As the excitement builds for this year’s Monterey Car Week, RM Sotheby’s has unveiled some of the highlights of the auction, set to take place in August. The main event of this has to be the very first Ferrari 250
RM Sotheby’s first auction at Cliveden House is fast approaching. On the 12th of June 2024, in the beautiful Berkshire countryside, just a short distance from London, some incredible cars are going to be on offer. Set to be an
Regarded as a masterpiece of Mercedes-Benz craftsmanship, chassis number 5500332 stands out as one of the rarest and most authentically preserved of the twenty-nine 300 SL Alloy Competition models ever made. This particular vehicle, a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Alloy
In February, a select group of individuals will be presented with a very special opportunity to become the new owner of one of Ferrari’s most iconic and desired models, a 1958 Ferrari 250 “Pontoon Fender” Testa Rossa. Celebrated for the
In some films, certain cars become as iconic as the characters driving them on the silver screen. One such automotive legend is this 1989 Lamborghini Countach 25th Anniversary Edition, which famously made an appearance in Martin Scorsese’s 2013 film, ‘The
Michael Schumacher is an icon of Formula 1. His illustrious career is one of legend and the name, Schumacher, will always be thought of when talking about motor racing. If you are old enough to have seen him race, there’s
Tomorrow is the first of a two-part auction for a collection of 86 cars, all owned by a single individual, hosted by RM Sotheby’s. The majority of the collection is made up of Porsche 911’s which is why this unique
As the excitement builds for this year’s Monterey Car Week, RM Sotheby’s has unveiled some of the highlights of the auction, set to take place in August. The main event of this has to be the very first Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider ever produced, which also served as the 1960 Geneva Motor Show car. Alongside this incredible car, two other legendary Ferraris will be up for sale: a 1960 Ferrari 400 Superamerica Cabriolet and a 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider.
Among the rarest and most coveted vehicles in the automotive world, the 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider is an icon in its own right. However, this particular model is the very first of its kind ever built and was Ferrari’s factory show car at the 1960 Geneva Motor Show.
For the past 16 years, the car has been in the care of a passionate owner who shared a deep friendship with Formula 1 legend Michael Schumacher. This relationship not only deepened his love for the Ferrari brand but also his appreciation for the finest examples of classic Ferraris, ultimately leading him to acquire this exceptional California Spider.
Designed by Scaglietti, this Spider is equipped with a competition-spec engine, competition-style covered headlights, and a factory removable hardtop, which together enhance its aesthetic and performance. Presented in its original delivery colours, chassis 1795 GT has been beautifully preserved, maintaining its timeless appeal. The car comes with a Ferrari Classiche Red Book certification, confirming its original ‘numbers matching’ engine, gearbox, rear axle, and bodywork.
Only five people have had the privilege of owning the car since new, with three long-term custodians over the past six decades. Estimated to sell for between $16,000,000 and $18,000,000 USD (approx £12,571,000 – £14,143,000) this really is a very special car!
Gord Duff, Global Head of Auctions said “We’re always aiming to bring to market the highest quality examples when we prepare for our flagship Monterey auction, and this year is no different. Chassis 1795 GT is beyond special among an already legendary model, the California Spider; this is the very first California Spider ever produced, a true icon of automotive history,”
“The California Spider is one of the rare models that transcends generations; with a timeless beauty that appeals to both young and old, and a driving experience that evokes a lasting impression on all of the body’s senses, this is a rare opportunity to acquire the very best. Stay tuned as we announce other exciting cars and collections for our Monterey lineup.”
