A look back at just a few of the remarkable automobiles that have defined RM Sotheby’s presence in Arizona over the years
For years, RM Sotheby’s Arizona auction has been a highlight of the collector car calendar, drawing enthusiasts from around the world to the greater Phoenix and Scottsdale area. Set against the historic elegance of the Arizona Biltmore, the sale has showcased some of the most remarkable automobiles ever created, from rare vintage classics to modern supercars. Each year, the event celebrates not only extraordinary cars but also the vibrant culture, luxury, and stunning desert scenery that make Arizona a destination in its own right. Looking back, this tradition has created a legacy of unforgettable moments, record-breaking sales, and automotive history in the heart of the Southwest. Here’s a look at just a few of the extraordinary cars that have graced this stage over the years.
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Alloy Gullwing
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Alloy Gullwing represents the ultimate evolution of the “sports car of the century,” known for its groundbreaking design and engineering, lightweight aluminum construction, and competition pedigree. One of only 29 built, this exceptionally rare example retained its original alloy body and rare numbers-matching NSL engine. Boasting impeccable provenance and decades of expert care, it is a true crown jewel in the collection of its new owner.
Sold for $6,825,000 USD at Arizona 2022.
1964 Ferrari 250 LM by Scaglietti
Chassis 5899 GT is a historically significant 250 LM, featuring its original engine and chassis, a storied competition record with victories in Europe, and meticulous restorations that preserved its authenticity. It offered a rare opportunity for collectors to own a fully documented, race-proven, and Classiche-certified example of one of the most iconic competition Ferraris ever built.
Sold for $9,625,000 USD at Arizona 2015.
2014 Ferrari LaFerrari
The LaFerrari Blu Elettrico, a uniquely specified and one-of-one example, combines a 949-horsepower hybrid V-12 powertrain with advanced aerodynamics, carbon fiber construction, and bespoke interior tailoring, delivering supercar performance and exclusivity. As Ferrari’s first hybrid hypercar, the LaFerrari exemplifies cutting-edge technology, striking design, and limited-production prestige, making it a standout in the marque’s storied lineage of modern automotive icons. This unique example takes exclusivity to a new level.
Sold for $4,075,000 USD at Arizona 2023.
1955 Jaguar DType
Chassis XKD 518 is a Jaguar D-Type of exceptional significance, combining advanced 1950s racing technology—including a 3.4-liter XK dry-sump engine, monocoque chassis, and aerodynamic innovations—with a beautifully sculpted design and complete, well-documented competition history. Beyond its factory-correct Red livery and original interior, this D-Type had survived with matching numbers, a continuous ownership record, and proven period racing pedigree, making it a rare centerpiece for any serious collection or vintage competition.
Sold for $6,000,000 USD at Arizona 2021.
1931 Bentley 8-Litre Convertible Victoria by Murphy
Chassis YR5085 is a unique 1931 Bentley 8-Litre with bespoke Murphy coachwork by Franklin Q. Hershey, making it the only known American-bodied example of this iconic model. Meticulously restored and retaining its original engine, chassis, and drivetrain, the car combines extraordinary historical significance, concours-level presentation, and exhilarating performance, solidifying its status as one of the rarest and most important vintage Bentleys in existence.
Sold for $3,195,000 USD at Arizona 2025.
2020 McLaren Speedtail
McLaren Speedtail number 69 is an extraordinary, as-new example of the 1,035-horsepower hybrid hypercar, combining a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine, electric motor, and cutting-edge aerodynamics to achieve a top speed of 250 mph. Finished in bespoke Liquid Blue Silver over rich blue and gray full aniline leather, with extensive TPT carbon fiber trim and unique options, this 54-mile car (at the time of sale) represents the pinnacle of McLaren’s technological and design achievements, offering an exceptionally rare opportunity for buyers to own one of the most advanced roadgoing hypercars ever made.
Sold for $2,012,500 USD at Arizona 2024.
1931 Duesenberg Model J Tourster by Derham
Model J-448 is an exceptionally rare Derham Tourster, combining Gordon Buehrig’s elegant five-passenger design with a 153.5-inch wheelbase and innovative features such as a sliding rear windshield. Meticulously restored and maintained, retaining its original numbered crankshaft and coachwork, this striking soft yellow car with green leather interior has achieved consistent success in concours competition, including Best of Show honors, making it one of the finest and most significant Model Js in existence.
