The beat goes on in the classic car market as RM Auctions Collector Cars of Fort Lauderdale event held February 6-8 attracted strong interest with total sales surpassing $11 million.
Regarded as Florida’s premier collector car event, the annual three-day sale at the Greater Fort Lauderdale / Broward County Convention Center offered a full range of American and European collector cars, from a 1927 Austin Seven to a custom 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 built by Steve Sanderson and George Barris.
Among the over 400 classic cars offered for bids was a pair of customized 1966 Ford Mustang Convertibles built by Hollywood’s legendary “King of the Kustomizers”, George Barris, who made a special appearance at the show. One of the top sellers of the weekend, the inseparable pair of Mustangs, which were customized by Barris for sixties entertainment icons Sonny and Cher, brought $198,000. Another unique Barris creation known as “Fire Bug”, originally built as a promotional vehicle for the LA Fire Department, sold for $49,500.
“The collector car world continues to provide many notable opportunities for both buyers and sellers regardless of the challenges of the current economy,” said RM Auctions’ Donnie Gould, a 30-year veteran of the classic car industry.
“The solid attendance and results of this year’s Fort Lauderdale event reinforces that the interest and enthusiasm for collector cars remains strong,” he added.
As the gavel fell for the final time over the weekend, sales for the Collector Cars of Fort Lauderdale event, including memorabilia, totaled $11,588,100 with a 66% sell-through rate. The top seller of the weekend was a magnificent 1936 Packard Twelve Coupe Roadster which fetched $220,000.
Other highlights included:
- 1948 Ford Sportsman Convertible Coupe – $199,100
- 1954 Buick Skylark Convertible – $187,000
- 1939 Packard Model 1708 Convertible Sedan – $176,000
- 1970 Mustang Boss 429 – $165,000
- 1952 Schwinn Black Phantom bicycle – $7,700
In addition to the auction excitement, RM joined forces with AutoNation and Heritage Fort Lauderdale during the Collector Cars of Fort Lauderdale event weekend for the inaugural Wheels fundraising benefit. The Friday evening party set amongst the cars featured a silent auction and live entertainment by Florida’s popular dance band, “The Fabulons”. All proceeds from the charity auction will benefit Heritage Fort Lauderdale, incorporating Stranahan House, the Historical Society, the Seminole Museum at Okalee and the International Swimming Hall of Fame.
RM Auctions will return to Florida next month for the prestigious Automobiles of Amelia Island auction at the luxurious Ritz-Carlton Hotel on March 14th, 2009.
For further information on this event or full sales results from the Collector Cars of Fort Lauderdale event, visit www.rmauctions.com.
[Source: RM Auctions]
