ECLECTIC COLLECTION OF MODERN CLASSICS TO BENEFIT ‘TRILLION TREES’ ENVIRONMENTAL CHARITY PARTNERSHIP AT RM SOTHEBY’S LONDON SALE

ECLECTIC COLLECTION OF MODERN CLASSICS TO BENEFIT
‘TRILLION TREES’ ENVIRONMENTAL CHARITY PARTNERSHIP
AT RM SOTHEBY’S LONDON SALE

THE FORESTS COLLECTION FEATURES NINE CARS OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

 RM Sotheby’s is proud to present a diverse group of modern and future classics dubbed ‘The Forests Collection’ at its annual London sale, with all proceeds going to the Trillion Trees initiative, a charitable partnership whose mission is to connect funders with forest conservation ventures, and inspire the world to protect and restore one trillion trees by 2050. The Trillion Trees initiative combines the efforts of the World Wide Fund for Nature, BirdLife International, and the Wildlife Conservation Society, three of the world’s largest conservation organisations with a presence in over 100 countries. The Forests Collection, generously donated by a single benefactor, will be presented on 24 October at Olympia in West Kensington, a new venue for the RM Sotheby’s London auction. A stunning Porsche 911 GT3 and a classic Meyers Manx dune buggy join two icons of British design, a Mini Cooper and a Land Rover Defender, in addition to a sought-after BMW E30 M3 as highlights of the charity collection.

It is hoped that the generous charitable gesture of the owner will raise in excess of £480,000 when the cars go under the hammer in London, allowing the restoration of over 400 hectares of forests across Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Uganda which will result in an estimated 300,000 mature trees. RM Sotheby’s is delighted to be supporting Trillion Trees and its mission to secure a sustainable future for forthcoming generations, and as such, every single pound of the winning bid will be pledged to the cause, including the seller’s premium. The Forests Collection represents the latest consignments for the London sale, which will offer in excess of 80 fine collector cars.  

The Forests Collection is headlined by a stunning 2018 Porsche 911 GT3, a sensational homage to Porsche’s competition heritage, with the example on offer presented in Paint-to-Sample Sepia Brown, a colour made famous on 911s of the 1970s. Delivered to its first and only owner in April 2018, this 991.2-generation GT3 boasts a number of desirable options, including a manual gearbox, Alcantara upholstered lightweight bucket seats, Clubsport package, and black 20-inch GT3 centre-lock wheels. Since leaving the Porsche factory in Stuttgart last year, the GT3 has covered just under 1,500km and is presented for sale in ‘as new’ condition (Estimate: £130,000-£160,000). Completing a trio of lovely 911s to be offered from the collection is a 996-generation 2000 Porsche 911 GT3 finished in silver and with only 70,000km covered from new (Estimate: £50,000-£60,000) and an amazing 2001 Porsche 911 GT3 RS Racecar, built to N-GT specification, presented as the perfect track day tool (Estimate: £140,000-£180,000).

An American icon, the 1970 Meyers Manx embodies the go-anywhere, do-anything Southern California spirit of its creator, Bruce F. Meyers. Based on Volkswagen Beetle underpinnings, the combination of purpose-built off-road ability and lightweight construction allowed the Manx to dominate the overland racing scene of the 1960s. This Manx, presented in vibrant metallic orange, stays true to the brightly coloured examples of the period. Thanks to a remarkable $60,000 restoration, no expense has been spared to ensure that this buggy is one of the finest in existence. A three-spoke EMPI steering wheel and original Gene Berg short-shifter, linked to a new four-speed rancho transmission, make driving enjoyable, spirited, and direct. The EMPI skid plate, sand seal-protected flywheel, and seatbelts for all passengers mean that this buggy is ready to play in the dunes, while the wiring for lights makes the Manx compliant for road use as well (Estimate: £35,000-£45,000).