1960 Ferrari 400 Superamerica SWB Cabriolet by Pinin Farina
The third of seven short-wheelbase Superamerica Cabriolets, this Classiche-certified 400 Superamerica, chassis 1945 SA, has been fully restored in its stunning original colors to concours standards by US-based Ferrari specialists Classic Coach and Greg Jones and well maintained by Autofficina Omega in its current ownership. Formerly part of the Oscar Davis Collection, it has been seldom shown since its most recent restoration, presenting an exciting concours opportunity for potential bidders. Ferrari’s 400 Superamerica models of the late 1950s and early 1960s were truly the pinnacle of sporting excellence, offering unmatched driving performance and luxury, making them highly sought after by heads of state, barons of industry, and other discerning enthusiasts Estimate $6,000,000 – $7,000,000 USD (approx £4,713,000 – £5,500,000)
1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider by Scaglietti
This LWB California Spider, chassis no. 1217 GT, is the 19th of only 50 long-wheelbase examples. It was famously used in the 1967 Italian film “Le Dolci Signore,” known internationally as “Anyone Can Play,” and was once owned by the renowned Swiss racing driver Jo Siffert. It retains its matching-numbers engine and is presented in its original factory-appointed color combination of Nero over Rosso. Offered from 19 years of meticulous care under its current ownership, this car continues to benefit from a 1990s restoration by Phil Reilly & Company. It stands as a handsome and faithfully preserved example of Ferrari’s most celebrated spider Estimate $5,550,000 – $6,500,000 USD (approx £4,358,700 – £5,104,775)
RM Sotheby’s first auction at Cliveden House is fast approaching. On the 12th of June 2024, in the beautiful Berkshire countryside, just a short distance from London, some incredible cars are going to be on offer. Set to be an annual fixture, the Cliveden House Auction perfectly complements RM Sotheby’s London sale in November.
The main event looks to be the 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta by Scaglietti. This model, one of the most celebrated from Maranello, has a shorter wheelbase than the 250 GT TdF, a lighter chassis, and more aerodynamic bodywork.
Powered by a 3-litre Colombo V-12 engine and fitted with disc brakes all around, this Ferrari was a powerhouse in motorsport. The specific car up for auction is the 34th of just 165 examples built, fully restored by Carrozzeria Autosport in 2009, and comes with Ferrari Classiche certification and documented ownership by marque historian Marcel Massini.
Estimated sale price – £5,000,000 and £6,000,000.
The Cliveden House auction isn’t just about classic supercars from the 1960s though. One of the standout modern cars up for grabs is a rare 2014 Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse. As one of only 92 ever built, this Bugatti made headlines in 2015 when it set the record for the world’s fastest open-top production sports car, reaching a staggering 254.04 mph.
This particular Grand Sport Vitesse has a striking Blue-Black exterior paired with a vibrant Tangerine Leather interior. With 2,500 miles on the clock and a documented service history with HR Owen Bugatti London, it’s in pristine condition.
Estimated sale price – £2,000,000 and £2,500,000.
Another Ferrari available at Sotheby’s Cliveden House auction is the 1967 Ferrari 330 GTS by Pininfarina. Known as one of Ferrari’s most beautiful high-performance open-top cars from the 1960s, this particular example is number 75 of only 99 ever built. It underwent a body-off restoration by GTO Engineering between 2016 and 2017, costing over £120,000. Powered by a Colombo V-12 engine, this open tourer comes with an extensive history file and Ferrari Classiche certification. Offered after 12 years of ownership, it’s now ready to find a new home.
Estimated sale price – £1,300,000 to £1,600,000.
Equally impressive is the 1963 Ferrari 250 GT/L Berlinetta Lusso by Fantuzzi. This car features early coachwork modifications by Fantuzzi in the style of the 330 LMB and was originally delivered to Luciano Pederzani, co-founder of the Tecno Formula 1 team.
It later became part of the collection of radio and TV broadcaster Chris Evans. DK Engineering carried out a comprehensive restoration in 2011, and the car has since been maintained by GTO Engineering. With its rare and unique early coachwork by Fantuzzi, this one-of-a-kind Ferrari offers a truly unique ownership opportunity.
Estimated sale price – £1,100,000 to £1,500,000.
Another open-top classic being offered at the Cliveden House auction is the 1965 Aston Martin DB5 Convertible. Believed to be the penultimate example of the 123 Aston Martin DB5 Convertibles ever built, this car has had just four owners since new. It is presented in a stunning shade of Platinum with a red Conolly leather interior and a matching red Everflex soft-top. In 2016, it underwent a restoration costing over €80,000 at German workshops.
This DB5 Convertible represents Aston Martin’s flagship tourer in its most desirable high-performance, open-air form.
Estimated sale price – £800,000 to £1,000,000.
Regarded as a masterpiece of Mercedes-Benz craftsmanship, chassis number 5500332 stands out as one of the rarest and most authentically preserved of the twenty-nine 300 SL Alloy Competition models ever made. This particular vehicle, a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Alloy Gullwing, is now available for sale through Sotheby’s Sealed, with the bidding process concluding on March 22.
Offered for sale through Sotheby’s Sealed, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own one of the most original and significant competition-prepared Alloy Gullwings in existence.
