RM Auctions, Arizona Biltmore, Phoenix, Arizona, January 15-16, 2015
Top grossing auction (of less than three days’ duration) in Scottsdale: RM with $63,605,500.
The top sale of the week in Scottsdale: RM’s Ferrari 250 LM s/n 5899GT at $9,625,000 (by a $220,000 whisker.)
Most transactions hammered at $1 million or more: RM with fourteen.
Greatest total sale increase from 2014: RM, up 39.6% from 2014, itself up 25.1% from 2013.
Put in some sort of perspective, it was only five years ago that RM broke $63 million for the first time, at Monterey in 2010. Only 21 auctions have exceeded RM’s 2015 Arizona total; all have them have been either in Monterey or multi-day sales.
RM Auctions should be very proud of what it accomplished in Arizona. In the midst of a nearly impossibly busy auction schedule (they’ll be in Paris in three weeks, in Amelia Island five weeks after that and then only seven more weeks before the Andrews Collection auction in Texas) RM piled up one of its most impressive sale totals ever. That they did it without a single eight-figure transaction highlights just how good and diverse the consignment assembled at the Biltmore was.
The numbers are here:
[table id=118 /]
Seventy-six of the 123 vehicles offered were viewed and written up, 61.8%, thanks to a lot of help from friends and colleagues. Here are the details:
RM Auctions Arizona 2015 – Auction Report
Lot # 106 1957 Chrysler Saratoga 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N L5726168; Engine # LE5729621; Black, White roof and accent/White vinyl, Red cloth; Estimate $60,000 – $80,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $40,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $44,000. No Reserve – 354/285hp, single 2-barrel, automatic, chrome wire wheels, whitewall bias ply tires, automatic, P/S, P/B, pushbutton radio. – Good paint, chrome, interior and panel fits. Underbody repainted over old undercoat. A good older cosmetic restoration with some age and use. – Sold at Branson Spring in 2011 for $42,660, then at Mecum Indy a month later for $58,300, this Saratoga turned up at Barrett-Jackson WestWorld in 2014 and brought $59,400. It has fared well in the intervening year in condition, but not in the bidders’ opinion of value.
Lot # 115 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB Coupe, Body by Scaglietti; S/N 08603; Engine # 08603; Rosso Rubino/Black leather; Estimate $2,750,000 – $3,500,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $2,500,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $2,750,000. – Chrome spoke polished rim Borranis, Michelin X blackwall tires, Talbot outside mirror, books and tools. – Very good paint done in the mid-90’s and chrome. Upholstery is lightly surface creased but barely used. Engine, underhood and chassis are used, dusty and a little grimy. A well restored car that has been used as intended and needs to be detailed. – It is surprising that the consignor failed to give this expensive Ferrari even the minimal pre-auction preparation it deserved which goes a long way to explaining when it failed to meet RM’s reasonable low estimate. The value curve for 275 GTBs of all sorts is approaching vertical and carried this one along although with a few thousand dollars of professional detailing and touchup this will be a better car than the price it brought.
Lot # 119 1971 Lamborghini Miura P400 SVJ Coupe, Body by Bertone; S/N 4892; Engine # 30640; Rosso Granada, Gold sills/Red leather; Estimate $2,000,000 – $2,600,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $1,725,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $1,897,500. – P/W, gold alloy wheels, covered headlights, grille-mounted driving lights, described as factory modified to Jota-specs. – Very good paint, interior and bright trim. Little to no wear on the interior. Underbody is dirty. Very clean engine compartment. Thoroughly documented to support the factory modifications. – Sold by RM in London in 2010 for $1,148,930, a choice example of the most desirable of all Miuras, which by any definition means very desirable. Bought reasonably here.
Lot # 120 1956 DeSoto Adventurer 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 50385933; Engine # ; Black, Gold/Gold cloth, vinyl; Estimate $125,000 – $175,000; Older restoration, 1- condition; Hammered Sold at $75,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $82,500. No Reserve – 341/320hp, automatic, air conditioning, power windows, power seats, station-finding radio, steering wheel hub self-winding clock, Highway HiFi radio, gold wheel covers, bias ply whitewall tires, chrome wire wheels included. – With 996 built, this is rarer than the Chrysler 300B, but there are few survivors. Well-equipped and extremely well restored in 2005 by specialists. The paint, chrome plating, trim alignment and anodizing are very good, though panel fit is average. The engine compartment is clean and correct, and the interior striking in gold cloth and vinyl. – One of a few, fabled Adventurers, this is an appropriate result for a hardtop, despite the generous pre-sale estimate range.
Lot # 122 1965 Jaguar XKE SI 4.2 Convertible; S/N 1E11337; Engine # 7E5220-9; Silver-Blue, Silver-Blue hardtop/Dark Blue leather; Navy cloth top; Estimate $275,000 – $325,000; Concours restoration, 1 condition; Hammered Sold at $255,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $280,500. No Reserve – Chrome wire wheels, Michelin Defender blackwall radials, two tops, upgraded radiator, large cooling fan, 3.23 rear axle, 15-inch woodrim steering wheel. JDHT Heritage Certificate documented matching numbers. – Excellent paint, chrome and interior. All chrome and polished aluminum engine compartment. Beautiful upholstery. Well and truly overdone in all respects and impossible to fault. – The best of all XKEs, with the big, torquey engine and full synchro gearbox, exceptionally fully equipped and done to the highest standards in a particularly attractive color that accentuates the XKE’s beautiful lines. What’s not to like? It’s a little glitzy under the hood and hard to drive without being concerned by birds, stones and the stares of inattentive passing drivers. XKEs are hot in the moment and this is no more than this excellent example should have brought. (photo: RM Auctions)
Lot # 123 1960 Porsche 356B 1600 Super Roadster, Body by Drauz; S/N 87279; Engine # 85441; Silver/Red leatherette; Black cloth top; Estimate $200,000 – $250,000; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $225,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $247,500. No Reserve – Painted wheels, Michelin X blackwall tires. – Restored like new with very good paint, chrome, interior and top. Clean engine compartment essentially like new, including the weeping Solexes. Fairly magnetic body. Reported to be the original engine, replacement transmission. – Sold at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale in 2003 for $73,440 and probably better than it was then, along with being reunited with its original engine. The work since last sold totaled at least $36,000 according to receipts with the car; the rest of the $170K value increase is all up to what has happened to 356s in the last decade and even that fails quite to match the price it brought here. (photo: RM Auctions)
Lot # 126 1966 Shelby Cobra 427 Roadster; S/N CSX 3102; Engine # C3AE3059A; Red/Black leather; No top; Estimate $1,000,000 – $1,400,000; Rebodied or re-created, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $900,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $990,000. – 427/425hp, dual quads, 6-spoke Halibrand style centerlock wheels, Radial T/A blackwall tires, black side exhausts, rear fender top brake cooling scoops, outside fuel filler. – Original Shelby/AC Cobra 427 body from CSX 3005 with modifications specified by Bob Johnson for a comp Cobra never completed after being reduced to an open-wheel special in Japan in the 80’s and then reconstituted as a Cobra. Sound paint, chrome and old interior showing use. Underbody and interior panels are aged and lumpy. – Sold by Mecum at Monterey in 2010 for $689,000, this Cobra’s ‘interesting’ history detracts from its value but it is in many respects a slice of the Shelby Cobra heritage that shouldn’t be neglected. It’s a real big block Cobra 427, unlike the later 428s, with a competition spec body. It’s probably better in history, performance and specifications than the price it brought.
Lot # 130 1988 Porsche 959 Komfort Coupe; S/N WP0ZZZ95ZHS900149; Engine # ; Graphite Grey/Grey leather, Silver inserts; Estimate $900,000 – $1,100,000; Unrestored original, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $950,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $1,045,000. – A/C, Blaupunkt Bremen cassette stereo, heater sport seats, books, tools, keys, Porsche certificate. – Very good original paint and interior. A barely used original car with 21,608km from new. – 2,700 more km showing on the odometer than when it sold at the Poulain-Sotheby’s auction in Monaco in 2000 for $148,109, this is the poster car for the explosion in 959 values. (photo: RM Auctions)
RM Auctions Arizona 2015 – Auction Report Page Two
Lot # 131 1990 Ferrari F40 Coupe; S/N ZFFMN34A7L0086954; Engine # ; Red/Red cloth; Estimate $1,200,000 – $1,500,000; Unrestored original, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $1,150,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $1,265,000. – U.S. delivered new, Tubi exhaust, books, tools, owner’s binder, battery tender, car cover. – Slightly used but better than many with this many miles, 5,323 on its odometer. Ferrari Classiche certified, freshly serviced. – This is what it takes to own a pristine F40, no quibbles with the car or the price it brought.
