Autoblog

Monterey 2010: RM auction stacked with million dollar cars

Drew Phillips — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 14:58:00 EST

2010 RM Monterey Auction - Click above for high-res image gallery

RM Auctions always reserves its most prestigious cars for Saturday night during the Monterey car week, and this year's lineup of vehicles was one of the most impressive in recent history. No less than 14 cars broke the million dollar mark, although the highlight of the auction, a 1958 Ferrari 250 TR, failed to meet its reserve price despite a $10.7 million offer on the table. Here's a rundown of the million dollar cars at the auction:

Lot 359: 1938 Talbot-Lago T150-C Lago Speciale Teardrop Coupe - $4,620,000
Lot 351: 1954 Ferrari 375 MM Berlinetta - $4,620,000
Lot 353: 1949 Delahaye Type 175 S Roadster by Saoutchik - $3,300,000
Lot 360: 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spyder - $2,612,500
Lot 347: 1955 Jaguar D-Type - $2,090,000
Lot 365: 2007 Ferrari FXX Evoluzione - $1,925,000
Lot 335: 1959 Ferrari 410 Superamerica Series III Coupe - $1,760,000
Lot 345: 1933 Packard Twelve Coupe - $1,622,500
Lot 346: 1958 Ferrari 250 GT Series I Cabriolet - $1,622,500
Lot 342: 1954 Ferrari 500 Mondial Berlinetta - $1,567,500
Lot 341: 1933 Duesenberg SJ Riviera Phaeton - $1,430,000
Lot 349: 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB/6C Alloy Berlinetta - $1,155,000
Lot 339: 1966 Ferrari 500 Superfast - $1,127,500

You can see the highlighted cars from RM's auction in the high-res gallery below.

Gallery: 2010 RM Monterey Auction

Monterey 2010: RM auction stacked with million dollar cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 15 Aug 2010 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Auction Action: Steve Saleen's pre-pro Ford GT up for grabs in Monterey

Zach Bowman — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Performance, Auctions, Ford, Celebrities

Steve Saleen's Ford GT Prototype - Click above for image gallery

Steve Saleen has apparently gotten it in his mind to auction off his personal Ford GT. While we're not exactly ones to go all star-crossed over a vehicle's ownership history, this particular car is more than a plain vanilla GT with Saleen's name on the title. In fact, the car was never titled at all because it's the fifth of nine prototype vehicles built before GT production got off of the ground in 2005. The car started life dipped in yellow, but received the blue on white treatment at some later point in history.

If the paint doesn't do anything for you, the fact that the car reportedly wears a hand-built twin-screw supercharger should. Supposedly, Saleen's GT was the only of the nine prototypes to receive the blessing of forced induction. The car currently has 4,000 miles on the odometer thanks to a lengthy stint in PR and a few movie appearances in the likes of The Fast and the Furious and Rocky Balboa - that's got to be worth something, right?

If Saleen's supercar sounds like something you wouldn't mind sticking in the garage, you'll need to check out the Russo and Steele auction at Monterey this weekend.

Gallery: Steve Saleen's Ford GT Prototype

[Source: Russo and Steele via Automobile]

Auction Action: Steve Saleen's pre-pro Ford GT up for grabs in Monterey originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Aug 2010 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercury Messenger Concept up on the block at RM Auctions

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Auctions, Mercury

2003 Mercury Messenger Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

"Mercury is a brand sending a message that modern design will lead its rejuvenation. Mercury is returning to its roots as a design leader introducing the Messenger concept, a distinctive and energetic high-performance two-seat sports coupe." So said Ford's former interplanetary brand when it introduced the Mercury Messenger at the 2003 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Needless to say, that hoped-for rejuvenation never actually panned out.

As much as we'd like to say that Ford spent a few hundred million giving Mercury a much-needed halo car instead of shuttering the brand entirely, it didn't happen and the reality is that the eight generation of the Mercury Cougar went on to be the last non-Ford-based automobile ever to roll off the showroom floor. Sad, no?

