RM Sotheby’s, Hershey, Pennsylvania, October 8-9, 2015
The next time someone tries to make the case that the market for antique cars is dying off tell them to take a good look at RM Sotheby’s Hershey auction.
Particularly in 2015, because there was one of the best selections of toothsome antique, brass and nickel era cars ever assembled right here in Hershey, home of the Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA).
It’s not hard to fall for the allure of early automobiles, it takes only a little time and effort. In the years around the turn of the twentieth century the automobile was in its infancy, being moved forward by trained engineers and intuitive amateurs alike. And none of them knew what the ‘right way’ was to make an automobile.
They made three-wheelers, steam cars, electrics and gasoline engines of all imaginable configurations. They made little cars, middle-sized cars, big cars and immense cars. The gasoline vehicles had opposed engines, inline engines and vee engines. Valves were scattered all over the place, some mechanically operated and others operating on atmospheric pressure.
It was a delightful plethora of ingenuity, and if some of it didn’t work there was always another investor willing to back the next idea and build on the experiences and failures.
While the full range of wild ideas and concepts is far too large to be encompassed by a single auction, RM Sotheby’s Hershey auction is about as close as it gets. Over several years it really does showcase the wild, ingenious, mysterious and practical concepts that by about the time of the Crash of ’29 had coalesced into a more or less standard automobile layout, a pattern that would continue with few exceptions until the 1960’s.
And here at Hershey these wonderful old automobiles sell to an informed, sometimes greasy, hands-on, market who know and appreciate value and quality. It isn’t Lambos, Porsches and Enzos. It’s Pierces, Packards and Oldsmobiles, and RM|Sotheby’s sold almost all of them, in the process making 2015 RM Sotheby’s best-ever Hershey auction, by a significant margin of over 15% from last year’s also successful Hershey auction.
[table id=142 /]
RM Sotheby’s Hershey 2015 – Auction Report
Lot # 127 1916 Republic Beer Truck; S/N 10-12958; Engine # 67800.N; Yellow, Black fenders and bed/Black leatherette; Estimate $10,000 – $15,000; Unrestored original, 4 condition; Hammered Sold at $18,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $19,800. No Reserve. Continental 4-cylinder, Gray & Davis acetylene headlights on cowl, coil rear helper springs, no windshield, solid rubber tires. – Dead old paint on the seat box and bed but surprisingly good yellow on the frame and chassis. Grungy engine, oily chassis. Originally owned by the Lehigh Valley Brewing Company, known subsequent history. A wonderful old thing that deserves to be left as is cosmetically. Richard Roy estate. – This is a charming lump that exudes character and should never be ‘restored’, the essence of the ‘barn find’ character and far better than most of its century old contemporaries. It brought more than the high estimate, but no more than it deserved.Lot # 138 1922 Mercer Series 5 Sporting; S/N 5368; Engine # 5278; Dark Olive Green, Black fenders/Black; Black leatherette top; Estimate $150,000 – $200,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $80,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $88,000. No Reserve. Waltham clock, Light Green wire wheels, whitewall tires, Badger headlights, S&M spotlight, dual rear-mounted spares, 1972 Pennsylvania inspection sticker. – Sound old body paint, fenders quickly repainted over cracked, shrunken old paint. Front seats recovered in leatherette but the rest of the upholstery and interior trim is original leather. Top is complete but old and cracked. Engine and chassis are old, oily and road grimy. A marvelous old piece fully capable of being used as is after mechanical work to offset sitting for years. Richard Roy estate. – Generously but not unreasonably estimated by RM Sotheby’s, the bidders were more circumspect and cautious in reserving room in the price for the extensive mechanical work needed to bring this Mercer back to life. When it is, however, it will be both valuable and a delight to own and tour.Lot # 140 1923 Wills Sainte Claire B-68 Gray Goose Special Touring; S/N 06916; Engine # 07984; Olive Green, Black fenders/Black leather; Olive Green cloth top; Estimate $45,000 – $65,000; Unrestored original, 4+ condition; Hammered Sold at $52,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $57,200. No Reserve. 266 cubic inch sohc 67hp V-8, 3-speed, disc wheels, whitewalls, single sidemount, luggage trunk. – Known history from first owner liquor importer William Schieffelin, his son-in-law Cameron Bradley and then Richard Roy. All original except perhaps for an old repaint on the fenders. Dull old paint, cracked front seat upholstery, bad brightwork. Complete and amazingly sound. Wonderful. Richard Roy estate. – Not run in half a century or more, but rigorously original and complete as well as one of the most desirable and rare of all automobiles of the Twenties. Although it will need a great deal of work before it takes to the road again at this price the work can be done, without scrimping, and still create value. It is a good value at this price.Lot # 141 1916 White Model Forty-Five G.E.D. Touring; S/N GED75502; Blue, Black fenders/Black; Black leatherette top; Estimate $20,000 – $25,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 4+ condition; Hammered Sold at $33,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $36,300. No Reserve. 