RM Sotheby’s released their official catalogue for their upcoming Arizona 2016 auction. As with most RM Sotheby’s events, it coincides with a world class event. It supports the Arizona Concours d’Elegance across two days, the 28-29 January 2016. It’s sure to attract plenty of attention, especially given the jaw dropping array of cars.
We’ve picked 10 of the best examples.
10. 2005 Saleen S7 Twin Turbo ‘Competition Package’
Saleen S7’s are few and far between nowadays. A limited few were produced by the factory and this particular two owner example features a number of upgrades including the Competition Package. It left the production line in 2005 with Black Metallic paint and a matching black interior. With its upgrade, the S7 Twin Turbo produces 850 hp from its 427 cu. in. V8. Its estimate is $550,000 – $650,000.
9. 1962 Maserati 5000 GT Coupe by Allemano
This particular Maserati 5000 GT Coupe is extremely rare. Allemande bodied 20 5000 GT’s, this particular example achieved best in class at the 1997 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. It has traditional, elegant coupe styling with a low coupe roofline and narrow rear window. The estimate is $1,500,000 – $2,000,000.
8. 1971 Lamborghini Miura P400 SV by Bertone
The market for Lamborghini Muira’s remains strong if the $2,000,000 – $2,400,000 estimate is to be believed! This Miura was originally painted Bleu Medio by the factory for its US customer. It spent time in Japan more recently, it has since returned to the US. It is a single sump car, one of just 11 which makes this a rarer car than most others.
7. 1985 Ferrari 288 GTO
Values of the Ferrari 288 GTO also seem to have risen extremely quickly recently. This example is estimated between $2,400,000 – $2,800,000, mainly due to the relative rarity. Just 272 were built to homologate Ferrari’s planned Group B entry. This particular car has featured in Playboy, won a variety of awards and spent its entire life in the US. If the 80’s GTO isn’t quite to your taste, the more modern 599 GTO is also up for auction.
6. 1929 Duesenberg Model J Disappearing Top Torpedo Convertible Coupe by Murphy
This custom Duesenberg is difficult to ignore. It is one of six Disappearing Top Torpedo Convertible Coupe’s and one of only four with original coachwork. The others sit in private collections or as museum pieces which means that we might never get to see another for sale for quite some time. RM Sotheby’s estimate is $3,000,000 – $3,500,000.
5. 1955 Lancia Aurelia B24S Spider America by Pinin Farina
We’re big fans of Lacia’s elegant Aurelia B24S Spider, particularly since we had a chance to look around on at Salon Privé earlier this year. Pininfarina did a fantastic job with the styling. This car features performance upgrades thanks to its Nardi performance kit. The estimate is between $900,000 – $1,100,000.
4. 1955 Alfa Romeo 1900C SS Berlinetta by Zagato
Following on from the stunning Lancia, our eyes are also drawn to the rare 1955 Alfa Romeo 1900C SS Berlinetta by Zagato on offer. One of 39, this particular Zagato has been restored to Concours condition. It was displayed at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance 2011. The estimate is between $1,400,000 – $1,800,000.
3. 1930 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Torpedo Sports by Barker
In true Rolls-Royce fashion, this unique coach built Phantom II was originally delivered to a Maharaja; Maharaja Gulab Singh of Rewa to be precise. It features distinct styling by Barker, based upon a car displayed at the London Motor Show 1930. The rear features a partial boat tail covered by plank hardwood. Estimate? A cool $2,500,000 – $3,500,000.
2. 1965 Shelby 427 Competition Cobra
It would be an American auction without a headline American lot. The RM Sotheby’s Arizona 2016 auction has two Cobra’s of interest, an early road going car and this Competition Cobra. It has been extensively campaigned, having won the 1968 U.S. SCCA A Production Championship and the 1971 Eastern Canadian Endurance Championship. It features 620 brake horsepower from a true 427 cubic inches and a race weight of 2,420 lbs. RM Sotheby’s estimate it will go for $2,500,000 – $3,300,000.
1. 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Special Roadster by Sindelfingen
The undoubted highlight of RM Sotheby’s Arizona 2016 auction is the 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Special Roadster by Sindelfingen; in part due to its eye watering $10,000,000 – $13,000,000 estimate. Look past the headline estimate and the story is equally captivating. It is a high doors, long tail, factory left-hand drive car; believed to be one of six. It was originally delivered to a New York customer and is an early 540 K. Its current owner has had the car since 1989.
What else is on offer?
RM Sotheby’s have over 90 lots on offer so if you aren’t too keen on our top choices, there are plenty of others to take a look at. Other highlights for us include the 1939 SS 100 Jaguar 2½-Litre Roadster by Van den Plas, a 1953 Cadillac Series 62 Coupe by Ghia, a 1931 Bugatti Type 49 Roadster by Gangloff and a 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder.
