Report and photos (unless noted) by Rick Carey, Auction Editor
RM Auctions held its 2010 Sports and Classics of Monterey auction on August 12th to 14th at the Portola Hotel and Spa and Monterey Convention Center in Monterey, California.
For the second year RM extended its Sports & Classics of Monterey auction to three days, opening up on Thursday with a Ford-themed offering. The feature was a number of show cars and concepts consigned by Ford with proceeds going to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and the Michigan Children’s Center. It led off RM’s most successful Monterey auction in years.
The numbers for the past three years look like this.
[table id=17 /]
RM sold fifteen cars for hammer bids of a million dollars or more plus two others bid over a million dollars without selling, the tip of a pyramid heavy on quality, rarity and performance. The performance aspect is significant. With nine of the fifteen million dollar sales and both the million dollar high bids being cars with racing history, RM’s Sports & Classics of Monterey showed just how important a competition history is in collector car values.
Across the wide variety of cars in the auction a few cars were expensive, a few were cheap and most were right about where they’d be expected to be in the current market. The focus, and the experience, is mostly on high value cars where buyers still have ample resources, liquidity and a willingness to step up and pay serious money for the very best cars.
A few cars took major hits from prior transactions, but when that happened more often than not it was the acquisition that was over-priced, not the disposition that was a bargain.
Thanks to Jonathan Sierakowski for his able support this weekend.
RM Auctions Sports and Classics of Monterey 2010 – Report
These results are presented alphabetically to group similar cars for easy comparison.
Lot # 210 2003 Aston Martin DB AR1 Zagato Roadster; S/N SCFAE62333K800026; Black/Tan leather; Estimate $100,000 - $125,000; Unrestored original, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $141,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $155,100 -- One owner, like new car. No Reserve. DB AR1 Zagatos linger around, mostly with bupkus miles like this. Most sell cheap, making this a surprisingly strong result.
Lot # 340 1963 Aston Martin DB4 Series 5 Vantage GT Coupe; S/N DB4/1144/R; BRGreen/Black leather; Estimate $350,000 - $425,000; Modified for competition during restoration 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $300,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $330,000 -- Body color wire wheels, Bridgestone RE71 225/60ZR15 tires, braced rollbar, 5-speed, 48DCOE Webers, dual ignition, no bumpers. Good paint with some cracks, discolored windshield trim and fair windshield surrounds. Even gaps and good bodywork. 4.2 litre replacement engine is vintage-racing orderly but far from concours or even like new. A silhouette racer for an Aston Martin enthusiast. Offered last year at Bonhams Quail Lodge sale where it attracted a high, but unsuccessful, reported bid of $365,000. This is a mean, purposeful sleek racing Aston. Its presentation, lowered stance and serious tires blend with the lines of the covered headlight DB4 Series 5 body to highlight its aggression. It's not for everyone, but for those who appreciate its presentation and presence it is a sound value at this price.
Lot # 265 1966 Aston Martin DB6 Vantage Coupe; S/N DB62868R; Silver Birch/Blue leather, Ice Blue piping; Estimate $150,000 - $175,000; Cosmetic restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $140,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $154,000 -- RHD. 5-speed, chrome wire wheels. Motorola AM radio supplemented by a hidden AM-FM-CD-XM, P/W. An excellent cosmetic restoration with good body, paint, chrome and interior. ‘Matching numbers.’ FIA paperwork. To many collectors this is the ultimate expression of Aston Martin style and quality, a high speed touring car that acquits itself well, if not up to the standards of earlier lightweight Aston GTs, on track and in high speed road events. It is in nearly every respect the counterpart of Ferrari's GTBs with higher levels of trim and luxury and is a serendipitous value at this price representative of today's Aston Martin market.
Lot # 336 1933 Auburn 12-161A Phaeton Sedan; S/N 1094H; Midnight blue/Dark Blue leather; Dark Blue cloth top; Estimate $250,000 - $300,000; Older restoration, 1- condition; Hammered Sold at $185,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $203,500 -- Dual covered spares, horns and Pilot-Rays, chrome wire wheels, wide whitewalls, luggage trunk, dual exhaust, dual ratio rear axle. An older concours restoration now with just a little age but still nearly impeccable. Handsome, practical and done to the highest standards. John O'Quinn Estate. This is more car than the money it brought here today, not only inherent in the Auburn 12 itself but also in the quality of its restoration. It will need re-commissioning after sitting in the O'Quinn collection but that is a minor consideration for such a gorgeous, sporting automobile.
Lot # 274 1956 Austin-Healey 100/M Le Mans Roadster; S/N BN2-L/232109; Engine # 1B/232109-M; Healey Blue, Ivory/Blue, White piping; Blue cloth top; Estimate $125,000 - $150,000; Recent restoration, 1- condition; Hammered Sold at $132,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $145,200 -- 4-speed, overdrive, Moto-Lita steering wheel, Grey painted wire wheels, fog lights. An over the top restoration by Kurt Tanner of a documented factory 100/M Le Mans. Includes its original California title, owner's manual, jack, handle, tool roll and wheel hammer. Absolutely fresh and gorgeous. The real Healey experience with stump-pulling four-cylinder power and all the right stuff restored by one of the recognized experts in the field and a refreshing relief from Tanner's usual BJ8s. A premium price for a premium car.
Lot # 321 1930 Bentley 4 1/2 Liter ‘Birkin Blower’ Le Mans Replica; S/N GHW56; BRGreen/Green leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $275,000 - $375,000; Non-factory replica, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $225,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $247,500 -- RHD. Green wire wheels with single sidemount. Smith's clock, folding windshield with dual aeroscreens, cycle fenders, fabric covered body. Replica built by Bob Petersen Engineering on a Rolls-Royce 20/25 chassis with Bentley Mk IV engine and driveline with Petersen BM Mk1 supercharger, overdrive, hydraulic brakes. It's been driven a bit, which is exactly why it was built. Good paint, chrome and upholstery. Not real, but looks every bit the real thing from two feet away. In power and performance it will rival the best from the period, and beat them hands down on driving value for money. Best of all it can be driven without worrying about destroying one of the precious originals. The new owner got full value for the money spent on it here.
Lot # 254 1953 Bentley R-Type Drophead Coupe, Body by Park Ward; S/N B9TO; Black Cherry/Biscuit leather; Tan cloth top; Estimate $140,000 - $180,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $85,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $93,500 -- RHD. Center fog light, trafficators, wheel discs, whitewalls, Blaupunkt cassette player. An attractive cosmetic restoration with good repaint, upholstery and interior wood but the rest of the car was left as original and shows its age and use. No Reserve. John O'Quinn Estate. Reported sold at the Rand/Workman sale in New York in 2005 (where John O'Quinn was the only significant buyer) as a post-block sale at $150,000 with 47,303 miles on the odometer which were represented as from-new. Today is has 47,315 and is essentially as acquired, just five years older. Times, tastes and opportunities change, but this is still a particularly attractive Bentley with classy drophead coupe coachwork from one of Britain's best. It's a very good value here.
Lot # 343 1931 Bugatti Type 51 Grand Prix; S/N 51132; Engine # 15; Dark Blue/Black leather; Estimate $3,500,000 - $4,500,000; Competition car, original as-raced, 3- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $2,750,000 -- RHD. Type 51 2.3 litre supercharged twin cam engine, aeroscreen, alloy wheels. Raced without success by Bugatti in 1931, sold to Marguerite Mareuse for Jean-Piere Wimille to drive in late 1931. La Turbie winner in March 1932, winner at Oran on April 24. After assorted events it was sold in 1935 to McClure Halley, dog-sitter to Mrs. Horace Dodge. Raced at the 1935 ARCA USA Grand Prix and the 1936 Vanderbilt Cup without distinction. The history gets more complex from there, involving George Weaver, Dave Uihlein, Bunny Phillips, Paul Moser. Authenticated by various experts including David Sewell. Used, but maintained, a Thirties' race car as it might have appeared on the grid at La Turbie, a little oily and used but handsomely prepared and race-ready. Offered by Gooding & Company at Pebble Beach in 2008 where it attracted a bid of $2.8 million, not far from today's reported high bid and a modest attempt to steal a real GP Bugatti Type 51 for Type 35 money.
Lot # 381 1938 Buick Century Estate Wagon, Body by Wildanger; S/N 13335600; Red, Black composite roof/Brown leather; Estimate $120,000 - $160,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $80,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $88,000 -- Dual enclosed sidemounts, radio, trim rings, whitewalls, clock. Restored some time ago but still very presentable. Good exterior wood and varnish. This is less than a comparably presented Ford woodie would bring, but it's a custom-bodied Buick. Sold for $106,700 by Barrett-Jackson in West Palm Beach in 2007 for $106,700 and a serious late Saturday night value here in Monterey. It's good to wait up late when the bargains turn up.
Lot # 225 1928 Cadillac 341 V-8 Town Sedan; S/N 306449; Green, black fenders, black leatherette roof/Brown mohair; Estimate $450,000 - $650,000; Older restoration, 3- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $335,000 -- Green wire wheels, blackwall tires, dual sidemounts, spotlight. Accessory eagle hood ornament. Armor shielded body, multi-layer glass, siren, police radio receiver. A quality restoration showing its age. The body and chassis show signs of wear and the chrome is rubbed through in places. Attributed to Al Capone in a long but unsubstantiated history. An intriguing piece of American history that appeals to a broad base of collectors. John O'Quinn Estate. Heavily documented, but the documentation is all self-serving promotion. Capone never owned anything making any connection with him at best circumstantial. John O'Quinn paid $621,500 for this car at RM's Arizona auction in 2006. It is unlikely ever to command such a price again and the executors of his estate need to make that distinction, as difficult as it might be.
Lot # 269 1949 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible Coupe; S/N 496241970; Metallic Burgundy/Black leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $70,000 - $90,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $47,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $52,250 -- Power top, windows, antenna, and steering, Trico windshield washer, wire wheels, whitewalls, Nardi woodrim steering wheel. Concours paint and chrome. Panel fit slightly off all around. Still an impressive car, great to show or drive. Updated with electric power windows. No Reserve. Always desirable as the first year for Cadillac's overhead valve V-8 engine and dramatic Harley Earl design. Bought right here and a good value. The Nardi steering wheel is a neat touch.