This exceptional vehicle is currently up for auction with bidding closing at 5pm EDT (9pm UK time) today (March 22nd 2024). While nearly 1,400 300 SL Gullwings were manufactured, only 29 were made with specialised racing features and aluminium bodies. These 29 rare models are all held in significant collections around the world. However, highly original examples like this one are almost non-existent.
This incredible car is one of the exclusive 29 Alloy Gullwings made by Mercedes-Benz, separating it from the 1,371 models made with steel bodies.
Its construction, using lightweight aluminium for the body and Plexiglas for the windows, significantly reduces its weight. This makes it not only a rare car but a high-performing one too. The vehicle is powered by its original 3-litre NSL engine, which, through extensive modifications such as a competition-grade camshaft and a specialised butterfly throttle valve, achieves over 215 horsepower. Interestingly, this car also has a distinctive history; it is the only 300 SL Alloy model that was originally delivered to Casablanca, making it the sole example to be delivered to Africa.
This Alloy Gullwing’s uniqueness is developed further by its retention of many sought-after original features, including a sports suspension, a high-speed 3.42 rear axle, an uprated metric speedometer, belly pans, and Rudge wheels that came as standard. If that wasn’t enough, this example was owned for 32 years by Hyatt Cheek, the national president of the Gullwing Group and the Mercedes-Benz Club of America (MBCA).
Highlighting its exceptional authenticity, chassis number 5500332 retains its original chassis, engine, bodywork, rear axle, and front kingpins. While the gearbox has been replaced with a model of the correct type from 1957, its authenticity remains intact.
The car underwent a meticulous restoration led by the renowned Paul Russell in 1979. The car’s long-standing connection with Paul Russell’s workshop, starting in 1975, known for the exceptional restoration of classic cars, only adds to its desirability and history.
In February, a select group of individuals will be presented with a very special opportunity to become the new owner of one of Ferrari’s most iconic and desired models, a 1958 Ferrari 250 “Pontoon Fender” Testa Rossa. Celebrated for the beauty of its design alongside its now legendary racing legacy, this automotive icon will be a once-in-a-lifetime addition to someone’s collection.
The auction, hosted by RM Sotheby’s, will take place in Blenheim, Canada. Widely regarded as one of the most beautiful automotive creations of all time, the Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa comes with a staggering valuation of $34,000,000 to $38,000,000 (approximately £27,000,000 – £30,000,000).
This particular example, Chassis no. 0738 TR, is one of only 19 crafted by the renowned Italian coachbuilder Sergio Scaglietti. As well as being a stunning car to look at, 0738 TR has an impressive record on the track too. With nearly 20 period races and four overall victories, it was in active competition for over a decade. Recently restored in 2013, at Ferrari Classiche, it was awarded full Red Book Certification and is one of the very few TRs that retains its matching engine and gearbox
The importance and desirability of this special classic will obviously draw attention. With this in mind, the auction will be hosted through Sotheby’s Sealed, providing potential buyers with the opportunity to competitively bid in a private setting.
Shelby Myers, Global Head of Private Sales at RM Sotheby’s said “I have always believed that the 250 Testa Rossa should be the most desirable automobile in the world, especially in the context of Ferrari. When compared to the most revered prancing horse model, the 250 GTO, the TR far outpaces the GTO’s competition record. It revolutionised the World Sportscar Championship and won the 24 Hours of Le Mans an unprecedented four times; it is also much rarer in terms of the total number of cars produced. Its rarity, open-top experience, and iconic ‘pontoon fender’ design, present in only 19 cars, elevate it to the level of Michelangelo and Bernini’s art. No world-class collection is complete without the masterpiece that is the Ferrari 250 TR, the epitome of rolling art. These opportunities rarely come up, and it is fittingly offered through Sotheby’s Sealed, our most exclusive acquisition method,”
In some films, certain cars become as iconic as the characters driving them on the silver screen. One such automotive legend is this 1989 Lamborghini Countach 25th Anniversary Edition, which famously made an appearance in Martin Scorsese’s 2013 film, ‘The Wolf of Wall Street.’
One of the two Lamborghinis used in the film is going to auction at RM Sotheby’s Luxury Week on 8th December 2023 in New York.
