RM SOTHEBY’S OFFERING OF THE GUYTON COLLECTION EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS AT $11.7 MILLION

RM Sotheby’s presented the company’s 34th private collection at auction—the esteemed Guyton Collection, entirely without reserve, achieving $11,679,821 in total sales. Comprising the remarkable automobiles and collectibles of the late Mr. Fred Guyton, the two-day sale was held at the collection site, drawing strong bidding activity from more than 27 countries around the world, with more than 40 percent of bidders representing first-time RM Sotheby’s clientele.

A renowned architect and active member of the St. Louis community, Mr. Guyton was also a treasured and respected figure within collecting and car club circles, having amassed his collection over more than four decades. The Saturday sale included 73 automobiles, featuring historic American and European motor cars from the Veteran, Brass and Classic Eras – many of which had been in the collection for decades.

The car offering ignited spirited bidding and achieved strong prices across the board, led by a fascinating, award-winning 1909 Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP Silver Ghost Roi des Belges in the style of Barker, which saw an extended bidding contest, eventually bringing a final $1,325,000 against a pre-sale estimate of $800,000 - $1,000,000. Special Rolls-Royce models stole the show on Saturday, with a one-of-two 1938 Rolls-Royce Phantom III 'Parallel Door' Saloon Coupe drawing eyes and bids to a final $423,000 (est. $150/250k), and a highly desirable, largely original 1925 Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP Silver Ghost Piccadilly Roadster selling for a final $280,000 (est. $175/225k). Other European highlights include a 1927 Bugatti Type 40 Grand Sport, one of Mr. and Mrs. Guyton’s favorite cars, which sold for a final $362,500 (est. $200/300k).

The Guyton Collection also featured several great American Classics, led by a 1930 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Sedan, engine no. J-329, presented in beautifully restored condition, which reached a final $1,105,000 (est. $900k/$1.1m). One of four surviving examples of which none have traded hands since 1996, a 1927 Duesenberg Model X Dual-Cowl Phaeton also surpassed estimate, selling for a final $527,500 (est. $300/400k). Americana was in high demand at the sale, with new auction records set for a rare 1930 Ruxton Model C Roadster with known history from new, nearly doubling high estimate at $747,500 (est. $350/450k), an ultra-rare 1932 Nash Advanced Eight Convertible Sedan wearing an immaculate restoration, sold at $340,500 (est. $125/175k), and a 1903 Cadillac Rear-Entrance Tonneau, one of the finest early examples of the marque, reaching $190,400 (est. $100/125k).

Beyond the cars, the Guyton Collection included well over 500 pieces of automobilia, collectibles, petroliana, sports memorabilia, original artwork, furniture, and model and toy cars. Among a host of fascinating pieces was the Titanic Pub, which doubled as the bar during the sale, and soared past its estimate to a final price of $84,000 (est. $15/20k). Night Rider by Peter Helck, one of the most famous paintings by the automotive artist, also exceeded pre-sale expectations, bringing a final $48,000 (est. $20/25k). Additional collectible highlights include a Rolls Royce V-12 Merlin Display Engine and Service Tool Kit, which drew considerable pre-sale interest, selling for a final $57,000 (est. $30/40k).

“We are thrilled with the results for the Guyton Collection, which truly exceeded our expectations in every way,” said Donnie Gould, Car Specialist, RM Sotheby’s, following the sale. “The entire team was honored to present such an exceptional collection and the prices achieved go to show just how well-respected Fred’s name and eye for quality were within the hobby. Our thanks go out to Mrs. Beverly Guyton and the entire Guyton family and collection team, as we couldn’t have put together such a fantastic event without their help. It was a great weekend in St. Louis we won’t soon forget, surrounded by our friends in the collector car community, and wonderful to witness just how beloved a fixture in the hobby Fred was.”

Following the auction, Mrs. Beverly Guyton, wife of the late Mr. Fred Guyton, commented: 

“We’re absolutely thrilled with the results of the auction! From start to finish, the entire RM organization has done an outstanding job and the exceptional results are truly a result of their hands-on approach and teamwork. They handled every element, from cataloguing and marketing, to administration and logistics with tremendous professionalism. Most importantly, they approached every step of the process with a proper understanding of Fred’s vision and passion for his collection and we’re delighted that the collector car community now shares in the legacy of his beloved automobiles and prized collectibles.”