Perhaps all is not lost, however. According to Automotive Traveler, the 2003 Mercury Messenger Concept is about to go under the gavel at the RM Auction during the festivities at Pebble Beach on August 13 and 14. Proceeds from the sale will benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Because the car was nothing more than a styling exercise, there's no drivetrain in the Messenger... but we'd like to think that some willing participant will find a way to make it all go down the road with a brand spankin' new 5.0-liter V8 underhood.

Gallery: 2003 Mercury Messenger Concept

[Source: Automotive Traveler via Hooniverse]

Mercury Messenger Concept up on the block at RM Auctions originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Aug 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Queen Elizabeth II's 1984 Daimler Double Six LWB up for auction

Noah Joseph — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Auctions, Jaguar, Specialty, Luxury

Queen Elizabeth II's 1984 Daimler Double Six Long-Wheelbase Saloon - Click above for high-res image gallery

The list of accolades and honorifics attributed to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II goes on for miles. Not only is she the Queen of England, Great Britain and the United Kingdom - the longest-serving monarch in their respective histories, at that - but she's also the reigning queen of an additional 15 sovereign nations and the head of state for 54 members of the commonwealth. She's head of the Church of England, titular commander-in-chief of the British Armed Forces, Lord High Admiral of the Royal Navy and, for some strange reason, Admiral of Nebraska. (Seriously. Look it up.) Her Majesty is also a keen driver, having driven ambulances during the Second World War, known to change tires on her own (how many monarchs can say that?) and is still seen driving herself around on occasion. And for several years, this was her car.

This Daimler Double Six Long-Wheelbase Saloon (the upscale version of the Jaguar XJ12) was built by Jaguar for Her Majesty's use in 1984. Before its delivery to Buckingham Palace, it underwent over 2,000 miles of testing to iron out any kinks, after which it became the Queen's personal vehicle, transporting her an enumerable dignitaries - princes, princesses and prime ministers - to various events and in between palaces and estates across the kingdom. Elizabeth II was known to drive it herself much of the time, blissfully immune as she is to any traffic offenses.

The specially built luxury saloon was equipped with a long list of special features, from special communications systems and flashing lights to a rear bench requested by the Queen to accommodate her pet dogs. During its service and ever since, it's been maintained exclusively by Jaguar and the royally-appointed garage, Guy Salmons in Royal Ascot Berkshire, undergoing regular VIP maintenance to keep it in as-new condition. Following its retirement from active service, it was returned to the Jaguar Heritage Museum Browns Lane where it has remained since.

Jaguar is now putting it up for auction at the hands of RM Auctions during Pebble Beach weekend in Monterey, California. It's the first time a royal limousine has been offered for sale publicly in the United States, and, as Jaguar says it will never offer another again, very well may be the last. At least, until Bentley sells off any of those bio-fueled limos. Follow the jump for full details in the press release, and check out the images in the gallery below for a closer look.

Gallery: Queen Elizabeth II's 1984 Daimler Double Six Long-Wheelbase Saloon

[Source: RM Auctions]

Continue reading Queen Elizabeth II's 1984 Daimler Double Six LWB up for auction

Queen Elizabeth II's 1984 Daimler Double Six LWB up for auction originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Jul 2010 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Concept cars highlight Ford-only day of RM's Monterey auction

Drew Phillips — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 17:05:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Auctions, Ford

2004 Ford Mustang GT-R Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

The RM auction is always one of our favorite events during the Monterey classic car week, and this year's looks to be one of the best yet. In fact, there are so many vehicles up for grabs that RM has scheduled an additional auction day featuring just Fords. Some historically-important vehicles will cross the block, including a 1903 Ford Model A and a 1962 Lincoln Continental used by John F. Kennedy.