In addition, the collection includes a 1998 Mini Cooper, finished in turquoise and having covered fewer than 50,000km from new (Estimate: £15,000-£20,000). A 2013 Land Rover Defender 90 is presented in red with a canvas roof covering the rear and fewer than 12,000km since it left the factory (Estimate: £40,000-£60,000). A 1991 BMW E30 M3, regarded as one of the finest performance saloon cars ever made, is in a sensational specification, sporting a white exterior complemented by a black interior, and just 55,000 miles recorded from new (Estimate: £45,000-£65,000). The 1993 Mazda RX-7 on offer boasts its famous rotary engine and a classic design, enhanced by beautiful black paintwork. This US-spec example is for sale with fewer than 50,000 miles (Estimate: £15,000-£20,000). Bidders who are looking for two wheels rather than four will be interested in the 2016 Harley Davidson Low Rider S, presented here in black with gold wheels (Estimate: £10,000-£15,000).

Will Smith, Car Specialist, RM Sotheby’s, said: “The addition of the Forests Collection to our London auction is an absolute delight and it is RM Sotheby’s pleasure to support the generosity of our client to help safeguard our planet and make a contribution to ensuring we all take responsibility for creating a sustainable future for generations to come. The wide-ranging and on-trend selection of vehicles available means that there will be something for everyone, from the latest high-performance Porsches to classic designs from Land Rover, Mini, Harley Davidson and of course, the Meyers Manx dune buggy. With all proceeds going towards this great cause, this collection presents bidders with the perfect opportunity to acquire a special vehicle while doing their bit to conserve our environment.”

Anna Kitulagoda, Head of Trillion Trees at WWF, adds: “We are incredibly grateful for this generous donation to support Trillion Trees. The outcome of the funds donated will enable us to restore over 400 hectares of degraded land to healthy native forest ecosystems across four countries in East Africa. Our goal for a trillion trees is a big one, but it’s achievable and necessary. We want to ensure that we have more of the right trees in the right places and protect our forests. We know that this can make a major contribution to achieving our global commitments on human development, biodiversity and climate change. This is an urgent priority, and we hugely value and appreciate the support that enables more critical work to get rapidly underway.”

For further information on RM Sotheby’s London sale, please visit rmsothebys.com. Interested bidders are invited to call RM Sotheby’s London office at +44 (0) 20 7851 7070 to speak with a car specialist

RM AUCTIONS ACHIEVES BEST-EVER RESULTS IN FORT LAUDERDALE WITH $23.2 MILLION SALE TOTAL

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RM AUCTIONS ACHIEVES BEST-EVER RESULTS IN FORT LAUDERDALE
WITH $23.2 MILLION SALE TOTAL

$3.1 MILLION FERRARI LAFERRARI REPRESENTS
MOST VALUABLE CAR SOLD IN EVENT’S HISTORY

CELEBRITY-OWNED MERCEDES-BENZ 300 SL GULLWING ACHIEVES $1,155,000

• RM Auctions achieves best-ever results in Fort Lauderdale with $23.2 million and 80 percent of lots sold
• Ferrari LaFerrari sells for $3.1 million – most valuable car ever sold at Fort Lauderdale event
• 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing offered from significant celebrity ownership brings $1,155,000
• Additional cars from the Youngtimer Collection continue to exceed pre-sale estimates
• Complete results from Fort Lauderdale now available at rmsothebys.com

 FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida (1 April 2019) – This past weekend, RM Auctions, a division of the RM Sotheby’s Group, held its annual Fort Lauderdale sale, achieving the best result in the event’s 17-year history. Total sales across the two-day auction reached more than $23.2 million, with more than 80 percent of the 476 lots on offer finding new homes. RM Auctions also saw strong bidder attendance at the sale, with 24 countries represented by participants, and one third of bidders representing first-time RM Auctions clientele.

The Fort Lauderdale auction was led by a 600-mile 2015 Ferrari LaFerrari, finished in eye-catching Giallo Modena over a black and yellow interior. The hypercar reached a final price of $3,080,000 during the Saturday afternoon sale session before a packed auction room, becoming the most valuable car yet sold at the Fort Lauderdale event. Stealing the Friday spotlight was a highly desirable, matching-numbers 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing offered from significant celebrity ownership, which achieved a final$1,155,000 to become the second highest sale of the weekend.

