Report and photos (unless noted) by Rick Carey, Auction Editor RM Auctions’ $31 million Arizona sale at the Biltmore January 20-21, 2011 missed being its biggest ever by a mere $340,025, falling just that much shy of the record it set in 2006.
RM’s Arizona sale is a much different animal in 2011 than it was just five years ago, as is the entire Arizona January marketplace. With The British returning on Thursday to make RM Arizona a 2-day sale for the second year in a row and a more balanced consignment with a median transaction value of $71,500, it took more cars to ring up the same dollars on the cash register, 70 more offered and 66 more selling, to be precise.
On both days the lineup outside the Biltmore was mouth-watering, from cuties like the MG TA to heavy metal in the form of great Classics like the ex-Otis Chandler Packard Twelve Dietrich Sport Phaeton that was squeaked off the top of the sale table by the Ferrari 166 MM Barchetta 0024M with only $100,000 on the hammer separating the two.
The talk of the sale, however – and in fact the talk of the week in Scottsdale – was the Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing that sold for $1,250,000 hammer, $1,375,000 with commission, a car that RM had sold only two and a half years ago in 2008 in Monterey for $700,000 hammer, $770,000 with commission. The successful hammer bid topped the Gullwing’s high estimate of $800,000 by more than 50% as two bidders duked it out to see whose pockets were deeper and whose determination was stronger.
Only a day before at the Hagerty World Auction Summit some of the panelists had cited the Gullwing for unrealized value potential, but even the pundits were stunned by this result.
Bargains, needless to say, were hard to find at the Biltmore, something that will draw more great cars out of long term ownership and into the marketplace during the coming months.
The effect is already manifested in RM’s consignments for its upcoming Amelia Island sale with cars like the barn find Ferrari 340 Mexico coupe 0224 AT of Larry Nicklin.
The market’s heat is on simmer for the moment. It may get hotter as the year goes on.
Jonathan Sierakowski ably contributed many of the reports that follow. His assistance, support, knowledge and outlook were essential. RM Auctions Automobiles of Arizona 2011 – Auction Results
[table id=28 /] RM Auctions Automobiles of Arizona 2011 – Day One Auction Report (See Reference – Auctions Explained, A Note on Conditions and Character). Lot # 103 1964 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III 4-Dr. Sedan; S/N LSFU107; Gold, Black/Tan leather; Estimate $20,000 - $40,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $36,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $39,600 -- PW, A/C. Older cosmetic restoration starting to come undone. Undercoat peeling, paint chipping and cracking especially in panel corners. Interior is soiled and more than ‘broken in.’ Catalog states that parts of the interior are original and have been dyed. Transmission dribbles. No Reserve. This driver quality Rolls-Royce was described as having excellent road manners, a quality that has limited value in the wedding car use to which its unpleasant condition is best suited. Loads of time and money will need to be lavished on its cosmetics to bring it to the next level of presentation, something that isn't contemplated within the price paid here. It was in no worse condition in Tarrytown in 1997 when Christie's attracted a bid for it of $23,000. There has been no improvement in its condition since then, but almost 8,000 miles have been put on the odometer. Lot # 104 1936 MG TA Roadster; S/N TA0412; British Racing Green/Green leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $35,000 - $45,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $27,745 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $30,520 -- RHD. Silver wire wheels, driving light, badge bar. Wheels chipped and showing rust stains on the spokes from water coming out of the hubs. Chips on the lower edges of the fenders from road use as well as on the underside. Top nearly flawless and interior upholstery excellent with just a light amount of wear. No Reserve. This was once a concours-quality restoration that has been driven and enjoyed since. It has been reasonably well cared for and would still be shown with pride at club meets and a source of great pride and enjoyment on the road. The price is a good value, although at an odd result that doesn't correspond with its No Reserve status. Lot # 109 1966 Austin Mini Moke; S/N ABIL807916; Grey/Yellow, Blue, Green; White vinyl top; Estimate $15,000 - $25,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $21,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $23,100 -- Soiled top and interior. Paint chipped and scratched. Underside and engine bay are driver quality. 6,462 km on the odometer implied to be original but if so it has been used very regularly and not received the best of care. Bill Jacobs Collection. No Reserve. There's nothing spectacular about this example. If a Club Cart isn't good enough for transportation in a gated community or compound then this could serve as a relatively unique replacement. An expensive golf cart at just over mid estimate, the seller should be very happy with this price. Lot # 112 1959 Costin-Jaguar Sports Racer, Body by Williams & Pritchard; S/N T825023DN; BRGreen, Yellow nose/Black leather; Estimate $350,000 - $450,000; Competition restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $190,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $209,000 -- RHD. Full width Plexiglas windshield with fixed door side windows, chrome wire wheels, 3.4 liter XK 150S chassis and driveline. Costin-designed full envelope body originally fitted to ERA chassis GP2. Long owned by the Honorable Patrick Lindsay but never assembled until after his passing and in very good cosmetic and excellent mechanical condition. Should be race ready. Bill Jacobs Collection. No Reserve. Nothing if not an odd duck, but with an honorable (sic) British historic racing history that has cemented its reputation and stature. It should be a superb performer and looks every bit the part of a Fifties Jaguar-based sports racing special with typically handsomely designed Costin body and quality workmanship. This could be a good prospect for re-sale in the U.K. Lot # 113 1954 Jaguar XK 120 Roadster; S/N S675858; Dark Blue/Oxblood Leather; Estimate $100,000 - $120,000; Modified restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $82,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $90,750 -- Chrome wire wheels, Lucas driving lights, single aeroscreen, driver's head fairing, faired rear view mirror, C-type head, valves, cams and carburetors. A very high quality show restoration with minimal mileage added since it was completed. Bill Jacobs Collection. No Reserve. The presentation of this Jag is truly eye-catching and it would be fun to make use of the added performance but it's neither fish (a stock XK 120) nor fowl (a full out vintage race car.) It brought a reasonable compromise in its price, despite the sharp cosmetics. Lot # 114 1956 Jaguar XK 140 Drophead Coupe; S/N S807258; Black/Red leather, Tan canvas top; Estimate $80,000 - $100,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $97,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $107,250 -- RHD. Chrome wires, Lucas spotlights, AM radio, upgraded C-Type head. Straight body with excellent gaps and paint. The odometer shows 2,504 miles and the wear to the upholstery and underside is commensurate with that. Though restored very thoughtfully, it was not over the top which makes a good balance for the driving enthusiast. Bill Jacobs Collection. No Reserve. Respectable presentation and a superb driving machine. Although sold near the high estimate, the new owner should have no problem getting his money's worth. Fair on both sides. Lot # 115 1947 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith Drophead Coupe, Body by Franay; S/N WVA63; Green Metallic/Green leather; Blue cloth top; Estimate $125,000 - $150,000; Older restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $150,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $165,000 -- RHD. Fog lights, driving lights, skirts, hubcaps, wide whitewalls. An older restoration that has been freshened at some point. Interior lightly soiled. Chrome pitted and worn through in some places. Newer top. Scratches in paint. Attractive coachwork with wheel arch beads, chrome beltline moldings and delicates rear deck spline. Needs ‘just a little’ work all over. Bill Jacobs Collection. No Reserve. Offered at Brooks' Monaco auction in 1998, it was reported sold at $88,631 and has little work done to it since. The restoration is tired and the color does more to hide the unique chrome than show it off. Despite these impediments it is a unique coachbuilt body and it won't be surprising when this car comes back to market freshly restored with more appropriate colors -- for a lot more money. It is a sound buy at this price. Lot # 116 1952 Tojeiro-MG Barchetta Sports Racer; S/N RMS1; Engine # J76622; Silver/Tan leather; Estimate $200,000 - $250,000; Competition restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $130,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $143,000 -- RHD. 1,467cc MG engine and 4-speed gearbox, full width windscreen, dual outside fillers, hood and trunk straps. Believed to be one of John Tojeiro's first postwar specials with many of the coachwork elements that would soon appear on the AC Ace and Shelby Cobra as well as some cutesy sculpture around the taillights that was thankfully lost on the Ace. Restored to excellent cosmetic and mechanical condition and showing a little age and use but also excellent care and attention. Documented with a large history folder. Bill Jacobs Collection. No Reserve. A significant piece of British sports car history that needs nothing to be enjoyed proudly. Considering its history the price is modest and this British special might be expected to make a bit more on the other side of the Atlantic. Lot # 117 1935 Frazer-Nash BMW 319 Roadster; S/N 55084; Two tone Grey/Grey leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $150,000 - $200,000; Older restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $180,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $198,000 -- RHD. 1,911cc/55hp ohv six, triple carbs, grey wire wheels, dual fog lights, fender skirts. Excellently restored interior with light wear. Exterior has excellent paint, body and chrome with some chips and wear to the underside. Engine bay correct and tidy with some oil leaks evident. Bill Jacobs Collection. No Reserve. A seldom seen sports car with interesting heritage. Correctly restored and still very presentable and drivable. Brought a good price here in Scottsdale; the ancestor of the 328 Bügelfalte sold in Monaco for astounding money. This is a step onto a potential prewar BMW value escalator with little downside risk. Lot # 119 1962 Jaguar XKE SI Roadster; S/N 876397; Ermine White/Red leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $100,000 - $120,000; Unrestored original, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $72,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $79,750 -- Chrome wire wheels, red line tires, awkward fender mirrors. 7,400 miles and four owners from new. Unrestored and carefully preserved for years. Bill Jacobs Collection. No Reserve. This is one of the last of the original style flat floor E-types. It was reported sold by Barrett-Jackson at Las Vegas in 2008 for $77,000 and represents very good value for the money here in Arizona. Lot # 121 1962 Devin-MGA Roadster; S/N GHNL76841; Red/Red leather; Estimate $40,000 - $60,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $50,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $55,000 -- Recently built using a NOS Devin body, MGA frame, Mk II 1600cc engine and Judson supercharger. Catalog refers to a ‘Judson cylinder head’ of which there was never one. The valve cover is, however, labeled ‘Judson’. Odd double-humped hood to clear the tall MG engine and aluminum framed Plexiglas windshield. Chrome wire wheels. Fastidiously built and recently completed with minimal miles on the chassis and engine to sort them out. Built for Gene Ponder and sold at RM's sale of his collection in April 2007 for $74,800, showing no more than display use since then and still in essentially the same condition, only a little older. For a car with no history this is full retail. Lot # 122 1955 Arnolt-MG Bertone Coupe; S/N 26416; Maroon/Maroon leather; Estimate $40,000 - $60,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $35,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $38,500 -- Chrome spoke Borrani wire wheels, Shorrock supercharger, pushbutton Motorola radio. Three owners from new, the first being jazz musician Maurice Stein and the next Gene Ponder. Fastidiously restored some time ago and still in exceptional condition. The story of ‘Wacky’ Arnolt's relationship with Bertone and the cars it created is still fascinating but few are as