Media Backgrounder and Fact Sheet
Dates & Times
Sale dates: January 28-29, 2016 Auction begins at 5:00 pm MST, daily
Preview dates: Wednesday, January 27 10:00 am – 8:00 pm MST
Thursday, January 28 - Friday, January 29 10:00 am – 5:00 pm MST, daily
Location: Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa - 2400 East Missouri Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85016
Admission: Auction is open to registered bidders, consignors and qualified media only.
Bidder Registration is $200 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, the world’s largest auction house for investment-quality automobiles, will lift the gavel on some 149 hand-selected motor cars from some of the most iconic automotive marques when its 17th annual Arizona sale returns to Phoenix, January 28 - 29. Held at the stunning Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa, the two-day auction will build on RM’s strongest performance at the venue to date in 2015, an event which generated an incredible $63.7 million and witnessed the sale of the most valuable automobile in Arizona auction history. RM’s 2016 offering showcases over a century of innovative styling and design, ranging from pre-war classics through to important sports and racing greats and contemporary supercars. As many as 27 lots carry pre-sale estimates of more than $1 million.
As a prelude to the sale, RM Sotheby’s is proud to sponsor the Arizona Concours d’Elegance, to be held January 24 at the Biltmore, making the Frank Lloyd Wright inspired property an ideal destination for enthusiasts looking to enjoy a week of classic car camaraderie.
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 options are available, and the auction will stream live online at www.rmsothebys.com providing real-time coverage of the event.
AUCTION HIGHLIGHTS
Star Attractions:
Lot 242 – 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Special Roadster by Sindelfingen, chassis no. 130894; Estimated to bring more than $10 million
One of the most beautiful and prestigious cars of the interwar years, the Special Roadster is the ultimate Mercedes-Benz 540 K; its combination of power, light weight and sheer beauty made it a master of the road, while its extravagant price tag guaranteed exclusivity among owners, features that remain true today. The example on offer—one of the earliest known 540 K Special Roadsters— is one of very few built in the most desirable configuration of high doors, long tail and factory left-hand drive. An original U.S.-delivery car with known history from new, it has been the centerpiece of some of the world’s most prominent collections over the years and comes to auction following 26 years in single ownership and with just 10,277 miles on its odometer. It is estimated to bring more than $10 million when it crosses the podium later this month, making it among the most valuable automobiles on offer during this year’s Arizona auctions, and indeed, ever presented in Arizona auction week history.
Lot 149 – 1960 Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet Series II , chassis no. 2153 GT; Est. $1,800,000 - $2,100,000
A true gentleman’s Ferrari designed for high-speed touring in comfort, the 250 GT Cabriolet offers the performance of Maranello’s finest while giving no concessions to luxury. The 98th example of 200 built, this car was originally delivered to Garage Francorchamps prior to purchase by its first owner in Belgium and was later exported to the United States. The recipient of a recent, full restoration, it comes to auction magnificently presented in its original color combination of Blue Sera over Beige, accompanied by a matching hardtop.
American Racing & Performance:
For those looking for pure adrenaline, the 2016 offering delivers a terrific series of American racing and performance legends. Highlights:
Lot 140 – 1965 Shelby 427 Competition Cobra, chassis no. CSX 3010; Est. $2,500,000 - $3,300,000
One of just 23 full competition-spec 427 Cobras produced, CSX 3010 was delivered new with a less aggressive exhaust for street use, a shoulder harness, and road lights. Prepared for the track with black paint and gold leaf stripes, it won the 1968 U.S. SCCA A Production Championship and later, the 1971 Canadian Endurance Championship, making it the only 427 Cobra to win championships in two countries. A true-dual purpose automobile, it first landed with its current owner in 1978; he parted with the car in 1986 only to be reunited with it in 2007. A true dual-purpose car, it is a veteran of many historic racing events and 1,000 mile tours.
Lot 251 – 1963 Shelby 289 Cobra 'Dragonsnake', chassis no. CSX 2093; Est. $1,400,000 - $1,600,000
One of only three Cobras independently prepared to “Dragonsnake” specifications, CSX 2093 is the most successful drag-racing Cobra, having enjoyed multiple NHRA National Champion wins and setting numerous records in the process. It is presented today exactly as it competed – striking in magenta metal-flake paint, leading it to certainly turns heads at concours events, including the 2015 Concours d’Elegance of America at St. John’s, where it won the award for “Best Sound”.
Additional highlights:
· Lot 219 - a 1964 Shelby 289 Cobra, chassis no. CSX 2561; a well-documented and highly original 289-powered Cobra, first used as a factory demonstrator before making its way into private hands (Est. $950,000 - $1,100,000).
