ONLINE CLASSIC CAR AUCTION DISRUPTOR THE MARKET ACHIEVES 89% SALES RATE IN AUGUST

ONLINE CLASSIC CAR AUCTION DISRUPTOR THE MARKET ACHIEVES 89% SALES RATE IN AUGUST

Online classic car auction platform, The Market, has achieved a sales rate of 89 per cent with total sales of over £418,000 during the month of August via its state-of-the-art online bidding platform and app.

Successfully selling 24 out of 27 classic cars offered, the online-only auction platform saw multiple cars sell over their pre-sale estimates, with a 1937 Rover P2 20hp Sports Saloon and period-correct 1959 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk1 among the highlight lots.

Tristan Judge, director at The Market, commented: “Despite the holiday period, August has been another fantastic month which has seen our sales rate continue at the around 90 per cent level, reaffirming the power and popularity of a convenient, online-only format. As usual, we’ve seen a fine variety of classics, young and old, change hands via our platform, which offers the most comprehensive and honest lot descriptions around, giving buyers confidence and transparency in what they’re bidding on.”

Headlining August’s sales was a multi-award winning 1937 Rover P2 20hp Sports Saloon in outstanding restored condition. Rescued from a garage in 1996, the matching numbers example finished in Admiralty Blue won eight awards in the space of two years and was treated to three restorations during its life. Presented in its exact original specification, it reached a sale price of £22,000 at auction.

A lovely, period-correct 1959 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk 1 from 27-year ownership attracted exceptionally high levels of bidding. Treated to a chassis-up restoration in 1993 and regularly driven, including on the school run, it was sold for an above-estimate £36,575 accompanied by a certificate confirming its original build specification from the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust.

Of the modern classics offered, a 2006 Ferrari 612 Scaglietti with a 5.7-litre V12 engine and semi-automatic ‘F1’ gearbox sold above its auction estimate for £57,000. Reading just 49,000 miles, the car was presented in nigh-on showroom-condition.

Other notable results from the August sales include a museum-quality 1991 BMW 850i Auto reading 57,000 miles sold for £19,500, a 1980 Porsche 911 SC project estimated at £12,000 to £16,000 that sold for £20,360 and 2000 Lotus Elise S1 Type 49 ‘Gold Leaf’ special edition, one of just 100 cars made, which sold for £16,500.

“The sales in August marked a key milestone for the company having now successfully sold more than 400 classic cars and returning 95 per cent of the sales prices to the vendors,” concludes Tristan.

Classic car owners looking to sell their classic benefit from just 5 per cent sellers’ commission and no entry fee, while buyers don’t pay any fees.

To see all the results from The Market’s August auctions visit https://themarket.co.uk/ or download the free app from Apple Store or Google Play.

Source: The Market

FULL HOUSE, ENTHUSIASTIC BIDDING AND GREAT RESULTS FOR CCA AUCTION

FULL HOUSE, ENTHUSIASTIC BIDDING AND GREAT RESULTS FOR CCA AUCTION

The Classic Car Auction on the 3rd August was a resounding success with modern classics coming to the fore and achieving excellent results.

A full house of cars and a healthy crowd of bidders helped CCA to achieve over £1.9 million in sales and a healthy sale rate of 60% cars sold.

The collection of carefully selected high-performance Japanese cars attracted lots of interest leading up to sale day and didn’t disappoint when it mattered. The Honda Integra was first off the block achieving £12,432 followed by Lot 562, the Honda NSX at £53,280, then came the first of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 2 Makkinen Editions Lot 604 at £27,750 with the other at £24,975. It didn’t stop there, the Subaru Impreza P1 achieved £22,755 and the WRX STi £15,762. Lot 619 the Mazda RX-7 came in at £41,625, but the big gun was the 2000 Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec which after some fabulous and at the start furious bidding brought the hammer down at £62,715.

From the same collector of the Japanese cars, his astute knowledge paid off again with European cars, Lot 561 the Renault Clio Sport V6 sold for £34,410 and a 2005 BMW M5 Saloon selling for £26,085 and a little Peugeot 205 Rallye gathering £16,650.

Talking of Peugeots, there were a number of these hot hatches in the sale and they were right little crackers too. Lot 505, a 1988 1.9 GTi sold for £8,889, Lot 626 sold for £8,769, the 309 1.9 GTi sold for £12,432 and not to be left behind a 1.6 GTi sold for £9,102. With such a fantastic offering there would always be one for somebody.

Mercedes also proved a popular marque, with convertibles selling well as were some very popular classic designs from the 1970s and 80s. A 2004 SL600 sold for £36,075 and a 1984 230 CE which attracted some very strong bidding sold for £12,432. Lot 682, a 1970 450 SLC proved a popular choice with some fantastic bidding achieving £16,650.

Lot 620, a faithful reproduction of the Range Rover from the James Bond film Octopussy had lots of interest and for the new buyer would present plenty of marketing opportunities and a chance to recoup his investment at £57,720.

With a number of Minis on offer, Cilla Black’s car was always going to attract bidders hoping to own a part of British entertainment. With some lively bidding, it was no surprise the car fetched £20,535.