Lot # 133 1968 Iso Grifo SI Coupe; S/N GL810191; Engine # ; Yellow/Blue leather; Estimate $375,000 – $425,000; Cosmetic restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $350,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $385,000. – 427/400hp, automatic, Personal woodrim steering wheel, P/W, P/S, A/C, centerlock alloy wheels, two removable roof panels, headrest seats. – Built as a 327, updated during 2005 restoration to a 427 with automatic, Porsche ventilated disc brakes and power steering. Very good paint, chrome and interior, and very Giallo. Small paint crack on left windshield post. Very attractive upholstery and interior time. Dusty, aged underbody and chassis. Makes a great first impression but hard to maintain up close. – The modifications and indifferent quality of presentation make the result for this Grifo entirely appropriate.
Lot # 134 1954 Chrysler New Yorker Town & Country Station Wagon; S/N 76603716; Engine # C541814469; Maroon, Cream roof/Maroon; Estimate $70,000 – $90,000; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $60,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $66,000. No Reserve – 331 Hemi with dual quads from a 1956 300B, automatic, power steering, chrome wire wheels wide whitewall radial tires, radio, clock, roof rack and firewall tag indicating it was dealer display car when new, original single 2-barrel intake is included. – An over the top restoration, with sparkling paint, bright chrome, NOS trim, new glass and window seals and excellent upholstery and super shiny wood bed. Rumored to have been in the movies but no confirmation. The bed, with its gorgeous varnished wood and chrome bed strips, is a delight. – Particularly boring styling is hard to break through even with this car’s fabulous restoration and presentation. Rarely seen, and almost never in this show-ready condition, nothing can offset Chrysler’s uninteresting design in 1954. The Forward Look was but a year away, and it makes all the difference.
Lot # 135 1989 Porsche 911 Carrera Speedster; S/N WP0EB0919KS173079; Engine # 64K05455; Black/Black leather, Red piping; Black top; Estimate $180,000 – $240,000; Unrestored original, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $180,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $198,000. No Reserve – Matching numbers,3.2/214hp, Blaupunkt Cheyenne radio, black sport seats with red piping, rear seat delete, black center alloy wheels. – 18,845 miles described as accurate and very well detailed, with excellent interior. However the absence of any stone chips on the nose, while the rear fender protectors were peeling, suggests that it might have been partially painted. Originally owned by Barbara Orbison (Roy’s wife). – When the Carrera Speedster was introduced Porsche folks scoffed. ‘No one will give a card about these poseurs’ they said, and for years they didn’t. That all changed a little while ago and today they’re the darlings of a new generation of Porsche collectors, as this result indicated. Mrs. Orbison’s ownership didn’t seem to have any significant effect on this Carrera Speedster’s value and the price reflects its condition and low mileage.
Lot # 136 1962 Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet Series 2, Body by Pininfarina; S/N 3633GT; Engine # 3633; Black/Beige leather; Black top; Estimate $1,600,000 – $1,900,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $1,550,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $1,705,000. – Autovox multi-band radio, chrome spoke Borranis, Michelin blackwall tires, owner’s folder, manuals, tool kit, two tops. – Extensively documented with copies of original build and dyno sheets and continuous history of four owners and 41,969 miles from new, the most recent since 1980. Good repaint, interior and chrome. Old undercoat. Never restored, just kept up as needed. – This is, simply, a really good Ferrari the commends itself to a new owner who wants to enjoy it by driving it without undue concern for some mega-dollar restoration’s glitz and glamour. The price it brought here in Arizona is fair to both the buyer and the seller although the seller, after 35 years of ownership, may feel the pile of dead presidents is less satisfying than firing up the Cab 2 on a delightful Spring day.
Lot # 137 1965 Sunbeam Tiger Mk IA Coupe, Body by Harrington; S/N B9472164HROFE; Engine # 3314627KA; Blue/Light Blue vinyl; Estimate $200,000 – $250,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $170,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $187,000. No Reserve – RHD. 260/164hp with Holley 4-barrel, 4-speed, electronic ignition, large radiator, 8-spoke alloy wheels, Dunlop blackwall radials, Motorola pushbutton radio. – The only Harrington bodied Tiger coupe, restored in 1990 with mechanical work and development by Doane Spencer. 2nd in class at Pebble Beach that year and apparently little used subsequently. Sound paint and interior. Weak trim chrome. Cosmetically restored to good driving standards. – ‘Unique’ is a term that rarely gets used accurately but is fully deserved in this case. With open top Tigers chasing Cobras up the value scale this absolutely unique Cobra is no more expensive than it deserves to be.
Lot # 142 1964 Porsche 356C 1600 SC Coupe, Body by Reutter; S/N 128987; Engine # 81165; Cream/Grey leather; Estimate $175,000 – $225,000; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $145,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $159,500. No Reserve – Sunroof, chrome wheels, woodrim steering wheel – Represented as matching numbers and in California since new. It has been restored, but has all original body panels and floors, and a rebuilt transmission. Excellent paint in attractive original color, good panel fit, glass and seals. Attractive gray leather interior, wheels matched and date coded. Engine cosmetically refreshed and is the correct “8” series SC motor with Solex carburetors, original oil filter housing and proper decals. – Reported sold by Mecum in Houston in April 2013 for $92,750 and boosted well up the value scale with this transaction. The result is as impressive as the Porsche, but nowhere close to as impressive as RM’s pre-sale estimate range, a pie-in-the-sky pair of numbers seemingly calculated to encourage bidders on this no-reserve lot, a tactic mirrored on other of RM’s no-reserve lots here at the Biltmore.
Lot # 143 1965 Porsche 904 Carrera GTS Coupe; S/N 904-107; Engine # 99111; Silver, Dark Blue hood/Blue-Grey cloth; Estimate $1,500,000 – $2,000,000; Competition restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $1,500,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $1,650,000. – 901-series 911 engine installed, 4-cam 904 1966cc engine in good running condition included. 2nd series production, Ebersbacher gasoline heater, Les Leston woodrim steering wheel, covered headlights, yellow fog lights, dual outside mirrors. – Restored like new with little subsequent use. Raced in ’68-69 by Dr. Carl Armstrong in SCCA Midwest regional events. – A particularly pretty Porsche model, attractively restored and fitted with road equipment that makes it even more useful and bought for what is today a representative price for a good 904. The pair of engines enhances its usability and both buyer and seller came out well on this transaction. (photo: RM Auctions)
RM Auctions Arizona 2015 – Auction Report Page Three
Lot # 144 1962 Jaguar XKE SI 3.8L Convertible; S/N 877151; Engine # R52329; Carmen Red/Black leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $225,000 – $275,000; Cosmetic restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $200,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $220,000. No Reserve – Chrome wire wheels, blackwall tires, AM radio, updated with gear reduction starter, aluminum radiator and electronic ignition. – Excellent paint and panel fit. Clean and correct engine compartment, good seats, good dash and console, working radio. Good nose with correct grille shape, bumpers are level. Very good top. Delaminating windshield with wobbly wipers. An excellent original to begin with. – Well done to very high driver standards by a highly competent shop. The price it brought carries on the current XKE tradition of values that ignore the substantial numbers produced.
Lot # 145 1955 Chrysler C-300 Hardtop; S/N 3N552584; Engine # ; Tango Red/Tan leather; Estimate $75,000 – $100,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $115,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $126,500. No Reserve – 331/300hp, dual quads, automatic, power brakes, power steering, power seats, power windows Town & Country radio, chrome wire wheels, whitewall tires. – Concours quality restoration in eye-popping Tango red and has 2009 Amelia Island and 2008 Senior Grand National awards to prove it. Spectacular paint and panel fit, excellent chrome, including wire wheels with wide-whitewall tires, good glass and seals and immaculate interior. – Reported sold by RM at Amelia Island in 2012 for exactly the same price that it brought here.
