Dates & Times | ||
Sale date: | Saturday, 12 March, 2016 | Auction begins at 11:00 am EST (will run approx. 4-5 hours) |
Preview dates: | Thursday, 10 March, 2016 | 10:00 am – 6:00 pm EST |
Friday, 11 March, 2016 | 10:00 am – 6:00 pm EST | |
Location: | The Ritz-Carlton, 4750 Amelia Island Parkway, Amelia Island, Florida, 32034 | |
Admission: | Auction is open to registered bidders, consignors and qualified media only. Bidder Registration is $300 and includes an official auction catalogue and admission for two to the preview and auction. Admission to the preview is open to the general public. |
RM Sotheby’s will reprise its role as the official auction house of Florida’s renowned Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, 12 March, with the presentation of its 18th annual collector car sale at the prestigious Ritz-Carlton. The 2016 auction is set to build on the event’s strong track record developed over the past 17 years, presenting a handpicked roster of more than 90 automobiles, from coachbuilt classics to important sports and racing cars and late model collectibles. The offering spans over a century of automotive styling and design, with no less than 13 lots expected to achieve million-dollar-plus results. As one of the longest running sponsors of the Concours, RM’s auction entries are inspired by the show field setting, comprising 12 automobiles returning to Amelia Island following earlier display or success.
For those unable to attend the event in person, RM Sotheby’s offers a broad range of remote bidding options, including absentee, Internet, and telephone bidding, and the auction will stream live at www.rmsothebys.com providing real-time coverage of the event.
In addition to the auction, the RM Group of Companies will also have a presence at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance on 13 March, with four motor cars prepared by RM Auto Restoration set for the concours field. These include a 1947 Talbot-Lago Type 26C, a 1939 Bentley 4¼-Litre Sports Coupe, a 1934 Packard Twelve Dietrich Convertible Coupe and a 1938 Graham Supercharged Saoutchik.
STAR ATTRACTIONS
RM Sotheby’s Amelia Island sale has long been known for its offering of cars with unique and prominent histories. Highlights for this year’s event include a selection of automobiles presented out of significant or long-term ownership history by renowned names in the hobby:
Lot 188 - 1939 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Spezial Cabriolet A by Sindelfingen, chassis no. 408371 (Est. $3,000,000 - $4,000,000)
A one-off design featuring a bevy of special features including a raked vee’d windshield, louvered front hood, fitted luggage and five-speed transmission, this 540 K Spezial Cabriolet A boasts an exceptional provenance, highlighted by some of the most famous names in the hobby. The car’s earliest recorded post-war owner was American operatic tenor James Melton, widely considered as the best-known American car collector of the time. Later owners included such celebrated collectors as Otis Chandler, Axel Wars and General William Lyon, before the car landed with the current vendor two decades ago. A perfect fit to the sale’s concours setting, this 540 K has all that an outstanding automobile should have: memorable lines, superb engineering and abundant power.
Lot 141 - 1911 Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP Silver Ghost Tourer by Lawton, chassis no. 1544 (Est. $2,500,000 - $3,500,000)
For Rolls-Royce enthusiasts, this 40/50 HP Silver Ghost Tourer is surely one of the most significant “parallel bonnet” examples offered in recent memory. With attractive open coachwork, it is especially noteworthy as an exceptionally pure car—one of approximately 20 surviving examples sporting their original body, engine and chassis—and enjoys a thoroughly documented provenance, restoration and show history, including accolades in both AACA National and Rolls-Royce Owners Club competition. It comes to Amelia Island following two decades in single ownership.
Lot 163 - 1962 Ferrari 400 Superamerica LWB Coupe Aerodinamico by Pininfarina, chassis no. 3949 SA (Est. $2,700,000 - $3,300,000)
A factory covered-headlamp example with numerous special-order features, 3949 SA made its debut on Ferrari’s stand at the 1962 Turin Automobile Show before being delivered to American sportsman Erwin Goldschmidt, remaining in the family’s care through 2003. The featured Superamerica eventually landed with Ferrari connoisseur Lee Herrington, who displayed it at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance in 2007. One of the most significant 400 Superamericas available, it comes to auction following a recent, concours-quality restoration.
