RM STUNS MARKET AS VILLA ERBA SALE REALISES MORE THAN €27 MILLION

Posted: 27.05.2013
Source: RM Auctions

Villa Erba

  • RM Auctions posts more than €27 million at its sale in conjunction with world-renowned Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este
  • Wonderful and historic 1953 Ferrari 340/375 MM Pinin Farina Berlinetta ‘Competizione’ smashes records,  realising €9,856,000
  • 40 lots fetch over  €27 million, with five lots surpassing €1 million and 80 percent of all lots sold

CERNOBBIO, Italy (27 May 2013) – RM Auctions returned in style to Villa Erba this past weekend, generating more than €27 million** ($35,519,120 USD) at its exclusive sale during the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este weekend on Lake Como, Italy. Demonstrating that auction remains the most powerful way to sell investment-quality automobiles, the incredible 1953 Ferrari 340/375 MM Pinin Farina Berlinetta ‘Competizione’ realised €9,856,000 ($12,812,800), smashing the previous auction record for the model and establishing a new world record for a closed ‘Berlinetta’ Ferrari sold at auction, while also being the most expensive automobile sold at auction in the 2012-2013 season.  

At a packed venue in the grounds of the historic Villa Erba, in excess of 1000 people witnessed the star Ferrari lot lead the way in a sale which saw five cars exceed €1,000,000 and 11 lots exceed their pre-sale estimates. Spirited bidding was seen in the room and on the phones and internet, with international interest being received from across 30 countries and from all four corners of planet.

Max Girardo, Managing Director, RM Europe, said: “Once again, we have demonstrated that auction really is the only way to sell important cars. Over 25 percent of lots exceeded their pre-sale estimates, with a number of model specific records achieved. It is clear that RM’s truly global reach and its unsurpassed investment in exceptional marketing and promotion brings an international audience to our sales that would be impossible to access any other way.”

Ferrari was once again the unstoppable marque most in demand by bidders. Besides the remarkable performance of the 340/375 MM, other notable Ferrari sales included the 1962 Ferrari 400 Superamerica SWB Coupé Aerodinamico, which realised €2,184,000 ($2,839,000); the 2004 Ferrari Enzo, which achieved €1,069,600 ($1,390,480); the 1965 Ferrari 275 GTB, for €1,120,000 ($1,456,000); and the 2010 Ferrari 599XX, which brought €918,400 ($1,193,120). In total 15 Ferraris were offered at Villa Erba, all of which sold very strongly.

However, it was not only Ferraris that proved popular with bidders. The stunning 1962 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster impressed everyone with its immaculate presentation and garnered significant pre-sale interest. When the hammer fell, the car found a new owner for €1,114,400, an extremely stong price for a 300SL Roadster. Always popular with collectors, the 1967 Lamborghini Miura P400 also sold extemely well at €425,600 ($553,280).

Rob Myers, Chairman and Founder of RM Auctions, said: “In discussion with a long-time friend and London-based broker, he conceded that he is now advising clients to sell great, important automobiles at auction. He, like many within the market, has realised that it’s incredibly hard to know the correct selling figure of a car before it is offered to a truly worldwide clientele. The Ferrari 340/375 MM proves this to be true, having achieved an amazing price here at Villa Erba.”

RM Auctions continues its European events calendar in England, 8-9 September with its well-established London sale held in partnership with the exclusive St. James’s Concours of Elegance. Full event details for the London sale along with official results from the Villa Erba are available online at rmauctions.com.

