RM Auctions to bring five diverse collections to Fall Auburn sale September 3-5

BLENHEIM, Ontario – RM Auctions will present five important private collections, all offered entirely without reserve, at its 50 anniversary Auburn Fall auction, set for September 3-5 at the historic Auburn Auction Park in Indiana. A true auction destination for private collections, the Labor Day weekend sale will see in excess of 500 diverse collector cars go under the hammer, with the new collections joining a previously announced pair of American classics—a 1935 Auburn Eight Supercharged Speedster and a 1936 Duesenberg Model J Tourster.

The eclectic lineup of cars from the Walter Miller Estate features fascinating highlights of automotive innovation across multiple categories of the market, with 39 motor cars dedicated to the Auburn Fall auction, including pre-war American classics, German sports coupes, electric minicars, and a quartet of Lancia motor cars.

Known for his love of cars, Walter Miller began collecting as a teenager, assembling what would become the largest and most well-known inventory of original automobile literature, eventually leading him to open a museum in 1996—The Museum of Automobile History to share the oddities, eccentric and often humorous automobile artifacts he found in his travels. Walter also enjoyed driving antique motor cars in his hometown of Syracuse, having purchased his first classic car, a 1936 Plymouth Coupe, at just 14 years old. Over the years, Walter built a substantial collection of cars, proudly preserving them in their original condition, even going so far as to never wash his barn finds.

The centerpiece of Walter Miller’s collection is a trio of stunning American classics—a 1919 Cadillac Type 57 by Brewster, a 1914 Hudson Model Six-54 Phaeton, and a 1922 Studebaker Special Six Touring. The two-tone Cadillac, a Full CCCA Classic, comes equipped with a transformable top that can be set in any of five different configurations, including the rare and desirable Sedanca style. The Studebaker and Hudson present wonderfully, with color-contrasting whitewall tires, matching blue-over-black two-tone paint, and recently refreshed leather interiors. Both the Studebaker and the Hudson feature six-cylinder engines, delivering surprising power with relatively lightweight steering.

The largest collection set for the Auburn auction, The Duane Sell Collection comprises 61 pre- and post-war American classics, including numerous Full CCCA Classics, with standout highlights including a 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham, one of just 704 built between 1957 and 1958; a rare and stylish 1948 Chrysler Town and Country Sedan, one of only 41 known survivors; an undisputed collector favorite, a 1936 Cord 810 Phaeton; and a trio of Mercury Station Wagons.

The Bill Akin Collection, assembled by noted enthusiast, historian, and Indianapolis race car restorer Mr. Bill Akin, features 10 automobiles, highlighted by notable Indianapolis 500 roadsters, hot rods, and street machines. Leading the collection are three award-winning Indy racers all restored to their former racing glory by Bill—a 1960 Epperly, which debuted at the 1961 Indy 500, taking eighth place overall with Lloyd Ruby behind the wheel, and was later restored to the #14 Mid-Continent Securities livery it wore in the 1962 race; a 1953 Kurtis 500 B Indianapolis, which achieved 10 and 3 place with racing legend Jimmy Davies at the 1953 and 1955 Indy 500 races respectively; and a 1961 Epperly, piloted by Bobby Marshman at the 1962 500-mile race, finishing 5 overall.

Ranging from 1911 to 1987, The Roadmaster Collection chronicles the evolution of Buick, with the diverse lineup made up of Brass Era motor cars, racers, low-production convertibles, and muscle cars. Leading the pack are two exceptionally rare CCCA Full Classics—a 1931 Buick Series 90 Roadster, one of just 843 examples that led the all-eight cylinder Buick line for 1931 and a 1937 Roadmaster Limousine, one of just two known Buicks bodied by Brewster.

The auction house will also present 22 cars from the bankruptcy estate of entities previously controlled by Bikram Choudhury; referred to as The Bikram Choudhury Car Collection. The funds raised from the auction of the seized cars will be used to pay various expenses and creditors of these estates, which include alleged victims. RM Auctions is working with the appointed bankruptcy trustee, Robbin L. Itkin, and her counsel at DLA Piper LLP, to present the cars at auction.

The lineup includes 12 Rolls-Royces, five Bentleys, and a selection of additional American, British, Italian, and custom automobiles. Leading the group is a fully restored 1961 Rolls-Royce Phantom V Touring Limousine with coachwork by James Young, ordered new through the famed Jack Barclay dealership and finished in the stunning shade of Queen’s Black Cherry over a Magnolia interior; and a restored 1963 Bentley S3 Drophead Conversion, a right-hand drive example converted earlier in its life to Drophead configuration.

“We’re very excited to offer these wide-ranging collections at our 50 anniversary Auburn Fall event, each of which are significant in their own right, whether they pay tribute to important automotive events and brands like The Bill Akin and Roadmaster Collections, or showcase highly original examples and noteworthy classics,” said Gord Duff, Global Head of Auctions, RM Sotheby’s Group. “Our Auburn auction offers the perfect setting for private collections and as the market leader in significant single-owner collection sales, this year’s Auburn Fall event will provide collectors and enthusiasts with the chance to bid on some truly unique examples.”

Additional information on RM Auctions’ Auburn Fall sale, including an updated list of all entries and event details, is available at rmsothebys.com. Consignments are currently invited. To speak with an RM specialist, to register to bid, or to become a VIP at the Auburn Fall sale, please call +1 519 352 4575.

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About the RM Sotheby’s Group
RM Sotheby’s is the world's largest collector car auction house by total sales. With 40 years of proven results in the collector car industry, RM’s vertically integrated range of services, from auctions and private sales 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. RM Sotheby’s is currently responsible for six of the top ten most valuable motor cars ever sold at auction. 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.

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