Lot # 147 1954 Kaiser-Darrin 161 Roadster; S/N 161001181; Engine # ; Yellow Satin/Yellow leather; Estimate $125,000 – $175,000; Recent restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $160,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $176,000. No Reserve – 161/90hp Willys flathead six, overdrive 3-speed, wheel covers, wide whitewalls, wind wings. – Excellent paint but the shortcomings of early fiberglass molding show through. The chrome is excellent, the badges sparkle and the matching interior is superb, but the hood, deck and trunk fit are casual at best. – Sold by RM here in 2011 for $121,000, then at Amelia a year ago for $123,750. The soft, inviting leather is new and accounts for some but not all the nearly $40,000 increase in price.
Lot # 148 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 Convertible; S/N 136670B161703; Engine # ; Medium Turquoise metallic/Parchment vinyl; White vinyl top; Estimate $225,000 – $300,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $205,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $225,500. – LS6 454/450hp, 4-speed, Magnum 500 wheels, Radial T/A tires, stripe and cowl induction delete, P/B, pushbutton radio, bucket seats, factory gauges. – This turquoise convertible was restored in 1991 and its authenticity is confirmed by a copy of the broadcast sheet. Excellent paint and panel fit. Good tight top. Very nice grille, power disc brakes, satin vinyl interior. Clean engine compartment, all glass and seals good. – Sold at RM’s auction of the Robson collection in 2010 for $214,500. The result here is close enough to its sale five years ago to not make any significant difference, but is a strong result when compared with what it brought in a highly publicized single owner collection sale where prices are usually better than the then-prevailing market.
Lot # 149 1963 Alfa Romeo 2600 Spider, Body by Touring; S/N AR10601191551; Engine # ; Green/Brown; Estimate $110,000 – $140,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $105,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $115,500. No Reserve – Hubcaps, blackwall tires. – Cosmetically restored five years ago with new paint, interior and chrome, but still feels unfinished. Has new tires and exhaust, engine compartment is clean and orderly, but seals and rubber parts need replacing and the passenger side window winder was on the floor. A competent driver quality boulevardier. – Reported sold by RM at Monterey last August for $110,000. The seller escaped from a limited exposure with only a moderate flogging. (photo: RM Auctions)
Lot # 151 1966 Ferrari 275 GTS Spider, Body by Pininfarina; S/N 08313; Engine # 08313; Black/Red leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $2,000,000 – $2,300,000; Recent restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $2,150,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $2,365,000. – Chrome spoke Borrani wire wheels, Michelin XWX blackwall tires, Becker multi-band radio. – Restored to showroom condition with very good paint, chrome and interior. Engine compartment and underbody are crisp, clean and sharp just showing a little age evidencing its 25 years in storage that ended a few years ago and a recent restoration that didn’t go far enough. – Guaranteed to set hearts blazing with a wonderful combination of style, top down flair and 3.3 liters of V-12, this result is no more or less than the car deserves, and it will be better with some more careful attention to overlooked details.
Lot # 153 1971 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Coupe, Body by Scaglietti; S/N 14769; Engine # ; Red/Black leather; Estimate $650,000 – $850,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $650,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $715,000. – Painted nose panel, pop up lights, headrest seats, Blaupunkt Cambridge CD stereo, P/W, A/C, 5-spoke alloy wheels, full tool roll, owner’s manuals, 9-inch rear wheels. – A largely original Daytona with a good older repaint with minor masking holidays, scuffed stainless window trim. Aged undercoating chipped off in places and surface rusted. Uneven hood fit. Doors fit better but not a lot. Dusty but original under the hood. Runs better than it looks. – There is surprisingly no originality premium for this Daytona, the price reflecting its age and presentation, especially the repaint applied in the mid-90’s. Among the Daytonas in Scottsdale it is one of the better values.
Lot # 155 1932 Hupmobile 226 Eight Coupe; S/N 5404; Engine # ; Red, Crimson roof and fenders/Red leather; Estimate $75,000 – $100,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $90,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $99,000. No Reserve – Chrome spoke body color wire wheels, dual enclosed sidemounts with mirrors, Trippe lights, rumble seat, rollup rear window, wide whitewalls, Gold coachlines. – An ex-Harrah’s car with a very good old restoration to like new condition with some use and more age. Runs well and makes a great first impression that isn’t disappointed on a closer look. – Sold by RM at Hershey in 2011 for $71,500, then offered by Auctions America at Ft. Lauderdale in 2012 and sold later that year at Auburn Fall for $64,900. The odometer shows just four more miles now than it did in 2012, and the car is still good enough to be shown proudly, especially at this price.
RM Auctions Arizona 2015 – Auction Report Page Four
Lot # 156 1976 Ford GT40 Mk IV Continuation Coupe, Body by Kar Kraft; S/N J16; Engine # ; Princess Blue, White stripes/Black fiberglass; Estimate $500,000 – $700,000; Facsimile restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $600,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $660,000. – RHD. 427/500hp, dual quads, 4-speed, centerlock alloy wheels. – Built by Kar-Kraft LLC, one of seven in the continuation series, as exact a duplicate as possible, eligible for FIA, SCRA and HSR events. Vintage raced once, more of a track test than a competition. Clean, sound, runs well. – If looks could kill there would be many dead people around the Biltmore. This is a mean, seductive, arrogant, proud machine with mind-bending performance. Its price is less than a tenth of the value of one of the original J-cars and this one can be used seriously without concern for damage to a priceless artifact of auto racing history. It looks the part, and has the performance to back it up, at a reasonable cost.
Lot # 159 1969 Aston Martin DB6 Mk I Saloon; S/N DB6/4060/RAC; Engine # 400/4232; Dark Green/Black leather; Estimate $275,000 – $350,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $250,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $275,000. – Converted to LHD. Borg-Warner 3-speed automatic transmission, power steering, Webasto sliding roof, chrome wire wheels, blackwall tires. – This car is a survivor, but life has not been kind. Poor prep work means its older repaint is bubbling, the trunk is sprung on one side, and window seals need renewal. The Webasto roof should be replaced. However, the interior remains usable and the engine is the original unit. Bumpers are fine, the wheels are in good condition. An Aston with great possibilities, or simply one to be driven. – The bidders had to look beyond the blistered paint and wobbly trunk to see the largely original and sound Aston underneath. RM estimated it realistically, and the bidders were even more realistic about it, making it a sound value at this price.
Lot # 161 1967 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III Phase 2 Convertible; S/N HBJ8L/38206; Engine # 29KRUH/12790; Light Blue/Black; Blue top; Estimate $80,000 – $100,000; Older restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $85,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $93,500. No Reserve – Chrome wires, including spare; restoration photographically recorded. – Restored by marque expert Kurt Tanner, who addressed mechanicals, paint, body and interior and it’s finished in silver blue. Excellent panel fit, correct paint color but with too much metallic. Evidence of welding at front of rear fenders. Correct interior, very nice dash, but sloppy grille badge painting. – Sold at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale in 2010 for $71,680, still showing the quality of Tanner’s work as well as limited use and continuing maintenance and care. This is a good result for a BJ8 Phase 2 Healey, which have lost some of their appeal in recent years.
Lot # 162 1957 Jaguar XK 140 Roadster; S/N A813268; Engine # G97928; Burgundy/Tan leather; Tan cloth top; Estimate $125,000 – $150,000; Modified restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $190,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $209,000. No Reserve – Upgraded with 5-speed gearbox, front disc brakes, replacement C-type head, chrome wire wheels, blackwall tires, wind wings, driving lights. – The paint finish is even, panel fits are consistent, interior well fitted and bumpers correctly adjusted and well plated. Polished up underhood but showing scant effect from the 6,500 miles it is said to have covered since the restoration. – This is a serious premium price for a modified XK 140 even though the upgrades will make it a much better tour car and it is presented to very high standards.