Ford Motor Company itself will auction off some vehicles itself, including eighteen concept cars built from 2000 to 2004. Among the notable vehicles on the list are the 2001 Lightning Rod Concept, the 2001 Forty Nine Concept, the 2003 Supercharged Thunderbird Concept and the 2004 Lincoln Mark X Concept. Our favorite? The Mustang GT-R Concept that made its debut at the 2004 New York Auto Show. Ford will donate the proceeds of the sale to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and The Children's Center.

You can read more about the Ford-only auction day in the press release after the jump, or head over to RM's website to see a full list of vehicles up for sale.

Gallery: 2004 Ford Mustang GT-R Concept

Gallery: 2004 Lincoln Mark X Concept

Gallery: 2003 Ford Supercharged Thunderbird Concept

[Source: RM Auctions]

Continue reading Concept cars highlight Ford-only day of RM's Monterey auction

Concept cars highlight Ford-only day of RM's Monterey auction originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 17 Jul 2010 17:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RM Auctions buys Kruse's Indiana Auction Park

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 15:37:00 EST

Filed under: Auctions

Kruse auctions' year-long trek to the abyss continues apace. In 2009, Dean V. Kruse's troubles flared up in Indiana due to mounting lawsuits from consignors who were never paid after their cars were sold, as well as banks that hadn't been paid for credit or loans. A $1.3 million judgment against Kruse and a repossession of his private jet followed soon after, and last month Kruse had his Indiana auction license revoked. Although Kruse could have petitioned to get his Indiana Auction Park location license back after two years, the 235-acre parcel has instead been sold to RM Auctions.

In what looks like a seamless handoff, RM will simply take over what Kruse started forty years ago, hosting classic and custom car auctions along with the Auburn, Cord, Duesenberg Festival over Labor Day weekend. The move will keep a good thing going and has hopefully made things better for Kruse himself; perhaps he can now focus on his court issues in Indiana and Arizona. Hat tip to Ric

[Source: Sports Car Market]

RM Auctions buys Kruse's Indiana Auction Park originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 03 Jul 2010 15:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RM to offer 1958 Ferrari 250 TR at Monterey auction

Drew Phillips — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Auctions, Ferrari

1958 Ferrari 250 TR #0738 - Click above for high-res image gallery

The various auctions that happen during the Monterey car week have been slowly releasing the list of cars that will be up for bid, and from the looks of it there should be some very impressive automobiles finding new owners. A new addition to that list is a 1958 Ferrari 250 TR being sold through RM Auctions, perhaps topping Mecum's 1959 Ferrari 250 GT TdF as the most significant car available. In fact, RM is calling the car the most important ever offered at its Monterey auction, which is this year celebrating its 25th anniversary.

This particular TR is just one of 21 "Pontoon Fender" 250 Testarossas ever built. It has an extensive racing history in South America, and for the past 14 years has competed in various vintage racing events. While it might not reach the record-breaking $12.2 million paid for another 250 TR last year, we expect a very healthy seven figure price tag. Hit the jump for the press release from RM and browse through the high-res image gallery below.

Gallery: 1958 Ferrari 250 TR #0738

[Source: RM Auctions]

Continue reading RM to offer 1958 Ferrari 250 TR at Monterey auction

RM to offer 1958 Ferrari 250 TR at Monterey auction originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Jun 2010 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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James Bond's 1964 Aston Martin DB5 expected to top $5 Million at auction

Noah Joseph — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 14:56:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Auctions, Aston Martin

James Bond's 1964 Aston Martin DB5 - Click above for high-res image mega gallery

The mantle of "world's most famous car" is a heavy one indeed. But if any single automobile ever created deserved the honorific, surely it's the 1964 Aston Martin DB5 used on-screen in the production of the iconic 007 films Goldfinger and Thunderball. And in case you were disappointed at having missed the opportunity to get your hands on one of the stunt cars, the real thing is now up for grabs in London, where RM and Sotheby's will be auctioning it off to the highest bidder.