“We could not be happier with the results of our 17^th Fort Lauderdale auction,” said Gord Duff, Global Head of Auctions, RM Sotheby’s Group, following the sale. “We achieved our strongest results to date, again with a smaller, higher quality group of cars, and we’re thrilled with the sell-through rate we secured for our valued clients. On top of the most valuable car ever sold at the event, we also saw continued lively bidding for special cars from private collections offered without reserve, with exceptional interest from clients participating remotely via the phone and internet as well.”

Additional highlights across the Fort Lauderdale auction included continued rising interest in modern and emerging collectibles. A 1998 Lamborghini Diablo SV Monterey Edition, the final example of just 20 built, sold for $258,500 following an extended bidding competition, exceeding its pre-sale estimate of $200,000-$225,000 (offered without reserve). A 2010 Ferrari California, presented in Grigio Alloy with Bordeaux Daytona-style seats, also offered without reserve, sold for a final $115,500, with a portion of proceeds to benefit The Boys & Girls Club of Broward County, an organization near and dear to the RM Auctions team.

A selection of cars offered from the much-buzzed-about Youngtimer Collection also continued to draw tremendous interest in Fort Lauderdale, which many of the 19 lots exceeding pre-sale expectations. Highlights include a very well-preserved, 3,000-mile 1991 Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo, which reached a final $66,000 (est. $30/40k, offered without reserve) to set a new record for the model at auction. A six-speed 2009 Aston Martin DBS also smashed pre-sale estimates at $121,000 (est. $80/100k), while a 1994 Bentley Touring Limousine reached $71,500 (est. $30/40k, offered without reserve). The remaining 85 motor cars from the Youngtimer Collection will be offered at RM Sotheby’s upcoming inaugural German sale, set for 11-12 April at the Techno Classica Essen show.

Additional private collections offered without reserve also achieved strong results in Fort Lauderdale, with a 1953 Hudson Hornet Sedan offered from a Private Swiss Collection and formerly owned by Steve McQueen bringing $165,000 and a 1948 Buick Roadmaster Convertible offered from the Richard L. Burdick Collection bringing $99,000 (est. $65/85k).

RM Auctions Fort Lauderdale sale also played host to RADwood at RM Auctions, the first-ever South Florida event for the car show that presents the best of the 80s and 90s automotive lifestyle. The event saw a curated group of cars at the Broward County Convention Center, including such rad rarities as a 3500-mile, six-speed 1998 Toyota Supra, a 1986 Lamborghini “Downdraft” Countach, one of three in Rosso Speciale, a 1989 RUF RCT Evo, and a 1989 Mercedes-Benz 560 SEC AMG 6.0 Wide-Body with a quad-cam motor and Recaro interior.

RM Auctions Fort Lauderdale 2019 Top Ten

Lot 3094	2015 Ferrari LaFerrari	$3,080,000
Lot 1110A	1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing	$1,155,000
Lot 3108	2017 Ferrari F12tdf	$975,000
Lot 3075	1972 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Berlinetta	$550,000
Lot 3112	2017 Lamborghini Aventador LP750-4 SV Coupe	$478,500
Lot 3082	2018 Porsche 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series	$350,000
Lot 3130	2018 Ferrari GTC4Lusso 70th Anniversary	$299,750
Lot 1120	2006 Ford GT	$286,000
Lot 3087	1998 Lamborghini Diablo SV Monterey Edition	$258,500
Lot 3083	2006 Ford GT	$255,750

The RM Sotheby’s Group European calendar continues in just two short weeks as the company stages its first-ever German sale during Techno-Classica Essen, 11-12 April at the Messe Essen exhibition center. The Essen sale is set to present more than 200 diverse collector cars during the long-running Techno-Classica fair, recognized as the first great German car salon for vintage cars and collector vehicles. More than 80 additional cars from the much-buzzed-about Youngtimer Collection are set to star at the Essen sale. The complete Essen digital catalogue is now available at rmsothebys.com.