Lot # 239 1953 Chevrolet Corvette Roadster; S/N E53F001199; Polo White/Red; Black cloth top; Estimate $225,000 - $300,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $200,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $220,000 -- An older high quality restoration that is beginning to show its roots. Chrome and interior very nice but panel fit is variable -- as it came from the factory. Radio buttons and bezel are not restored. Attractive but aged, like most '53 Corvettes which are displayed but rarely used. '53 Corvettes are a finite quantity. This one needs refreshing but is bought appropriately at this price.
Lot # 207 1957 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible; S/N E57S104301; Black, Grey coves; red vinyl top/Red; Estimate $70,000 - $90,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $57,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $63,250 -- 283/270hp dual quads, 4-speed, cassette stereo, necker's knob, seat belts, spinner wheel covers, whitewalls. Orange peel on the hood. An older restoration mellowing some but still highly presentable on tours or in local shows. No Reserve. This is an authentic 4-speed car, delivered after the mid-year introduction of the T10 and that alone, not to mention the solid lifter 270hp dual quad engine, is sufficient to make this Corvette a good value at the price. There's no representation of matching numbers, however.
Lot # 378 1957 Chevrolet Corvette FI Convertible; S/N E57S102794; Engine # F116EL; White, Silver coves/Red vinyl; White vinyl top; Estimate $90,000 - $120,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $95,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $104,500 -- 283/283hp, 4-speed, radio and heater delete, spinner wheel covers, whitewalls. Good older paint, chrome and interior. NCRS Top Flight restoration in the 90's. Not quite like new any more but very nice and looks like fewer post restoration miles than the 3,045 showing on the odometer. No Reserve. One of the most desirable of all Corvettes, the '57 283/283 Fuelie combines the clean, attractive design of the first generation with the legendary performance of the fuel injected small block. The price reflects both the quality of the car and of its restoration; the seller should be very happy with this result.
Lot # 248 1963 Chevrolet Corvette FI Roadster; S/N 30867S100015; Red/Red; White vinyl top; Estimate $80,000 - $120,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $95,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $104,500 -- 327/360hp fuel injection, 4-speed, alloy wheels, pushbutton radio. Very nice fresh-looking paint with excellent gaps. Interior older or original with some light wear and soiling. The 15th '63 Corvette built on the pilot production line, meticulously restored many years ago and on static display since. No Reserve. John O'Quinn estate. (Cataloged with an incorrect VIN with '5' in place of 'S'.) Offered by Mecum at Bloomington Gold in 2004 without finding a bidder. Sold by RM at Boca Raton in 2005 for $128,400. It takes a specialty buyer to appreciate its unique history, something which isn't apparent in this price, a representative value for a '63 Fuelie roadster thus balancing its early production history against its long display and mechanical dormancy which will take some careful work to bring back to running/driving condition. It is a sound value at this price.
Lot # 279 1963 Chevrolet Corvette FI Coupe; S/N 30837S105440; Red/Black; Estimate $85,000 - $115,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Post-block sale at $120,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $132,000 -- 327/360hp fuel injection, 4-speed, spinner wheel covers, narrow whitewalls, Positraction, WonderBar radio, tinted glass. The restoration is a few years old and some road use is evident by looking at the underside but still a great example of the split window. Replacement engine with 1963 casting dates. No Reserve. This is matching numbers money, but still a gorgeous and very usable split window Fuelie '63. Its price in generous for the replacement engine, but reflects the restoration's quality and appeal of the configuration. It's a reasonable balance.
Lot # 273 1949 Chrysler Town & Country Convertible; S/N 7410581; Green/Tan leather; Light Green top; Estimate $100,000 - $125,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $100,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $110,000 -- Fluid Drive, radio, clock, fog lights, dual spot lights, hubcaps and trim rings, whitewalls. Concours body, paint, wood and chrome. Panel fit much better than factory but could be better. Restored in the mid-90's at a documented cost of $120,470 but with only one show appearance, at Forest Grove where it won Best in Class. Documents include owner's manual, Service Policy, inspection coupons and restoration records. Carefully preserved and nearly impeccable. No Reserve. Offered at Hershey in 2003 where it brought a high bid of $110,000, it still needs some adjustment to its movable panel fits. A really attractive example in period colors, it brought all the money here today.
Lot # 267 1960 Chrysler Imperial Crown Convertible; S/N 9204104130; Dusk Mauve/White leather; White top; Estimate $90,000 - $120,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $85,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $93,500 -- 413/350hp, automatic, P/S, P/B, A/C, P/W, AM radio. Comprehensively restored with beautiful paint and chrome, but overspray from chassis detailing evident underneath that detracts from its presentation. This is concours restored Imperial Crown Convertible money for a car that's not up to those standards. The buyer got a sound car but less than what the price could have bought.
Lot # 376 1937 Cord 812 Convertible Coupe 'Sportsman'; S/N 1231F; Yellow/Dark Green leather; Tan cloth top; Estimate $200,000 - $250,000; Older restoration, 2 condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $150,000 -- Fog lights, radio, whitewalls. 76,882 miles from new, attractively restored in showroom condition without being overdone, with sound but not concours paint, chrome and interior. Engine shows some age, but little use. A-C-D Category 1 and a CCCA Full Classic. The bid here is enough to buy a competently restored Cord Phaeton, not a ‘Sportsman’ Convertible Coupe. The bidders must have seen something here that we didn't (or maybe the lack of something.)
Lot # 362 1938 Delahaye 135MS Cabriolet, Body by De Villars; S/N 60123; Silver/Red leather; Estimate $1,000,000 - $1,250,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $775,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $852,500 -- RHD. Chrome wire wheels, Marchal headlights, Marchal fog light and driving light. Exceptional coachwork with teardrop fenders, chrome flashes, a sweeping side accent carried through the doors, steeply raked vee windshield and a long, tapered rear deck with a small central spline. Only the Delahaye grille is discordant and dated; the side profile and rear quarters are gorgeous. Restored by Lecoq, then redone by Fran Roxas in 2003 to Pebble Beach class-winning presentation. Excellent paint, brilliant chrome, rich interior wood, inviting upholstery. Restored like new with better cosmetics. Sold by RM at the New York Auto Salon auction in 2000 for $649,000 before its Fran Roxas restoration that turned it into an even more lovely and meticulously presented car. It's about ready for another turn on the Links' 18th Fairway and is priced appropriately for its beauty and presentation.
Lot # 353 1949 Delahaye 175 S Roadster, Body by Saoutchik; S/N 815023; Engine # 815023; Light Blue/Blue, White leather; White top; Estimate $4,000,000 - $6,000,000; Concours restoration, 1 condition; Hammered Sold at $3,000,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $3,300,000 -- Chrome wire wheels, Marchal headlights and fog lights, skirted fenders, clear steering wheel rim and dash knobs. Allegedly built for British Blonde Bombshell Diana Dors who was already a sensation at 18. Its voluptuous curves and fecund flanks mirror Diana's although the proboscis over the grille resembles nothing of Diana's, or anything else for that matter. Fresh concours restoration by Fran Roxas which reunited the original components and a similar engine after a number of years with an Olds Toronado drivetrain. Displayed at Pebble Beach in 2007 and People's Choice at Amelia Island. Comes with its recently located unrestored original engine. ‘Extravagant’ doesn't do this car justice. Its presentation is more than flawless. A fabulous confection and one of the last flings of the coachbuilt and concours era, the price of this Delahaye is for the most part immaterial and Saoutchik's extravagance is legendary. Restored by one of the masters, this will be a gratifying centerpiece of any collection for years. It's worth what the Monterey bidders paid for it.
Lot # 251 1958 Dual-Ghia DG Convertible; S/N S169; Plum/Tan leather, Blue piping; Tan cloth top; Estimate $200,000 - $275,000; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $145,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $159,500 -- Dodge D-500 315/230hp 'Red Ram' V-8, automatic, wire wheels, whitewalls. A high quality concours restoration. Doors and trunk lid could be adjusted a little. Paint, chrome and interior are very nice and the purple and tan interior is quite attractive. Restored in 2007 and still fresh and sharp. John O'Quinn Estate. (Cataloged with chassis number 5169.) Sold by RM here in 2007 for $247,500. The hit taken by the O'Quinn Estate largely reflects an influx of Dual-Ghias on the market recently and prices that have trended steadily downward. This example is one of the best (panel fit issues aside, which afflict most Dual-Ghias) and it is very well bought at this price.
Lot # 249 1931 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Sedan, Body by Murphy; S/N 2363; Engine # J-420; Red, Dark Red fenders/Tan leather; Tan cloth top; Estimate $700,000 - $900,000; Older restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $630,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $693,000 -- Chrome wire wheels, dual sidemounts, blackwall tires, Tan cloth-covered trunk, Pilot-Rays. Originally powered by J-331 (according to this catalog, earlier descriptions, Roe and Elbert say it was J-337) but with this body from new. Restored many years ago probably by the IP and still extremely attractive but starting to age a little. The coachwork is something to behold, a tightly-wrapped close coupled design with blind rear quarters when the top's up and Murphy's thin windshield pillars. Not used in years and will need careful re-commissioning but not a lot of cosmetic attention. John O'Quinn Estate. Offered at The Auction in Las Vegas in 2000 with a $585,000 high bid, then at Auburn Fall with a $575,000 high bid, at Leake in Dallas in 2005 ($740,000 high bid) and Worldwide in Houston in 2006. Shopworn barely describes it and it's good that it's finally found a new owner at a reasonable price. A few weeks with Brian Joseph will solve whatever of its ills may need attention and then it will be a great car for tours and events. A classy, open, Murphy-bodied Duesenberg with its original body and chassis for under $700,000 is a sound value
Lot # 341 1933 Duesenberg SJ Riviera Phaeton, Body by Brunn; S/N 2551 (2577); Engine # SJ-528; Black/Brown leather; Estimate $1,100,000 - $1,400,000; Older restoration, 1- condition; Hammered Sold at $1,300,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $1,430,000 -- Chrome wire wheels, blackwall tires, dual sidemounts, single Pilot-Ray, mesh grille sides, dual carbs. Quality older concours restoration showing a little age but excellent care and little use. Delivered new as a supercharged SJ for Col. Schick (‘Look sharp, feel sharp, be sharp’). Frame replaced long ago with 2577 but otherwise as-built by Duesenberg and Brunn. A handsome and practical automobile. Restored by Fran Roxas a few years ago. John O'Quinn Collection. Bought by John O'Quinn at RM's Amelia Island auction in 2005 for $1,320,000 freshly restored. A few years, a few miles (23, according to the odometer), less than magnificent attention and this is a reasonable value for the car. It's a measure of the caliber of a Roxas restoration that even after five years in a Houston warehouse this is still a magnificent automobile.
