Any concerns that the collector car auction economy wasn’t coming roaring back were left for dead after RM Sotheby’s sale on Saturday at the Ritz Carlton Amelia Island.
There were, it must be admitted, fifty No Reserve lots, but only five of fifty-nine lots with reserves failed to find new owners, a 91.5% sale rate on cars with reserves. Six of the fifty-five lots with reserves that sold were hammered sold over their high estimates, 10.9%, which is, referencing the numbers below, comparable with the sell-through on all lots in prior RM Amelia auctions.
Auctioneer Mike Shackleton had to work some of the cars, but many made their way through the curtain into the Ritz Ballroom, took a turn on RM’s turntable and exited, promptly sold.
Highlights included the 1929 Duesenberg Model J Disappearing Top Torpedo by Murphy at $5,725,000 all-in and the Cunningham Corvette barnfind that sold for $758,500. Eight lots were bid to seven-figures: All of them sold. Continuing the strength of pre-war cars, only two of the twenty-five offered failed to find new homes, a 92% sell-through for cars some pundits say have lost their audience in an aging demographic.
But above all it was the gathering of people who haven’t gotten together since we were here at the Ritz Carlton Amelia Island fourteen months and a few weeks ago that was the catalyst for a joyful reopening, catching up and reestablishing connections that frayed (or Zoomed) over the year since Amelia 2020.
Here the numbers, figures that cannot begin to communicate how great it was to be with friends, colleagues, acquaintances and great cars for a few days at Amelia Island:
| Year | Cars Sold/ Offered | Sale % | Sold < Low Est | Sold > High Est | Average Sale | Median Sale | Total $ |
| 2021 | 94/99 | 95% | 47.9% | 16% | $446,723 | $190,400
[42.6%] |
$41,991,940 |
| 2020 | 135/146 | 92.5% | 66.7% | 9.6% | $262,789 | $145,600
[55.4%] |
$35,476,500 |
| 2019 | 117/141 | 83% | 61.5% | 12.8% | $325,219 | $173,600
[53.4%] |
$38,050,640 |
| 2018 | 87/102 | 85.3% | 64% | 10.5% | $308,031 | $173,600
[56.4%] |
$26,798,720 |
64 of 99 lots at RM Amelia are described here, sorted by lot number.
Rack and pinion steering circa 1886.
Lot # 108 1886 Benz Patent-Motorwagen Replica; S/N Engine No. 09129270; Engine # 09129270; Dark Green/Black leather; Estimate $60,000 – $80,000; Non-factory replica 2+ condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $75,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $84,000. – 954cc/0.9hp water cooled single, 2-seats, tiller steering, three wheels. – No evidence it has ever run. – Most of these John Bentley Engineering officially-sanctioned replicas have served as advertising talismen in M-B dealerships and this seems to be an example. The result, however, is generous by historic standards and as much as the new owner might like to emulate Bertha Benz’s first trip it won’t happen on the LBVCR.
Lot # 112 1970 Oldsmobile 4-4-2 Convertible; S/N 344670E108232; Sherwood Green, White stripes/Pearl vinyl; White vinyl top; Estimate $90,000 – $100,000; Older restoration 2 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $55,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $61,600. – L31 455/365hp, M22 4-speed, ram air hood, chrome rim SS wheels, F70-14 Polyglas tires, 3.42 limited slip, power steering and brakes, Hurst shifter, bucket seats, no console, AM-FM. – Restored some time ago to like new condition with better than new cosmetics without going over the top. Excellent clear coat paint with some small defects noted, bright chrome and stainless but some failing pot metal trim. Accurate underhood finishes. A highly impressive example documented with its build sheet. – Sold at Barrett-Jackson’s Reno auction in 2013 for $55,000, then at WestWorld in 2019 for the same price. It turned up on RM’s March Online Only auction last year and was bid to a soul-destroying $91,000. RM later asked $104,500 for it a largely irrational post-block expectation so when it showed up here at Amelia the estimate was adjusted for reality. The result was even more realistic, the same $55,000 hammer bid that it sold for all-in at B-J two years ago. Buyers today may be optimistic, but they’re not irrational.
Lot # 116 2005 Ferrari Superamerica Convertible; S/N ZFFGT61AX50142607; Argento Nürburgring/Beige leather; Estimate $225,000 – $275,000; Unrestored original 2- condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $240,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $268,800. – 5,748/540hp, AutoManual F1 transmission, Fiorano handling package, Daytona style seats, modular alloy wheels, Bridgestone tires, Red calipers, climate control, CD stereo, red tach face. – 15,005 miles, belt serviced five months ago. Chipguarded nose. Slightly stretched upholstery. Chassis has road dirt appropriate to the 15,005 miles. Good Revocromico roof without visible defects. Belt serviced and interior buttons refinished five months ago along with new tires. Little used and well-maintained. – The effect that a few miles has on recent cars like this Superamerica is amazing and the result here shows the cost of actually using, even sparingly, such a vehicle. It could have brought a price well over $300,000 with 4-digit mileage but even at only a thousand miles a year and evidently with appropriate maintenance and a good roof it took a hundred thousand dollar hit on the block. If, however, it is as good as its recent maintenance suggests the new owner should find it satisfying to drive and to own at this price, a solid value.
Lot # 119 1954 Swallow Doretti Roadster; S/N 1208; Engine # TS4288E; Black/Dark Red leatherette, Black piping; Black cloth top; Estimate $110,000 – $140,000; Older restoration 2- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $80,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $89,600. – RHD. 1,991/90hp TR2 inline 4-cylinder, 4-speed, black steel wheels, hubcaps, trim rings, Michelin tires, Lucas headlights. – Original engine and transmission. Excellent paint, chrome and interior. The engine compartment and chassis are nearly like new, accurately restored and slightly aged but less so than the thirteen years since it was done would indicate. An assiduous and informed owner babysat the car during the preview, lending credibility to its presentation and quality. – This is a better car than the price it brought suggests, but maybe not so good as the estimate range infers. The seller may be disappointed, but the buyer should be pleased by both the car and the value in this transaction.
Lot # 122 1919 Pierce-Arrow Series 31 38hp 4-Passenger Roadster; S/N 311365; Engine # 311270; Grey, Black fenders and aprons/Black leather; Black leatherette top; Estimate $200,000 – $250,000; Visually maintained, largely original 3 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $110,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $123,200. – RHD. 415/38 ALAM hp T-head inline six, 3-speed, Waltham speedometer and clock, varnished wood spoke wheels, dual rear-mounted spares, Dawley headlights. – Known history of informed Pierce-Arrow enthusiasts from 1930, refurbished as needed along the way but never fully restored. Retains its original bodywork and wood framing but has a correct type replacement engine. The paint is protective if done only to driver standards, as is the older upholstery and interior trim with some wear on the bolsters of the bucket front seats. The engine compartment is clean and orderly showing evidence of touring use and age. A stately old Pierce, one of three believed to survive with this coachwork, which looks frumpy with the tall top erected but would be a sleek runabout with it stowed. – Sold by Bonhams from the Short collection in 2011 for $141,200 and later offered by Gooding at Pebble Beach in 2011 and Scottsdale in 2014 without selling. Curiously, it was reported sold by RM at the disposition of the Elkhart Collection in October of last year at a price of $168,000. How it showed up here at No Reserve showing only 3 more miles on its odometer and changed hands for this modest price is unexplained. Its history, preservation and coachwork made it a sound value at Elkhart, and it is a good value here at the substantially reduced price.
Lot # 123 1959 Fiat-Abarth 750 GT ‘Double Bubble’ Coupe, Body by Zagato; S/N 100654000; Engine # 100GBS0402555127; White, Blue stripe/Blue vinyl; Estimate $100,000 – $125,000; Competition restoration 3 condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $110,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $123,200. – 981/75hp pushrod 4-cylinder, 4-speed, silver wheels, hubcaps, Pirelli Roadhandler tires, dash-mounted stopwatch, Ansa exhaust. – Cracked and chipped old repaint while assembled. Good, stretched upholstery. Dull gauges. Orderly engine compartment. Old undercoat in the wheel wells. An exciting but unimpressively presented Abarth. – This Fiat-Abarth-Zagato has covered about 800 miles since it was sold by Gooding at Scottsdale in 2008 for $88,000 and they must have been enjoyable, especially if they involved some track time. This isn’t a top of the value curve Bialbero (dohc) engine but it is plenty powerful and recalls the Roosevelt Motors team of similar Double Bubbles that dominated small displacement SCCA racing in the Sixties. This is a fair result for the underlying car, but generous for the mediocre condition.