Lot # 163 1965 Porsche 911 Coupe; S/N 302474; Engine # 902689; Red/Black vinyl; Estimate $275,000 – $300,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $270,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $297,000. – 1,991cc/130hp, 5-speed, Blaupunkt multiband radio, woodrim Porsche steering wheel, silver painted wheels, blackwall radial tires. – Very good new paint, chrome and new interior. Clear, crisp gauges. Fresh orderly engine compartment thoroughly detailed. Underbody is done. Competently restored to good and presentable driving condition, then freshly done to bring a good, sound California car to a much higher level. – Sold at Worldwide’s Auburn auction last Labor Day weekend for $170,500 before the fresh repaint, interior and detailed assembly by Classic Showcase which was rewarded by a curve-setting price. Early 911s are among the hottest cars in the collector car market and this result will do nothing to cool off collectors’ desire for them. (photo: RM Auctions)
Lot # 165 1956 Studebaker President Sky Hawk 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 7811411; Engine # ; Light Blue, White/Blue, White; Estimate $30,000 – $40,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $17,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $19,250. No Reserve – 210 bhp 289 cubic inch V8, two-speed automatics, re-chromed bumpers, full hubcaps, whitewall tires, radio, aftermarket rear turn signals, clock, radio, power antenna. – California car with 40-year ownership, a solid and desirable hardtop, instead of two-door post. Repainted in original colors, mileage could be correct. Good original seats, new carpet. Fair paint, interior very plain, trim not well aligned. Glass OK. Not fast, not fancy, but honest – Sold by RM at the Art Astor collection auction in June 2008 for $19,800 with some subsequent attention to the cosmetics. One of the most attractive American cars of the Fifties that is going to make its new owner proud of both the car and the price paid for it.
Lot # 203 1960 Jaguar Mk 2 3.8 4-Dr. Sedan; S/N P215228DN; Engine # LA8633-8; Dark Green/Green leather; Estimate $60,000 – $80,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $85,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $93,500. No Reserve – 3.8/220hp, overdrive 4-speed, chrome wire wheels, Pirelli tires, modern air conditioning, Hella headlights, Cibie driving lights, 4-spoke woodrim steering wheel, P/S, AM-FM. – Restored in the UK, completed in 2006. Excellent paint and panel fit, good chrome and glass, beautiful wood interior. Right front seat shrunken by the sun. Chrome wire wheels look new. Air conditioning squeezed in, radiator header tank is battered. No rear fender skirts, like period racing cars. Jaguar Mk 2 upgrades are accepted now, like Vintage Bentleys and this is a desirable package with full records. – Said to have covered only about the 821 miles showing on its odometer since it was completed, desirably equipped including air conditioning, but not upgraded with the handling packages that make Mk 2s even better driving cars. The Biltmore bidders paid like it was, though, a superior price even for a superior Mk 2 like this.
RM Auctions Arizona 2015 – Auction Report Page Five
Lot # 204 1971 Lancia Fulvia 1.3 Coupe, Body by Zagato; S/N 818650002213; Engine # ; Avorio Santa Anita (Yellow)/Black vinyl; Estimate $40,000 – $60,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $45,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $49,500. No Reserve – 1,298cc/90hp V-4, 5-speed, Cassa Attracta blackwall tires, silver steel wheels, tools, owner’s manual, jack. – Good old paint and original interior. Fair chrome. Worn window pocket felts. Old undercoat. Engine and chassis are old and recently steam cleaned but remarkably original and orderly. Stored for many years after the first owner died, then displayed by a Swiss Lancia dealer. Odometer shows 26,466 probably original kilometers. – The combination of Zagato coachwork and remarkable originality make this Fulvia quite a find and fully support the price paid for it.
Lot # 205 1973 Porsche 911S 2.4 Coupe; S/N 9113300017; Engine # 6330029; Silver/Black; Estimate $250,000 – $300,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $220,000. – 2.4/181hp, fuel injection, 5-speed, Fuchs wheels, tinted glass, engine compartment light. – Good body, older repaint has some touch ups here and there. Wheels are dull, some pitted trim, some seals are checked. Clean underbody and engine, good interior with redone back seats. A generally good car that could be significantly better after some details are addressed. – This 911S marks the end of pre-emissions high performance Porsches. The weaknesses in its presentation are more than enough to make the reported high bid reasonable. The consignor is going to have to take the time and spend some money to bring it to a level today’s Porsche buyers accept if the estimate range is going to be realized.
Lot # 206 1982 Aston Martin V8 Vantage SII ‘Oscar India’ Coupe; S/N V8VOL12332; Engine # V/580/2332/V; Burnt Orange/White leather; Estimate $150,000 – $200,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $120,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $132,000. No Reserve – 5,340/425hp, four Weber carburetors, ZF 5-speed, alloy wheels, driving lights. Extensive records. – One-family car, built for Calgary-based Ranger Oil founder Jack Pierce and driven by him until his death in 1991. Said to be one of only three Canadian specification cars with the Vantage specs. Very straight with excellent repaint. Good glass with a few windshield chips. Excellent alloys and new tires. Sound interior with worn driver’s seat. – An honest car with the most desirable specifications, largely overlooked while Aston collectors focus of the earlier DB cars, a sound value with good prospects for one day being recognized for its rarity and performance. In the meantime the new owner can just enjoy the performance and luxury.
Lot # 207 1958 Jaguar XK 150 Fixed-Head Coupe; S/N S834564DN; Engine # V1755-8; BRGreen/Tan leather; Estimate $80,000 – $100,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $75,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $82,500. No Reserve – Painted wire wheels, blackwall tires. – This car has been in California since new, one family owned until 2003. It has clearly been cherished, and the 72,528 miles are represented as correct. A good repaint in the original British Racing Green – including the wire wheels – highlights the straight bodywork and good panel fit. The charmingly worn interior is too inviting to replace but the seat cushions would benefit from being carefully restuffed. Under the hood the engine is clean and correct and affirms that this car has been loved and driven. The bumpers are checked, the grille badge cracked and the taillights faded to blonde, but the car had a crowd around it all day. – Reported sold at the McCormicks’ Palm Springs auction in November 2003 for $40,280 when the odometer displayed 70,868 miles, then at Gooding’s auction here in Scottsdale in 2009 for $61,600. The price it realized here is a tribute to its originality – although most observers rate it repainted, not original paint as cataloged.
Lot # 208 1966 Jaguar XKE SI 4.2 Roadster; S/N 1E13442; Engine # 7E100499; Primrose Yellow, Black hardtop/Black leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $225,000 – $275,000; Unrestored original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $175,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $192,500. – Overdrive 4-speed, chrome wire wheels, blackwall tires, hardtop, pushbutton radio, extensive documentation back to selling dealer in Portland, Oregon. – Low-mileage survivor, bought for the original owner’s honeymoon in Europe. Represented as matching numbers original block, head and gearbox, original paint (including dent on passenger door), pitted bumpers, tired rubber seals and old canvas top. Bumper guard removed from rear, leaving holes. Leather seats nicely patinated, some windshield chips. Good wire wheels. Tidy engine, with Optima battery. Now a rare color that’s usually changed. – Surprisingly original and still in very presentable condition, this XKE could have brought the low estimate without being unreasonably expensive.
Lot # 210 1974 Ferrari 365 GT4 BB Coupe, Body by Scaglietti; S/N 18057; Engine # 177; Red, Black sills/Black leather; Estimate $400,000 – $500,000; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $465,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $511,500. – A/C, 5-spoke alloy wheels, Michelin X tires, P/W. – Very good paint and interior. Restored to showroom condition. Even gaps, flush panels. – Berlinetta Boxers lately are being recognized as the rare, superior high performance automobiles that they are and prices are in a steep climb, although still less than Daytonas. This 365 GT4 BB was offered at Bonhams auction in Gstaad in 2008 with an estimate range of $160-220,000; showing just how steep the curve is.
Lot # 211 1967 Fiat Dino 2.0 Spider, Body by Pininfarina; S/N 135AS0000452; Engine # ; Yellow/Black vinyl; Black leatherette top; Estimate $90,000 – $120,000; Cosmetic restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $100,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $110,000. No Reserve – Cromodora alloy wheels, Sumitomo tires, Vitaloni outside mirror. – Very good paint, chrome and interior. Weak emblem chrome. Engine compartment has been pressure wash detailed. Underbody is tidy but resprayed assembled and has some exterior overspray. A very Yellow Dino driver that no one should be ashamed to be seen driving. – With Dino-Dinos hovering in the ionosphere of prices Fiat Dinos look ever more attractive. Not so long ago this was a $30,000 Dino. Now it’s a $100K Dino. What’s next?