Lot # 366 1953 Ferrari 212 Inter Coupe, Body by Vignale; S/N 0289EU; Engine # 0289EU; Red/Beige leather; Estimate $650,000 - $750,000; Competition restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $595,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $654,500 -- Silver painted wire wheels, 205/70VR15 Michelin X tires, no bumpers, external fuel filler, Marchal head and fog lights, triple carburetors. Partial inner door panels, Drive Monitor electronic trip odometer/speedometer, later seats fitted for long distance comfort (originals available) Four-time Mille Miglia Retro finisher. Good repaint and very nice nearly new interior. Engine and chassis are less fresh. Windshield and rear window trim is covered with chrome plastic tape. Fuel cap and aluminum exterior trim is pitted. A very attractive, clean and well-maintained tour car. Offered here by RM in 2001 where it was a $220,000 no-sale, then sold here in 2008 for $742,500 after much work to bring it back to nearly new condition from which it has seemingly deteriorated little. Originally reported erroneously as a no-sale, this car was in fact sold for the hammer bid on the block of $595,000, a result that is fair to both the buyer and the seller.
Lot # 355 1956 Ferrari 250 GT Coupe, Body by Boano; S/N 0543GT; Engine # 0543GT; Black/Cinnamon leather; Estimate $550,000 - $650,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $400,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $440,000 -- Chrome spoke Borranis, 185SR15 Pirelli blackwall tires, Lucas fog lights. Raced when new by Elliott Forbes-Robinson at Palm Springs, Dillingham Field in Hawaii and Santa Barbara. Good older repaint, chrome and upholstery. Orderly but not excessively restored underhood and chassis. A highly presentable touring quality older restoration. Reported sold at Worldwide's Keels & Wheels auction in 2007 for $550,000, then offered at Gooding's Pebble Beach auction a few months later but unsold at a reported bid of $480,000. It's not getting any better with age and the seller was wise to take the money offered which is, despite the generous estimate, a reasonable price for a low roof Boano coupe.
Lot # 360 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider, Body by Pinin Farina; S/N 1489GT; Engine # 1489GT; Black, Red stripe/Red leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $2,500,000 - $3,250,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $2,375,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $2,612,500 -- Chrome spoke Borrani wire wheels, Marchal headlights, Marchal fog lights in grille. First owned by Prince Vittorio Emanuele di Savoia, pretender to the throne of Italy. Restored by Bob Smith in 1982 and converted to its present covered headlight configuration and livery. Good repaint except for lifting in rear fender creases. Excellent fresh upholstery. Chassis repainted over old undercoat, which is less than reassuring. Offered by RM here in 1998, a no-sale at a reported bid of $510,000, then sold here in 2008 for $3,630,000. No longer fresh and with some minor defects showing up, the price here is much more realistic than the '08 result.
Lot # 346 1958 Ferrari 250 GT Series I Cabriolet, Body by Pinin Farina; S/N 0979GT; Engine # 1369GT (0390D internal #); Silver-Grey/Crimson leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $1,500,000 - $1,800,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $1,475,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $1,622,500 -- Grey painted wire wheels, covered headlights, bright trimmed front fender vents, Engelbert 6.00/16 blackwall tires. Fog lights behind grille. Upgraded with disc brakes in 1967. Console panel with ignition key and four switches. Restamped engine. Cracked, discolored taillight lenses, dented rear bumper with shadowed chrome. Good paint and very good new upholstery. No rear license plate bracket. Windshield corner delaminating. Grubby engine compartment. Weak chrome. A decidedly mediocre driver. Bought right for its mixed history and sloppy condition, a discount of about 1/3 from the price of a correct, well restored Series I Cab. Sold by Orion in Monaco in 1991 for $434,210, then by Christie's in Geneva in 1996 for $265,619, both times in Red before it got its present very attractive Silver-Grey over Crimson leather livery.
Lot # 327 1960 Ferrari 250 GT Series II Cabriolet, Body by Pinin Farina; S/N 1805GT; Engine # 1805GT (446F Internal #); Silver-Grey/Camel leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $450,000 - $550,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $390,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $429,000 -- Chrome spoke Borranis, 205/70VR15 Pirelli P5 tires, fog lights behind grille, overdrive. Restamped engine. Chassis painted over old undercoat. Mediocre repaint. Doors close well with even gaps. Hood slightly bowed. Road grime on chassis. Good repaint, chrome and very attractive interior. Back in '02 this car could have been bought at the Poulain auction in Paris for about $150,000. This is the most recent of several liveries for this Ferrari, and arguably the most attractive. Soundly if not impressively presented, it's a potentially great driver which brought appropriate money here in Monterey.
Lot # 357 1958 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa Sports Racer, Body by Scaglietti; S/N 0738TR; Engine # 0738TR; Yellow, Green nose band/Black leather; Estimate $12,000,000 - $16,000,000; Competition restoration, 3+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $10,600,0000 -- Lefthand drive. Painted Borrani wire wheels, full width windshield, side-mounted exhausts, driver's head fairing. Customer pontoon fender Testa Rossa delivered to Jean-Louis Soares in Brazil and raced locally by various drivers including Chico Landi. Later rebodied by Drogo as a GTO-ish coupe. Restored for Sir Paul Vestey by DK Engineering with RS Panels replica body. Current owner since 1996 and crashed at least twice in historic racing incidents. Fresh repaint, otherwise in sound and presentable historic racer condition. Seven Shell Historic Challenge tech stickers. Spare engine included for racing to preserve the original engine. Bid to just over $10 million with three bidders in the room when the ‘Without Reserve’ caption flashed on the screens, then a couple more bids and ‘Without Reserve’ suddenly disappeared. Some onlookers thought auctioneer Max Girardo announced it as selling, but that's an inaccurate impression. It's hard to figure what was going on, but the crowd was burned and booed enthusiastically when it left the block without being sold. This is twice recently where RM has screwed up in similar fashion with a high profile car (the other being the Corvette Grand Sport in Arizona two years ago) and such fumblings do their stature no good at all. $10.6 million should have seen this (rebodied, customer, repeatedly crunched and rebuilt in its most recent ownership) car well and truly sold and on its way to a new owner.
Lot # 363 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 Berlinetta, Body by Pininfarina; S/N 10387; Red/Black leather; Estimate $1,000,000 - $1,200,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $950,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $1,045,000 -- Chrome spoke Borranis, 205/70VR14 Michelins. History notable mostly for the recognized dealers, brokers and agents who've offered it for sale since 1989 all across the globe. ‘Shopped’ hardly does its history justice. Good repaint, interior and chrome. Chassis is generally covered with road grime and old undercoat. Engine is clean and lightly oil misted from use. An attractive cosmetically redone driver. Considering the car's history and its presentation this result is full retail, which may mean it's found its way into the hands of an owner with the intent of driving, not flipping, it. That would be a good thing and just what it needs.
Lot # 349 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB/6C Alloy Berlinetta, Body by Pininfarina; S/N 08233; Engine # 08233; Red/Black leather; Estimate $1,100,000 - $1,300,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $1,050,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $1,155,000 -- Chrome spoke Borranis, outside fuel filler. Good older paint, chrome and interior. Restored like new a while ago and still very nearly fresh. Reggie Jackson Collection. It had alloy wheels when it was offered at The Auction in Las Vegas in 1991 with a high bid of $210,000 against a reserve of $260,000. It was offered at Barrett-Jackson in 2003 but was again unsold at a high bid of $335,000. How times have changed. This is an appropriate price for its specification, with maybe just a little extra on account of ‘Mr. October's’ ownership.
Lot # 325 1965 Ferrari 275 GTS , Body by Pinin Farina; S/N 07227; Engine # 07529; Red/Cream leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $400,000 - $500,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $405,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $445,500 -- Chrome spoke Borranis, blackwall Michelins. Wiper scratched windshield. Scuzzy ashtray cover and other interior brightwork. Good paint and upholstery, fair exterior bright trim. Clean repainted chassis. A ten-foot attractive driver. Restored by Ferrari in Maranello with a Classiche certified ‘period’ replacement engine. A disappointing car that does nothing for Ferrari's reputation as a restoration shop. But an exceptional price that handicaps the presentation in favor of optimism. It would have been a decent value at a $350,000 bid, but even then not a particularly attractive or desirable car.
Lot # 324 1969 Ferrari 365 GT 2+2 , Body by Pininfarina; S/N 11667; Engine # 11667GT (A346 Internal #); Dark Blue/Beige leather; Estimate $120,000 - $160,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $165,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $181,500 -- Blaupunkt AM-FM, P/W, A/C, P/S, chrome spoke Borranis, blackwall Pirelli P5 tires, competition style lap belts, covered headlights. 55,159 miles. Clock runs but second hand stays at 48 seconds. Thin interior door handle chrome. Paint cracked below left windshield pillar. Orderly underhood but not restored or even fresh. Old undercoat on underbody. Bard Wolf was famous for his meticulous preparation and detailing of Queen Mothers and this car still reflects his touch twelve years later. It's sharp and clean which apparently impressed the Monterey bidders. Sold by Kruse in Scottsdale in 1998 for $53,600, it would have been a good value at $90,000. At this price it's ... way expensive.
Lot # 344 1971 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Spyder, Body by Pininfarina; S/N 14543; White/Black, Red leather; Estimate $1,100,000 - $1,250,000; Detailed to restored, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $900,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $990,000 -- Voxson 8-track stereo, 5-spoke alloy wheels, A/C. Originally owned by Bill Harrah's Modern Classic Motors in Reno, sold to Dr. Jack Frost in 1976 with 2,509 miles. Little used for the next three decades with only one repaint. Extensively serviced and repainted in 2008-9 preserving most of its original components, even the fan and accessory belts and tires. Comes with original tool roll and paperwork. Never registered or titles and still on its original MSO. Good repaint otherwise original and very well maintained and original. Seats surface creased with lovely patina. A rare and choice find with just 3,716 miles on its odometer. Offered by RM in Maranello in 2009 where it was bid to $1,015,435 (Euros 750,000). Since then some additional work has been done, including the very intelligent elimination of the Seventies' style red accent in the body's side crease (still seen in the catalog photo of the trunk and its content.) The result today is a good value, just 45,000 Euros less than the Maranello no-sale bid.
