RM Auctions held its inaugural Sporting Classics of Monaco event on 1st May, 2010 at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco, achieving $45,101,139 in total sales and matching the highest dollar single-day collector car auction in history.
“RM’s inaugural Monaco sale has set a new standard for collector car auctions not only for the high quality of cars, but also for its impeccable presentation and client experience. Two world record prices, and seven lots achieving in excess of one million euro, aptly illustrate this achievement,” said Max Girardo, Managing Director, RM Europe. “Our Monaco sales results underscore RM’s undisputed leadership position in the investment-grade segment of the collector car market.”
Held during the same weekend as the 7th Grand Prix Historique de Monaco, RM Auctions assembled 44 lots of memorabilia and 105 cars for the new single-day auction, including 25 motor cars offered without reserve. A strong 88 of the 105 (86%) motor cars offered changed hands, with five automobiles attaining prices in excess of $2.8 million, along with two setting new world records.
Ferraris dominated the spots at the auction, with the top sale going to the 1962 Ferrari 400 Superamerica Cabriolet Pininfarina SWB at $3,799,600, followed by the 1962 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta at $3,571,624, 1960 Maserati Tipo 61 ‘Birdcage’ for $3,343,648, 1957 Ferrari 250 GT LWB Tour de France at $3,191,664 and 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spyder for $2,811,704.
The sale’s headline car, the 1937 BMW 328 MM ‘Buegelfalte’, s/n 85032 exchanged hands within less than 24 hours of the sale’s conclusion for a confidential sum and is not included in the final sale results. However, the Buegelfalte reached a high bid of $5,835,100 and its addition to the final auction results produce the most successful collector auction in history.
RM Auctions offered 105 automobiles for sale, with 88 finding a new owner, reflecting an 86% sales rate. Total sales volume was $45,101,139, inclusive of buyer’s premiums. The average price per car sold was $512,512.
Click to see complete auction results: Sporting Classics of Monaco Official Results
Sporting Classics of Monaco Auction Results – RM Auctions
1937 BMW 328 MM ‘Buegelfalte’ – Sold post-sale for a confidential sum. Not sold during auction at high bid of $5,835,100 versus unavailable pre-sale estimate. Chassis number 85032 was manufactured in May 1937 for the BMW racing division; participated in the 1938 Mille Miglia, winning the 2.0 litre class with well-known British driver A.F.P. Fane and co-driver William James behind the wheel; dismantled by the racing division in 1939 and modified into an all-new open streamliner destined for use as a factory entry in the 1940 Mille Miglia; only special roadster ever built at the BMW factory (the two other second series streamline roadsters having been built by independent coachbuilders, Touring); Monaco sale was the first time it had been offered at auction.
1933 Rolls-Royce Phantom II 'Special Town Car' - Sold for $1,975,792 versus unavailable pre-sale estimate. Chassis number 218 AMS is considered by most historians to be one of the greatest Rolls-Royces ever built and quite possibly the most significant post-WWI Rolls Royce in existence; one-off design and the first and only one of three special town cars built that still retains its original coachwork; with just four owners from new, it has been shown at exclusive Concours events throughout the world, where it has won numerous Best of Show and Elegance awards, and has also been a part of numerous special displays at the foremost museums.
1962 Ferrari 400 Superamerica Cabriolet Pininfarina SWB – Sold for $3,799,600 versus pre-sale estimate of $2,750,000 - $3,300,000. Price attained is world record for a Superamerica; chassis number 3309 SA one of only six short wheelbase examples bodied by Pininfarina and only car fitted with covered headlights; 3309 SA was the last example built and displayed as a factory show car at the Geneva and New York Auto Shows in 1962; recipient of a recent Concours-winning restoration, it is fitted with various special features and a factory hardtop, and boasts a fully documented history from new; Ferrari Classiche Certified.
1938 Delahaye 135 MS Competition Cabriolet – Sold for $2,431,744 versus pre-sale estimate of $2,312,000 - $2,720,000. Chassis number 49197 features one-off coachwork by Figoni et Falaschi and an Hermès interior; previously owned by French racing driver Marcel Contet, and later, a former President of the Delahaye Owner’s Club for over 42 years; restored in recent years to Pebble Beach standards.
1957 Ferrari 250 GT LWB Tour de France - Sold for $3,191,664 versus pre-sale estimate of $2,700,000 – $3,200,000. Chassis number 0925 GT supplied new to noted collector William Harrah; the long wheelbase 0925 GT features alloy Scaglietti coachwork with covered headlights; considered one of the most original examples in existence, 0925 GT participated in the Mille Miglia Storica and Tour de France on numerous occasions; less than 17,600 miles from new; Ferrari Classiche certified.
