RM Auctions, Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, Florida, March 10, 2012
Report and photos by Rick Carey, Auction Editor
This year marked RM Auctions’ fourteenth year at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. The $23,102,000 total sale, RM’s fourth Amelia Island auction over $20 million, brought the total sold at the venue to over $200 million, $213,888,175 to be exact.
Five lots brought over a million dollars headlined by the Cord Front Drive L-29 “Hayes Coupe” which sold for $2.2 million, more than twice its last auction appearance. Three Ferraris and a beautifully presented Aston Martin DB5 Vantage Volante made up the balance of the million dollar sellers.
RM set a number of auction records including $990,000 (with commission) for one of their two 300SL Roadsters and $258,500 (with commission) for a steel bodied XK 120SE Roadster, a price that put it firmly among the early alloy-bodied XK 120s. Both were black which made both cars look particularly menacing and purposeful, but had less to do with their value than did their meticulous restoration, preparation and presentation.
The RM Auctions podium team of Max Girardo and Peter Wellman are refining their presentation and moved efficiently through the sale, selling all 116 vehicles (and Ele Chesney’s complete collection of Lalique mascots) in under six hours.
On a less happy note, notable by their absence from Amelia Island were Jack and Kathy Boxstrom. Their home was consumed in a fire the week before the sale taking Jack’s archives and, more importantly, the family cats with it. Jack and Kathy barely escaped and good wishes for their prompt recovery from this disaster were widespread among the RM Auctions crowd. It’s a reminder of how tenuous our possessions and our histories are. Scan everything precious and save it in “the cloud” – but even that won’t save the cats.
Here are the numbers from RM Amelia. Nearly 50 of the 116 lots were reviewed in detail with the invaluable assistance of Ed Lenahan.
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RM Auctions Amelia Island 2012 – Auction Report
Lot # 113 1914 REO Depot Truck; S/N 2124; Wood, Black, Red/Black leather; Estimate $40,000 - $50,000; Rebodied or re-created, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $37,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $41,250 -- Very good older paint and varnish. Electric starter/generator. Sharp older restoration with a new body. Ex-John McMullen. No Reserve This is an elemental commercial vehicle from a period when much more modern vehicles like Ford's Model T were taking over the market. It's too big to be cute, but is archaic enough to be quaint and is beautifully presented.Lot # 114 1925 Buick Master Six Sport Roadster; S/N 1277279; Light Olive, Black fenders and accent/Black leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $45,000 - $55,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $47,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $52,250 -- Dual rear spares, rumble seat, varnished wood spoke wheels, whitewalls, wooden steering wheel, windshield visor. Good older paint, chrome and interior. Puffy right door and golf bag door, driver's door gaps taper. A sound, usable, presentable older restoration that hasn't been used in 40 years. No Reserve. A rare example of a classic Buick with open coachwork, it is good enough to be driven on tours and events, although the age of its restoration and long display suggests it will need plenty of attention before it can be described as reliable. It brought a healthy price appropriate to its rarity and generally sound and well preserved condition.Lot # 115 1920 Stutz Model H 7-Passenger Touring; S/N 8035; Red, Black fenders/Tan leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $60,000 - $80,000; Older restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $47,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $52,250 -- RHD. Body color centerlock wire wheels, whitewalls, spotlight, dual sidemounts, jump seats, black leatherette covered trunk with fitted luggage. A well used and tired old restoration, but the 80hp 361 cubic inch T-head Stutz engine gives it great performance on the road. No Reserve. Reported sold at Auburn Fall in 2004 for $32,400, then at RM Hershey in 2009 for $49,500, it is a good value at today's price and will be an exhilarating tour ride for an entire family.Lot # 122 1966 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III Drophead Coupe, Body by Mulliner Park Ward; S/N LCSC77C; Black/Black leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $225,000 - $300,000; Cosmetic restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $180,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $198,000 -- Automatic, P/B, P/S, A/C, Blaupunkt AM/FM cassette deck, tools, cocktail cabinet, Spirit of Ecstasy, polished color-matched hubcaps, fog lights. Chinese Eye. Wooden dash and wood veneer cockpit surround in excellent refurbished condition, underside clean and well detailed, engine clean but not overly so with some very minor dirt here and there, paint and chrome fantastic, new top and leather interior. A great car for display in local shows and cruising on sunny days. Last sold at RM's Meadowbrook sale in 2003 for $95,700. Despite its massive size and built in cocktail cabinet, this Rolls Royce looks understated. Credit its all black color combination and recent visual restoration. Nevertheless, bidders weren't overly excited by it and it sold for an appropriate price in today's market, despite the generous estimate.Lot # 127 1973 Ferrari 246 GTS Dino; S/N 05820; Yellow, Black roof panel/Black leather; Estimate $250,000 - $325,000; Recent restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $330,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $363,000 -- Campagnolo alloy wheels, A/C. Restored to like new condition with excellent paint and chrome but new leather upholstery and an odd dash top covering. Very clean and orderly engine compartment. An originally US-delivered 'chairs and flares' Dino with wide Campagnolo wheels. Very attractive and well maintained with only a little age and use separating it from showroom condition. Sold at Rick Cole's Monterey auction in 1996 for $56,180 and then after restoration at Barrett-Jackson in 2002 for $88,560 (with a set of tacky chrome wire wheels.) Its condition hasn't changed since then with just 534 more miles showing on the odometer than there were in 2002. But at least the ugly wheels are gone, no doubt accounting for the enhanced price -- Uh, not really. This is a great example of the rapid escalation of Dino prices, particularly in the last few months. GTS Dinos were expensive in Scottsdale, but this is a curve-setter by a large margin.Lot # 129 1969 Chevrolet Corvette Race Car; S/N 194379S720117; Red/Orange cloth; Estimate $75,000 - $125,000; Competition car, original as-raced, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $34,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $37,400 -- A race car since 1972 with an impressive dossier of entries in the Daytona 24 and Sebring 12 Hours with drivers including Jerry Thompson and Don Yenko. Greenwood style wide body, immense slicks. Now prepared for vintage racing with fuel cell and freshened driveline. Endurance racing equipped with lights and wipers. Dull, faded paint. A real race car on a budget. No Reserve. There's much more performance here than the money it brought. It's a bargain.Lot # 130 2002 Chevrolet Corvette Riley & Scott Endurance Racing Car; S/N J001; Red, white, blue/Black cloth; Estimate $250,000 - $350,000; Competition car, original as-raced, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $250,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $275,000 -- 346ci, 700hp V8, 6-speed, tubular chassis, BBS modular wheels, Goodyear racing slicks, fiberglass Corvette silhouette bodywork, fixed rear wing, massive front splitter. Bodywork and livery new with no signs of use. Interior as raced with numerous small paint chips, worn suede on steering wheel, and worn fabric on race seat. Originally campaigned by Butch Leitzinger in Trans Am racing, the Corvette was purchased in 2003 by actor Paul Newman and raced in SCCA nationals through 2007 at which time age (82 years, give or take) and illness kept Newman from competing. A fine 20 year old Trans Am racer with history, this Corvette's value derives from its history with Paul Newman. And though its historic significance and value will likely result in its careful storage, it could still be a fine track day toy for anyone capable enough to pilot it safely.Lot # 131 1938 Lincoln-Zephyr Convertible Sedan; S/N 86H62727; Beetle Green/Tan leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $150,000 - $200,000; Older restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $100,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $110,000 -- Hubcaps, wide whitewalls, skirts, 2-speed axle. Restored like new by Hibernia with excellent paint, chrome, interior and top. One of only 461 built of which about 10 survive. A beautiful, rare car with recent mechanical and cosmetic work after long display. Eugene Beardslee estate. No Reserve. This is a beautiful example of late 30's design, combining aerodynamic influences with some particularly attractive Machine Age design elements to make a visual statement that still stands out three-quarters of a century after it was unveiled. It is more car than money at this price.Lot # 132 1929 Cord Front Drive L-29 Special Coupe, Body by Hayes; S/N 2927005; /; Estimate $1,500,000 - $2,000,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $2,200,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $2,420,000 -- Dual sidemounts with Beige cloth covers, wheel covers, wide whitewalls, rumble seat, Delco radio, rollup oval rear window. Excellent older restoration with quality paint, interior and wood showing some age but little use. One of the great examples of American coachwork designed by Alexis de Sakhnoffsky, winner of multiple concours awards in Europe in 1930. Later owned by Brooks Stevens. Best in Class, Co-Chairmen's Trophy and People's Choice winner at Pebble Beach in 1987. A-C-D Category 1. A beautiful automobile with a wonderful history, very clean but showing some age. Sold at Gooding's Pebble Beach auction in 2008 for $1,078,000, the "Hayes Coupe" was more than a winner today, topping its already generous high estimate by 10% on the hammer. A legendary design that takes full advantage of the low-slung Cord Front Drive chassis and deserves every penny of its extraordinary price today at the Ritz Carlton Amelia.Lot # 133 1958 Fiat 500 Jolly; S/N 110032738; Celeste Blue/Wicker; Blue, White surrey top; Estimate $40,000 - $60,000; Recent restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $62,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $68,750 -- 479cc OHV two cylinder, 4-speed, wicker seats, blue and white cloth top with fringe, white wall tires, Abarth floor mats. Good paint and chrome, wicker interior solid, white walls separating from the tires, top dingy. Engine is tidy but not show quality. No Reserve. It's hard not to love Fiat Jollies. With their saccharin sweet looks, wicker seats and multicolored Bimini tops they elicit smiles and waves from practically everyone. They are also Fiat 500s and 600s at heart, and this price is far too large a premium for cuteness but RM has a record of getting extraordinary prices for Jollys at Amelia.Lot # 134 1963 Alfa Romeo 2600 Spider, Body