Lot # 335 1959 Ferrari 410 Superamerica Series III Coupe, Body by Pinin Farina; S/N 1323SA; Engine # 1323SA; Metallic Red/Beige leather; Estimate $1,600,000 - $2,200,000; Recent restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $1,600,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $1,760,000 -- 4.9 liter Lampredi V12 rated 400 brake hp, 2,600 mm wheelbase, one of 12 Series III 410 Superamericas. Covered headlight coachwork with polished Borrani wire wheels, bright trimmed front fender vents and three vent C-pillar. Restored in 2007 with excellent paint, chrome and interior but now showing some paint flaws and scuffed trim. Established history from new including Lime Rock Park's Jim Haynes and Hil Raab. Restored in 2007. Better than new condition without going overboard. Choice design, superb performance and an outstanding restoration. A million dollar car if there ever was one, as it has been in the past but unfortunately most recently a $2,530,000 car at Worldwide's Auburn auction in 2008 which puts a rather different light on its estimate and result here.
Lot # 342 1954 Ferrari 500 Mondial Berlinetta, Body by Pinin Farina; S/N 0452MD; Engine # 0452MD; Light Blue/Beige leather; Estimate $1,500,000 - $1,800,000; Competition restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $1,425,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $1,567,500 -- RHD. Old paint crazing badly on nose, left rear fender and deck. Repair visible above fuel filler. Grey painted Borrani wire wheels with 5.50x16 Dunlop Racing tires. Raced in the Mille Miglia in 1956 and 1957 by Roberto Montali and Tour de France Automobile in 1954 by Leon Coulibeuf and Robert Aumaitre. Chassis and interior very nicely done to like new condition, a Best in Show FCA National Meet winner and Ferrari Classiche certified. Retains its original engine, gearbox and body. This is a lot of car for the money and is guaranteed a place in the MM Retro and just about any other event its owner wants to attend. It is also going to be unusual among the sea of V-12 Ferraris painted various shades of red on any show field or on tours. A solid value for the money spent.
Lot # 339 1966 Ferrari 500 Superfast, Body by Pininfarina; S/N 8565SF; Engine # 8565; Dark Blue/Cognac leather; Estimate $850,000 - $1,000,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $1,025,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $1,127,500 -- Chrome spoke Borrani wire wheels, Becker Grand Prix AM-FM, A/C, P/W, P/S. First owned by John von Neumann and later by Charlie Hayes, Charles Borin, Charlie Morse and Bud Lyon among others. Sound older repaint, interior and chrome. Nearly like new underhood and chassis. A very attractive and sympathetically restored and maintained car. A great car with an outstanding history of ownership, caretakers and concours awards. The color scheme is particularly attractive and may help account for its healthy performance on the block, demonstrating that ‘Resale Red’ is not always the way to attract the eye of discriminating collectors.
Lot # 365 2007 Ferrari FXX Evoluzione ; S/N ZFFHX62X000142163; Red, White/Black; Estimate $1,800,000 - $2,400,000; Unrestored original, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $1,750,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $1,925,000 -- Assembly # 66267. Like new. Based on Ferrari's F1 technology but with 6,262cc 860hp V-12 power, Ferrari built just 30 FXX Evoluziones employing advanced aerodynamics. Never intended to be driven on the street, aerodynamics and performance were barely compromised with full bodywork and two-place accommodations. Never before seen at auction, the price is, if anything, surprisingly modest for one of the world's all-time great show off automobiles.
Lot # 144 1937 Ford Deluxe Road; S/N 184174804; Seafoam green, Grey PS/Tan leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $100,000 - $125,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $68,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $74,800 -- Fog lights, banjo wheel, AM radio, trim rings, wheel spiders, whitewalls, dual mirrors, dash clock, fender skirts. A superb restoration that has seen a little use and won more than its share of Early Ford V-8 Club trophies. No Reserve. Ford built only 1,250 of these Roadsters, of which only 12 are known to the Early Ford V-8 Club to survive. That, coupled with a beautiful restoration, makes this a good value for the money.
Lot # 130 2001 Ford Forty Nine Concept; S/N ; Burgundy/Tan leather; Burgundy cloth top; Estimate $75,000 - $100,000; Unrestored original, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $61,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $67,100 -- The styling is a combination of the 2-seat T-birds and the first re-styled Fords after WWII, but ultra sleek and futuristic. Custom tires and 20-inch wheels help complete the ‘low and long’ image. A concept shell with full interior. No Reserve, proceeds to JDRF and the Children's Center. One of several Ford concepts and show cars consigned by Ford to benefit Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and the Michigan Children's Center, this dramatic rolling concept brought a healthy price. It is relatively complete for a concept and lends itself to being fleshed out with a drivetrain to turn it into a running/driving showcar.
Lot # 136 1963 Ford Galaxie Holman & Moody NASCAR Race Car; S/N C3HM10004; White 'LaFayette Ford'/Black; Estimate $150,000 - $200,000; Competition restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $115,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $126,500 -- 427/450hp, 4-speed, roll cage. Identified by Lee Holman and documented in a letter from him as Dan Gurney's 1963 Motor Trend 500 mile Riverside race winner. Restored to better than new as-raced condition. Invited to participate in the Monterey Historics this weekend where Dan Gurney is the honoree. No Reserve. I'd say the new owner of this bucket of thunder got full value for the money, particular it the Laguna Seca invitation was picked up. It's a very historic car and will be valued as a participant at pretty much any historic gathering its owner would like to attend. Probably not a good car for Lime Rock, though.
Lot # 106 1931 Ford Hot Rod ‘Ol' Jiggles’ ; S/N RBT05J99410715123; Black, red pinstripes/Red leather; Estimate $50,000 - $75,000; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $45,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $49,500 -- A real 1950's California hot rod with steel wheels, hubcaps, trim rings, whitewalls, flathead V-8 with Edelbrock heads, Offenhauser intake with triple Stromberg 97s, a Borg-Warner T10 4-speed, Buick drum brakes, beehive oil filter, tube shocks, Auburn dashboard, Duesenberg tachometer, Wood Lites, folding windshield, Deuce radiator shell. Professionally restored five years ago and very attractive. Same owner for half a century. No Reserve. Period rods are in vogue these days, but this one carries little premium for the age of its build or the quality of its restoration. This is barely more than a modern-built Tupperware body kit rod assembled from a catalog would bring, and is a good buy for the new owner.
Lot # 114 1932 Ford Model 18 Deluxe Roadster; S/N 18135508; Washington Blue, Black fenders/Olive Green vinyl; Tan cloth top; Estimate $100,000 - $125,000; Recent restoration, 1 condition; Hammered Sold at $90,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $99,000 -- White wire wheels, whitewalls, dual sidemounts, wind wings, luggage rack. Show quality restoration better than new without going over the top. Excellent paint, chrome, upholstery, glass and top. No Reserve. Very rare and desirable, a rare Deuce roadster that escaped being hot rodded years ago. Not many survive and this is a modest price for the quality of its restoration and its rarity.
Lot # 116 1903 Ford Model A Rear Entrance Tonneau; S/N 30; Red, Black fenders and accent/Black leather; Estimate $600,000 - $800,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $325,000 -- Good paint and upholstery. Restoration has been carefully maintained but shows its age. Runs very well. One of the three cars for which orders with deposits were received on July 13, 1903, just as James Couzens' checkbook was running dry, from Herbert L. McNary, a butter maker in Britt, Iowa. They were the first orders for Ford Motor Company automobiles and this is the only survivor of the three. It has only five owners from new. Emblematic of a turning point in the automobile's history. Important? How about ‘seminal’? John O'Quinn Collection. Sold by RM in Arizona in 2007 for $693,000 and one of the most important automobiles in history. The bid here is irrelevant to this car's history, significance and value. $693,000 makes a lot more sense.
Lot # 105 1906 Ford Model N Runabout; S/N 427; Red/Black leather; Estimate $40,000 - $60,000; Older restoration, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $39,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $42,900 -- Wood spoke wheels with natural rubber balloon tires. Brass Gray and Davis lamps and radiator. A nice example of an early Ford product with a cute boattail that also doubles as storage. Restored in the 1970's with a 1974 AACA National First Prize. Still presentable but showing its age. No Reserve. There are lots of Model Ts, but only a few of the earlier Fords, built as Henry was getting his act together and homing in on the concept that would change the world. That alone makes this an important milestone, and more than supports the price.
Lot # 123 2000 Ford Prodigy Concept; S/N ; Metallic blue/Gray plastic; Estimate $40,000 - $60,000; Unrestored original, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $14,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $15,400 -- Concept model, no interior or driveline. Intended to be powered by a high efficiency small diesel engine. 19-inch custom tires and wheels. Hulking appearance similar to the new 300's, but this Ford's grille isn't as pushy and features a variable opening function to reduce aerodynamic drag. The trapezoidal headlights are very distinctive. No Reserve. Proceeds to JDRF and the Children's Center. One of several concepts donated by Ford to raise money for Juvenile Diabetes Research and the Michigan Children's Center. Bought for a modest price but of limited practical or even collector value. This is enough to pay for room decor.
Lot # 142 1942 Ford Super Deluxe Station Wagon; S/N 186771494; Dark blue/Tan; Estimate $100,000 - $140,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $72,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $79,750 -- AM radio, covered spare, fog lights, three-row seating, Southwind heater. A nice cosmetic restoration from a distance but lacking in detail. Bodywork wavy with tired chrome. Very good original wood. Still correct in overall appearance and a great car to drive around in. This driver quality cosmetic restoration was not helped by being displayed next to one of the Alexander woodies. 1942 model year cars are extremely rare, production having ended in February for the duration of WWII, and even with some cosmetic issues this car is clean and solid. It is a good value for the new owner at this price.
Lot # 155 1948 Ford Super Deluxe Station Wagon; S/N 899A2260553; Black with black vinyl roof/Tan; Estimate $70,000 - $90,000; Older restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $60,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $66,000 -- Working radio, heater, clock, enclosed rear-mounted spare. Some soiling to the interior but otherwise a handsome older restoration with its own patina. Stated to have all original wood and was probably a good car to start with. Reported sold by RM in Arizona earlier this year for $82,500 and no reason for it to bring so much less here other than a slow start to a busy auction weekend. The new owner got a very attractive, sound, usable woodie for a modest price.
