SILVERSTONE AUCTIONS GEARING UP FOR A STAR-STUDDED AUCTION AT THE NEC THIS WEEKEND

SILVERSTONE AUCTIONS GEARING UP FOR A STAR-STUDDED AUCTION AT THE NEC THIS WEEKEND

Silverstone Auctions will be opening the doors to 118 classic and modern classic lots at the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show from the 8th to 10th November at the NEC Birmingham.

Viewing will take place all day Friday and on the mornings of the sale on Saturday and Sunday where you can view the lots and speak with the Silverstone Auctions team.

On Saturday the car auction gets underway at 2:00pm with 62 lots set to go under the hammer. The first lot off the block will be the 1991 Golf GTi Rivage Cabriolet with all proceeds being donated to the Motor Neurone Disease Association, a charity close to the heart of the vendor and it will be offered at No Reserve. Lot 205 is the first of the star lots, the Ex-Sir Cliff Richard Corvette C2 Sting Ray Convertible, which was delivered new to the pop legend early in his career and is estimated at £50,000 to £60,000. Lot 207 is a wonderful lot to keep an eye on too, a rare 1976 Alfa Romeo Montreal. A UK -supplied right-hand drive car, one of only 155, with a warranted 45,495 miles in need of some attention. It is estimated at £22,000 to £26,000 and the registration number 600 JRL will remain with the car. Lot 215 is the first of the supercars a 1993 Jaguar XJ220 formerly owned from new by Sir John Madjeski the founder of Auto Trader. Estimated at £350,000 to £400,000 this 2,000 mile from new supercar is a very special example and looked after by XJ220 experts Don Law. The following lot 216 is a 1989 Porsche 928 GT Manual which is being sold as part of a feature for a new Channel 4 restoration show. This car has been recommissioned and inspected prior to the sale and estimated at £20,000 to £25,000. Lot 250 is another of the incredible lots being offered during the show weekend, the 1974 MGB GT V8 with just 4,425 miles on the clock. A very British rare chrome bumpered sportscar at an estimate of £30,000 to £35,000, what a great car.

Sunday’s auction has 56 lots and in amongst them are more cars with famous ownership. Four lots in will be the 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Coupe formerly owned by pop sensation Lulu, who bought the car new when she was married to Maurice Gibb of the BeeGees. This Mercedes has been with the current vendor forming part of a significant collection where it has been enjoyed and used for social events. It is being offered with an estimate of £65,000 to £75,000. The star lot of the day has to be Lot 411 the 1955 Triumph TR2 ex-works Le Mans 24 hours team car. Purchased straight after the race by King Hussein of Jordan and has since been with the current owner for the last 47 years. Estimated at £100,000 to £140,000 this is a wonderful piece of British motorsport history with superb provenance and well-documented history.

Across both sale days, the selection and provenance of the cars are quite staggering. There is a wide selection of Aston Martins from different eras and models, the most famous being the DB5s of which there are two outstanding cars, there is also a rare and desirable DB2 Washboard, two DB6s, a beautiful 1968 DBS, a 1984 V8 Vantage Volante and the 1994 Widebodied Virage Volante. If you are an Aston enthusiast, then there will certainly be a car for you.

The star-studded line up continues, not content with cars formerly owned by Sir Cliff Richard and Lulu, but there are two cars from the famous and eclectic collection of Jamiroquai frontman Jay Kay, Lot 237 a 1983 Mercedes-Benz 280 TE Estate and Lot 245 a Porsche 928 GTS. If you fancy something a bit more rugged, you can bid for Lot 259 a 1994 Range Rover Limousine once used to ferry around boxing champion Mike Tyson.

Among the 118 lots are several future classics, one model that has shown great form in recent auctions is the BMW 325i and there are three in the sale. Two of them are 1991 E30 cars a Sport and a Sport M-Tech2, the other a 1986 E30 Sport M-Tech1. Fast Fords are always popular and there is plenty of choice with some outstanding examples being offered such as the 33,984 miles 1983 Escort RS1600i from the BonkeRS Collection. If you after a French hot hatch Lot 403, a 1989 Peugeot 205 GTi 1.6 is in exceptional condition and estimated at £15,000 to £18,000 with just 27,815 miles from new.