The car in question was prepared by Aston Martin for use in the Bond films. After that it went back to the manufacturer, which then sold it to radio host and philanthropist Jerry Lee, who's been holding onto it for the past 40+ years. In pursuit of his charitable work, Lee is finally putting the car up for sale, with bids expecting to top $5 million when it goes under the hammer on October 27.

One of only two made and the only one still in existence, the custom DB5 comes packed with all the extras the Q-Branch installed for Bond's use, from the revolving license plates and tracking device to the oil slick dispenser and smoke screen. You can check out all the details in the press release after the jump, along with the 100+ high-resolution image gallery that very well might be the largest we've ever compiled. Oh, and do be careful, Bond.

Gallery: James Bond's 1964 Aston Martin DB5

[Source: RM Auctions]

Continue reading James Bond's 1964 Aston Martin DB5 expected to top $5 Million at auction

James Bond's 1964 Aston Martin DB5 expected to top $5 Million at auction originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Jun 2010 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RM Auctions sells 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO for reported $18 million

Drew Phillips — Sun, 16 May 2010 11:06:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Auctions, Ferrari

1963 Ferrari 250 GTO #4675GT - Click above for high-res image gallery

Back in February we reported that RM Auctions was conducting a private treaty sale for a coveted 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO worth an estimated $16-20 million. This past week, the auction house announced that they had found a buyer for the car, but released limited details on the sale.

According to The Sun, however, the buyer is none other than British radio host Chris Evans, who also paid more than $10 million for a 1961 Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder at an RM auction. The 250 GTO tops his previous purchase, though, at a reported £12 million (or approximately $18 million USD). Apparently, Evans had to sell three other Ferraris in his collection to make the purchase, and he plans to drive the car on the road.

While that's a lot of money, Evans' car actually wound up costing less than some other 250 GTOs. For instance, another recent example that traded hands was rumored to have a $28.5 million price tag. To top all those, a 1936 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic was purchased for $30 to $40 million earlier this month, making it the most expensive car of all time. Hit the jump for the press release from RM and check out Evans' latest toy in the gallery below.

Gallery: 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO chassis #4675GT

[Source: RM Auctions, The Sun]

Continue reading RM Auctions sells 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO for reported $18 million

RM Auctions sells 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO for reported $18 million originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 16 May 2010 11:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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$3.8M 1962 Ferrari Superamerica boosts record $45 Million at RM Auctions in Monaco

Noah Joseph — Wed, 05 May 2010 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Auctions, Ferrari

1962 Ferrari 400 Superamerica Cabriolet Pininfarina SWB - Click above for high-res image gallery

Call it a sign that the recession is abating, or count it as an indicator that, for the extremely wealthy, the recession hardly ever crossed their minds. But any way you cut it, classic Ferraris continue to fetch record prices at auction. And exceptional though it was, this past weekend's Sporting Classics of Monaco event, held by Canadian firm RM Auctions, was no exception.

The event marked the first time that the venerable auction house - a growing force to be reckoned with on the classic car scene - held an event during the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique. Yet RM still managed to rake in a mind-blowing €33,235,917 ($45 million), matching the all-time record for single-day auction results, which RM itself set in Maranello in May 2007.

The headline results were boosted by the sale of a rare 1962 Ferrari 400 Superamerica Cabriolet Pininfarina SWB, which went for a high bid of €2,800,000 ($3.8 million), exceeding its estimate and fetching the highest price ever paid for such an example. Several other Ferraris went for seven-figure prices as well, including a 1957 250 GT Tour de France ($3.2M), a 1959 250 GT California Spyder ($2.8M), and a pair of mid-60s-era 275 GTBs that each fetched a million and change.

The rare Prancing Horses were joined by such other notable examples as a 1960 Maserati Birdcage ($3.3M), a 1930 Alfa Romeo 6C Zagato Spider ($1.2M), a Le Mans-spec '63 Shelby Cobra 289 ($1M) and a whole slew of Rolls-Royce classics. Follow the jump to delve further into the auction results, and check out the high-resolution images of the headline Superamerica in the gallery below.