Lot # 212 1970 Lamborghini Miura P400 S Coupe, Body by Bertone; S/N 4707; Engine # 30565; Black, Silver sills/Champagne leather; Estimate $1,000,000 – $1,400,000; Unrestored original, 4+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $975,000. – Wood console trim, A/C, plastic accessory outside mirrors. – Soiled upholstery, strange wheels with black hubs and nuts. Thick old repaint over old paint riddled with chips, blisters and flaws. Underbody has old, peeling, dirty undercoat. Smoky exhaust. Buried in a collection since at least 1988, not driven in a decade, not inexpensive to get to presentable condition. – Originally champagne inside and out, a return to the original livery might be advisable, especially since the current paint is beyond saving. It is doubtful there was much if any serious interest in this Miura, deterred by the generous pre-sale estimate range that failed to take its tired condition into account. If there was money anywhere close to the reported high bid it should be have been grabbed immediately.
RM Auctions Arizona 2015 – Auction Report Page Six
Lot # 213 1970 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Roadster; S/N 11304412012342; Engine # ; Maroon, Maroon hardtop/Beige vinyl; Brown cloth top; Estimate $125,000 – $175,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $110,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $121,000. No Reserve – Automatic, Becker Europa radio, A/C, whitewall tires, hardtop with heated rear window, soft top, documents and service history. – Some minor dings, paint has dull areas and chips, dinged chrome, undetailed engine compartment with overspray from the repaint, dirty chassis, driver’s seat looks overstuffed when it was redone, weathered interior trim pieces. A barely driver quality cosmetic restoration. – This fits the definition of ‘just a car’, but not the price. It would have been reasonably bought at $75,000, not $110K hammer. The estimate range – for its condition – is Absolutely Fabulous, but maybe it had the desired effect on the bidders chasing a No Reserve deal. They didn’t get it.
Lot # 214 1969 Porsche 911T Coupe, Body by Karmann; S/N 119122288; Engine # 6196358; Polo Red/Black vinyl; Estimate $100,000 – $150,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $110,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $121,000. No Reserve – 5-speed, Becker Europa radio, Fuchs wheels, five gauge pack, bumperettes, tool kit, jack, manuals, Porsche Certificate of Authenticity. – Excellent panel fit and paint, bright trim, freshly undercoated chassis, detailed engine compartment, correct appearing new interior. A very good restoration. Reportedly just 23,831 miles from new. – Less than two years ago this was a $50,000 Porsche (on its best day) but even the modestly powered 911T is now into six figures, especially for a low miles and beautifully presented example like this.
Lot # 216 2003 Aston Martin DB7 Vantage Coupe, Body by Zagato; S/N SCFAE12383K700040; Engine # 416; Ecurie Ecosse Green/Green leather; Estimate $300,000 – $375,000; Unrestored original, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $300,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $330,000. – 40th of 99 built, 6-liter/435hp V12, 6-speed, bigger grille than DB7, single taillights. – Fundamentally unused, except for some tire wear. Offered last at Gooding as “his `n’ hers”, with a roadster. Handsome, fast and rare, but the bilious green interior belongs on 1950s bathroom fixtures. Unfortunately the color is everywhere. It could be re-dyed some day, but then the originality would be lost. – The ‘instant collectible’ market hasn’t caught up with the DB7 Zagatos. Yet. Extremely fast and very rare, the Zagato design may not be to everyone’s taste, but it is noticeable. Bought appropriately in today’s market.
Lot # 218 1967 Aston Martin DB6 Vantage Coupe; S/N DB6/2803/LN; Engine # 400/2794/V; Sierra Blue/Black; Estimate $550,000 – $650,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $625,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $687,500. – 4.2/325hp Vantage engine, ZF 5-speed, factory A/C, chrome wire wheels, headrest seats, underbumper driving lights, Blaupunkt radio, tool kit. – Always in California, with one owner for 45 years, and always maintained by marque expert Kevin Kay. Though rebuilt mechanically and repainted once (with a bit too much metallic), the car has never been completely dismantled and is charmingly original. A sound and usable car that evidences a reassuring history of continuing care and attention. Documented from the original shipping records to the most recent service. – This many dollars should be enough to buy the best DB6 Vantage Coupe on the planet, ready to go to Pebble Beach and with celebrity ownership as well. What it bought here is a very good, honest, sound, attractive car from long term ownership, and it is difficult to argue with the bidders’ determination to own it even at great cost, but it will probably never be worth more than it was today until the whole marketplace floats up by a factor of two.
Lot # 219 1955 Ferrari 250 GT Europa Coupe, Body by Boano; S/N 0447GT; Engine # 0447; Red, Silver stripe and sills/Tan leather; Estimate $1,750,000 – $2,250,000; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $1,675,000. – Chrome spoke Borrani wire wheels, Pirelli Cinturato HS tires, Marchal head and fog lights, heater, alloy body. – Coachwork modified by Boano shortly after being built in the present low roof style. Excellent paint, chrome and interior. Underbody is restored like new and now has a little age and use. Engine compartment shows a little more use but is still clean and tidy. A very desirable car, for many reasons, not least its acceptance for the 2014 Mille Miglia Storica. – Offered at Gooding’s Scottsdale auction in 2011 with a reported high bid of $750,000, then sold by RM at Monterey seven months later in August 2011 for $660,000 before the recent restoration that has put it in showroom condition. Note that the original Pinin Farina photos show a car sitting much lower on its suspension; today it stands tall on springs that have yet to settle in. The reported bid here is close enough to the pre-sale low estimate that it is hard to understand why a deal wasn’t worked out.
Lot # 220 1969 Porsche 911S Targa; S/N 119310176; Engine # 6390223; Irish Green/Black leather, houndstooth inserts; Black vinyl top; Estimate $175,000 – $225,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $260,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $286,000. No Reserve – Soft window Targa, Fuchs wheels, Recaro seats with headrests, rear seat delete, Becker Europa radio, Kardex, tool kit, jack and tonneau cover. – Replacement engine. Passenger door fit is slightly off, smooth paint, some pitted trim, weatherstripping is old, engine and interior are correct and clean. A good overall car done only to presentable driver standards but with thorough recent mechanical work. – That seems to have little effect on the bidders, who paid a seriously strong price even for one of the most enthusiastically sought of early Porsches. On the other hand, however, it is a 911S that can be driven to the limits of its not inconsiderable performance without concern for sullying an over the top restoration, and that is a strong inducement. It is expensive, but in the current environment maybe bought too soon rather than for too much.
Lot # 221 1931 Chrysler CG Imperial Dual Cowl Phaeton, Body by LeBaron; S/N CG2737; Engine # CG2737; Burgundy/Burgundy leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $375,000 – $475,000; Older restoration, 1- condition; Hammered Sold at $375,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $412,500. – Chrome wire wheels, wide whitewalls, Pilot-Rays, dual enclosed sidemounts with mirrors, dual windshields, wind wings, Black leather covered trunk. – Quality restoration with little evidence of age or use since it was completed in 1994 and won its class at Pebble Beach. AACA Senior, CCCA Grand National winner. Barely, if at all, used. – Sold by Gooding & Company at Pebble Beach in 2011 for $407,000, a result reasonably close to what it brought here. So is the odometer, which shows the same 39 miles today that it did in 2011.
Lot # 222 1962 Chevrolet Corvette FI Convertible; S/N 20867S103900; Engine # 2103900F1127RF; Black, Black hardtop/Fawn Beige vinyl; Black vinyl top; Estimate $125,000 – $175,000; Older restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $200,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $220,000. No Reserve – 327/360hp fuel-injected, 4-speed, both tops, RPO 687 race package including heavy duty brakes, suspension, wide wheels, quick steering and 4.11 Positraction, hubcaps, steel wheels, blackwall tires, heater, WonderBar radio, two tops, off-road exhaust. – Good panel fit, engine compartment details correct, no power steering or brakes. Newer seats and carpet, and 2009 paint job is not typical, being too shiny, especially the door jambs. An older NCRS Top Flight and AACA National First Prize winner, fully documented. – An epic Corvette with the top of the line FI engine, competition options and full creature comforts. Even with all that, however, it made an outsized impression on the bidders at the Biltmore, selling well over its high estimate, and well over any reasonable value. It is an expensive Corvette, even loaded to an extent few if any other ’62 Vettes were.
