MCLAREN F1 ‘LM-SPECIFICATION’ LEADS NIGHT TWO OF RM SOTHEBY’S MONTEREY AUCTION WITH RECORD $19.8 MILLION

MCLAREN F1 ‘LM-SPECIFICATION’ LEADS NIGHT TWO OF RM SOTHEBY’S MONTEREY AUCTION WITH RECORD $19.8 MILLION

MONTEREY, California (16 August 2019) – This evening in Monterey, California, RM Sotheby’s sold the 1994 McLaren F1 ‘LM-Specification’, the world’s most revered modern supercar, for $19.8 million, becoming the most valuable McLaren ever sold at auction.

The world’s fastest naturally aspirated production car, serial no. 018 is one of just two upgraded to Le Mans specification by McLaren, equipped with the GTR engine and an extra high-downforce package that went above and beyond the coachwork effects of the original five LM cars. Used on a handful of tours and rallies, the fastidiously-cared-for McLaren was offered at RM Sotheby’s Monterey auction in exceptional condition, showing just 21,500 km, the best imaginable iteration of an already perfect machine. With the crowd on their feet as the car drove onto the auction podium, four bidders vied for four-and-a-half-minutes before the car sold to a private collector based in the United States

The sale also saw exceptional results with the 1965 Ford GT40 Roadster Prototype, chassis no. GT/108, which sold for $7.65 million (est. $7m/9m). The forefather of “the pace car for an entire company”, the car was influential in the development of Detroit’s first purpose-built a prototype-class race car, which famously went on to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans for four consecutive years.

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.

FERRARIS FOR ROAD AND TRACK IN FULL FORCE AT RM SOTHEBY’S MONTEREY SALE

FERRARIS FOR ROAD AND TRACK IN FULL FORCE
AT RM SOTHEBY’S MONTEREY SALE

THE LAST REMAINING UNRESTORED FERRARI SWB CALIFORNIA SPIDER
AND A COVETED FERRARI 196 SP JOIN THE LINEUP

RM Sotheby’s has secured a powerhouse lineup of Ferrari sports and racing cars of the 1950s and 60s for the company’s flagship Monterey auction, 15-17 August at the Monterey Conference Center in California. Each offered fresh to the market, all four cars represent some of the rarest models in the marque’s seven-decade history.

Leading the group is a 1962 Ferrari 250 SWB California Spider, chassis no. 4131, the second to last of all examples built and the only remaining unrestored SWB Cal Spider. Undoubtedly the most original, well-preserved example in the world, the Cal Spider is presented in its original colours and with its original interior. Delivered new to Switzerland, in 1971 the car passed to Canadian George Carrick, who used the car as the inspiration for his book The Spyder California, one of the first Ferrari books ever published on a particular model, which would go on to become the go-to resource for the car. Having had just four owners in the last 50 years, the SWB California Spider is offered in Monterey from more than 25 years of single ownership, in fully numbers-matching, Ferrari Classiche Certified condition (Est. $10,500,000 - $13,000,000).

From the road to the track, joining the California Spider is a 1962 Ferrari 196 SP, chassis no. 0806, the final of just six examples ever built and a mere five survivors. The 196 SP was campaigned initially by Luigi Chinetti’s North American Racing Team (N.A.R.T.) at the 1962 12 Hours of Sebring, where it finished 3^rd in Class, and at the 1000KM Nürburgring piloted by Pedro and Ricardo Rodríguez as a Scuderia Ferrari Works entry. The car went on to enjoy a successful North American racing career in privateer hands, achieving a half dozen podium finishes and multiple class victories across nearly 20 races in period. The SP cars were Ferrari’s first mid-engine prototype cars and were integral to the evolution of the marque’s famed P-car series. This example is the last of its breed and has had just four private owners in the last 50 years, including time spent in some of the most significant private collections in the world, such as Pierre Bardinon’s former Mas du Clos Collection. The 196 SP is presented in concours-quality, race-ready condition, complete with its matching-numbers engine and worthy of the hobby’s finest events (Est. $8,000,000 - $10,000,000).

“Our Monterey sale has long been a venue associated with some of the rarest, most important Ferraris ever built, and 2019 continues the tradition,” says Gord Duff, Global Head of Auctions, RM Sotheby’s. “The Cal Spider is fascinating as the most original example in existence, and the 196 SP is an incredible racing machine that I’ve had the chance to drive and can say it’s on the button and ready to race again. Adding these special Ferraris to the already announced SWB Berlinetta—offered without reserve, the modern performance of the Ming Collection, the LaFerrari, the 275 GTB, 365 GTS, and more, has allowed us to put together a lineup of nearly 30 of the most significant Ferraris, period.”