**Please note, results are listed in Euros (€) and include 12% buyer’s premium. Exchange rate used: 1 EURO = 1.3 USD

Year Lot Model Estimate Sold for
1953 130 Ferrari 340/375 MM Berlinetta ‘Competizione’ upon request 9.856.000 EUR
1961 137 Ferrari 250 Cabriolet Series II € 680.000-780.000 834.400 EUR
1962 120 Ferrari 400 Superamerica SWB Coupé Aerodinamico € 1.800.000-2.200.000 2.184.000 EUR
1962 102 Ferrari 250 GTE € 140.000-190.000 235.200 EUR
1964 135 Ferrari 250 GT Lusso € 675.000-775.000 974.400 EUR
1965 105 Ferrari 275 GTB € 750.000-850.000 1.120.000 EUR
1965 124 Ferrari 275 GTS € 650.000-750.000 795.200 EUR
1966 133 Ferrari 330 GTC € 295.000-355.000 448.000 EUR
1966 109 Ferrari 365 GTC € 490.000-550.000 588.000 EUR
1973 111 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona € 280.000-320.000 380.000 EUR
1985 115 Ferrari 288 GTO € 800.000-950.000 963.200 EUR
1989 128 Ferrari F40 € 320.000-420.000 470.400 EUR
1997 126 Ferrari F50 € 420.000-480.000 560.000 EUR
2001 140 Ferrari 550 Barchetta € 120.000-150.000 151.200 EUR
2004 118 Ferrari Enzo € 780.000-880.000 1.069.600 EUR
2010 132 Ferrari 599XX € 800.000-1.100.000 918.400 EUR

 

INCREDIBLE HYPERCAR ‘FULL HOUSE’ TOPS SPECTACULAR FERRARI EXTRAVAGANZA AT RM’S SALE DURING THE CONCORSO D’ELEGANZA VILLA D’ESTE WEEKEND

Posted: 16.04.2013
Source: RM Auctions

Villa Erba

  • RM Auctions announces amazing 16 car Ferrari haul for its forthcoming sale during the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este weekend, 25th May, on Lake Como, Italy
  • Hypercar ‘full house’ includes Ferrari Enzo, F50, F40, 288 GTO, and 599XX
  • Full list of handpicked entries available online at rmauctions.com

LONDON (16 April, 2013) – RM Auctions, the world’s largest collector car auction house for investment-quality automobiles, is delighted to announce that its exclusive sale during the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este weekend on Lake Como, Italy, on the 25th of May, will feature a truly incredible roster of Ferraris, including a full house of the marque’s ultimate modern-era hypercars. Sixteen of the auction’s 40 lots are filled with some of the finest Ferraris ever made, amongst which are an Enzo, F50, F40, 288 GTO, and a 599XX.

Max Girardo, Managing Director of RM Auctions, says, “RM has a reputation for selling the world’s best Ferraris, and this sale not only features some of the best cars from the 1950s, ’60s, and ’70s, but we are delighted to have brought together the ultimate collection of Ferrari’s landmark supercars of the last 30 years. It is very rare indeed to have such fantastic, low mileage, well documented, and Ferrari certified examples of these models together in one sale”.

The Ferrari Enzo is the ultimate development of a Ferrari hypercar, boasting a 650 brake horsepower, 5,998-cubic centimetre V-12 engine with double overhead camshafts that delivers 200 mph performance. The car offered for sale is chassis 138347, one of 400 examples built and presented in as new condition, with just 1,028 kilometres on the clock. Complete with tools, books, and documentation, it has been recently serviced and is certified by Ferrari Classiche (Estimate: €780,000–€880,000).

During the 1990s, Ferrari launched the F50 as its 50th anniversary model, the ultimate embodiment of what was capable in supercar development at that time. Only 349 of these incredible 520 brake horsepower, V-12 engined cars were produced, and the example offered at the Lake Como auction, chassis 106910, is a superb, low-mileage example that is boasting Ferrari Classiche certification. An exceptional two owner car, it is believed to be the 283rd example built (Estimate: €420,000–€480,000).

For many though, the F40 of the 1980s is the most iconic of all the Ferrari hypercars. Designed to celebrate the company’s 40th anniversary, and the last car to be personally signed off by Enzo Ferrari himself, the F40 brought genuine race car looks, engineering, and performance to the public roads, and with its astonishing performance from a 478 brake horsepower, 2,936-cubic centimetre V-8 engine, it redefined the standard by which supercars are judged, heralding a new era for exotic, high-performance sports cars. The car to be offered at auction, chassis 80715, was delivered new in April 1989 and finished in classic Rosso Corsa and the F40’s distinctive red cloth interior. Two owners from new, it boasts just 40,000 kilometres, and it is offered for sale complete with Ferrari Classiche certification and having been freshly serviced (Estimate: €320,000–€420,000).