One of the largest rounds of applause went to the new owner of Lot 602, the 1972 Rover 3.5 Coupe P5B. Again, with lots of interest in this car, it sold for £39,405.

Gary Dunne, Classic Car Auctions auction manager commented: “What a wonderful day of sales! Fabulous to see the room so full of people and to have over 180 cars to choose from made for an exciting day.”

“I think this auction only proved that modern classics are a popular choice and like the Japanese collection will be a great investment in the future.”

“There was some great interaction between the bidders, consigners and the auctioneer who certainly got the room into a frenzy at times and helped us to achieve the results we got.”

Classic Car Auction is now taking entries for their next sale on the 5th October at the Warwickshire Event Centre.

They can be contacted on 01926 640888 or email enquiries@classiccarauctions.co.ukand would be happy to talk with you and help you through the process of consigning your car, alternatively, you can also use their online Value My Classic service.

2019 Forthcoming Auctions

5th October - CCA October Classic Car Sale, Warwickshire Event Centre

7th December - CCA December Classic Car Sale, Warwickshire Event Centre

2000 Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec

AMERICAN CLASSICS FROM THE MOTOR CITY: RM AUCTIONS TO PRESENT THE ED MEURER COLLECTION AT AUBURN FALL SALE

AMERICAN CLASSICS FROM THE MOTOR CITY:
RM AUCTIONS TO PRESENT THE ED MEURER COLLECTION AT AUBURN FALL SALE

MORE THAN 90 MOTOR CARS AND AN ARRAY OF PARTS AND MEMORABILIA OFFERED ALMOST ENTIRELY WITHOUT RESERVE

• RM Auctions set to offer The Ed Meurer Collection at Auburn Fall auction, 29 August - 1 September in Indiana
• Offered almost entirely without reserve, the collection comprises over 90 diverse pre- and post-war classics
• Auburn Fall set to present more than 700 quality collector cars, wide selection of automobilia, onsite swap meet, car corral, and automotive activities for the entire family
• Additional event information and updated list of cars available at rmsothebys.com

 RM Auctions is delighted to announce that it will present The Ed Meurer Collection of Detroit, Michigan, almost entirely without reserve, at its annual Auburn Fall sale, held on Thursday, 29 August – Sunday, 1 September during the renowned Auburn Cord Duesenberg Festival, with the collection crossing the block during the Friday sale session. 

Ed Meurer, Jr. bought his first classic car, a worn and paint-chipped 1936 Ford Cabriolet, in 1958 and meticulously restored it over four years to Concours condition. It was the acquisition and successful restoration of this car that ignited his passion and led him to begin collecting Fords of the 1930s, which he admired in his youth, and later expanded his collection to comprise a range of classics, with marques including Cadillac, Buick, Chrysler, Packard, Nash cars, Studebaker, and Jaguar.

In 2001, Ed built an extension to his publishing company in Metro Detroit large enough to house his entire collection of antique vehicles and memorabilia, inadvertently becoming the fifth largest private collector car museum in Michigan. By 2015 his collection had expanded to more than 90 motor cars, consisting largely of fine American classics spanning the 1930s to 1980s, and 4,000 sq. ft. of memorabilia, including vintage neon signs, gas pumps, and rare automobile parts. Well known and respected in hobby circles, Ed's garage became a must-see destination for dozens of car clubs wishing to marvel at his eclectic car collection.

Offered publicly for the very first time, The Ed Meurer Collection represents over 60 years of passion. Standouts within the collection include two rarities boasting unique histories, the 1938 Chrysler Custom Limousine by LeBaron and the 1958 Imperial Crown Limousine by Ghia. Powered by an inline eight-cylinder engine married to a manual transmission, the Chrysler Limousine was ordered new by Joseph P. Kennedy, father of President John F. Kennedy, and used in London between 1938 and 1940 while he served as U.S. Ambassador to Great Britain. Fitted with a host of exterior and interior options and finished in attractive dark green, the custom limo would shine in any American classics or pre-war motor car collection. One of only 31 built, the 1958 Imperial Crown Limousine by Ghia is believed to have been purchased new by the prominent Eaton family of Toronto, owners of Eaton’s department store chain. Personal friends of the British royal family, the Eatons often hosted Queen Elizabeth II on her visits to North America. It’s understood the family loaned the Queen and her staff two cars during her trip to Canada in 1959. This car is believed to be one of the two, primarily used for the evening and more formal events. Purchased by Ed Meurer in the early 1990s, the car has since been beautifully restored and is one of the finest examples in existence.

Other highlights comprise a 1935 Packard Twelve Convertible with stunning coachwork by Rollston; incredible full classics, including a 1931 Auburn Phaeton, a 1937 Cord 812 Beverly, and a 1930 Cadillac V-16 Seven-Passenger Imperial Sedan; a 1956 Continental Mark II, one of the most expensive cars in its day; a beautiful group of Ford Woodie station wagons; and even Chrysler’s iconic, luxury letter car series.

