RM Auctions Sotheby's

Rare collector vehicles added to upcoming Auctions America California Sale

California

  • Auctions America’s three-day sale returns to Burbank, California July 31 – August 2
  • Early auction highlights include a 1967 Shelby Mustang Group II Notchback, a 1953 Ferrari 250 Europa by Pinin Farina, and a 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster
  • Exclusive, live television coverage of the sale to air on NBCSN (NBC Sports Network), August 1-2
  • Frequently updated list of entries available online at auctionsamerica.com

AUBURN, Indiana (June 11, 2014)– After a very successful debut in 2013, Auctions America is returning to the Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Airport Hotel for its annual California sale July 31 – August 2. Exciting new features – a 1967 Shelby Mustang Group II Notchback, a 1953 Ferrari 250 Europa by Pinin Farina and a 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster —have been added to the diverse list of consignments, with 400 hand-picked collector cars expected to cross the podium during the three-day sale. In keeping with the company’s commitment to cater for both veteran hobbyists and entry-level collectors, the auction offering spans the spectrum of the market, including Detroit muscle, hot rods, customs and European classics, appealing to a broad range of automotive tastes and budgets.


One of the Burbank sale’s latest highlights is a 1967 Shelby Mustang Group II Notchback, number 24 of 26 prepared by Shelby American. Built for the Trans-Am series, officially the Trans-American Sedan Championship, this vehicle was originally sold to and raced by Fred Sutherland. Among a long list of notable track achievements, the Shelby secured first overall for production sports cars in its debut appearance at the 1967 Times Riverside Grand Prix, closely followed by second in class at the 1967 Daytona American Road Race of Champions, as well as a first in class finish at the 1968 Stardust International. The vehicle then passed through a well-documented chain of owners, who continued to campaign the car at various events across the country. In 2009, the Shelby on offer was reunited with its original owner, who commissioned a no-expense-spared, frame-off restoration, returning the vehicle to its original specifications. Dynoed at 487 horsepower, it features a race-prepared Hi-Po 289-cid engine mated to a Top-Loader four-speed transmission. It is accompanied at the sale by its correct and original dual carbs and manifold setup, along with extensive documentation.

Another recently secured highlight for the upcoming Burbank sale is a 1953 Ferrari 250 Europa with coachwork by Pinin Farina. Introduced to the public at the 1953 Paris Auto Salon, the model was the first true gran turismo Ferrari ever produced, and solidified Ferrari’s longstanding relationship with Pinin Farina. The ninth of only 16 coupes built, the well-documented example on offer was completed in December 1953 and spent its early years in Italy before being imported into the United States in the 1960s. Freshly restored to concours quality by noted marque expert, Brian Hoyt of Perfect Reflections, it is exquisitely presented in dark blue with a magnolia interior, with the motor recently rebuilt and the brakes serviced by Patrick Ottis. Upgraded as a rally car, it is eligible for such respected events as the California Mille Miglia, Copper State and Colorado Grand.

Rounding out the group of recently secured highlights is a spectacular 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster. In production for just three years, the 300SL Roadster was dubbed one of the finest and most desirable sporting cars of its generation, the vehicle of choice for those with brilliant taste in aesthetics and cutting-edge engineering. A terrific example of this highly coveted model, the automobile on offer is finished in the iconic color combination of red paint with a tan leather interior and tan top. Beautifully restored, it is presented for sale as an excellent running and driving example, complete with its original engine and transmission, and accompanied by original books and tools.

“After a fantastic debut in 2013, we’re excited to be back in Burbank for another three-day sale,” says Ian Kelleher, Managing Director of Auctions America’s West Coast Division. “The Southern California car auction market is notoriously hard to conquer, but our successful entrance to the market in 2013, combined with strong early interest in this year’s sale and our diverse and significant roster of consignments, appealing to car collectors of all genres, makes us confident that 2014 will exceed expectations as well.”

These three new features join an already exciting automobile roster confirmed for the California sale, including 60 vehicles from the Iconic Southern California Collection – The Ex-Bob Pond Motor Cars. Offered fresh to the market following long-term storage, the group collectively represents virtually every decade of motoring and includes highlights such as a 1953 Muntz Jet Convertible and a 1963 Jaguar E-Type Series I Roadster.

For further information on Auctions America’s upcoming California Collector Car Auction, or to view a frequently updated list of entries, visit auctionsamerica.com or call toll-free 888.990.3910 (or +1 310.842.3910 outside North America). As part of Auctions America’s new multi-year agreement with NBCSN (NBC Sports Network), select highlights from the auction will telecast on the Emmy award-winning network on August 1-2. A full coverage schedule is available here: http://www.auctionsamerica.com/NBCSports/.