• Single-day sale features a superb roster of automotive styling with 100 investment-quality motor cars set for the auction podium
• Featured highlights include a coveted 1934 Packard Twelve Dietrich Convertible Victoria and a breathtaking, one-off 1929 Cord L-29 Hayes Coupe
• Sale acts as a prelude to the world-famous Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, making for an ultimate automotive weekend for motoring enthusiasts
BLENHEIM, Ontario (January 11, 2012) – RM Auctions, the official auction house of the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, has announced an exceptional roster of automobiles for its highly-anticipated Amelia Island sale, March 10 in Northeast Florida.
Returning to the prestigious Ritz-Carlton Hotel, the well-established sale – now in its 14th year – will present a magnificent roster of 100 blue-chip automobiles as it looks to build upon RM’s strong track record in Northeast Florida. In 2011, the company once again enjoyed the top auction results posted during the Amelia Island Concours weekend, generating a remarkable $24.3 million in sales with a superb 96% of lots sold – the highest tally ever achieved during the event’s history. The 2012 event promises to continue the momentum with a stellar list of early entries, including a handsome 1934 Packard Twelve Dietrich Convertible Victoria and a stunning 1929 Cord L-29 Hayes Coupe. Both are considered the ultimate in Classic Era design, rarity and desirability.
“The Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance weekend is a world-class celebration of automotive styling through the years,” says Rob Myers, Chairman & Founder, RM Auctions. “We are delighted to be an official part of the weekend once again and look forward to bringing another impressive catalogue of high-caliber motor cars to our Amelia Island auction stage.”
Regarded by many as the “ultimate” Classic Packard, the 1934 Packard Twelve Convertible Victoria, chassis number 1108-15, is expected to garner serious attention from discerning enthusiasts. In many ways, the Packard Twelve was the signature car of the Classic Era – the top-of-the-line offering from one of America’s leading manufacturers. The example on offer represents the most desirable model year and is one of as few as two known surviving examples featuring the perfect combination of supremely desirable custom Dietrich coachwork in this style on a powerful Packard 12-cylinder chassis. Boasting an excellent provenance and well-documented history, it has benefitted from the care of several notable collectors over the years. In addition, it is a proven touring car – its excellent driving dynamics confirmed during a 1700-mile tour from Seattle, Washington, to Pebble Beach, California. Completing its status as the “ultimate” Classic Packard, its beautiful restoration was recognized via “Best in Class” honors at the 2011 Concours d’Elegance of America at St. John’s in Michigan (Estimate available upon request).
“This Packard ticks all the boxes when it comes to desirability – unique styling cues, excellent provenance, superb presentation and capability for extended touring. It is arguably one of the finest, rarest and most inspired automotive masterpieces of the Classic Era, deserving of close inspection,” adds Myers.
Another outstanding example of Classic Era styling set for RM’s Amelia Island auction podium is a stunning, one-off 1929 Cord L-29 Hayes Coupe, chassis 2927005, widely recognized as the most significant L-29 in existence. Designed by Count Alexis de Sakhnoffsky and built by Michigan’s Hayes Body Corporation on the revolutionary front-drive Cord L-29 chassis, this “one-off” design statement was conceived and built specifically for international show competition. No stranger to the show field, it enjoyed stunning results at the 1930 Paris, Monte Carlo and Beaulieu Concours d’Elegance events, where it secured its place in the history books as the first American entry to win at all three venues. Its stunning looks have continued to fascinate onlookers over the years, with additional accolades received at the 1987 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, and more recently, “Best in Class”’ honors at the 2008 Meadow Brook Concours d’Elegance. Beyond its success on the show field, it also holds its ACD Category 1 Original Certification and boasts a known, well-documented provenance, including 50 years of careful single ownership (Est. $1,250,000 – $1,500,000).
Reflecting the international flavor of consignments for the RM Amelia Island sale, additional highlights include:
RM’s Amelia Island sale acts as a prelude to the world-renowned Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, returning March 11. Combined, the events make for an ultimate vintage car weekend for automotive enthusiasts.
For further information on RM’s Amelia Island sale and a frequently updated car list, please visit www.rmauctions.com or call RM Auctions at +1 519 352 4575. For further information on the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, please visit www.ameliaconcours.org or call +1 904 636 0027.
Event Details – RM Amelia Island
Sale date:
March 10, 2012
Preview dates:
March 9, 2012
March 10, 2012
Location:
The Ritz-Carlton,
4750 Amelia Island Parkway, Amelia Island, Florida, 32034
Admission:
An official auction catalog is available for $120 US and admits two people to the preview and auction.
For those unable to attend the event in person, Internet, absentee and telephone bidding options are available and the auction will stream live online at www.rmauctions.com to provide real-time coverage of the event.
About RM Auctions RM Auctions is the world's largest auction house for antique automobiles. With over three decades of experience in the collector car industry, RM's vertically integrated range of services, from restoration to private treaty sales, auctions, estate planning and financial services, coupled with an expert team of car specialists and international footprint, provide an unsurpassed level of service to the global collector car market. RM proudly holds five of the top ten all-time records for the most expensive motor cars sold at auction. RM’s restoration division has achieved unprecedented accolades earning “Best of Show” honors at the world’s top concours events, including the renowned Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. For further information and 2012 auction dates, please visit www.rmauctions.com.
About the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance The Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance is among the top automotive events in the world. Always held the second full weekend in March, “The Amelia” draws over 300 rare vehicles from collections around the world to The Golf Club of Amelia Island at Summer Beach and The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island for a celebration of the automobile like no other. Since 1996, the show’s Foundation has donated nearly $1.8 million to Community Hospice of Northeast Florida, Inc. and other deserving charities on Florida’s First Coast. The 17th annual Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance is scheduled for March 9-11, 2012. For more information, visit www.ameliaconcours.org or call +1 904-636-0027.