After visiting The Ed Meurer Collection, Gord Duff, Global Head of Auctions, RM Sotheby’s Group, said: “This collection is an incredible historical work built over more than six decades and featuring some of the finest American pre- and post-war cars. We’re thrilled to bring these important, interesting classics from such a renowned collector to Auburn Fall this year.”

Additional information on RM Auctions’ Auburn Fall sale is available at rmsothebys.com. A selection of cars from The Meurer Collection, including the 1960 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible and the 1935 Packard Twelve Convertible will be available for advanced viewing at the 2019 Concours D'Elegance of America on 26-28 July at The Inn at St. John’s in Plymouth, Michigan. To speak with an RM specialist or to register to bid at the Auburn Fall sale, please call +1 519 352 4575.

Visit: rmsothebys.com 

CLASSIC CAR AUCTIONS ANNOUNCE THEIR BIGGEST AND BEST CATALOGUE EVER WITH OVER 180 LOTS CONSIGNED

CLASSIC CAR AUCTIONS ANNOUNCE THEIR BIGGEST AND BEST CATALOGUE EVER WITH OVER 180 LOTS CONSIGNED

2007 Aston Martin Vanquish S Coupe

Classic Car Auctions sale on the 3rd August is set to be the biggest sale ever, with 185 cars consigned covering early classics to modern supercars further underlining CCAs moto of Everyman Classics.

The Warwickshire Event Centre will be again hosting the August sale and headlining will be a 2007 Aston Martin Vanquish S estimated at £100,000 to £120,000.

Gary Dunne, Classic Car Auctions auction manager commented: “The whole team has worked so hard to put together this fantastic catalogue and we are over the moon with the quality and quantity of cars we are offering.”

“The total value of consigned is £3.5 million. A huge thank you to all the vendors for entrusting their cars to us and we look forward to sale day.”

The Aston Martin Vanquish S is the highest value lot and also the highest value car ever consigned to a CCA auction, scoring very impressively on the CCA condition report. With just over 15,000 miles this is a stunning car presented in Morning Frost White with Chancellor Red leather and Black Cherry carpeting. One of the best- designed cars by the design master Ian Callum and attractively guided to sell.

Over the years there have been some very high-powered cars produced by Japanese manufacturers and further boosted by the Fast and Furious films inspiring many to further modify these rocketships. CCA have a superb unmodified 1997 Toyota Supra car with just over 64,000 miles, which is possibly one of the best available and estimated at £30,000 to £35,000.

The Volkswagen Beetle was made famous in the Herbie films and was launched as the people’s car. In 2003 production ceased after 65 years as demand dropped and CCA have one of the very last cars produced in Mexico with just 435 miles on the clock. A left-hand-drive model and just two owners this car has formed part of a private collection since 2012. Estimated at £12,500 to £15,000 but being offered at No Reserve, this car is in wonderful condition with its original owner’s manual fresh service and MOT.

Another wonderful car, again being offered at No Reserve but estimated at £20,000 to £25,000 is this 1974 Mercedes-Benz 450 SLC. Coming from a private collection since 2011 and just three owners from new, this is a superb example of a classic coupe. Coming with a full history, book pack and a smidge over 27,000 miles this car is in stunning condition.

Among the lots are two notable classics, a 1954 Citroen Traction Avant, a car that was ahead of its time setting the standard for modern-day motoring. Built in Paris, this left-hand-drive car has had a full independent inspection by a Citroen specialist, comes with a good history file, MOT and estimated at £12,000 to £15,000.

The second of our notable classics and one with a wonderful story is this 1938 Austin Heavy 12/4 Pick Up estimated at £20,000 to £25,000. Originally created as one of just six and all almost unique as they were built using spare parts and made by the apprentices at Longbridge. This pick up has been restored by its former keeper over a number of years and is now a real piece of automotive history making it a rare opportunity to acquire a vehicle that would be seen on film sets such as Downton Abbey.

Viewing takes place on Friday 2nd August from 10am to 6pm with the auction getting underway on Saturday the 3rd from 10.30am.

Classic Car Auctions can be contacted on 01926 640888 or email enquiries@classiccarauctions.co.uk and would be happy to talk with you about any of the cars consigned, alternatively, have a chat with them on the day.

2019 Forthcoming Auctions

3rd August - CCA August Classic Car Sale, Warwickshire Event Centre

5th October - CCA October Classic Car Sale, Warwickshire Event Centre

7th December - CCA December Classic Car Sale, Warwickshire Event Centre

NEW FILM: 1939 PORSCHE TYPE 64 JEFF ZWART AND PATRICK LONG WEIGH IN ON THE OLDEST CAR TO WEAR THE PORSCHE NAME

NEW FILM: 1939 PORSCHE TYPE 64

JEFF ZWART AND PATRICK LONG WEIGH IN ON
THE OLDEST CAR TO WEAR THE PORSCHE NAME

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NEW CAR: RM SOTHEBY’S ADDS
PORSCHE 718 RS 60 TO MONTEREY AUCTION

The Porsche Type 64, chassis no. 38/41 is the antecedent of Porsche’s historical evolution. The first and sole remaining example of a believed three completed cars, this was the personal car of the Porsche family, driven by both Prof. h.c. Ferdinand Porsche and his son, Ferry. Owned and raced for 46 years by successful private racing driver Otto Mathé, the Type 64 carries a 70-year documented chain of a mere three private owners since the Porsche family.