ICONIC SPORTS AND SUPERCARS
As collectors have come to expect, the RM catalogue includes some of the most important sports cars of the 1950s through 70s, along with standout supercars of the 1980s:
· Lot 166 - 1973 Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spider, chassis no. 15369; a highlight of no less than 13 Ferraris included in the sale, this is a genuine, Ferrari Classiche-certified example, offered in its original colors of Giallo Fly over Nero (Est. $2,500,000 - $3,000,000);
· Lot 139 - 1968 Ferrari 330 GTS, chassis no. 10817; a U.S.-delivery car with rare factory air conditioning, ready for continued open-top
V-12 enjoyment (Est. $2,300,000 - $2,600,000);
· Lot 148 - 1984 Ferrari 288 GTO, chassis no. 55237; the first 288 GTO officially delivered in Japan and certainly one of the finest examples of the first in Ferrari’s incredible series of supercars (Est. $2,300,000 - $2,600,000); and,
· A pair of beautifully restored 300 SLs, including Lot 138 – a 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster, chassis no. 7500378, offered from 42 years of enthusiast ownership (Est. $1,000,000 - $1,300,000), and Lot 161 – a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing, chassis no. 5500397, boasting a well-known ownership history and numerous desirable upgrades (Est. $1,300,000 - $1,500,000).
ROAD-WORTHY MASTERPIECES
RM’s Amelia Island sale offers a stunning display of classic European design, from masterpieces of mechanical engineering to breathtaking restorations and purposefully built “driver’s cars”:
· Lot 154 - 1927 Avions Voisin C14 Lumineuse, chassis no. 28068; a striking design, named for its glassy greenhouse cabin with angled windows that allow sunshine to illuminate the wild Art Deco upholstery which was inspired by French fashion designer Paul Poiret (Est. $800,000 - $950,000);
· Lot 129 - 1936 Bugatti Type 57 Stelvio, chassis no. 57406; a genuine Stelvio with numerous unique features, formerly owned by renowned Florida sportsman Alec Ulmann, founder of the 12 Hours of Sebring (Est. $900,000 - $1,200,000);
· Lot 127 – 1949 Delahaye 135 M Cabriolet “Malmaison” by Pourtout, chassis no. 801199; a highly significant transitional pre- to post-war design, offered publicly for the first time in decades (Est. $500,000 - $800,000); and,
· Lot 147 - 1954 Bentley R-Type Continental Fastback Sports Saloon, chassis no. BC2LD; completed in the most desirable configuration of factory LHD, 4.9-liter engine, center-shift transmission and the famous “seats and spats”, this beautifully restored Bentley returns to Amelia Island after claiming ‘Best in Class’ at the concours in 2010 (Est. $1,200,000 - $1,400,000).
TRACK TIME
RM Sotheby’s Amelia Island docket features a number of automobiles with fascinating competition history and vintage racing eligibility, including:
· Lot 174 - 1957 Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta ‘Tour de France’, chassis no. 0619 GT, boasting impressive competition history, including TdF, Spa, Reims, Monza, and Montlhéry. Now offered from its enthusiast owner of 41 years, this example remains highly eligible for major historic racing events worldwide (Estimate Available Upon Request);
· Lot 180 - 1968 Chevrolet Sunoco Camaro Trans Am; one of two cars prepared for Penske’s winning 1968 season, the trademark Sunoco blue Camaro was raced by Mark Donohue and Sam Posey to numerous podium finishes in period, followed by many years of successful club racing in Europe (Est. $900,000 - $1,200,000);
· Lot 143 - 1962 Kurtis Aguila, chassis no. 62-S1; one of the final cars devised by the legendary Frank Kurtis, this dual-purpose, removable fender design is ready to tackle either sports car classes or open-wheel competition (Est. $450,000 - $600,000); and,
· Lot 172 - 1953 Siata 300 BC Barchetta by Bertone, chassis no. ST 438 BC; campaigned in Pennsylvania hill climbs and ice races in period, now offered in largely original condition from its owner of an incredible 60 years (Est. $200,000 - $250,000).
AMERICAN IRON
Stately American classics are available in droves at Amelia Island, led by a trio of beautifully restored, highly sought-after models:
· Lot 132 - 1931 Stutz DV-32 Convertible Victoria by Rollston, chassis no. DV-PC-1294, the first of five examples built to this design and the recipient of an exquisite restoration, as confirmed by multiple Best of Show and Best in Class honors (Est. $800,000 - $1,000,000);
· Lot 144 - 1931 Marmon Sixteen Convertible Sedan by LeBaron, chassis no. 16 145 593; a multiple award-winning example, the Sixteen has been accepted for display at this year’s Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance (Est. $600,000 - $750,000); and,
· Lot 134 - 1935 Auburn Eight Supercharged Speedster, chassis no. GH 3689, an authentic example of excellent quality and purity, the embodiment of 1930s sporting style (Est. $450,000 - $550,000).