362 cubic inch side valve four, 4-speed, black wood spoke wheels, drum headlights, dual left side spares and running board mounted tool box, side curtains. – Tired, dirty old car with a fair old repaint, seat cover upholstery, dull brightwork. Grungy, oily chassis. The imposing body on this White has the stamp of authority in its lines and helps make this a potentially satisfying project, but definitely a project. Richard Roy estate. – Even not having run in half a century this White tourer is so complete and impressive that even at a third over RM Sotheby’s high estimate it still represents good value for money.Lot # 144 1923 Mercer Series 6 Sporting; S/N 20239; Engine # 101291; Light Grey, Black fenders/Dark Red leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $175,000 – $225,000; Older restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $75,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $82,500. No Reserve. Opening windshield, wind wings, Monogram drum headlights, Dark Red centerlock wire wheels, whitewall tires, dual rear-mounted spares. – Sound old paint starting to crack and fade. Good upholstery and top. Fair nickel. Dirty, oily chassis and underbody. Aged but attractive older restoration by Harrah’s in decent touring condition. One of 16 Mercer Series 6s known of 153 believed built, ex-Harrah Collection and Joe Loecy. Documented with its Harrah’s Collection restoration file. Richard Roy estate. – While this is a legendary marque by the time of the Series 6 power came from a bought-in engine and gearbox from Rochester and Brown-Lipe respectively making Mercer a shadow of its former self. This car’s ex-Harrah’s history and rarity make it a sound buy at this price.Lot # 145 1930 Pierce-Arrow Model B Tonneau Cowl Phaeton; S/N; Engine # 200050; Light Blue-Grey, Blue-Grey fenders and accent/Blue leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $125,000 – $175,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $87,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $96,250. No Reserve. Radio with steering column controls, dual folding windshields, front wind wings, Light Blue-Grey wire wheels, wide whitewalls luggage trunk, Trippe lights, radiator stoneguard. – Decent older paint, weak chrome, sound upholstery showing wear, good top. Road grimy chassis. Clean, orderly, dry engine. Richard Roy estate. – RM|Sotheby’s honestly cataloged this car as having bodywork modified in the 1960’s. Like the rest of the Roy estate cars it hadn’t run in years, but may be in better condition than most, having been acquired only in 2008 and thus not having had a long, neglected, tenure. It is a quality car that brought a realistic price.Lot # 146 1929 Chrysler Series 75 Tonneau Phaeton; S/N CE7H; Engine # R284345; Light Green, Dark Green fenders/Brown leatherette; Faded cloth top; Estimate $75,000 – $100,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $45,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $49,500. No Reserve. White wire wheels, whitewall tires, dual folding windshields, dual sidemounts with mirrors, luggage rack. – Sound fairly recent repaint and upholstery. Old, worn, faded top. Clean, dry but not restored engine. Oily chassis. Sound and complete but only good enough to tour, although the catalog notes that it is eligible for the Mille Miglia and Le Mans Classic due to the Series 75’s participation in the 1929 Le Mans 24 Hours. Richard Roy estate. – A handsome and practical car that should respond to some sympathetic attention to its mechanical and cosmetic needs and be an enjoyable tour car. If it brings entry into either of the two noted historic events it is a remarkable, inexpensive and attractive buy at this moderate price.Lot # 147 1926 Chrysler Four Coupe; S/N FC-083-C; Engine # F-00830; Olive Green, Black fenders/Black leatherette; Estimate $12,000 – $17,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $14,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $15,950. No Reserve. Black wood spoke wheels, black leatherette roof and windshield visor, Flatlite headlights, trunk, rear-mounted spare. – Sound old paint with some scratches and edge chips. Grungy chassis. Dry, clean old engine. Mixed chrome. An old cosmetic refurbishment of a sound and complete car that has been little used since and should respond well to attention. Richard Roy estate. – Essentially a Maxwell and not offering many of the advanced technical features which distinguished Chryslers, including four-wheel hydraulic brakes, the Chrysler Four was a worthy competitor to Chevrolet and the now outdated Model T. It sold like hotcakes on a cold morning but is rarely seen today, particularly as an example so well preserved, so this result will have to stand as something of a market benchmark.
RM Sotheby’s Hershey 2015 – Auction Report Page Two
Lot # 148 1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Ascot Tourer, Body by Brewster; S/N S368LR; Pewter, Maroon hood and fenders/Beige leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $300,000 – $350,000; Older restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $275,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $302,500. With Reserve. Orange wire wheels chrome lock rings, wide whitewalls, Depress Beam headlights, dual sidemounts, front and rear folding windshields, rear compartment body cowl. – First owned by Russell Phelps Kelley, Sr., later by Stephen Antine who registered it ‘RROC’ in Massachusetts. Sound old paint and chrome, good upholstery. Chassis has been painted assembled. A quality old restoration with recent cosmetics and an engine rebuild. With a little more work this will be a great tour car. – Sold by Bonhams at Quail Lodge in 2010 for $403,000 and a good value for money at the price it brought today. This is a seriously good car, with its original coachwork and possibly unique second cowl, that has many miles to go before requiring a full restoration.Lot # 149 1903 Pierce Fourth Model Stanhope; S/N 302; Engine # 83; Maroon, Black fenders/Black leather; Estimate $75,000 – $100,000; Older restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $52,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $57,750. No Reserve. Right-hand tiller steering, Pierce kerosene lights, folded bulb horn, varnished wood spoke wheels, white tires. – Sound old paint despite some cracking of the underlying wood. Sound upholstery including original front passengers’ seatback, dull nickel brightwork. A usable older restoration in need of attention, but a car never fully ‘restored’, just rescued in the late 40’s and never messed with since. – Recently resuscitated to running condition, the preservation of this Pierce is pretty amazing and as a Brighton Run eligible car it is surprisingly reasonably bought here. The estimate range is optimistic but considering its single family ownership since 1948 (when it was only 45 years old!) and its history it is not unreasonable.Lot # 150 1951 Mercedes-Benz 170 DA OTP ‘Police Special’; S/N 130139/51; Engine # 13034/51; Green, Dark Green fenders/Black leatherette; Black cloth top; Estimate $40,000 – $50,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 4+ condition; Hammered Sold at $27,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $30,250. No Reserve. 