RM Auctions – 2014 Monterey Auction

• RM Auctions offers the first of only three 1964 Ferrari 275 GTB/C Speciales, chassis 06701, at its flagship Monterey, California sale, August 15-16
• With its two sibling cars unlikely to ever become available, 06701’s offering is a historic and unrepeatable opportunity to acquire one of the world’s most important automobiles
• Exceptional 275 GTB/C Speciale leads a unparalleled selection of 120 blue-chip automobiles at RM’s highly anticipated Monterey sale
• Complete digital catalogue available online at www.rmauctions.com

LOS ANGELES, California (July 18, 2014) – Few automobiles possess such incredible desirability that their offering at auction sends shockwaves through the global collector community. Even fewer are so extraordinarily rare, fast and beautiful that they attain legendary status. The 1964 Ferrari 275 GTB/C Speciale, chassis 06701, is one such car. The headline attraction for RM Auctions’ flagship Monterey sale, held August 15-16 during the world-famous Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance week, it will command the attention of the world’s most discerning collectors, and comfortably achieve eight-figures, when it crosses the podium in California next month.

“06701’s almost unbelievable rarity and high performance are matched only by its stunning good looks. Simply put, this is one of the most important Ferraris in the world, and absolutely one of the most important motor cars ever to come to auction,” says Shelby Myers, Senior Specialist, RM Auctions. “These cars were a clear evolution of the GTO concept, one of which set a record at Le Mans that stands to this day. 06701’s two sister cars are in highly respected private collections, from which they will certainly not emerge in the near future. This sale is unquestionably an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” comments Myers.

06701 is the first of only three Berlinetta Competizione cars built by Ferrari for FIA homologation and factory development to compete at the highest levels in endurance racing. Each vehicle was uniquely hand-built, and all three were fitted with super-lightweight aluminum bodywork and powered by a type 213/Comp dry-sump engine topped with six Weber carburetors, as first seen in the 250 LM. While one of its sibling cars, chassis 06885, illustrated the model’s dominance on the track, winning its class at Le Mans, 06701 was amazingly used as a road car from new.

06701 has enjoyed distinguished provenance from the very day it was constructed. Its first owner was a successful businessman who used it as a road car before one of the subsequent owners maintained the vehicle for a remarkable 25 years. It later passed onto renowned Ferrari collector, Brandon Wang. During his ownership, 06701 proved highly competitive in various historic events, including the International Festival at Goodwood, Tutte Le Ferrari in Mugello, and later, the 1997 Tour Auto, where it was piloted by Derek Hill, with his father, 1961 Formula One World Champion Phil Hill, serving as navigator.

Following a restoration which saw the car refinished in its striking, current two-tone silver and grey color scheme, which it wore very early in its life, 06701 came into the ownership of its current, well respected custodian. It has been occasionally displayed at selected events worldwide, including the 2002 FCA National Concours and the 2005 Cavallino Classic. No stranger to the Monterey Peninsula, it also took to the track at Laguna Seca in 2005 for the Monterey Historics.

“06701 is a car whose appearance at auction will almost certainly never happen again, particularly since its two sibling cars are highly unlikely to come to public market. One car, chassis 06885, has been owned since 1970 by noted enthusiast Preston Henn, who has clearly stated that he intends to continue enjoying the jewel of his collection, which some speculate may be the first motor car of any kind to sell for the magic ‘nine-figure’ mark, should it ever become available,” adds auctioneer Max Girardo. “The third and final car of the series, chassis 07185, is also part of a prominent private collection and very unlikely to come up for sale in the near future.”

06701 leads an unparalleled lineup of blue-chip automobiles at RM Auctions’ highly anticipated Monterey sale. A tradition spanning more than 25 years, the 2013 event generated an extraordinary $125 million, entering the history books as the highest-grossing collector car auction of all time. This year’s sale, headlined by the 275 GTB/C Speciale, is expected to eclipse this figure.

For further information on RM’s upcoming Monterey sale or to view the complete digital catalogue, please visit www.rmauctions.com or call +1 519 352 4575.