informative as Wacky's use of the MG TD as the basis for a few very special Bertone-built coupes like this. At barely more than a comparably restored TD this is a sound and rare automobile that brings serious value to its new owner, particularly when it's compared with its $51,700 transaction at the RM sale of Gene Ponder's collection in 2007. Lot # 125 1936 MG SA Touring, Body by Charlesworth; S/N SA0432; Pearl White, Tan accent/Tan leather; Tan cloth top; Estimate $60,000 - $90,000; Older restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $80,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $88,000 -- RHD. Chrome wire wheels, driving light, spotlight, trafficators. A concours quality restoration done several years ago but little used and carefully preserved since. One of 17 known surviving SA MGs, of which five have this coachwork. Sold at RM's auction of the Gene Ponder collection in 2007 for $116,600 (when it was estimated at a breathtaking $150-200,000) and in essentially the same condition today, the buyer here got a much better deal for the money, but still paid generously for the rarity of the car and the quality of its restoration. Lot # 129 1952 Jaguar XK 120 Fixed Head Coupe; S/N 679632; Engine # W4759-8; White/Red Leather; Estimate $75,000 - $95,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $50,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $55,000 -- Silver painted wire wheels, blackwall tires, fender mirrors. Excellent presentation with good body, nice paint and presentation but overspray on the insides of the rear fenders. Tidy trunk and interior, clean engine bay. Very nicely restored driver but not a show car. Stated to be body-off restored, which its presentation supports, and matching numbers. Titled by the engine number. No Reserve. The description implied a higher quality than was presented which may have turned some buyers off. Though the estimate was optimistic, this price is a little low for an extremely nice driver that has been comprehensively restored and the car is a good value at this price. Lot # 132 1967 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III Phase 2 Convertible; S/N HBJ8L41566; Anniversary Gold/Red Ambla; Black leatherette top; Estimate $80,000 - $100,000; Older restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $77,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $85,250 -- Chrome wire wheels. BMIHT Heritage Certificate. A Kurt Tanner restoration to better than new condition completed in 2004 and sparingly used in the years since. Excellent cosmetics and meticulous attention to details. Odometer shows just under 45,000 miles from new. No Reserve. Sold by RM in Monterey in 2004 for $82,500, fresh from restoration. The quality of Tanner's work is apparent in how well the car has held up, even considering that it's seen under 500 miles since then. No longer quite fresh and clean but still sharp and impressive, the price is reasonable for a Big Healey of this quality. Lot # 136 1952 Jaguar XK 120 Roadster; S/N 671615; Pastel Green Metallic/Green leather; Estimate $80,000 - $120,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $80,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $88,000 -- Steel wheels, blackwall tires, skirts. An older restoration to like new condition. Side curtains in a matching bag on their shelf behind the seat. Good paint, interior and chrome. Shows age but little use. No Reserve. This was a $60,500 car when it was sold by RM here in 2001 fresh from restoration it its unusual colors, then sold by Gooding at Pebble Beach in 2007 for the astounding sum of $159,500. That result was clearly an outlier and today's transaction makes much more sense. Lot # 139 1948 Jaguar Mark IV Drophead Coupe; S/N 637064; Deep Red, Burgundy/Tan leather, black cloth; Estimate $100,000 - $140,000; Concours restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $100,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $110,000 -- Chrome wires, fog lamps. Near flawless body and paint with light polishing marks evident. Very deep chrome with light polish marks. Top and interior show no wear except to steering wheel. Underside clean and nicely detailed. A fabulous looking Mk IV that will be well received at concours events. Professionally restored and maintained with few miles since restoration. Catalog notes at least one concours showing since restoration and there are many more in its future. This is a proper car whose only improvement might be a darker more subtle color. The quality of the restoration as well as the intrinsic desirability of the car itself make this a good value even at the low estimate. Lot # 140 1956 Austin-Healey 100/M Le Mans Roadster; S/N BN2L233008; Black, Red/Red leather, Black cloth.; Estimate $130,000 - $160,000; Concours restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $97,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $107,250 -- Red wires, tool kit, folding windshield, tonneau. Beautiful paint and body. Driver's door fit off slightly. Swirl marks in paint, flawless chrome. Underside has been recently hand-brushed with POR and wheelwells resprayed. Deftly worded in the catalog ‘complete with all correct 100M features’ but confirmed in the saleroom notices that it in fact is a 100/M Le Mans from the factory, with a BMIHT certificate and history documentation. No Reserve. This car was fabulously restored and must have been jaw-dropping when it rolled out of the restoration shop. There's nothing wrong with having had 2,000 miles since restoration, but the way the underside was detailed in an attempt to conceal the miles covered was tacky and may have led some bidders to believe there was more to hide. The estimate was high, but the winning bid was right on the money for a real 100/M, despite having sold for a breathtaking $231,000 at RM's auction of the Ponder collection in 2007. Lot # 141 1947 Bentley Mark VI Drophead Coupe, Body by Graber; S/N B136BH; Blue/tan/Cream leather; blue top; Estimate $150,000 - $180,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $100,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $110,000 -- RHD. Trafficators, outside mirrors, driving light, whitewalls, aftermarket A/C. Excellent paint and body with light, even polishing swirl. Chrome bumpers show the first signs of pits. Interior nicely restored and only showing wear on driver's seat. Underside undercoated with signs of mild road use. Sold by Bonhams in London in December 2007 for $139,443 (GBP 67,500 at the time; today's sale is equivalent to GBP 68,800). Although wearing a body