The California Spider and the 196 SP will be offered alongside two additional sports and racing Ferraris of exceptional rarity; a 1955 Ferrari 375 MM Coupe Speciale and a 1952 Ferrari 225 Sport Spider. The 375 MM, chassis no. 0476 AM, wears a one-off, alloy body by Ghia, and is the final Ferrari ever bodied by the famed coachbuilder. One of just four 375 MM Berlinettas featuring special coachwork, the car is built on a full racing-spec 375 MM chassis and drivetrain and made its debut at the 1955 Turin Motor Show on the Ghia stand. Finished in its original configuration and complete with its original interior, the 375 MM appears to have covered just 13,000 original kilometres and is offered on the Peninsula from more than a decade of ownership in fully matching numbers, Ferrari Classiche Certified condition (Est. $5,000,000 - $7,000,000).

Finally, the 225 Sport Spider rounds out the prancing horses on offer. Chassis no. 0214 ED is one of just 12 examples of the model built with Vignale Spider coachwork and was originally raced in the UK by Irish publisher William ‘Bobbie’ Baird. Baird found success at the 1952 9 Hours of Goodwood, where the car finished 3^rd Overall, co-driven by Roy Salvadori, as well as at the Daily Mail International Trophy, where it finished 4^th Overall and 2^nd in Class. The 225 was subsequently sold to Argentina, where it was raced successfully into the mid-1950s. The car is now offered from nearly two decades of single ownership and interestingly is one of a mere three Ferrari models that are eligible for all major vintage events; the Tour Auto, Le Mans Classic, Mille Miglia, and the Monaco Grand Prix Historique (Est. $4,000,000 - $5,000,000).

The sports and racing Ferraris join RM Sotheby’s exceptional Monterey lineup, which already includes the oldest car to wear the Porsche name, a 1939 Porsche Type 64, alongside an original James Bond Aston Martin DB5. Held during the world-famous Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance motoring week, RM Sotheby’s Monterey sale (15-17 August) 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 Monterey sale will once again present more than 150 of the world’s most important motor cars in the ultimate collector car destination, featuring a special third auction evening on 15 August. ‘An Evening with Aston Martin’ will feature more than 30 of the world’s most sought-after road-going and track-ready Aston Martin sports cars from across the marque’s illustrious history.

For further information on RM Sotheby’s 2019 Monterey auction and to view a frequently updated list of entries, please visit rmsothebys.com. Interested consignors are invited to call RM Sotheby’s global headquarters at +1 519 352 4575 to speak with a car specialist about very limited remaining availability. 

THE MOST FAMOUS CAR IN THE WORLD: RM SOTHEBY’S PRESENTS JAMES BOND 007 ASTON MARTIN DB5

THE MOST FAMOUS CAR IN THE WORLD: RM SOTHEBY’S PRESENTS JAMES BOND 007 ASTON MARTIN DB5

1965 Aston Martin DB5 Bond Car (Simon Clay (c) 2019 Courtesy of RM Sothebys)

RM Sotheby’s, the official auction house of Aston Martin, has announced “the most famous car in the world” and perhaps the most iconic Aston Martin of all time to lead ‘An Evening with Aston Martin’, a special single-marque sale session at the company’s 2019 Monterey auction on 15 August. RM Sotheby’s will present a 1965 Aston Martin DB5, one of just three surviving examples commissioned in period by Eon Productions and fitted with MI6 Q Branch specifications as pictured in Goldfinger.

No one could have predicted the fabulously successful multi-decade synergy that would develop when production designer Ken Adam and special effects man John Stears visited Aston Martin’s Newport-Pagnell plant in late 1963. The two men were on a mission to source a pair of the latest Aston Martin models for use in Eon Productions’ third adaptation of an Ian Fleming novel, again about the MI6 superspy with a license to kill, James Bond. The film was called Goldfinger.

