RM Auctions Weiner Microcar Museum – Auction Results

The RM Auctions Bruce Weiner Microcar Museum sale was held February 15-16, 2013 in Madison, Georgia, resulting in more than $9.1 million in sales with 100 percent of lots sold.
The Bruce Weiner Microcar Museum was highlighted by the largest collection of rare microcars from the late-1940s through the early-1960s, with 200 vehicles and 284 lots of collectibles offered without reserve by RM Auctions. Bidders represented 20 countries including from as far away as Brazil, Australia and Japan, as well as from Europe and North America.
The top result at the RM Auctions Bruce Weiner Microcar Museum sale went to the 1958 F.M.R. Tg 500 “Tiger”, the rarest Messerschmitt of all and the fastest microcar ever built with a top speed of 78 mph. Attracting an opening bid of $140,000, bidding saw its price quickly escalate to a final $322,000 – a world record for a microcar sold at auction. The “Tiger” headlined a series of Messerschmitts offered across the two-day sale with prices for the group exceeding all expectations. Among other examples surpassing their pre-sale estimates were a 1955 Messerschmitt KR 200, formerly owned by American circus personality and entertainer Vic Hyde, for $115,000 (versus a pre-sale estimate of $45,000 – $55,000), and a 1957 Messerschmitt KR 201 Roadster for $103,500 (against a pre-sale estimate of $60,000 – $70,000).
Another group of pint-sized treasures attracting large bids were a pair of Peels from the Isle of Man. Measuring just 4 ft. 6 in. long by 4 ft. high and 3 ft. wide, the world’s smallest production car, a 1964 Peel P50 sold for $120,750 to applause from the crowd. Also breaking six-figures, a 1966 Peel Trident which realized $103,500. Other notable sales included a 1951 Reyonnah for $184,000, and a 1955 Inter 175A Berline for $161,000, more than four times its estimate.
“In terms of its diversity, international interest and prices realized, the Bruce Weiner Microcar Museum sale was truly unprecedented. Never before had such a large group of microcars been offered to the public at one time in one location. With many items offered for the first time in auction history, collectors reacted with enormous enthusiasm to the chance to own part of the collection, resulting in spirited bidding and prices frequently exceeding their estimates. It definitely set a new benchmark for this type of private collection sale,” said Alain Squindo, Vice President, RM Auctions.
RM Auctions Bruce Weiner Microcar Museum – Top 20 Auction Results (Includes 15% buyer’s premium)
1. 1958 F.M.R. Tg 500 ‘Tiger’ – $322,000
2. 1951 Reyonnah – $184,000
3. 1958 Goggomobil TL-400 Transporter “PEZ” – $172,500
4. 1955 Inter 175A Berline – $161,000
5. 1959 Goggomobil TL-400 Transporter Pickup “Coca-Cola”- $138,000
6. 1963 Goggomobil TL-250 Transporter “Dubble Bubble” – $132,250
7. 1955 Fuji Cabin – $126,500
8. 1964 Peel P50 – $120,750
9. 1955 Messerschmitt KR 200 “Vic Hyde” – $115,000
10. 1957 Messerschmitt KR 201 Roadster – $103,500
10. 1957 Jurisch Motoplan Prototype – $103,500
10. 1966 Peel Trident – $103,500
13. 1956 Paul Vallée – $98,900
14 1957 Iso Isettacarro – $97,750
15. 1962 Messerschmitt KR 200 Service Car – $94,875
16. 1958 BMW 600 – $92,000
16. 1959 Messerschmitt KR 200 Sport – $92,000
16. 1963 Goggomobil TL-250 Transporter “Krispy Kreme” – $92,000
16. 1959 BMW Isetta “Whatta Drag” – $92,000
20. 1956 BMW Isetta ‘Bubble Window’ Cabrio – $89,700
(See RM Auctions Bruce Weiner Microcar Museum – Complete Auction Results)
The Bruce Weiner Microcar Museum catalogue was rounded out by an eclectic assortment of collectibles, including period neon signage, rare kiddie rides, literature and delightful period vending machines and candy dispensers, all from the 1950s—the heyday of the microcar. Highlights from this segment of the sale included a large Rustler Used Cars neon sign and a “Rocket Space Ranger” kiddie ride, each selling for $44,850, almost triple their pre-sale low estimates.
“My family and I had the best time of our lives,” said Bruce Weiner following the sale. “Kudos to the RM team. Their presentation, creativity and enthusiasm was second to none. My only disappointment of the weekend is that the show had to come to an end.”
RM Auctions continues its 2013 auction schedule, March 9th with its annual Amelia Island, Florida sale held in conjunction with the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. The Company then heads to Fort Worth, Texas, April 27 to further build on its reputation as the specialist for private collection sales with the presentation of the esteemed Don Davis Collection. For more information, visit www.rmauctions.com.
[Source: RM Auctions; photo: Eugene Robertson]