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RM Auctions Villa d’Este 2013 – Auction Report

RM Auctions, Concorso Villa d’Este, Villa Erba, Cernobbio, Italy, May 25, 2013
Report by Rick Carey, Auction Editor
It’s a confusing name change, but RM’s auction at Villa Erba is Villa d’Este by an adjacent property’s name. It didn’t change the sale’s dynamic, or the quality of the consignments, which never went below six figures (even in Euros), averaged just over $1.1 million per transaction and had a median value of $550,343.
An auction of headline vehicles in a headline location where even the runaway top seller, Ferrari 340/375MM s/n 0320AM, sold for $12,733,952, a third of the auction’s $35 million total, only complemented without outshining the other consignments.
Nine cars were bid to $1 million or more on the block, eight of them sold, an 88.9% sale rate that was better even than the auction’s overall sale.
The strength of both the consignments and the sale rate at Villa Erba foreshadows what is likely to be the Monterey experience in 2½ months.
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Photos are courtesy RM Auctions and copyright © by their various photographers including Tim Scott, James Mann, Simon Clay, Darin Schnabel, Pawel Litwinski, Henri Thibault, Bernard Canonne, Cymon Taylor, Tom Wood, Hardy Mutschler, Teddy Pieper and Guido Bissattini.

RM Auctions Villa d’Este 2013 – Auction Report

2009 Maserati Bellagio Fastback, Body by Touring
Lot # 101 2009 Maserati Bellagio Fastback, Body by Touring; S/N ZAMFD39B000036271; Dark Green/Beige leather; Estimate $103,360 – $155,040; Unrestored original, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $135,660 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $151,939. – 4,244cc dohc V-8/395hp, 6-speed paddle shift automatic, Borrani ‘Bimetal’ alloy wheels, shotgun compartment, dog barrier, refrigerator, folding rear seats – Built for former Ducati owner Dr. Carlo Bonomi, one of four like it on the Maserati Quattroporte chassis, the Radford of Maseratis. Little used and nearly like new. – Surprisingly attractively packaged with plenty of rear room for the dogs and hunting gear even if the special Borrani wheels are a little cheesy. Got the bidders’ attention and achieved a healthy result.

1962 Ferrari 250 GTE 2+2
Lot # 102 1962 Ferrari 250 GTE 2+2; S/N 3827GT; Engine # 3827GT; Dark Grey/Black leather; Estimate $180,880 – $245,480; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $271,320 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $303,878. – Chrome spoke Borrani wire wheels, blackwall tires, fog lights – Ferrari Classiche certified numbers matching. Good older paint and new upholstery. Orderly engine compartment. A sound and well maintained 250 GTE. – If the prices of 250 GTEs keep escalating like this it will soon become an Italian cottage industry re-converting Testa Rossa replicas with 250 GTE chassis back into their 2+2 configurations.

1955 Porsche 356 pre-A 1500 Speedster
Lot # 103 1955 Porsche 356 pre-A 1500 Speedster; S/N 80208; Red/Beige cloth; Beige cloth top; Estimate $206,720 – $258,400; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $219,640 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $245,997. – Body color steel wheels with hubcaps, whitewall tires, later 1500 Super engine – Documented with a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity and Kardex copy. Freshly restored and impeccable. – This is almost a modest result for a pre-A Speedster, even with the later engine. The whitewalls are a nice touch, and appropriate to the car.

1957 BMW 503 Cabriolet, Body by Bertone
Lot # 104 1957 BMW 503 Cabriolet, Body by Bertone; S/N 69146; White/Blue leather, White piping; Blue cloth top; Estimate $335,920 – $439,280; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $310,080. – 3.2 liter/140hp V-8, 4-speed, Rudge centerlock wheels, blackwall tires – Restored a while ago and recently freshened, updated and engine rebuilt so it’s arguably better than new. Not to everyone’s taste, but for those to whom it appeals it is an important and rare piece of BMW history. – Sold by RM in Arizona in 2007 for $165,000, then given a reported $80,000 comprehensive service, engine rebuild and attention to cosmetic details that had been overlooked in the earlier restoration. A BMW 507, with the same engine rated at only 10 more horsepower, is a million bucks, but this doesn’t look like a 507 and it might have been let go at this bid with only minimal reservations.