Lot # 125 1958 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham 4-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 58P020084; Black, Brushed stainless steel roof/Black, White leather; Estimate $160,000 – $200,000; Visually maintained, largely original 3+ condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $125,000. – WonderBar radio, Autronic Eye, Fresnel ridged translucent sun visors, cruise control, steel spring suspension, A/C, power vent windows, wheel covers, narrow whitewalls, some vanity items included. – Looks like it’s never been apart, just given cosmetic and mechanical attention as needed. Decent paint and roof. The upholstery is lumpy an fits loosely. Delaminating windshield. Sound chrome. Orderly unrestored engine compartment. Properly kept up, this Eldo will never need restoration. – Sold to John O’Quinn during his “cost is no object” period by RM at Boca Raton in 2006 for $177,620, then recycled after his demise at St. John’s in 2013 for $71,500. The reported high bid here is ample and should have seen this Brougham on its way to a new home.
Lot # 126 1960 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight Convertible; S/N 609M21498; Provincial White/Metallic Burgundy, White; White vinyl top; Estimate $75,000 – $100,000; Older restoration 2+ condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $50,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $56,000. – 394/315hp, V-8, automatic, finned wheel covers, whitewalls, power steering, brakes and windows, bench seat, WonderBar radio, power antenna, T-3 headlights. – 2014 AACA National First Prize #W28937. Excellent paint, chrome and upholstery. The engine compartment is like new as is the chassis. Impressive preservation of an outstanding older restoration. – This is a good example of the fact that no one really knows what the value of a ’60 Olds 98 Convertible is. It sold at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale in 2008 for $48,400, then at the same venue in 2014 for $77,000, then at B-J’s West Palm Beach auction three months later for $95,400 before coming up short in RM’s Online Only March auction with a high bid of $72,000. It’s a cool, well-equipped Olds that has been carefully preserved since a long-ago restoration, but it was time for it to go away and the buyer got a sound value. Why it brought $77 Large at Scottsdale 2014, much less $95,400 at Palm Beach is a mystery that can only be answered by the successful (?) bidders there.
Lot # 127 1968 Ferves Ranger Utility; S/N FVS0428; Yellow/Black vinyl; Black vinyl top; Estimate $40,000 – $50,000; Visually maintained, largely original 3- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $42,500 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $47,600. – 500/18hp Fiat 500 twin, 4-speed, two-wheel drive. – Poor, thick repaint with orange peel. Sound upholstery. Crudely cut and fitted rubber floor covering. Superficially resprayed chassis with uncovered areas. Not encouraging on several levels. – Sold here a year ago for $42,000, the seller eked out a $500 profit (on the hammer bid before the seller’s commission and expenses) and should be pleased to do so for such a Ferves presented in this mediocre condition.
Lot # 128 1910 Thomas Model M-6-40 Flyabout; S/N 1088; Engine # 1070; Green/Black leather; Natural cloth top; Estimate $175,000 – $225,000; Rebodied or re-created 3- condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $170,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $190,400. – 440/64hp six-cylinder, 3-speed, Solar acetylene headlights and pedestal spotlight, E&J kerosene sidelights and taillight, Stewart speedometer, bulb horn, dual right side spares, folding windshield. – Discovered by Henry Austin Clark, Jr. at Mike Caruso’s famed junkyard in Hicksville, NY in the early 50’s with only three subsequent owners. Rebodied in the present style for Paul Rutherford, Jr. in the early 60’s, then restored by John Caperton III in 1967. Chipping old paint, usable upholstery of which some may be original. Oily, leaky engine and road grimy chassis. The AACA National First Prize badge is undated and thus probably pretty old and matching the age of the restoration. Good brass. Broken old hood strap. – The same model as the famed New York to Paris Thomas Flyer, preserved by a succession of careful owners, the most recent for 46 years, although with various coachwork. It oozes history and is delightful, bringing suitable enthusiasm from the RM Sotheby’s bidders.
Lot # 130 1972 Ferrari Dino 246 GTS Spider, Body by Pininfarina-Scaglietti; S/N 04284; Red, Black roof panel/Black vinyl; Estimate $350,000 – $400,000; Older restoration 2- condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $360,000 plus commission of 11.39%; Final Price $401,000. – 2,419/195hp, 5-speed, Cromodora Dino wheels, Michelin XWX tires, open headlights, Borletti air conditioning, power windows. – Good older paint and interior. Engine is very orderly. Good window seals, barely used upholstery. Good major chrome but some weak trim. The engine has been resealed and is clean and dry. Better than it was in 2012. – Offered by Bonhams at Quail Lodge in 2012 where the odometer showed 39,279 miles, only 183 miles less than the 39,462 on the odometer here at Amelia Island, and failed to sell on a reported high bid of $185,000, a realistic offer at the time. That oversight was rectified today with a result that reflects recent Dino Spider values, although it might have brought more in the original distinctive livery of Nocciola (Hazelnut) over Tobacco.
Lot # 133 1931 Chrysler CM New Six Roadster; S/N CM27545; Engine # CM25720; Cream, Indigo fenders and aprons/Indigo leather; Beige top; Estimate $90,000 – $120,000; Older restoration 3 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $60,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $67,200. – 217/77hp, 3-speed, orange wire wheels, whitewalls, dual sidemounts with mirrors, metal luggage trunk, Trippe lights, Depress Beam headlights, folding windshield, wind wings, radiator stoneguard, rumble seat. – The seat cushion has more recent vinyl upholstery. Stone chipped spare tire wells. Body edge chips, good chrome. Road grimy chassis. Dry but used engine. A good older restoration that’s mellowed into a good driver. – An attractive and unusual older-restored Chrysler roadster with a mellowed but still sound restoration. This is much more than Model A Ford money, but this Chrysler is much more than a Model A Ford. The result is reasonable even though the hammer bid is but two-thirds of the imaginative pre-sale low estimate.
Lot # 134 1964 Alfa Romeo 2600 Spider, Body by Touring; S/N AR192802; Engine # AR0060106445; Metallic Grey (Grigio Medio), Burgundy hardtop/Black leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $275,000 – $325,000; Older restoration 2- condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $220,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $246,400. – 2,584/145hp dohc six, 5-speed, Borrani centerlock wire wheels, Michelin X tires, black vinyl boot cover, Blaupunkt pushbutton radio, triple Solex carbs, Marchal headlights and fog lights, two tops. – Very clean engine bay. Excellent paint and chrome. Very good interior. CA black plate car. Restored. Award winner at the 2013 Concorso Italiano. Still a show car. Clean underbody and chassis, good panel gaps but the doors don’t close flush, particularly the driver’s. – Four years ago this Alfa sold at Gooding’s Pebble Beach auction for $308,000. It’s added only 41 miles to its odometer since then. The colors are attractive, as is the condition but this result is a very big number, even measured against its even more optimistic pre-sale estimate.
Lot # 135 1988 Porsche 911 Turbo ‘Flat-Nose’ Cabriolet; S/N WP0EB093XJS070320; Engine # 68J00846; Guards Red/Champagne leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $300,000 – $350,000; Unrestored original 2- condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $290,000 plus commission of 11.72%; Final Price $324,000. – 3,299/300hp, 4-speed, air conditioning, cassette stereo, snorkely taillight, red center Fuchs wheels, Eagle VR55 tires, power top, limited slip, heated power seats, Blaupunkt Reno stereo, tools, spare, books and paperwork. – Good lightly swirled original paint. Good upholstery that’s more wrinkled than the 2,688 miles would suggest. Unrestored and well-preserved. Serviced two years ago. – Sold here in 2015 for $363,000, there’s little driving enjoyment in store for the new owner without adding value-destroying miles to the 2,688 it has covered. The price is a huge originality premium but one that has to be measured by committed Porsche owners’ appreciation of its “Flachbau” style’s rarity and its impressive preservation and originality.
Lot # 136 1968 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 Berlinetta, Body by Pininfarina-Scaglietti; S/N 10987; Engine # 10987; Giallo Solare/Black leather; Estimate $2,500,000 – $2,800,000; Cosmetic restoration 2 condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $2,550,000 plus commission of 10.20%; Final Price $2,810,000. – 3,286/300hp, 5-speed, Campagnolo centerlock alloy wheels, Michelin XWX tires, Talbot outside mirror. – 48 years continuous ownership by Alan K. Pray, represented as the original engine and gearbox and showing 92,678 kilometers. Excellent chrome and paint with some polishing swirl. Very good upholstery. Old undercoat in the wheel wells and on the chassis. 2019 mechanical restoration by Bob Smith Coachworks. Spotless fully and accurately restored engine compartment. Right wind wing frame chrome needs attention but nothing else does. – The present Giallo Solare livery is at least the third color change from 10987’s original Celeste blue and is both attractive and subtly distinctive from the more common Giallo Fly. Considering the scope (and likely the expense) of the recent mechanical restoration the result here is realistic for the seller and a sound value for the new owner.