by Touring; S/N 10601191503; Dark Blue/Dark Blue leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $50,000 - $70,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $55,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $60,500 -- Silver steel wheels, 155R400 Michelin X blackwalls, hubcaps, fog lights, Becker Europa II AM-FM. Poor old repaint, sound but aged interior. Aged original interior chrome trim, right window handle missing. A tired old cosmetically redone car that is a barely acceptable driver. No Reserve. Proceeds to benefit the National Road Safety Foundation. A restoration project for which a full price was paid. Values of Alfa 2600 Spiders have been increasing, but this price is at least in part attributable to its charity beneficiary.Lot # 135 1928 Avions-Voisin KE Sport Roadster; S/N KE 27188; Blue/Black, Red leather; Estimate $400,000 - $500,000; Older restoration, 2+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $330,000 -- RHD. Black wire wheels, vee individual. A couple of tasty Deco details but largely devoid of the imaginative elements which make Voisins so appealing. Good paint, interior and brightwork. An older restoration to better than new condition but not overdone. The coachwork history is unknown but is described as a special, likely assembled from parts long ago to a specific customer's design. Part of the Walter Grell collection for many years. In the absence of an accurate history and without the idiosyncratic details characteristic of Voisins it's not surprising the Amelia bidders didn't rise to the occasion and perpetuate the recent interest in the automobile vision of Gabriel Voisin. Finding a home for this Voisin special is going to be a challenge.Lot # 136 1955 Porsche 356 Pre-A Coupe; S/N 54126; Silver metallic/Blue leather; Estimate $100,000 - $150,000; Older restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $117,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $129,250 -- Sliding sunroof, dual exhaust, beehive taillights, bent windshield, Telefunken radio, silver steel wheels, chrome hubcaps, partial tool kit. Very good paint, chrome and glass. Interior as new. Engine shows use, minor scratches. Air cleaner assembly discolored in places. A Pre-A for touring and local shows. This Porsche 356 Pre-A enjoyed a revolving crowd of admirers the evening before RM's auction and many remarked that its solid, older restoration begged to be driven. Those same admirers quickly bid the Coupe to a price within the estimate, a reasonable value for an unusual and handsomely presented early Porsche with many desirable features.Lot # 138 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air FI Convertible; S/N VC57L139902; Black/Red, Silver vinyl; Black cloth top; Estimate $100,000 - $140,000; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $90,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $99,000 -- 283/283hp according to the catalog, 3-speed, spinner wheelcovers, whitewalls, pushbutton radio, heater, no P/S or P/B. Restored like new. Excellent paint, chrome and interior. Even gaps and flush fits except hood. Bel Air Fuelie convertibles were rare when new, the convertible's extra weight more than offsetting the FI engine's output. More have been built since 1957 utilizing a variety of parts and in the absence of rock-solid documentation any car offered is first assumed to be non-original. This car had no documentation and even a sketchy catalog description, thus accounting for the modest price. It is beautifully done, however, and will bring its new owner much pleasure at a realistic price.Lot # 139 1983 Ferrari 512 BBi; S/N ZFFJA09B000044231; Engine # 00355; Red, Black sills/Tan leather; Estimate $120,000 - $140,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $102,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $112,750 -- A/C, Pioneer cassette stereo, TRX wheels and tires. Decent repaint, otherwise a clean but visibly used old car with shiny original leather and a dusty engine and chassis. Fresh belt service. Comes with tools and books and shows 16,913 miles from new on the odometer. Freshly serviced but aged and used, the seller should be very happy with the price this BBi brought. With this few miles on it, even with a fresh Gary Bobileff belt service and hopefully some appropriate mechanical attention the years of sitting can't have done it any good.Lot # 141 1956 Ferrari 250 GT Coupe Speciale, Body by Pinin Farina; S/N 0465 GT; Engine # 0465 GT; Metallic Grey, Black roof/Tan leather; Estimate $1,300,000 - $1,600,000; Older restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $1,300,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $1,430,000 -- Chrome spoke Borranis, 185P16 Michelin X blackwall tires. Restored like new in attractive colors. Driver's seat cushion stretched, very tidy underhood. Excellent bodywork and panel fits. Originally built as one of four 250 GTs bodied by Pinin Farina and delivered to a member of the Agnelli family, Emmanuele Nasi. Restored from a pretty nasty relic by David Carte. Won its class at Pebble Beach and the FCA annual meet in 1992 and the GT Ferrari Cup at Cavallino in 1993. Ferrari Classiche certified, although possibly with a long ago restamped block. A Platinum Award winner and Most Elegant Ferrari at Cavallino this year. Pretty coachwork. 'Pretty coachwork' hardly credits the good looks of this body with its haunchy rear fenders, diminutive fins, plain front fender flanks and subtle black roof. It is far more attractive than its contemporaries from Boano and as its recent show history indicates is essentially perfect. A million-four is a lot of money, but not too much for such a classic Ferrari in today's market, a particularly rare and distinctive car among its contemporaries.