Harry Whale Silverstone Auctions’ Sales Manager commented: “We have so many cars on offer this coming weekend, all with wonderful provenance and connections to some of the UK's most famous celebrities.”

“This is a great catalogue, one we are very proud to be offering. These are all high-quality cars to suit all budgets, whether you are after a standout example from Aston Martin or after a restoration or re-commissioning project, our team look forward to meeting potential bidders at the weekend.”

The Silverstone Auctions sale will also include 100 lots on each day of automobilia to include wall art, watches, signed prints, tool kits, luggage sets and registration numbers.

The Silverstone Auctions sale takes place on the 9th and 10th November at the Lancaster Insurance Classic Car Show, NEC, Birmingham. On each day, the automobilia and lifestyle auctions start at 11am and the car auction starts at 2pm. (Remembrance Sunday 10th November, the automobilia auction will begin at 11.05am)

OPPOSITES ATTRACT, RARE ITALIAN AND ICONIC BRITISH CRAFTSMANSHIP TO BE AUCTIONED AT FINAL CCA SALE OF THE YEAR

OPPOSITES ATTRACT, RARE ITALIAN AND ICONIC BRITISH CRAFTSMANSHIP TO BE AUCTIONED AT FINAL CCA SALE OF THE YEAR

1972 Lamborghini Espada GT400 S2

Classic Car Auctions have two stunning Italian masterpieces consigned to their final auction of the year at the Warwickshire Event Centre alongside two beautifully restored British icons of the 4x4 world.

Taking place on the 7th December Classic Car Auctions will be selling two fabulously designed Italian cars from 1972 and both needing recommissioning to get them to their best and possibly beyond, the Lamborghini Espada and the Maserati Indy 4700. Both of these cars are UK supplied, so they come in right-hand drive.

The 1972 Lamborghini Espada GT400 S2 is an incredibly rare car, only 1,217 were made and of those, just 575 Series 2s were manufactured with only 58 in right-hand drive. So this UK-supplied car really is exceedingly rare. Estimated at £60,000 to £70,000 this original Espada found its way to Malaysia and has recently returned to the UK where it will be registered in time for the sale. A really interesting car with some early paperwork and a stylish red and black interior. We believe the engines run, but there is some work to do. So take the bull by the horns and with some recommissioning, this is going to be one stunning car ready to charge into the wild.

Another Italian masterpiece is the 1972 Maserati Indy 4700, a Grand Tourer styled by Vignale and in need of some TLC to get it back to where it should be. Discovered in a garage, this stalled restoration project requires finishing. The car does roll, but the 4.7-litre V8 engine with 37,000 indicated miles has not been run for some years. The bodywork, finished in Nautilus Blue, appears to be sound and there are boxes containing the remaining parts including brand new front and rear bumpers. Estimated at £30,000 to £35,000 there appears to be little to do before this Italian stunner takes to the open road again.

Now talking of charging into the wild, we couldn’t be more opposing as we come to a great British icon, the trusty Land Rover. With the launch of the new Land Rover a modern take of a classic art form dividing opinion, the original still holds fond memories for many. Some of us even learnt to drive in one across open farmland when our feet could only just touch the pedals or sitting on an adults lap and just steering and hoping. Classic Car Auctions have two 1960s Series 2As on offer, just three years apart but equally well presented after being restored.

The first one the 1966 soft top has come over from Guernsey and is now UK registered. Finished in Pastel Green this mud plugger has been fastidiously restored by and F1 engineer. The engine has been professionally rebuilt to the original specification as well as the transmission. Estimated at £18,000 to £20,000 this is a stunning Land Rover, one you really need to see and it even comes with the rare and now refurbished Smiths heater.

Our second Landy is a 1969 soft-top which like the other one has undergone a beautiful restoration from the ground up. Estimated at £14,000 to £18,000 this S2A is ready to tackle whatever winter throws at it and to ensure it is well protected the chassis has been finished with a special protective coating and Waxoyl. This is a very competitively guided 4x4xFar.