Lot # 139 1966 Lamborghini 400 GT 2+2 Berlinetta, Body by Touring; S/N 0745; Red/Beige leather; Estimate $475,000 – $550,000; Recent restoration 2 condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $470,000 plus commission of 11.06%; Final Price $522,000. – 3,929/320hp, 5-speed, Borrani wire wheels, Pirelli tires, wood rimmed steering wheel, wood shift knob, power windows, manuals, invoices, restoration photos. – Better than new restoration with a replacement engine block but the original block is included. The paint and bodywork are straight and shiny, the leather interior is outstanding. The engine is crisp and orderly aside from some fuel staining on the carburetors and fluid residue on the heads. A unique 2+2 in stunning condition with a meticulous restoration. – Sold by RM at Monterey in 2012 in very good restored condition for $352,000, then re-restored subsequently and today is probably better than it was when it emerged from the factory. Certainly the price is, and this result is a generous recognition of its quality and workmanship.
Lot # 140 1981 Porsche 924 Carrera GTR Coupe; S/N WP0ZZZ93ZBS72010; Red/Black cloth; Estimate $375,000 – $450,000; Competition car, original as-raced 3+ condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $365,000 plus commission of 11.37%; Final Price $406,500. – 1,984/375hp intercooled turbocharged fuel injection, 5-speed, limited slip differential, full roll cage, huge fender flares over BBS centerlock wheels with air extractor wheel inserts, sliding Plexiglas side windows, fixed covered headlights, 935 brakes, fire system, one of 17 factory built race cars. – Delivered to Japan, barely used, original and unrestored. Good original paint, aged interior. Dirty underneath. Oxidized aluminum. Paint blisters on both door posts. Not used much if any, but aged everywhere. – Exceedingly rare and potentially brilliant on the track but in its present aged and long-dormant condition it is a static display car. Returning to the track will entail a long, expensive and comprehensive rebuild to ensure both safety and reliability. This price is appreciably more than has been brought by 924 Carrera GTSs, but still recognizes the age and what would be required to put it back in safe, reliable running condition.
Lot # 143 1934 Dodge KCL Westchester Suburban, Body by Cantrell; S/N 8047674; Engine # 1520634; Dark Red, Wood/Brown leatherette; Black cobra grain top; Estimate $30,000 – $40,000; Cosmetic restoration 3- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $47,500 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $53,200. – 201/75hp inline six, 3-speed, red wire wheels, wide whitewalls, single sidemount, top-hinged windshield, 3-row seating, roll-up windows. – Sound old paint and upholstery. Delaminating right front door window. Sound old wood with only a few water stains but in serious need of varnish. One empty hole on the dashboard. Good chrome except the rusty hood hinge. Chassis is dirty and unrestored. Running board covers are aged and cracked. Dirty engine compartment. Will be a usable driver once the wood is sanded and varnished. – Built on Dodge’s light truck KCL chassis as supplied to independent commercial coachbuilders this is a very, very unusual suburban/station wagon with Cantrell’s rollup side windows. It would be the pride and joy of any summer camp or rustic bed and breakfast and its condition won’t prevent it from being used by campers. It blew up RM’s pre-sale high estimate, but the buyers overlooked the deficient condition and concentrated on style and rarity, not a misplaced opinion for a rare and charismatic woodie that will find itself alone among many Fords that cost more in woodie gatherings.
Lot # 144 1956 Alfa Romeo 1900C SS Coupe, Body by Touring; S/N AR1900C10251; Silver, Metallic Grey roof/Red leather; Estimate $200,000 – $240,000; Cosmetic restoration 3 condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $175,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $196,000. – Later 1,975/115hp engine with dual Weber carburetors and a 5-speed, gearbox, chrome spoke Borrani wire wheels, Michelin X tires, Marchal headlights and fog lights. – Even panel gaps and flush fits. Good paint that looks newer than the somewhat worn upholstery and much newer than the dry and road dirty chassis. Rusty wheel hubs. Presentable and eligible for many desirable events but a driver-quality Alfa. – The bigger engine contributes to driving enjoyment, the purpose of this Alfa’s preparation, but detracts from its collector value, a bidders’ judgment that is reflected in this modest but appropriate result.
Lot # 146 2014 Chevrolet SS NASCAR ‘Jeff Gordon’; S/N HMS0114861; Engine # 14L12024; Blue, “Axalta” rainbow/Black cloth; Estimate $150,000 – $200,000; Competition restoration 2 condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $190,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $212,800. – R07 356/725hp Hendrick fuel injected V-8, 4-speed, current NASCAR roll cage, fire system. – Jeff Gordon’s last “Rainbow Warrior” livery race car. Restored by Hendrick to high cosmetic and mechanical standards. Raced five times at Fontana, Darlington, Charlotte, Michigan and Atlanta in 2014, then three more times in 2015 including Bristol where it wore this livery for the last time. – Famous multiple NASCAR champion driver, meticulous restoration by the race shop that built it, modern fuel injected engine and iconic “Rainbow Warrior” livery combine to make this a rare opportunity and the bidders rose to meet the opportunity with this result. It’s expensive even for a well-restored NASCAR Cup race car, but that’s not the point. At this price it probably won’t be making vintage NASCAR race appearances, more’s the pity.
Lot # 147 1938 American Bantam Model 60 Boulevard Delivery; S/N 60365; Engine # 63544; Maroon, Burgundy sweep panel/Burgundy vinyl; Estimate $60,000 – $70,000; Older restoration 2- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $35,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $39,200. – 747/15hp, 3-speed, hub caps and trim rings, whitewalls, wind wings, rear fender skirts, carriage lights, suicide doors, varnished wood in the rear compartment. – Light scratches on the wind wings. Very good paint, chrome and interior. Clean detailed engine bay and undercarriage. Lightly discolored top. Very pretty restoration of an unusual body style Bantam. It needs nothing, and has received AACA Senior National First Prize and an AACA Grand National First Prize in 2010. The Bantam could be had in a variety of body styles, and only 72 of these cute Boulevard Delivery Bantams are thought to have been built. This could very well be the best one that exists. – Designed by Alexis de Saknoffsky, this may be the cutest delivery vehicle ever built. With its open driver’s compartment, opera lights and dramatic sweep panel two-tone livery there could not possibly be a better way to deliver flowers, caviar or poached pheasant to the upper crust. Uber Eats or DoorDash should own this car even if what comes out of the back is pizza or chicken wings. It was sold by Bonhams at Greenwich in 2015 for $43,350 ($38,500 hammer) and its condition hasn’t aged well. Its appeal has endured, however.
Lot # 148 1956 Austin-Healey 100-4 BN2 Roadster; S/N BN2L233015; Engine # 1B233015M; Black/Green leather; No top; Estimate $90,000 – $110,000; Recent restoration 2+ condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $85,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $95,200. – 2,660/90hp, 4-speed, overdrive, chrome wire wheels, Vredestein tires, headlight stoneguards, three Breitling rally timers, 12 volt alternator, aluminum radiator, bumpers removed. – Represented as the original engine. Excellent paint, chrome and upholstery. Carpet behind the seats is loose. The chassis is better than new as is the engine compartment. Parts removed during upgrades are included. – Sold for $100,800 by RM at Monterey in 2018 and barely used since while having some updates, this is an exceptional example that brought a highly deserved price even if it is less than the result three years ago.
Lot # 149 1972 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Berlinetta, Body by Pininfarina-Scaglietti; S/N 16553; Engine # B2464; Red/Tan leather, Black bars; Estimate $500,000 – $600,000; Older restoration 2- condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $500,000 plus commission of 11.00%; Final Price $555,000. – 4,390/352hp, 5-speed, Veglia air conditioning, chrome spoke Borrani wire wheels, Michelin XWX tires, Becker Mexico cassette stereo, tool roll, painted nose panel, popup lights. – Good paint with three small nose stone chips. Very good upholstery with light driver’s seat creasing. Good engine compartment and clean underbody. Not like new, but more than good enough. – This Daytona has covered just under 5,000 miles since it was sold at the Dutch government’s sale of drug smuggler Charles Zwolsman’s collection in 2001 after it was seized in 1993. It was sold there in neglected condition (the collection had been stored under government control and neglect for seven years) for $68,543 (Guilders 180,550 at the time) and has been extensively redone since then. The new owner should be pleased with the Daytona and satisfied with the price paid for it.