RM Auctions Amelia Island 2012 Auction Report – Page Two
Lot # 142 1956 Porsche 356A Carrera GS Coupe; S/N 57998; Silver metallic/Red leather; Estimate $295,000 - $345,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $262,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $288,750 -- 1.7 liter, four cam flat four cylinder, 4-speed, chrome wheels, finned drum brakes, beehive taillights, gold Carrera scripts. Correct engine type but not matching numbers. Solid panel fit and paint. Signs of spirited use with paint chips on front end and a dent on lower side of the passenger's front fender. Very nice leather interior, some cracking in dash switch gear and white steering wheel. Freshly serviced by RM Restorations. Sounded amazing driving into the auction tent. A fantastic event car. No Reserve. With a pre-1957 build date and a Fuhrman four cam power plant this 356A Carrera is eligible for nearly any vintage rally or tour the next owner cares to enter. The serious attention given to the power plant, drive line and suspension ensure it's mechanically ready as well. This sub-estimate price surprised many in the audience, but not enough to spur their bidding. It could have brought over $300,000 and still been a sound buy.Lot # 143 1991 Ferrari Testarossa; S/N ZFFSG17A1M0086824; Engine # 23997; Red/Tan leather; Estimate $60,000 - $70,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $70,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $77,000 -- A/C, built in radar detector, Tubi exhaust. Very used Dunlop Sport 8000 tires. Assembly No. 03883. Decent repaint, sound and nearly pristine original upholstery. Tidy engine and chassis. A clean used car. 200 miles on a 30,000 mile belt service. Comes with books and tools. No Reserve. This is the high end of reasonable for a late Testarossa, but this one is at the high end in terms of care, condition and mileage, with 21,976 showing on its odometer.Lot # 145 1954 Jaguar XK 120SE Roadster; S/N S674498; Engine # F1410-8S; Black/Beige leather; Estimate $175,000 - $230,000; Competition restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $235,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $258,500 -- Dual Brooklands aeroscreens, black wire wheels, small diameter Moto-Lita woodrim steering wheel, leather hood strap, bucket seats, fog lights, no bumpers. Excellent paint, chrome and interior. Event prepared, completed the Pebble Beach Motoring Classic in 2008 and 2010. Runs and sounds great. Better than new. Sold here post-block in 2007 for $90,720 before its recent comprehensive restoration, but even at that the price it achieved is exceptional, an XK 120 benchmark that fully values its restoration, specification and condition. This is alloy roadster money for a steel-bodied car.Lot # 146 1961 Ferrari 250 GT Series II Cabriolet, Body by Pininfarina; S/N 1755 GT; Engine # 1755 GT; Ivory/Beige leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $600,000 - $800,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $700,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $770,000 -- Covered headlights, chrome spoke Borrani wire wheels, Pirelli P4000 blackwall tires. Good older paint, chrome and interior. Scarred wheel rims, right sill repaired. Done ten years ago by Wayne Sparling and toured since. Mr. Sparling was right there to show off the car throughout the preview, an impressive endorsement of the car by the man who restored every piece of it. The combination of the covered headlights and Wayne and Lorene Sparling's provenance set this Cab II up for a premium price. Its restoration is no longer fresh, but everything works and has been exercised for years to demonstrate its competence. It is no trailer queen and that alone commends it to its next owner who paid a modest but reasonable price for the confidence with which it can be used.Lot # 147 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster; S/N 19804210002580; Engine # 19898010002632; Black; Black hardtop/Dark Green leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $850,000 - $1,100,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $900,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $990,000 -- Black Rudge centerlock wheels, two tops, Pirelli P4000 blackwall tires, Becker Mexico AM-FM. Silver painted intake. Restored like new with excellent paint, chrome, interior, chassis and engine. A serious 300SL that looks the part and is impeccably done everywhere. Original steel wheels included. A stunning price for a 300SL Roadster, but a stunning car that is above reproach in every respect. The bidders bought the dream and paid fully for it. While this is a record 300SL Roadster price, it's within a few thousand dollars of others similarly presented and sold recently and it won't be long before seven figures appear next to similar cars.Lot # 148 1958 AC Aceca Coupe; S/N AEX672; Engine # CL2356-W; Metallic Blue/Blue leather; Estimate $95,000 - $115,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $90,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $99,000 -- Lefthand drive. Silver painted wire wheels, 5.00/5.25-16 bias ply tires, old multiband radio, stainless steel dual tube bumpers on homemade brackets, Lucas driving lights, heater. Decent repaint and interior. Sound chrome. Original interior wood refinished over cracks. Chassis is thoroughly detailed but not restored. While conventional wisdom may favor the Bristol-engined ACs there is a sizable body of opinion that the old AC engine, designed in 1919, is rugged and powerful, frequently running side-by-side with Bristol powered ACs in historic racing. This is a very well-restored and maintained car, pleasing