40hp 4-cylinder diesel, heater, clock, Bosch headlights, fog lights and spotlight, folding windshield, rear-mounted spare set into body, side curtains. – Poor older repaint, sound upholstery superficially installed, dull brightwork, grimy chassis, underbody and engine. A sound but tired project looking for home. – Rare is one thing, but rare and desirable is another and this Mercedes is barely desirable, just interesting. Its price reflects both its below-mediocre condition and is a realistic interpretation of its value. On a Mercedes-Benz show field, however, it will make an immediate impression.Lot # 153 1931 Aston Martin 1 1/2-Liter International 2/4 Seater; S/N A1/100; Engine # A1/100; Dark Green/Green leather; Estimate $200,000 – $275,000; Older restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $255,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $280,500. With Reserve. RHD. Cycle fenders, body color centerlock wire wheels, rear-mounted spare, folding windshield, Rotax headlights with stoneguards, Jaeger tach and speedometer, Smiths engine gauges, outside exhaust headpipes. – Sound but dull old paint, good upholstery. Orderly but used chassis and engine. A quality driver caliber Aston with a known history since the early 50’s and a restoration that has recently been mechanically freshened and given a new interior. – Any Aston Martin International is desirable but this example’s combination of originality and a record of consistent care and attention make it especially good, qualities that obviously appealed to the Hershey bidders and brought a sound price.Lot # 154 1913 Locomobile Model 48 ‘M’ Series III Baby Tonneau; S/N 6410; Engine # 6410; White/Black leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $300,000 – $400,000; Older restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $220,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $242,000. No Reserve. RHD. Jones speedometer, New Haven clock, Klaxon electric horn, Locomotive headlights, side lights and taillight, dual rear-mounted spares, mother-in-law seat, wood spoke wheels with 37×5 blackwall tires, seat belts. – Restored in the mid-90’s. Lighting has been electrified and hydraulic rear brakes added for touring. Paint and upholstery are good but some of the brass needs attention. Engine and chassis show only limited use and age. Recently unused for several years so it is in need of mechanical attention and a thorough check for safety and reliability. A big, imposing automobile that could be detailed back to show quality. – The only thing ‘Baby’ about this Locomobile is the body style name: in all other respects it is a big car. Sold by RM here in 2008 for $357,500 and apparently unused since, the result here recognizes the attention it will need and demonstrates the importance of using collector cars and keeping up with their maintenance. Once it has had the attention it needs, however, it will be a great tour car.Lot # 155 1932 Packard Twin Six Individual Custom Sport Phaeton; S/N 900362; Engine # 900353; Beige, Brown accent, Orange coachline/Brown leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $375,000 – $475,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $400,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $440,000. With Reserve. Chrome wire wheels, wide whitewalls, Pilot-Rays, dual enclosed sidemounts with mirrors, rollup rear windshield with wings. – Reproduction body by Dave Tobin in 1986. Excellent paint, chrome, interior and top. Chassis and underbody are better than new without going overboard. – It is a testament to the quality of this Packard and the Dietrich-based coachwork design that it brought such a generous price. It is an automobile to own and drive proudly, even if being somewhat reticent about the origin of the body.Lot # 160 1913 Stevens-Duryea Model C-Six 5-Passenger Touring; S/N 26200; Engine # 330; Grey, Burgundy accent and chassis/Black leather; Black leatherette top; Estimate $125,000 – $175,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $115,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $126,500. No Reserve. RHD. Grey wood spoke wheels, 34×4 1/2 blackwall tires, luggage trunk, folding rear wind wings, Warner speedometer, Warner-Patterson headlights, electric sidelights, Boyce Motometer. – Known history since the late 30’s with HCCA co-founder Arthur Twohy in California. Later driven cross-country by Edward French, and later owned by Jasper Wiglesworth. Never fully restored, but consistently maintained, serviced, overhauled and painted as needed. Good recent paint, sound older upholstery. Orderly chassis and engine. – It’s impossible not to be impressed by the level of care and attention which this car has enjoyed since its early days as a ‘collector car’ when it was barely 25 years old. It was offered here in 2008 when it was reported bid to $143,000 and appears today to be much as it was then. The new owner got a quality automobile with a quality presence for a reasonable price.Lot # 161 1923 Duesenberg Model A Sport Phaeton; S/N 977; Engine # 1373; Dark Green/Oak Green leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $225,000 – $275,000; Recent restoration, 1 condition; Hammered Sold at $340,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $374,000. With Reserve. Black centerlock wire wheels, blackwall tires, opening windshield, Stewart sidelights, dual SU sidedraft carbs, Bausch & Lomb headlights, rear-mounted spare. – Owned by the Killorin family since 1948. Cadillac body. Featured in The Classic Car and CCCA recognized as a CCCA Full Classic ™. Restored like new, aside from the dual carbs, and runs like a train while being enthusiastically demonstrated by its owner. Excellent paint, nickel, upholstery and top. Engine and chassis are clean and orderly. A highly impressive automobile. – The bidders took the departures from stock into account, ultimately disregarding them in favor of recognizing the quality of workmanship, maintenance, history and style with a price that blew $65,000 past the high estimate, a 23+% premium. There is no arguing with their determination, because this is a wonderful automobile with a great story. This, the Duesenberg Model A, was the car Fred and Augie Duesenberg wanted to build, not the huge, heavy, rugged Model J that E.L. Cord wanted.
