The 1960s were years of radical cultural change, and the sports cars of the era reflected that. The emergence of pony cars, the birth of muscle cars in the United States, and the surge of sports cars from Europe meant that performance was available to nearly everyone. The budding drag racing scene in America sparked the horsepower wars between manufacturers pushed power output to figures nearly doubling that of passenger cars of the previous decade. Sports cars of the 1960s balanced performance with style, penned by some of the most acclaimed automotive stylists in history at their peak. Styling which drew inspiration from lines and shapes from the 1940s and 1950s, but with a bold modern twist.

RM Auctions' Auburn Spring collector car auction will offer approximately 400 collector cars and a vast selection of memorabilia over the course of the four-day sale. 

Scroll down to explore eight exceptional sports cars from the 1960s offered from RM Sotheby’s upcoming Auburn Spring sale.

1967 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray 427/390 Convertible

Estimate: $85,000 - $95,000 USD

Recently restored to the sum of over $100,000, this example of Chevrolet’s enduring sports car icon has been finished in red with a black stinger hood and white convertible top over a black leather interior and has been driven less than 1,000 miles since completed. Its desirable 390 horsepower, 427 cu-in V-8 is paired to a 4-speed manual transmission.

1967 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III BJ8

Estimate: $75,000 - $85,000 USD

For its third iteration, Austin-Healey’s beloved British sports car received a 14 horsepower increase from a higher lift camshaft and SU HD8 carburetors, bringing total power output up to 150. Power assisted braking became standard instead of optional, and the exterior received a new front fascia. This numbers matching example has undergone a comprehensive nut-and-bolt restoration by Austin-Healey experts BRC in Philadelphia.

1969 Jaguar E-Type Series 2 4.2-Litre Roadster

Estimate: $100,000 - $120,000 USD

This lovely example of Jaguar’s second series of their famed E-type roadster has been previously restored by RM Restorations and has been meticulously maintained, and driven sparingly since its completion. It has undergone recent maintenance, received an upgraded triple-Weber carburetor and intake system, and both suspension and braking systems have been restored. Classic OTS motoring in British style.

1961 Chevrolet Corvette 'Fuel-Injected'

Estimate: $65,000 - $85,000 USD | Offered Without Reserve

Offered with the highly desirable 315 horsepower 283 cubic inch fuel injected V8 engine, one of only 1,462 Corvettes built with this engine configuration. It retains its original engine block and correct four-speed manual transmission with Posi-traction rear differential. It is finished in Fawn Beige paint and matching leather interior with white soft top and matching factory hard top.

1968 Chevrolet Camaro RS Z28

Estimate: $55,000 - $60,000 USD

One of the most desirable pony cars of the era, this Camaro RS Z28 retains its original, numbers-matching 302 cubic inch V8 engine, an M21 close ratio four-speed manual transmission. A robust 12-bolt Posi-traction rear differential handles the power to the rear wheels. Finished in Corvette bronze and features 15-inch rally wheels with power-assisted front disc brakes.

1965 Shelby Cobra 289 "CSX 8001"

Estimate: $130,000 - $160,000 USD

The first of the continuation series of the original 289 Shelby Cobra built in 1962. The previous owner, Bob Kennedy, found an original 1965 289 K-code engine and personally contacted Carroll Shelby to commission the build of an aluminum bodied “side slab” 289 Cobra. Whereas most are finished in a fiberglass body shell, this example is unique as it’s one of only a handful of the small production run to have an aluminum body.

1968 Mercedes-Benz 250 SL 'Pagoda'

Estimate: $60,000 - $70,000 USD

The highly desirable 250 SL ‘Pagoda’ was a short production run of only two years, with only 5,196 produced during the two-year span and makes it the rarest of the W113 series cars. The 250 SL benefits from the torquey 2.5-litre engine and retains the same stiff suspension and sporty feel of the earlier model SLs. This wonderfully restored example includes two tops and is equipped with power steering and power brakes.

1967 Dodge Coronet R/T Coupe

Estimate: $45,000 - $55,000 USD | Offered Without Reserve

This AACA award winning Coronet R/T features Dodge’s powerful 426 cubic inch HEMI V-8 boasting 425 horsepower and 490 ft/lb of torque, paired to an optional automatic transmission. This example is well-optioned, featuring bucket seats, a tachometer, console and radio.