Complete results from RM Sotheby’s Fort Lauderdale sale, along with further details on upcoming auctions are available at rmsothebys.com.

RM SOTHEBY’S AND FORMULA ONE GROUP ANNOUNCE GLOBAL AUCTION COLLABORATION

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RM SOTHEBY’S AND FORMULA ONE GROUP ANNOUNCE
GLOBAL AUCTION COLLABORATION

FIRST MAJOR INTERNATIONAL COLLECTOR CAR AUCTION IN MIDDLE EAST SET FOR
2019 ETIHAD AIRWAYS F1 ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX

• RM Sotheby’s and Formula One Group to host the first ever international collector car auction in the region at the season-closing 2019 Etihad Airways F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, 30 November

• Landmark partnership will bring the collector car and memorabilia market to F1’s global audience of motorsport fans
• Additional information available at rmsothebys.com

 RM Sotheby’s, the world’s largest auction house for investment-quality automobiles, and Formula 1^®, the commercial rights holder for the world’s largest annual sporting series, are delighted to announce the launch of a global partnership to harness the appeal of two of the world’s premium brands.

The partnership announced today at the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2019, marks the start of a multi-year agreement between two global leaders. Over time the partnership is planned to grow in both scope and scale, incorporating both live GP-based sales and online auction capability, providing F1 fans and collector car enthusiasts around the world the chance to acquire their own piece of motorsport and automotive history. 

The focus in the first year of this ground-breaking collaboration will culminate at the season-ending Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2019, with a sale of significant cars and memorabilia which will form the region’s first ever major international collector car auction. The auction will take place on the evening of Saturday, 30 November 2019 at the stunning Yas Marina Circuit. The sale will focus on bringing together an expertly curated selection of significant Grand Prix racing machines and road-going sports cars with an historical connection to the world of motorsport, alongside a broader collection of hand-picked, blue-chip classic and supercars.

Announcing the partnership Sean Bratches, Managing Director Commercial Operations, Formula 1®, said:

“Everyone at Formula 1, along with our global community of fans love cars, old and new. The chance to work with RM Sotheby’s is a perfect marriage showcasing the beauty of classic cars alongside the most technologically advanced machinery on the planet. And while, not all of us can drive away with a priceless piece of automotive art, our collaboration gives all the race-goers the opportunity to see these beautiful cars up close over the race weekend. It is going to be another way to deliver on our promise of making the spectacle more spectacular.”

Shelby Myers, Global Head of Private Sales & Car Specialist, RM Sotheby’s, commented:

“Formula 1 has an unrivalled track record for working with some of the world’s most innovative and prestigious international companies. With its passionate global audience of over 560 million fans, and 21 events across five continents each year, F1 provides a unique platform for RM Sotheby’s and the wider Sotheby’s business, to excite, entertain and engage with our global customer base of collectors. 2019 marks our 40^th anniversary and for us there is no better way to celebrate this landmark year than by sharing our love of cars on the biggest stage possible.”

Al Tareq Al Ameri, CEO, Yas Marina Circuit, host of the first event said:

“Collector car and memorabilia interest in the Region is growing, so hosting the first auction of this new collaboration at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is perfectly timed. And, of course, this represents yet another first as we continue to harness the power of our Grand Prix as a platform for innovation and fan engagement in Formula 1. We look forward to welcoming the collector car world to Yas Marina Circuit on 30^th November.”

The next RM Sotheby’s auction will take place at Techno Classica Essen, Germany on 11-12 April 2019; with Formula 1 travelling to Shanghai over the same weekend (12-14 April) for the Formula 1 Heineken Chinese Grand Prix.

Additional information on RM Sotheby’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix auction will be available in the coming weeks. For more information on all RM Sotheby’s events, please visit rmsothebys.com. To speak with a car specialist about entering your important motor car in this exciting inaugural event, please call RM Sotheby’s London office at +44 (0) 20 7851 7070.

For more information about Formula 1 please visit formula1.com.

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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. 