Lot # 150 1958 F.M.R. Tg 500 ‘Tiger’ Kabinenroller; S/N 20555; White/Blue leatherette; Clear top; Estimate $125,000 – $165,000; Visually maintained, largely original 3 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $80,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $89,600. – 494/20.5hp 2-stroke twin, sequential 4-speed, silver painted wheels, Maloya tires, coilover rear suspension, halogen headlights, dual outside mirrors, luggage rack, rear-mounted spare. – Fair older paint and interior. Oxidizing aluminum trim. Good clear canopy. Orderly, oily engine compartment with some errant wiring and surface rust. A reasonably attractive driver quality Tiger described as running and drivable. – A sincerely disappointing result following RM’s sale of a Tiger in slightly better condition eight months ago at the Elkhart Collection auction for $145,600, but a great deal for the new owner.
Lot # 151 1992 Ferrari F40 Berlinetta; S/N ZFFMN34A0N0093103; Engine # 30719; Rosso Corsa/Red cloth; Estimate $1,800,000 – $2,200,000; Unrestored original 2- condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $1,850,000 plus commission of 10.27%; Final Price $2,040,000. – 2,936/478hp, 5-speed, SF shields, air conditioning. Assembly number 10440. – U.S. market car, Ferrari Classiche certified. Good original paint and upholstery. There is some paint loss in the engine compartment, probably from servicing, otherwise in condition appropriate to the 3,317 miles showing. Belt and major serviced in November 2020. – While this is an expensive F40 by usual standards it also is a very good, fastidiously maintained, low miles F40 in well-preserved original condition that has just had a boatload of money spent on it. These are expensive cars to own even if they’re not driven and this one seems to have had exceptional and recent care, a car that can be bought with confidence even at this price.
Lot # 152 2007 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano Berlinetta, Body by Pininfarina-Scaglietti; S/N ZFFFC60A970150861; Grigio Silverstone/Black leather, Grey bars; Estimate $500,000 – $650,000; Unrestored original 2 condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $625,000 plus commission of 10.80%; Final Price $692,500. – 5,999/620hp, 6-speed, 5-spoke alloy wheels, PZero tires, Yellow calipers, Daytona style seats, SF shields, carbon ceramic brakes, Bose CD-changer stereo, manuals, books, tools, battery charger, documented with the original invoice. – Represented as 3,200 miles and looks like it. No nose chips. Unblemished interior. One of just 30 6-speed 599 GTB Fioranos built. Sticky switches refinished. Like new. – The passion for six-speed manual transmission modern Ferraris, where there are any to be found, is exemplified by this exalted result, a premium of more than 100% over the original $312,613 sticker price (which includes almost $50,000 in options.) This is a $200,000 car with the slick-shifting F1 gearbox and a nearly half-million dollar premium for the 6-speed.
Lot # 153 1993 Porsche 911 Carrera RSR 3.8 Coupe; S/N WP0ZZZ96ZPS496069; Engine # 62P85571; Yellow/Black cloth; Estimate $750,000 – $850,000; Recent restoration 2 condition; With Reserve; Post-block sale at $677,273 plus commission of 10.74%; Final Price $750,000. – 3,797/375hp, 5-speed, roll cage, Recaro seats, Speedline centerlock alloy wheels, Yokohama tires, fire system, Bosch Motronic engine management, front deck fuel filler, air jacks. – Restored by Freisinger after being raced in the ADAC GT Cup. Very good paint and interior. Pretty much like new and one of only 55 built by Porsche. – Reported sold by RM at Abu Dhabi in 2019 for $782,500 and found this somewhat disappointing post-block result at Amelia even though it has added only 17 km to its odometer since 2019. Its drop in price represents expensive pleasure of ownership over the past eighteen months, a car that has been enjoyed only by the vehicle transporter drivers.
Lot # 155 1948 Talbot-Lago T26 Record Sport Coupe de Ville; S/N 100238; Engine # 26347; Ivory, Blue swoosh/Blue leather; Estimate $600,000 – $700,000; Older restoration 2+ condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $500,000. – 3-carb 4,482/190hp inline six, pre-selector 4-speed, chrome centerlock wire wheels, fender skirts, Marchal headlights, Firestone wide whitewalls, hood ornament, radio, dash clock. – Winner of the Grand Prix du Salon at the 1950 Paris Auto Show, later disappeared for years until 2013 and meticulously restored in its original colors. Incredibly distinctive coachwork, more elegant, aristocratic and ingenious than beautiful which describes many Saoutchik bodies. This is also the only one built. Excellent paint, chrome, interior and underneath. Done recently to deservedly high standards and a shoo-in for most concours events as it sits. – Sold by Bonhams at Quail Lodge in 2018 for a breathtaking $962,000. This is not attractive coachwork, but frumpy and utilitarian even with Saoutchik’s signature embellishments. It is beautifully presented but it missed the mark at Amelia.
Lot # 156 1929 Duesenberg Model J ‘Disappearing Top’ Torpedo, Body by Murphy; S/N 2199; Engine # J-414; Brushed aluminum, Black fenders and aprons, polished accent/Blue leather, wood door panels; Blue cloth top; Estimate $3,500,000 – $4,000,000; Concours restoration 1 condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $5,200,000 plus commission of 10.10%; Final Price $5,725,000. – 420/265hp dual overhead cam inline eight, 3-speed, chrome wire wheels, Firestone tires, dual sidemounts, Twilite headlights, single place rumble seat. – One of six similar bodies built by Murphy, the only one with the rumble seat, brushed aluminum finish and flared lower tail. Originally delivered to David Gray in Santa Barbara, later updated with skirted fenders and 17-inch wheels. ACD Category One certified. Restored by RM, class 2nd at Pebble Beach in 2019, class winner at Amelia last year. Excellent paint, chrome, interior and top. The chassis is better than new. The only noted issue is an area along the lower rear of the bodywork where the aluminum has been worked and not completely brushed out. – Sold by RM at Arizona in 2016 for $3 million before the most recent restoration, a spectacular car that blew expectations out of the water with this result. It is hugely expensive, particularly since there are believed to be three other similar Murphy Torpedos out there and it has exhausted its Pebble Beach allotment until 2029.
Lot # 157 1932 Cadillac 355-B V-8 2/4-Passenger Roadster, Body by Fisher; S/N Engine No. 1201917; Engine # 1201917; Red, Cream/Beige leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $150,000 – $180,000; Concours restoration 1- condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $140,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $156,800. – 353cid 115hp V-8, 3-speed, free-wheeling, chrome spoke body color wire wheels, wide whitewalls, dual enclosed sidemounts, dual remote spotlights, rumble seat, golf bag door, small Pilot-Rays, luggage rack, build sheet copy documented. – Restored in the 90’s, CCCA Premier and Cadillac LaSalle Senior and still looks like it. The paint, chrome, underbody, chassis are better than new. The upholstery shows scant evidence of any use beyond driving on and off concours fields while carrying a trophy. One of only two 355-B Roadsters known to survive of some 30 built. – Reported sold by Worldwide at Scottsdale last year for $129,250, the result here is materially better than that but the Cadillac’s presentation has suffered not at all and the odometer displays only five more miles than it did sixteen months ago. It is a sound value in a sound, usable and presentable Cadillac V-8 Roadster.
Lot # 160 1932 Chrysler CL Imperial Convertible Roadster, Body by LeBaron; S/N 7803524; Engine # CL1244; Blue/Parchment leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $600,000 – $675,000; Concours restoration 1 condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $520,000 plus commission of 10.96%; Final Price $577,000. – 385/125hp inline eight, 3-speed (dealer installed), chrome wire wheels, wide whitewalls, dual enclosed sidemounts with mirrors, vee windshield, rumble seat, Depress Beam headlights, radiator stoneguard, golf bag door. – Restored to high standards in the early 90’s and barely used since restoration. Represented to be the original engine. Excellent paint, chrome and interior. Bright, crisp gauges. There’s one minor chip at the back of the left hood side at the hinge, which speaks to the quality of the restoration and its preservation. – The list of owners of the CL Imperial Convertible Roadster includes a series of early, discerning and informed collectors who recognized its quality and style and saw to its preservation and ultimate restoration. It is a serious automobile and is as expensive as its concours-quality restoration and innate quality requires.
Lot # 161 1961 Chrysler 300G Convertible; S/N 8413158814; Mardi Gras Red/Beige leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $125,000 – $150,000; Cosmetic restoration 3 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $137,500 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $154,000. – 413/300hp, crossram dual quads, automatic, power steering, brakes and windows, air conditioning, chrome wire wheels, whitewalls, pushbutton “Golden Tone” radio, power antenna, swivel bucket seats. – Good older paint, bright chrome, soiled, stretched upholstery. Impressive gauges and dashboard. Orderly engine compartment now showing some age, miles and oily residue. Done well but the restoration is getting on in years. Old undercoat in the wheel wells. – Sold by RM at Hershey in 2018 for $126,500, then at Auburn Fall last September for $135,300, the cross-ram 300G has never been overlooked by collectors. This one is aggressively equipped with air conditioning and it continues to command the respect of collectors with this result.