RM Auctions Arizona 2015 – Auction Report Page Seven
Lot # 223 1961 Maserati 3500GT Spider, Body by Vignale; S/N AM1011029; Engine # AM1011029; Dark Blue, Silver hardtop/Biscuit leather; Estimate $950,000 – $1,200,000; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $1,225,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $1,347,500. – Chrome spoke Borrani wire wheels, Michelin blackwalls, AM-FM, Marchal head and fog lights, factory hardtop and soft top, P/W, tool kit. – Very good paint, chrome and interior. Underbody is neatly undercoated with only a little road dust. Clean, orderly engine compartment. A pretty car in impeccable condition. – The restoration and equipment of this Maserati exude quality, and its quality propelled it to a magnanimous price that may foretell new heights for Maseratis, or be only a matter of time, place and desire between committed and well-heeled bidders. Either way this is a transaction to be noted.
Lot # 224 1956 Continental Mark II Hardtop; S/N C56E2989; Engine # ; Dark Red/Maroon, White leather; Estimate $140,000 – $180,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $225,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $247,500. No Reserve – – This is probably the very best Mark II to come to market; a rotisserie restoration in attractive dark red, with laser straight bodywork, superb dark red paint and chrome, and a beautifully fitted interior. The engine compartment is clean and correct and details have all been attended to. – This car represents a huge uptick the fortunes of Mark II collectors, but with an important caveat: one this good, let alone better, will be hard to find. It was reported sold at Russo and Steele’s Monterey auction in 2013 for $112,500, effectively doubling in price in a year and a half. That is a lot, even for a car this good.
Lot # 225 1972 Ferrari 365 GTC/4 Coupe, Body by Pininfarina; S/N 15811; Engine # 1581; Red/Biscuit leather; Estimate $285,000 – $325,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $295,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $324,500. – Blaupunkt Nassau cassette stereo, P/W, alloy wheels, Pirelli P4000 tires. – Sloppy repaint with overspray on door seals and small cracks. Headlight paint cracked. New, attractive upholstery. Underbody resprayed over old undercoat. Engine has had the top cleaned up, but not the bottom. Dead hood struts. A good car to avoid. – It’s a tired old thing, but it brought an important price. Had it brought $175-200,000 the new owner would be well off, at this price it is an expensive way to get the front engine V12 Ferrari experience.
Lot # 226 1931 Minerva AL Convertible Sedan, Body by Rollston; S/N 80105; Engine # 80116; Green, Dark Green accent/Grey broadcloth; Green cloth top; Estimate $700,000 – $900,000; Older restoration, 1- condition; Hammered Sold at $600,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $660,000. – Lefthand drive, body color wheel discs, dual sidemounts with chrome bands and mirrors, rollup division, Supralux headlights. – Built for Henry Walker Bagley (son-in-law of R.J. Reynolds), later owned by D. Cameron Peck. Restored by Steve Babinsky in 1998 for Charles Morse. First in class at Pebble Beach in 1999 and a later winner at Meadow Brook, Amelia Island and Louis Vuitton in New York. A quality older concours restoration still with excellent paint, bright chrome, crisp interior and top. Even the polished aluminum is consistently bright and satiny. – Sold at RM’s Villa d’Este auction in 2011 for $746,014, then at RM’s New York auction in November 2013 for $660,000, it is a lot of exclusive European Classic automobile for the money.
Lot # 227 1974 Ferrari 246 GTS Dino Spider, Body by Scaglietti; S/N 08040; Engine # ; Yellow/Black vinyl, leather inserts; Estimate $400,000 – $500,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $350,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $385,000. – CD stereo, 7.5 inch Campagnolo alloy wheels, Daytona seats, A/C, P/W, owner’s manual, jack, Daytona seats. – Color changed from Argento. Casually masked mid-00’s repaint looks good on the outside but not underneath. Seats and wheels updated at the same time. Engine compartment is pressure washer detailed. Quickly done to capitalize on the market. – An attractive but not especially notable Dino that, like others of its type in Scottsdale, changed hands below the auctions’ pre-estimate range. The consignor was prudent to take the money.
Lot # 230 1958 Dual-Ghia D/G Convertible, Body by Ghia; S/N 191; Engine # ; Eggplant/Cream, Burgundy leather; Black top; Estimate $275,000 – $350,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $220,000. – 315/230hp Dodge Hemi, automatic, chrome wire wheels, whitewalls, P/S. – This late model was notable for its lack of tailfins, and was once owned by Rick Danko of The Band. The paint and chrome were excellent, as was the interior, but the trim was misaligned on the driver’s side, suggesting the door had dropped. Good glass, but loose windshield wipers. Uneven rear bumper wraparounds. – As good as it is, it is going to be difficult to find more money than the reported high bid for this flawed Dual-Ghia.
Lot # 231 1913 Regal N Underslung Roadster; S/N 7048; Engine # ; Black, Blue coachline/Black leather; Black top; Estimate $80,000 – $100,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $100,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $110,000. No Reserve – 198/25 ALAM hp side valve four, 3-speed, oval bolster tank, single rear spare, electric headlights, Stewart speedometer. – Chipped, scratched but usable old paint, good newer upholstery. Aged and dirty engine and chassis. For many years in the collection of The Edison Institute (now The Henry Ford) until the early 80’s, highly original and well preserved. Reportedly runs and drives well. – Sold by Dan Kruse from the Dick Burdick collection in March 2012 for $52,250 and given no small amount of attention to its appearance and function since then. A significant little sporting car from the early American era, but fully valued at this price.
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Lot # 233 1953 Bentley R-Type Continental Fastback Coupe, Body by H.J. Mulliner; S/N BC16LA; Engine # BCA15; Black/Tan; Estimate $1,500,000 – $1,700,000; Recent restoration, 1 condition; Post-block sale at $1,386,364 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $1,525,000. – The 15th R-Type built, and the first to have a central floor shift, Lucas fog lights, new Michelin XCA radial tires, rear wheel spats. – Stored in 1965, it was rescued after many years by Pebble Beach chairman Glenn Mounger, found to be fitted with a bigger motor. Later owned by collector James Patterson. Now restored and may once more have its original engine. Stunning car, with near perfect body and paint and chrome, beautiful interior wood, bright leather upholstery and radio. Windshield may be original, based on even pitting, and right front fender is lightly scratched, perhaps by a mechanic. Chrome spears on side said not to be original, rear fender skirts added. – Bid to $1,425,000 on the block, closed later at this negotiated price. Reported sold by RM in Monterey in 2012 for $1,622,500, close enough to this result to be consistent. But more important is the exceptional restoration, beautiful presentation and sleek fastback H.J. Mulliner coachwork on the high performance R-Type Continental chassis. A magnificent automobile that was appropriately valued by the Biltmore bidders.
Lot # 234 1989 Lamborghini LM002A Utility; S/N ZA9LU45A6KLA12156; Engine # ; Red/Black; Estimate $175,000 – $225,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $155,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $170,500. No Reserve – Lamborghini (who did start by making tractors) developed the LM002 by fitting the 444 bhp, 5-liter Countach V12 engine into an all-terrain box on wheels that could do 0-60 mph in 7.7 seconds, riding on four $2000 Pirelli Scorpion tires and with a 76-gallon gas tank to handle its 8 mpg thirst. After 301 were sold, at up to $132,000, the idea was dropped in 1989. – This LM002 spent its entire life in the Pacific Northwest. It rides on aging original Pirelli Zero tires, while the spare is a later Pirelli BK variation. The paint looks to have been applied with a brush in bad light and the windshield is delaminating. All windows are engraved with the last six digits of the VIN. The interior wood has been replaced, but the leather is in quite good shape. – Not to make light of consumer tastes, but a Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser sold here at RM’s Arizona auction this week for $88,000, more than half the price of this LM002. The FJ40 is more capable on crags and rocks, but will choke on the LM002’s dust (and copious exhaust fumes) on the flat. This was the better value, especially with gas selling in Phoenix this week at nearly $2/gallon.