Connoisseurs recognize the Ferrari 288 GTO as a truly landmark car for Ferrari. Carrying the fabled GTO nomenclature, standing for “Gran Turismo Omologato”, the 288 was built to road specification in order to homologate the model for the fearsome and short-lived Group B competition regulations of the 1980s. Less overtly distinctive as some of Ferrari’s other hypercars, the 288 GTO carries more subtle design touches, which mark it out to discerning enthusiasts as a very special, low-volume model. Chassis 54777 was produced in February 1985, it is Ferrari Classiche certified, and it has only covered 34,960 kilometres from new (Estimate: €800,000–€950,000).

Finishing off the list of Ferrari’s modern era supercars on offer at RM’s upcoming Lake Como sale is a very current 2010 Ferrari 599XX, featuring a 5,999-cubic centimetre, V-12 engine that produces a breathtaking 720 brake horsepower, which makes the 599XX one of the most powerful production-based Ferraris ever built. With only 29 examples produced, the model is also one of the rarest, and with its state-of-the-art technology, it was only ever intended to be driven at track events, and therefore, it was not homologated for legal road use. Amongst the long list of accolades won by the 599XX, it holds the lap-record for a production-derived sports car at the fearsome Nürburgring. The car on offer,chassis 170895, is the 25th example produced and has been owned by just one caretaker, and it has been maintained and stored at the Ferrari factory in Maranello since new (Estimate: €800,000–€1,100,000).

Having already announced the spectacular early consignments of the ex-works, Le Mans-contending 1953 Ferrari 340/375 MM Berlinetta and simply beautiful 1962 Ferrari 400 Superamerica SWB Coupé Aerodinamico, RM has since added a further 14 exquisite Ferraris to the upcoming 25 May sale, filling 16 of the auction’s 40 lots with the Maranello marque’s finest examples, in turn making the sale an absolute mecca for collectors and enthusiasts of the legendary Italian cars.

The full list of Ferraris handpicked for the sale is:

1953 Ferrari 340/375 MM Berlinetta ‘Competizione’ valutazione a richiesta
1961 Ferrari 250 Cabriolet Series II € 680.000-780.000
1962 Ferrari 400 Superamerica SWB Coupé Aerodinamico € 1.800.000-2.200.000
1962 Ferrari 250 GTE € 140.000-190.000
1964 Ferrari 250 GT Lusso € 675.000-775.000
1965 Ferrari 275 GTB € 750.000-850.000
1965 Ferrari 275 GTS € 650.000-750.000
1966 Ferrari 330 GTC € 295.000-355.000
1966 Ferrari 365 GTC € 490.000-550.000
1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona € 280.000-320.000
1985 Ferrari 288 GTO € 800.000-950.000
1989 Ferrari F40 € 320.000-420.000
1997 Ferrari F50 € 420.000-480.000
2001 Ferrari 550 Barchetta € 120.000-150.000
2004 Ferrari Enzo € 780.000-880.000
2010 Ferrari 599XX € 800.000-1.100.000

 

MAGNIFICENT 1905 FIAT 60HP HEADS LIST OF INCREDIBLE NEW ENTRIES FOR RM’S SALE DURING THE CONCORSO D’ELEGANZA VILLA D’ESTE WEEKEND

Posted: 19.03.2013
Source: RM Auctions

Villa Erba

· RM Auctions announces additional stunning consignments for its forthcoming sale during the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este weekend, 25th May

· Offered for sale publicly for the first time in 108 years, this thundering and unique early 60HP FIAT presents collectors with the rarest of opportunities to buy a piece of motoring history

· A simply exquisite and highly desirable collection of Bugattis is also set to grace the sale, along with the ex-Earl Howe MG K3, one of the finest and most historically significant pre-war British sports cars

· Frequently updated list of entries available online at rmauctions.com

LONDON (19 March, 2013) – RM Auctions, the world’s largest collector car auction house for investment-quality automobiles, is delighted to announce that some of the world’s finest automobiles continue to be consigned to its exclusive sale during the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este weekend on Lake Como, Italy, on the 25th of May.