Lot # 162 1961 Sunbeam Alpine Harrington Fastback, Body by Harrington; S/N B9102814; Silver-Blue/Blue leather; Estimate $75,000 – $100,000; Recent restoration 2 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $67,500 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $75,600. – RHD. Later 1,725/140hp engine with dual Weber carburetors, 5-speed, chrome wire wheels, Lucas headlights, driving light, fog light, Moto-Lita woodrim steering wheel, full tool tray – Very good paint, chrome and interior. The underbody and chassis are like new. Flush panels are even gaps. Spotless engine compartment with chrome valve cover and radiator header tank. An impressive car. – Sold at the Saratoga auction in 2017 for $79,200, the odometer now reads 5,607 miles, 716 miles more than it did four years ago but miles that are not reflected in its excellent condition. The larger engine, Webers and 5-speed are thoughtful upgrades that contribute to its enjoyment and while it’s in excellent condition it’s not too good to be enjoyed. A solid value.
Lot # 163 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster; S/N 1980428500102; Engine # 1989808500151; Red/Cognac leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $800,000 – $1,000,000; Older restoration 3 condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $835,000 plus commission of 10.60%; Final Price $923,500. – 2,996/250hp, 4-speed, body color wheels, hubcaps, bias ply whitewalls, Becker Mexico radio, matching luggage, tool roll, owner’s manual. – Mediocre old repaint poorly finished around the wheel well eyebrows. Sound upholstery and interior trim. Orderly but aged engine compartment and chassis. Earl Scheib would be proud of this paint job, but any self-respecting car painter would not. – It is tough to assess an inherently desirable car like this 300SL Roadster that hasn’t had the quality attention that it deserves. Driving down the road on its period-appropriate whitewall tires it looks like a million bucks. Only up close does its preparation and presentation start to come apart. The bidders here encapsulated the pluses and minuses in arriving at this realistic price and the seller could have hoped for no more than this.
Lot # 166 1978 Porsche 911 Turbo Coupe; S/N 9308800443; Engine # 6880287; Black, White Styled Turbo graphics/Black leather; Estimate $100,000 – $125,000; Unrestored original 2- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $105,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $117,600. – 3,299/300hp, 4-speed, black center Fuchs wheels, Cinturato tires, no sunroof, cassette stereo, power windows, air conditioning, fog lights, headlight washers, Porsche Production Specification certificate documented, air compressor, jack, tools, owner’s manual, service documentation. – Represented as the numbers matching engine and gearbox. Some chips on the nose, and scratched graphics on the engine cover left. The paint is otherwise a little tired but not bad, and it’s all original other than the rear bumper. The exterior plastic is a little dull. Original but tidy and maintained underneath. Very good lightly worn original interior. Showing 33,187 miles that are represented as original. Not a time warp car, but one that has been appreciated and well looked after. – It’s easy to see why the bidders here liked this 930 Turbo Coupe. The catalog hyped the “exceedingly rare sunroof-delete” but that hardly seems like a distinction that makes a difference except to the most obsessive Porschephile. This Porsche was sold by RM here in 2019 for $123,200 and has added only 32 miles to the odometer since then to arrive at today’s 33,187 miles. It’s too much fun to drive to be used this little, unless the owner missed the sunroof.
Lot # 167 1933 Lincoln Model KB Convertible Sedan, Body by Dietrich; S/N KB2284; Engine # KB2284; Grey, Blue fenders, aprons and accent/Black leather; Blue cloth top; Estimate $250,000 – $300,000; Older restoration 2- condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $215,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $240,800. – 448/150hp V-12, 3-speed, grey wire wheels, dual enclosed sidemounts with mirrors, cloth covered luggage trunk, Trippe lights, vee windshield. – Paint looks newer than the upholstery and chrome but all of them are very good and free of chips and wear. The chassis is restored but has storage dust. The driver’s door apron has minor scratches. Good dashboard and gauges. Clean and dry engine compartment. A well-restored and preserved old restoration with the original body as-delivered in 1933 – This Lincoln was offered here nine years ago when it was reported bid to $210,000 but didn’t sell. It was acquired by the selling family shortly thereafter and cosmetically refreshed by RM with paint and a new top before appearing at Pebble Beach in 2013. The body is a sleek design reflecting the influence of Edsel Ford on Lincoln’s styling and is more aerodynamic and modern than many of its luxury counterparts. With room for a modest-sized family it brought an appropriate price here.
Lot # 168 1911 Winton Model 17B 5-Passenger Touring; S/N 10976; Dark Green/Brown leather; Dark Green cloth top; Estimate $200,000 – $250,000; Older restoration 3+ condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $285,000 plus commission of 11.75%; Final Price $318,500. – RHD. 457/48hp ALAM inline 6-cylinder, 4-speed, Warner speedometer and clock, bulb horn, Gray & Davis headlights, sidelights and taillight, Klaxon electric horn, Prest-o-Lite acetylene tank, folding dogleg windshield, right side spare, leatherette covered luggage trunk, wood spoke wheels, 37 x 5 tires. – Good older paint, newer upholstery and top. Dull brass. Restored long ago and driven since. Oily chassis and engine but everything is well-maintained and preserved. Brass is dulling and deserves attention. Electrified lights. A marvelous, big old Winton. – Alexander Winton deserves to be celebrated as one of the pioneers of the automobile in America. In 1899, when Henry Ford (whom Winton had declined to hire as a mechanic) was still laboring in his shed, Winton’s company sold 100 automobiles. The six-cylinder Winton appeared in 1908 while others were still building singles, twins and fours. Advanced design, robust construction and the smooth and powerful six-cylinder engine made Wintons favorites of the upper crust until the company crumbled in the post-WWI recession. Wintons’ quality and luxury are abundantly apparent in this magnificent 1911 Model 17B. Its restoration is old but sound and it brought a deserved above-estimate price here.
Lot # 169 1947 Lancia Aprilia Cabriolet, Body by Pinin Farina; S/N 43911854; Engine # 24292; White/Dark Red leather; Dark Blue cloth top; Estimate $180,000 – $220,000; Visually maintained, largely original 3- condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $145,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $162,400. – 1,352/48hp V-4, 4-speed, vented wheel covers, Michelin X tires. – Mediocre old repaint. Dull, scratched bright trim. Worn upholstery with crude repairs to some split seams. Ancient undercoat underneath. Scratched windshield. Appears to be sound but has many needs, not the least of them being a restoration. One of ten believed bodied by Pinin Farina with this coachwork. – Dull, poorly proportioned coachwork that thankfully was inflicted on only ten postwar Aprilias. Then given a superficial “restoration” appropriate to the coachwork. It could be a star but it will take everything to make it into one and at this base investment does not make any sense at all. This result is a breathtaking premium over regular production Aprilias (the last model designed under Vincenzo Lancia’s leadership).
Lot # 170 1960 Chevrolet Corvette LM Convertible; S/N 00867S103535; Engine # 10W136684T0918CNJ; Red-ish, Red-ish hardtop/Red, White vinyl; Estimate $900,000 – $1,300,000; Unrestored original 5+ condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $685,000 plus commission of 10.73%; Final Price $758,500. – Big Tank, Big Brakes, fuel filler modified rear deck, later engine of no consequence. – The fact that this Corvette is poorly modified, dirty, dusty, incomplete and disheveled is of no significance. It is the 1960 Cunningham Le Mans team car #1, driven by Briggs Cunningham and Bill Kimberly, one of three Cunningham team cars including the #3 car driven by Bob Grossman and John Fitch that won its class in an epic adventure. Its identity was lost after being sold by Bill Frick, race prepared but without the engine and hardtop, to Perry Boswell who undertook a customization finished in black. It became the current red later and stayed that way until 2012 when it surfaced in a barn in Tampa and was eventually identified as the last of the three Cunningham Le Mans cars, the others being restored and owned by Bruce Meyer and Lance Miller. It retains many of the Le Mans-specific modifications by Zora Arkus-Duntov, GM and Cunningham, telling details like the remote starter mount, number roundel lighting wiring, rear deck modified for the quick fill fuel cap, racing brakes with cooling air ducting, various racing component mounting provisions, central windshield wiper location and oversize fuel tank. Despite the modified nose and tail the chassis and much of the central body structure including the firewall, floors and doors are original, not to mention the steering column-mounted VIN tag and chassis VIN stamping. – This is a seriously historic and important automobile, easily the most historic car offered at the Amelia Island auctions, and without reserve. It is at the beginning of a long, arduous restoration to bring it back to Le Mans 1960 configuration led by Kevin Mackay at Corvette Repair, Inc. in Valley Stream, NY who restored the Millers’ Cunningham Le Mans Corvette and has the experience, resources and expertise to make it right. Best of all, not just “anyone” is the new owner. It was purchased by a member of the Cunningham family, bringing it full circle from 1960 to the present. Price is irrelevant (although I told RM’s Alain Squindo during the preview that I thought it would bring $650,000 hammer, pretty good for a WAG.)