Lot # 235 1973 Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spider, Body by Scaglietti; S/N 16793; Engine # 16793; Silver/Black leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $3,000,000 – $3,500,000; Cosmetic restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $3,000,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $3,300,000. – A/C, 8-track stereo, chrome spoke Borranis, Michelin XWX tires, headrest seats, painted nose panel, pop up lights, gooks, tools, original window sticker, warranty card. – Very good paint, chrome and interior. Old undercoat in wheelwells. Clean, orderly engine compartment. A highly presentable restoration, 2014 Cavallino Platinum, Ferrari Classiche certified. – A serious Ferrari bought for serious money.
Lot # 238 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing; S/N 1980405500594; Engine # 1989805500621; Silver/Blue Plaid; Estimate $1,450,000 – $1,650,000; Cosmetic restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $1,350,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $1,485,000. – Rudge-style centerlock wheels, Dunlop SP blackwalls, blue leather fitted luggage, belly pans, tool kit, owner’s manual. – Presented in reverse of its original colors, with silver paint, body color painted wheelwells and blue seats, but beautifully clean and correct. Clear evidence of careful husbandry, a consistently maintained and refurbished as needed Gullwing that has never had, or needed, a full restoration while being ministered to by recognized experts. Orderly but not overdone underhood. – Sold by Bonhams here in Scottsdale a year ago for $1,078,000, subsequently reupholstered in blue plaid instead of the leather it had then (the leather comes with it.) Even considering commissions and the recent work the seller cleared $200,000, but the new owner also got full value for the price paid.
Lot # 239 1958 Aston Martin DB MK III Notchback Coupe; S/N AM300/3/1564; Engine # DBA/1207; Gunmetal Grey/Red leather; Estimate $275,000 – $325,000; Cosmetic restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $350,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $385,000. – Chrome wire wheels, blackwall tires. – This car was sold new by “Wacky” Arnold in Chicago in bronze with tan leather. The original owner kept it to 2010. Recent work included a color change to gunmetal gray, with a dull red leather interior and wood steering wheel. The engine sparkles, the chrome bumpers and wire wheels are excellent, but the wiper arms are loose and the rear hatch does not fit well. – This is an exceptionally handsome color scheme for this DB and that seems to have had its effect on the bidders, who bought the whole car, not its details.
Lot # 240 1961 Jaguar XKE SI flat floor Roadster; S/N 875157; Engine # R12559; Black, Black hardtop/Red leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $375,000 – $475,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $400,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $440,000. – Very early flat floor E-Type with welded louvers and outside bonnet latches, chrome wire wheels, Dunlop Road Speed tires. – Shiny black paint, driver’s door fits well, passenger door sticks out at the bottom rear. Trunk fit is only fair, pumpkin cylinder head paint seems a little bright, front bumpers droop to outside, orange turn signal lenses should be white, rear should be red. Rear bumper overriders both angled to right. Good leather interior, no radio. Good wheels. A quality but not extravagant example of the most sought-after of all XKEs. – Sold by Brooks at Quail Lodge in 2000 for $81,700 fresh from restoration, then by RM in Monterey two years later for $52,800. Now it’s worth $400,000, which traces the dramatic escalation in flat floor E-type values in the last couple years. The question is why? Jaguar put the footwells in for a reason: people with normal sized feet couldn’t drive the early cars. The seats are uncomfortable for longer than an hour. The Moss gearbox has crappy synchros, where it has synchros at all. But everyone wants a ‘Flat Floor’ and as this result indicates they are willing to pay serious money for them, like double the price of a 190SL (oh, wait, that’s not a good example.)
Lot # 241 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 Coupe, Body by Scaglietti; S/N 10451; Engine # 10451; Yellow/Black leather; Estimate $3,500,000 – $4,500,000; Older restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $3,325,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $3,657,500. – Centerlock alloy wheels, Michelin XWX tires. – Good paint, chrome and interior. Engine compartment, chassis and underbody are almost like new. and show only a little age and use. – Red, when offered at Brooks Monaco in 1992 with a reported high bid of $267,953 (FFr 1,451,500 at the time), painted the present Giallo Fly for Bruce Male in the early 00’s and recently engine-out serviced with new brakes, suspension and upholstery. Pay your money and take your choice, a Giallo Fly 275 GTB/4 or an Argento 365 GTB/4 Daytona Spider?
Lot # 243 1969 Ferrari 365 GTS Spider, Body by Pininfarina; S/N 12473; Engine # 12473; Silver/Tan leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $3,900,000 – $4,800,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $3,450,000. – Chrome spoke Borrani wire wheels, Michelin XWX tires, P/W. – Clean like new engine compartment, good paint, chrome and beautiful new interior. Underbody hasn’t had the same attention including wheel well panels that don’t meet the fenders. Freshly redone to come to the auction market after two decades passing among Ferrari speculators. – This is not the car it could be and the reported high bid should have been enough to buy it.
RM Auctions Arizona 2015 – Auction Report Page Nine
Lot # 244 1962 Mercedes-Benz 190SL Roadster; S/N 12104010024330; Engine # 12192810002250; Pearl Gray/Green leather; Green top; Estimate $175,000 – $225,000; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $165,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $181,500. No Reserve – Blaupunkt radio, fitted luggage, wheel covers, whitewalls, well documented. – Freshly restored, uniform gaps and lines, chrome has only trivial flaws, fresh, correct interior, engine is correct down to the hose clamps. High quality and hard to fault. – A very good, honest 190SL with two long term owners in Canada. The catalog opines that the 190SL ‘offers most of the thrills of its big brother’ which is a bit of a stretch, like comparing a Pinto with a Thunderbird: they both drive at highway speeds. In any event, this is what a sound, honest 190SL is worth today, and maybe even a bit of a good value for the new owner.
Lot # 247 1984 Audi Sport Quattro Coupe; S/N WAUZZZ85ZEA905147; Engine # ; White/Grey leather, cloth; Estimate $350,000 – $475,000; Unrestored original, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $365,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $401,500. – Baur-built steel body with Kevlar panels. 17psi Turbocharged 302 bhp, 2-liter, DOHC 5-cylinder engine, Recaro seats, 5-speed, all wheel drive, radio, white painted alloy wheels. – One of 214 street examples of game-changing all-wheel drive, short wheelbase rally car, a homologation special to qualify the Quattro for FIA Group B rallying (‘The Killer Bs’). Sold new to Japan, only two owners. Speedometer not functioning. Exceptional original with no exterior damage or evidence of repair. Clean engine, lightly worn interior. Unmarked paint, glass and flares. Pristine and almost showroom new. – Looks like any 5-cylinder Quattro (with a foot or so cut out of the middle) but goes like the hammers of hell, a Wagnerian cacophony of tiny cylinders, an overstressed turbo and an overworked waste gate. The fly through the air performance of the Quattros ended the Group B era that had featured Lancia’s famed Stratos and 037 and made heroes of its drivers like Blomquist, Rohrl, Mouton and Mikkola. This is a fully original, carefully preserved, recently serviced example and, according to reports, its price is something of a good value.
Lot # 250 1964 Ferrari 250 LM Coupe, Body by Scaglietti; S/N 5899GT; Engine # 5899; Red, White stripe/Blue cloth; Estimate $9,500,000 – $12,500,000; Competition restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $8,750,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $9,625,000. – RHD. Silver painted wire wheels, Dunlop Racing tires. – Raced by Scuderia Filipinetti, then by Werner Bredermann’s Ecurie Basilisk until it was overturned in a hillclimb. Modified by the next owner, Hans Illert, with a shortened wheelbase to fit a Porsche 906 body through 1967. Re-engined in 1968 with a 330P engine until an accident in 1970. Ferrari had Vaccari stretch the wheelbase back to 250 LM length in a 1981 restoration with a new body, restored again in the 90’s and Ferrari Classiche certified. Good fresh paint and interior. Engine compartment and chassis are like new. Body cracked at the roof panel joints. – Banged around a bit, typical of many competition Ferraris, but a known and thoroughly documented history since new and now reunited with its original engine with its presentation endorsed by Ferrari Classiche’s Red Book, this is an honest 250 LM that offers more in performance, appearance and desirable event entries than is implied by its price. The bidders (and, to their credit, both RM and the consignor) realistically handicapped the many aspects of its value to arrive at a fair result.