· Lot 129 - 1965 Shelby GT350, chassis no. SFM 5S342; a highly capable vintage tourer, upgraded for use on vintage rallies and fitted with power brakes, steering, and air conditioning. It is offered with its original 289–cubic inch engine and other original parts (Est. $325,000 - $375,000).
Additional Sports & GT Cars:
RM’s Arizona sale will also feature an unsurpassed selection of sports and GT cars. Highlights:
Lot 229 - 1952 Cunningham C3 Coupe by Vignale, chassis no. 5208; Est. $900,000 - $1,100,000
One of just 19 Cunningham C3 Coupes, this car is the third Vignale-bodied car and the only one to be actively raced in-period. One of the finest examples in existence, it is presented in Arizona following a superb restoration by RM Auto Restoration, which included returning the car to its unique tri-tone color scheme (Est. $900,000 - $1,100,000).
Lot 227 – 1953 Ferrari 212 Inter Coupe by Vignale, chassis no. 0285 EU; Est. $1,800,000 - $2,200,000
Finished in Rosso with a Nero roof, this handsome 212 Inter is the 23rd of just 26 examples built with Vignale coachwork. First owned by avid racer and sports car enthusiast, Pennsylvania State Senator Theodore Newell Wood, it comes to market in largely original condition following 20 years in loving single ownership.
Additional highlights:
· Lot 139 –1959 Maserati 3500 GT Spyder Prototype by Vignale, chassis no. AM101 505; resplendent in metallic red over tan, this car holds a special place in Maserati history as one of only three Vignale-bodied prototypes believed to exist, and one of two 3500 GT spyder prototypes shown at Turin in 1959 to introduce the model (Est. $1,500,000 - $2,000,000).
· Lot 158 – 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster, chassis no. 7500128; an early production example featuring desirable “Euro” headlights and removable hardtop (Est. $1,000,000 - $1,200,000).
· Lot 257 - 1987 Aston Martin V8 Vantage 'X-Pack', chassis no. SCFCV81V9HTR12564; the ultimate “true” V8 Vantage in high-performance European specification, this is one of only 137 “X-Packs” built and the first X-Pack offered publicly in the U.S (Est. $500,000 - $575,000).
Elegant coachbuilt classics:
For those with an appetite for stately Classic Era motor cars, RM’s Arizona sale offers several examples. Highlights:
Lot 133 -1929 Duesenberg Model J Disappearing Top Torpedo Convertible Coupe, engine no. J-414; Est. $3,000,000 - $3,500,000
One of the all-time ultimate designs on the Duesenberg chassis, J-414 is one of only six original examples built, and features a one-off tail design and numerous unique features; typical of the Duesenberg’s custom-built nature, it was one of only two early examples to feature a prototype early disappearing top design and is the only one of the pair without the chrome “rub strips” on its rear fenders. Delivered new to California sportsman and early enthusiast, David Gray, it is furthermore one of just four Disappearing Top Convertible Coupes that retain their original coachwork, and the first of the group to come to market in recent years, making for a very special and rare ownership opportunity.
Additional highlights:
· Lot 272 – 1942 Cadillac Series 60 Special Town Car by Derham, chassis no. 12924; originally bought as a wedding gift by Transair, Inc. founder W. Deering Howe for his new bride, this example is one of only two built and one of the final coachbuilt pre-war Cadillacs in existence. Beautifully restored with known ownership history, it is offered from over 40 years of single ownership (Est. $80,000 - $120,000).
· Lot 224 –1933 Packard Twelve Convertible Victoria, chassis no. 901624; a highly original example with just five owners from new, this is one of only four surviving examples of its kind. Expertly restored, it was invited into the Packards International Circle of Champions in 2010 and displayed at the 2011 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, though it has never been shown in judged CCCA competition, offering an exciting opportunity for the new owner (Est. $500,000 - $600,000).
Teenage Dreams: Poster Cars of the 70s & 80s:
RM’s Arizona line up features several poster cars – those vehicles that adorned the walls of teenagers during the 1970s and 80s and are now in a position to realize their dreams. Highlights:
· Lot 250 – 1971 Lamborghini Miura LP400 S by Bertone, chassis no. 4782, regarded by many as the first ‘true supercar’. A desirable, very late-production Miura S, this example features stunning Bertone coachwork in white with a white and blue interior. It is considered one of the lowest mileage Miura S’s known with just 3,788 kms on the clock (Est. $1,300,000 - $1,500,000).
