RM Auctions’ Dingman Collection Sale in review

HAMPTON, New Hampshire – RM Auctions returned to Hampton, New Hampshire June 23-24 for the company’s concluding presentation of The Dingman Collection, achieving an overall $7,027,334 in total sales, with all lots finding new homes across the two-day auction event. The Dingman Collection, offered entirely without reserve, comprised the remarkable cars and collectibles of the late Mr. Michael Dingman, long-time Ford Motor Company Director and one of the most important Ford collectors of modern times.

The auction followed RM’s previous successful offerings of lots from The Dingman Collection in both 2006 and 2012 and drew tremendous bidder interest from 36 states across the U.S. and from as far afield as the United Kingdom, Australia, and Asia. 

“We saw wonderful attendance at The Dingman Collection sale from start to finish,” said Alain Squindo, Chief Operating Officer, RM Sotheby’s Group, following the auction. “Discerning collectors recognize the quality associated with the Dingman name and the late Mr. Dingman’s meticulous collecting philosophy and came out in droves to add an important piece to their own garages. The entire RM Auctions team was honored to present this incredible collection on behalf of the Dingman family.” 

The sale featured 37 automobiles, including iconic Fords demonstrating Mr. Dingman’s abiding passion for the blue oval and chronicling important moments in the company’s history, all of which drew great interest. Bidding was competitive from the first motor car lot through to perhaps the most exciting moment of the sale, when the 1995 Ford Roush Mustang Cobra SCCA Trans Am nearly doubled its pre-sale estimate at a final price of $720,000 (est. $300k - $400k). The racecar was used by three-time SCCA Trans Am Champion Tommy Kendall, as confirmed by the extensive efforts of RM’s in-house research team just weeks prior to the sale. Several other automobiles from the Collection, including iconic Ford woodies that Mr. Dingman was well-known for, cruised past their estimates to achieve fantastic prices across the board.

The bulk of The Dingman Collection comprised historic pieces of Americana, including more than 500 exquisite neon, porcelain, and metal signs. Amongst a host of fascinating pieces was the Hamburger and Shake Neon Sign, whichsoared past estimate to a final sale price of $48,000 (est. $15k-$20k), while signs from iconic American brands such as John Deere, Lincoln, Ford, and Shell performed strongly as well. The much-buzzed-about Silk City Diner by Paterson Vehicle Company, an authentic, beautifully restored 1940s American diner, also impressed with a final price of $336,000. Additional collectibles highlights include the Ford 24-Stud Flathead V-8 Cutaway Display Engine (1946-'48), which had the entire phone bidding desk on its feet, bringing $45,600 against a pre-sale estimate of $4,000 - $6,000.

Top 10 sales from The Dingman Collection:

The RM Sotheby’s Group continues its 2018 auction calendar with its flagship Monterey sale, August 24-25 during the world-famous Pebble Beach motoring week. Featuring more than 120 of the world’s most sought-after motor cars, the auction is led by the recently announced 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO, the most valuable car ever offered at auction. Closely following the Monterey sale, the RM Sotheby’s Group returns to the historic Auburn Auction Park for its annual Auburn Fall weekend, August 30– September 2, and to Battersea Evolution for the company’s 12th annual London sale, September 5.

Further information on upcoming events, along with complete results from The Dingman Collection, can be found at rmsothebys.com.

*Results are listed in USD and are inclusive of buyer’s premium.
About RM Sotheby’s Group

RM Auctions is part of the RM Sotheby’s Group. RM Sotheby’s Group is the world's largest auction house for investment-quality automobiles. With more than 35 years’ experience in the collector car industry, RM’s vertically integrated range of services, from private 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.