Introduced in the early 1970s, the Countach was the embodiment of automotive innovation. As the vehicle most responsible for bringing the “Italian Wedge” style of supercar to the foreground, the 25th Anniversary Edition was styled by Horatio Pagani and was produced from 1988 to 1990.
With its scissor doors, sharp angles, and wedge-shaped profile, the Countach was something of a masterpiece and a symbol of excess and luxury. It was, in many ways, the perfect car for the extravagant world depicted in ‘The Wolf of Wall Street.’
Martin Scorsese’s ‘The Wolf of Wall Street,’ starring Leonardo DiCaprio as the infamous Jordan Belfort, is a film recognised for its portrayal of wealth and lavish lifestyles in the world of finance. In a scene that perfectly captures this spirit, this specific white Lamborghini Countach is featured alongside Belfort (DiCaprio) while he is under the influence of various substances, creating a memorable moment that has become a pinacle point in the film.
RM Sotheby’s describes the car:
This very special Countach is the first collector car to be announced for RM Sotheby’s boutique New York sale—an exclusive auction of extraordinary vehicles held during Sotheby’s Luxury Week on the 8th of December.
With its unique connection to the film and its association with the larger-than-life character of Jordan Belfort, it is estimated to sell for $1,500,000 – $2,000,000 (Approximately £1,183,000 – £1,578,000).
Gord Duff, Global Head of Auctions, at RM Sotheby’s, said “The ‘Wolf’ Countach, along with the other cars that will be on offer, perfectly embodies what we set out to accomplish when we decided to host a sale during Sotheby’s Luxury Week. Scorsese, DiCaprio, Lamborghini, and New York—all make for an incredible pedigree. The sale will feature other similar cars—unique, highly collectable, with a degree of provenance, low mileage, or one-off specifications. Our team has a great track record of curating boutique sales such as this, and we look forward to showcasing this during Luxury Week.”
Michael Schumacher is an icon of Formula 1. His illustrious career is one of legend and the name, Schumacher, will always be thought of when talking about motor racing. If you are old enough to have seen him race, there’s no denying that Michael Schumacher was a phenomenon that will be a challenge to ever follow.
From a young German racer to a competitive force of nature and dominating presence through the highest level of racing, Schumacher drove for some of the biggest teams such as Benetton, Mercedes-Benz, and, probably most famously – Ferrari.
Fans of the iconic driver will be able to get their hands on some truly extraordinary artefacts from his astonishing career. The items have been assembled over a 30-year period in a private Japanese collection and will open for bidding through RM Sothebys between 16th August and 6th September 2023.
1994 Michael Schumacher Bell Benetton Formula 1 helmet – This is the helmet Michael Schumacher wore while racing for Benetton during the 1994 Formula 1 season. This was the season that Michael won his first world championship where he took eight races and six pole positions. A Bell Certificate of Authenticity confirms the helmet is a very special find and a fantastic addition to someone’s collection Estimate: $40,000 – $60,000 (approx £31,500 – £47,000).
1989 Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost Signed Formula 1 Moet Champagne Bottle – Believed to have been signed by Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost at some point during the 1989 Formula 1 season, this is a very special champagne bottle! Estimate: $5,000 – $10,000 (approx £4,000 – £8,000).
2002 Michael Schumacher Schuberth Scuderia Ferrari Formula 1 Helmet– During Schumacher’s championship-winning 2002 season, he wore this helmet in the Japanese and Hungarian Grand Prix events. In Japan, he took pole position, set the fastest lap, and won the race. In Hungary, he qualified in second, set the fastest lap, and went on to finish second. The helmet has been certified by Jens Munser Designs as an authentic example. Estimate: $20,000 – $25,000 (approx £16,000 – £20,000).
2003 Michael Schumacher Scuderia Ferrari OMP Formula 1 Signed Racing Suit – Another incredible item from another championship-winning year. Schumacher wore the racing suit on 14th September 2003 at the Italian Grand Prix where he took pole position and the race win. Estimate: $12,000 – $15,000 (approx £9,500 – £12,000)
2001 Michael Schumacher Schuberth Scuderia Ferrari Formula 1 Helmet – Another championship-winning item. This time from the 2001 season when Schumacher wore this helmet on 22nd January 2001 at the Australian, Malaysian, and Brazilian Grand Prix events. Certified as an authentic example by Jens Munser and signed on the visor by Michael himself. Estimate $20,000 – $25,000 (approx £16,000 – £20,000)
Tomorrow is the first of a two-part auction for a collection of 86 cars, all owned by a single individual, hosted by RM Sotheby’s. The majority of the collection is made up of Porsche 911’s which is why this unique group of vehicles has been named – The Carrera Collection.