built by one of Europe's oldest and most prestigious coachbuilding firms, this Bentley has been restored or cosmetically refreshed in each of the last three decades. Although it stands like a gentleman, the history indicates that a full restoration is overdue, and the price reflected that, or the buyer's willingness to accept continuing mediocrity. Lot # 145 1952 Allard J2X Roadster; S/N J2X3044; Black/Red; Estimate $175,000 - $225,000; Older restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $170,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $187,000 -- 283 Chevrolet, single 4-barrel, 4-speed, silver painted wire wheels, Buick front drum brakes, single sidemount, full width windshield, banjo spoke steering wheel, upgraded seats. Originally Chrysler powered, upgraded to lighter Chevy power in 1960 for Chuck Friedrich to race in SCCA. Present owner since 1961. Restored many years ago and showing its age but still practical, purposeful and elemental. The early engine swap has little effect on this Allard's value, but greatly increases its driving enjoyment with more power and lighter weight. The price is fair to both the buyer and the seller. The car is ready to be driven hard, not pampered. Lot # 146 1921 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost 40/50hp Torpedo Phaeton, Body by Barker; S/N 50UG; Polished aluminum/Blue leather; Blue cloth top; Estimate $300,000 - $450,000; Older restoration, 1- condition; Hammered Sold at $345,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $379,500 -- RHD. Dark Blue wire wheels, blackwall tires, dual windshields, dual sidemounts with mirrors, luggage rack. Originally built to Alpine Eagle specifications, delivered to India, displayed in Calcutta and bought by the Maharajah of Charkhari. Rebodied for the Maharajah by Barker with this polished aluminum Torpedo Phaeton coachwork in 1926, replacing the earlier similar style coachwork by Hooper. Restored in 1995 followed by class wins at the RROC National Meet, Meadow Brook, Amelia Island and Pebble Beach. Unused since 2007 and no longer fresh but still an eye-opening example. John M. O'Quinn estate. This is an automobile with presence, complemented by its attractive open Barker coachwork and all the appeal of a Silver Ghost. It brought a reasonable price here, even though it set John O'Quinn back a far over estimate ($275-350,000) $511,500 when he bought it here in Arizona in 2007. Lot # 158 2010 Morgan Aeromax Coupe; S/N SA9AMAXA1AE004008; Dark Metallic Blue/Dark Red leather; Estimate $200,000 - $250,000; Unrestored original, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $190,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $209,000 -- 4.8 liter/358hp BMW V-8, 6-speed automatic, limited slip, alloy wheels, 4-wheel independent suspension. One of 100 built to commemorate Morgan's 100th anniversary, said to be one of only eleven legally imported to the U.S. 200 miles and like new. Looking rather like a miniaturized, cross-eyed Bugatti Atalante from the front 3/4, the Aeromax is nothing if not an acquired taste. $209,000 should be ample, a transaction that will define the Aeromax market at least for the eleven examples in the U.S. for some time to come. Lot # 162 1960 Jaguar XK 150S 3.8 Drophead Coupe; S/N T838705DN; Black/Red, Beige cloth; Estimate $250,000 - $300,000; Older restoration, 2 condition; Post-block sale at $231,818 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $255,000 -- LHD. Chrome wires, overdrive, fitted luggage. An older high quality body off the frame restoration. Paint and body are very well done although now with some scratches in the paint. Interior upholstery is older looking and soiled. Underside and engine bay are extremely clean. Sharp looking, excellent for touring and still nice enough to show. Low production (one of only 89 XK 150S Dropheads, both 3.4 and 3.8 liter), fully optioned, well restored and presented, as well as the most rare and desirable of the later XKs. This is a fair price for both parties. Lot # 164 1965 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III 4-Dr. Sedan; S/N LSHS193; Dark Brown/Tan leather; Estimate $100,000 - $125,000; Cosmetic restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $90,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $99,000 -- Driving lights, P/W, A/C, hubcaps, trim rings, whitewalls. Excellent paint, body and chrome. Interior very lightly soiled. Very high quality of work including paint by Junior's House of Color and leather by Al Krueger including underside. Stated two owners from new and probably covered only the 64,407 miles showing on the odometer. A big stately Rolls. The color looks more attractive in the catalog than it did in the Arizona sunlight, but that didn't detract the buyers. A handsome automobile that brought a handsome price.
RM Auctions Automobiles of Arizona 2011 – Day Two Auction Report (See Reference – Auctions Explained, A Note on Conditions and Character). Lot # 216 1929 Auburn 8-90 Speedster; S/N 2972337; Olive Green, Cream/Olive Green leather; Estimate $120,000 - $160,000; Concours restoration, 1- condition; Hammered Sold at $250,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $275,000 -- Six painted wire wheels, blackwall tires, dual windshield wipers. Absolutely stunning concours restoration for Ed Herrmann by RM Restorations with very few miles since completion. The attractive paint colors show only a very few polish marks while the upholstery is only lightly stretched on the driver's seat cushion. Beautifully done and beautifully maintained. Sold on behalf of the trustee for the Tim Durham Collection. No Reserve. Offered at Kruse Auburn Fall in 1998 with a high bid of $75,000 but unsold, a huge amount of money has been lavished on this Auburn since. Its superb condition brought this Auburn Speedster over double the low estimate. It has to be one of the finest examples out there. The price certainly is, setting a benchmark for Twenties Auburns. Lot # 219 1929 Duesenberg Model J Dual Cowl Phaeton, Body by Derham; S/N 2136; Engine # J-116; Silver, Metallic Grey/Black leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $1,000,000 - $1,300,000; Concours restoration, 1 condition; Hammered Sold at $1,125,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $1,237,500 -- Chrome wire wheels, whitewalls, dual sidemounts with chrome surrounds and mirrors, Pilot-Rays, wind wings, luggage trunk, chrome exhaust headpipes, short wheelbase chassis. Used in the movie ‘Spinout’ driven by Elvis Presley. Restored by RM, displayed at Pebble Beach in 2007 and driven