1965 Ferrari 275 GTB, Body by Scaglietti
Lot # 105 1965 Ferrari 275 GTB, Body by Scaglietti; S/N 07743; Engine # 07743; Blue Azzuro/Dark Grey leather; Estimate $969,000 – $1,098,200; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $1,292,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $1,447,040. – Chrome spoke Borranis. – Shown at Frankfurt in 1965. Later modified to long nose in the U.S. Restored by Hietbrink in 2008 to original short nose configuration and exterior color with grey leather upholstery. Sharp, fresh and better than new outside. – Sold by RM in London in 2010 for $848,440, which is illustrative of 275 GTB values in the ensuing two and a half years.

1929 Bugatti Type 40 Roadster Luxe
Lot # 106 1929 Bugatti Type 40 Roadster Luxe; S/N 40845; Engine # 769; Black, Red/Black leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $323,000 – $387,600; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $374,680 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $419,642. – RHD. 1,496cc sohc 45hp four, 4-speed, black wire wheels, blackwall tires, rumble seat, golf bag door, rear-mounted spare, folding windshield – Represented as original chassis frame, engine and Jean Bugatti-designed Roadster Luxe coachwork. Same owner for the last three decades and presented in excellent touring condition. – A sharp contrast with comparable bodied US roadsters of the period, this Type 40 offers quick, precise handling and lightness while its American (and many British) counterparts emphasized bulk and torque. One of 13 of its type and coachwork known to survive, it is responsibly but generously priced.

1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Tourer, Body by Barker
Lot # 107 1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Tourer, Body by Barker; S/N 82OR; Engine # ZG95; Yellow, Polished Aluminum bonnet and fenders/Green leather; Estimate $439,280 – $542,640; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $310,080 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $347,290. – RHD. Polished wheel discs, dual sidemounts, blackwall tires, dual windshields, green leather covered luggage trunk, spotlight – Restored some years ago in its original configuration and livery, Lucius Beebe Trophy winner at Pebble Beach in 1999 and still good enough to show almost anywhere. Resident in Mombasa, Kenya in the Fifties. Everything a PI should be and gracefully aged so it can be driven. – The catalog recounted a charming story from one of its Mombasa owners who described how they padlocked the radiator shutters closed. ‘If the car would be stolen, it would overheat after a mile or two and not get very far.’ How reliable is a PI? Enough so it could lock up from overheating, then recover with a little fresh coolant and continue as if nothing happened. That’s Rolls-Royce reliability. Exceptional coachwork and a lovely restoration, this PI is a very good value at this price.

1962 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster
Lot # 108 1962 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster; S/N 19804210003044; Engine # 19898010003112; White (DB050), White hardtop/Burgundy leather; Burgundy cloth top; Estimate $839,800 – $1,033,600; Modified restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $1,285,540 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $1,439,805. – Two tops, disc brakes, Becker Mexico radio, power antenna, 3.25 rear axle, electronic ignition (original included), EasyDrive variable assist electric power steering, alternator, electric fan, cockpit insulation, polished alloy wheels, blackwall tires – The last iron block 300SL built. Extensively modified to make it a comfortable, relaxed high speed touring car with modern amenities and power assists. Flat panels, flush fits and even gaps, a 300SL to be proud to own and drive. – Sold by Bonhams at Geneva in 2002 for $181,015 before its extensive restoration and modifications. The result here reflects not only the exponential increase in 300SL values but also the many subtle but important enhancements built into this car that makes it one of the best of its kind. The appeal of driver-friendly cars is apparent in this 300SL. It’s not a ‘resto-mod’ but it’s close.

RM Auctions Villa d’Este 2013 – Auction Report Page Two

1968 Ferrari 365 GTC, Body by Pininfarina
Lot # 109 1968 Ferrari 365 GTC, Body by Pininfarina; S/N 11997; Engine # 11997; Black/Black leather; Estimate $633,080 – $710,600; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $678,300 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $759,696. – Chrome spoke Borrani wire wheels, A/C, Becker radio, P/W – Good paint, chrome and interior showing light wear and surface creasing. Sharp, crisp engine. Never restored, just consistently maintained with issues addressed as they became apparent. Good older paint. A sound and enjoyable GTC that appears to have had all its needs met. – Once owned by Andreas Ewert Wessel Baron Freytag von Loringhoven (how’d you like have to sign all of that on your checks.) A reassuring GTC that the bidders recognized for what it was and accorded a surprisingly reasonable price after recent 330 GTC transactions that have bent minds with their generosity. At 3/4 of a million dollars it’s hard to call this a good buy, but it’s at least not exuberant.