Lot # 253 2005 Ferrari FXX Evoluzione Coupe; S/N ZFFHX62X000145369; Engine # ; Pearl Silver, Red accents/Black cloth; Estimate $1,600,000 – $1,900,000; Unrestored original, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $1,475,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $1,622,500. – The first FXX built, upgraded to 860hp Evoluzione specs at Maranello in 2008. – Nearly like new, having participated in only three Corse Clienti FXX events since new, just one since the Evoluzione upgrade. – Offered by Gooding & Company at Pebble Beach in 2013 with a reported high bid of $1.9 million and still like new here, just less money. Usable only on track days arranged (at eye-watering expense) by Ferrari Corse Clienti, this is an expensive admission ticket to a chance to scare the crap out of its driver with now aged technology. The consignor wisely decided to let it go now for what it would bring.
Lot # 254 1961 Ghia L6.4 Coupe; S/N 0309; Engine # ; Black/White, Black leather; Estimate $350,000 – $425,000; Concours restoration, 1 condition; Hammered Sold at $375,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $412,500. – 383/335hp, automatic, P/S, P/B, chrome wire wheels, white wall tires, fitted luggage – s Eugene Casseroll’s truck business slowed, his involvement in the Dual-Ghia diminished and the 383 V8-powered L6.4 Coupe of 1961-63 was just a Ghia. Only 26 coupes were built as the economics of hand-building a car in Italy with American mechanicals were unsupportable. Virgil Exner was credited with the 2+2 design which was toned down, in line with `60s Chrysler styling. The ninth car produced, this coupe was sold new to Switzerland and just received a concours-quality, ground-up restoration. The black paint is excellent, albeit with buffing swirls, the body is straight, the trim is bright and the interior changed to black and white, with fitted luggage. The engine is equally immaculate. – A superb automobile with handsome design, subtle 60’s Chrysler details and a lavish, luxurious interior. It is hard to imagine a better L6.4 exists anywhere and the price it brought is not out of line with recent L6.4 sales when the caliber of this one’s restoration is taken into account.
Lot # 258 1976 Porsche 911 Carrera Turbo Coupe; S/N 9306800215; Engine # 6860230; Guards Red/Black leather; Estimate $175,000 – $225,000; 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $130,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $143,000. No Reserve – Black center, polished rim wide Fuchs wheels, A/C, Blaupunkt cassette stereo with equalizer. – One of 530 930 Turbos imported in 1986, with only three owners since then. Some years ago the color was changed from Mahogany to Guards Red, a new interior fitted and the engine overhauled. Said to have covered only 400 miles since then. Presents very well with fresh paint with Turbo shadow mask, well-fitted interior and a sunroof. Clean, crisp engine compartment. – Attractively restored to very good driver condition and said to be thoroughly mechanically prepared and sorted, this is an appropriate price for a sound, usable and well maintained Turbo. (photo: RM Auctions)
Lot # 259 1973 Lamborghini Espada SIII 400 GT Coupe; S/N 9448; Engine # ; Grey/Black; Estimate $125,000 – $175,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $100,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $110,000. No Reserve – 3929/350hp, 5-speed, power steering, factory air conditioning, alloy wheels, small chrome bumpers. – This car has received a fair repaint with lots of metallic, but the carpet was faded and the driver’s seat is worn. The engine compartment is clean, the wheels had been repainted well and the glass was all good. Sound an usable, but not close to restored. – Less than the cost of a C/4 in comparable condition and far more rare, there are issues to be faced with this Espada that are reflected in the price it brought.
Lot # 260 1962 Volkswagen Type 2 Microbus Camper, Body by Westfalia; S/N 952150; Engine # ; Turquoise Green, White/White vinyl, plaid; Estimate $100,000 – $130,000; Older restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $100,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $110,000. No Reserve – Safari windshield, folding sunroof, roof rack, table, beds, stove, basin, privacy curtains, Blaupunkt radio, tent. – Ex-Bruce Weiner Museum camper, fitted with all options. All seals replaced at time of painting and the body is straight, with only one chip on the driver’s door. Slow-moving fun, particularly with the curtains drawn. – Westfalia campers have rarely matched prices of 21- and 23-window Samba vans, but this one with its comprehensive array of equipment and accessories did.
Lot # 265 1961 Morris Minor 1000000 2-Dr. Sedan; S/N M/A2S3L1000001; Engine # ; Lilac/White vinyl; Estimate $35,000 – $45,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $27,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $30,250. No Reserve – Hubcaps, Dunlop cross-ply blackwall tires, spare wheel, jack, tools, crank, advertising materials and 1959 half penny coin found in a rocker panel. – British Motor Corporation celebrated the one millionth Morris Minor in December 1960 with a limited edition of Morris Millions – even adding on the extra zeros to the “1000” badge. In all, 350 were built, with 21 being LHD. This is believed to be the New York Show car, as it was one of two LHD examples built on the first day. Bought for parts in San Francisco in 1981, it has just been painstakingly restored to as-new condition throughout. Unmistakable in the genuinely ghastly lilac color, with white vinyl interior. Ignoring the cute factor of Morris Traveller woody wagons, this is as historic as Morris Minors get. – The history and story of this Minor alone is worth the price it brought here, the meticulous restoration is more than free. It proves once again that it isn’t expensive to collect significant automobiles, especially if they are obscure. The ‘cute’ factor is an added bonus.
[Source: Rick Carey]
impresive but i am botherd by house shills to drive up the price.
Edward,
I hope you will elaborate on this observation, including specifics of cars and individuals.
my comment was not for this auction but others i have attended.where you can pick out bidders that are working for the house.as a vendor i would appreciate someone boosting the price .
Edward,
Thanks for clearing that up. It sounded like it was in reference to RM AZ and they do not deserve to be tarred with that inference.
The auctions in general deplore ‘help’ from consignors’ shills and I’ve seen many instances where, when it is recognized, they unceremoniously dump the car on the shill and let the consignor eat the commission both ways.
It is an expensive lesson.
The auction company can both ethically and legally — and frequently they do — ‘bid for the reserve’ where there is one and there is only one serious bidder.
Shilling a no reserve car is both unethical and illegal. The auctioneer can lose his license (and therefore his meal ticket.)
[What they can do is open the bidding without a bid, even on a no reserve lot, but it ends there. The next bid, if there is one, has to be real.]
On the other hand, I too have seen shilling practiced. It usually is artless and almost humorously funny to watch.
The most egregious instance was a sale two years ago where such shenanigans were widespread, The shill was easily recognized as part of the auction company team even though he wandered aimlessly as if to disguise his machinations by bidding from different places in the [sparse] audience. He even referred to a big clipboard which apparently contained the ‘target’ numbers.
That auction came and went in one inglorious burst of promotion when their backer realized what his team had perpetrated and terminated the lot of them. No loss there.
in this electronic age maybe all bidders could be i.d.which would help control this problem
i do appreciate your concerns.
thank you.
That’s already in place at some auctions with photo bidder i.d., but it doesn’t address the problem of the friend/brother/cousin shill with their own bidder number.
And, of course, it’s completely irrelevant for the auction that stuffs the docket with its own inventory and shills with a staff member.
Dear Rick, thank you for the fantastic reporting and the comprhensive reviews on car conditions and values. For me, you are a great resource for market intelligence. Thank you and keep up the good work! Henk de Vries, Amsterdam
Rick, the Harrington bodied Sunbeam Tiger caught my eye, and in an effort to see other views of this “unique”, “only Harrington bodied Tiger coupe”, I Googled “Harrington Sunbeam Tiger”. Imagine my surprise when other examples showed up in the “images” collage.
Dave,
I don’t agree. The images that Google pops up are, as is often the case with Google, indiscriminately mixed as long as the label says Harrington. There are both Alpines and the Tiger pictured.
Be cautious of colors and wheels, which vary over the half-century life of a car like this.
The Harrington Alpine registry definitively identifies this car as the only example. They should know.
http://www.harringtonalpine.org/index.php?categoryid=99
It may be the best buy of the Scottsdale week.
I sit corrected. There were several Harrington Alpines, hence all the Google thumbnails, but only this one Harrington Tiger