As the leading auction house for the sale of collections at auction, RM Sotheby's is thrilled to present the esteemed collection of the late Mr. Fred Guyton this 4–5 May in St. Louis, Missouri. With a selection of Veteran, Brass, and Classic Era automobiles alongside hundreds of pieces of automobilia and collectibles, this highly respected, expertly curated collection will be offered entirely without reserve, presenting an exclusive opportunity you won't want to miss.
Mr. Guyton was a beloved fixture of the collector car hobby. Well-known and respected within collecting and car club circles, he had amassed his renowned collection over more than four decades. After graduating from the University of Illinois College of Fine & Applied Arts in 1961 with a Bachelor of Architecture, Mr. Guyton spent a year in the Peace Corps before his induction into the US Army, where he served as a helicopter pilot. After discharge, Fred moved to St. Louis and began his illustrious career as an architect, which culminated in his co-founding of the world-renowned architectural firm Peckham Guyton Albers & Viets, Inc. (PGAV), where he continued to work until his passing in 2018. During Fred's 35 years as Chairman of PGAV, he led the development of landmark projects around the globe, including Busch Gardens Williamsburg & Tampa, Anheuser-Busch World Headquarters, and Universal Studios Theme Parks. Mr. Guyton was a proud St. Louisan, active in civic works, and was appointed by a succession of St. Louis Mayors to numerous posts of local importance.
All of Mr. Guyton's experiences led him to be a true student of history, his passion for which is visible throughout his collection. The motor cars are focused on the era that begins with the dawn of the automobile and culminates in the immediate pre-war period, bringing to light the best of the era's technological advancements and engineering. A true hobbyist, Mr. Guyton was on the Board of Directors of the CCCA, Classic Car Club Museum, and the CCCA Spirit of St. Louis Region.
What made Mr. Guyton unique was his encyclopedic knowledge of history—and his collection tells the story of a significant period in automotive advancement that collectors will surely appreciate. Mr. Guyton rarely, if ever, sold a part of his beloved collection, and apart from a handful of cars, did not show his collection often. This sale of his collection presents a very rare and unique opportunity to acquire a truly original piece.
Mr. Guyton's passion for historical pursuits is reflected in very discernable areas within his automobilia and collectibles as well, with an entire room in his facility dedicated to WWI and WWII aviation and naval ephemera, as well as a superb automotive library. The sale will comprise well over 500 pieces of automobilia, collectibles, petroliana, sports memorabilia, and original artwork alongside more than 3,000 model and toy cars, including the world's finest assortments of Minic Clockwork Toy Cars. Within the collection is a tremendous group of mascots, bronzes, badges, and original paintings by renowned automotive artists—the perfect complement to any collection of motor cars.
Offering an outstanding opportunity to own a piece of automotive history—and to visit the "Gateway to the West"—The Guyton Collection auction is the spring sale you won't want to miss.
1930 Packard 734 Speedster Eight Phaeton
Estimate: $800,000 - $1,100,000 USD
An exceptionally original example of the ultimate performance Packard of its era. Offered from just two owners since 1955, including well-known East Coast Packard collector, Tom Mix, the Speedster Eight Phaeton is one of just five ever built.
1930 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Sedan by Murphy
Estimate: $900,000 - $1,100,000 USD
A highly cherished piece within the collection. Originally driven by Indianapolis racer Leon Duray, the Model J was stunningly restored by Chris Charlton. Complete with its original chassis, body, and engine, the Duesenberg comes to market having seldom been shown and providing a host of opportunities for its next owner.
1930 Ruxton Model C Roadster by Baker-Raulang
Estimate: $350,000 - $450,000 USD
A well-known example of a pioneering front-wheel-drive American car, the Ruxton on offer was one of Mr. Guyton’s favorite cars, with known history from new and the Best-Preserved Pre-War Car honors at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. One of the rarest American Full Classics—a mere seven examples remain—a Ruxton Roadster is seldom available for public sale. Beyond the most cherished pieces of the collection, there are several significant automobiles for which Guyton was well known in the hobby:
1906 Mason Touring
Estimate: $150,000 - $200,000 USD
The earliest car designed by the Duesenberg brothers. A well-engineered Brass Era car, the Mason is formerly of the Harrah’s Collection and is a significant early automobile offered with well-known, long-term history.
1927 Duesenberg Model X Dual-Cowl Phaeton by Locke
Estimate: $300,000 - $400,000 USD
The Chicago and Los Angeles motor show car in period and the first Model X to become available for public sale in decades. A part of the collection for over 20 years, the Model X is the rarest production Duesenberg as one of just 13 built and only four remaining.
1938 Rolls-Royce Phantom III 'Parallel Door' Saloon Coupe by James Young
Estimate: $150,000 - $250,000 USD
Perhaps Fred Guyton’s best-known and most beloved car, gifted to him by a very close friend upon his passing. With a fascinating feature of sliding doors alongside stunning lines, the Phantom III is something to behold.
1909 Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP Silver Ghost Roi des Belges in the style of Barker
Estimate: $800,000 - $1,000,000 USD
Formerly of the Richard Solove Collection, the Silver Ghost is a Pebble Beach and Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance award-winner and a long-time national tour veteran.
