RM Sotheby’s Amelia Island sale preview
The final countdown to RM Sotheby’s 19th annual Amelia Island sale is on. Held 10-11 March, this year’s offering represents not only our finest to date, but the largest offering in…
The final countdown to RM Sotheby’s 19th annual Amelia Island sale is on. Held 10-11 March, this year’s offering represents not only our finest to date, but the largest offering in Amelia Island auction history. Led by a private collection to be presented during an exclusive Friday evening sale session, the auction will feature some 150 of the most sought-after coachbuilt classics, sports and racing cars, and late model collectibles available, complemented by a selection of historic automobilia.
Here are a few of the stand-out highlights.
Red-Hot Ferraris
A bevy of 13 Ferraris are set for Amelia Island, led by red-hot legends such as the award-winning 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta, the exceptionally pure 1950 Ferrari 166 MM Barchetta by Touring, and Mike Tyson’s Ferrari F50. Additional prancing horse highlights include:
1971 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Berlinetta Competizione Conversion
Chassis no. 14115, Estimate: $1,250,000 - $1,500,000
Intended to compete at the 1972 12 Hours of Sebring, the Daytona never saw the track in period but is more than ready for competition today following a five-year restoration to competition specifications. An ideal vintage racing entrant with a fascinating history!
1967 Ferrari 330 GTC by Pininfarina
Chassis no. 10267, Estimate: $650,000 - $750,000
An exceptionally restored, U.S.-delivery 330 GTC, 10267 is striking in Blu Scuro over Claret leather. Classiche certified and fitted with its original engine and gearbox, it is a great concours candidate.
Pre-war Beauties
RM’s Amelia Island sale has long been a destination for elegant coachbuilt classics. This year’s lineup is made all the more special by the presentation of A Gentleman’s Collection: The Pride & Passion of Orin Smith, a superlative group of 63 automobiles offered largely ‘without reserve’ on 10 March. Beyond the aerodynamic 1936 Lancia Astura Cabriolet Series III “Tipo Bocca” and 1958 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I Drophead Coupe "Honeymoon Express", additional rarities include:
1947 Talbot-Lago T26 Record Cabriolet d'Usine
Chassis no. 100064, Estimate: $650,000 - $850,000
• pictured above, the Talbot is a beautiful first-series cabriolet, one of the finest in existence;
• a 1931 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Croydon Convertible Coupe by Brewster, chassis no. 239AJS. Complete with its original chassis, engine and body, this is one of the most scarce and desirable American Phantom IIs (Est. $700,000 - $1,000,000); and,
• a genuine, spectacularly presented 1950 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 SS Coupe by Touring, chassis no. 915.758, boasting an immaculate, award-winning restoration. The rolling embodiment of high style and good taste, it is eligible for any international concours or post-war road event (Est. $700,000 - $850,000).
1933 Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A Dual Cowl Sports Tourer by Castagna
Chassis no. 1664, Estimate: $800,000 - $1,100,000
• outside of the Orin Smith Collection, another classic of note is the above giant among Isottas. A highly significant car, it is one of just two examples extant in this design, and has enjoyed a long cinematic career, including appearances in Without Reservations, Giant, and more.
Sporting Cars across the Decades
Beyond its impressive stable of Ferraris, the Amelia Island sale features the most iconic sporting cars from the 1950s to today. Some of the most exquisite examples are found within a small private collection of beautifully restored and well-preserved cars, offered entirely without reserve. Highlights include:
1955 Alfa Romeo 1900C SS Coupe Zagato
Chassis no. 01915, Estimate: $800,000 - $1,200,000
• a highly original example, the above 1900C participated in the 1955 and 1956 Mille Miglia;
• an extensively documented, beautifully restored 1956 Maserati A6G/54 Coupe Series III, chassis no. 2181, the sole surviving example of just two coupes built by Frua on the series III chassis (Est. $1,600,000 - $2,000,000); and,
• a low-mileage 2005 Porsche Carrera GT, stunning in Black over Ascot Brown leather (Est. $750,000 - $850,000).
2012 Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport
Chassis no. VF9SK2C25CM795051, Estimate: $1,500,000 - $1,800,000
• outside the collection, further modern collectibles worth a look include the Veyron pictured above. One of only 11 U.S.-specification Grand Sports, this technological tour de force shows a mere 538 miles from new.
In addition to the lineup of cars on offer, our Saturday sale session will kick off with two lots offered on behalf of the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance to benefit Spina Bifida of Jacksonville.