Lot # 171 1965 Shelby Cobra 289 Roadster; S/N CSX2547; Black/Black leather; Estimate $850,000 – $950,000; Older restoration 2 condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $875,000 plus commission of 10.57%; Final Price $967,500. – 289/306hp, 4-speed, chrome wire wheels, Pirelli P4 tires, grille and trunk guards, wind wings. – Replacement 289 engine and T10 gearbox. Excellent paint, chrome and interior. The only evidence of use is a barely stretched driver’s seat cushion. The engine compartment is pristine and they’ve even retained the factory-style leaf spring twine wrapping. – One of many Cobras claiming Shelby American demonstrator status but impressively restored by Mike McCloskey to like new appearance and specifications. The replacement engine and gearbox take a whack at the value but the bidders allowed for that, as did RM in the pre-sale estimates. This is a choice Cobra at a responsible price.
Lot # 172 1953 Chevrolet Corvette Roadster; S/N E53F001227; Engine # LAY556565; Polo White/Red vinyl; Beige cloth top; Estimate $225,000 – $250,000; Older restoration 2+ condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $180,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $201,600. – 235/150hp, Powerglide, bullet air cleaners, WonderBar radio, wheel covers, Firestone wide whitewalls. – Represented as having a “correctly dated engine and transmission”, a different term from “the correct engine and transmission.” Excellent cosmetics, handsomely restored a while ago. Very good paint, upholstery and chrome. Good gauges but the chrome on the radio is weak. The chassis is like new. – The ’53 Corvette is cherished, not because it was a paradigm of sports cars (being based on the Chevy sedan frame and suspension and powered by a breathed-on version of the Stovebolt Six) but because it represented the beginning an historic line of Corvettes that still excite imaginations today. This may not be the original engine but, ahh, so what? It’s a pristine older restored Corvette that sold for $210,600 at Barrett-Jackson WestWorld in 2004. The odometer today shows only 57 miles, 50 more than it did seventeen years ago and the car shows nothing but caring, consistent attention and no visible deterioration from the intervening years. The result here is sound and realistic, giving due consideration to the engine and transmission issues.
Lot # 174 1937 Lincoln-Zephyr Coupe; S/N K6205; Dark Green/Tan cloth; Estimate $50,000 – $75,000; Cosmetic restoration 3- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $57,500 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $64,400. – 267/110hp V-12 with dual carburetor intake added, 3-speed, skirts, wide wheel covers, whitewalls. – Poor, lumpy bodywork, erratic paint. Sound upholstery. Old, dry, dirty chassis. Spotted major chrome. Neither thoroughly done nor was the attention it got better than mediocre. A car best avoided. – This is a good example of a “friendly” car: its sides wave at you as it passes by. It’s had a wavy auction history, too, selling for $132,000 at RM’s auction of the Art Astor collection in 2008, then stumbling to $85,250 at Hershey in 2013 before recovering to a healthy $121,000 at Hershey in 2017. It then was sold by Worldwide at Auburn in 2018 but achieved less than half that result here, a price that despite its V-12 power, upgraded dual carburetor intake and beautiful, aerodynamic design is appropriate recognition of its seriously mediocre condition. RM recognized the challenges with its pre-sale estimate.
Lot # 175 1936 Packard Twelve Dual Cowl Sport Phaeton, Body by Dietrich; S/N 921205; Engine # 904502; Blue/Beige leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $650,000 – $750,000; Concours restoration 1 condition; With Reserve; Post-block sale at $540,909 plus commission of 10.92%; Final Price $600,000. – 473/175hp, 3-speed, chrome wire wheels, wide whitewalls, dual enclosed sidemounts with mirrors, spotlights, dual windshields, radio, trunk rack. – Excellent paint, upholstery and top. Bright major chrome but the hood side and windshield frame chrome is weak. Restored in 1996 by Fran Roxas for Ron Benach, CCCA National First Prize number 2178. A rare and prestigious Packard with a concours quality and well-preserved restoration. – Bid to $575,000 on the block. Closed later with this result. RM sold this car, described as the last factory-bodied Twelve Sport Phaeton built by Packard, at Monterey in 2017 for $682,000. Its Fran Roxas restoration is still impressive despite being a quarter-century old and the car is still exceptional, worth every bit of the price it brought here.
Lot # 176 1971 Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spider, Body by Pininfarina-Scaglietti; S/N 14863; Engine # B1486; Giallo Fly/Black leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $2,250,000 – $2,750,000; Visually maintained, largely original 3+ condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $2,225,000 plus commission of 10.22%; Final Price $2,452,500. – 4,390/352hp, Veglia air conditioning, power windows, chrome spoke Borrani wire wheels, Michelin XWX tires, Momo leather rim steering wheel, Marelli ignition modules, painted nose panel, popup headlights, manuals, tool roll. – 1972 New York Auto Show display car. Ferrari Classiche Red Book certified, 2008 Cavallino Platinum winner. Represented as the numbers-matching engine and gearbox with 13,447 miles from new. Very good paint in the original color, and major chrome. Some trim chrome is lightly scratched and thin. The engine compartment is dusty and has a bit of oily residue. The cosmetics are very good and the rest of the car has been looked after without needing restoration. – A factory Daytona Spider that has always been a collector car, had continuous ownership by informed and caring Ferrari owners and never needed restoration while accumulating scant miles during fifty years of life. There are a few condition issues, but they are of little importance or significance. This is a result that should satisfy both the seller and the new owner.
Lot # 177 1947 Ford Super DeLuxe Sportsman Convertible; S/N 799A1617393; Pheasant Red/Maroon leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $160,000 – $200,000; Older restoration 3+ condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $170,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $190,400. – 239/100hp, 3-speed, heater, clock, radio, remote spotlight, power windows, power top, fog lights, oil filter, windshield washer, spotlight. – There is one piece of attractively figured framing wood but the rest is ordinary. There is some water staining but most of the framing looks original and is attractively finished and varnished. The rear deck framing may be new. Good paint and chrome. The engine compartment shows age and at least one radiator hose failure. – Sold for $94,600 at RM’s Meadow Brook auction in 2002 and showing the effect of the intervening nineteen years, this is a huge price for an aging Sportsman.
Lot # 178 1941 Packard One-Eighty Darrin Convertible Victoria, Body by Darrin of Paris; S/N 14292013; Engine # CD502436C; Olive Green/Tan leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $275,000 – $325,000; Older restoration 2- condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $225,000. – 356/185hp inline eight, 3-speed, fog lights, beige wheels, hubcaps, trim rings, wide whitewalls, AM-FM radio with Packard face plate. – Three inch chip in front of the passenger’s door and a small one at the top front of the driver’s door. Good chrome, paint and upholstery. The dashboard and gauges are faded, knobs are dull and aged and the horn ring chrome is failing. The door window pockets are coated with overspray and primer dust from a recent repaint with inattentive masking. The chassis is thoughtfully restored, but the overall impression is of a mediocre restoration that hasn’t been looked after well. – Sold by RM at Arizona in 2012 for $225,500 before the most recent repaint, the presentation is rather like dressing up an aged movie star with fresh lipstick. The consignor may have calculated the investment including the new paint and thought “I’m underwater”, but the reported high bid is fair for the mixed condition and presentation.
Lot # 179 2012 Lexus LFA Coupe; S/N JTHHX8BH7C1000428; Steel Grey/Black leather seats, Red Alcantara trim; Estimate $425,000 – $500,000; Unrestored original 2 condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $650,000 plus commission of 10.77%; Final Price $720,000. – 4,805/552hp V-10, AutoManual 6-speed, Red calipers, tire gauge, flashlight, manuals, sales literature and window sticker documented. – <500 miles, a new car. Number 430 of 500 built, one of about 190 U.S.-delivered. $388,300 MSRP. – Sold here to all intents and purposes for double its MSRP with bupkus miles, this is a car that excites passion among people much younger than the usual car collector demographic, and they were laser-focused on it. It’s an “instant collectible”, but whether that stature will last remains to be seen.