Lot # 135 1957 Ford Thunderbird Racing Car 'The Battlebird'; S/N C7FH170266; White/Black vinyl; Estimate $275,000 - $375,000; Competition car, original as-raced, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $255,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $280,500 -- 312/350hp, Hilborn fuel injection, headers, Jaguar 4-speed, Halibrand quick change axle center section, kidney bean centerlock wheels, driver's head fairing, hard passenger's seat tonneau cover, wraparound Plexi windshield. One of two built by Pete DePaolo for Ford for flying mile runs at Daytona Beach. Originally supercharged and reported to have turned in a 200mph time driven by Chuck Daigh before blowing its Y-block. Rebuilt without the blower and raced at New Smyrna Beach by Marvin Panch, finishing second to Carroll Shelby in a 4.9 litre Ferrari. Eventually restored in the late 90's. Thoroughly documented. Better than new. Here's a car that will be welcomed anywhere, despite its meager racing history, just on the strength of its looks and rarity. Successful racing T-birds are about as common as hens' teeth, and there is plenty of value in this price.
Lot # 368 1928 Hispano-Suiza H6C Convertible Sedan, Body by Hibbard & Darrin; S/N M1120900; Engine # 320104; Cream, Yellow fenders/Cream leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $350,000 - $450,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $325,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $357,500 -- RHD. Dual sidemounts with mirrors, chrome wire wheels, whitewall tires, Marchal headlights. Plastic taillight lenses. An older concours restoration that has aged gracefully with only a few cracks and flaws beginning to show up. It is an impressive example of handsome coachwork that is evidence of Howard Darrin's mastery of complex convertible top mechanisms. Very attractive upholstery and fabulously fitted and detailed interior wood trim. John O'Quinn Estate. A high quality chassis and drivetrain wrapped in high quality coachwork. The skirted front fenders are probably from a later era, however, not 1928. A car of impeccable pedigree and design bought appropriately in the market for classics of the period but inherently more car than the money it commands today.
Lot # 347 1955 Jaguar D-type ; S/N XKD 558; Engine # E2064-9; Dark Green/Green leather; Estimate $2,000,000 - $2,750,000; Competition restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $1,900,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $2,090,000 -- RHD. Dunlop centerlock alloy wheels, driver's head fairing and fin, driver's wraparound windscreen, hard passenger's tonneau, short nose body. Frequently raced in western Canada and the U.S. Northwest, modified many times, eventually Chevy-powered. Wrecked in a 1964 accident at Westwood, B.C., resurrected at Lynx in the 90's and later restored with its original short nose body panels. Original engine (on a stand as acquired from Walter Hill) and data plate included. Now again well used and with engaging patina. Its old paint was only fair when it was fresh. Historic race car used. There are a few more revisions to 558's history of use, damage and survival than are comfortable, but there are apparently no pretenders to its history. The price it brought appropriately handicaps its value relative to other cars with more illustrious and less fraught histories. It brought just $654,500 here in 1999 which makes its ownership experience rewarding both in terms of enjoyment and in the seller's bank account. That, however, does nothing to lessen the buyer's value, which is full.
Lot # 276 1957 Jaguar XK 140 Roadster; S/N G94448; White/Red leather; Estimate $80,000 - $110,000; Modified restoration, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $60,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $66,000 -- 5-speed transmission, aluminum radiator, front disc brakes, stainless steel headers and exhaust, chrome wire wheels, blackwall tires, fog lights, aftermarket CD player, 4-spoke woodrim Derrington steering wheel, wood instrument panel. Updated to be a great driver. Fair paint, good upholstery with some age and use. A thoughtfully upgraded Jaguar driver. No Reserve. Offered at Barrett-Jackson in 2002 in the days before ‘all no reserve’ where it no-saled at $47,000, a generous appreciation of its appeal which was reprised here. This is handsome Jaguar Driver money, discounting its use against its modifications that make it more enjoyable and drivable. The price is fair to both the buyer and the seller.
Lot # 380 1963 Jaguar XKE SI Roadster; S/N 877784; Engine # R6785-9; Opalescent Silver Grey/Black; Black vinyl top; Estimate $115,000 - $130,000; Older restoration, 2 condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $95,0000 -- Chrome wire wheels, later seats. Classic Showcase restoration to sharp and satisfying condition. Gorgeous paint, body and interior. Offered here in 2004 in sharp, restored condition in 2004 but unsold at a bid of $60,000, later sold at RM's Amelia Island auction in 2005 for $70,000. It's accumulated less than 500 miles on its odometer since '04 and is little if any less desirable since then.
Lot # 253 1938 Lagonda LG6 Drophead Coupe; S/N 12334; BRGreen/Tan leather; Tan cloth top; Estimate $225,000 - $300,000; Older restoration, 3- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $180,000 -- RHD. Disc wheels, Lucas headlamps and fog light, dual enclosed sidemounts with mirrors, dual horns, 8-day clock. A functional, classy car but no longer to show standards. The paint is showing its age and the seats and door panels are soiled from use. A gorgeous, imposing fast touring car with 100mph capability. A hard sell in the U.S., this Lagonda was offered by Coys in London in 1992 (a mere eighteen years ago) where it brought a high bid of $109,228, then by RM at Amelia Island in 2008 where it was reported sold for $247,500, and in London in 2009 where it was bid to $239,630. It's not surprising it didn't sell here where even a bid at the low estimate of $225,000 would put the seller well and truly underwater. Throughout the eighteen years its condition has remained about the same, a well-maintained and presentable older restoration, which is a tribute to the car's inherent style and quality.
Lot # 361 1971 Lamborghini Miura SV, Body by Bertone; S/N 4942; Engine # 30668; Yellow, Silver sills and wheels./Black leather; Estimate $800,000 - $900,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $750,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $825,000 -- Excellent paint and interior. Freshly restored and better than new. Best in Class at The Quail in 2009 and difficult if not impossible to fault. Big bucks, but this is a big buck restoration and an appropriate price for it.
Lot # 125 2004 Lincoln Aviator Concept 4-Dr. Sedan Crossover; S/N ; Grey Blue/Tan; Estimate $40,000 - $60,000; Unrestored original, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $40,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $44,000 -- 21-inch tires and wheels. The glass top is reminiscent of the Mercury Monterey. Continental touches, particularly the grille. Running prototype shown at Detroit in 2004. An appropriate name given that the chrome and aluminum used in the interior goes a long way in making those in the front compartment feel like they are in a cockpit and those in the rear like they are in first class. No Reserve. Proceeds to JDRF and The Children's Center. Bill of sale and ‘cannot be registered for highway use’ but an interesting prototype of a top line model that went into production, and an early application of the ‘crossover’ concept. This is full value for money.
Lot # 140 1962 Lincoln Continental ‘Bubbletop’ Kennedy Limousine, Body by Hess & Eisenhardt; S/N 2Y82H410667; Black; black vinyl & plexiglas roof/Black leather, grey leather, grey cloth rear; Estimate $500,000 - $750,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $390,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $429,000 -- One-off Continental built for the Kennedy White House fleet known as Secret Service vehicle 297-X. Frequently used by Jacqueline Kennedy, and also by other dignitaries and politicos. Fitted with a multitude of special features in addition to the Plexiglas bubbletop. As released from the White House fleet with fair old paint, sound original interior, decent chrome. Displayed at the Henry Ford Museum, then the Imperial Palace. Shows its age. Repaired paint chips, fading chrome and lightly worn interior. Still, a remarkable tangible piece of the Camelot presidency. John O'Quinn Estate. Appeal is not limited to car collectors and ‘it is what it is’ but probably not at the enthusiastic price paid by John O'Quinn who bought it through RM in Arizona in 2005 for $632,500. Odometer has just 80 more miles now than it did in 2005. Its history is its value.
Lot # 126 2002 Lincoln Continental Concept Shell Sedan; S/N ; Light Blue/Black leather; Estimate $40,000 - $50,000; Unrestored original, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $14,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $15,400 -- Exterior design model only. Extremely sharp with a strong, masculine stance. Conceived with pillarless doors and power-operated luggage storage with fitted Zero Halliburton luggage and golf club cases. A kick-steer pushmobile. No Reserve. Proceeds to JDRF and The Children's Center. Intriguing concept but with limited value. They should be happy to have gotten this much for it.
Lot # 124 2005 Lincoln MKS Concept; S/N ; Olive Green/Light Green; Estimate $40,000 - $60,000; Unrestored original, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $26,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $28,600 -- Precursor to the actual 2009 MKS, shown at Detroit in 2005. Has a full, working AWD drivetrain but manually controlled air suspension. Custom tires and rims. Sharp lines and refined presence characterize this futuristic concept. No Reserve. Proceeds to JDRF and The Children's Center. While it is sold with all the legal mumbo-jumbo about not being highway driven or registered, this is a fully working automobile that can be driven. As a major show car and the prototype for a production model it has some semblance of historic significance and is a good value at this price.
Lot # 332 1968 Lola T-70 Mk III GT Coupe; S/N SL73/135; Yellow, White stripe/Black cloth; Estimate $150,000 - $250,000; Competition restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $285,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $313,500 -- Hewland gearbox LG600-106. 355 Chevy with four Weber downdrafts on an Inglese intake, Vertex magneto. Originally completed as a street car for Franco Sbarro, featured in the Steve McQueen film ‘Le Mans’ in which it was crashed. Checkered history since, including its current chassis tag. Fresh, clean restoration to essentially like new condition with excellent cosmetics. A sharp historic racer. Block casting #3970010. The bidders had more confidence in this T-70's history than the cataloger's, but even if it's little more than a tach needle resurrection it's still an wonderful, beautiful, meticulously restored and presented machine. One of the most seductive designs of its era, it needs nothing -- except a history. It can begin from now and, for this money, be built into something attractive and usable. Expensive, but something of a bargain on its parts and restoration costs.