1947 Cisitalia 202 SMM Nuvolari Spider, Body by Garella
Lot # 110 1947 Cisitalia 202 SMM Nuvolari Spider, Body by Garella; S/N 002S; Engine # 029; Red/Black; Estimate $581,400 – $710,600; Competition restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $490,960 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $549,875. – RHD. silver painted wire wheels, dual aeroscreens, steel body – Represented as a Cisitalia factory entry in the 1947 Mille Miglia driven by Eugenio Minetti and Pero Facetti, finishing 4th overall. Later re-engined by Cisitalia. Restored in Italy in 1999, ran the Mille Miglia Retro in 2001, 2002 and 2004. Recently repainted, mechanically checked and said to be ready for another MM. – One of the earliest Cisitalia 202 SMMs, with real MM history and a near podium finish, this is an epic automobile that is a surprisingly good value even at this exalted price.

1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Berlinetta
Lot # 111 1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Berlinetta, Body by Scaglietti; S/N 16415; Engine # B2232; Dino Blue/Beige leather, Black stripes; Estimate $335,920 – $413,440; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $439,280 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $491,994. – 5-spoke alloy wheels, painted nose, pop-up lights, period radio, A/C, P/W – Three owners from new including Charles Pozzi who owned it from new until 2000 with a restoration by Pozzi and LeCoq in 1982, then cosmetically re-restored in the early 00’s and still in excellent condition. Orderly underhood. Good panel fits and gaps. Ferrari Classiche certified. – Sold by Bonhams at Monaco in 2004 for $118,807 (Euros 100,000, against Euros 340,000 today, those were the days) with just 456 fewer km on the odometer. A quality, well-maintained, known ownership Daytona at a price that makes sense today even if it is over RM’s high estimate.

1960 Riva Tritone Special Motorboat
Lot # 112 1960 Riva Tritone Special Motorboat; S/N 132; Engine # 1501, 1502; Mahogany/Ivory; Estimate $646,000 – $904,400; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $594,320. – Dual 390 cubic inch 325hp Cadillac V-8 engines, single cockpit – ‘Ribot III’ is a spectacular piece of work. Built for Achile Roncoroni, this was the most powerful motorboat built by Riva in the Sixties. Fully dressed and restored in show-boat condition. – It ruled Lake Como, and it would Tahoe or Winnipesaukee, too.

1937 Bugatti Type 57 Ventoux
Lot # 113 1937 Bugatti Type 57 Ventoux; S/N 57524; Engine # 379; Black/Tan leather; Estimate $381,140 – $516,800; Recent restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $374,680 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $419,642. – RHD. Silver wire wheels, inset covered rear spare, skirts – Special teardrop Ventoux coach 2-door sedan coachwork. Renumbered at one point in the 50’s but retains its original numbers throughout. Authenticated by Pierre Yves Laugier and David Sewell. Restored recently and in excellent touring condition with good paint, panel fits, upholstery and interior trim. The only one with this teardrop tail coachwork. – Another Bugatti with this chassis number was sold by Poulain in Paris in 2002 for $250,269 but it’s a rebody on a Rod Jolley frame with engine #232. This is the real deal, and particularly attractive, a sweet expression of the Type 57 Ventoux style. Bought reasonably, it will be an welcome participant in Bugatti events and on tours.

929 Bentley 6.5 Liter Sedanca de Ville
Lot # 114 1929 Bentley 6 1/2 Liter Sedanca de Ville, Body by H.J. Mulliner; S/N KR2687; Engine # KR2686; Beige, Brown fenders, Beige cloth roof/Brown leather; Estimate $775,200 – $904,400; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $697,680 $697,680. – RHD. Black centerlock wire wheels, dual sidemounts, black leather covered trunk, center-facing jump seats, rollup division, rear window shade, liquor cabinet, engine rebuilt to Speed Six specs with three 2-inch SU carbs — Known history from new, displayed at Olympia in October 1929. Never mixed up with bits from other Bentleys, fully documented by Clare Hay. Front seats have been recovered but the rear compartment upholstery is old, creased and comfortable, accented by abundant book-matched veneer that also extends to the chauffeur’s surroundings. Elegant and continuously maintained as needed without ever needing restoration. A choice piece of Bentley history and an elegant automobile which unfortunately suffered a small fire from some leaked gasoline during the preview. Damage was limited to blistered paint on the bonnet and it wasn’t put out of commission but it was scary. — A rare 6 1/2 survivor with its original multi-use closed coachwork. One look at this monumental automobile and it is apparent why Rolls-Royce swooped in to acquire the bankrupt estate of Bentley to protect itself from a serious competitor. The originality is impressive, but not entirely to modern collectors’ liking. It’s going to take just the right collector to appreciate this car as much as the seller does, and that collector apparently wasn’t at Villa Erba today or at least not one willing to take on the potential consequences of the preview mishap without farther consideration.