Gary Dunne Classic Car Auctions Manager commented: “Well what cracking cars we have here. You couldn’t get more opposing. Classic Italian designed and crafted sports cars in need of recommissioning to what Britain does best, the Land Rover, two of which have been fully restored.”

“When you see something that requires TLC and then something that has been finished it really does get the imagination fired up as to what you could do with a car that requires some love.”

“Both the Espada and Maserati will no doubt be two fine motorcars when finished, a great opportunity for one lucky bidder.”

Classic Car Auctions are still taking entries for their sale on the 7th December at the Warwickshire Event Centre.

The last of the successful Cars, Coffee and Consignment events for this year takes place at the British Motor Museum on the 6th November where the CCA team will be on hand from 12pm to 4pm to value and photograph your car for free to go in the auction.”

If you are thinking of selling, do come and see them and also have a look round the museum for free whilst you are there.

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

Forthcoming Auctions

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

28th and 29th March – Practical Classics Restoration Show, NEC Birmingham

13th June – CCA Summer Classic Car Sale, Warwickshire Event Centre

26th September – CCA Autumn Classic Car Sale, Warwickshire Event Centre

12th December – CCA Winter Classic Car Sale, Warwickshire Event Centre

RM AUCTIONS ANNOUNCES NEW VENUE FOR SOUTH FLORIDA SALE

RM AUCTIONS ANNOUNCES NEW VENUE FOR SOUTH FLORIDA SALE

ANNUAL AUCTION MOVES TO PALM BEACH FOR 2020

SALE SET FOR WEEKEND OF 20 MARCH AT PALM BEACH INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY

CONSIGNMENTS NOW OPEN

RM Auctions is delighted to announce that the company’s annual South Florida sale will move to Palm Beach International Raceway for 2020, on the weekend of 20 March. Now in its 18^th year for 2020, RM Auctions event has long been regarded as South Florida’s premier collector car auction while being held at the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center for the last several years.

The Palm Beach International Raceway (PBIR) is an iconic track with a fascinating history of drag racing and road racing in Florida. A legendary institution dating back to 1964, PBIR plays hosts to additional collector car events, including the Cavallino Classic, and will offer RM Auctions an ideal space for the Palm Beach sale. Located near Jupiter, Florida, PBIR is accessibly located for RM Auctions clients and attendees, near multiple major Atlantic coast airports.

Gord Duff, Global Head of Auctions, RM Sotheby’s Group, commented: “We’re looking forward to building on our many years of success in South Florida at our new Palm Beach venue. Historically the Fort Lauderdale auction has grown exponentially in value and quality over the last several years and we are excited to bring this growth and atmosphere to PBIR. Our consignors, bidders, and attendees can expect more than 350 quality collector cars offered across a multi-day auction event, at an exciting new destination on our calendar.”

The 2020 Palm Beach sale follows RM Auctions best-ever results in South Florida, achieved earlier this year when the auction house’s Fort Lauderdale auction totalled more than $23.2 million with 80 per cent of all lots sold across a two-day auction at the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center. The Convention Center will be undergoing a major expansion and remodel over the next year, necessitating the change in venue. The 2019 sale saw its highest total yet, achieved by a smaller, higher quality offering, and led by some of the most valuable motor cars ever presented at the event, including a 2015 Ferrari LaFerrari at $3,080,000, a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing at $1,155,000, and additional cars from the Youngtimer Collection.

For further information on RM Auctions 2020 Palm Beach sale, please visit rmsothebys.com or call +1 519 352 4575 to speak with a car specialist about entering your motor car.

SINGLE-OWNER PRIVATE COLLECTIONS BRING STRONG PRICES AT RM AUCTIONS $15.6 MILLION HERSHEY SALE

SINGLE-OWNER PRIVATE COLLECTIONS BRING STRONG PRICES AT

RM AUCTIONS $15.6 MILLION HERSHEY SALE

THE MERRICK AUTO MUSEUM COLLECTION ACHIEVES $4 MILLION DURING THURSDAY SESSION

AUCTION LED BY CADILLAC V-16 SPORT PHAETON AT $1.22 MILLION

• RM Auctions Hershey sale achieves strong results across two nights with $15.6 million in total sales
• The renowned Merrick Auto Museum Collection sells entirely without reserve on Thursday, generating $4 million
• Leading the car offering is a 1930 Cadillac V-16 Sport Phaeton by Fleetwood at a final $1,221,000
• Additional single-owner private collections of pre-war motor cars bring significant interest on Friday night
• Complete results from Hershey sale now available at rmsothebys.com