Part one of this incredible auction will be held in Switzerland at the Hotel Meilenstein in Langenthal on 7 July. All of the cars going up for sale are Swiss-registered and are all offered with no reserve! Tomorrow’s auction will see some impressive vehicles go under the hammer, including a 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 Touring, which is offered in its original colours of Light Yellow over Black. It is a fully matching-numbers example and is estimated to sell for CHF400,000 – CHF450,000 (approximately £350,000 – £394,000).
If one wasn’t enough, there is actually another 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 Touring in the collection. This one is finished in the highly-desirable factory-specified colour of Tangerine and specified with Recaro seats. As one of Porsche’s most desirable halo models, it is estimated to sell for CHF350,000 – CHF400,000 (approximately £306,000 – £350,000).
One car that will no doubt capture the attention of Porsche fans is the 1963 Porsche 356 B Carrera 2 2000 GS Coupé by Reutter. An example of Porsche’s first-ever production model, it is finished in a factory-correct colour combination of Ivory White over black leatherette. After an extensive seven-year restoration, the estimated sale price is CHF360,000 – CHF450,000 (approximately £316,000 – £394,000).
Another incredible Porsche to be offered in tomorrow’s auction is the 1963 Porsche 356 B by Reutter. This one comes in a rare Carrera 2 ‘Sunroof’ Coupé specification and was restored in 2012 by a 356-specialist workshop in Italy. Estimate – CHF350,000 – CHF450,000 (approximately £306,000 – £394,000).
Oliver Camelin, Director of Sales, Switzerland said, “It is incredibly rare that a collection of Porsches of this quantity and quality comes to market. It features a wide and exceptional cross-section of 911s, many of which boast rare specifications or are limited-edition cars. With all cars offered across both the sales with no reserve, this is an exciting opportunity for Porsche enthusiasts.”
It isn’t just road cars that will be up for grabs either. One particular highlight comes in the form of a 1995 Porsche 911 GT2 Evolution. This one comes with an extensive history file that includes FIVA and ACI technical passports. As the highest-performance version of the air-cooled era of the 911, and undergoing a rebuild in the mid-2010s by Rennsport of Reggio Emilia, Italy, estimates are CHF350,000 – CHF450,000 (approximately £306,000 – £394,000).
Tomorrow’s sale will also feature three BMW Z8 Roadsters and two Alpina V8 Roadsters, six 911 Speedsters of different eras, three 911 S’s, three 356’s, two 2.7 RS Tourings, three 911 Turbos, and four GT3 RSs from different generations.
Part two of The Carrera Collection sale will be held on 12th July at Sotheby’s Milan, Italy. This will be for the European Union-registered cars in the collection. One of the cars that will be offered is a 1959 Porsche 356 A Carrera 1600 GT Coupé by Reutter, which is offered with period competition history with class wins at the 1959 Pontedecimo-Giovi and Aosta-Pila hill climbs. It also comes with period photographs, Kardex document, FIVA assessment book, and past registration documents, and it is estimated to sell for between €400,000 – €500,000 (approximately £342,000 – £427,000)
Another attention-grabbing vehicle in the Italian line-up is a 1997 Porsche 911 Turbo S Prototype. It has the final and most technologically advanced air-cooled 911 Turbo engine, and was a factory prototype with more than 30 optional extras including a sunroof, heated racing-style sport seats, and a period Motorola 2200 car phone. Estimate – €300,000 – €400,000 (approximately £256,000 – £342,000).
A 2010 Porsche 911 GT2 RS will also be available. With less than 7,500 kilometres on the clock, the car features a 3.6-litre flat-six paired with a six-speed manual gearbox which certainly makes for a passionate driving machine. Estimate – €240,000 – €280,000 (approximately £205,000 – £239,000).
One car that is expected to be extremely popular is a 1989 Porsche 911 Speedster that comes in paint-to-sample Elfenbein with colour-matched Fuchs wheels, and has an estimate of €150,000 – €200,000 (approximately £128,000 – £171,000).
The Italian sale includes six 911 Ss, four 356s, four Porsche 911 Targas, and seven 911 Turbos from differing generations.
Full details can be seen at RM Sotheby’s.
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