and reassuring in its presentation, at a fraction of the price of a comparable AC-engined Ace roadster.Lot # 149 1952 Allard K2 Roadster; S/N K2029; Red/Biscuit leather; Estimate $100,000 - $125,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 4 condition; Hammered Sold at $95,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $104,500 -- 331/190hp Cadillac V-8, 3-speed, drum brakes, silver painted wire wheels, dual side exhausts, dual side mounts with rear view mirrors, leather hood strap, contemporary Monroe gas shocks. Older repaint has aged poorly with visible corrosion at the nose. Original Allard badge cracked, awful hood fit with huge gaps. Almost all dash gauges are modern and few were working as the Allard pulled into the tent. A superficial and tired car. This Allard displayed many obvious problems that raised serious doubts about all that couldn't be seen easily. With much nicer K2s available for similar prices, this was too much money and leaves the new owner with little flexibility to address its many needs.Lot # 150 1957 Chevrolet Corvette FI Convertible; S/N E57S103693; Cascade Green, Beige coves/White vinyl; Estimate $100,000 - $125,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $100,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $110,000 -- 283/250hp, Powerglide, spinner wheel covers, whitewalls, hardtop. Multiple NCRS top flight awards and Bloomington Gold including Special Collection. Represented as matching numbers. Restored like new and no longer fresh but the restoration's quality shows still. The hydraulic lifter FI engine is not often seen, particularly with Powerglide. This car's list of awards in both specialist judging and open concours nearly fills its catalog page. The price is fair to both the buyer and the seller.Lot # 151 2005 Porsche Carrera GT; S/N WPOCA29885L001577; Blue Mirabeau Metallic/Maserati Cuoio; Estimate $300,000 - $350,000; Unrestored original, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $350,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $385,000 -- 5.7 liter, 605hp DOHC V10, 6-speed, center lock wheels, carbon fiber undertray, four-point harnesses, yellow calipers. Few stone chips on the nose, light curb rash on driver's front wheel. Otherwise perfect. Custom Blue Mirabeau Metallic paint over Maserati Cuoio leather ordered from the factory. 10,901 miles and one owner from new. No Reserve. This Carrera GT looked lovely in its striking color combination, but with many nearly-new Carrera GTs available for less money (and with fewer miles) this was quite a premium to pay for its one-off color combination.Lot # 152 1965 Aston Martin DB5 Vantage Volante; S/N DB5C/1924/R; Peony Red/Biscuit leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $950,000 - $1,250,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $1,100,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $1,210,000 -- Blaupunkt multiband radio, chrome wire wheels, blackwall tires, bullet Talbot mirrors, covered headlights, woodrim steering wheel. Doors puff slightly but line up well. Excellent paint, chrome and interior. Restored like new and converted to lefthand drive in 2005. Extremely sharp and clean underhood. 2012 Boca Raton Concours Newport Pagnell Award winner. One of seven factory-built DB5 Vantage Volante convertibles. Beautifully restored without going overboard, this is Aston's counterpart to the 300SL Roadster, but with more power. Its impeccable restoration and presentation are matched by the singularly attractive livery and it scored a big hit with the Amelia Island bidders, but no more than it deserved.Lot # 155 1948 Jaguar Mark IV Drophead Coupe; S/N C637139; Silver/Blue leather, blue cloth top; Estimate $100,000 - $120,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $90,000 -- RHD. 3.5 liter, OHV inline six cylinder, 4-speed, silver wire wheels, semaphores, Lucas King of the Road driving lamps, Lucas headlamps. Good paint and decent chrome. Body and trim are straight and clean. Underside and engine detailed but not concours. A no-sale at $60,500 at RM's 2001 Monterey auction, sold the next year at RM's Arizona auction for $71,500. Jaguar fans know their prices on both East coast and West. The high bid was more than fair money for a Jaguar MKIV that is sound and attractive, but not concours.Lot # 157 1931 Cord Front Drive L-29 Cabriolet; S/N 2930061; Engine # FF4834; Yellow, Green accent/Green leather; Heather cloth top; Estimate $225,000 - $275,000; Recent restoration, 1 condition; Hammered Sold at $310,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $341,000 -- 322ci inline eight cylinder, 3-speed, chrome wire wheels, wide whitewall tires, dual sidemounts with heather colored cloth covers and rearview mirrors, dual cowl spotlights, luggage rack with trunk. Impeccable paint and chrome. Fit and finish perfect. A concours car with AACA and CCCA National First Prize awards and ACD E.L. Cord Award and Best in Show in 2009 and Best L-29 in 2011. Known history almost from new. This Cord dove so silently many an auction goer startled when it moved ahead in line as if pushed by some unseen hand. It is over estimate at this price but fitting for an over-the-top restoration of a great car.Lot # 159 1934 Packard Twelve 1108 Convertible Victoria, Body by Dietrich; S/N 1108-15; Navy Blue/Navy Blue leather, Navy Blue cloth top; Estimate -; Older restoration, 1- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $2,200,000 -- 445.5ci V12, 3-speed, P/B, chrome wire wheels, wide whitewall tires, luggage rack, Pilot-Rays, dual side mounts with mirrors. Excellent older restoration. Touched-up paint on sidemounts where hood latch chipped