RM SOTHEBY’S SET TO START 2019 IN STYLE WITH KEY ENTRIES ON THEIR WAY TO ARIZONA AND PARIS AUCTIONS

RM SOTHEBY’S SET TO START 2019 IN STYLE WITH KEY ENTRIES
ON THEIR WAY TO ARIZONA AND PARIS AUCTIONS

• A desirable assortment of collector cars set for RM Sotheby’s January and February auctions in Arizona and Paris
• Headline lots include Ferrari 288 GTO, 330 GTS, Lexus LFA, Shelby 427 Cobra and Lister-Jaguar Costin – in addition to exclusive private collections featuring stunning sets of British and American cars
• Detailed listing information and additional lots for both auctions can be viewed at rmsothebys.com

RM Sotheby’s is delighted to announce several key auction entries that will get 2019 off to a bumper start. The Arizona and Paris auctions – scheduled for 17-18 January and 6 February respectively – will feature a varied selection of exotic and rare collector cars, ranging from a 1985 Ferrari 288 GTO and 2012 Lexus LFA, to a 1967 Ferrari 330 GTS and single-owner private collections set for the American sale, through to a 1966 Shelby 427 Cobra, 1959 Lister-Jaguar Costin and motorsport memorabilia set for the French capital that extends to a helmet once worn by Ayrton Senna.

Arizona 2019

The Ferrari 288 GTO is regarded as one of the most iconic and exciting supercars of the 1980s. The example coming to Arizona shows less than 3,000 miles, is equipped with air-conditioning, power windows, contrasting orange seat inserts, and is offered at auction for the first time fresh from service (Est. $3,200,000 - $3,600,000). Also set for the Arizona auction, the Lexus LFA is a 4.8-litre, V-10-powered sports coupe made on a limited run of 500 models from the Japanese manufacturer. This example shows a mere 70 miles and is one of just 50 cars equipped with the competition-focused Nürburgring package (Est. $850,000 - $1,100,000). Additional early highlights for RM Sotheby’s Arizona sale are led by a 1967 Ferrari 330 GTS, chassis no. 10773. Offered from the famed Skip Barber Collection, following many years of driving and concours enjoyment, this superb, Classiche-certified 330 GTS features a matching numbers powertrain and would be a fantastic purchase for the enthusiast who enjoys both driving and show venues (Est. $2,200,000 - $2,500,000).

Beyond the sports and supercars on offer in Phoenix, two important and very different private collections will cross the block, nearly entirely without reserve. The first is a continuation of The Calumet Collection, comprising 11 British motor cars. The collection features eight Rolls-Royce models, covering almost every era of the celebrated luxury manufacturer, with cars for sale ranging from a1923 Silver Ghost Salamanca through to a 2012 Phantom EWB ‘Year of the Dragon’. The group is headlined by a 1967 Rolls-Royce Phantom V State Landaulet by Mulliner Park Ward, one of just five examples produced. Originally commissioned by the Government of Romania and subsequently delivered to a private owner in Pennsylvania, nearly every available option was specified, including a combination cocktail bar and entertainment cabinet and fluorescent overhead lighting for nighttime parades (Est. $1,000,000 - $1,500,000).

Another significant collection sure to draw interest at the Arizona auction comprises an additional 10 automobiles from The Richard L. Burdick Collection of Texas. Boasting an assortment of pre- and post-war Americana, the group is led by a genuine 1930 Cadillac V-16 Sports Phaeton. An early example and one of no more than 18 survivors bearing Sports Phaeton coachwork, this is one of the most highly desirable classics in today’s market (Est. $750,000 - $900,000, offered without reserve).

Paris 2019

For Paris, key consignments to date include a 1966 Shelby 427 Cobra, imported into the UK in 1973 after being sold new to California. The car spent nearly two decades on display at the Midland Motor Museum and its time in the U.K. is very well documented. The Cobra retains many of its original features, including corresponding body numbers found on the door and boot hinges. Its current displayed mileage of 28,000 is also believed to be correct and original. With Shelby Cobras being highly prized on both sides of the Atlantic, this incredible car is expected to achieve €800,000 to €1 million. An ex-Works Lister-Jaguar Costin known to have competed at The 24 Hours of Le Mans, Goodwood, British Empire Trophy, Crystal Palace Whit-Monday and British GP at Aintree races in 1959 is another hugely desirable car to come to market with RM Sotheby’s. The Lister-Jaguars were truly giant-killers, using a chassis developed by the small, privately-owned Lister sports car company, paired with Jaguar’s immense six-cylinder engine. These cars continue to dominate the historic racing scene and the sleek Costin-bodied example on offer is estimated at €900,000 to €1.1 million.