1962 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta – Sold for $3,571,624 versus pre-sale estimate of $3,500,000 - $4,000,000. Chassis number 3401 GT was 135 of 165 built; fully restored by marque specialists, this example is finished in white with a light blue leather interior; Ferrari Classiche certified.
1960 Maserati Tipo 61 ‘Birdcage’ – Sold for $3,343,648 versus pre-sale estimate of $3,200,000 – $3,600,000. New world record for a Birdcage; chassis number 2470 was sold new to Jack Hinkle, then-president of the SCCA, who successfully raced it in 1961 and 1962; other former owners include Tracy Bird, one of the founders of the Can-Am series, and F1 team owner Lord Alexander Hesketh, among others; the current owner acquired 2470 in 2004 and has used it in several Ferrari Historic Challenge Series events; the last race entered was the 2009 Nürburgring Oldtimer Grand Prix, which the car won.
1934 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental Cabriolet – Sold for $873,908 versus pre-sale estimate of $610,000 - $815,000. Headlining the Zach Collection and dubbed the ‘Star of India,’ chassis number 188PY was custom built and delivered to the Maharaja of Rajkot in 1934 for use in state ceremonies; equipped with a range of unique features including an extra set of headlights designed to follow the path of steering; over the years it has been a welcome attraction at numerous events, including at the Silver and Golden Jubilee celebrations for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
1963 Shelby 289 Cobra Roadster Le Mans Racing Car – Sold for $1,010,694 versus pre-sale estimate of $950,000 - $1,200,000. Chassis number CSX 2136 won the 1964 SCCA A/Production Championship at the hands of Ed Leslie; restored by Shelby experts, it is presented as it was raced in 1963 by the Shelby American team in its #98 team livery.
1930 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 GS - Sold for $1,193,074 versus pre-sale estimate of $1,200,000 - $1,400,000. Coachwork by Zagato; matching numbers Series IV; driven by Phil Hill at Monterey Historics.
1930 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 GS by Castagna - Sold for $759,920 versus pre-sale estimate of $740,000 - $880,000. Fitted with Castagna bodywork, chassis 121215033 is one of the original supercharged cars; in its current ownership, the restoration of this correct and matching numbers was completed.
1952 Ferrari 212/225 Sport Coupé by Vignale – Sold for $873,908 versus pre-sale estimate of $810,000 - $1,100,000. Featuring Vignale coachwork, chassis number 0170 ET boasts a strong period and contemporary competition history, having participated in the Mille Miglia and numerous hillclimbs, along with various appearances at Concours events; upgraded to 225 specification by factory in 1953.
1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spyder – Sold for $2,811,704 versus pre-sale estimate of $2,500,000 - 3,000,000. Chassis number 1253 GT is the 21st car built and was delivered new with a high compression engine and velocity stacks; also delivered new with the desirable covered headlights and was the only LWB California Spyder to be equipped from new with side vents similar to the SWB California Spyder; Ferrari Classiche certified.
1954 Connaught B-Type Racing Car - Sold for $341,964 versus pre-sale estimate of $355,000 - $395,000. Ex-Rob Walker Team competed in three Grands Prix; recent Goodwood and Monaco Historic Grand Prix entrant; complete with HTP papers.
1953 Moretti 750 Gran Sport Berlinetta - Sold for $205,178 versus pre-sale estimate of $150,000 - $180,000. Coachwork by Michelotti; Chassis number 1290 was first of ten examples imported by Ernie McAfee.
1971 Porsche 911 S/T - Not sold at high bid of $373,175 versus pre-sale estimate of $394,000 - $435,000. Raced by Bjorn Waldegard; one of the five cars built for the 1971 East African Safari Rally; participated at 2007 Porsche Rennsport Reunion and 2009 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance.
1973 Porsche 911 RSR 2.8 - Not sold at high bid of $373,175 versus pre-sale estimate of $440,000 - $510,000. Second 2.8 RSR imported into States; ex-Hector Rebaque, Manfredo Lippmann; currently fitted with correct-type, but non-original engine.
1987 Porsche 959 - Sold for $284,970 versus pre-sale estimate of $217,000 - $258,000. Ordered new from leader of TAG Group; two owners from new and fully documented.