Heading the ever-expanding list of mouth-watering vehicles on offer is the 1905 FIAT 60HP Five-Passenger Touring Car, built especially for American-based brewing magnate August Anheuser Busch. The example on offer is the second of just 20 chassis manufactured, the first having been supplied to Anheuser Busch’s friend, Kaiser Wilhelm II, of Germany. Often thought of as one of the first true, cost-no-object supercars, this mighty FIAT was ordered through the American importer Hollander and Tangman, and the completed chassis was delivered to the luxury coachbuilder Quimby, in New Jersey. Spectacularly extravagant and expensive in period—it cost in excess of $20,000, a staggering sum in 1905—chassis 3003 is offered for sale publicly for the first time in 108 years, having lived most of its life within a few miles of its very first home.

Described as being totally original, including paint, brasswork, upholstery and mechanics, and with complete matching numbers throughout, this FIAT now represents the only one of its kind left in the world, and it is without doubt one of the most coveted examples of the early high-powered, road going race cars to be found. With its aluminium-clad body, it still boasts many unique mechanical features fitted exclusively to the car in period. It is offered in excellent running condition, yet it retains a wonderful patina accrued over its 108 year life. The car graced the lawns of Pebble Beach at the 2012 Concours d’Elegance, and most recently, it was displayed at the LeMay America’s Museum. (Estimate available upon request.)

Max Girardo, Managing Director, RM Europe, says, “This early FIAT is one of those almost unrepeatable opportunities that rarely come to market. It is undoubtedly the ultimate performance and luxury car of its time, and to have a car such as this, having lived its life more or less in one place during a century of motoring, and to be offered today in such exceptionally original condition, is something very special indeed. It is our ability to consign and offer cars like this that really sets RM apart in the market.”

Of all the British-built pre-war sports cars, the supercharged, six-cylinder MG K3 Magnette is certainly the most iconic. Looking every bit as a pre-war sports racing car should, the MG K3 was designed to take on the best of the European marques in international competition. The 1933 MG K3, chassis K3001, offered at RM’s upcoming Lake Como sale is the most famous of all; not only is it the first production K3 built, but it is the world-famous ex-Earl Howe 1933 Mille Miglia works team car. A total of 33 K3s (plus two prototypes) were built, the origins of which was the brainchild of Earl Howe, who persuaded MG to build the three team cars for the Mille Miglia with his financial backing. With the aim of defeating the dominance of Alfa Romeo and Maserati in the legendary race, three K3 team cars were driven in the race, with chassis K3001 driven by Earl Howe and H.C. Hamilton. One of the other K3s, driven by Lurani, won the class, with Howe and K3001 claiming a strong 2nd place. The performance of the MG K3s in the Mille Miglia that year is still seen by many as one of the British motor industry’s finest sporting achievements of the period.

K3001 went on to enjoy many additional racing success between 1933 and 1938, including participating in the1933 JCC International Trophy Race at Brooklands with Earl Howe behind the wheel, as well as notable outings at the Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb, the Coppa Montenegro, the Prix de Bern, and Donnington Park. Having passed through various owners’ hands, it was eventually acquired in 1995 by a world-renowned MG expert. In recent years, K3001 has continued to compete on the international scene, having participated at the Monaco Historique Grand Prix, the Le Mans Classic, and at the Goodwood Revival. This incredible, rare, and well-documented piece of pre-war motorsport history is expected to be highly sought-after by collectors at the upcoming auction (Estimate: €550,000–€600,000).