RM Sotheby’s Hershey 2015 – Auction Report Page Three
Lot # 162 1914 Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP Silver Ghost Landaulette, Body by Barker; S/N 25EB; Engine # 89M; Cream/Tan leather; Beige broadcloth; Estimate $500,000 – $700,000; Older restoration, 1 condition; Hammered Sold at $525,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $577,500. With Reserve. RHD. Jump seats, sliding divider, Bleriot opera lamps, CAV head and side lights, dual sidemounts. – Excellent older paint, interior and combination of nickel and chrome. A very high quality restoration of an elegant and luxurious car. This is the original body but for many years it was treated as a limousine. Richard Solove discovered that it was in fact built by Barker as a Landaulette and it was restored that way. The restoration is beginning to show some age but is still highly elegant and imposing. – Sold for $134,500 in Sotheby’s auction of Ben Moser’s collection in 1993, then for $240,512 after being restored in England in Coys June 2003 London sale. An intriguing story of automotive sleuthing, with a satisfying result in uncovering and restoring the original folding landaulette roof, helps the value of this car. It was sold at Gooding’s Pebble Beach auction along with several other Silver Ghosts from the Solove collection in 2007 for the generous sum of $1,155,000, then sold by RM in Arizona in 2012 for a more realistic $550,000. It is a storied Rolls-Royce with a magnificent restoration, still in show quality condition, holding its value well.Lot # 164 1911 Stanley Model 63 Toy Tonneau; S/N 6210; Red, Black fenders/Black leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $100,000 – $140,000; Recent restoration, 1- condition; Hammered Sold at $105,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $115,500. No Reserve. 10hp double-acting steam engine. Rushmore acetylene headlights, E&J kerosene sidelights and taillight, Prest-o-Lite tank and boiler igniter, Rubes style bulb horn, Yellow chassis and wood spoke wheels, Neverout kerosene trouble light on steering column. – Reproduction body. Very good paint, upholstery and top, brilliant brass but some dull nickel. A show quality restoration completed in 2011 that looks a little older than that. – A quality car that embodies all the intriguing aspects of steam power, including the fascinating choreography of shafts, rods, bellcranks and valves that controls its operation. Rarely seen, and in excellent condition, it is a sound value at this price.Lot # 166 1931 Chrysler CG Imperial Convertible Coupe; S/N CG3617; Engine # CG3617; Tonawanda Green, Abbott Gray (Light Olive) fenders and accent/Beige leather; Heather cloth top; Estimate $250,000 – $300,000; Older restoration, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $175,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $192,500. No Reserve. Chrome wire wheels, wide whitewalls, dual sidemounts with mirrors, Trippe lights, radiator stoneguard, rumble seat. – Failing old paint especially on the cowl where it is chipping off. Chassis is oily and dirty. Good upholstery and top. Fair chrome. A usable but marginal tour car. – The estimate range might be the value of this Chrysler when the age of its restoration is remedied but the price it brought is its value in its present aged and used condition. Fortunately that leaves room for the new owner to make it the car is could (and should) be.Lot # 167 1933 Pierce-Arrow Twelve Convertible Coupe Roadster; S/N 3100014; Engine # 355018; Black/Saddle leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $350,000 – $400,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $290,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $319,000. With Reserve. Cream wire wheels, wide whitewalls, dual enclosed sidemounts with mirrors, cloth covered luggage trunk, rumble seat, Trippe lights, ride control, freewheeling. – First owned by banker George F. Tyler, later by a series of collectors, 27,264 miles from new, one of three that survive. Sound but aged paint, good interior and top. Rust pitted side window moldings. Serious gas tank leak. Paint cracks by windshield posts. Chassis is oily and a little grimy. Never restored and showing its age but more than good enough to be toured with pride. – It is highly unusual to find an automobile of this quality in any circumstances, but even more rare to find one that has survived 82 years with so few miles and in such consistent original condition. It needs help, but its needs are acknowledged by the price it brought and largely offset by the sleek design and V12 performance.Lot # 168 1947 Chrysler Town and Country 4-Dr. Sedan; S/N 71002156; Sumac Red/Dark Red leather, Beige cloth; Estimate $140,000 – $160,000; Older restoration, 1 condition; Hammered Sold at $135,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $148,500. With Reserve. Fluid Drive, dual remote spotlights, roof rack, fog lights, hubcaps, sombrero trim rings, wide whitewalls, windshield sun visor, pushbutton radio, backup lights, turn signals. – 2008 National First Prize, recently restored to better than new condition, 2015 Amelia Island class winner along with a string of other awards. Gorgeous paint, chrome, upholstery and (original) wood. – Having made its mark in the car show world it’s time for this magnificent T&C to move on, and it did, at a price that is probably less than what was spent on its gorgeous restoration, but accurately reflects its value.Lot # 174 1956 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible; S/N E56S002253; Engine # 07437937F56GR; Onyx Black, Silver coves/Red vinyl; White vinyl top; Estimate $50,000 – $65,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $60,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $66,000. No Reserve. 265/225hp, 3-speed, spinner wheel covers, whitewalls, cassette stereo. – Sound older paint, chrome, and interior. Orderly but not fresh engine compartment and underbody. Restored to near showroom condition a while ago, then driven. – Bought appropriately for the equipment and quality of the restoration, as well as the added confidence that some post-restoration miles gives that operation has been shaken down and issues resolved.Lot # 175 1948 Allard L-Type 4-Seater; S/N L743; Burgundy/Grey leather; Estimate $50,000 – $60,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $47,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $52,250. No Reserve. RHD. 85hp flathead V8, Bluemels Brooklands banjo spoke steering wheel, hubcaps, trim rings, wide whitewalls, enclosed rear spare, Lucas fog lights, folding windshield. – Good paint, chrome and interior. Underbody and engine are aged and largely original but clean and orderly, a mediocre but usable Allard. – Sold by Mecum in Monterey in 2013 for $47,080, no-saled by Auctions America in Ft. Lauderdale in 2014 at a reported $40,000. Bonhams had a restoration project L-Type at its Simeone Museum sale on Monday which sold for $51,700; only $550 more for a car that actually works, can be driven and stops seems much the more wise choice.Lot # 219 1941 Cadillac Series 62 Fastback; S/N; Engine # 5344883; Oceano Blue, Crystal Blue roof/Grey broadcloth; Estimate $30,000 – $40,000; Unrestored original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $42,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $46,750. No Reserve. 3-speed, heater, turn signals, fender skirts, hubcaps, trim rings, wide whitewalls, bumper overriders. – An original car with good original paint with some chips and scratches. Stone chipped hood. Good chrome and interior. Underbody is original, dirty and surface rusted. Engine compartment is orderly, dusty and aged. Represented to be 12,976 miles from new. Jim Miller estate. – Really extraordinary, not only for its survival but even more for its survival in such exceptional condition. It looks for all the world like an older cosmetic restoration with subsequent tour miles on it. The Hershey bidders were the best possible audience for it, understanding its exceptionality and willing to pay to get it even though Hershey is known for the parsimony of its habitués.