1985 Ferrari 288 GTO
Lot # 115 1985 Ferrari 288 GTO, Body by Scaglietti; S/N ZFFPA16B000054777; Engine # 92; Red/Black leather; Estimate $1,033,600 – $1,227,400; Unrestored original, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $1,111,120 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $1,244,454. – CD stereo, no A/C or P/W – Carefully and consistently maintained from new with only 34,960 km. Driver’s seat shows little wear or use. A nearly pristine example. – Ferrari’s first supercar, one that has been increasingly recognized by collectors for its raw, uninhibited nature. For some time the 288 GTO was eclipsed by later Ferrari supercars, and not helped by its resemblance to the 308 and 328. In the early 00’s they changed hands in the low $200,000’s. Those days are past and this is what it costs to acquire one now.

1954 Cisitalia 33DF Voloradente Coupe
Lot # 116 1954 Cisitalia 33DF Voloradente Coupe, Body by Aldo Brovarone; S/N 00510; White, Light Blue/Two tone Blue leather; Estimate $174,420 – $226,100; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $148,580 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $166,410. – 1,089cc/69hp inline four, dual Weber carbs, 4-speed, wire wheels, blackwall tires, Marchal fog lights – Restored in Italy in 2008 and still pristine. The leather-wrapped steering wheel is a work of art in itself. One of 15 believed built of which only three are known to survive. Fastback body with high rear deck looks like a grown up Fiat-Abarth Zagato. – A rare piece of Italian specialist history in excellent, nearly concours, condition that brought a price thoughtfully balancing its rarity and style against its modest horsepower.

RM Auctions Villa d’Este 2013 – Auction Report Page Three

1967 Lamborghini Miura P400
Lot # 117 1967 Lamborghini Miura P400, Body by Bertone; S/N 3087; Engine # 2793; Red, Silver sills/Tan leather. Brown trim; Estimate $465,120 – $542,640; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $490,960 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $549,875. – Silver centerlock alloy wheels, speedometer in miles, instruments in metric, overhead switch console, no radio – Good older restoration maintained in tidy, orderly condition, little used. – Sold by RM in London in 2007 for $420,663, Euros 291,600 at the time compared with Euros 425,600 in this transaction, an increase of 46% in Euros but only 31% in dollars reflecting shifting exchange rates.

2004 Ferrari Enzo
Lot # 118 2004 Ferrari Enzo; S/N ZFFCZ56B000138347; Red/Black leather, Red cloth; Estimate $981,920 – $1,136,960; Unrestored original, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $1,233,860 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $1,381,923. – – Assembly #55394. One owner from new, under 1,100km, impeccably maintained and freshly Ferrari Classiche certified. – Getting Classiche certification on a 9 year old car seems somewhat pointless, particularly one with <1,100 km on the clock. Sold for well over the pre-sale high estimate, a good indication of where Ferrari supercars are positioned with a wealthy bank of current collectors.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_50511" align="aligncenter" width="620"]1905 FIAT 60hp 5-Passenger Touring Lot # 119 1905 FIAT 60hp 5-Passenger Touring, Body by J.M. Quinby & Co; S/N 3003; Engine # 3003; Red, Black accent/Red leather; No top; Unrestored original, 3 condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $1,679,600. – RHD. 10.6 Liter T-head inline four rated 60 ALAM horsepower, 2,985 cm wheelbase, 100mph sprockets, bulb horn, clamshell front fenders, wicker trunk, Phare Angelicus acetylene headlights, bullseye lens kerosene sidelights, Jones speedometer – One of twenty built and the sole known survivor. Originally delivered with this coachwork to beer magnate Augustus Busch and owned by him for 30 years, then James Melton, Dr. Don Miller and Louis Biondi until 2012. Never restored and complete, as-delivered and appropriately numbered except for later wheels built to fit available tires. Upholstery and most of the paint are as-delivered. Featured at Pebble Beach in 2012. A wonderful, rare, powerful, original survivor. – 1905, that’s 108 years ago, but this FIAT is still complete and as-delivered, with all credit to the Busch family, James Melton, Don Miller and Louis Biondi for getting it through its middle years when it would have been a prime candidate for conversion to a speed car. The seller apparently thinks it’s worth more than a million-seven, and who’s to argue with that conclusion.