No exclusive collector car auction is complete without a Bugatti, but RM is in the enviable position of currently having four fabulous examples consigned to its May sale. Joining the previously announced 1930 Bugatti Type 46 Coupé Superprofilée is a 1927 Type 37 Grand Prix, a 1929 Type 40 Roadster, and a 1937 Type 57 Ventoux.

The Type 57 Ventoux, chassis no. 57524, is particularly noteworthy as a “one-off” example with a fastback, tear drop designed coachwork. A full matching-numbers car, it is a simply stunning example of classically elegant Grand Routier styling, and it was fully restored in 2006, having spent its life in exceptionally complete and original condition. (Estimate: €290,000–€400,000).The 1929 Type 40, chassis no. 40845, was delivered new to its first lucky owner in Paris in August 1930. Sporting the delightful and rare Jean Bugatti Roadster style of coachwork in classic red and black, only 39 Type 40s of this style were manufactured in period. This matching-numbers car has been in single ownership for 25 years, and it is estimated to fetch between €250,000 and €300,000. Last, but by no means least, of the recently consigned Bugatti trio, is the 1927 Type 37 Grand Prix, chassis 37254, surely one of the most iconic and classically beautiful racing cars of the 1920s. Just eight owners from new, it is offered fresh to the market, having been in the care of its current owner for 30 years. It boasts a fascinating early history, having been originally delivered new to London, England, before exported to Asia, where it spent time in China, Malaysia, and Singapore, enjoying some minor competition in period. In more recent decades, the car returned to Germany and competed in the 1972 Mille Miglia, before returning to its spiritual home in France, where it has resided ever since. This very original Bugatti is expected to garner strong interest from collectors (Estimate: €750,000–€1,000,000).

Limited consignment opportunities for RM’s sale at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este are available. For further information, please contact RM’s London Office at +44 (0) 20 7851 7070 or visit rmauctions.com.

 

RM AUCTIONS ANNOUNCES CONSIGNMENT OF HISTORIC EX-WORKS 1953 FERRARI 340/375 MM BERLINETTA ‘COMPETIZIONE’ #0320AM
FOR ITS HIGHLY ANTICIPATED CONCORSO D’ELEGANZA VILLA D’ESTE AUCTION

Posted: 06.02.2013
Source: RM Auctions

  •  Wonderful and historically significant Ferrari 340/375 MM to be offered at RM’s exclusive evening sale on the banks of Lake Como, Italy, 25th May
  • Chassis 0320AM boasts unsurpassed provenance with Le Mans history and drivers, including world champions Hawthorn, Farina, and Ascari 
  • Winner of the Pescara 12 Hours, piloted by Hawthorn and Maglioli
  • The car established a never broken, record setting pace in the Carrera Panamericana in the hands of Maglioli
  • Chassis 0320AM on preview at RM Auctions’ stand during Retromobile, 6 – 10 February in Paris, France

 London (6 February 2013) – RM Auctions, the world’s largest collector car auction house for investment-quality automobiles, has chosen the world-famous Retromobile exhibition in Paris to announce the consignment of one of the most important racing Ferraris of all time. The 1953 Ferrari 340/375 MM Pinin Farina Berlinetta ‘Competizione’,chassis 0320AM, will be offered for sale at RM’s exclusive auction during the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este weekend in Cernobbio, Italy, on the 25th May, and it is available for enthusiasts to preview at this week’s Retromobile show, kicking off today and continuing through until 10th February.

All racing Ferraris are special, but only very few boast of the kind of blue-chip provenance that chassis 0320AM achieved during its racing career. One of three works cars produced in 1953, 0320AM was driven in period by no less than three World Champion drivers: Alberto Ascari, Dr. Farina, and Mike Hawthorn. It was famouslydriven byHawthorn and Nino Farina in the 1953 Le Mans 24 Hours, but it was disqualified from a strong 2nd place for the rather minor misdemeanour of taking on brake fluid during the race. The car is presented for sale today in the same livery it sported during that historic race.