Gallery: 1962 Ferrari 400 Superamerica Cabriolet Pininfarina SWB, s/n 3309 SA

[Source: RM Auctions]

Continue reading $3.8M 1962 Ferrari Superamerica boosts record $45 Million at RM Auctions in Monaco

$3.8M 1962 Ferrari Superamerica boosts record $45 Million at RM Auctions in Monaco originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 May 2010 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Stunning 1960 Maserati Birdcage up for grabs at RM Monaco

Drew Phillips — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Auctions, Maserati, Racing

1960 Maserati Tipo 61 Birdcage - Click above for high-res image gallery

While perhaps not as well known or instantly recognizable as the Ferrari 250 TR or the Jaguar D-Type, the Maserati Tipo 61 Birdcage is one of great racecars in that same era. Named for its intricate tubular space frame, the Birdcage was built by Maserati as a privateer racecar. With a weight of just over 1300 pounds and 250 horsepower from the 2.9-liter inline four, the little Maserati proved to be a force to be reckoned with on the racetrack. The car's most famous wins include victories at the 1960 and 1961 at the Nurburgring 1000km race.

With just 17 built, the Tipo 61 Birdcage is a rare and desirable collector car, and it's big news when one comes up for sale. RM Auctions, however, has announced that one will be offered at their upcoming Monaco auction next month, and prominent car collectors are sure to take note. The car, chassis #2470, was originally raced in the United States throughout the 1960s with great success before being sold to a European owner in the 1970s. The current owner purchased the car in 2004 and has competed in several vintage racing events since. According to RM, this particular Birdcage is one of the most original in existence and even comes with a spare racing engine in addition to the original motor. The estimated price? €2,400,000 to €2,600,000. Hit the jump for more details on the Tipo 61 Birdcage and a detailed history of the particular example up for sale courtesy of RM.

Gallery: 1960 Maserati Tipo 61 Birdcage

[Source: RM Auctions | Image: RM Auctions, Michael Zumbrunn]

Continue reading Stunning 1960 Maserati Birdcage up for grabs at RM Monaco

Stunning 1960 Maserati Birdcage up for grabs at RM Monaco originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Apr 2010 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RM to auction huge collection of muscle cars in Southern California

Drew Phillips — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 09:39:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Auctions

RM's Classic Muscle & Modern Performance Auction Cars - Click above for high-res image gallery

Muscle car fans and collectors take note - make sure to put June 19th down on your schedule. That's the day that RM Auctions has set to schedule off a private muscle car collection in San Diego, and more than 80 fine examples of American iron will be looking for new homes.

The auction will be highlighted by some of the performance icons of the muscle car era including an ultra rare 1969 Chevrolet Corvette L88, a 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle LS6 Convertible, a 1969 Pontiac GTO Judge, a 1970 Boss 429 Mustang and a pair of 1969 Camaro Z28s. The best part? All of the cars will be offered at no reserve. You can read more details about the auction in the press release after the jump or head over to RM's web site for the full list of cars up for sale.

Gallery: RM Classic Muscle & Modern Performance Auction

[Source: RM Auctions, Image courtesy of RM Auctions / Darin Schnabel]

Continue reading RM to auction huge collection of muscle cars in Southern California

RM to auction huge collection of muscle cars in Southern California originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Apr 2010 09:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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She's a Real Duesy: 1930s Model J Duesenbergs fetch millions at RM Amelia Island

Noah Joseph — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 09:59:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Auctions

Duesenberg Model J by Murphy: 1930 Sport Berline (above), 1932 convertible (below) - Click for high-res image galleries

Recession? What recession? You certainly wouldn't know it from looking at the latest crop of results from the auction floor, where millions of dollars continue to change hands between collectors for some of the finest pieces of rolling artwork ever to grace tarmac. Especially when the vehicles in question trace their roots back to the Great Depression itself.