Rare collectables will complement the motor cars in Paris, including a Rheos helmet, worn by Ayrton Senna in the 1990 F1 season in which he drove the McLaren MP4-5b. The helmet shows signs of wear after being used by Senna in the season that he and McLaren won both drivers’ and constructors’ championship titles and includes the original green liner and radio. This is surely the ultimate collector’s item for any motorsport fan (Est. €80,000 - €120,000).

Gord Duff, Global Head of Auctions at RM Sotheby’s, said: “We’re proud to have this diverse selection of headline cars for sale in both our Arizona and Paris auctions. These cars will no doubt attract interest from all corners of the collector car market, not just in Europe and America, but the world over. There really is something for everyone over the course of our January and February auctions, from Italian supercars to notable British luxury cars, historic racers, and sought-after pre-war American classics in outstanding condition.”

The Arizona auction is set for the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa in Phoenix, on 17-18 January. In France, the Paris auction is held once again at the spectacular Place Vauban on 6 February. For further information on RM Sotheby’s 2019 auction calendar, please visit rmsothebys.com. Interested consignors and bidders are invited to call the RM Sotheby’s offices in Ontario (+1 519 352 4575) or in London (+44 (0) 20 7851 7070) to speak with a car specialist.

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$5.95 MILLION 959 PARIS-DAKAR LEADS RM SOTHEBY’S FIRST-EVER SINGLE-MARQUE PORSCHE SALE

$5.95 MILLION 959 PARIS-DAKAR LEADS RM SOTHEBY’S
FIRST-EVER SINGLE-MARQUE PORSCHE SALE

$3.4 MILLION PROJECT GOLD TOPS OFF SEVEN DECADES OF MARQUE HISTORY PRESENTED AT THE PORSCHE EXPERIENCE CENTER ATLANTA

• RM Sotheby’s generates $25.8 million with a 92 percent sell-through rate at the Porsche Experience Center Atlanta
• Stand-out prices led by the first 959 Paris-Dakar ever offered at auction, doubling estimate at $5.95 million
• Strong results achieved across seven decades of Porsche models, culminating with $3.4 million “Project Gold”
• Complete results from RM Sotheby’s Porsche 70^th Anniversary Auction available at rmsothebys.com

RM Sotheby’s celebrated 70 years of Porsche on Saturday with the company’s single-marque Porsche 70^th Anniversary Auction at the Porsche Experience Center Atlanta (PEC), also the home of Porsche Cars North America. RM Sotheby’s achieved $25.8 million in total sales, with 92 percent of all lots finding new homes.

Purveyors of Porsche descended on the PEC for the Friday preview of the cars on offer, alongside a symposium, gala, and special concert performed by music legend and Porsche enthusiast, John Oates. Enthusiastic bidders on auction day represented no less than 25 countries around the world, with nearly 50 percent bidding with RM Sotheby’s for the first time. Bidding at the single-marque sale was spirited from the very start, with plenty of interest in the wide variety of memorabilia on offer and many of those collectible lots exceeding expectations, including a group of Porsche 911 Sales Literature, which well-surpassed its estimate at a final $20,400 (est. $5k/7k).

The offering of 63 of the world’s most important and most sought-after, privately-owned Porsche models was led by a 1985 Porsche 959 Paris-Dakar, one of just three built to contest the 1985 Paris-Dakar Rally as a Works entry and the very first example ever offered at auction. One of seven developmental cars, four of which are retained by Porsche, chassis no. 010015 was piloted by three-time Paris-Dakar winner René Metge, representing Porsche in the most grueling rally of all time. After a sustained competition between several bidders in the room and on the phone, the 959 sold for a final $5,945,000, nearly doubling its high estimate (est. $3.0m/3.4m).

