Duesenberg Model J Roadster leads the pack at upcoming RM Sotheby’s Hershey sale

BLENHEIM, Ontario – RM Sotheby’s will return to Hershey for its 15th annual Hershey sale, held on Thursday, October 7th and Friday, October 8th during the Antique Automobile Club of America’s (AACA) Eastern Division Fall Meet. The sale is notable for its early American brass era and stunning pre-war cars while still offering a wide selection of post-war classics.

Three outstanding American classics, offered from a single-owner collection, are set to cross the block, all offered without reserve. Longer than any Packard and lower than any Duesenberg, this 1931 Duesenberg Model J Roadster known as the “Green Hornet” sits among the most remarkable examples available on the market, wearing unique and rakish Packard Roadster bodywork fitted by Duesenberg in 1931. This important and bespoke Duesenberg claimed an award at the prestigious Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. It would be an outstanding addition to any world-class collection. Accompanying the Duesenberg is a 1935 Auburn Eight Supercharged Speedster, one of the most instantly recognizable and striking of all the iconic pre-war American sports cars. A model much in demand with collectors, this stunning example on offer in Hershey was a best-in-class winner at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance and will undoubtedly attract significant interest. Rounding out the third American classic offered from this collection is a 1930 Packard 745 Deluxe Eight Roadster by LeBaron. Exhibited at the 2015 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, this car is one of just a handful of authentic examples believed to still be in existence.

Among the American classics crossing the block in Hershey is one of the most collectible, rare, and highly desired Packard models, notable for its striking coachwork, this 1940 Packard Custom Super Eight One Eighty Sport Sedan by Darrin is one of just four examples believed to have been produced. This Super Eight has been awarded first place at the Packard Automobile Classics National and was a first prize winner at a CCCA National Senior event. Offered from one of the world’s preeminent Packard collections.

No Hershey sale is complete without a selection of fine brass era cars. This year is no exception with a stand-out lot being the 1912 Stanley Roadster Tribute, a fascinating tribute to Chassis 6700; the bespoke Roadster commissioned by company heir Raymond Stanley. This example was constructed using the chassis, running gear, steam engine, and underpinnings of the 1912 Stanley which was driven by Jay Leno in 2017 to the summit of Mount Washington, recreating the famous 1899 summitting by company founder Freelan Oscar Stanley.

Other notable entries set to cross the block in Hershey include a supremely rare and impeccably presented 1909 Peerless Model 19 Touring. With correct and desirable fittings throughout, this Peerless is one of just two examples believed to be produced by the Peerless Motor Car Company of Cleveland, Ohio. This example was awarded the “Early Pioneer” Award during the 2015 Elegance at the Hershey Concours d’Elegance and will cross the block as an AACA National First Prize Winner.

This year’s Hershey sale is also notable for an excellent selection of classic American ‘Woodies’. The high-quality selection of Woodies is led by a beautiful 1947 Ford Super Deluxe Sportsman Convertible. This Certified Milestone Car is among the rarest and most reliable of all Ford ‘Woodies’.

The RM Sotheby’s Group continues its 2021 auction calendar this month with its first-ever sale in Switzerland. The St. Moritz auction, in association with the Bernina Gran Turismo event, will take place on 17 September. This exclusive boutique sale will feature 24 high-quality automobiles. As the title partner for the next decade to the annual London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, RM Sotheby’s returns to London for our 15th annual auction on November 6.

For more information on RM Sotheby’s Hershey auction and to view an updated list of entries, please visit rmsothebys.com. Interested bidders are invited to call RM Sotheby’s Headquarters at +1 519 352 4575 to speak with a Car Specialist.

About RM Sotheby’s
RM Sotheby’s is the world's largest auction house for investment-quality automobiles. With over 40 years experience in the collector car industry, RM’s vertically integrated range of services, from private treaty sales and auctions (including both RM Sotheby’s and RM Auctions’ events) to 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. In February 2015, RM formed a strategic partnership with Sotheby’s, uniting the two companies for the full calendar of future automobile auctions. For further information, visit rmsothebys.com.

If you like stories like these and other classic car features, check out Old Cars magazine. CLICK HERE to subscribe.

Want a taste of Old Cars magazine first? Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter and get a FREE complimentary digital issue download of our print magazine.

*As an Amazon Associate, Old Cars earns from qualifying purchases.