· Lot 240 – 1985 Ferrari 288 GTO, chassis no. ZFFPA16B000058335, the rarest of Ferrari’s supercars and a veritable rocket ship for the road, this example was delivered new with optional air conditioning and power windows. Complete with Ferrari Classiche certification, it is one of the best known 288’s, showing less than 15,000 km from new (Est. $2,400,000 - $2,800,000).
· Lot 131 – 1978 BMW M1, chassis no. 4301011; believed to have been originally used as a press vehicle for BMW, this M1 is one of 399 road-going examples, which are, without question among the most collectible of BMWs. Finished in seldom seen Dark Metallic Blue with a rare, full black leather interior, itis fitted with correct alloy wheels with new tires—a true icon of its era (Est. $400,000 - $500,000).
Modern Collectibles:
For those looking for “what’s next” in the collector car market, the sale includes a bevy of late-model collectibles. Highlights:
· Lot 164 – 2002 BMW Z8 Roadster, chassis no. WBAEJ13482AH61329; the iconic modern successor to the 507, this ‘as new’ example shows only 550 actual miles and is presented with original window sticker, books, and removable hardtop (Est. $275,000 - $325,000).
· Lot 218 – 2005 Ferrari 575 Superamerica, chassis no. ZFFGT61A850144839; one of only 43 manual-transmission Superamericas, this car is outfitted with a fantastic assortment of options, including Fiorano handling package, Scuderia shields, and Daytona-style seats (Est. $650,000 - $750,000).
· Lot 111 – 2007 Lamborghini Murciélago LP640-4 Coupe, chassis no. ZHWBU37M77LA02595; one of just 26 U.S.-specification examples equipped with a manual transmission, this striking Murciélago shows just under 6,000 miles, making it possibly the lowest mileage six-speed example (Est. $275,000 - $325,000).
· Lot 148 – 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder, chassis no. WP0CA2A13FS800804; considered by many as the easiest to drive of the hybrid-hypercar trio, the 918 is Porsche’s most high-tech supercar since the 959, yet can be driven on a daily basis if desired. Well-optioned and equipped with world-beating performance, it is presented with the highly-desirable Weissach package and in a paint-to-sample color scheme. It is the ‘newest’ car included in the Arizona lineup (Est. $1,300,000 - $1,600,000).
ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
The Craig McCaw Collection: A feature attraction of RM Sotheby’s Arizona sale is the presentation of 12 motor cars from the esteemed Craig McCaw Collection, some of which will be sold to support Stanford, the Revs Program at the University and other charities including The Nature Conservancy. Highlights:
· Lot 230 – 1911 Lozier Model 51 Seven-Passenger Touring, chassis no. 3574; formerly part of the Henry Ford Museum and Ken Pearson Collection, this historic Lozier boasts just four owners in its 105 years. A reliable and well-maintained veteran of no fewer than 77 tours, it is among the finest Loziers and greatest Brass Era touring cars in existence, and incidentally, the oldest car in the sale (Est. $900,000 - $1,100,000).
Lot 252 - an exceptionally original 1949 Jaguar XK 120 Alloy Roadster, chassis no. 670047, reportedly the third XK120 sold in the United States, purchased new and owned for 46 years by legendary designer and enthusiast, Brooks Stevens (Est, $350,000 - $450,000).
· Lot 275 – the unmistakable 1959 Austin-Healey Sprite Mk 1 "Think Pink", chassis no. AN5L/16468; the car that crowned the first female SCCA Champion, this eye-catching pink Austin-Healey is the 1963 SCCA H/Production Champion driven by the famed Donna Mae Mims (Est. $40,000 - $60,000).
A trio of Japanese greats: Catering to the steady interest in Japanese collector cars, RM Sotheby’s Arizona sale will present:
· Lot 225 - 1967 Toyota 2000GT, chassis no. MF10-10158; one of only 351 built, this highly original, matching numbers example was delivered new to Japan, where it was allegedly owned by the president of the Toyota 2000GT Club Japan (Est. $800,000 - $900,000);
· Lot 174 - 1989 Nissan Skyline GT-R, chassis no. BNR32-000591; recently imported to US, this is an entirely stock GT-R showing less than 14,000 original kilometers (Est. $50,000 - $70,000; offered without reserve); and,
· Lot 217 - 1970 Mazda Cosmo Sport Series II, chassis no. L10B-10897; a very original example offered from its second owner, it features a rare factory air-conditioning system and shows just 56,000 kilometers from new (Est. $100,000 - $150,000; offered without reserve).
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.