Lot # 180 1980 BMW M1 Coupe; S/N WBS59910004301261; Engine # M88317; White/Black leather, check cloth inserts; Estimate $350,000 – $425,000; Unrestored original 3 condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $375,000 plus commission of 11.33%; Final Price $417,500. – 3,453/277hp, 5-speed, cassette stereo, air conditioning, Michelin tires, roof-mounted antenna. – Represented as the original engine, documented with a BMW Classic certificate. Dirty, used interior that has a musty odor. Good original paint. Original undercoat with some road dirt. Odometer doesn’t work The presentation is not encouraging. – Not an impressive M1, apparently from all visual indicia a neglected and ignored car. 277 horsepower is not impressive today, but was eye-opening in 1980. This result (and RM’s pre-sale estimate) reflects this M1’s condition.
Lot # 181 1995 Ferrari F50 Targa, Body by Pininfarina-Scaglietti; S/N ZFFTG46A5S0103922; Engine # 810237; Red/Black leather, Red cloth; Estimate $3,400,000 – $3,750,000; Unrestored original 2- condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $3,425,000 plus commission of 10.15%; Final Price $3,772,500. – 4,699/520hp, 6-speed, P Zero Corsa tires, SF shields, books, tools, suitcase. Assembly number 20903. – Number 48 of 349 F50s built and only 55 US market cars. Represented with three owners and scant miles from new. Serviced in 2018. Lightly scratched headlight covers. Soiled seats. Clean engine compartment, serviced in June 2018. – Sold by Gooding & Company at Scottsdale in 2011 for $814,000 after long ownership by Benny Caiola, then last year at the same venue for $3,222,500, the most expensive transaction in Scottsdale last year before Covid-19 shut everything down. This result is a curve-setter, just as last year’s Scottsdale result was, but it brought a meticulously preserved low mileage F50.
Lot # 183 1961 Chenowth San Diego Steel Products Indy Car Roadster; S/N 1; Red, “San Diego Steel Products”/Black vinyl; Estimate $175,000 – $225,000; Competition restoration 2- condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $140,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $156,800. – 255 cid Chevy, Hilborn fuel injection, 2-speed gearbox with reverse, Halibrand centerlock alloy wheels, chrome suspension, offset differential, Airheart disc brakes. – Built for Chuck Chenowth, the first Chevy-powered car to attempt to qualify for the 500 (it had engine trouble and didn’t make the show) driven by Mike Magill. Later raced successfully in various short track races well into the 1970’s. Restored by Dave Schleppi with new body panels, 1997 AACA National First Prize and Senior and still highly presentable. Comes with two engine blocks including the 1961 Indy block, fuel cell, seat cover, body panel bucks and remote starter with battery cart. Looks ready to go. – For sale at $130,000. Although it was ultimately unsuccessful at its original purpose, the chassis went on to subsequent short track success including winning the 1977 Little 500 driven by Jeff Bloom. The restoration is to high standards and even three decades after it was done still looks fresh and clean.
Lot # 185 1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K 3-Position Roadster, Body by Windovers; S/N 123699; Engine # 123699; Black/Brown leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $1,000,000 – $1,500,000; Older restoration 2- condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $1,450,000 plus commission of 10.34%; Final Price $1,600,000. – RHD. 4,984/160hp, skirts, Mother-of-Pearl instrument panel, body color wire wheels, blackwall tires, cowl mounted semaphores, Bosch headlights, dip beam light, outside exhaust headpipes. – Intriguing British history with first owner Willy Rhodes-Moorhouse whose Hurricane fighter claimed 12 kills during the Battle of Britain before being shot down in 1940, presumably while Willy was commuting to the aerodrome in his Mercedes. Restored years ago by M-B then cosmetically redone by RM Restorations in 2007 and still in excellent condition showing some use. Displayed at Pebble Beach in 2007 and Amelia in 2008. Represented as the original engine and body. Rare and attractive coachwork. – A Cabriolet A from Sindelfingen is worth this much, or more, and this Windovers-bodied 3-position roadster is more unusual and sleek. Bonhams offered it at Quail Lodge in 2000 where it was bid to $350,000 but not sold. The successful hammer bid here is close to its pre-sale high estimate but should be regarded as a good value in a unique and well-restored supercharged Mercedes-Benz.
Lot # 186 1961 Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet Series II, Body by Pininfarina; S/N 2533; Engine # 2533; Grigio Conchiglia, Grigio Conchiglia Hardtop/Blue leather; Blue cloth top; Estimate $1,200,000 – $1,400,000; Older restoration 2- condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $1,350,000 plus commission of 10.37%; Final Price $1,490,000. – 2,953/240hp, 5-speed, hard and soft tops, chrome spoke Borrani wire wheels, Michelin Defender tires, Autovox radio, power antenna, grille-mounted fog lights, Marchal headlights, tool roll, spare, manuals. – Restored in the teens in its original colors. Ferrari Classiche Red Book certified. Very good repaint and interior other than small scrapes on the seat back piping and a tarnished ashtray cover. Scuffed windshield frame chrome. Clean older restored chassis and underbody. The engine compartment is orderly and done to reasonable standards without being made into jewelry. The hood stands high on the right rear corner. – A buyer at Brooks Gstaad auction in 1998 picked up this Ferrari (then in Resale Red) for $130,336 (SFr 212,500 at the time, about $236,500 at today’s exchange rate.) It’s had much attention since then and is an exceptionally handsome and well-preserved older restoration today that makes a statement in its original colors and brought a healthy but realistic price.
Lot # 187 1994 Porsche 911 Carrera Speedster; S/N WP0CB2968RS465265; Engine # 62P05218; Guards Red/Black leather, Grey inserts; Black cloth top; Estimate $150,000 – $175,000; Unrestored original 2- condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $190,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $212,800. – 3,600/270hp, 5-speed, body color wheels, snorkely brake light, factory cassette stereo, climate control, sport seats, body color Turbo Design alloy wheels, Bridgestone tires, limited slip, books, manuals, window sticker, Porsche Production Specification certificate. – 11,977 miles and pretty much like new but getting old. – RM sold this humpback 911 Carrera Speedster at its Porsche sale in Atlanta in 2018 for $190,400 and the odometer today shows only 128 more miles than it did then. The consignor must be very pleased with this result. The buyer is perhaps not as pleased but has a rare, distinctive, low production open 911 Carrera and paid only a little generously for it.
Lot # 188 2006 Ford GT Heritage Coupe; S/N 1FAFP90S26Y400783; Engine # 1FAFP90S26Y400783; Gulf Blue, Orange stripe/Black leather; Estimate $480,000 – $520,000; Unrestored original 2 condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $510,000 plus commission of 10.98%; Final Price $566,000. – 330/550hp, 6-speed, Gunmetal Grey calipers, BBS centerlock alloy wheels, Eagle tires, CD stereo. – 2.7 miles and [like] new. – It’s intriguing to talk with Mike Brablec and the other RM car handlers about moving this and other single-digit mileage Ford GTs. They can’t be driven and they can’t be turned on, all to preserve the electronically accumulated mileage on their single-digit odometers. There were 343 Heritage Editions built. Most of them have 4-digit mileage or less and the bupkus mileage premium is getting steadily smaller. It’s time to drive this one, even a few miles.
Lot # 189 1967 Fiat Dino 2.0 Coupe, Body by Bertone; S/N 135AC0001142; Red/Black vinyl; Estimate $60,000 – $80,000; Recent restoration 2 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $72,500 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $81,200. – 1,987/160hp V-6, 5-speed, Cromodora alloy wheels, Michelin XWX tires, AM-FM, power windows. – Restored like new with excellent paint, bright chrome and fresh interior. The underbody and chassis are like new. – This is a gorgeous Fiat Dino, restored far better than any well-informed person would have thought justified for a Dino 2.0 coupe. The bet, however, paid off with this unprecedented result, a price never before seen at auction, but then we probably haven’t seen a Dino 2.0 coupe so elaborately restored before, either. The transaction will cause head-scratching among price guide editors but probably best taken gingerly into account and treated as the outlier that it is.
Lot # 191 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder; S/N WP0CA2A19FS800337; Meteor Silver Metallic/Garnet Red leather; Estimate $1,000,000 – $1,250,000; Unrestored original 2 condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $1,070,000 plus commission of 10.47%; Final Price $1,182,000. – 4,593/599hp V-8, dual electric motors add 282hp but only 12 miles of all-electric range, 7-speed PDK automanual, Acid Green calipers and logo accents, front axle lift, lightweight centerlock wheels, Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, heated lightweight seats, Alcantara steering wheel rim. – Excellent cosmetics and only slightly creased driver’s seat cushion bolster. Stated to be 2,620 miles from new, regularly serviced but there is no noted battery charger included. – Bidding advanced on $10K bids from $1MM as two bidders sought to figure out who was more serious resulting in this serious price for a 918 Spyder with 4-digit miles which continues the generally declining auction values seen over the past few years as the cutting edge technology of 2015 is dulled by subsequent hybrids.