At RM's recent Amelia Island event, a pair of early-30s Duesenbergs from the estate of one Mr. John O'Quinn brought in some big bucks. Both were Model Js with coachwork by Murphy and 265-horsepower 420-cubic-inch straight-eights with four valves per cylinder mated to three-speed transmissions.

The first, a 1930 saloon, eclipsed early estimates (which placed the hammer price between $1.2 and 1.5 million) by fetching an outstanding $1,705,000 at auction. The second, a 1932 convertible, fetched a still remarkable $800,000, closer to the bottom end of its pre-auction estimates which ranged from $800k to $1 million.

When, as RM points out, you consider that an average family sedan in that era cost about $500, the $20,000 sticker price on a new coachbuilt Duesenberg in its day equates to about a million today with inflation - think of it as the Bugatti of its time and you're right on track. In fact, along with the likes of Rolls-Royce and Hispano-Suiza, that's exactly who E.L. Cord had in mind when he acquired Duesenberg and added it to his empire that already included his namesake brand as well as Auburn and the Checker Cab, delivering the first customer Model Js just months before the stock market crashed. Follow the jump for more history on each of the models from the auctioneer.

Gallery: 1930 Duesenberg Model J Sport Berline by Murphy

Gallery: 1932 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Coupe by Murphy

[Source: RM Auctions]

Continue reading She's a Real Duesy: 1930s Model J Duesenbergs fetch millions at RM Amelia Island

She's a Real Duesy: 1930s Model J Duesenbergs fetch millions at RM Amelia Island originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Mar 2010 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Three classic Ferraris break the million-dollar mark at Amelia Island

Noah Joseph — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 18:06:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Auctions, Ferrari

1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 Berlinetta - Click above for high-res image gallery

While the iconic 250 series of 1960s-era Ferraris - including the GTO, California Spyder and Testa Rossa - continue to break records at auction, the models that followed are quickly catching up, as those who lusted after them in their wonder years are coming up with the cash to acquire them today. As with any great collector cars, the more perfect and more rare the specimen, the more it'll fetch at auction.

Case in point, three classic Ferraris hovering around the 40-year-old mark each sold for seven figures last week at the RM Auctions Amelia Island event in Florida. One example, a rare Daytona Spyder once owned by Edsel Ford II, brought in $1,017,500 - safely inside the $1-1.25 million estimate range. Another, an alloy-bodied 275 GTB/4 in stunning copper, which was purchased new by Luigi Chinetti and displayed at the 1967 New York Auto Show, went for $1,265,000 - a little short of its estimate. It was bested, however, by a meticulously-restored, concours-winning 275 that greatly exceeded its estimate with a $1,650,000 winning bid.

Along with the headline-catching Duesenbergs, these classic cavallinos helped RM achieve an 88% sale rate at Amelia Island, accounting for over $19 million in sales. Further details in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: 1972 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Spyder, ex-Edsel Ford II

Gallery: 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 Alloy Berlinetta, ex-Luigi Chinetti

Gallery: 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 Berlinetta

[Source: RM Auctions]

Continue reading Three classic Ferraris break the million-dollar mark at Amelia Island

Three classic Ferraris break the million-dollar mark at Amelia Island originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 21 Mar 2010 18:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Unique 1937 BMW 328 Mille Miglia to highlight RM's Monaco auction

Drew Phillips — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 19:43:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Auctions, BMW

1937 BMW 328 Mille Miglia "Büegelfalte" - Click above for high-res image gallery

Built for the five years before WWII, BMW's sleek 328 roadster is coveted for both its beauty and rarity. Fewer than five hundred were made, and the car featured an advanced tube frame chassis, independent front suspension and a 2.0-liter inline-6 producing 80 horsepower. That might not sound like much, but the 328 weighed just 1830 pounds and could top 100 mph.