the paint. Otherwise perfect. Formerly part of the Otis Chandler Collection. This Packard has presence and even impressed those auction goers who had no interest in classics. Their admiration though, wasn't enough to spur bidding and the Dietrich-bodied Packard left Amelia a no sale.Lot # 162 1930 Delage DR70 Touring, Body by James Flood; S/N 29663; Engine # 3864; Green, Black fenders/Green leather; Black top; Estimate $100,000 - $150,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $75,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $82,500 -- 2.5 liter inline six cylinder, black painted wire wheels, blackwall tires, vee windshield, dual sidemounts, Boyce Moto Meter radiator temp gauge, headlight stone guards. Bodied by James Flood Pty in Australia. An older restoration, paint heavy and cracked. Some wear on interior leather. Engine dirty and in need of detailing. Though its restoration was showing its age, this Delage looked and smelled like a classic car in the best possible way. One of the few cars for which the term "patina" is not just salesman puffing. A great car bought reasonably considering its rebody, condition and rarity.Lot # 166 1937 Squire 1 1/2 Liter Drophead Coupe, Body by Corsica; S/N 1063; Engine # 1096; Black/Light Blue leather; Black cloth top; Estimate -; Concours restoration, 1 condition; Hammered Sold at $900,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $990,000 -- RHD. 1496cc/11ohp DOHC supercharged Anzani inline four cylinder, 4-speed, chrome wire wheels, chrome beltline trim that doubles as the door hinge, engine-turned aluminum dashboard, four spoke banjo steering wheel, art-deco patterned leather door panels, inlaid wood cockpit surround, skirted rear wheels. One of three post-bankruptcy Squires assembled by Val Zethrin and the only one bodied by Corsica. Better than new with no visible flaws anywhere. Formerly displayed at Pebble Beach, the Quail, and at Amelia Island where it won an award. Coachwork modified for Pat Hart during restoration, sectioning the body 2 inches and fitting the raked vee windshield. Displayed at Pebble Beach in 1998 with several concours awards in 2011. An amazingly advanced car in absolutely astonishing condition, this Squire nevertheless suffers from poor name recognition. Considering that Bugattis and Alfa Romeos are the only cars of the era technologically and visually competitive with the Squire, this is a reasonable price.Lot # 171 1953 Porsche 356 1500 (Supercharged) Cabriolet, Body by Reutter; S/N 60130; Burgundy/Beige leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $175,000 - $235,000; Older restoration, 2 condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $155,000 -- Bent window, silver steel wheels, blackwall tires, green glass visors, woodrim steering wheel. Modified with a one-off Pepco centrifugal supercharger installation by Harry Mershimer when new and known as 'The Sleeper' capable of 8 second 0-60 times. Restored like new in the mid-90's with very good paint, chrome and interior and recently freshened so it looks like it was done much more recently. Fuel pump died in the lineup to the block. Mechanical failings are not uncommon as old cars recently awakened from long slumber are brought to the auction, but they have serious effects on the bidders' willingness to keep their paddles raised. The consignor couldn't have foreseen the electric fuel pump's untimely death, but having suffered it would not have been unreasonable to accept the bidders' cautious response.
RM Auctions Amelia Island 2012 Auction Report – Page Three
Lot # 172 1968 Ferrari 365 GTC; S/N 11969; Engine # 11969; Red/Tan leather; Estimate $385,000 - $450,000; Recent restoration, 2- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $375,000 -- Alloy wheels, Michelin XWX blackwall tires, Becker Europa II AM-FM, P/W, A/C. Excellent paint, chrome and interior. Underbody shows a little use. Tidy engine in a compartment generously coated with matte black. One of only 168 365 GTCs built, making it a rare model even among Ferraris of the Sixties, this 365 GTC is attractively and reassuringly presented. 330 GTC values have taken off recently, but apparently the bidders here missed the significance of this 365 GTC's 4.4 liter engine and relative rarity. It should have sold.Lot # 173 1972 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Spider; S/N 15417; Black/Cognac leather, Black stripes; Black cloth to; Estimate $1,100,000 - $1,300,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $1,100,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $1,210,000 -- Chrome spoke Borrani wire wheels, 215/70VR15 Michelin XWX blackwall tires, CD stereo, A/C, P/W, painted nose, popup lights. Marelli ignition modules. Sharp and fairly fresh restoration to like new condition. Very pretty and inviting interior. Chassis, underbody and engine are very clean and nearly like new. Excellent paint and body fits. Ferrari Classiche certified. Amazingly, this restoration is now a dozen years old, but it looks like it was done a month ago. The color combination is as good as a Daytona Spider can get giving this car the looks to match its performance. It could have brought its high estimate without being unreasonable.Lot # 174 1953 Buick Skylark Convertible; S/N 17069423; Black/Red leather; Burgundy soft top; Estimate $125,000 - $160,000; Older restoration, 3- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $117,500 -- 322/189hp, Dynaflow, P/B, chrome wire wheels, red leather top boot cover. Clean undercarriage. Inconsistent panel gaps, terrible hood and front fender fit, ding in driver's door chrome, dent in driver's door. A great car suffering