1962 Ferrari 400 Superamerica SWB Coupe Aerodinamico
Lot # 120 1962 Ferrari 400 Superamerica SWB Coupe Aerodinamico; S/N 3559SA; Engine # 3559SA; Metallic Blue/Cream leather; Estimate $2,454,800 – $2,971,600; Older restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $2,519,400 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $2,821,728. – Chrome spoke Borrani wire wheels, Pirelli Cinturato blackwall tires, Abarth exhaust – Excellent paint and chrome. Seats and center armrest worn and stretched. Sharp, detailed underbody and chassis. Restored in 1993 by Edi Wyss in Switzerland and still in excellent condition. Ferrari Classiche certified, Platinum Award at Cavallino Classic in 2012. Odd speedometer marked ‘Km/h’ but calibrated only to 190, a paltry 118 mph which this Superamerica will probably exceed in third gear; other instruments are calibrated in English units. From Skip Barber’s collection, better than new. – Sold by RM to Mr. Barber at Monterey in 2011 for $2,090,000, Euros 1,450,600 at the time. Today’s result is Euros 2,184,000, an increase of 50.6% in Euros, 35% in dollars. In either case this is a superior car, with exceptional restoration and meticulous details that changed hands at a representative price.

1930 Bugatti Type 46 Coupe Superprofile
Lot # 121 1930 Bugatti Type 46 Coupe Superprofile; S/N 46208; Black, Yellow/Brown Ostrich leather; Estimate $1,085,280 – $1,292,000; Rebodied or re-created, 1- condition; Hammered Sold at $775,200 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $868,224. – RHD. alloy wheels, blackwall tires, hidden spare – 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. Shows a little age and some touring use. – Sold by RM at Amelia Island in 2012 for $1,017,500, Euros 776,200 at this time, Euros 672,000 here, a drop of 17.1% in dollars, 15.5% in Euros. The coachwork’s workmanship and trimming and the car’s presentation are first rate, but that didn’t seem to make the cut with the Villa Erba bidders.

122 1953 Moretti 750 Gran Sport Berlinetta
Lot # 122 1953 Moretti 750 Gran Sport Berlinetta; S/N 1290S; Engine # 1294S; Red, Black/Black leather; Estimate $142,120 – $193,800; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $155,040 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $173,645. – 748cc dohc four, 71 horsepower, 4-speed, black painted wheels, blackwall tires, – Thoroughly restored a few years ago in Europe, in excellent cosmetic and mechanical condition. The Giovanni Michelotti-designed flying saucer derriere with taillights set inside tunnels is particularly appealing. – Sold by RM in Monaco three years ago for $201,128 and little or none the worse for the passing years, it is a sound value at this price.

1933 MG K3 Magnette
Lot # 123 1933 MG K3 Magnette; S/N K3001; Blue/Black leather; Estimate $749,360 – $904,400; Competition restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $471,580 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $528,170. – RHD. banjo spoke steering wheel, silver painted wire wheels, cycle fenders, rear-mounted spare, dual aeroscreens, headlight stoneguards – Driven by Earl Howe in the 1933 Mille Miglia, 2nd in class. Rebodied in 1934, detonated the engine in 1938 and subsequently passed from collector to collector as an unfinished restoration until 1995 when it was bought by Peter Gregory and restored by 1998, presumably with a new engine block. Historic raced since 2007 and thoroughly prepared and showing some cosmetic blemishes from use. – The MG K3 is best known for its exploits in the Mille Miglia where this car finished second in class. It is eligible for just about anything its new owner wants to attend and is an astute acquisition at this price.

1965 Ferrari 275 GTS
Lot # 124 1965 Ferrari 275 GTS; S/N 07189; Engine # 01789; Gold/Black leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $839,800 – $1,007,760; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $917,320 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $1,027,398. – Chrome spoke Borrani wire wheels, blackwall tires, FIAMM air horn – Freshly repainted in the original color and recently reupholstered by Luppi. Essentially like new, with excellent panel fits and even gaps. – Four years ago a 275 GTS was a two to three hundred thousand dollar car. Today a million is what it takes to buy a good one like this. Quite amazing.

RM Auctions Villa d’Este 2013 – Auction Report Page Four

1927 Bugatti Type 37 Grand Prix
Lot # 125 1927 Bugatti Type 37 Grand Prix; S/N 37254; Engine # 207; Black/Black leather; Estimate $969,000 – $1,292,000; Competition restoration, 3+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $943,160. – RHD. Wire wheels, cycle fenders, single left side spare, single aeroscreen, modern high output coil, headlights and taillights – Dismantled and hidden during the Japanese occupation of Singapore in WWII, subsequently reassembled with most of its original parts and regularly used since, which shows in paint chips, worn upholstery and the patina of a competent race car. Largely original body panels, original crankcase included but now runs a later piece. A Bugatti that begs to be driven some more. – The reported high bid is close enough to the low estimate that it should have been possible to make a deal that works. Highly original and correct, with a colorful SE Asian history from new until the 1970’s, this would be a welcome addition to all sort of events.