This past week, RM Auctions, a division of RM Sotheby’s Group, achieved strong results for the auction house’s 13^th annual Hershey sale, generating $15,569,594 with 97 per cent of all lots sold. Held during the world-renowned Antique Automobile Club of America’s (AACA) Eastern Division Fall Meet, the two-evening auction saw more than 200 historic automobiles, offered in large part from significant single-owner collections, alongside a wide array of memorabilia cross the auction stage. A packed auction room, enthusiastic bidding, and strong prices were seen on Thursday and Friday evening, with bidders hailing from no less than 23 countries, and nearly 25 per cent of bidders representing first-time RM Sotheby’s Group clientele.

The star lot of the Hershey sale was a 1930 Cadillac V-16 Sport Phaeton by Fleetwood, which represented an opportunity to acquire arguably the most famous, well-known surviving V-16 sport phaeton. Featured in the 1964 film The Carpetbaggers and believed to have been originally owned by legendary silver-screen actor Richard Arlen, the V-16 ignited a furious competition between a bidder in the room and on the phone, eventually securing a final $1,221,000 to applause from the crowd on Friday (est. $900k/1.1m). Rounding out the top three sellers was a one-of-six 1931 Marmon Sixteen Coupe offered from the Collection of Jack Dunning and complete with its original body, engine, and chassis at a final $550,000, while a remarkably rare, highly original, and beautifully restored 1911 Oldsmobile Model 28 Autocrat Roadster offered from the noted collection of Mr Jim Bradley reached a final $495,000.

The auction successfully kicked off on Thursday night with the session dedicated solely to The Merrick Auto Museum Collection, comprised of over 100 fascinating American Brass Era, high-wheeler, and pre-war cars, alongside a large selection of automobilia – offered entirely without reserve. The top seller of the collection was the 1925 Duesenberg Model A Four-Passenger Sport Phaeton by Millspaugh & Irish. Equipped with a race-bred overhead-cam eight-cylinder engine and formerly on display for 15 years at the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum, the Model A sold for a final $236,500 (est. $150k/200k). During an exciting moment on Thursday night, the seldom-seen 1900 Rockwell Hansom Cab, the first motorized taxicab in New York City, incited spirited bidding in the auction room before selling for $132,000, shattering its pre-sale estimate of $35,000 - $45,000. Additional Thursday highlights include a Paris-built 1900 De Dion-Bouton Type E Vis-à-Vis Voiturette, which achieved $121,000, a 1916 Rauch & Lang JX-6 Dual Control Electric Coach, which brought $110,000, more than doubling its pre-sale high estimate, and an eye-catching 1930 Cord L-29 Brougham, which sold for $103,400 (est. $50k/75k).

Interesting and unusual motor cars also starred at RM Auctions Hershey sale, with a pair of vintage trucks from The William B. Ruger Jr. Collection firing up the audience on Friday evening. The first, a 1924 American LaFrance Type 40 Combination Truck, was offered from 65 years of ownership under the Ruger family and sold for $115,500 to a bidder in the room (est. $35k/45k). A well-maintained 1936 American LaFrance 'Senior' 400 Series Squad Truck, equipped with a powerful 240 hp overhead-cam V-12 engine, also successfully sold to a participant in the auction room, achieving $82,500 (est. $40k/60k).

Beyond the cars, the Hershey sale featured 128 lots of memorabilia, signage, vintage motor car parts, original artwork, and ephemera. Among a host of fascinating pieces were the Hot Air Balloon Ceiling Fans offered from the Merrick Auto Museum Collection, which soared past their estimate to a final price of $6,037 on Thursday night (est. $800/1,200). The Ferrari Cavallino Porcelain Dinnerware Set by Richard Ginori opened a sustained bidding contest between three bidders on the phone and one in the room on Friday, eventually more than tripling its pre-sale high estimate and bringing $18,400 (est. $4k/6k). Friday also saw several vintage toy cars go under the hammer and surpass pre-sale estimates, with a pair of Buddy L Trucks achieving a final $2,300 (est. $300/400).  