The car is extremely original, and its resemblance to the marque’s evolution through the years, right up to today’s 911 model range, is easily discernable. This is the first car to ever wear Porsche’s iconic wide-font script name and is without a doubt the most historically important Porsche ever offered for public sale. The Porsche Type 64 is estimated to bring in excess of $20 million when it crosses the block during the Saturday evening session of RM Sotheby’s Monterey sale this August.

Joining RM Sotheby’s exceptional Monterey lineup of no less than 20 Porsche models, is a fantastic example of the decades-later development of Ferdinand and Ferry Porsche’s first racing efforts seen in Type 64—a 1960 Porsche 718 RS 60 by Wendler, chassis no. 718-044. The final example of just four Works cars built, the 718 RS 60 was campaigned by the Porsche factory for the 1960 and ’61 seasons. With technical advances over the privateer version of the car, the Works 718 RS 60 was the first Porsche racer capable of threatening larger displacement classes, often competing for outright wins against perennial favourites such as Ferrari.

Chassis no. 718-044 made its factory team debut at the 1960 24 Hours of Le Mans, piloted by Jo Bonnier and future motorsports triple crown holder Graham Hill. It would go on to contest the 1961 12 Hours of Sebring, the Targa Florio, and the Nürburgring 1000 KM at the hands of such renowned names as Hans Hermann, Dan Gurney, Sir Stirling Moss, and Edgar Barth. Following its Works career, the Porsche was dispatched to North America and entered by Porsche Cars at the 1961 Mosport Player’s 200, where Jo Bonnier finished second overall. Under subsequent private ownership, the RS 60 was driven by none other than Bob Holbert to two overall victories and a class win during the Bahamas Speed Week in late 1961.

The Porsche has since been fastidiously maintained under the care of several major private collections, making noteworthy appearances at numerous historic events, including the inaugural Le Mans vintage races, Porsche Parade, Goodwood Revival, and Rennsport Reunion just last year following a three-year restoration by marque specialists. Presented wearing its Sebring livery in race-ready condition, and with the other three Works cars held in long-term private ownership, unlikely to be available anytime soon, this RS 60 presents an exceedingly rare opportunity to acquire the ultimate iteration of Porsche’s factory aluminium spyder race cars (Est. $5,750,000 - $7,750,000).

The Porsche Type 64 and 718 RS 60 highlight RM Sotheby’s 2019 Monterey auction. Held during the world-famous Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance motoring week, RM Sotheby’s Monterey sale has been the pinnacle of collector car auctions for more than 30 years, leading the field and raising the bar with its consistent, record-setting results. This year’s three-day Monterey sale will once again present more than 180 of the world’s most important motor cars in the ultimate collector car destination.

Additional information and an updated list of all cars set for RM Sotheby’s Monterey sale is available at rmsothebys.com.

COMPLETE DIGITAL CATALOGUE NOW AVAILABLE FOR RM SOTHEBY’S MONTEREY AUCTION, 15-17 AUGUST

COMPLETE DIGITAL CATALOGUE NOW AVAILABLE FOR
RM SOTHEBY’S MONTEREY AUCTION, 15-17 AUGUST

UNREPEATABLE OPPORTUNITIES HIGHLIGHT ALL THREE NIGHTS:

THURSDAY
THE MOST FAMOUS CAR IN THE WORLD
JAMES BOND ASTON MARTIN DB5

FRIDAY
THE MOST REVERED MODERN SUPERCAR
1994 MCLAREN F1 ‘LM-SPECIFICATION’

SATURDAY
THE OLDEST CAR TO WEAR THE PORSCHE NAME
1939 PORSCHE TYPE 64

BLENHEIM, Ontario (23 July 2019) – RM Sotheby’s is thrilled to release the complete catalogue for its Monterey auction, set for 15-17 August at the Monterey Conference Center in California. The record-setting sale—which this year features a special third auction night on 15 August, ‘An Evening with Aston Martin’—will present 184 motor cars and a selection of memorabilia, of which 43 lots carry million-dollar-plus pre-sale estimates and of which nearly 45 per cent are offered without reserve. Highlight entries are found across all three nights, with standout cars including the James Bond 1965 Aston Martin DB5, the 1953 Aston Martin DB3S Works, the 1994 McLaren F1 ‘LM-Specification’, and the 1939 Porsche Type 64.

“This is without a doubt one of our most significant offerings to date across all auctions,” says Gord Duff, Global Head of Auctions, RM Sotheby’s, of the 2019 Monterey sale. “With the cultural phenomenon that is the Bond DB5, the pedigree of the Works Aston Martin DB3S and Werks Porsche RS 60, the full Ford GT lineup, some of the rarest road and racing Ferraris, the incredible history behind the Type 64, and the legendary performance of the McLaren F1 ‘LM-Spec’, we have assembled some of the most desirable and hard-to-find cars on the planet. This also marks the first time that a modern supercar has led the entire Monterey week offering across all auctions, and we look forward to sharing a memorable weekend with the collector car world in California next month.” 