on the Tour d'Elegance. Elegant, sharp, crisp and done to very high standards. Sold by a secured creditor; formerly part of the Tim Durham Collection. No Reserve. Sold by World Classic at Monterey in 1993 for $551,250 from the Thorpe collection to the Imperial Palace, then at the Hershey Auction in 2004 for $594,000. Subsequently restored to its present brilliance, an important and very attractive open Duesenberg J that brought a superior price appropriate to its superior history and restoration. Lot # 229 1956 Arnolt-Bristol Bolide Corvette Roadster; S/N 59005929; Red/Red, Black leather; Estimate $150,000 - $200,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $90,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $99,000 -- Two piece curved windshield, chrome steel wheels, Arnolt-Bristol hubcaps, 265/225hp dual quad Corvette engine, Borg-Warner T10 4-speed. Restored to high standards of fit, finish and function. Not known how it got its Corvette engine; some sources (including the catalog) say three were installed by Arnolt to move stale inventory, others say, ‘no.’ Shows limited use since restoration but will detail to be essentially flawless. Bill Jacobs Collection. No Reserve. While it is highly probable that all Arnolt-Bristols were sent from Bristol to Bertone as running, driving rolling chassis, unsold inventory is a strong motivator for delivering anything that sells. The 265 Chevy is improbable for a car done after 1956, too. Anything done later would have had a 283 or 327, making it very possible, and maybe even probable, that this was an Arnolt-delivered Corvette-powered Bolide. Even if it wasn't, it brought a modest price for the quality of its restoration, the performance and Franco Scaglione's wonderful Bertone body. A good value. Lot # 238 1946 Chrysler New Yorker Town & Country Convertible; S/N 7400604; Engine # 7945; Maroon/Maroon leather, Beige cloth; Burgundy cloth; Estimate $175,000 - $225,000; Older restoration, 1- condition; Hammered Sold at $115,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $126,500 -- Fluid Drive, turn signals, pushbutton radio, heater, dual remote spots, wheel covers, wide whitewalls. Excellent paint, interior and chrome. Wood panels look like shelf paper and although they're not the effect is not flattering. Framing looks perfect. Beginning to show some age here and there but nothing that some detailing can't go a long way to remedying. No Reserve. This is the fourth time in the last 8 years that RM has sold this car: here in 2003 for $132,000, Amelia in 2003 for $104,500 and Meadow Brook in 2007 for $187,000. It is a testament to the appeal of Town & Country convertibles that it's found a buyer each time and is a very good value at this price. Lot # 240 1932 Packard Twin Six Coupe Roadster; S/N 900049; Engine # 900047; Midnight Blue/Beige leather; tan cloth top; Estimate $500,000 - $750,000; Concours restoration, 1- condition; Hammered Sold at $500,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $550,000 -- Chrome wire wheels, wide whitewalls, dual enclosed sidemounts with mirrors, Depress Beam headlamps, Pilot-Rays, trunk. A fabulous AACA winning restoration of one of the most desirable Packards available. Restored several years ago and redone by Steve Babinsky in 2002 with only a few cracks in the paint to indicate the age of the work. Sold at the Hershey Auction in 2001 for $258,500 and sold here in 2008 with updated cosmetics for $660,000. This car has all the options but might look more sporting (if less as-built) without the trunk or sidemounts. Still exceptional in presentation and truly rare with only about five known. A marvelous, handsome, professionally restored and upgraded car that brought a price that reflects its quality and style. Lot # 246 1995 Ferrari F50; S/N ZFFTA46B000099999; Red/Red cloth, Black leather; Estimate $700,000 - $800,000; Unrestored original, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $675,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $742,500 -- F50 show car exhibited at Geneva, Tokyo and elsewhere, then sold to Jacques Swaters, later coming to the US where it was Federalized by G&K in Irvine, California. Like new and recently freshened with a new fuel bladder and tires. The last 5-digit serial number Ferrari. Not yet titled in the U.S. and sold on a Bill of Sale. Less than 900 miles. This is a singular example of a rare and desirable Ferrari with both a significant serial number and a notable show history. Its price reflects both those factors plus its low mileage and pristine condition as well as the uncertainty which its unresolved status in the U.S. introduces to its prospects. Lot # 249 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing; S/N 1980405500601; Graphite Grey/Burgundy leather; Estimate $700,000 - $800,000; Older restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $1,250,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $1,375,000 -- Fitted luggage, 4-spoke woodrim wheel on tilting hub, polished Rudge wheels. Beautifully and thoughtfully restored to very high standards without being overdone. Sold at The Auction in Las Vegas in 1998 for $152,460 to Craig Jackson for use in tours like the Colorado Grand. Sold a year later at Barrett-Jackson in 1999 for $189,000 in comparable cosmetic but better prepared mechanical condition with barely 2,000 more km than it had in 1998. Then given a fastidious, glistening restoration that led to it being sold by RM in Monterey in 2008 for $770,000, a price that reflected its particularly attractive colors. It was the lower of two Gullwings in similar liveries that sold at Monterey that year for big money. All of which does little or nothing to account for the jaw-dropping price it brought here, an example of the auction magic which sometimes delivers a huge windfall into the hands of a fortunate consignor. The talk of the Scottsdale week. Lot # 255 1932 Lucenti Special Indy Car; S/N N/A; Metallic Blue/Maroon leatherette; Estimate $175,000 - $275,000; Competition restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $170,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $187,000 -- Black wire wheels, lever shocks, 4-spoke woodrim steering wheel, 4-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. New SW gauges and AC tach. Very good paint and upholstery. Clean, tidy and nearly like new without being overdone, but painted assembled. Graham frame and 8-cylinder engine with Bohnalite head and four Winfield SR carbs. Finished 10th at Indy in 1934 driven by Herb Ardinger with relief from Danny Day. Restored using mostly