Revered Ferrari 250 LM leads superlative roster of Italian Sports Cars at RM’s flagship Monterey Sale

Posted: 12.06.2014
Source: RM Auctions

Monterey

• RM Auctions announces a legendary 1964 Ferrari 250 LM by Scaglietti as the latest multi-million-dollar highlight for its flagship Monterey sale, August 15–16 in California
• 250 LM leads a superb roster of no less than 26 Ferraris at RM’s two-day sale; additional new entries include a 1953 250 Europa and a 1963 400 SA LWB Coupe Aerodinamico Series II
• RM joins in Maserati’s 100^th anniversary celebrations, presenting no less than four examples from the luxury Italian marque
• Frequently updated list of entries available online at www.rmauctions.com

BLENHEIM, Ontario (June 12, 2014) – RM Auctions, the world’s largest collector car auction house for investment-quality automobiles, is delighted to announce a legendary 1964 Ferrari 250 LM as the latest premier offering for its flagship Monterey sale. The zenith of 1960s vintage Ferrari collecting, the rare and ultra-desirable 250 LM leads a superb roster of Italian sports cars slated for the RM sale, returning August 15–16 to California’s Monterey Peninsula.

A terrific example of Ferrari’s first mid-engine car, the 1964 Ferrari 250 LM on offer was the 19^th of just 32 examples built. Completed in July 1964, it was sold new through Luigi Chinetti Motors to Modern Classic Motors in Reno, Nevada, for personal use by dealership owner and casino mogul William Fisk Harrah. Unlike other examples, which were immediately put to competition use, Harrah elected to use the purebred racing car exclusively as a road car. He drove the car sparingly during his two years of ownership, accruing only 800 miles before passing it on to its second owner, Dr. Hart Isaacs, of Beverly Hills, who displayed the car at the 19^th annual Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in 1969. The car passed through a well-documented string of owners over the ensuing years and was lightly campaigned at various historic racing and concours events, including the Goodwood Revival, before being reunited with its original engine. Recently restored to original factory specifications and certified by Ferrari Classiche, it was shown at the XIII Palm Beach Cavallino Classic in January 2014, where it received The Ferrari Classiche Cup and the award for the most outstanding 12-cylinder Ferrari at the show. A multi-million-dollar entry for RM’s upcoming sale, its offering presents a significant opportunity to acquire an example of one of the most legendary Ferraris of all time (Estimate available upon request).

“The 250 LM is an absolutely incredible car—rarer than a GTO, it is truly one of the greatest sports racing cars ever made. I’ve had the pleasure of driving these cars, and they are downright exhilarating. With the V-12 engine roaring behind you, it is a very poised, balanced, and thrilling ride,” says Max Girardo, Managing Director, RM Auctions, Europe.

“The 250 LM consigned to our Monterey sale is particularly special not only because it’s Classiche certified but also because it was driven on open Nevada roads. One can only imagine the sight of that throaty V-12 blaring through the city streets, past the typical American cars of the mid-1960s, wearing Nevada license plates no less. It’s a great privilege to offer this legendary Ferrari at our upcoming Monterey auction, where we expect it will comfortably rank among the top sales of the week,” Girardo adds.

Cementing RM’s global leadership in the presentation of Ferraris at auction— holding seven of the top ten all-time auction records for the marque—the 250 LM will be joined in Monterey by the previously announced 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 formerly owned by Steve McQueen, along with no less than 24 other exceptional examples. Additional recently secured highlights include a pair of magnificently restored gran turismo Ferraris, a 1953 250 Europa and a 1963 400 SA LWB Coupe Aerodinamico Series II.

1953 Ferrari 250 Europa with Coachwork by Pinin Farina Combining striking coachwork with performance, the 250 Europa on offer at RM’s Monterey sale is the fourth of only 21 units constructed. Delivered new to Italian industrialist Giovanni Latino, friend of coachbuilder Pinin Farina, the stunning coupe was immediately thrust into the public spotlight, shown at two period Italian concours events within its first year, the Concorso Satorie Romana in Rome and the XI Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este on the shores of Lake Como. After stints in both Italy and the United States, the Europa was eventually purchased by its current owner in 2006. Following a six-year, concours-level restoration by marque specialists, it made a triumphant return to the show field in July 2013, embarking on a second tour of Europe’s most prestigious concours events. The tour recently culminated back at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este—a venue at which the stunning automobile was shown 50 years earlier—where it was judged First in Class, a true testament to its exclusivity and the incredible quality of its restoration (Estimate: $1,900,000–$2,400,000).