1997 Ferrari F50
Lot # 126 1997 Ferrari F50; S/N ZFFTA46B000106910; Engine # 45670; Red/Black leather, Red cloth; Estimate $542,640 – $620,160; Unrestored original, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $646,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $723,520. – Two tops with cases, manuals, tools – 12,000km from new with two owners. Ferrari Classiche certified. Recently serviced and only lightly used and aged as expected. – Depreciation is a problem with an F50. They are million dollar plus cars with negligible miles, but use them as intended and this is what happens, a quarter million dollar discount for 12,000 clicks. For a buyer who wants an F50 to drive, however, this is the right deal, and the depreciation is less than on a 599 or 612 (in percentages, anyway, if not in dollars.)

1929 Bugatti Type 44 Grand Sport 4-seat Tourer
Lot # 127 1929 Bugatti Type 44 Grand Sport 4-seat Tourer; S/N 441008; Engine # 743; Dark Blue/Tan leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $387,600 – $465,120; Rebodied or re-created, 3+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $342,380. – RHD. black wire wheels, single sidemount with strap on mirror, wind wings, cycle fenders, Marchal headlights, passenger’s side spotlight – Colorful history when it caught fire while being installed in the Auto Pub in the GM building in New York. Subsequently rebuilt and rebodied with the Grand Sport Tourer body by Wilkinson’s. Original frame, gearbox, rear axle, chassis plate and engine block. Well maintained since and in good touring condition showing its age and some use. – Offered at the Kruse auction in Scottsdale in 1996 with a reported high bid of $100,000. An extremely usable, and user-friendly, Bugatti with room for family or friends and adequate performance, it would have been a very good buy at the reported high bid here.

1989 Ferrari F40
Lot # 128 1989 Ferrari F40; S/N ZFFGJ34B000080715; Red/Red cloth; Estimate $413,440 – $490,960; Unrestored original, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $542,640 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $607,757. – – 40,000km and two owners from new, recently serviced with a cam belt change, Ferrari Classiche certified. Used as the mileage would indicate, but orderly and well-maintained. – The F40 is the last Ferrari supercar built without an array of electronic driver aids, a pure driver’s car that demands highly developed skills and meticulous attention to taking advantage of its 478 twin turbocharged horsepower. This result is representative of recent F40 values for examples with this much use, which have been climbing steadily from a low of $200-300,000 ten years ago.

1955 Lancia Aurelia B24S Spider
Lot # 129 1955 Lancia Aurelia B24S Spider, Body by Pinin Farina; S/N B24S1147; Engine # B241213; Red/Tan leather; Estimate $646,000 – $775,200; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $568,480 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $636,698. – Chrome spoke Borrani wire wheels, blackwall tires, radio – Restored in Italy to good touring standards with sound paint, good panel fits and attractive upholstery. Shows a little age and use. – After recent sales in Arizona at $800,000, this result is surprisingly modest and represents good value for the money, or maybe a return to rationality.

1953 Ferrari 340/375 MM Berlinetta Competizione
Lot # 130 1953 Ferrari 340/375 MM Berlinetta ‘Competizione’, Body by Pinin Farina; S/N 0320AM; Engine # 0320AM; Red/Tan leather; Competition restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $11,369,600 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $12,733,952. – RHD. Silver painted Borrani wire wheels, blackwall tires, sliding side windows, clear Plexiglas bug deflector, Marchal headlights and fog lights, no bumpers, 4-point belts – One of two 340s and one 375 at Le Mans in 1953, driven by Mike Hawthorn and Nino Farina, disqualified while 2nd for adding brake fluid on lap 12. The catalog says, ‘violating an obscure and old rule’ but one that was long established and well known to everyone at Le Mans. Even Ferrari can’t escape the reglement and its enforcers at la Sarthe. Later upgraded to 375 and modified with covered headlights and small rear window. First at the Pescara 12 Hours (Hawthorn/Maglioli.) 6th in the 1953 Carrera Panamericana (Ricci, replaced by Maglioli) and driven by Alberto Ascari and Luigi Villoresi in the Spa 24 Hour, bringing the Ferrari World Champion driver count in 0320AM to three (Hawthorn, Farina and Ascari.) Later returned to the original wraparound rear window and more recently to open headlights as at Le Mans 1953. – Participant in some of the most important races of the mid-Fifties, Le Mans and the Carrera Panamericana, this is one of the Ferraris that fired the imagination of today’s collectors as impressionable kids. It looks the part and pulls like a Caterpillar. Honoring a rule at Le Mans by driving twelve laps without brake fluid might seem facetious, as well as downright dangerous, but those were the rules. It is charismatic, glamorous and menacing, not to mention sounding like the percussion section in a Wagner opera. It is more car, and more imposing, than a 250 GTO, for a small fraction of the cost and brought an appropriate price here for its history and performance.