RM Sotheby’s Hershey 2015 – Auction Report Page Four
Lot # 220 1958 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N LD3L3040; Sunshine Yellow, Ebony Black/Cream vinyl, Black cloth; Estimate $40,000 – $60,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $60,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $66,000. No Reserve. 350/295hp, pushbutton PowerFlite automatic, power steering, power brakes, pushbutton radio, heater, wheel covers, bias ply whitewalls, windshield washer. – Excellent original chrome and interior. Yellowed whitewall bias ply tires. Paint is represented to be original but there is abundant evidence of repaint applied over chipped, flawed old paint. Engine compartment is clean and impressive, not restored. 22,463 miles. Not as original as it is represented to be, but desirable nonetheless. Jim Miller estate. – This is a marvelous Custom Royal Lancer even with the evidence of at least a partial repaint, but the price it brought is so close to double what it could be expected to bring that the premium for originality is extremely generous.Lot # 223 1911 Kelsey Model M Motorette; S/N 290; Black/Black leather; Black leatherette top; Estimate $50,000 – $65,000; Recent restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $37,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $41,250. With Reserve. Right-hand tiller steering, 2-cylinder 2-stroke engine, Gray & Davis kerosene headlights, kerosene taillight. – 1997 AACA National First Prize and Senior. Good paint, upholstery and top. Good brass. Well restored to sound and presentable condition. – Offered at Auburn Fall a year ago and by Bonhams at Amelia Island earlier this year, both times failing to sell at reported bids of $45,000. The consignor got real this time and took the money. It is a cool thing, but obscure (and not in a good way), a rudimentary vehicle not eligible for the Brighton Run, and not a competitor for the Model T with which it is contemporary. It is an odd vehicle which brought a price appropriate to its restoration.Lot # 225 1940 Plymouth P10 DeLuxe Station Wagon; S/N 11083536; Regal Maroon, Black composite roof/Brown leatherette; Estimate $50,000 – $65,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $35,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $38,500. No Reserve. 3-row seating, remote spotlights, hubcaps, trim rings, radial whitewalls, heater, bumper overriders, sliding side windows. – Repainted assembled, over old paint, erratically masked. Mostly new wood. Reupholstered front seat, aged original back seats. Underbody quickly redone. A quick, superficial cosmetic redo that is unlikely to be satisfying. – The bidders didn’t like this Plymouth’s presentation, either, and stopped well short of the estimate to take its mediocrity and shortcuts into account. It brought a price appropriate to its condition even though its rarity is largely unrecognized.Lot # 229 1947 Ford Super DeLuxe Sportsman Convertible; S/N 1849644; Pheasant Red/Dark Red leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $160,000 – $200,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $135,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $148,500. With Reserve. Power top, power windows, clock, radio, remote spotlight, hubcaps, sombrero trim rings, wide whitewalls, fog lights, bumper overriders and tips, oil filter, windshield washer. – Very good paint, wood, chrome and interior. Crisp, orderly engine compartment. Clean underbody with a little fresh surface rust on unpainted fasteners. A quality older restoration that has been sparingly and carefully used. – Cataloged as ‘crafted of the finest maple, birch and mahogany harvested from Iron Mountain’s rich forests’. Henry Ford accomplished many remarkable breakthroughs, but one of them was not getting mahogany to grow in northern Michigan. This Sportsman was sold at Dave Rupp’s Ft. Lauderdale auction in 2007 for $180,360. Some of the Sportsman’s appeal has worn off in the past eight years, but it’s still a good value at the price it brought here.Lot # 232 1909 Stoddard-Dayton Model 9-A Touring; S/N A3724; Red/Black leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $100,000 – $125,000; Older restoration, 3 condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $80,000 plus commission of; Final Price $80,000. With Reserve. RHD. Solar headlights, C.M. Hall sidelights and taillight, wood spoke wheels with34x4 blackwall tires, Stewart speedometer, trunk, folded bulb horn, Prest-o-Lite tank, dogleg windshield. – Sound but old paint and brass. Cracked and duct taped original upholstery and interior trim. Electrified lights and coil ignition. A quality but ageing restoration with tour miles on it, in very good running condition. – Less attractive in detail than it might have been, but the consignor could have taken a cue from the bidders’ less than enthusiastic response to its condition and cut it loose well before the reported high bid.Lot # 238 1907 Thomas Flyer 4-60 4-Passenger Runabout; S/N; Engine # D212; Light Grey, Black accent, Red coachline/Dark Red leather; Estimate $450,000 – $600,000; Older restoration, 1- condition; Hammered Sold at $300,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $330,000. With Reserve. RHD. 523 cubic inch T-head four, Dietz acetylene headlights and kerosene sidelights, Gray & Davis taillight, Badger acetylene generator, triple rear spares, Rushmore acetylene spotlight, folded bulb horn, eagle radiator mascot, Warner drum speedometer. – 2007 AACA National First Prize. An assembled car, built by Wolfgang Gawor in the image of the NY-Paris Thomas Flyer. Excellent paint and upholstery. Brass shows a little age and some polish residue. Running gear is little dirty. A high quality older restoration with a few miles and years on it. Harold Coker collection. – Painted Battleship Grey, this Thomas is built like a battleship, too, with an immense engine and rugged chassis. It may not have been built this way, or even with these bits, but it is an epic automobile. The Hershey bidders appropriately parsed the difference between origins and enjoyment with this appropriate price.Lot # 242 1916 Winton Model 22A Six-33 7-Passenger Touring; S/N; Engine # 31395; Light Grey, Grey fenders and accent/Black leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $75,000 – $100,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $67,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $74,250. With Reserve. 