from poor treatment. Even at this no-sale final bid, this was too much money for a car requiring considerable work to bring it to the condition it deserves. The seller would have been well advised to re-inventory the car's issues and accept the reported high bid.Lot # 177 1928 Packard Six 5-Passenger Phaeton; S/N 125388; Engine # U125426; Dark Green, Black fenders/Brown leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $70,000 - $90,000; Older restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $47,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $52,250 -- Light Yellow wire wheels, Burgundy accent, wide whitewalls, dual windshields, wind wings, dual sidemounts, Trippe lights, dual spotlights. Aged and used old restoration but still presentable and runs like a top. Sound but aged older paint, chrome and interior. Newer top. It isn't often that a CCCA Full Classic (tm) that has stood up well after a 70's restoration changes hands at so reasonable a price. This is a good value.Lot # 178 1930 Bugatti Type 46 Superprofilé Coupe; S/N 46208; Engine # 77; Black, Yellow/Brown ostrich leather; Estimate $1,250,000 - $1,750,000; Rebodied or re-created, 1 condition; Hammered Sold at $925,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $1,017,500 -- RHD. alloy wheels, blackwall tires. Originally bodied as a 4-Dr. Sedan and rebodied with this Superprofilé Coupe-style body by Ken Haywood in Australia. Concours quality construction, trimming and presentation. This is a stunning car on which a ton of money has been spent and although it isn't 'real' it's real eye candy. The price is appropriate for a Type 46 with this coachwork.Lot # 179 1928 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Newmarket Convertible Sedan, Body by Brewster; S/N S393KP; Engine # 20938; Black, polished aluminum/Brown leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $150,000 - $200,000; Older restoration, 3- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $130,000 -- Black wire wheels, polished wheel discs, dual sidemounts, dash clock, trunk. Stated to be mostly original except for top and leather interior. Paint chips and scratches and some minor dents. German silver rubbed through in places. Top lightly soiled but leather in good shape. Known history from new with a lot of original documentation including a copy of the first owner's title. Matching original engine, chassis and body. Tired old restoration that needs serious attention. Sold by Bonhams at the Fairfield Concours in September 2010 for $161,000 with some subsequent work but no real improvement in its aged and used condition. Among many attractive, well restored and consistently maintained cars at the Ritz this tired Springfield Phantom Newmarket excited scant interest.Lot # 180 1914 Packard Model 4-48 5-Passenger Touring; S/N 63228; Dark Blue, Black fenders and hood/Black leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $350,000 - $425,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $320,000 -- Cream wood spoke wheels, whitewall lines, dual rear spares, Bosch switchgear, Klaxon electric/bulb horn. Big, elegant, well equipped automobile with a quality older restoration that shows its age and touring miles. Good paint, nickel and upholstery done for Bill Lassiter in the late 90's. Body built in the mid-60's by Jean Grengs replacing an earlier motorhome body. That Packard 4-48 Motorhome must have been something to see. The quality of this car is exceptional even though it shows the passage of time and more than a few miles under its huge wheels and tires. The reported high bid would not have been unreasonable for it.Lot # 182 1908 Columbia Electric Mark LXVIII Victoria Phaeton; S/N 5928; Olive, Black leather mudguards/Black leather; Black leatherette top; Estimate $50,000 - $90,000; Concours restoration, 1 condition; Hammered Sold at $60,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $66,000 -- Lefthand tiller steering, white tires, nickel brightwork. Show quality restoration. The price this beautifully restored, ex-James Cousens collection, Columbia Electric brought shows today's increased interest in early electrics.Lot # 183 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 Berlinetta; S/N 09721; Engine # 09721; Red/Tan leather; Estimate $1,200,000 - $1,400,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $1,000,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $1,100,000 -- Chrome spoke Borranis, 205VR14 Michelin XWX blackwall tires, P/W. Good older paint, chrome and interior. Chassis not done. Steering wheel rim worn, interior is a little grungy and aged. Doors close and line up well. Tidy engine with odd translucent blue hoses. Attractive but not impressive. This car has been 'round the circuit recently with results conclusive of only one thing: it's not a very attractive car. It was offered at Mecum's Monterey auction in 2010 where it reportedly sold for $1,325,000, but then appeared at the same company's Kissimmee, Florida auction in January 2011 where it no-saled at a reported $1,075,000, a lack of interest buttressed here in Amelia with this result. Despite its lack of visual appeal, it has great potential and utility as a road car, which is what it's all about, isn't it? It's showing only 46 more miles on its odometer than it did in August 2010; it's time for to add more than a few.Lot # 184 1910 Buick Model 19 Touring; S/N 2448; Dark Green, Black accent/Black leather; Black leatherette top; Estimate $40,000 - $60,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $32,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $35,750 -- RHD. Cream wood spoke wheels, black tries, single right side