Sold for $3,415,000 USD at Arizona 2022.
1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing
The 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing, chassis 6500100, is an exceptionally well-specified and meticulously restored example, originally ordered with factory competition options including the “NSL” high-performance engine, sport suspension, and five Rudge wheels. Finished in Fire Engine Red over black leather with red gabardine, retaining its numbers-matching chassis, engine, and body, this Gullwing combines thrilling period performance with legendary reliability, making it a true icon of post-war automotive design and a standout choice for historic rallies and touring.
Sold for $2,040,000 USD at Arizona 2025.
1988 Cizeta-Moroder V16T
In the late 1980s, Lamborghini test driver and engineer Claudio Zampolli partnered with music producer Giorgio Moroder to create the extraordinary Cizeta-Moroder V16T, a supercar powered by a transverse-mounted 6.0-liter V-16 and styled by legendary designer Marcello Gandini. Chassis 001, the prototype and only car to bear the Cizeta-Moroder name, debuted in 1988, later fully restored, and was offered with a unique NFT featuring original music from the electronic music pioneer, digital art, and provenance documentation, making it an unmatched collector’s opportunity.
Sold for $1,363,500 USD at Arizona 2022.
1966 Shelby 427 S/C Cobra
CSX 3040 is a meticulously preserved example of Shelby’s ultimate street-legal monster, featuring a 500-horsepower 427 V-8, full competition components, and wide, flared-body styling. Expertly restored while retaining all original panels, engine, and interior, it remains one of the finest and most complete 427 S/C Cobras in existence, accompanied by full documentation and provenance.
Sold for $2,947,500 USD at Arizona 2018.
1939 Bugatti Type 57C Atalante by Gangloff
The 1939 Bugatti Type 57C, chassis 57828, is a rare factory-supercharged example fitted with unique Gangloff coachwork to drawing 4011—a one-off coupé découvrable combining the elegance of the Atalante with a retractable roof and long-tail design. Retaining its original chassis plate, gearbox, and major components, this exquisitely preserved car represents one of the final and most distinctive evolutions of the Type 57C, long celebrated as among the most beautiful and technically advanced Bugattis of the pre-war era.
Sold for $2,370,000 USD at Arizona 2025.
1969 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray ZL-1 Convertible
The 1969 Chevrolet Corvette ZL-1 Convertible, chassis 710209, is the only factory-built and publicly sold example of the legendary all-aluminum 560-horsepower ZL-1, making it the rarest and most powerful production Corvette ever created. Painstakingly documented and restored to award-winning standards, it remains an irreplaceable piece of American motorsport history—an FIA/NHRA homologation experiment turned street-legal monster, representing the ultimate expression of Chevrolet’s late-1960s performance engineering.
Sold for $3,140,000 USD at Arizona 2023.
1971 Lamborghini Miura P400 SV by Bertone
The Lamborghini Miura P400 SV is the ultimate evolution of the marque’s revolutionary mid-engine supercar, embodying the strength, grace, and ferocity of its namesake Spanish fighting bull. Chassis 4926—beautifully restored by Bobileff Motorcar Company and retaining its numbers-matching engine, chassis, and body—combines concours-winning presentation with the technical refinements and rare specification that make the SV the most desirable and collectible of all Miura variants.
Sold for $3,580,000 USD at Arizona 2023.
1958 Ferrari 250 GT LWB Berlinetta 'Tour de France' by Scaglietti
Chassis 0933 GT is an exceptional 1958 Ferrari 250 GT LWB Berlinetta “Tour de France,” uniquely finished in Oro Chiaro over Bordeaux and raced successfully by two national champions, Casimiro Toselli and Mauricio Marcotulli, without ever suffering damage. One of only 36 single-louvre, covered-headlamp examples, it retains its original alloy bodywork, gearbox, and key components, with decades of provenance in world-class Ferrari collections. Beautifully restored and meticulously documented, it stands among the most authentic and storied TdFs extant—an icon of Ferrari’s golden era of competition.
Sold for $3,772,500 USD at Arizona 2025.
Now Inviting Exceptional Consignments
Join RM Sotheby’s as we return to the Arizona Biltmore in January 2026 for another landmark sale. Consignments are now being invited for this favorite event, offering an unparalleled opportunity to present your automobile on one of the most prestigious stages in the auction world. To discuss consigning your car for Arizona 2026, please contact an RM Sotheby’s Specialist today.