“Hershey has proved once again to be the perfect destination for the offering of private collections and important early automotive design,” said Gord Duff, Global Head of Auctions, RM Sotheby’s Group, following the auction. “Both sale nights saw numerous lots secure prices well above their pre-sale estimates, demonstrating a very strong interest in historic American motor cars. We also saw continued lively bidding in the auction room and from clients participating remotely via phone and internet for rare cars from single-owner collections offered without reserve. We could not be more pleased with this year’s results, a show of strength for the Brass and Classic era market.”

RM Auctions Hershey 2019 Top Ten Sales

Lot 417	1930 Cadillac V-16 Sport Phaeton (ENGINE NO. 702478)	$1,221,000
Lot 433	1931 Marmon Sixteen Coupe (SERIAL NO. 16 141 675)	$550,000
Lot 391	1911 Oldsmobile Model 28 Autocrat Roadster (ENGINE NO. 66058)	$495,000
Lot 430	1931 Duesenberg Model J Limousine (ENGINE NO. J-430)	$451,000
Lot 406	1908 Oldsmobile Limited Prototype (CHASSIS NO. 14)	$423,500
Lot 419	1911 Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP Silver Ghost Drophead Coupe (CHASSIS NO. 1713)	$385,000
Lot 421	1929 Auburn 120 Eight Speedster (SERIAL NO. 2950505)	$341,000
Lot 405	1915 Stutz Model 4F Bearcat (CHASSIS NO. 4F-2658)	$330,000
Lot 434	1927 Lincoln Model L Imperial Victoria (CHASSIS NO. 47064)	$297,000
Lot 413	1934 Packard Twelve Convertible Victoria (VEHICLE NO. 747-6525)	$286,000

The RM Sotheby’s Group continues its 2019 auction calendar with its 13^th annual London sale on 24 October at a new location—the renowned Olympia event space in West Kensington. The London auction will see 84 unique collector cars, including racing and rally greats, stunning sports and supercars, and modern classics, 13 lots of automobilia, and 1 motorcycle cross the block. Further information on upcoming events, along with complete results from RM Auctions Hershey, can be found at rmsothebys.com.

*Results are listed in USD and are inclusive of buyer’s premium (10 per cent for motor cars, 15 per cent for all other lots). Results include select post-sale transactions which occurred immediately following the auction.

A SUPERB SELECTION OF MODERN AND BEST OF BREED CLASSICS TO BE OFFERED AT NEC SHOW

A SUPERB SELECTION OF MODERN AND BEST OF BREED CLASSICS TO BE OFFERED AT NEC SHOW

The Silverstone Auctions catalogue for their auction at the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show has added some superb modern classics that will certainly rally the buyers and set the pulses racing.

A fine selection of Subarus are being offered synonymous with rallying and home heroes Colin McRae and Richard Burns, they have an incredibly low mileage WRX STi and an Impreza Richard Burns edition with an added extra. Also consigned are a BMW 325i Sport, a car which is quickly becoming a desirable classic, a 1991 Peugeot 205 GTi, plus two great classics, a 1959 Austin Healy Sprite and a 1972 Ford Escort Twin Cam.

Where do you start when we talk about Subarus? For any motorsport enthusiast, it will always be the 555 liveried cars of Colin McRae and Richard Burns, both who are sadly not with us, but their legacy (excuse the pun) lives on. Silverstone Auctions have two very special cars, the first has an incredible 110 miles on the clock from new. The 2017 WRX STI Final Edition was the last of the line for the famous marque model, with just 150 made for the UK market, this virtually as new car represents an amazing opportunity harking back to the days of Subarus rally successes. Estimated at £20,000 to £25,000 with a valid five year warranty and a main dealer service at 99 miles, what an opportunity.