Aside from Le Mans, 0320AM was also driven in the Spa 24 Hours, in the hands of legends Alberto Ascari and Villoresi; the Pescara 12 Hours, where Hawthorn and Maglioli piloted it to overall victory; and at the Circuit of Guadeloupe, where Maglioli once again secured a victory. It also enjoyed an astonishing performance in the Carrera Panamericana, where, on the last stage, Maglioli famously averaged 138 mph for 223 miles, finishing 6th overall and establishing a public road stage record speed never broken anywhere in the world since!

After a period of long-term ownership in the U.S.A. within a well-known collection, the car passed into the ownership of British industrialist and world-famous collector Sir Anthony Bamford, before being purchased by its current owner in 2004. Presented in exceptional restored condition, 0320AM is ready to be shown or driven at all of the world’s leading collector car events.

Max Girardo, Managing Director, RM Auctions Europe, says, “Chassis number 0320AM presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for serious collectors to acquire one of the world’s most significant racing Ferraris. Genuine works Ferraris with a competition history such as this are very rare to the market, and we are truly delighted to be able to offer it at our most prestigious European sale.”

Enthusiasts interested in inspecting 0320AM at this week’s Retromobile show in Paris will find the RM exhibit in Hall 3, Stand D30, at the Porte de Versailles. In addition to previewing the forthcoming Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este sale, RM car specialists will be on hand at Retromobile to offer collectors a resource for auction and restoration services. The estimate for 0320AM is available upon request to interested bidders.

 For further information on RM’s sale at the celebrated Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este or to discuss limited consignment opportunities, please contact RM’s London Office at +44 (0) 20 7851 7070 or visit rmauctions.com.

About RM Auctions

RM Auctions is the world’s largest auction house for investment-quality automobiles. With over three decades of experience in the collector car industry, RM’s vertically integrated range of services, from restoration to private treaty sales, auctions, estate planning, and financial services, coupled with an expert team of car specialists and an international footprint, provide an unsurpassed level of service to the global collector car market. RM proudly holds five of the top ten all-time records for the most expensive motor cars sold at auction. RM’s restoration division has achieved unprecedented accolades, earning Best of Show honours at the world’s top concours events, including four Best of Shows at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. For further information, please visit rmauctions.com, find us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter @rmauctions.

 

RM AUCTIONS ANNOUNCES STUNNING EARLY HIGHLIGHTS FOR BIENNIAL SALE DURING THE CONCORSO D’ELEGANZA VILLA D’ESTE WEEKEND

Posted: 02.02.2013
Source: RM Auctions

  • RM Auctions returns to Cernobbio on Lake Como, Italy, on the 25th of May, for its biennial sale during the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este
  • Exclusive evening sale to a featured, elite, handpicked selection of approximately 40 blue-chip automobiles
  • Early attractions include a superb 1962 Ferrari 400 Superamerica Coupe, a historically significant 1947 Cisitalia 202 MM ‘Nuvolari’ Spider, a delectable 1930 Bugatti Type 46 Superprofile Coupe, and a 1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Open Tourer with royal connections

LONDON (1 February, 2013) – RM Auctions, the world’s largest collector car auction house for investment-quality automobiles, is delighted to announce a stunning series of early highlights for its eagerly awaited sale during the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este weekend in Cernobbio, Italy, on the 25th of May.

Returning to the spectacular Villa Erba on the shores of Lake Como, the highly anticipated sale follows RM’s magnificent debut during the Concorso weekend in 2011, which saw the auction generate more than €23 million in sales during two hours of furious bidding. As many as six lots garnered million-euro-plus results during the 2011 event, with two lots surpassing the €3 million mark. This year’s auction is set to continue the momentum, lifting the gavel on an elite, handpicked selection of 40 of the world’s finest automobiles. As established at the inaugural sale, and in keeping with the theme of the esteemed Concorso, entries will represent the ultimate in elegance, sophistication, rarity, and provenance.

Max Girardo, Managing Director of RM Europe, says, “It will be wonderful to be back at Lake Como and supporting the Concorso d’Eleganza with what promises to be a truly spectacular selection of cars. The Concorso prides itself on being the pinnacle of taste and exclusivity and that is obviously the same ethos underpinning how RM conducts this auction and the cars offered within it.”