1965 Ferrari 275 GTB 6C Alloy Berlinetta - Sold for $1,063,888 versus pre-sale estimate of $950,000 - $1,200,000. Ferrari Classiche certified, long nose, alloy-bodied, six-car example.
1974 BMW 3.0 CSL Batmobile - Sold for $174,781 versus pre-sale estimate of $176,000 - $258,000. Ex-M Division Test Car was first allocated to Hans Stuck; one of 57 second-series cars; competed in 2006 Concorso Villa d'Este.
1953 Chrysler Special Coupe - Sold for $334,365 versus pre-sale estimate of $325,000 - $375,000. Coachwork by Ghia; one of 18 built; unrestored and very original.
1956 Austin-Healey 100M Le Mans Roadster - Sold for $144,385 versus pre-sale estimate of $125,000 - $150,000. Freshly restored; documented in 100M Registry and British Motor Industry Heritage Trust.
1950 Aston Martin DB2 Vantage Saloon - Sold for $395,158 versus pre-sale estimate of $183,000 - $224,000. Finished second in class and 15th overall at 1950 Sebring Sam Collier Memorial Trophy Grand Prix; LML/50/19 is the first Vantage-engined Aston ever built; formerly owned by Bill Spear.
1965 Aston Martin DB5 Vantage - Sold for $592,738 versus pre-sale estimate of $450,000 - $540,000. Left-hand drive Vantage restored in late '80s.
1965 Lola T70 Sports Racing Car - Sold for $547,142 versus pre-sale estimate of $625,000 - $725,000. Chassis No. SL 70/01 is the first example of only 15 Mk I cars built in 1965 and the first Lola T70 to win an international race; raced in period by John Surtees, Jackie Stewart and Mario Andretti, winning at Mosport and St. Jovite in 1965 at the hands of Surtees.
1970 McLaren M14A Formula One Racing Car - Sold for $417,956 versus pre-sale estimate of $340,000 - $400,000. Chassis M14A2 was driven by Denny Hulme to seven podium finishes.
1970 Ferrari 365 GTB4 Daytona Group IV - Sold for $729,523 versus pre-sale estimate of $570,000 - $650,000. Chassis 13715 was modified to Group IV specifications in period with successful racing history.
1937 Bugatti Type 57 Stelvio - Sold for $455,952 versus pre-sale estimate of $570,000 - $650,000. Features Gangloff Coachwork, known history and excellent condition.
1950 Bugatti Type 101 Coupe - Not sold at high bid of $508,875 versus pre-sale estimate of $680,000 - $1,100,000. From the O’Quinn Collection, one of the last six Bugattis built, one-off Van Antem coachwork, ex-Harrah, Harguindeguy, Cage.
1947 Cisitalia 202 Cabriolet - Sold for $288,769 versus pre-sale estimate of $340,000 - $435,000. Only 202 Cabriolet built and designed by Battista 'Pinin' Farina; gifted by Piero Dusio to Argentinean President Juan Perón and his famous wife Evita.
1937 Lagonda LG45 Rapide Sports Tourer - Sold for $759,920 versus pre-sale estimate of $600,000 - $880,000. Chassis number 12172, one of just 25 examples built; from the estate of John M. O’Quinn.
1952 Lancia B20 GT Works Racing Car - Sold for $136,785 versus pre-sale estimate of $135,000 - $190,000. Chassis 1824 was originally built by Lancia as a 'works' factory racing car for drivers Anselmi and Bonetti; In 1952, it finished sixth overall at Mugello, followed by a DNF at Silverstone; repainted approximately 20 years ago and appears to have never been completely restored; the engine, which is not original to the car but of the correct type, was rebuilt for approximately £16,000; comes with FIA paperwork from the 1980s.
1955 Fiat 8V Berlinetta - Not sold at high bid of $468,165 versus pre-sale estimate of $530,000 - $612,000. One of less than 30 Zagato-bodies examples; single ownership since 1980.
1968 Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman Landaulet - Sold for $782,718 versus pre-sale estimate of $740,000 - $1,100,000. Delivered by Daimler-Benz AG in 1968 to the African country of Gabon, for use by its president Omar Bongo, who had assumed this position just one year earlier.
[Source: RM Auctions]
Wonderful results across the board from RM. Impressive.
Any idea what “confidential sum” it took to purchase the Bugelfalte?
The BMW ? Not sold ! No on auction place, no by phone, no after the sale…
40% of lots are OWR (redemption by owner) but included on result…
Read the movies reports, 80% of the seats with no people !
I like the 600 Pullman , but I bet the guy who bought the unrestord one in London last year is not a happy camper