1963 Ferrari 400 SA LWB Coupe Aerodinamico Series II with Coachwork by Pininfarina Like the 250 Europa, this 400 Superamerica comes to auction in impeccable condition following a precision restoration. The sixth of 18 Series II long-wheelbase examples and the third of just four open-headlight Series II Aerodinamico Coupes, it was completed in April 1963 and imported into the United States in the late 1960s. Over the years, this rare matching-numbers 400 SA has passed through the hands of a group of well-respected collectors, one of whom owned this car for three decades. Freshly restored by marque specialists at Motion Products Inc., it is presented in breathtaking overall condition and has been certified by Ferrari Classiche, validating it as a factory-authenticated, matching-numbers example. It is accompanied for sale by proper manuals, a correct toolkit and jack, and extensive service documentation. The quintessential Maranello road car, it presents a terrific opportunity to experience the marque’s pinnacle of luxury (Estimate: $2,500,000–$3,000,000).

In addition to a superb roster of automobiles wearing the Cavallino Rampante, RM’s Monterey sale will also mark Maserati’s centennial —a theme that will be celebrated at this year’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance—by shining the spotlight on no less than four vehicles from the luxury Italian marque. Leading the charge is a 1963 Maserati 5000 GT by Frua, one of only two produced of this design, and restored for noted collector John Bookout. Considered the most glamorous body style on Maserati’s most exclusive model, it was one of the most expensive production cars in the world at the time. It is expected to command between $2,200,000 and $2,900,000 at the upcoming August sale.

Additional highlights include:

• a striking 1959 Maserati 3500 GT Spyder Prototype by Vignale, one of just three Vignale Spyder prototypes, presented in Navy with a Red interior and featuring particularly attractive and elaborate detailing (Estimate: $1,100,000–$1,500,000);
•  a fresh, well-sorted 1962 Maserati 3500 GTi Spyder by Vignale, presented in its original shade of Argento Luna, with dark blue leather interior, and featuring a five-speed transmission and Borrani wire wheels (Estimate: $750,000–$1,000,000); and
• a beautifully restored 1961 Maserati 3500 GT Coupe Speciale by Frua, one of only two 3500 GT chassis bodied to variations of the Frua 5000 GT design and the only true “junior” 5000 GT known to survive. The car has been carefully restored by a marque expert following years of careful research and attention by devoted connoisseurs, and is ready to return to both the show field and the road (Estimate: $525,000–$725,000).

A tradition spanning more than 25 years, RM’s flagship Monterey sale, held during the famed Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance weekend, returns to the Portola Hotel & Spa and Monterey Conference Center in downtown Monterey, California, from August 15 to 16. In 2013, RM’s Monterey auction generated an extraordinary $125 million in sales, entering the history books as the highest grossing collector car auction of all time. This year’s event will present an elite, handpicked selection of more than 110 blue-chip collector cars.

For further information on RM’s 2014 Monterey auction, or to view a frequently updated list of entries, visit www.rmauctions.com or call +1 519 352 4575.

RM secures one of the most significant Ford GT40S in existence for ist flagship Monterey Sale

Posted: 21.05.2014
Source: RM Auctions

Monterey

• RM Auctions lifts gavel on a multi-million-dollar 1965 Ford GT40 Roadster Prototype, chassis GT/108, at its highly anticipated Monterey sale, August 15–16 in California
• Fresh to the market following more than two decades in single-ownership, GT/108 served as a Ford/Shelby American development/demonstrator vehicle in the 1960s and was driven by the likes of John Whitmore, Dickie Atwood, Ken Miles, and Carroll Shelby
• The GT40 Prototype leads an exceptional series of more than 100 blue-chip automobiles for RM’s Monterey sale
• Additional early highlights include a one-of-a-kind 1931 Bentley 8-Litre Barker Sports Coupe Cabriolet, a 1938 SS 100 Jaguar 3½–Litre Roadster, a 1971 Lamborghini Miura SV, and a barn-find 1961 Aston Martin DB4
• Frequently updated list of entries available online at www.rmauctions.com

BLENHEIM, Ontario (May 21, 2014) – RM Auctions, the world’s largest auction house for investment-quality automobiles, is delighted to announce one of the most significant Ford GT40s in existence, the 1965 Ford GT40 Roadster Prototype, chassis GT/108, as the latest premier offering for its flagship Monterey sale, taking place August 15–16 in California.