348 cubic inch L-head six, Warner speedometer, Waltham clock, Black painted Houk centerlock wire wheels, 36×5 blackwall tires, folding windshield, forward facing jump seats, single rear spare. – 2008 AACA National First Prize and Senior. Excellent paint and interior. Restored better than new, then driven a little but should detail back to show condition. Harold Coker collection. – This Winton was assembled from a chassis and not much more by Harold Coker but resulted in an AACA winning finished product. Unusually sleek and low for a 1916, it stands out as both a stylish and a good performing automobile of its era and is surprisingly reasonably priced in this transaction.Lot # 246 1948 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith Sedanca deVille, Body by H.J. Mulliner; S/N WZB28; Engine # W27B; Black/Tan leather in front with West of England wool in rear; Estimate $150,000 – $200,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $125,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $137,500. No Reserve. RHD. 4257/137hp, single downdraft Stromberg carb, wind wings, suicide doors front and back, partial rear fender skirts, disc wheels, Michelin blackwall tires, Spirit of Ecstasy radiator mascot, Lucas headlamps, Lucas central driving light, bustleback rear, burled walnut dash, door and window trims, power rear division, push button radio in rear, dome courtesy light. – Very good paint and chrome. Excellent interior, especially in the rear. Interior wood is very strong. Tidy engine bay and undercarriage. Best of Show at the 1999 Convention of the Rolls-Royce Owners Club. Fascinating, rare and gorgeous car that has seen a few years since restoration but is still very strong. – Sold by Bonhams at Olympia in 2007 for $93,995 (GBP 45,500), then by RM at Monterey in 2014 for $110,000, the price today is equivalent to GBP 89,800, a comparison more affected by exchange rates than by the automobile or its condition. It is the essence of bespoke Rolls-Royce luxury and refinement, a classic automobile in nearly like new condition and bought for a price that is fair to both the buyer and the seller.
RM Sotheby’s Hershey 2015 – Auction Report Page Five
Lot # 247 1958 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible; S/N 58E023213; Rajah Silver Metallic/Black, White leather; White vinyl top; Estimate $200,000 – $275,000; Older restoration, 1- condition; Hammered Sold at $200,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $220,000. No Reserve. Chrome Sabre wheels, whitewalls, air conditioning, parade boot cover, power windows, power bench seat, WonderBar radio, Autronic Eye, tinted glass. – Excellent paint and chrome, very good upholstery, crisp, sharp gauges and dashboard. Underbody shows a little age but is still nearly like new. Comes with $300,000 in restoration receipts. – Every panel fits better than when they left Cadillac, every gauge and knob looks like new, the paint and chrome are immaculate and, needless to say, the work couldn’t be duplicated today for twice its cost here. It is a solid and sound value at the price it brought.Lot # 248 1958 Nash Metropolitan 1500 Coupe; S/N E41104; Engine # 15F-N-H-37136; Berkshire Green, Frost White/White vinyl, Blue houndstooth cloth; Estimate $25,000 – $30,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $35,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $38,500. No Reserve. Radio, skirts, open rear spare, hubcaps, wide whitewalls. – Excellent paint, chrome and interior. Engine compartment in like new. A beautiful example. – Sold at Gooding and Company’s Amelia auction in 2013 for $35,200 and now showing 146 more miles on its odometer but no significant change in its presentation, a choice example in impeccable condition.Lot # 250 1965 Volkswagen Type 2 21-Window Deluxe Microbus; S/N 245030699; Engine # B6219435; Sealing Wax Red, Silver-Beige/White, Grey leatherette; Estimate $80,000 – $100,000; Modified restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $92,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $101,750. No Reserve. 