spare, Rubes style bulb horn, acetylene headlights, kerosene sidelights and taillight, cream frame and suspension. A quality older restoration with cracked joints, dull brass and good upholstery. No longer a show car but a very attractive ride for tours. John M. O'Quinn estate. At this time Buick was the mainstay of Billy Durant's General Motors, producing the profits that kept it solvent and the managers who instituted its fabled organization. Yet Buicks of this period are rarely seen and bring prices that barely differentiate them from their Model T cousins at Ford. This is an unusually well restored and moderately aged car with stature and performance not often seen in moderately priced cars of the day. It is a sound buy at this price.Lot # 185 1949 Cadillac Series 60S Special Fleetwood Sedan; S/N 496081739; Metallic Maroon/Maroon leather, Beige cloth; Estimate $50,000 - $80,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $47,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $52,250 -- Automatic, pushbutton radio, skirts, sombrero wheel covers, wide whitewalls. A big, elegant, pretty car with a show quality restoration done in the late 90's. 12 volt electrical system, add-on A/C and P/S. No Reserve. Sold by RM from the Art Astor collection in 2008 for $88,000, then at Monterey in 2010 for $49,500. Its good looks and subtle elegance attracted much favorable attention at Amelia but less bidding that it might otherwise have expected. The new owner got a sharp and unusual Cadillac for a modest price.Lot # 192 1941 Chrysler Newport Dual Cowl Phaeton, Body by LeBaron; S/N C7807503; Champagne Gold/Burgundy leather; Estimate $1,500,000 - $2,000,000; Recent restoration, 1 condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $1,000,000 -- Biplane bumpers, hubcaps, trim rings, skirts. Freshly restored to show car condition without going too far. 1941 Indy 500 "Pacemaker" later owned by W.P. Chrysler, Jr. with special features like hydraulic rear cowl lid and a top. Bought at RM Arizona in 2000 for $275,000, then here in 2009 for $687,500 in aged and used but sound and complete condition and subsequently given a fresh, complete restoration to show standards. The seller must have more than the reported high bid invested and, as the 1941 Indy 500 Pacemaker, it has unique and significant history that surely bring it at least close to RM's low estimate.Lot # 195 1942 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Sport Cabriolet, Body by Touring; S/N 915128; Engine # S923928; Red/Tan leather; Tan cloth top; Estimate $250,000 - $300,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $250,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $275,000 -- 36DCR Weber single throat downdraft carb, 4-speed, chrome wire wheels, blackwall tires. Good repaint and interior. Chassis and engine are an older restoration to good touring standards but now oily and grimy. Attractive and unusual coachwork by Touring in the Torpedino Brescia style. Delivered in 1943 to a German General in Berlin. Many awards including CCCA Senior, two appearances at Pebble Beach and a class win in the Greenwich Concours in 2008. Reported sold by Worldwide at Hilton Head in 2008 for $345,000 and a no-sale at their Auburn auction in 2010, it has remained in the same slightly neglected condition throughout its auction history. At the price here it should be mechanically refreshed and employed to advantage in tours where its unusual body design will bring it admiration.Lot # 207 1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Coupe; S/N 16539; Rosso Dino/Black leather; Estimate $350,000 - $400,000; Unrestored original, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $342,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $376,750 -- Marelli ignition modules, Becker Europa II AM-FM, A/C, chrome spoke Borranis, 205/70VR15 Michelin blackwalls. Represented to be 6,411 miles and all original but there is some evidence of paint work on the right windshield post. Undercoat and engine compartment look original. Whatever it in, it's very nice and very original. Just 16 miles have been put on the odometer since this Daytona was sold by RM at Monterey in August for $357,500. It's a time-warp Daytona, but one that will feel pretty much every additional hundred miles in its value. Its price here reflects the low miles and originality. It has become a revered relic and is unlikely to demonstrate its performance for future owners' endorphin production.Lot # 216 1959 Goggomobil Dart Roadster; S/N 1140036; white/Grey; Estimate $50,000 - $60,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $25,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $27,500 -- 293cc two cylinder, 4-speed, wide whitewall tires, Goggomobil hubcaps, covered headlamps. Well used older restoration. Chipped paint, chipped chrome and several dings in the body. Messy engine compartment. No Reserve. Well-used or not, this Goggomobil will provide miles of charm for its next owner. This is a fair price despite being well below the estimate and gives the new owner financial flexibility to deal with its many needs.Lot # 217 1951 Rovin D4 Roadster; S/N 2289; Maroon/Tan vinyl; Beige cloth top; Estimate $40,000 - $50,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $25,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $27,500 -- 260cc two cylinder, 4-speed, 2-piece cast aluminum wheels, cord wrapped steering wheel. Good paint, trim has numerous scuffs and dings. Dull aluminum trim. Cute but tired. No Reserve. Another micro car well used but with many good times ahead for the next owner. The price is well below estimate but reasonable for its condition.