Additional motor car highlights included the 1958 Porsche 356 A 1600 ‘Super’ Speedster, which, after having emerged from storage since 1983, was recently returned to driving condition and would be the ideal restoration project. Complete with its original matching-numbers drivetrain and desirable 1600 ‘Super’ engine, the wonderfully distressed Speedster was offered without reserve, soaring past its high estimate to bring a final $307,500 after tremendous interest (est. $125k/150k).

In what was one of the most anticipated moments of the auction, the 2018 Porsche 911 Turbo Classic Series "Project Gold" came under the hammer to applause from the crowd and significant interest on the phones and in the room. An exciting ten-minute bidding competition ensued, with no less than 9 bidders in the room and on the phone, with the car eventually selling for an incredible $3,415,000 to a bidder onsite at the PEC. Project Gold is the final air-cooled 911 Turbo, built 20 years after the end of 993 production. This incredible undertaking began at the Porsche factory one and a half years ago with an existing genuine Type 993 body shell. The experts at Porsche Classic were able to rely on a selection of over 6,500 parts, assembling this “new” 993 Turbo S at the Porsche Classic restoration workshop near Stuttgart. An exciting car with a worthy cause, proceeds from the sale of Project Gold will benefit the Ferry Porsche foundation.

“After many months of preparation and cooperation with Porsche Cars North America, we were delighted to see so many like-minded enthusiasts, clients and collectors from all over the world make the journey to celebrate the marque’s 70^th Anniversary at the most impressive Porsche Experience Center in Atlanta, Georgia,” said veteran Car Specialist and Auction Manager, Alexander Weaver, following the sale.

“The overwhelmingly positive response to the cars offered was characterized by a pool of global bidders that helped achieve outstanding prices for many models and numerous exciting moments throughout the auction. The Porsche market continues to establish its own baseline as we witnessed new Porsche enthusiasts join seasoned collectors to take part in bidding on rare and unique examples consigned to our first single-marque Porsche auction”.

RM Sotheby’s Porsche 70^th Anniversary Auction – Top Ten Sales

Lot 196	1985 Porsche 959 Paris-Dakar (CHASSIS NO. WP0ZZZ93ZFS010015)	$5,945,000
Lot 220	2018 Porsche 911 Turbo Classic Series “Project Gold” (SERIES NO. 001/001)	$3,415,000
Lot 185	2015 Porsche 918 Spyder (CHASSIS NO. WP0CA2A18FS800796)	$1,407,500
Lot 205	1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 Prototype (CHASSIS NO. 9113600012)	$1,325,000
Lot 175	1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 Lightweight (CHASSIS NO. 9113601580)	$1,022,500
Lot 191	1985 Porsche 959 Prototype (CHASSIS NO. WP0ZZZ93ZFS010007)	$1,000,000
Lot 178	1980 Porsche 935 K4 (CHASSIS NO. 935-K4-02)	$885,000
Lot 192	1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 Touring (CHASSIS NO. 9113600463)	$698,000
Lot 217	1996 Porsche 911 GT2 (CHASSIS NO. WP0ZZZ99ZTS393096)	$643,000
Lot 183	2011 Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 (SERIAL NO. 009/600)	$566,000

RM Sotheby’s will top off its 2018 calendar with the company’s first ever Los Angeles sale, set for 8 December at the renowned Petersen Automotive Museum. The auction will feature approximately 50 eclectic blue-chip automobiles in the incredible space provided by the Petersen backdrop, led by the 1956 Ferrari 290 MM, campaigned by Scuderia Ferrari for the 1956 and ’57 seasons and piloted by an amazing lineup of drivers including Juan Manuel Fangio, Phil Hill, and Sir Stirling Moss.

Complete results from RM Sotheby’s Porsche 70^th Anniversary Auction and additional information on all upcoming RM Sotheby’s events are also available at rmsothebys.com.