1950/100hp, clock, folding sunroof, rear facing middle seat, sliding side windows, opening vee windshield, hubcaps, whitewalls, bumper overriders. – Larger engine and ‘Freeway Flier’ 4-speed. Very good paint, chrome, interior and sunroof. Good engine compartment and freshly undercoated underneath. Good dash and gauges. Clear glass. – Sold by Gooding at Amelia in 2013 for $99,000, this Microbus still is in pristine restored condition. The bigger engine and later transmission have little effect on value, but have a major impact on drivability, although the Microbus is so pretty it’s unlikely to see much driving other than on and off show fields. Six figures is a lot for what was originally an ‘economy’ vehicle, but the appeal is universal and this is what a prime example costs.Lot # 251 1956 Plymouth Belvedere Convertible; S/N 15970732; Turquoise, Midnight Blue/Blue, Light Blue vinyl; Dark Blue vinyl top; Estimate $70,000 – $90,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $62,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $68,750. No Reserve. Pushbutton automatic, pushbutton radio, Highway Hi-Fi (with one record), chrome wire wheels, whitewalls, power brakes. – A dealer demonstrator, then kept by the first private owner until 2006 before being restored by the second owner. Very good paint, chrome and interior. Orderly but showing age underhood. Chassis and underbody were restored like new and still look very good. Doors, hood and trunk fit flush with even gaps. – Sold by RM at St. John’s in 2013 for $90,750 in nearly freshly restored condition but now in need of detailing which disappointed the bidders here in Hershey. Given some cosmetic attention it can be returned close to restored condition and might make the buyer here a good return on investment.Lot # 252 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible; S/N 59E096470; Persian Sand Metallic/White leather; White vinyl top; Estimate $175,000 – $225,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $170,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $187,000. No Reserve. A/C, cruise control, WonderBar radio, power seat, wheel covers, whitewalls, parade boot, Autronic Eye. – Very good older paint and chrome. Lightly surface creased upholstery. Restored like new a while ago and used a little. Scratched parade boot, edge chip on both doors. Overhauled and working air suspension – Sold by RM at Amelia Island in 2004 for $115,500, which was an appropriate price at the time, just as this is an appropriate price today.Lot # 254 1914 Packard 1-38 Six 5-Passenger Touring; S/N; Engine # 39441; Black, Light Olive panels, Black fenders/Black leather; Black leatherette top; Estimate $400,000 – $500,000; Recent restoration, 1 condition; Hammered Sold at $375,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $412,500. No Reserve. Jones speedometer and clock, Light Grey wood spoke wheels, 37×5 blackwall rear tires, 36×4 1/2 front, steering column mounted Bosch ignition box, folded trumpet bulb horn, spotlight, dual left side spares, turn signals, Klaxon electric horn. – Excellent paint interior and nickel brightwork. Underbody, engine and chassis are spotless. Owned for a while by Richard C. Paine, then restored for Matt and Barbara Browning, completed in 2000 and sold to Charles Nearburg Class second at Pebble Beach in 2010 and toured since then, which is not evident in its presentation. – Sold from the Browning collection by Christie’s at Pebble Beach in 2000 for a bargain $171,000 but returned to a realistic level when Gooding and Company sold it also at Pebble Beach in 2013 for $467,500. It is an epic automobile in its history and in its dimensions and went to a new home here at a realistic price.Lot # 255 1914 Peugeot Bébé 2-seater; S/N 11290; Grey, Dark Grey fenders/Black leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $55,000 – $75,000; Concours restoration, 1 condition; Hammered Sold at $67,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $74,250. No Reserve. RHD. 20th Century acetylene headlights and generator, Neverout kerosene sidelights and taillight, four-trumpet bulb horn, Dark Grey wire wheels, Firestone tires, folding windshield. – Restored for Dr. Peter and Susan Williamson in the 70’s, then re-restored for the current owner in 2009. Concours restored and no evidence of use or age. Displayed at Pebble Beach in 2009. – Sold right after the 60hp Packard 1-38, this was like following a Ferrari TR with an Isetta, except it is hard to find an Isetta in the condition of this little Bébé. It was sold in 2008 by Gooding at Pebble Beach from the Williamsons collection for $44,000 and surely has had that much and more spent on its subsequent restoration.Lot # 256 1897 Léon Bollée Voiturette Tricar; S/N 891; Dark. Blue/Black leather; Estimate $70,000 – $90,000; Older restoration, 1- condition; Hammered Sold at $115,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $126,500. No Reserve. Chrome spoke wire wheels, white tires. – Excellent paint, nickel and upholstery. An older show quality restoration that appears never to have been driven any distance. – Offered freshly restored at The Auction in Las Vegas in 1992 for private treaty sale, and still nearly as good as it was. It’s surprising it has never been to Britain for the Brighton Run, its best and highest use, and almost certainly where it is headed with its buyer here. The price it brought reflects the premium serious collectors are willing to pay for Brighton Run eligibility, particularly the early start time which this Leon Bollee’s dating qualifies. It is expensive, but that’s what it takes.Lot # 257 1957 Fiat 600 Multipla; S/N 100108043042; Engine # 2073640; Teal Green, Light Green/Green vinyl; Estimate $40,000 – $50,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $45,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $49,500. No Reserve. Hubcaps, narrow whitewalls, bumper overriders. – Good paint and chrome. Clean undercarriage with old undercoat. Decent brightwork. Excellent interior. Paint cracking badly around door hinges. Not perfect and showing signs of use, but a very pretty, solid example. – There is an auction story here. This Multipla was sold as a pair with a Jolly painted in the same color scheme by RM at Monterey last year (2014) for the astounding total of $231,000 against an estimate (for the pair) of $125-175,000. The result then was jaw-dropping, but now means that after selling the Multipla, somewhere out there in car collector land there is a Fiat 600 Jolly that cost $186,000.