Lot # 309 1962 Maserati 3500 GT Spider, Body by Vignale; S/N AM1011337; Engine # AM1011337; Red/Tan leather; Estimate $220,000 - $240,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $210,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $231,000 -- Nardi steering wheel, P/W, 5-speed, 16’ chrome wire wheels, disc brakes. Good paint, chrome, top, glass and upholstery. Chassis redone to presentable driver standards and recently given a needed sympathetic detailing that has dressed it up into attractive driver condition. Offered at Worldwide's Houston auction in May where it attracted a reported high bid of $220,000. It's had some needed attention since that makes it a more attractive car and this transactions is a reasonable result for it.
Lot # 364 1911 Mercedes 38/70 HP 7-Passenger Touring, Body by Vanvooren; S/N 13496; Black; Yellow coachline/Green leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $500,000 - $600,000; Older restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $450,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $495,000 -- RHD. Ducellier acetylene headlights and kerosene sidelights and taillight. 37’ rear and 36’ front tires on varnished wood spoke wheels. Double chain drive, dual rear spares, one in each size, wood body cappings, matching tool box on left running board, whitewalls, folding windshield, Black patent leather mud shields, jump seats, ivory porcelainized cylinder blocks, Elliott speedometer. Engine plate #13496. Stamped Brno. 953 M. No. 19 on upper and lower crankcase. 1992 AACA Senior. Purchased by Colonel Samuel P. Colt, the gun maker’s more successful nephew (President of the Industrial Trust Company in Providence and U.S. Rubber Company among other things). Bought for European tours in 1911 and 1914, used by French Army in WWI. Stayed in his family until 1937, later acquired by B. Scott Isquick from Webster Knight III's estate in 1970 and restored in 1994. Winner of the 1994 Pebble Beach Ansel Adams Trophy along with many other awards. Complete and as built for Col. Colt, impressively documented. In concours condition. John O'Quinn Estate. Sold by Gooding & Company in the disposition of Otis Chandler's collection in 2006 for $575,000 hammer, $632,500 with commission, a wonderful early Mercedes with an intriguing, authentic and continuous history that only adds to its appeal. It was a good value in 2006 at a hundred large more than this. It's an even better value today.
Lot # 379 1958 Mercedes-Benz 190SL Roadster; S/N 1210408501571; Silver-Grey/Red leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $60,000 - $70,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $70,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $77,000 -- AM-FM, clock, whitewalls, Solex carbs. Good recent paint, exterior chrome and interior. Interior chrome trim not done. Engine has been out but engine compartment has been hurriedly and erratically reassembled. An auction car that illustrates the pitfalls of a restoration of an ordinary car that stretches out over four years. No Reserve.. A disappointing car treated to a hurried restoration that brought more money than it deserved. The new owner is not going to be happy.
Lot # 244 1958 Mercedes-Benz 190SL Roadster; S/N 190SL7502654; Perlmutter Green/Dark Green leather; Green cloth top; Estimate $80,000 - $100,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $85,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $93,500 -- Trim rings, whitewalls, multi-band radio, translucent sun visors, matched luggage. AACA Grand national winner in 1993. Well looked after since with cosmetics still in near-show condition. Fabulous presentation and with the looks but not the performance of the 300SL. This price is big money for a 190SL even today when they are very popular and bringing more money than their Teutonic T-bird attributes support.
Lot # 224 1960 Mercedes-Benz 220SE Cabriolet; S/N 12803010003645; Persian green/Sand leather, Green piping; Cordovan top; Estimate $150,000 - $200,000; Concours restoration, 1- condition; Hammered Sold at $130,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $143,000 -- Becker Mexico radio, dash clock, fog lights, whitewalls, trim rings, stainless steel exhaust. Absolutely gorgeous color (Glassurit Perlmuttgrun DB 213) more chosen for effect than to reproduce its original appearance. A no-expense-spared restoration. This car was sold in 1999 at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale. It was Light Blue with Blue upholstery and a White top. It was unrestored and a ‘Tired original car. Cracked paint and crazed, interior badly cracked, doors loose and floppy. Wood is sound but badly dried out.’ At the time it was noted to have potential, as today's result vividly demonstrates. The seller got the cost of the car, the restoration and even a modest ROI back. The buyer got a particularly sharp, enjoyable M-B at an appropriate price. A sharp car and a sharp buyer to take it home for this price.
Lot # 377 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Roadster; S/N 11304412011319; Red/Tan leather; Tan cloth top; Estimate $45,000 - $55,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $57,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $63,250 -- Automatic, P/S, Becker radio, two tops. A choice 280SL consistently preserved over many years, stored for a decade and recently re-commissioned. The paint, body and gaps are consistently good, the top and interior are just as nice and the leather is lightly soiled from use (i.e., it has 'patina.') A choice driver, it can be shown proudly at the end of a day's tour. No Reserve. 'Unmolested' largely describes this 280SL and the Monterey bidders appreciated its honesty, according it a premium price that rewarded its long term owners with a satisfying premium for their care and attention. It's no bargain, but the new owner has security in its care and attention which more than supports the premium price paid.
Lot # 313 1952 Mercedes-Benz 300 Cabriolet D; S/N 1869200117852; Black; tan top/Burgundy leather; Estimate $60,000 - $90,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $105,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $115,500 -- Dash clock, fog lights, whitewalls, Bosch driving lights. Missouri registration sticker from 1975. Sound and presentable two decade old restoration showing its age but little if any use. No Reserve. The age of the restoration, and little subsequent use suggest this car will need plenty of attention before it's ready to hit the road, let alone show. The bidders, however, didn't see it that way and accorded it a generous price that.
Lot # 320 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Coupe; S/N 1980405500712; Engine # 1989805500739; Vermillion Red/Cream leather; Estimate $450,000 - $550,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $500,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $550,000 -- Body color wheels, blackwall tires, luggage, belly pans, tilt steering wheel, Becker LeMans radio. Good recent repaint. Very nice original interior with surface creases and matching luggage. Water stained original headliner. Decent chrome. Clean engine in superficially painted compartment. Underbody repainted over chipped old paint. Good gauges. Dash bright trim scratched, particular under ignition switch. A mixed presentation car that shows regular care and maintenance but also more than a few oversights. A good driver that's not likely to be especially satisfying. Hard to figure. This is an intriguing Gullwing. Not by any standard one of the best but highly original and well maintained. The buyer paid full retail and then some for it, but may in the long run have gotten an exceptional value in a largely original, lightly molested Gullwing driver that offers a largely unexperienced driving experience these days. A reasonably value, I'd say.
Lot # 319 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster; S/N 1980427500131; Engine # 1989807500143; Vermillion/Tan leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $400,000 - $450,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $400,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $440,000 -- Chrome rim, body color center wheels, blackwall tires. Good repaint and upholstery. Weak exterior chrome, frayed window moldings, superficially detailed chassis and under the hood. A fair but unappealing auction car. No Reserve. Sold here in 1997 for $132,000 with a Black interior. A credible driver quality 300SL Roadster, at a reasonable retail price.
Lot # 374 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster; S/N 19804210002869; Silver/Dark Blue leather; Blue cloth top; Estimate $500,000 - $575,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $475,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $522,500 -- A/C, CD stereo, alternator, chrome wheels, extra cockpit insulation. Good paint, chrome, interior and top. Clean unrestored chassis, inner fenders painted body color. An attractive and usable driver prepared and maintained by the best specialists. Purists will object to this 300SL's updates but they add no little enjoyment to its use and driving, which some people feel is what owning great cars is all about. For someone who wants a 300SL for tours, or just for styling around in bright summer weather, this one is ideal and is well bought at this price.
Lot # 371 1936 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Cabriolet, Body by Sindelfingen; S/N 130913; Black/Beige leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $1,100,000 - $1,300,000; Older restoration, 1- condition; Hammered Sold at $830,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $913,000 -- Cloth covered spare set into deck. Chrome wire wheels, blackwall tires, Bosch headlights and fog light, raked teardrop grille, outside exhaust headpipes, blind quarters, disappearing top. First owned by William Burden, heir to one of America's great fortunes who owned cars like the Miller V-16. 1993 AACA National First Prize winner. Sharp older restoration showing little use. John O'Quinn Estate. Not your standard 540K, but an attractive, unusual example with coachwork that will make any Mercedes-Benz owner proud to own it and a dramatic design that recalls the legendary Autobahn Kourier ... but with a top that goes down. An outstanding, rare and attractive car that was reported sold by RM in Arizona in 2007 for $1,028,500, a benchmark that reinforces this price as a sound value.
Lot # 157 1950 Mercury 0CM Station Wagon; S/N 50LA33954M; Everglade Green/Green leather; Estimate $140,000 - $180,000; Recent restoration, 1- condition; Hammered Sold at $92,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $101,750 -- AM radio, rear covered spare, hubcaps, trim rings, blackwall tires, heater, turn signals, windshield washer. Concours chrome, paint and wood. A rare piece that should do very well in the field. 2005 Early Ford V8 Club Dearborn Award winner. No Reserve. Sold here a year ago from the Nick Alexander Woodie Collection for $143,000 and still in concours condition but unfortunately not the star of the show as it was then. This is a painful drop in value that shows that the allure of single collector sales doesn't carry over a year later.
Lot # 247 1938 MG SA Drophead Coupe; S/N SAAH957; Black/Tan leather; Estimate $90,000 - $120,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $77,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $84,700 -- RHD. Wire wheels. Dual horns, Lucas fog light, rear mounted continental spare. Concours restored with the slightest bit of road use evident on the underside. Its history, however, is a challenge. Apparently originally bodied as a saloon, then rebodied in Switzerland in the style of Keller by Peter Ratcliffe. But then it was converted to the Tickford style by Gene Ponder. What is it? An MG SA is about all that's sure. No Reserve. John O'Quinn Estate. It's a pretty car, and eminently usable. It brought $118,800 at RM's sale of the Ponder collection in 2007. Forty thousand less is a bit of a hammering, but even this price generously values its performance and convoluted coachwork's history.
Lot # 312 1949 MG TC Roadster; S/N XPAG7540; Red/Tan leather; Tan cloth top; Estimate $25,000 - $35,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $30,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $33,000 -- RHD. Gray wire wheels, blackwall tires, fog light. A good older restoration with attractive paint and chrome. No Reserve. The catalog states that the restoration is about 20 years old so this car has been well kept. Also states that it has been toured regularly which makes the mileage possibly 101,164, but the new owner should find it to be well sorted nonetheless, a good car at a good price.