original pieces and bodywork and a 2010 Amelia Island class winner. Leaky left front shock. No Reserve. Sold by Bonhams at Quail Lodge in 2006 for $216,000 as preserved since 1953 by Edward Trager then restored to its present attractive and usable condition. Offered by Bonhams again at Quail in 2010 but failed to sell. ‘Junk formula’ Indy cars are adaptable, economical and fun to drive, especially with their real transmissions and 4-wheel brakes that let them play on road courses. The seller got all the money for this one, despite its fabulous price at Quail in 2006. Lot # 259 1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Spider; S/N 16835; Engine # B2634; Red/Black leather, Black cloth top; Estimate $800,000 - $1,000,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $800,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $880,000 -- Becker Mexico cassette, chrome spoke Borranis, Michelin XWX blackwalls, A/C. Excellent paint and interior, good chrome. Chassis and engine like new. Prior owners include Evel Knievel and disk jockey Frankie Crocker, odometer shows 26,900 miles, probably from new. Reggie Jackson Collection. Offered by Bonhams at Quail Lodge in 2009 with 75 fewer miles on the odometer but unsold at a reported bid of $650,000. A known car in excellent cosmetic and mechanical condition that needs nothing to be used and enjoyed with pride and confidence. The price is representative of the model and condition, with little if any premium for the ownership history. Lot # 260 1933 Packard Twelve Sport Phaeton, Body by Dietrich; S/N 10062; Engine # 901073; Maroon/Black leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $1,500,000 - $2,000,000; Older restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $1,600,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $1,760,000 -- Dual enclosed sidemounts, dual windshields with rear wind wings, chrome wire wheels, wide whitewalls, Pilot-Rays, vee windshield. One of three built, all displayed at important auto shows in 1933. This one sold by Packard's NY agency so probably the NY Auto Salon display car. Bought by Peter Rosi from George Waterman in 1978 and restored in the early 80's. 1991 Pebble Beach ‘Most Elegant’ winner, 2000 CCCA National First Place. Not fresh but leaves little to be desired. Ex-Otis Chandler. Purchased by John O'Quinn at the Gooding auction where the collection of Otis Chandler was dispersed in 2006 for $1,980,000 and stored since, this is one of the most glorious automobiles of the Classic era, an automobile that looks good from every angle. The restoration's age and condition are impressive. While it might not win a class prize at Pebble Beach, it would contend again for ‘Most Elegant’ even in its present condition, it's that good. This is the price of excellence and quality. The $220,000 left on the table? It says more about the buzz of the Chandler auction than it does about the market, and absolutely nothing about the car. Lot # 262 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster; S/N 19804210002592; Silver/Red leather; Estimate $520,000 - $600,000; Recent restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $520,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $572,000 -- Chrome center, polished rim wheels, blackwall tires, Euro headlights. Excellent new paint, chrome, upholstery, glass and carpets. Underneath it looks like an older restoration to like new with some miles showing on the underbody, and the Colorado Grand stickers on the fenders. This car was disappointingly presented in 2004 when RM sold it in Monterey for $209,000. Since then new paint and upholstery have brought it back closer to its potential but the lack of quality of the earlier restoration still shows through. The seller did very well at this price. The buyer got an excellent tour car. Lot # 264 1964 Dodge Charger Hemi Concept Coupe; S/N 6442103030; Metallic Light Maroon, White stripes/Black; Estimate $750,000 - $1,000,000; Concours restoration, 1 condition; Hammered Sold at $650,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $715,000 -- Grey painted Halibrand bolt-on wheels, automatic, Hemi, single four-barrel. Spectacular Fran Roxas restoration for Joe Bortz with a 426 Hemi engine (#13 of the first 15 hand-built by Chrysler) replacing the 318 it had when it was used as a Chrysler showcar. Dodge's first use of the Charger name. Sold by RM in Monterey in 2007 for $1.1 million. Today the Hemi Charger is in virtually the same condition and the transaction speaks for itself. Lot # 265 1984 Ferrari 512 BBi; S/N ZFFJA09B000052153; Red/Black leather; Estimate $100,000 - $125,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $80,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $88,000 -- Pioneer cassette, alloy 5-spoke TRX wheels, A/C. Good repaint and interior. Clean, original chassis. Major service including belt and clutch in 2009. Described as low mileage (the odometer shows 8,896 miles), one owner and accompanied by its DOT and EPA releases. No Reserve. This was probably a disappointing result for the seller, but that's not to detract from the auctioneer's efforts, who tried long and hard to drag the bidders into paying closer to what the car was worth. The buyer got a good value. Lot # 266 1966 Chevrolet Impala SS 427 Convertible; S/N 168676J190445; Black/Rid vinyl; Black vinyl top; Estimate $65,000 - $85,000; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $70,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $77,000 -- 427/390hp, 4-speed, 3.73 Positraction, AM-FM, P/W, buckets and console, tilt and telescoping steering column and more. Good paint, chrome and interior. Doors puff a little but otherwise hard to fault, as proved by its AACA Junior and Senior National First Prizes. No Reserve. This is an example of the perfect application of 427 Big Block power, put to good use powering a large, comfortable convertible. There are few of them available, and there is still room for their values to grow, despite this car's value increasing from the $46,440 it brought at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale in 2003. Lot # 267 1967 Chevrolet Corvette 427/435 Roadster; S/N 194677S105851; Black, Red stinger/Black vinyl, Black vinyl top; Estimate $140,000 - $170,000; Recent restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $150,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $165,000 -- 427/435hp, 4-speed, Rally wheels, side exhausts, AM-FM, Rally wheels, red line tires. NCRS Top Flight winning restoration documented with its Protect-o-Plate and complete ownership