RM Sotheby’s Hershey 2015 – Auction Report Page Six
Lot # 262 1911 Oldsmobile Autocrat ‘Yellow Peril’ Tourabout; S/N 65877; Yellow/Black leather; Estimate $700,000 – $850,000; Older restoration, 1- condition; Hammered Sold at $635,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $698,500. With Reserve. RHD. 500 cubic inch T-head four, 4-speed, yellow wood spoke wheels, Rushmore headlights, dual rear spares, dual taillights. – The famed ‘Yellow Peril’ built and modified by Greenway Albert, known history from new. Excellent cosmetics, fresh paint and upholstery, bright brass. Electric lights and many other modern updates for touring. An exceptionally neat old ride. – Sold by Christie’s from Bill Lassiter’s collection in 1999 for $122,500, then by RM at Amelia in 2009 after the third of its restorations for $660,000. It is essentially the same now as it was six years ago and brought essentially the same price despite having covered many miles. Not many collector cars can parallel that record, or be this much fun to own.Lot # 267 1913 Pierce-Arrow Model 66-A 7-Passenger Touring; S/N 66667; Engine # 66667; Dark Red, Maroon accent/Black leather; Black leatherette top; Estimate $550,000 – $650,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $755,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $830,500. With Reserve. RHD. 825 cubic inch T-head six rated 66 ALAM horsepower. Wood spoke wheels, Goodrich Silvertown blackwall tires, dual right side spares, nickel brightwork, Pierce-Arrow kerosene sidelights, Klaxon electric horn, Pierce Motometer, center facing jump seats, electric headlights and starter, Warner speedometer and clock. – Used for many years by the Minneapolis Fire Department, later owned by KICD in Spencer, Iowa for promotions. Donated to the local Shriners and swapped to Irving Jensen who restored it while letting the Shriners use it for parades. 1991 AACA National First Prize and showing its age and some miles, but still exceptional, a fine running example that has been used and enjoyed for decades but still is in excellent condition. – There was some major Brass at RM|Sotheby’s Hershey this year, but none more major than this magnificent old Pierce and the bidders were ready for it, giving it a deserved premium result 1/6 over the pre-sale high estimate.Lot # 273 1924 Cadillac V-63A V-8 7-Passenger Touring; S/N; Engine # 63-C-1026; Purple, Black fenders/Black leather; Black leatherette top; Estimate – $60,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 4 condition; Hammered Sold at $30,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $33,000. No Reserve. Elgin clock, drum speedometer, forward facing jump seats, Bausch & Lomb drum headlights, wood spoke wheels, whitewall tires, rear footrest, rear-mounted spare. – Owned for many years by Charlotte Dewing Smith Cruikshank in Stamford, CT, then stored for decades. Blistered, crazing old paint, cracked old upholstery and body trim. Dirty, grungy old underbody, engine and chassis. Torn top liner but sound top. Cosmetically attended to a long while ago and not treated very well since; a restoration project. – This is a complete and highly original early Cadillac V-8 with a limited ownership history over decades. It is in weak condition but has a great story and is all there, making it a straightforward restoration project, or a preservation candidate. It should have been more popular with the Hershey bidders than this result indicates, but they may have been turned off by the condition issues; it certainly made a bad first impression.Lot # 274 1958 Mercedes-Benz 220S Cabriolet; S/N 180030Z8518726; Engine # 1800111301; Light Ivory/Red vinyl; Black cloth top; Estimate $120,000 – $140,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $100,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $110,000. With Reserve. Column shift 4-speed, Becker Europa multiband radio, heater, Hella fog lights, halogen headlights, hubcaps, trim rings, whitewalls. – Good paint, poor door and trunk fits. Good upholstery. Poor interior wood, especially the cracked, poorly fit dashtop. Stiff, cracked windshield seal. Ugly old underbody covered up with some casually applied shiny undercoat. Cracked hood badge. Orderly unrestored engine compartment. Road grimy chassis and running gear. A rather forlorn car with some lipstick. – The seller should be overjoyed to get this much for a car with so many needs and shortcomings. The new owner may feel some remorse.Lot # 277 1936 Chrysler Imperial Airflow 4-Dr. Sedan; S/N 7015285; Del Monte Beige Metallic/Grey cloth; Estimate $100,000 – $125,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $160,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $176,000. With Reserve. Skirts, fog lights, wide whitewalls, pushbutton radio, heater, windshield defroster fan. – Restored like new with excellent paint, chrome and interior. Done completely, thoroughly and correctly without being overdone. – This is a magnificent example of a milestone automobile with meticulous attention to every detail. It is beyond reproach and worth every penny of this over-estimate price. When someone talks about ‘buying the best you can afford’ look no further than this car to feature on the poster.Lot # 285 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe; S/N 30837S107148; Engine # 3107148F0107RE; Riverside Red/Red vinyl; Estimate $80,000 – $120,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $70,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $77,000. With Reserve. 327/340hp, 4-speed, alloy centerlock wheels, narrow whitewalls, AM-FM radio. – Sound repaint, chrome and upholstery. Aged, chipped instrument panel. Dirty, old chassis and engine compartment. Underbody superficially repainted. A handsome Corvette with a desirable engine but suffering from mediocre treatment. – An appropriate price for a driver quality Corvette.Lot # 286 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III Phase 2 Convertible; S/N HBJ8L32329; Engine # 29KR/U/H 6987; Dark Green/Black vinyl; Black cloth top; Estimate $50,000 – $65,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $45,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $49,500. No Reserve. Overdrive, silver painted wire wheels, Michelin XZX tires, Moto-Lita steering wheel, backup lights, map light, Sony cassette stereo. – Two owners from new. Sound but aged and erratically masked paint applied to an assembled car. Poor top fit, dirty wheels and engine compartment. Tattered remnant of hood insulation. Decent replaced interior. Needs attention and the work that has been done does not inspire confidence. – A wisely discounted Big Healey that takes fully into account the erratic nature and quality of the work that has been done. It would not have been a good buy at a price in the $30’s.Lot # 287 1957 Studebaker Golden Hawk 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 6103678; Tiara Gold, Cream rear fender accent/Gold vinyl, cloth; Estimate $50,000 – $70,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $47,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $52,250. No Reserve. Supercharged Sweepstakes 289 engine, automatic, heater, pushbutton radio, wheel covers, narrow whitewalls, dual rear antennas, Twin-Traction axle, power steering. – Good repaint and new interior. Orderly but not restored engine compartment and chassis. Good chrome. A sound, presentable driver quality Studebaker with a long California, Arizona, Nevada history. – This result fully takes into account the dry, salt-free history of this Golden Hawk, and its impression of being cared for consistently for many years.
interesting and informative writeup as always… though the ebullient, cheerleading phrasing used throughout is in stark contrast to the reports for more modern cars.
Thanks again for the great report Rick! An interesting auction indeed. It appears that a majority of the cars in the report did not reach the presale auction estimates. Do you feel the estimates were too generous, the crowd too critical or a reduction in speculation driving the results?
Cheers,
Allan
Allan,
Good observation.
There’s a further analysis of the topic of estimates, and where the resulting successful bids fall, in an upcoming SCD review of the Orsi/Gazzi Classic Car Auction Yearbook. Look for it when it’s posted.
Rick