Thursday, 15 August

“An Evening with Aston Martin,” held in association with Aston Martin Works, will kick off the Monterey auction on Thursday night, with 34 of the world’s most sought-after road-going and track-ready Aston Martin sports cars crossing the block. Headlining the evening is the highly original DB3S Works, the second Works DB3S ever built. Raced in some of the most prestigious motorsport events of the 1950s, the car was piloted by numerous legendary drivers including ex-Aston Martin team driver Peter Collins, who purchased the car in 1955. The DB3S Works is offered at Monterey as an important piece of Aston Martin’s competition history, remarkably complete with its original chassis, body, and engine (Est. $8,750,000-$10,500,000).

Joining the DB3S Works on Thursday is the full lineup of DB5 variations, led by the much-buzzed-about James Bond 1965 Aston Martin DB5. Dubbed “The Most Famous Car in the World”, the car is one of just two examples purchased by Eon Productions for the promotional launch of Thunderball, fitted with 13 Q Brand specified, fully functional Bond gadgets (Est. $4,000,000-$6,000,000

Friday, 16 August

Leading the Friday night session is the incredible 1994 McLaren F1 ‘LM-Specification’, considered one of the best examples of history’s most revered modern supercar. Serial no. 018 is one of a mere two cars upgraded by McLaren to LM specifications, equipped with the unrestricted GTR racing engine good for 680hp and an extra High-Downforce Kit. Finished in arguably the most desirable colour combo, the F1 comes to Monterey from 12 years of single ownership, during which it was meticulously maintained by McLaren Special Operations and enjoyed as was intended by its creators (Est. $21,000,000-$23,000,000). The McLaren leads a lineup of the hobby’s rarest and most powerful supercars and hypercars set for Monterey.

Also sure to steal the spotlight on Friday are three racing legends: a 1962 Ferrari 196 SP by Fantuzzi, a 1954 Maserati A6GCS by Fiandri & Malagoli, and a 1965 Ford GT40 Roadster Prototype. The final of five surviving Scuderia Ferrari Sports Prototypes constructed for the 1961–62 seasons, the 196 SP boasts fascinating early racing history and retains its matching-numbers engine and gearbox (Est. $8,000,000-$10,000,000). The 25th of 52 total examples built, the A6GCS was campaigned by the Maserati factory team during the 1954 season, at the hands of famed works driver, Luigi Musso, seeing numerous podium and first-in-class finishes (Est. $3,250,000-$3,750,000). The first of just five roadsters built, the highly original GT40 Roadster Prototype leads the complete Ford GT lineage in Monterey and was driven by the likes of such legendary drivers as Carroll Shelby, Ken Miles, and Jim Clark (Est. $7,000,000-$9,000,000).  

Saturday, 17 August

The final sale evening is highlighted by the oldest car to wear the Porsche name, the 1939 Porsche Type 64. The only surviving original Type 64, the car predates the first production Porsche and is the antecedent of the 356 and Porsche’s historical evolution to come. Driven extensively by the Porsche family, the Type 64 comes to Monterey from the long-term care of just its fourth owner (Est. In excess of $20,000,000).

The Type 64 leads a group of 20 Porsche models presented at RM Sotheby’s Monterey sale, which also includes a 1960 Porsche 718 RS 60 Werks. The final example of just four Werks cars built, the RS 60 was campaigned by the Porsche factory for the 1960 and ’61 seasons and presents an exceedingly rare opportunity to acquire the ultimate iteration of Porsche’s factory aluminium spyder race cars (Est. $5,750,000 - $7,750,000).

Ferrari will also take top billing at the Monterey sale, with no less than 31 significant models sprinkled throughout the Friday and Saturday evenings. Leading Saturday highlights is the only remaining unrestored 1962 Ferrari 250 SWB California Spider, presented in fully numbers-matching, Ferrari Classiche Certified condition (Est. $10,500,000-$13,000,000), alongside a matching-numbers, Ferrari Classiche-certified 1962 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta, one of just 40 steel body models built, and offered without reserve (Est. $8,000,000-$10,000,000).

For further information on RM Sotheby’s flagship Monterey auction or to view all lots in the complete digital catalogue, please visit rmsothebys.com. Interested bidders are invited to call +1 519 352 4575 to register or to speak with a car specialist.

RM SOTHEBY’S PRESENTS HIGHLY ORIGINAL ASTON MARTIN DB3S AT MONTEREY AUCTION

RM SOTHEBY’S PRESENTS HIGHLY ORIGINAL
ASTON MARTIN DB3S AT MONTEREY AUCTION

SECOND WORKS CAR, CAMPAIGNED BY MOTORSPORT HERO PETER COLLINS

DB3S WORKS JOINS LIST OF STUNNING MODELS THROUGH THE DECADES SET FOR
“AN EVENING WITH ASTON MARTIN” ON 15 AUGUST

RM Sotheby’s offers highly original and matching numbers 1953 Aston Martin DB3S Works for Monterey sale
One of the finest Works DB3S examples remaining, car is an important part of Aston Martin competition history
Successfully campaigned by Aston Martin at major events, later owned and raced by Peter Collins
Additional information and updated list of entries for Monterey sale available at rmsothebys.com

  RM Sotheby’s, the official auction house of Aston Martin, is delighted to announce the addition of a 1953 Aston Martin DB3S Works, to be presented during ‘An Evening with Aston Martin’ at the company’s three-evening Monterey sale, 15-17 August. One of the finest of its kind, DB3S/2 is the second Works DB3S ever built and was raced in some of the most prestigious motorsport events of the 1950s, with drivers including the famous ex-Aston Martin team driver Peter Collins. The car is offered at Monterey as an important piece of Aston Martin’s competition history, complete with its original chassis, body, and engine as it left the factory.