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Two near-identical cars were built and loaned to Eon Productions for filming, with each fulfilling various roles; one for stunt driving and chase sequences and therefore needing to be lightweight and fast, and the other for interior shots and close-ups, to be equipped with functional modifications created by Stears. As Desmond Llewelyn’s legendary weapons-master Q would go on to explain to Sean Connery’s 007, the Snow Shadow Gray-painted DB5 was equipped with front and rear hydraulic over-rider rams on the bumpers, a Browning.30 calibre machine gun in each fender, wheel-hub mounted tire-slashers, a raising rear bullet-proof screen, an in-dash radar tracking scope, oil, caltrop and smoke screen dispensers, revolving license plates, and a passenger-seat ejection system. Although never used during the film, the car was also equipped with a telephone in the driver’s door to communicate with MI6 headquarters and a hidden compartment under the driver’s seat containing several weapons.

The smash success of Goldfinger was also a success for Aston Martin, which saw DB5 sales surge to fuel an unprecedented level of production. The producers at Eon also took notice of the enormous appeal and potential marketing opportunities. In preparation for Thunderball’s release, the company ordered two more DB5 saloons, receiving chassis nos. DB5/2008/R, the example on offer at RM Sotheby’s Monterey sale, and DB5/2017/R. The two cars were fitted with all of Stears’ Goldfingermodifications and were shipped to the United States for promotional duties for Thunderball.

Reached through his son, Stephane Connery ahead of the sale, legendary actor Sean Connery, who originally portrayed James Bond on film in both Goldfinger and Thunderball said: “These DB5s are amazing – I remember the Furka Pass tire shredding as well as the promotional events with these cars – they have become increasingly iconic since Goldfinger and Thunderball, in fact I bought a very fine DB5 myself relatively recently.”

Following the tour, the two cars were no longer required as the next two Bond films debuted with different, more current automobiles in the hero roles and, accordingly, they were quietly offered for sale in 1969. The cars were soon purchased as a pair by well-known collector Anthony (now Lord) Bamford, whose British registration for chassis no. 2008/R remains on file. The Aston Martin build record lists Eon Productions as the original purchaser, with the important designation of being a “(Bond Car)” noted.

Bamford then sold DB5/2008/R to B.H. Atchley, the owner of the Smokey Mountain Car Museum in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The Aston Martin was featured as the museum’s centrepiece, remaining in a pristine state of display for 35 years, receiving regular start-ups for exercise. In 2006, RM Sotheby’s (previously RM Auctions) was privileged to offer this very Bond DB5 for public sale, in a largely unrestored state.

Since that time, a well-documented, no-expense-spared restoration by Switzerland’s esteemed Roos Engineering was completed. Roos Engineering is one of 13 specialist facilities whom Aston Martin have appointed as official Heritage Specialists. Not only were the chassis and body completely refinished to proper standards, but all thirteen of the John Stears-designed Bond modifications were properly refurbished to function as originally built.

Barney Ruprecht, Car Specialist, RM Sotheby’s comments: “No other car in history has played a more important leading role on film and in pop culture than the Aston Martin DB5. The DB5 is the iconic cornerstone of a marketing relationship that still exists to this day—with the model’s collectable status rooted largely in its 007 fame—and we look forward to exciting car and film enthusiasts alike in the lead up to the auction. This is an unbelievably rare chance to play secret agent in a car that offers incredible performance and style in its own right and we’re honoured to offer the Bond DB5 alongside our partners at Aston Martin.”

The first Stears-modified car has been lost since 1997, narrowing the number of surviving examples to just three. The car on offer is one of only two built from new with all Bond gadgetry, and chassis no. 2008/R stands apart with its extremely minimal chain of ownership, having had just three private owners over 50 years, including a 35-year period of a museum exhibition. An incredibly rare and exciting example of what has been deemed “the most famous car in the world”, the DB5 offers a highly desirable acquisition for the serious marque collector…or secret agent (Est. $4,000,000 - $6,000,000).

RM Sotheby’s will display the Bond DB5 in North America this summer, with July dates to be announced. The car leads ‘An Evening with Aston Martin’, a special third auction evening on 15 August during RM Sotheby’s flagship Monterey sale, featuring more than 30 of the world’s most sought-after road-going and track-ready Aston Martin sports cars from across the marque’s illustrious history. This year’s Monterey sale (15-17 August) will once again present more than 120 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. Interested consignors are invited to call RM Sotheby’s global headquarters at +1 519 352 4575 to speak with a car specialist about entering an important motor car in the Monterey sale. Consignments are invited through 3 July 2019.

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1965 Aston Martin DB5 Bond Car (Simon Clay (c) 2019 Courtesy of RM Sothebys)