FASCINATING FORDS THROUGH THE AGES
RM’s Amelia Island catalogue comprises a thrilling selection of significant vehicles in Ford’s 100+ year history, led by:
· Lot 162 - 1932 Ford Model 18 Edsel Ford Speedster, chassis no. 18-14449; the first of three one-off custom speedsters designed by Bob Gregorie for Edsel Ford, this once long lost and now beautifully restored Ford has never before been offered for public sale (Est. $1,200,000 - $1,400,000);
· Lot 140 - 1947 Ford Super DeLuxe Sportsman Convertible, chassis no. 799A1934335; one of the most desirable post-war Fords to today’s collectors (Est. $175,000 - $225,000); and,
· Lot 121 - 1985 Ford RS200 Evolution, chassis no. 00070; one of just 24 examples of Ford’s unusual rally-bred supercar, this example was upgraded by the factory to 600bhp and is capable of sprinting from 0 – 60 in just over three seconds. This RS 200 Evolution shows less than 450 original kilometers (Est. $475,000 - $675,000).
LOW-MILEAGE, HIGH PERFORMANCE MODERN COLLECTIBLES
· Lot 137 - 2002 Ferrari 575M Maranello, chassis no. 127464; with just 4,511 original miles, this future collectible has everything needed for a car enthusiast’s weekend getaway, including a top speed of over 200 mph, the highly desirable six-speed manual transmission and enough luggage space for two (Est. $400,000 - $475,000);
· Lot 146 - 2003 Aston Martin DB AR1 Zagato, chassis no. 800089; showing less than 700 miles, this limited edition supercar was built exclusively for the American market and is complete with original accessories (Est. $250,000 - $300,000);
· Lot 153 - 2005 Porsche Carrera GT, chassis no. 01460, a one-owner Beverly Hills vehicle offering incredible performance in a lightweight package, showing 1,184 miles and capable of accelerating 0 – 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds (Est. $750,000 - $850,000); and,
· Lot 164 - 2014 Pagani Huayra, chassis no. 76062; with monumental engineering matched to a luxurious interior, the Huayra offers a rare occasion to own an example of Horacio Pagani’s second masterpiece. One of just 100 examples slated to be built, this striking example can sprint 0 – 60 in 3.0 seconds with a reported top speed of 238 mph. Delivered new to the United States, it features less than 400 miles and over $260,000 in special options, including a $20,000 seven-piece luggage set (Est. $1,900,000 - $2,200,000).
LOTS FOR A CAUSE
In addition to its traditional automobile offering, RM Sotheby’s is proud to support the fundraising initiatives of the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance via the presentation of a series of charity lots at the start of its March 12 auction. From a pair of children’s cars, including 1956 Bimbo Racer 12V and a BMW 328 Junior Children’s Car, to an exclusive Monaco Grand Prix F1 experience and a General Motors Design Center Experience, proceeds from the sale of these select lots will benefit Spina Bifida of Jacksonville.
About RM Sotheby’s
RM Sotheby’s (formerly RM Auctions) is the world's largest auction house for investment-quality automobiles. With more than 35 years’ experience in the collector car industry, RM's vertically integrated range of services, from private treaty sales and auctions to estate planning and financial services, coupled with an expert team of car specialists and an international footprint, provide an unsurpassed level of service to the global collector car market. As a company, RM Sotheby’s has established numerous auction benchmarks, including the current record for the highest-grossing collector car auction of all time, with $172.9 million in sales at its 2015 Monterey event. In February 2015, RM formed a strategic partnership with Sotheby’s, uniting the two companies for the full calendar of future automobile auctions. For further information, visit www.rmsothebys.com.
About the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance
Winner of Octane Magazine’s 2013 International Historic Motoring Event of the year, 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 and The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, for a celebration of the automobile like no other. Since 1996, the show's foundation has donated over $2.75 million to Community Hospice of Northeast Florida, Inc., Spina Bifida of Jacksonville and other deserving charities on Florida's First Coast. The 21st annual Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance is scheduled for March 13–15, 2016. For more information, visit www.ameliaconcours.org or call + 1 904 636 0027.
Media Contacts
If you are interested in attending this event as a member of the media, please visit www.rmsothebys.com/credentials to register for credentials. A digital copy of the Amelia Island catalogue is available online at: http://bit.ly/20Hj42r.
High res images are available for downloading from the RM Media Center. For further information, and interview opportunities, please contact:
Amy Christie achristie@rmsothebys.com +1 734 649 9156
Meghan McGrail mmcgrail@rmsothebys.com +1 519 437 3061
Sadie Chapple schapple@rmsothebys.com +1 519 437 3053
For further information or media inquiries relating to the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, please contact:
Maya Bargar mbargar@ameliaconcours.org +1 904 636 0027