Gooding & Company announced four distinctive automobiles from the historic past of Porsche, Bugatti and Alfa Romeo for its first-ever Amelia Island Auction on March 12 in Amelia Island, Florida.
As part of the 70+ automobile auction, two cornerstone cars of Dr. Peter and Susan Williamson’s famed Bugatti Collection are being offered, a 1932 Bugatti Type 50 Cabriolet and a 1928 Bugatti Type 35C Grand Prix. Furthermore, a rarely-seen 1961 Porsche RS61 Spyder and a unique pre-war 1939 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 SS are bringing excitement to the stage. These four new star consignments join the previously-announced Best of Show 1931 Voisin C20 “Mylord” Demi-Berline and the 1938 Peugeot Darl’Mat Roadster at the 5 p.m. auction on the grounds of the Amelia Island Plantation.
“We are excited to present these outstanding European automobiles at our Amelia Island auction,” says David Gooding, president and founder of Gooding & Company. “I’m thrilled that our debut auction will offer such exciting and important examples of automotive history.”
The German: A Rare and Authentic Porsche Sports Racer – 1961 Porsche RS61 Spyder
One of only 14 ever built, the lightweight, 4-Cam 1961 Porsche RS61 Spyder was the ultimate evolution of the Porsche Spyder project that began with the legendary 550 Spyder. Originally raced by famed Porsche advocate and works driver Bob Holbert, this highly-developed sports racer found early success in major East Coast events. Between 1961-1963, this car captured over a dozen victories in the hands of numerous significant racing figures. Since retiring from racing, this car has been featured in several distinguished Porsche collections and has been a successful participant in vintage racing and various concours. Gooding & Company estimates that this car will sell between $1.2 Million – $1.5 Million.
The French: Bugattis of the Dr. Peter and Susan Williamson Collection – 1928 Bugatti Type 35C Grand Prix
Known as the first car that sparked Dr. Peter and Susan Williamson’s love for Bugattis, the 1928 Bugatti Type 35C Grand Prix is a gem within the rare breed of racing Bugattis, one of the most iconic and historically significant Grand Prix cars ever built. Painted in traditional French Blue, this car was easily spotted over the years at numerous Bugatti tours and Colorado Grand rallies with Dr. Williamson behind the wheel. Gooding & Company estimates that this car will sell between $1 Million – $1.4 Million.
1932 Bugatti Type 50 Cabriolet
Produced in limited numbers, the Type 50 was one of the most exclusive Bugatti models of all time. After spending a number of years with famed Bugatti enthusiast Col. Giles, this significant car migrated to the United States. Joining the Williamson family in 1964, this rarity has recently been restored and displayed at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance®. Gooding & Company estimates that this car will sell between $1.1 Million – $1.5 Million.
The Italian: Alfa Romeo, Celebrating its Centenary Year in 2010 – 1939 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 SS
The final project of Ing. Anderloni of Carrozzeria Touring was this stunning coachwork on the 6C 2500 SS. It is an exacting re-creation of the remarkably advanced and exquisitely sculpted Berlinetta Aerodinamica. As close as one can get to the long lost one-of-a-kind Tipo 256 driven at LeMans and the Mille Miglia, this unique and irresistible Alfa Romeo was restored to exacting standards by the world’s finest craftsmen using the original factory drawings and Ing. Anderloni’s insight and direction. A recent participant in premier driving events and concours, this car is considered to be an important investment for a serious Alfa Romeo collector. Gooding & Company estimates that it will sell between $800,000 – $1.2 Million.
Amelia Island Auction catalogues cost $75 and admit two to the viewing and auction. General admission tickets can be purchased for $30 per person. The auction will be broadcast live at 5:00pm (EST) on Gooding & Company’s website at www.goodingco.com/auction. Bidder registration forms, press credentials and additional auction information are also available at www.goodingco.com or by calling (310) 899-1960. For additional vehicle information and up-to-the-minute news, follow Gooding & Company on Facebook and Twitter @GoodingCompany.
[Source: Gooding & Co; photo credit: Pawel Litwinski and Scott Nidermaier / Gooding & Company]