As one of only a select group of prototypes built, and the first of only four GT40 roadsters, GT/108 holds an important place in history as a development/demonstrator vehicle for Ford and Shelby American. Completed by Ford Advanced Vehicles in March 1965, GT/108 was tested at Silverstone by John Whitmore and Dickie Atwood before shipment to Shelby American. It then accompanied the Shelby USRRC team to Riverside Raceway in May, where GT/108 was used for “exhibition purposes.” In July, also at Riverside, GT/108 was driven by Ken Miles for further testing. Later that same month, it was used as a demonstrator at the Ford Board of Directors meeting at Shelby American’s facility in Los Angeles. At this meeting, Ken Miles, this time attired in coat and tie, provided demonstration rides to board members and executives. However, when it came to Mr. Ford’s turn, it was Carroll Shelby himself who jumped behind the wheel. The car was later featured at the U.S. Grand Prix at Watkins Glen, New York, in October 1965, where it was reportedly driven by Jim Clark.

A very original and extremely well-documented example that is well-known in the GT40 community, GT/108 will make its auction debut at RM’s Monterey sale in August following more than two decades in single ownership within a prominent collection. As stated by John S. Allen in his book, GT40: The Legend Lives On, “prototype GT/108 is currently the only intact example of the marque still to carry the correct 1965-style nose, and the low tail section unique to roadsters. (Further) 108 is the only roadster, or “spyder”, to remain in as-built condition.”  The car comes with the engine that was in the vehicle when GT/108 was sold into private hands from the Ford Factory via Kar Kraft in 1965.

GT/108 has been lightly campaigned and shown at various events over the years, including the GT40 25th Anniversary Reunion in Watkins Glen in 1989, as well as at the prestigious Pebble Beach and Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance events and The Quail: A Motorsports Gathering (Estimate Available Upon Request).

“Ford and Ferrari were at the center of one of the most intense feuds in international motorsport. The GT40 of the 1960s was the result of Henry Ford II’s declaration of war on Ferrari after a failed buyout—if he couldn’t own the small Modenese sports car outfit, he vowed to beat them on the track…no matter what the cost!” says Shelby Myers, Car Specialist, RM Auctions.

“GT/108 is very special, as it is one of the early prototype cars. It is the first roadster version and certainly one of the most important of the twelve prototype cars built, as it was Ford and Shelby’s factory development car, driven by Carroll Shelby himself. Offered for the first time in 20 years, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the serious collector, and we are honored to have been selected by the consignors to sell this important piece of history,” Myers adds.

The GT40 Prototype leads an exceptional series of important and historic automobiles already secured for RM’s highly anticipated Monterey sale. Another premier offering set to make its auction debut at the event is the 1931 Bentley 8-Litre Sports Coupe Cabriolet, chassis YR5099. A one-off, bespoke design by Barker and the only original two-passenger roadster built on an 8-Litre chassis, this utterly unique automobile was ordered new by Sir P. Malcolm Stewart, a devout Bentley enthusiast and owner of the London Brick Company. It has passed through the hands of numerous well-respected owners over the years, including well-known McLaren racing team associate, Formula One boss, and noted car collector Peter Agg, who acquired the car in the late 1970s. For the past several years, YR5099 has received the best of care as part of one of Europe’s most prominent collections of fine pre-war automobiles. Restored to the highest standard and thoroughly evaluated by noted Bentley historian Clare Hay and Bentley restorer Graham Moss, it is presented at auction for the first time, where it will be accompanied by documentation confirming its matching-numbers authenticity (Estimate: $3,750,000–$4,750,000).

Additional, recently secured entries include:

• a striking 1971 Lamborghini Miura SV, chassis 4942, a terrific example of the world’s first “supercar,” which is finished in yellow with a black leather interior and is the recipient of a photo-documented restoration (Estimate: $1,800,000–$2,400,000);
• a 1938 SS 100 Jaguar 3½-Litre Roadster, chassis 39032, which is one of the greatest pre-war British sports cars and was formerly owned by the Keno family (Estimate: $850,000–$1,200,000); and,
• a matching-numbers 1961 Aston Martin DB4, chassis DB4/718/R, which was originally delivered to Castrol Ltd. and is presented in barn-find condition with its original interior (Estimate: $300,000–$375,000).

A tradition spanning more than 25 years, RM’s flagship Monterey sale, held during the famed Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance weekend, returns to downtown Monterey, California, August 15–16. In 2013, RM’s Monterey auction generated an extraordinary $125 million in sales, entering the history books as the highest grossing collector car auction of all time. This year’s event will present an elite, handpicked selection of more than 100 blue-chip collector cars.

For further information, to discuss limited consignment opportunities, or to view a frequently updated list of entries, visit www.rmauctions.com or call +1 519 352 4575.