RM has placed a strong emphasis on the world’s most admired marques for its second Lake Como sale, with examples from Ferrari, Cisitalia, Bugatti, and Rolls-Royce leading early consignments.

For discerning Ferrari collectors, a 1962 Ferrari 400 SWB Superamerica Coupe, chassis 3559SA—a model favoured by the company’s wealthiest customers in period—headlines early entries from the Maranello marque. A well-known, matching-numbers example with Pininfarina coachwork, 3559SA is one of only 36 examples produced in 1962. Stunning in its original Blue Sera Italver paintwork, it features all the most desirable specifications, including covered headlamps and four-wheel disc brakes, and it benefits from extensive, recent exterior and mechanical upgrades and full Ferrari Classiche certification (Estimate: €1,900,000–€2,000,000).

Enthusiasts of post-war Italian sports cars with Mille Miglia provenance will appreciate the early consignment of a 1947 Cisitalia 202 MM ‘Nuvolari’ Spider with fantastic period race history. Chassis 002S MM is generally regarded as the factory prototype and boasts several unique details that set it apart from the other 25 cars originally produced. Extensively campaigned in period by Mr. Dusio, founder of Cisitalia, 002S MM went on to compete in the 1947 Mille Miglia as one of four factory entered cars, where it was driven to 4th overall by Minetti and Facetti. The legendary Tazio Nuvolari finished the same race in 2nd place overall in a sister car, and it is for this reason that the model is commonly referred to as the “Nuvolari Spider” (Estimate: €450,000– €525,000).

Bugatti is surely one of the iconic marques of the pre-war era, and any Bugatti coming to market is worthy of particular note. RM’s upcoming Lake Como sale will feature a simply fabulous 1930 Bugatti Type 46 Superprofile Coupe, frequently referred to as the “companion” model to the legendary T41 Royale. Often described as one of the most elegant, imposing, and luxurious of all Bugattis, only 450 T46 examples were built between 1929 and 1933. Chassis 46208 is a matching-numbers car and features a stunning, faithful recreation of the “Superprofile” coupe coachwork, famously designed by Jean Bugatti. The recipient of a well-documented restoration, this stunning yellow and black example won honors at the 2011 Sydney Concours (Estimate: €800,000–€1,000,000).

It’s fitting that an auction taking place in such exclusive surroundings should also feature a beautiful example from one of the world’s most exclusive car makers. The 1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Open Tourer is one of the most stately and refined cars of the pre-war period, with its silky-smooth 50 horsepower engine and four-speed gearbox. Secured for RM’s upcoming Lake Como sale is chassis 820R, a handsome open tourer with coachwork by Barker, and it is one of the 1929 motor show cars. It was subsequently exported to Kenya, where it served as the official transport for the then Princess Elizabeth, during her state visit to the country in 1952. It was during this visit that she was to learn of the death of her father, King George VI, and of her accession to the throne of Great Britain and the Commonwealth. Striking in its unusual yellow bodywork, which contrasts with the green leather interior, most recently 820R was displayed at the Windsor Castle Concours of Elegance in the UK as part of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations (Estimate: €375,000–€450,000).

Limited consignment opportunities for RM’s sale at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este are available. For further information, please contact RM’s London Office at +44 (0) 20 7851 7070 or visit rmauctions.com.

About RM Auctions

RM Auctions is the world’s largest auction house for investment-quality automobiles. With over three decades of experience in the collector car industry, RM’s vertically integrated range of services, from restoration to private treaty sales, auctions, estate planning, and financial services, coupled with an expert team of car specialists and an international footprint, provide an unsurpassed level of service to the global collector car market. RM proudly holds five of the top ten all-time records for the most expensive motor cars sold at auction. RM’s restoration division has achieved unprecedented accolades, earning Best of Show honors at the world’s top concours events, including four Best of Shows at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. For further information and 2013 auction dates, please visit rmauctions.com, find us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter @rmauctions.

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