CONCOURS-READY CLASSICS LEAD BONHAMS 8TH GRAND PALAIS SALE

CONCOURS-READY CLASSICS LEAD BONHAMS 8^TH GRAND PALAIS SALE

1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupé sold for €1,207,500

Yesterday, 7 February, Bonhams held its eighth sale at the magnificent Grand Palais. The marathon sale saw more than 140 cars crossing the rostrum over several hours and spirited bidding taking place beneath the cavernous glass domes of the Grand Palais. The top lot of the sale was the imposing and elegant 1939 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Cabriolet A, formerly owned by His Majesty King Hussein bin Talal, former King of Jordan. It sold for €1,581,250to a European bidder in the room.

Following closely behind was the immaculate 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupé which sold for €1,207,500 – a testament to its absolutely pristine condition. Concours-ready motor cars were of great interest in the sale. The 1950 Porsche 356 Split-Window ‘Four-Digit’ Coupé boasted wins at both Zoute and InterClassics Brussels and sold for €805,000 to a European bidder.

1939 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Cabriolet A sold for €1,581,250

Bentleys were popular throughout the sale, and one of the lengthiest bidding battles of the sale was the competition to own the impressively original 1928 Bentley 6½-Litre Four Light Weymann Fabric Sports Saloon. It eventually sold for €1,150,000 to an online bidder. The 1931 Bentley 8-Litre Sports Tourer also performed strongly, achieving €787,750.

1928 Bentley 6½-Litre Four Light Weymann Fabric Sports Saloon sold for €1,150,000

Other highlights included:

• 1974 Ferrari 365 GT4 Berlinetta Boxer sold for €278,300
• 1937 Alfa Romeo 6C-2300 Berlina by Stabilimenti Farina achieved €264,500
• 1939 BMW 327/328 Sports Cabriolet sold for €212,750
• 1934 Lagonda M45 T7 Tourer realised €212,750
• The ex-Toyota Team Europe, Didier Auriol/Bernard Occelli, 1994 Toyota Celica ST185 Turbo Group A Rally Car achieved €207,000

Philip Kantor, European Director of Motoring, commented: ‘The top lots of the sale perfectly illustrated the diverse range of Bonhams expertise. We offered everything from pioneering veterans to ultra-luxurious, concours-ready classics to an enthusiastic, international crowd. The top lots such as the Mercedes-Benz Gullwing, the Mercedes-Benz 540K, the Porsche 356 and the Bentley 6½-Litre were all outstanding examples of some of the most desirable and iconic models in the automotive world and rightly commanded impressive prices. The Grand Palais is one of the most astonishing auction locations in the world, and we were proud to offer such a high calibre of motor cars and automobilia.’

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.