 

McQueens’s 275 GTB/4 takes Center Stage at RM`s flagship Monterey Sale

Posted: 08.05.2014
Source: RM Auctions

Monterey

• RM Auctions secures the “King of Cool’s” 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 for its flagship Monterey sale, August 15–16 in California
• Delivered to Steve McQueen while he was on the set of “Bullitt” and recently restored by Ferrari Classiche in Maranello, the upcoming auction represents the first time the vehicle has been offered for public sale 
• McQueen’s four-cam leads an exceptional roster of Ferraris at RM’s Monterey sale, including a FXX Evoluzione, and a 250 GT N.A.R.T Spider by Fantuzzi
• A frequently updated list of entries is available online at www.rmauctions.com

BLENHEIM, Ontario (May 8, 2014) – Calling all Steve McQueen fans: RM Auctions, the world’s largest collector car auction house for investment-quality automobiles, will lift the gavel on the 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 formerly owned by the “King of Cool” at its flagship Monterey sale, which returns to California from August 15 to 16.

Sporting a distinctive shade of metallic gold called Nocciola, the vehicle on offer, chassis 10621, was special ordered by Hollywood Sport Cars for Steve McQueen in 1967, while he was filming The Thomas Crown Affair. McQueen, known for lightly customizing his cars, sent the car to be repainted Chianti Red prior to taking possession. He also requested that 10621 be fitted with the Borrani wire wheels from his beloved 275 GTB N.A.R.T. Spider, which was a victim of an unfortunate earlier crash, as well as equipped with a custom-designed driver’s side rear view mirror, a retractable radio antenna, and custom seat trim. Once complete, McQueen took delivery of the car while on the set of his legendary 1968 crime-drama Bullitt. It remained the only Ferrari in his renowned stable of sports cars for almost five years, before passing onto fellow actor Guy Williams, of Zorro and Lost in Space fame, in 1971.

After passing through a small number of other respected owners, 10621 was eventually purchased by its current owner in 2010, who commissioned Ferrari Classiche to complete a full restoration, returning the four-cam to McQueen’s personal specification. In March 2013, Ferrari signed an agreement with the owner to display the car in Museo Ferrari as part of the “From Cinecittà to Hollywood, all Ferraris in the Cinema” exhibition, featuring other Ferraris associated with the silver screen. Chassis 10621 proved so popular with visitors that it has remained a feature attraction at the Maranello museum. Before its upcoming auction in Monterey, the McQueen Ferrari will be on display at RM’s Monaco sale this week (May 10), providing collectors with an advance inspection opportunity (Estimate available upon request).

“When it comes to cars with celebrity provenance, it doesn’t get any better than a Ferrari owned by Steve McQueen,” says Max Girardo, Managing Director, RM Auctions, Europe. “The vehicle we have on offer ticks all the boxes when it comes to collectability: it is one of the ultimate Ferraris ever built; it was recently restored by Ferrari themselves; and it was delivered new to none other than the “King of Cool.” We’re both honored and excited to have been entrusted with the sale of this special car by its owner. There’s no doubt that it will be welcomed by the world’s most selective concours events and prove to be the centerpiece of any collection. We anticipate great interest in its offering, as we continue our strong track record for Steve McQueen cars in Monterey.”

The McQueen Ferrari leads an exceptional group of other coveted examples from the famed Italian marque at RM’s upcoming Monterey sale. Additional notable highlights include:

• a one-owner 2006 Ferrari FXX Evoluzione, which has been fastidiously maintained by the factory and frequently used in Corse Clienti events (Estimate: $1,700,000–$2,100,000); and,
• a 1961 Ferrari 250 GT N.A.R.T Spider, which was rebodied by Fantuzzi in 1966 and displayed at the New York, San Francisco, and Miami International Auto Shows that year; and more recently, it was a class winner at this year’s Palm Beach Cavallino Classic (Estimate: $1,200,000–$1,600,000).

A tradition spanning more than 25 years, RM’s flagship Monterey sale, held during the famed Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance weekend, returns to downtown Monterey, California, August 15-16. In 2013, RM’s Monterey auction generated an extraordinary $125 million in sales, entering the history books as the highest grossing collector car auction of all time. This year’s event will present an elite, handpicked selection of more than 100 blue-chip collector cars.

For further informatn, to discuss limited consignment opportunities, or view a frequently updated list of entries, visit rmauctions.com or call +1 519 352 4575.