The DB3S is undoubtedly one of the finest and most competitive cars to emerge from the 1950s, arguably the golden era of sports car racing when the top drivers competed in the fastest cars on often perilous races, such as the Mille Miglia and RAC Tourist Trophy. A true product of its era, the DB3S was conceived as the idea of two great engineers of the time; W.O. Bentley and Professor Robert Eberan von Eberhorst, of Auto Union. Radically developing Eberhorst’s DB3 chassis, fellow designer and engineer Willie Watson turned the DB3S into a far lighter and nimbler car that was more suited to being powered by the high-compression 3.0-liter version of W.O.’s straight-six engine, giving the model the edge over contemporary rivals. Legendary British designer Frank Feeley penned the gorgeous lines of the bodywork, creating one of the best-looking shapes ever to grace a race circuit, and still visible in the design language of Aston Martin models made today. 

 This car was the second DB3S built by the factory, prepped by John Wyer’s competition department for the 1953 installment of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Though the car saw an accident in its first outing with Reg Parnell at the wheel, just a month later the legendary Peter Collins got his hands on DB3S/2, finishing 3^rd in an all-Aston Martin podium at the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. Parnell made up for his first go soon after, pairing up with Aston Martin stalwart Eric Thompson to win the Goodwood 9 Hours. In the same year, the DB3S entered the last round of the World Sportscar Championship, the RAC Tourist Trophy at Dundrod. The supreme handling of the car suited the flow of the circuit and Parnell and Thompson finished 2^nd behind the sister car (DB3S/1), with Parnell taking 2^nd place in the unofficial Drivers’ title, ahead of Juan Manuel Fangio, Sir Stirling Moss, and Peter Walker. 

 In 1954, the DB3S would contest the 1000 KM of Buenos Aires, the 12 Hours of Sebring, and the Mille Miglia. Following extensive competition, much of the Aston Martin Team cars had been reduced to a collection of damaged DB3Ss, so DB3S/1 and DBS3/2 were rebuilt with new chassis and bodies ahead of that year’s RAC Tourist Trophy at Dundrod. Peter Collins’ most memorable performance in DB3S/2 during 1954 would come later that year at Aintree, where a titanic battle with Masten Gregory in a Ferrari 375 MM saw him just lose out on victory. Looking ahead to the next season with newer Works cars having been built, DB3S/2 was sold to Peter Collins.

Collins registered the car as UDV 609, under which it remains today. With this car, Collins competed in the Silverstone International Trophy in 1955, where he suffered a loose differential but still finished a respectable 7th behind the latest Works DB3Ss and a brace of Works and Ecurie Ecosse D-Types. His last outing in the car was the 1955 Daily Herald Trophy Race at Oulton Park, charging Mike Hawthorn down to finish a close 3^rd ahead of a competitive field, in what was by then an out-of-date machine.

Michael Squire, Car Specialist at RM Sotheby’s comments: “This magnificent DB3S represents a significant moment in Aston Martin’s competition history. This Works car performed at the highest level in the golden era of motorsport, and one of Aston Martin’s most successful eras in racing. Very few race cars of the period can claim to have their original chassis, engine and body from when they left the factory – and DB3S/2 is one of those few. We look back fondly on the talents of the late Peter Collins, who owned and raced this very car, making Monterey an extraordinary opportunity for any Aston Martin or motorsport collector to own and drive a part of his story.”

Paul Spires, President of Aston Martin Works, adds: “The RM Sotheby’s sale is, without question, sure to be a real highlight of the Aston Martin heritage year in 2019. I know we will witness rare and exceptional sports cars, such as this remarkable DB3S, find new homes with buyers around the world – underlining once again the global significance of this great British sports car company.”

The DB3S would eventually land with George Gale, who kept it for over two decades, before selling to Richard Forshaw of Aston Martin Service Dorset, who owned more DB3S examples than anyone else. Forshaw restored DB3S/2 to the ‘Works’ specification as Peter Collins’ bought the car in 1955. The DB3S has since been beautifully maintained and has seen a number of vintage event outings, including the Monterey Historics, Goodwood Revival, and the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. It is offered at Monterey in extremely original condition, with its matching numbers engine from its factory sale to Collins and a nearly entirely original body. It is accompanied by an extraordinary history file including original Aston Martin internal race debriefing reports by John Wyer, period articles and photographs, race programmes and maintenance reports (Est. $8,750,000 - $10,500,000). 

