Star Cars Rolling into RM Auctions’ Next Sale

RM Auctions’ second annual Automobiles of London event, to be held at the state-of-the-art Battersea Evolution event arena in London, will take place Oct, 29, 2008.

With 100 vintage motor cars set to cross the block, the single-day auction, held in association with Sotheby’s, will brings together some of the world’s finest automobiles.

“We have received phenomenal early interest in our upcoming London auction and look forward to welcoming collectors and enthusiasts from around the world to Battersea Park for what is set to be another first class event,”said Max Girardo, managing director of RM Auctions’ European Operations. “Our team has assembled a magnificent collection of vintage automobiles, including some of the greatest British, Italian and German marques of all time, and with 100 motor cars to choose from, there is something to cater for all automotive tastes.”

For Ferrari enthusiasts, the London event will contain more than 20 milestone examples. A stunning 1963 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spyder(s/n 4121 GT) and a beautifully restored, concours-winning 1959 Ferrari 250 GT Tour de France Berlinetta (s/n 1385 GT), which received first place at the Ferrari 60th anniversary concours, are amongst those expected to draw significant interest.

One of the last three SWB versions built, the 1963 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spyder ($5.2 million low estimate) is presented in almost totally original condition. Adding to its wonderful history, the car was in long-term ownership between 1972 and 2003 and has made various film and television appearances, including being driven by Cameron Diaz and Lucy Liu in the movie Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle. Other significant Ferrari consignments set to cross RM’s London auction block include: a Targa Florio class winning 1965 Ferrari 250 LM Berlinetta; a rare, modern 1985 Ferrari 288 GTO, accompanied by its original books and tool kits; and a sleek 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 Berlinetta, considered one of the most original examples.

In addition to the Ferraris, one of the many star attractions set to steal the spotlight at the October 29 event is a luxurious 1938 Horch 853 Special Roadster with coachwork by Erdmann & Rossi (chassis number 854268). Formerly stored in a private Latvian collection, the elegant 853 Special Cabriolet presented here is one of just three surviving examples of its kind, and one of six survivors of all types, making for an exclusive ownership opportunity.

Another jewel of the London line-up is a flawless 1997 McLaren F1. The last road-going McLaren F1 supercar ever produced – and arguably one of the most famous - this example was the Park Lane Showroom car for McLaren for many years. With single ownership and just 437 kilometres from new, it is being offered at the RM event for the first time since sold new by McLaren.

For those with a predilection for the Bentley marque, the London sale will also shine a spotlight on a magnificent range of vintage Bentley’s, including a luxurious 1932 Bentley 8-Litre Short Chassis Fixed Head Coupe and an awe-inspiring 1924 Bentley 3/8 Litre.

Limited to only 100 examples, the luxurious 1932 Bentley 8-Litre Short Chassis Fixed Head Coupe was to be the last of the great “W.O.” Bentleys produced before the company was absorbed by Rolls-Royce. With a complete and known provenance from new, the example presented here with Mayfair coachwork was the second to last 8-Litre built, and one of only three Short Chassis Fixed Head Coupes.

The remarkable 1924 Bentley 3/8 Litre also boasts a fascinating history, having been formerly owned and developed by noted Bentley aficionado John “Jumbo” Goddard for more than 60 years. Also joining the Bentley line-up is a well-documented 1953 Bentley R-Type Continental Fastback, with manual gear change, lightweight seats and spats.

Other notable consignments for RM’s London event include:
•A 1938 Bugatti Type 57C Atalante, a true barn-find discovered after 45 years in storage.
•A stunning 1924 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost Torpedo, formerly owned by Ettore Bugatti, Maurice Trintigant, Count Frederic Chandon and Jean Alesi.
•A 1965 Aston Martin DB5, which featured in the Robbie Williams music video for "Millennium."
•A stately 1953 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible State Limousine, as ordered new for the Royal House of Belgium and used in the royal wedding of Prince Albert II and The Princess Paola.
• A 1955 Ford Thunderbird, formerly owned by Hollywood star John Travolta.

For more information on this sale, visit www.rmauctions.com.