How about a 2007 Subaru Impreza RB320 where the first owner was none other than Robert Reid, who was Richard Burn’s co-driver and won the 2001 World Championship together. They were a very successful pairing, coming runners up in 1999 and 2000, their partnership ran for 12 years. Our vendor is the second owner of this car which has just 1,400 miles on the clock and also comes with a spare rear spoiler which has been signed by some of the greatest legends in rallying and motorsport in general such as Carlos Sainz, Malcolm Wilson, Petter Solberg, Ove Anderson, Hannu Mikkola and even Colin McRae and Robert Reid. The list of names is amazing, so many we can’t mention them all but well worth taking note of. This very special RB320 is estimated at £30,000 to £35,000 and is your chance to own a car built to celebrate a British World Rally Champion and once owned by his World Championship winning co-driver.

Recent sales have shown that the BMW 325i Sport E30 model has sparked a lot of interest and buyers are beginning to focus on this superb model as M3s become rarer to acquire. This 1991 BMW 325i Sport has just 6,794 verifiable miles on the clock and when it was bought in 2007 it had just 5,200. This has got to be one for the serious BMW collector, fitted with numerous M-Tech upgrades, special order Granitsilber Metallic paint and is one of the later face-lifted M Technic 2 models it is estimated at £30,000 to £35,000. A fabulous investment for this well stored and serviced BMW.

Hot hatches of the 90s are well documented and always stir many memories. VW versus Peugeot versus Ford, who actually came out top is probably down to personal preference. But when they come to market excellent cars tend not to hang around. This 1991 Peugeot 205 GTi is one of those. A 1.9 which has been cherished over the years, finished in Cherry Red and with all the service invoices back to the first in August 1991. Estimated at £15,000 to £18,000 this is a very desirable car with just 35,083 miles from new and in excellent condition.

If classics are more your thing, they have two really superb cars. The first is the 1959 Austin Healey Sprite MK1 which has undergone a full restoration to the most exacting standards. It could be said it is better than the day it originally left Abingdon. Estimated at £22,000 to £26,000, this Frog Eye as they were known due to their cheeky appearance, was an unfinished restoration project that had stalled when it was sold to Memory Lane Classics who are making a name for themselves with these cars. They set about the most detailed restoration, which we have outlined on our website, it is almost like new and is a fantastic opportunity for such a characterful car.

Our next classic fits in well with some of our other cars listed, as it is well known for its success in rallying, a 1972 Ford Escort Twin Cam. This car may have been one of the development cars, built but never used, sadly as with a lot of Ford’s records from this time the history files have been destroyed. However, this car is simply wonderful. In the early years, it was used for club level rallying before it was taken off the road from 1984 to 2012. Entrusted to RS guru Kerry Sealey it underwent a total restoration before being sold in 2013 to the current vendor. The detail of the car is fantastic with many original parts and features including the Avanti map reading light.

Estimates at £50,000 to £60,000 with a fresh MOT, 47,439 indicated miles, this is an excellent Escort Twin Cam from a period when they were the rally cars.

Harry Whale Silverstone Auctions Auction Manager commented: “These are some of the superb cars we are offering at our forthcoming sale in November. A great selection of seriously high-quality modern classics with extraordinary provenance.”

“It will be very interesting to see if the Peugeot can beat the current world record which took place at one of our auctions last year.”

Silverstone Auctions are accepting cars for their Classic Motor Show auction on the 9th and 10th November and can be contacted on 01926 691141 or email enquiries@silverstoneauctions.com and would be happy to talk with you and help you through the process of consigning your car, closing date is the 15th October.

On each day, the automobilia and lifestyle auctions start at 11am and the car auction starts at 2pm. (Remembrance Sunday 10th November, the automobilia auction will begin at 11.05am).

Images

2017 Subaru WRX STI Final Edition (Bottom Left)
2007 Subaru Impreza RB320 (Top Right)
1991 BMW 325i Sport (Bottom Right)
1991 Peugeot 205 GTi 1.9 (Top Left)

Forthcoming Auctions9th & 10th November NEC Classic Motor Show Sale - NEC Birmingham
22nd and 23rd February 2020 Race Retro Classic and Competition Car Sale – Stoneleigh
9th May - May Sale and Porsche Sale Silverstone Circuit
6th June - Ferrari Sale Sywell Aerodrome
1st and 2nd August – Silverstone Classic
14th and 15th November – NEC Classic Motor Show

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