RM Sotheby’s has assembled an incredible list of more than 30 additional significant Aston Martin models for the 15 August sale session, spanning decades of high watermarks in the brand’s history. Highlights include:

• In addition to the James Bond 1965 Aston Martin DB5, the Monterey sale features the full lineup of DB5 variations, including a 1964 DB5 presented from 40 years of single ownership and offered without reserve (Est. $700,000 - $900,000), a 1963 DB5 Convertible, believed to be the Earls Court Motor Show car and now fully restored by Aston Martin Works (Est. $1,350,000 - $1,500,000), and a 1965 DB5 Shooting Brake by Radford, one of 12 factory shooting brake examples, having had just three private owners since new and complete with its original matching-numbers engine (Est. $1,000,000 - $1,400,000);

• A beautifully restored 1961 Aston Martin DB4GT, one of only 47 right-hand-drive examples, and equipped with an ex-Stirling Moss engine installed in period by Aston Martin (Est. $3,000,000 - $3,400,000);

 

• Purchased new by the Burton family, founders of Burton and Top Shop, a 1966 Aston Martin Short-Chassis Volante, one of just 37 examples built. Presented in concours condition, the short-chassis comes to auction following a thorough restoration, during which the engine was rebuilt to 4.2-liter Cosworth specification and the car was converted to left-hand drive (Est. $1,400,000 - $1,800,000);

 

• A pair of Aston Martin V8 models with coachwork by Zagato, including the last V8 Vantage Zagato built. One of just 15 left-hand-drive coupes, the recently serviced 1987 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Zagato is equipped with a desirable five-speed manual gearbox, showing just 4,173 km since new (Est. $475,000 - $575,000). The second V8, an exceedingly rare LHD 1989 Aston Martin V8 Volante Zagato, is one of only 37 produced, is equipped with an automatic gearbox, and was upgraded to Vantage specification by Aston Martin Works (Est. $375,000 - $475,000); and,

• A 2018 Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato Coupe showing delivery mileage and equipped with bespoke “Q” options, including a One-77 steering wheel, Italian luggage, color-matched Aston Martin car cover, and a Zagato umbrella (Est. $600,000 - $800,000).

An Evening with Aston Martin highlights RM Sotheby’s 2019 Monterey sale, which has been the pinnacle of collector car auctions for more than 30 years, leading the field and raising the bar with its consistent, record-setting results. This year’s three-day Monterey sale will once again present more than 180 of the world’s most important motor cars in the ultimate collector car destination. For further information on RM Sotheby’s 2019 Monterey auction and to view a frequently updated list of entries, please visit rmsothebys.com. The complete digital catalogue is coming soon.

THE MOST CELEBRATED MODERN SUPERCAR: RM SOTHEBY’S ADDS MCLAREN F1 ‘LM-SPECIFICATION’ TO MONTEREY AUCTION

THE MOST CELEBRATED MODERN SUPERCAR:
RM SOTHEBY’S ADDS MCLAREN F1 ‘LM-SPECIFICATION’ TO MONTEREY AUCTION

THE WORLD’S FASTEST NATURALLY ASPIRATED PRODUCTION CAR

ONE OF JUST TWO UPGRADED TO LE MANS SPECIFICATIONS BY MCLAREN

ONE OF THE MOST DEVELOPED AND WELL-APPOINTED EXAMPLES IN EXISTENCE

RM Sotheby’s secures one of two McLaren F1 ‘LM-Specification’ models to lead Friday night at Monterey
A race car for the road, this McLaren F1 is the most highly developed and desirable iteration of the model
F1 ‘LM-Spec’ joined by range of modern supercars, including a McLaren Senna, Pagani Huayra Roadster, Ferrari F50
Additional information and an updated list of all entries for Monterey sale available at rmsothebys.com

 RM Sotheby’s is thrilled to reveal the final entry for its record-setting Monterey sale, history’s most revered modern supercar, a 1994 McLaren F1 ‘LM-Specification’, serial no. 018.

The McLaren F1 is that rare supercar that knows no critic. From its aesthetics, technical merit, and competition record, the model is nothing short of perfect in the eyes of collectors around the world. McLaren built just 64 production examples of the F1 road car, and they have enjoyed favored ownership among the world’s most discriminating collectors, celebrated as a design that is particularly rewarding to drive.

Developed initially solely as a road car, McLaren was encouraged to go racing by enthusiastic F1 owners. Following the F1 GTR’s incredible success on the track at Le Mans and beyond, the manufacturer launched a short batch of five commemorative road-capable cars dubbed the F1 LM. Most notably, these cars were equipped with full-specification, unrestricted GTR racing engines good for 680hp, and a High-Downforce Kit of aerodynamic effects consisting of a revised nose with front fender vents and a huge rear wing. These five cars were rightfully judged to be the most ferocious and desirable of the F1 iterations.

Following completion of the full production run in 1998, McLaren upgraded two “standard” F1 road car examples to LM specifications, also adding an extra high-downforce package that went above and beyond the coachwork effects of the original five LM cars. These two upgraded cars were serial no. 073, which RM Sotheby’s had the honor of selling, and serial no. 018, the car set to headline Friday night at the company’s 2019 Monterey auction. 

