A 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 Alloy Berlinetta and 1958 Tojeiro Jaguar Sports Racing Car, one of only four built, will headline RM Auctions’ Automobiles of Amelia Island event, March 13th, 2010 in Florida.
Headlining the diverse line-up of early consignments for the March 13th event – RM’s 12th annual auction at Amelia Island – the alloy-bodied Ferrari 275 GTB/4 and the fully-restored Tojeiro Jaguar Racing Car will be joined by a select collection of other important motor cars to cater to a diverse range of automotive tastes. In total, some 100 automobiles are set to cross the block during the single-day auction, which will again act as a prelude to this year’s Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance.
“Over the past 11 years, RM has established a proven track record of strong performance at Amelia Island, selling over 25 million-dollar-plus vehicles as well as setting numerous new records,” says Ian Kelleher, President and Chief Operating Officer of RM Auctions.
“A popular and established event on our annual calendar, we look forward to returning to Amelia Island’s prestigious Ritz-Carlton Hotel in March to build on our past results and celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance,” he adds.
Featuring coachwork by Scaglietti, the rare 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 Alloy Berlinetta was displayed as Luigi Chinetti’s show car at the 1967 New York Auto Show before finding its way into private ownership. Finished 
in the unusual color of ‘Nocciola’ with a black interior, it has been recently restored by its current, long-term owner, a Ferrari authority who has carefully maintained the car over the past 30 years. Fitted with a number of desirable options, including air conditioning, power windows and Borrani wire wheels, this magnificent example has participated in various Ferrari Club of America sanctioned events.
“We are delighted that the long-term owner of this superb, alloy-bodied Ferrari 275 GTB/4 has entrusted us with its sale at our upcoming Amelia Island event,” adds Kelleher. “Well-presented and maintained, it is ready for any show, rally or track event.”
For discerning Ferrari aficionados, other early Ferraris consignments include a striking 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 Berlinetta and a low mileage 1971 Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spider. Considered one of the best and most correct examples extant, the 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 Berlinetta is stunning in its spectacular Fly Yellow / Black color scheme and has received multiple general concours and Ferrari Club of America awards, including ‘Coppa Bella Machina’ and Platinum in 2006 – 2009 competitions. The 1971 Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spider, also finished in Fly Yellow, boasts just three documented owners from new, including Mr. Edsel Ford II. The recipient of a full professional body and paint restoration, this example is an ideal candidate for a successful concours career with its next caretaker.
Also crossing the block is a rare 1958 Tojeiro Jaguar Sports Racing Car. Boasting a great period racing history, this example was the third of just four examples designed by well-known engineer and racing car designer John Tojeiro. Built in 1957 for John Ogier, who loaned it to David Murray at Ecurie Ecosse, it was raced for several years at Ecosse by such renowned names as Sanderson, Bueb, Innes Ireland and Ron Flockhart. Like the alloy-bodied 275 GTB/4, it will come out of long-term ownership for RM’s Amelia auction, offered for the first time in 17 years.
Other notable early entries for RM’s Amelia Island sale include: a stunning 1964 Pontiac Banshee Coupe, one of just two drivable prototypes with less than 1,500 miles from new, and an immaculate and correctly restored 1963 Watson-Offy “Leader Card 500” Indy Roadster, driven by Chuck Stevenson, Bobby Grim, Arnie Knepper, Greg Weld and Don Branson during the 1963 – 1966 USAC seasons.
Returning to the Ritz-Carlton, RM’s Automobiles of Amelia Island event will be held March 13th, 2010, followed by the 15th anniversary Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance on March 14th, 2010. The weekend will be closely followed by RM’s annual Collector Cars of Fort Lauderdale event, March 26th – 28th, to round out a month of auction action in Florida.
For more information on RM’s Automobiles of Amelia Island event, call +1 519 352 4575 or visit www.rmauctions.com . For more information on the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, visit www.ameliaconcours.org or call +1 904 636 0027.
[Source: RM Auctions; photo credit: Darin Schnabel / RM Auctions]