Lot # 383 1962 MG A Mark II 1600 Roadster; S/N GHNL2101755; Iris blue/Dark blue vinyl; Black vinyl top; Estimate $35,000 - $45,000; Older restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $27,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $30,250 -- Silver steel wheels, whitewalls, fender mirrors, wind wings. Restored in 2006 and apparently little used in the intervening years. It is like new, and even a little better. No Reserve. Sold here in 2006 for $36,300 and arguably no worse now than it was then, despite the passage of four years. Unfortunately I don't have the earlier mileage. A sound car bought for a sound price, the penultimate car in this year's RM Monterey auction.
Lot # 266 1953 Nash-Healey Le Mans Coupe; S/N 3072; Black/Brown leather; Estimate $100,000 - $125,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $70,455 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $77,500 -- Wire wheels, whitewalls, push button AM radio, overdrive. Excellent paint and chrome but body gaps are erratic. Leather interior is gorgeous, but radio buttons and dash knobs should be replaced. A post-block sale at this all-in price, this Nash-Healey was reported sold in 1997 at Mecum's Arlington, Illinois auction for $20,370, then here in 2008 for a frightening $126,500. Today's price makes a lot more sense, but is no bargain even at $50,000 off the 2008 transaction.
Lot # 345 1933 Packard 1006 Twelve Coupe 2/4 Place, Body by Dietrich; S/N 100605; Black/Tan leather; Estimate $1,200,000 - $1,400,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $1,475,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $1,622,500 -- Chrome spoke wire wheels, dual enclosed sidemounts with mirrors, whitewalls, Pilot-Rays, vee radiator, headlights and windshield, rumble seat, luggage rack. First owner John Mecom, retained by him and his family until 1981 with only two owners since. Treated to a comprehensive mechanical refresh and cosmetic detailing by Fran Roxas taking advantage of its originality. A class winner at Pebble Beach in 1997 with 2009 paint, interior and coachlining to match. Magnificent hardly describes it. Believed to be the only surviving example of its body style from 1933 and a prime example of all the reasons Packard is revered by owners and collectors. Its history of informed ownership and consistent care to keep it in superb condition is another important attribute of its value and desirability and a contributor to the exceptional price it brought, huge money for a closed car.
Lot # 223 1938 Packard Eight Convertible Victoria, Body by Darrin; S/N A309389; Black/Red leather; Estimate $225,000 - $300,000; Original, with major mechanical repairs, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $245,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $269,500 -- AM radio. Believed to be the second Darrin built, famously owned by Clark Gable. Sold by him after owning it for a very short time because it attracted too much attention. Since being acquired from Bonham's last year someone has ground off the welding marks that used to be under the hood showing how it was pieced together during the development process. Otherwise Darrin's fingerprints remain intact as does the rest of its 1950's restoration. John O'Quinn Estate. Sold for $282,000 by Bonhams from the Ted Leonard Collection a year ago in Greenwich, Connecticut. The detailing under the hood has damaged the car's history but it still is clearly the early example with long hood. The car's desirability is evident from how close it came to recovering what John O'Quinn paid for it just a year ago.
Lot # 250 1917 Pierce-Arrow Model 66 A-4 7-Passenger Touring; S/N 67571; Light Blue, Dark Blue fenders and accent/Black leather; Black leatherette top; Estimate $300,000 - $400,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $290,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $319,000 -- RHD. Dual right sidemounts, leatherette-covered trunk, blackwall tires, full weather equipment. Discovered in Silver Star, Montana in the early 60's, restored for Pat Craig in 1986, class winner at Pebble Beach in 1987. A massive car, it was Concours once and has mellowed out in the intervening years but still has a place on the show field and would make a stunning tour car. The essence of Teens quality. John O'Quinn Estate. Sold by RM in Arizona in 2004 for $412,500 and unfortunately languished in storage since. It will need attention before being put back on the road where it will display the quality, performance and elegance which made Pierce one of the leaders among early American manufacturers. Bought right here, giving due recognition to its needs. It could be restored to be a show winner again, but that's a waste of its nearly three decades of patina and no few miles on tours. A great car, bought right.
Lot # 372 1933 Pierce-Arrow Twelve Convertible Sedan, Body by LeBaron; S/N 355091; Mint green, Light Green beltline/Brown ostrich; Beige cloth top; Estimate $300,000 - $400,000; Concours restoration, 1- condition; Hammered Sold at $275,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $302,500 -- Steel spoke wheels, blackwall tires, dual enclosed sidemounts with mirrors, dual horns, wiper motors, Pilot-Rays, metal trunk. Reportedly first owned by Carole Lombard, restored for Pat Craig in the late 90's. Believed to be the only surviving example of this coachwork on a Pierce-Arrow chassis. An exceptional, fresh job that looks like it was done not too long ago. John O'Quinn Estate. Sold by RM in Arizona in 2004 for $374,000 in much fresher condition, then at Amelia in 2008 for $418,000. Somewhat overlooked by collectors these days, this is, among the prices paid for many of its contemporaries, more car than the money today's collectors assign to it. At this price it's a very good value for the money.
Lot # 326 1957 Porsche 356A Speedster; S/N 83154; Red/Blue leather, Red piping; Black cloth top; Estimate $130,000 - $160,000; Older restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $120,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $132,000 -- Chrome wheels, bumper overriders, woodrim steering wheel. A well maintained restoration that's a few years old. The 7,110 miles on the odometer are appropriate to the car's post-restoration touring history. Porsche certificate confirms this as the unusual original color scheme. Non-original but correct spec period engine, includes a set of 5 1/2 inch rim chrome wheels for touring. Bought right for its quality restoration and unusual livery, suitably discounted for the post-restoration use.
Lot # 358 1913 Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP Silver Ghost Touring, Body by H.J. Mulliner; S/N 2517; Dark Green, Black fenders/Beige leather; Beige cloth top and boot; Estimate $1,000,000 - $1,500,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $800,000 -- RHD. CAV bell headlights, double Elliott speedometer, Boa Constrictor bulb horn, single sidemount, centerlock chrome wire wheels. Built for Maharaja Bhupinder Singh in Patiala, India. Discovered by Charles Howard in 1970, restored by Jonathan Harley with a new body in the original style Good older restoration showing age, a few chips and cracked on left doors and front fender. Good lightly soiled upholstery. Good nickel brightwork. Usable as is with pride. John O'Quinn Collection. Sold by Gooding & Company at Pebble Beach in 2007, part of the Richard Solove Collection, for $1,870,000, a hammer bid of $1.7 million, $200,000 over the high estimate, the first of the Solove Collection cars offered with the proceeds to the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center. This is a wonderful Rolls-Royce but it's uncertain that it's worth much if any more than the reported high bid despite its enthusiastic (and charitable) result at Pebble Beach in 2007.
Lot # 352 1931 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Close Coupled Coupe, Body by Park Ward; S/N 195GY; Dark Green, Black fender; Black cloth roof/Tan leather; Estimate $500,000 - $600,000; Older restoration, 2+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $375,000 -- RHD. Trunk and dual rear-mounted spares, Lucas headlamps and center-mounted driving light, polished wheel discs, glass windshield visor, separated running boards. First owned by the Chairman of Park Ward on long wheelbase chassis. Intriguing coachwork with the close coupled passenger compartment leaving the luggage trunk abundant room between the rear wheels. Cosmetically restored in the 1980's, then mechanically restored in 2003 by UK specialists at a cost of $200K plus. Known history from new and showing only limited evidence of age and use. Offered at the NY Auto Salon auction in 1999 where it was sold for only $104,500. It's had extensive work since then but the estimate range indicates the seller finds its attractive (but idiosyncratic) close coupled coachwork more desirable than others might. Even adding up the purchase price and the mechanical work, the reported high bid is a reasonable one for the car.
Lot # 263 1964 Roth Road Agent ; S/N N/A; Orange-Red/Pink vinyl; Estimate $150,000 - $200,000; Customized restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $140,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $154,000 -- Corvair power, Powerglide, orange bubble top. Good older paint, chrome and interior. Chassis painted up but not show quality. An important transition for ‘Big Daddy’ from conventional V-8 powered show cars to lighter, more innovative creations. Sold at RM's auction of the Whitworth collection at the Petersen Museum a year ago for $187,000 and still an exciting example of Ed 'Big Daddy' Roth's creativity and vision. It is reassuring that it has held its value so well, particularly when not featured in an auction of consistently themed cars as it was last year. This is all it could have expected to have brought.
Lot # 255 1964 Shelby Cobra 289 USRRC Roadster; S/N CSX 2557; Guardsman Blue, White stripes/Black leather; Estimate $1,200,000 - $1,500,000; Competition restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $1,450,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $1,595,000 -- Halibrand alloy knock off wheels, chrome paperclip roll bar, white side exhausts, four Webers, quick fill fuel cap. One of six USRRC Cobras. One race as a Shelby team car, dnf at Bridgehampton driven by Charlie Hayes. SCCA raced later without distinction. Restored some time ago and consistently maintained since; vintage race prepared. Showing use but still a handsome and very usable Cobra in the second-most-desirable configuration next to the FIA cars. Offered by RM at Amelia Island earlier this year with a $1.5-1.9 million estimate and reprised here in Monterey to a perhaps more receptive audience at a much more realistic estimate, this is an outstanding and very user-friendly Cobra in the most desirable configuration of all. I know because I got to drive it earlier this year. The result here is fair to both buyer and seller.
Lot # 370 1967 Shelby Cobra 427 Roadster; S/N CSX 3265; Silver/Black leather; Estimate $675,000 - $800,000; Competition restoration, 2+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $540,000 -- Centerlock Halibrands, black side exhausts, black paperclip rollbar. Balanced and blueprinted 427 dry sump side oiler V-8. 10,978 miles and two owners from new. Excellent paint and original interior with the creases from the original owner's cremation ashes container still in the driver's seat. Clean, sharp and better than new. Upgraded and updated throughout for competition and includes its full original weather equipment. An intriguing car with a wonderful history but probably a few too many modern modifications to appeal to today's purist collectors. It might be worth more than the reported high bid, but not a lot.
Lot # 113 1965 Shelby Mustang GT350 Fastback; S/N SFM5S363; White, Blue stripes/Black; Estimate $275,000 - $325,000; Recent restoration, 1- condition; Hammered Sold at $225,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $247,500 -- 289/306hp, 4-speed, 5-spoke Cragar alloy wheels, blackwall tires, competition belts, woodrim steering wheel. An older restoration with multiple SAAC and Mustang concours awards in the late 90's. Stored since and still nearly perfect. Authenticated by SAAC. No Reserve. Sold at Barrett-Jackson in 2006 for $335,880 and hard to imagine it being any better then than it is now. That may have been the market then, but this is the market now.