Lot # 192 2003 Aston Martin DB AR1 Roadster, Body by Zagato; S/N SCFAE62333K800088; Engine # 00396; Titanium Grey/Claret leather; Estimate $300,000 – $350,000; Unrestored original 2- condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $270,000 plus commission of 11.85%; Final Price $302,000. – 5,935/434hp V-12, 6-speed, 5-spoke alloy wheels, PZero Rosso tires, 6-speed, Red calipers, CD stereo, power windows but no top. – Only 350 miles but the eighteen years is showing. – Developed from the DB7 with design by Zagato in parallel with the DB7 Zagato coupe, the DB AR1 is a fair weather car with no top. Its limited adaptability has had limited effect on its desirability, though, lagging its DB7 Zagato sibling but holding its value against the standard DB7 Vantage coupe and convertible. The latter, having a real top, is more practical but can be had for prices that shave a zero off the AR1’s cost. This is a realistic result for a DB AR1 with 3-digit mileage.
Lot # 193 1983 March-Chevrolet 83G IMSA GTP; S/N 83G2; White, “Spirit of Miami”/Black cloth; Estimate $200,000 – $300,000; Competition restoration 2- condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $220,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $246,400. – RHD. Chevrolet V8, Lucas injection, BBS centerlock alloy wheels, Avon tires, some spares, four extra wheels and tires. – A 3-time race IMSA winner including the 1983 Miami GP driven by Al Holbert, also driven by Emerson Fittipaldi, Randy Lanier, Doc Bundy and the Whittington brothers among others. Restored in 2006 in 1984 “Spirit of Miami” livery. Excellent paint and interior. Race-ready restored aside from stone chips in the wheel wells. Estate of John Campion. – This is an appropriate result for a well-restored, sorted and virtually brand new race-winning March IMSA GTP. It is eligible for many things and has a colorful story involving Miami GP promoter Ralph Sanchez enticing two-time World Champion Emerson Fittipaldi out of retirement, showing Emo he was still quick and leading to a second career in Indy cars and two Indy 500 wins.
Lot # 195 1981 March 811 Formula 1; S/N 81105; Black, “Guinness”, “Rizla”/Black; Estimate $300,000 – $400,000; Competition restoration 2- condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $300,000 plus commission of 11.67%; Final Price $335,000. – Cosworth DFV, Hewland FGA transmission, Stack instrumentation, six spare wheels and tires. – Notably unsuccessful at F1 in 1981 driven by Derek Daly for the RAM team but raced with some success driven by Val Musetti in the 1982 British F1 championship. Then rebodied for Can-AM and raced by Musetti and John Graham with 8th and 9th at Caesar’s Palace (remember that venue?) and Laguna Seca. Restored in 1988, historic F1 raced since with fresh engine and gearbox rebuilds. Good paint and graphics, otherwise somewhat used. John Campion estate. – Condition is everything where this March’s value is concerned and the fact it’s from the estate of John Campion, whose reputation for top-notch preparation is well-established goes a long way to supporting the value, even though the car was unsuccessful when new. Derek Daly got more out of this chassis/powerplant combination in 1981 than it was inherently capable of delivering and shows it has some potential in Historic F1 competition, potential that is reflected in the optimistic price it brought.
Lot # 196 2005 Lola B05/52 A1 Grand Prix; S/N HU07; Green, Blue/Black duct tape; Estimate $150,000 – $175,000; Competition restoration 3+ condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $125,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $140,000. – 3.4/534hp Gibson (Zytek) V-8, alloy wheels, Cooper treaded tires, four spare wheels and tires. – Built by Lola for the A1 Grand Prix of Nations series featuring country-based teams (like the Vanderbilt Cup and early grands prix) for the Irish team. Mostly raced by Adam Carroll including a win at Mexico City. Excellent cosmetics. The cockpit, engine and chassis are neat but aged and race preparation appears to be professional. Fresh Gibson engine with only dyno and shakedown time. John Campion estate. – This is a chance to play in some selective sandboxes with a good support system and superior preparation. The key to the price is eligibility.
Lot # 197 1953 Buick Roadmaster Skylark Convertible; S/N 16760829; Majestic White/Red, White leather; White vinyl top; Estimate $80,000 – $100,000; Older restoration 3- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $75,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $84,000. – 322/188hp, Dynaflow, chrome wire wheels, wide whitewalls, automatic, power windows, brakes, steering and antenna. – Dirty engine compartment, chipped paint, sound chrome, creased and soiled upholstery, old gauges. Restored long ago and going downhill. – Buick’s contribution to the series of “sports cars” that were featured in the 1952 GM Motorama. Loaded with options as standard equipment it was a $5,000 headliner but Buick managed to sell 1,690 of them, much more than Oldsmobile’s Fiesta (458), Cadillac’s Eldorado (532) or Chevrolet’s Corvette (300). This tired older restored Skylark was sold for $72,600 at Auburn Fall eight months ago. That was a realistic result for its condition, which places this $11,400 higher price firmly into expensive territory.
Lot # 200 1967 Maserati Ghibli 4.7 Coupe, Body by Ghia; S/N AM115276; Engine # AM115276; Giallo Fly/Black leather; Estimate $160,000 – $200,000; Visually maintained, largely original 3- condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $135,000. – 4,709/340hp, 5-speed, chrome spoke Borrani wire wheels, Eagle GA tires, Blaupunkt AM-FM, power windows. – Poor old repaint with cracks at the windshield posts and the headlight door corners. Masking holidays, hood corner chips, touched up door edge chips. Sound but worn old upholstery. Paint losses under the hood, missing the air filter. A tired fourteen year old restoration. – The auction description of “appealing patina” is all the hint needed to begin looking closely, and a closer look was not encouraging. The bidders agreed with this entirely reasonable result for a Ghibli 4.7 in this condition.
Lot # 201 1991 Lamborghini Diablo Coupe; S/N ZA9DU07P0MLA12283; Red/Black leather, Red piping; Estimate $200,000 – $250,000; Unrestored original 2 condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $245,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $274,400. – 5,707/485hp, 5-speed, O.Z modular telephone dial alloy wheels, Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires, Alpine cassette stereo, wing, original window sticker documented, owner’s manual, wallet, press release book, service invoices, car cover, Keith Collins floor mats. – Stated to be 5,282 km. Lightly worn and creased upholstery, good original paint with no chips, scratches or scuffs. The underbody is appropriate to the age and miles. Serviced this month with a new Kevlar clutch and belts. – Rarely seen in posters without a beautiful woman posing with it, this is the original Diablo with no power steering, rear wheel drive and the obligatory for the period Alpine stereo. It is beautifully preserved and presented in showroom condition with recent (and expensive) mechanical service. It was reported sold by RM at Arizona in 2018 for $190,400 showing 4,762 miles at the time and today has only 520 more, miles that are not at all apparent in its presentation. This is a choice early Diablo with fresh and expensive mechanical service. Its history encourages confidence in its condition and this result responsibly reflects the car’s caliber.
Lot # 203 1941 Chrysler Royal Town and Country Barrel Back 4-Dr. Sedan; S/N 7706531; Maroon, Ash framing, Mahogany panels/Maroon leather; Estimate $275,000 – $325,000; Older restoration 2- condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $190,000. – 242/108hp inline six, 3-speed Fluid Drive, hub caps and trim rings, Firestone wide whitewalls, amber fog lights, roof rack, pushbutton radio, dash clock, 3-row seating. – Very clean underneath. Sound older paint with some detailing scratches but no major blemishes. Pretty remarkable wood with no cracks or water spots, and the gaps are actually pretty even. Light wrinkling to the seats and a small crack in the shift knob, but mostly fantastic interior. A restoration done quite a few years ago, but the work speaks for itself here and it’s still a gorgeous woodie with tons of eyeball. – Offered by Worldwide at Pacific Grove in 2018 with 44,647 miles, only eight miles less than its odometer shows today, it was bid to $280,000 but didn’t sell. Offered here with a similarly exalted pre-sale estimate it once again didn’t get sufficient bidder interest and brought a realistic bid for its condition and the restoration’s age. Is it a 4-Dr. Sedan with three-row seating and minimal luggage space or a station wagon? Opinions differ. RM called it a “Station Wagon” here but it has the profile of a sedan. In any event, it is a rare and unusual example of the wood-bodied construction phase in pre- and post-war years and its condition is barely deteriorated from concours-quality. The seller expects much more money from it but bidders aren’t convinced and it’s not getting better with age even with the benign preservation its old restoration displays. The reported high bid is not unreasonable.