 Delivered new to Japan in 1994 and upgraded to LM Specification by McLaren in two rounds in 2000 and 2001, serial no. 018 is finished in stunning platinum silver metallic paint over a cream leather interior highlighted by beige and brown Alcantara, cream Wilton carpets, and a beige Alcantara headliner. In 2007, the F1 ‘LM-Spec’ was acquired by the current owner, an enthusiast and racing connoisseur based in New Zealand. In his 12 years of ownership, the car has been used on a handful of tours and rallies, all the while being fastidiously cared for via the unmatched level of service provided by McLaren Special Operations (MSO), who have overseen the car with their strenuous multi-point evaluation checklist all its life.

 The F1 ‘LM-Spec’ is presented in Monterey in outstanding condition, with a thorough record of regular MSO service and just 21,500 km. Incredibly powerful and rare, 018 is even “estimated to have more downforce than the Le Mans winning 1995 GTR racecar”, according to MSO. Expected to bring $21,000,000 - $23,000,000 when it crosses RM Sotheby’s auction podium in Monterey next month, this car is the best imaginable iteration of an already perfect machine.

Alexander Weaver, Car Specialist, RM Sotheby’s said, “The McLaren F1 is the ultimate supercar and has long been regarded as the benchmark by which all others are compared. This particular example has always been my favorite and one that is widely regarded as the most desirable of all specifications. No other car stirs more emotions and evokes more excitement. Being the most highly evolved specification at a fraction of the price of an unobtanium LM, this is the one to buy and hold for many years of enjoyment to come. The level of ownership exclusivity and “holy grail” admiration associated with the F1 is second only to the Ferrari 250 GTO, making this an excellent follow up to our 2018 sale. It truly is an opportunity not to be missed.”

Kenneth Ahn, President, RM Sotheby’s adds, “We are both proud and delighted to be offering one of the greatest, most sought-after modern supercars in the world. This car has arguably one of the most desirable performance specifications and color combinations of all McLaren F1s, and has been in current, meticulous ownership for more than 12 years. We are grateful for the opportunity to offer this rare and unique McLaren F1 in Monterey as one of the most valuable cars set for the Peninsula this year, alongside an unrepeatable lineup of featured cars across Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evening.”

Andrew Bagnall, avid car enthusiast, collector, and current owner of 018 comments,“Bruce McLaren was a hero of mine and I have had the pleasure of owning this amazing car for many years, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed driving it as intended throughout my entire period of ownership. When it came time to look for a new owner who would appreciate this car in the same way, I wanted to only involve a knowledgeable party. I have subsequently been very impressed with RM Sotheby’s in how professional and straightforward they were in their advice and in their expert assessment and approach. From our first discussion to the final agreement, it was a focused conversation over limited time, culminating with the President and Car Specialist inspecting the car and completing the arrangement in person here in New Zealand. I look forward to attending the auction in Monterey and hope the next owner will enjoy this truly extraordinary machine as much as I have.”

 The F1 is joined by a of host of top modern-day super- and hypercars at RM Sotheby’s Monterey sale, highlighted by:

• Named for the late three-time Formula 1 world champion, Ayrton Senna, and the fastest McLaren on the market today, a 2019 McLaren Senna, showing just delivery mileage and finished in a stunning Victory Grey and Papaya Orange color scheme (Est. $1,350,000-$1,650,000);
• A breathtaking 2017 Pagani Huayra Roadster, a model presented at auction for the first time by RM Sotheby’s. One of just 100 roadsters built, it shows less than 500 miles from new and wears an incredible specification, including full carbon-fiber exterior (Est. $2,750,000 - $3,250,000);
• The Roadster is joined by another uniquely specified Huayra, a 2014 Pagani Huayra Tempesta “Scozia”, offered from its original owner showing just 1,500 miles and boasting numerous optional extras and custom touches, including unique Scottish tartan interior (Est. $2,000,000-$2,400,000);
• The Ming Collection, an exceptional group of seven incredibly low-mileage Ferrari performance and supercars, led by a seldom-seen and nearly “in the wrapper” 2006 Ferrari FXX alongside a 1991 Ferrari F40 offered from 20 years of ownership and just 1,705 miles since new;
• A Classiche-certified and remarkably well-preserved 1995 Ferrari F50, one of just 55 U.S.-delivery cars and showing a mere 8,000 miles (Est. $3,000,000 - $3,500,000); and,
• An as-new 2014 Ferrari LaFerrari, one of the first examples delivered to the U.S. Finished in stunning Grigio Ferro, the hypercar shows a mere 400 miles from new (Est. $3,000,000 - $3,400,000).

The supercar lineup highlights RM Sotheby’s 2019 Monterey auction, which has been the pinnacle of collector car auctions for more than 30 years, leading the field and raising the bar with its consistent, record-setting results. Extended to three nights for 2019, featuring ‘An Evening with Aston Martin’ on 15 August, this year’s Monterey sale will once again present more than 180 of the world’s most important motor cars in the ultimate collector car destination.