The car you see here is a one-off 328 roadster built specifically to race in the 1940 Mille Miglia. In an effort to improve the car's performance, BMW designer Wilhelm Mayrhofer created an especially lightweight and aerodynamic body welded to the tube frame, allowing the engine and drivetrain to sit lower for a better center of gravity. Its design influence can be felt even today, specifically with the 2006 BMW Mille Miglia Concept Coupe.

Seized by the Russians after WWII, the 328 Mille Miglia Büegelfalte spent several years in Eastern Europe, although it was in BMW's care for many years as well. The current owner purchased the car in 2001, and is now offering it for sale at RM's Monaco auction on May 1. Hit the jump for more details on the car or browse through the beautiful high-res gallery below.

Gallery: 1937 BMW 328 Mille Miglia Büegelfalte

Continue reading Unique 1937 BMW 328 Mille Miglia to highlight RM's Monaco auction

Unique 1937 BMW 328 Mille Miglia to highlight RM's Monaco auction originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 27 Feb 2010 19:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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1964 Shelby Cobra factory race car up for sale at Amelia Island

Drew Phillips — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 16:55:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Auctions

1964 Shelby Cobra CSX2557 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Last month RM Auctions offered up the 427 Cobra prototype at its annual auction in Phoenix, and although it failed to meet reserve price, the final bid of nearly $1.5 million signified the importance of the car. Fortunately for car collectors who still want to add a notable Shelby to their garage will have the chance at RM's auction next month. A 1964 Shelby Cobra, chassis CSX2557, will be crossing the block during the sale coinciding with the Amelia Island Concours on March 13.

Just one of 42 289-powered racecars and one of only six "cutback door" factory team cars, CSX2557 was built to race in the U.S. Road Racing Championships (USRRC). Much of the design foreshadowed the later 427 Cobras like the widened fenders, larger intakes and side exhaust pipes. Although this particular car had a limited race history in the hands of Shelby, it is one of the most original examples in existence and is in excellent condition thanks to a restoration in the mid-1990s. You can read more about the history of CSX2557 and the other Cobra racecars after the jump.

Gallery: 1964 Shelby Cobra CSX2557

[Source: RM Auctions]

Continue reading 1964 Shelby Cobra factory race car up for sale at Amelia Island

1964 Shelby Cobra factory race car up for sale at Amelia Island originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Feb 2010 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ultra-rare 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO up for sale by RM Auctions... will it set a record?

Drew Phillips — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 16:56:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Classics, Auctions, Ferrari

1963 Ferrari 250 GTO #4675GT - Click above for high-res image gallery

Very rarely does a Ferrari 250 GTO come up for sale, and if it does, you'll probably never hear about it. Most sales are done behind closed doors, and the amount of said transactions are almost never disclosed to the public. That's just part of the mystique behind the world's most valuable car, and it's partially why the cars are so coveted. Just 36 examples were built between 1962 and 1963, each still in existence and easily carrying an eight-figure price tag. A few years ago, a 250 GTO supposedly changed hands for nearly $30 million, but no one can completely confirm the rumor.

We will, however, have more details about the next sale of a 250 GTO. RM Auctions have announced that they will be doing a "private treaty sale" of 1963 250 GTO chassis #4675GT. The car has been in possession of its current Japanese owner, Yoshiho Matsuda, since 1996 (a low point for the value of the car compared to the high prices of the late 1980s), and it has an extensive racing history.

We saw the car at the Pebble Beach Concour d'Elegance back in 2004, and while its Series II bodywork isn't quite as stunning as earlier models, it's still an extraordinarily beautiful car. If you've got millions of dollars just sitting around, now is the time to break out the checkbook and buy your very own rolling piece of V12-powered Italian artwork. Hit the jump for the official press release from RM or click the high-res gallery below for a beautiful studio shot plus several of our photographs from our 2004 encounter with the car.