history. Excellent paint, chrome, interior, top and engine detailing. Represented as numbers matching. Reggie Jackson collection. Sold for $145,200 at Gooding's Pebble Beach auction in 2005, with attention to its cosmetics and details since, this result is a modest increase in line with the improvement in its condition representative of the continuing star power of these triple carbureted big block Mid-Year Corvettes. Lot # 268 1965 Ferrari 500 Superfast Series I; S/N 5989SF; Engine # 5989; Ice Blue/Oxblood leather; Estimate $900,000 - $1,100,000; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $850,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $935,000 -- Chrome spoke Borranis, blackwall tires, Becker Mexico cassette. Excellent paint, chrome and interior. Restored like new in the mid-00's and maintained in as-restored condition since. A particularly elegant and attractive Ferrari with great Pininfarina lines and abundant power, the new owner got full value for the not inconsiderable amount of money spent. Lot # 269 1956 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible; S/N E56S004008; Turquoise, White coves/White vinyl; White vinyl top; Estimate $80,000 - $110,000; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $105,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $115,500 -- 265/225hp, Powerglide, power top and hardtop, spinner wheel covers, P/W, WonderBar radio, whitewalls, windshield washer. Restored like new in 1995 and subsequently earned NCRS Top Flight, Vettefest Platinum, Amelia Island first in class and AACA Senior. No Reserve. This is a giant price for a Powerglide dual quad Corvette but nonetheless reflects the standards of its restoration and subsequent care and its lavish options list. The bidders spotted this as a very rare Corvette, and paid accordingly. Lot # 271 1930 Cadillac 452 V-16 Roadster; S/N 700809; Black; Estimate $400,000 - $500,000; Concours restoration, 1- condition; Hammered Sold at $525,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $577,500 -- Chrome wire wheels, whitewalls, dual enclosed sidemounts with mirrors, metal luggage trunk, Pilot-Rays, radiator stoneguard, wind wing, dual spotlights, chrome hood side vents. CCCA Premier winner # 2008. Excellent paint, chrome and interior. Chassis better than new. An older restoration that is still very close to concours but with a few chips. No Reserve Sold by RM here in 2002 for $253,000, then restored and sold at Gooding's Pebble Beach auction in 2007 to John O'Quinn for $495,000. Sold by RM at Meadow Brook from the O'Quinn estate in 2010 for $440,000 with subsequent work to bring it back nearly to concours quality condition, with a corresponding and deserved bump in its value here. This is a lot of money but it's also a lot of Cadillac. Lot # 272 1929 Duesenberg Model J 4-Dr. Sedan Clear Vision, Body by Murphy; S/N 2209; Engine # J-187; Blue, Silver accent/Dark Blue leather; Estimate $600,000 - $800,000; Older restoration, 1- condition; Hammered Sold at $675,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $742,500 -- Chrome wire wheels, wide whitewalls, dual enclosed sidemounts with mirrors, dual taillights, luggage trunk. An older concours quality restoration for the Imperial Palace Collection now losing its edge but still exceptional. Sold by RM at Amelia in 2006 for $693,000, then by Gooding here in Scottsdale in 2009 for $836,000, this is the pinnacle of series-produced (if the five in this style deserves the term ‘series-produced’) closed Duesenbergs, a commodious, luxurious, elegant automobile of refinement and distinction. It has retained its value over the years even as the restoration has begun to age with little use (just 22 miles in five years.) A handsome automobile with exceptional performance, it deserves to be used. Lot # 275 1956 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible; S/N E56S001483; Arctic Blue, Silver coves/Red vinyl; Estimate $70,000 - $90,000; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $65,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $71,500 -- 265/225hp, 3-speed, spinner wheel covers, whitewalls, WonderBar radio. Freshly restored to showroom condition. Jerry Peterson Collection. No Reserve. Reported sold at Mecum's Indianapolis auction in 2009 for $55,120, this '56 Corvette's equipment and restoration make it a good value at this price. Lot # 276 1957 Chevrolet Corvette FI Convertible; S/N E57S102327; Cascade Green, Beige coves/Beige vinyl; Estimate $120,000 - $140,000; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $105,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $115,500 -- 283/283hp fuel injection, 3-speed, Positraction, WonderBar radio. Excellent paint, chrome and interior. 2010 NCRS Top Flight. Jerry Peterson Collection. No Reserve. One of the most desirable early Corvettes, with the first solid lifter, Duntov cam fuel injected V-8 famed for it one horsepower per cubic inch output this car needs no excuses, nor does the highly deserved price it brought. Lot # 278 1960 Mercedes-Benz 220SE Cabriolet; S/N 12803010003645; Persian Green/Cream leather; Estimate $150,000 - $200,000; Concours restoration, 1- condition; Hammered Sold at $150,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $165,000 -- 4-speed, Becker Mexico radio, dash clock, fog lights, whitewalls, trim rings, stainless steel exhaust. Absolutely gorgeous color (Glassurit Perlmuttgrun DB 213) more chosen for effect than to reproduce its original appearance. A no-expense-spared restoration. This car was sold in 1999 at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale for $18,900. It was Light Blue with Blue upholstery and a White top. It was unrestored and a ‘Tired original car. Cracked paint and crazed, interior badly cracked, doors loose and floppy. Wood is sound but badly dried out.’ It brought $143,000 at RM's Monterey auction last August in its present concours quality condition and surprisingly even a small bump just five months later. An exceptional car, and full value for the money. Lot # 279 1931 Marmon Sixteen Coupe; S/N 16141694; Engine # 16693; Blue, Beige/Beige leather; Estimate $475,000 - $650,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $625,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $687,500 -- Chrome wire wheels, dual sidemounts with beige cloth covers wide whitewalls, luggage trunk, pulldown shade on rear window, rumble seat, luggage door on right side, dual spotlights. Restored like new in 2002 without going overboard. Excellent paint, chrome and interior. Chassis done like new, not like jewelry, but the color selection of blue over beige sides highlights the 2-passenger greenhouse and doesn't favor the coupe design. This is one of just 71 Marmon Sixteens and six surviving coupes, masterpieces of both mechanical ingenuity and the body designer's art. A darker monochrome treatment would elevate it to another level of subtle elegance. The Biltmore bidders didn't seem to care, and pursued this rare example well into the upper reaches of its estimate range, and reasonableness. Lot # 281 1970 Ferrari Dino 246 GT; S/N 01158; Engine # 01158; White/Black, Grey; Estimate $125,000 - $150,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $105,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $115,500 -- Good original interior. Unusual colors. Cromodora alloy wheels, Michelin XWX tires, P/W, European specification and Daytona seats, Largely original, with a good repaint, attractive chrome and very nice original interior in unusual but attractive colors that harmonize well with the unusual white exterior. No Reserve. Some of the Dinos offered at Scottsdale were unusual in retaining their original paint, or at least the colors, including this White over Black, Grey car. It sold for $126,500 at Worldwide's Hilton Head auction in 2008 and is essentially unchanged today. As noted then, the new owner will have no trouble finding it among a sea of Rosso and Giallo Dinos at Concorso and it is a good value at the price it brought here. The challenge will be for the new owner to keep it this way and not be tempted into an auction repaint in Resale Rosso or Gross Margin Giallo to eke out a few more bucks from trend-followers. Lot # 282 1966 Shelby Cobra 427 Roadster; S/N CSX 3259; Red/Black leather; Estimate $650,000 - $750,000; Recent restoration, 1 condition; Hammered Sold at $585,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $643,500 -- Centerlock Halibrand alloy wheels, Goodyear Blue Streak tires, chrome side exhausts, chrome paperclip rollbar, four Webers on a Holman and Moody intake, quick jack pickups. Fresh show car restoration completed in 2008. Offered by Bonhams at Quail Lodge in 2002 where it was bid to $230,000. Invoices for $315,000 in restoration costs subsequently, which makes this transaction about a wash, considering carrying costs. The result is indicative of the 427 Cobra market today, but a bit light for the quality and thoroughness of this car's restoration. Lot # 283 1963 Chevrolet Corvette FI Z06 Cloke Coupe; S/N 30837S112830; Daytona Blue/Blue; Estimate $130,000 - $160,000; Facsimile restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $100,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $110,000 -- 327/360hp, 4-speed, big tank, wheel covers, blackwall tires, heater, AM-FM, P/W. Poorly masked repaint, good interior and glass. NCRS Top Flight, Bloomington Gold, Amelia Island Concours Stan Nowak award winner, now represented as a re-creation. No Reserve. This car was sold by RM in Ft. Lauderdale in 2007 for $280,800 and at Amelia in 2009 for $192,500, both times without the qualification of not being originally a Z06. There must be a larger story, but for now this is a very attractive and potentially usable Corvette with many hard to find Z06 parts, and not all that cheap, either. Lot # 284 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing; S/N 1980404500049; Engine # 1989804500052; White/Dark Red leather; Estimate $450,000 - $550,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $495,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $544,500 -- Fair old repaint, otherwise original, clean and well preserved. Some repaint and detailing underhood. Sound and little worn or stretched upholstery. Once owned by Rocky Aoki and upgraded for him with 4-wheel disc brakes and a stainless steel fuel tank. Recently serviced with new Koni shocks and stainless steel exhaust. On a day when a (steel-bodied) Gullwing had earlier brought $1,375,000, the consignor of this very attractive, usable and highly original Gullwing must have been the luckiest person in car collecting. The buzz must have worked, too, to bring this price. Not expensive, but at the upper limits of ‘market’ for its combination of specifications, modifications and originality. Lot # 285 1949 Ferrari 166 MM Barchetta, Body by after Touring; S/N 0024M; Engine # 0022M; Red/Brown leather; Estimate $1,900,000 - $2,400,000; Competition restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $1,700,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $1,870,000 -- RHD. Good paint and interior. Silver painted wire wheels. Chassis not as fresh as the body and upholstery. Displayed at the Paris Show in 1949 in Argentine colors, then won the 1950 Mar del Plata road race driven by Carlos Menditeguy. Then driven by Luigi Terravazzi with Aprile Palmer in the 1951 Mille Miglia finishing 8th in class. Later rebodied as a Vignale berlinetta and Chevy V-8 powered in the U.S. still later (installed by Warren Olsen). Finally restored with its original engine and a repro body by Bob Ford for Keith Duly. In Japan from 1995-2008, and that's only the Reader's Digest version. Whew! No Reserve. Hardly pure, but enough so its MM history and correct-style coachwork will be a compelling argument for participation in MM-style events and just about anywhere else the new owner wants it to take him or her. With its original 3-Weber engine and 5-speed gearbox its performance should be up to the task. Among early Ferraris this is something of a find, and a serious value to its new owner as well as appropriately price for the seller. A lot of participation options for the money, as well as charismatic Touring barchetta design as eye-candy. Lot # 300 1917 Winton Six-33 Sport Touring; S/N 32992; Brown, Orange wheels and accent/Black leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $80,000 - $120,000; Recent restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $47,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $52,250 -- Restored like new. Good paint, interior and a little chrome. The restoration shows a little age but is still capable of being driven and displayed proudly. Gateway Colorado Auto Museum Collection. No Reserve. Fortunately offered here without the histrionics of Gateway's ‘Ferrari Hat Guy’, a charming and rare old car at a reasonable price.
[Source: Rick Carey]
RM Auctions’ $31 million Arizona sale at the Biltmore January 20-21, 2011 missed being its biggest ever by a mere $340,025, falling just that much shy of the record it set in 2006.
i want to but car with cash
My uncle had a mg ta roadster British racing green