1937 SS Jaguar 100 2.5 Liter Roadster
Lot # 131 1937 SS Jaguar 100 2 1/2 Liter Roadster; S/N 18116; Black/Blue leather; Estimate $323,000 – $387,600; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $323,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $361,760. – RHD. Chrome wire wheels, driving lights, headlight, driving light and radiator stoneguards, folding windshield, dual aeroscreens, dual rear-mounted spares, fishtail exhaust, spotlight – Good recent paint and interior, good chrome. Orderly but showing age and use underhood with some modern details like hose clamps. A good touring SS 100 2 1/2 Liter. – Generously price for its 2 1/2 Liter engine and condition, this SS 100 nonetheless is a ticket to many desirable events. It would have been a better value at Euros 200,000.

2010 Ferrari 599XX
Lot # 132 2010 Ferrari 599XX; S/N ZFF69PXX000170895; Red/Black Alcantara, Red leather; Estimate $1,033,600 – $1,421,200; Unrestored original, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $1,059,440 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $1,186,573. – A/C – One of 29 evolutions of the 599GTB built, a car of such complexity and breathtaking performance that this example, housed its whole life at Ferrari, was used just once at an on track event, where apparently scared the defecation out of its owner and was never used again. Employs technological advances like magnetorheological computer controlled suspension damping and carbon ceramic brakes with a baffling array of cockpit controls. Faster around the Nordschleife than an Enzo, and eligible for the 599XX Evoluzione program that makes it even more aerodynamic and powerful. – There must be, oh, a half a dozen or so collectors who can afford $1.1 million and actually experience the performance potential of the 599XX. On the other hand, there are plenty who just want to know that kind of performance lies just a few switch tweaks and a heavy right foot away. It is ideal for the Persian Gulf where the roads are long and the speed enforcement selective. It wouldn’t be a bad entry for the Daytona 24 Hours where it would glue to the banking.

RM Auctions Villa d’Este 2013 – Auction Report Page Five

1966 Ferrari 330 GTC
Lot # 133 1966 Ferrari 330 GTC, Body by Pininfarina; S/N 09359; Engine # 09359; Silver/Blue leather; Estimate $381,140 – $458,660; Visually maintained, largely original, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $516,800 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $578,816. – Centerlock alloy wheels, P/W, Becker Grand Prix multiband radio, books, Libretto and tools – Well maintained cosmetically and recently fully mechanically rebuilt, has a desirable and honest patina. – With so many 330 GTCs being restored to beyond perfect condition, the opportunity to acquire one that hasn’t been over-restored and can actually be driven is becoming rare. This is that car, and the Villa Erba bidders considered its condition and usability thoughtfully with this modestly above-estimate price. In contrast with recent frenzy for 330 GTCs, this is a considered and realistic result.

1924 Bugatti Type 30 Torpedo
Lot # 134 1924 Bugatti Type 30 Torpedo, Body by after Lavocat & Marsaud; S/N 4289; Engine # 278; Blue/Red leather; Estimate $374,680 – $439,280; Rebodied or re-created, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $361,760 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $405,171. – RHD. Cycle fenders, rear-mounted spare, Marchal headlights, 4-wheel hydraulic brakes, Rudge-Whitworth centerlock wire wheels, blackwall tires – Originally saloon bodied and rebodied with this Lavocat et Marsaud replica Torpedo coachwork in the 1980’s. Converted to 4-wheel hydraulic brakes. Original frame, gearbox, axles, block(s), firewall and chassis plate. Well-maintained and regularly driven, its condition is more than good enough to display at the end of a long day’s tour, with solid paint and patinaed upholstery, a clean and orderly engine and crisp brightwork. – The first Bugatti production model to employ the Type 35’s inline eight-cylinder engine, a delightful combination of touring coachwork and barely tuned-down GP performance. Welcome at pretty much any event, it represents good value for the money it brought here.