Gallery: 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO chassis #4675GT

Non-Studio Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: RM Auctions]

Continue reading Ultra-rare 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO up for sale by RM Auctions... will it set a record?

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1964 Shelby Cobra Flip-Top fails to meet reserve at RM auction

Drew Phillips — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 18:05:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Performance, Auctions

1964 Shelby Cobra 427 Flip-Top - Click above for a high-res image gallery

With the exception of the 1995 Ford GT90 Concept, which was unfortunately pulled from the sale, the highlight of RM's Arizona auction this year was undoubtedly the 1964 Shelby Cobra 427 "Flip-Top." The car served as the prototype for the legendary 427 Cobra, and is the only Cobra to feature a clamshell design. It's also quite a beast of a car, with the 427-cubic-inch V8 pushing out 623 horsepower. Without a doubt, it commanded the entire room's attention when it drove onto the block.

Although RM didn't list an estimated price, we fully expected the car to reach into the seven figures. The Flip-Top Cobra doesn't exactly have a legendary racing history, but any one-off 427 Cobra is worth gobs of cash in our book. Bidding quickly passed the million-dollar mark but ultimately stalled out at $1,450,000. It wasn't quite enough to meet the reserve price, so it looks like the Flip-Top will be staying with its current owner for now. You can read more about the car and its history in the description from RM Auctions after the jump.

Gallery: 1964 Shelby Cobra 427 Flip-Top

Continue reading 1964 Shelby Cobra Flip-Top fails to meet reserve at RM auction

1964 Shelby Cobra Flip-Top fails to meet reserve at RM auction originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 23 Jan 2010 18:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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British cars kick off RM's 2010 Arizona auction

Drew Phillips — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 12:57:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Auctions

2010 RM Arizona Auction Thursday Night - Click above for high-res image gallery

RM continues to play a larger role in the auction weekend here in Arizona, adding an additional day of sales for this year that exclusively features British cars. That meant an evening full of saloons, drophead coupes and plenty of classic roadsters. And it's spelled litre, not liter.

There were British cars from most of the major marques - AC, MG, Jaguar, Bentley, Rolls-Royce and, of course, Aston Martin. There were literally dozens of classic Aston Martins up for grabs ranging from a 1931 1 1/2-Litre International 2/4-Seater to a 1966 DB6 Vantage.

The most important car of the night, however, was a gorgeous 1963 Aston Martin DB4 GT (above), one of just six lightweight models ever built. RM estimated that the car would sell for as much as seven figures, and it did just that with a hammer price (excluding auction fees) of $910,000. You can view our live photos in the high-res gallery below, and be sure to check back here for more coverage of the second night that will include the 1995 Ford GT90 Concept and the 1964 Shelby Cobra 427 Prototype.

Gallery: 2010 RM Arizona Auction Thursday Night

British cars kick off RM's 2010 Arizona auction originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Jan 2010 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog storms into Arizona for auction week

Drew Phillips — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Auctions

2010 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction Preview - Click above for high-res image gallery

What a week to be in Arizona. Governor Jan Brewer declared a state of emergency yesterday following the worst storm that AZ has seen in decades, and not only are we spending the next several days here, but we're actually going to be in a tent most of the time. Granted, Barrett-Jackson's tent is the largest ever built by man and can probably withstand quite a storm, but for some reason that doesn't make us feel much better.

Even so, the flooding, 50-mph wind gusts and tornadoes (yes, there was actually a tornado warning in Phoenix last night) won't stop us from covering the annual auction week here in Scottsdale. It took a six-hour, white knuckle drive from Los Angeles, but we're here and ready to soak in more fine classic cars than most people will see in their lifetime. We'll be covering all the highlights from the Barrett-Jackson and RM auctions this weekend. Be sure to check back during the next few days for our live coverage, keep an eye on this page for updates, and browse through our preview gallery below.

Gallery: 2010 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction Preview

Autoblog storms into Arizona for auction week originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Jan 2010 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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