Lot # 141 1967 Shelby American Can-Am Cobra Group 7; S/N 2; Metallic Blue/Black; Estimate $200,000 - $350,000; Competition restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $130,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $143,000 -- 351/435hp Ford, ZF 5-speed. Designed by Len Terry with transverse-mounted suspension coil springs that make the suspension independent of roll stiffness. Never developed by Shelby. This chassis was sold before it was raced. Eventually restored by Mike Dopudja in 1989, then essentially unused after one outing at the Elkhart Lake Group 7 race. Clean, tidy and largely like new but in need of comprehensive attention before it is turned loose. Major Can-Am cars car easily command twice this much so even needing work before it's raced this is something of a value, especially with the innovative suspension (to someone who can make it work.) Bought right
Lot # 227 2006 Spyker C8 Spyder; S/N XL9AA11GO6Z363090; Dark metallic Blue./Tan leather; Estimate $150,000 - $200,000; Unrestored original, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $125,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $137,500 -- Intricately stitched leather interior, gorgeous engine turned dash. Virtually new at a huge discount off the original sticker price. The Spyker business model is obscure. They are beautifully, seductively detailed automobiles encased in uninteresting bodies with scissors doors that could be fitted to a ghetto-cruising Mitsubishi and offering only hyped-up mid-engined Audi V-8 powered performance at a fabulous price of over $350,000 new. Demonstrators at Pebble Beach and a few other shows are like rats at a cheese factory: ubiquitous but contributing little to the ambience. Four years old, four hundred miles, two hundred large off MSRP makes late model Ferraris look like a good investment.
Lot # 338 1937 SS Jaguar 100 3 1/2 Liter Roadster; S/N 18081; Red/Black leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $225,000 - $275,000; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $260,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $286,000 -- RHD. Chrome wire wheels, rear mounted spare. Excellent paint, chrome and interior. Restored like new in 1994 with several JCNA National awards, Pebble Beach in 1999, Meadow Brook in 1998 and other important concours and shows. Still better than new, with an engine rebuild last year. As SS 100 Jaguars go this car is a sound and immediately usable value with known history and an exceptional restoration that has been proved to be essentially flawless several times, even if they were a decade ago. It has been detailed and freshened to marque concours quality condition and needs absolutely nothing. It is a very astute and intelligent buy, particularly in light of the $1,045,000 that another brought at Pebble Beach today or the $242,000 that RM would get later today for a barn find restoration project. Well bought.
Lot # 348 1938 SS Jaguar 100 3 1/2 Liter Coupe, Body by Graber; S/N 30182X; Dark Blue/Red leather; Estimate $500,000 - $700,000; Concours restoration, 1- condition; Hammered Sold at $350,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $385,000 -- RHD. Chrome wire wheels, Marchal headlights, skirts. Unique and attractive blind quarter closed coachwork by Graber with a few subtle chrome embellishments built for Michel Dionisotti called a ‘Limousine Coupe.’ Occasional rear seats and an access door for storing skis. Restored by RM in 1994, won Designer's Choice at Meadow Brook, award winner at Pebble Beach and seven JCNA awards. Excellent paint, chrome, interior and glass. A concours restoration that is still fresh and sharp. Kathy and Jerry Nell Collection. This is an unexpected surprise, a car that looks like nothing else on a quality chassis and drivetrain. With exotic French coachwork bringing big bucks here in Monterey this weekend and SS 100s with factory roadster coachwork commanding surprising prices, this Swiss-bodied Jag, even with its closed coachwork, is an unexpected value.
Lot # 373 1938 SS Jaguar 100 3 1/2 Liter Roadster; S/N 39058; Primer/Tatters; Estimate $200,000 - $250,000; Incomplete restoration, 4- condition; Hammered Sold at $220,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $242,000 -- RHD. Project with a restoration started in 1965 and still stripped, bare and incomplete as it was found in a Malibu, California barn two years ago. JDHT Certificate confirms its original 3 1/2 liter configuration. 35 lot numbers ago RM sold a similar SS 100, meticulously restored a decade ago and judged essentially flawless in several marque concours for $286,000. Tell me what's wrong with this picture? It's the mental image of saving, restoring and presenting this 45-year barn find and the prospect of turning it into a $1,045,000 work of art like the one sold nearly simultaneously out at Pebble Beach. Psychic income counts for a lot ... but not this much.
Lot # 367 1965 Strale Daytona 6000GT Prototype (Iso Daytona) Coupe, Body by Neri & Bonacini; S/N 1R330039; Dark Red/Tan leather, Beige cloth inserts; Estimate $550,000 - $750,000; Competition restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $475,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $522,500 -- Centerlock alloy wheels, three spoke steering wheel with fat, riveted rim, fire system. Originally built for Carlo Bernasconi by Neri & Bonacini on a crashed Iso Rivolta base as the prototype for a series in 1966, one of only two built. Rescued after the Florence flood in 1991 by Bill Binnie and restored by Paul Lanzante, finishing seventh in the 2000 6 Hours at Spa. Restored again for its next owner by Canepa Design with updated suspension. Fresh Chevy with four Spanish-built 48DCO 2 Webers, tiny competition alternator, 490 hp and 434 lb-ft torque. Very attractive, fresh restoration with excellent cosmetics outside and in. FIA papers and FIVA card. Not much history, but a strikingly attractive car that should be a thrill to drive. That's enough to make the price it brought reasonable, if not sensible.
Lot # 356 1930 Stutz Model M Supercharged Coupe, Body by Lancefield; S/N 31312; Black/Rose leather; Estimate $500,000 - $700,000; Older restoration, 1- condition; Hammered Sold at $600,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $660,000 -- RHD. Maroon wire wheels, helmet front fenders, dual sidemounts, folding sunroof, turn signals. Halogen bulbs in the Zeiss headlights. One of the legendary Stutzes of A.K. Miller, pulled from his barn in 1996 and meticulously restored to Pebble Beach class- and Briggs Cunningham Award-winning condition. Later sold to Skip Barber who invested time, money and skill in perfecting its performance so it runs at least as well as it looks -- which is another way of saying, ‘Outstanding.’ Engine and supercharger updated with modern materials, bearings and seals, tuned by George Holman. One of the most appealing classic automobiles, a sinister and serious performance car without compromise. John O'Quinn Estate. Sold in barn-find condition at Christie's Miller auction for $151,000 in 1996, then by RM in New York in 2000 for $316,800 after restoration but before Barber's diligent refinement of its performance after which it brought $715,000 at RM's Meadow Brook auction in 2006 where John O'Quinn bought it, a strong price by any standard but also one of the most charismatic automobiles in recent auction history, an opinion bolstered by this strong result four years later. A great car, no longer fresh but still a thrilling presence on show fields or tours.
Lot # 359 1938 Talbot-Lago T150-C Lago Special Coupe, Body by Figoni & Falaschi; S/N 90034; Black/Cognac pigskin; Estimate $3,500,000 - $4,500,000; Concours restoration, 1 condition; Hammered Sold at $4,200,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $4,620,000 -- RHD. Chrome wire wheels, blackwall tires, sliding sunroof, Marchal headlights, fog light, driving light. One of 16 teardrops believed built, the only one on the long wheelbase chassis and the first of the series. First owner Antoine Schumann who raced as ‘Nime’ at Le Mans with Pierre-Louis Dreyfus (‘Ano’). Bought by Freddy Damman in 1947, class winner at 1948 Spa 24 Hours with Constant Debelder. With Damman until 1979. Sold to the immediate prior owner in 1981 who kept it until 2004. Spectacular coachwork with sunroof, chrome flashes, small rear deck spline and split rear window. Freshly restored to concours condition by RM Restorations for the late John O'Quinn on the basis of the very complete, well-preserved 3+ condition car sold here in 2005. Never shown or displayed. John O'Quinn Estate. Acquired here in 2005 for $3,685,000 with a fortune lavished on it since in a complete, sympathetic restoration. It is above reproach in all respects, not the least in its history and preservation, and is ready to head straight to Amelia Island or Pebble Beach where it will be a Best of Show contender. The bidders received it enthusiastically and generously. Their judgment on value is definitive: this is ‘market,’ and is still a lot of car and racing history for the money.
Lot # 246 1948 Tucker 48 Torpedo 4-Dr. Sedan; S/N 1045; Navy Blue/Gray-Blue cloth; Estimate $550,000 - $750,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $1,025,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $1,127,500 -- Dual antennas and push button radio. An older restoration that still displays very well. The paint has a few chips and a small dent from shipping in the driver's rear quarter. One of the original fifty with a long history. John O'Quinn Collection. Sold at Barrett-Jackson in 2000 for $333,900 in about the same condition it is in today. This transaction was a revelation to everyone, a startling price that challenges logic but will make the executors of the O'Quinn estate very happy while going a long way to making up for the present reduced values of some of Mr. O'Quinn's less astute purchases.
[Source: Rick Carey; photo credit: as noted]
Wonderful report, but couldn’t you review all of the cars?? Just kidding..
Interesting reading about the O’Quinn trades.
Very nice. Thank you.
Re Lot # 368 Hispano-Suiza Hibbard & Darrin Convertible sedan:
Not only the front wings but the rear wings and long rounded tail of the body are later modifications. The look is now a thirties one superimposed upon a 20´s design. The original design is well known and was often seen on the R-R Phantom I. The car would have had open wings and a short but rounded rear tail, see John Webb de Campi “Rolls-Royce in America (1975) p. 116. The light colour scheme and chromium wheels with whitewall tyres shows no understanding of the cars inherent european sporting heritage but makes this wonderful car into a decadent flashy showcar.
Ollie,
Those are very good points and I agree it would be nice to see the car as originally conceived and executed by H&D. However, it wasn’t uncommon for such fine chassis and coachwork to be updated with later fenders to freshen, at least in the mind of the then-owner, its appearance. Particularly in the 30’s a new car of this quality was a stretch even for the wealthy but the look could be updated more economically. The updated features become part of its history, and in that sense warrant preservation just as aftermarket fender skirts and continental kits become part of the history and personality of Fifties Chevys and Fords.