1964 Ferrari 250 GT/L Lusso Berlinetta
Lot # 135 1964 Ferrari 250 GT/L Lusso Berlinetta, Body by Pininfarina; S/N 5275; Engine # 5275; Red/Beige leather; Estimate $865,640 – $994,840; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $1,124,040 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $1,258,925. – Chrome spoke Borrani wire wheels, blackwall tires – Good older paint and a succulent newer Luppi interior. Excellent bodywork and panel fits aside from two little dimples on the passenger’s door. Ferrari Classiche certified. – At the RM/Rick Cole Monterey auction in 1997 (doesn’t that sound like ancient history) this Lusso was bought for $143,000 despite its grubby carpets. It’s gotten better since. Its price is so close to an order of magnitude greater the difference is insignificant. Lussos (without celebrity ownership) have been pushing $1 million for the last two years, but this is the first to pierce the ceiling, and it’s not the best Lusso that’s been offered. This is a milestone result. The consignor must be lighting candles in gratitude.

1929 Bentley 4 1/2 Liter Open Tourer
Lot # 136 1929 Bentley 4 1/2 Liter Open Tourer, Body by Vanden Plas; S/N FB3317 (see Notes); Engine # FB3320; BRGreen/Black leather; Estimate $684,760 – $891,480; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $633,080. – RHD. Single sidemount, body color centerlock wire wheels, folding windshield, Marchal headlights, cycle fenders – Born with frame FB3317 but now with AD3671, body restored in the 70’s. Examined by W.O. Bentley expert Clare Hay who has endorsed its extensive originality. Well-used, chipped paint and worn interior give credence to its quality, history and provenance. – Bentleys are supposed to be driven, and this one has. It might be worth more all flossed and glossed but as it is it has character and charisma. It would be a sound value at the reported high bid, or even at RM’s low pre-sale estimate.

1961 Ferrari 250 GT Series II Cabriolet
Lot # 137 1961 Ferrari 250 GT Series II Cabriolet, Body by Pininfarina; S/N 2533; Engine # 2533; Red/Beige leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $878,560 – $1,007,760; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $962,540 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $1,078,045. – Chrome spoke Borrani wire wheels, blackwall tires, foglights behind the grille – Color changed from Grey/Blue leather during 1960’s restoration in Switzerland. Well maintained since, with good cosmetics and nearly unused upholstery. At some point it had a hardtop but that seems to have disappeared. Engine internal number 590E. – Sold by Brooks Auctioneers at Gstaad in 1998 for $130,336, just fifteen years ago, showing exactly the same 17,076 km on its odometer today. Neat car, but an exuberant price for it. The Euro hammer bid, but in dollars makes more sense. Over $1 million for a Ferrari produced in 202 units, even a beautiful droptop, begs comprehension.

1956 Riva Ariston 'Slughi' Motorboat
Lot # 138 1956 Riva Ariston ‘Slughi’ Motorboat; S/N 101; Mahogany/Red, Black checkerboard cloth; Estimate $232,560 – $284,240; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $193,800. – Dual cockpit, Cadillac Crusader 365 cubic inch 250hp V- with dual quads, ski ladder, wraparound windshield, spotlight – Restored with original mahogany side planking and new bottom, rebuilt original Cadillac V-8. Stored many years and progressively restored in the early 00’s. Sharp and crisply presented with excellent varnish, woodwork and upholstery. – RM sold an Ariston last year at Monaco for $144,894 and it was [under]powered by a 238/185hp Chris-Craft Chevy. This Cadillac-powered behemoth is worth more, if not the generous low estimate.

1993 Jaguar XJ220
Lot # 139 1993 Jaguar XJ220; S/N SAJJEAEX8AX220765; Le Mans Blue/Cream leather; Estimate $193,800 – $245,480; Unrestored original, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $174,420 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $195,350. – A/C, cassette stereo – One owner from new, 1,150km, a new car. – Everyone expected a V-12 from Jaguar’s highly anticipated XJ220, but it came with a high tech 4-cam twin turbo V-6. You can count the disappointment in the dollars (or Pounds or Euros) that XJ220s lag their fiercesome counterparts from Maranello and Sant’ Agata Bolognese. Awesome performance, style and accommodations and a bargain price which this example’s transaction shows.

2001 Ferrari 550 Barchetta
Lot # 140 2001 Ferrari 550 Barchetta, Body by Pininfarina; S/N ZFFZR52B000124269; Red/Black leather; Estimate $142,120 – $193,800; Unrestored original, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $174,420 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $195,350. No Reserve – CD changer, 5-spoke modular wheels, SF shields, A/C – 1,731km from new, one owner. Assembly #42927. New in all but years. – Suitable for driving only on clear, fine days (or so fast the rain, snow, sleet and cold flow over the windshield, as it did on the original Barchettas) the 550 Barchetta hasn’t gotten a happy reception by collectors. This result is representative.

[Source: Rick Carey]