est. $2,500,000 - $3,000,000);
• A 1948 Tucker 48, an important piece of American automotive history and revolutionary post-war design, freshly restored and documented by Tucker historian Jay Follis (Est. $1,500,000 - $1,700,000); and,
• A pair of 1986 Ford RS200s, including a highly original, 8,400-mile standard example (Est. $275,000 - $325,000) and an incredibly quick Evolution edition, one of only 24 built (Est. $500,000 - $700,000).

For further information on RM Sotheby’s Arizona auction or to view the complete digital catalogue, please visit rmsothebys.com or call +1 519 352 4575 to speak with a car specialist.

SCREEN AND ROCK LEGENDS CARS TO BE AUCTIONED @ COYS

SCREEN AND ROCK LEGENDS CARS TO BE AUCTIONED @ COYS

1959 Austin A35 previously owned by the musician Phil Collins

Cars owned by both screen and rock legends will go under the hammer at the Coys Interclassics Maastricht Auction in the Netherlands which takes place on Friday and Saturday (Jan 11th and 12th).

A 1958 Facel Vega Excellence supplied new to the legendary American actress Ava Gardner is one of the ten ‘1st Series’ ever built and was directly delivered from the factory in September 1958 to the famous actress. The ownership is confirmed by Chassis records. It is one of the cars to be completed with Chrysler’s high performance 6.4 litres ‘Hemi’ V8 engine. Estimate: €150,000 - €180,000. 

Chris Routledge, CEO of Coys said: “We have had considerable interest in this car. It is a great opportunity to own one of the fastest and certainly most glamorous cars of the 1950s.” 

A 1959 Austin A35 previously owned by the musician Phil Collins who was also a member of the rock band Genesis is being offered at no reserve. The car comes with registration documents, bills and correspondence to confirm the ownership. Estimate: €7,000- €10,000. 

Also going under the hammer is an early Maserati 3500 GT, which is a rare carburettor example presented in desirable Rosso with Chiaro interior. The car comes with a Maserati certificate and is supplied with German road papers and sensibly reserved. Estimate: €145,000- €155,000. 

A 1930 Packard Deluxe Eight Roadster 745 which was maintained in a private collection for the past 16 years is another highlight of the auction. It has attended numerous concourse events and rallies over the years, including the renowned Kitzbüheler. It is one of the most iconic cars of that time. Estimate: €170,000- €190,000. 

A beautiful 1967 Lamborghini Miura is also going under the hammer. It was dispatched new in P400 specification to Oporto, Portugal on 14th September 1967, and was sold via the Lamborghini dealer Vicar. The car is refinished in Arancio Orange and comes with original Portuguese Livrete and invoices. It is an ultimate version of Lamborghini’s supercars. Estimate: Refer Department. 

Other cars on auction:

• 1948 Lancia Aprilia Cabriolet – Estimate: €60,000- €70,000.
• 1965 Short-Chassis Mercedes-Benz 600 – Estimate: €75,000- €85,000
• 1986 Lamborghini Jalpa P350 - Estimate: €90,000- €100,000 

Ava Gardner's 1958 Facel Vega Excellence