Two special Porsches — a 1955 Porsche 356 Carrera 1500 GS Speedster and a 1974 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 3.0 — were announced for the RM Sotheby’s London 2020 sale.
Leading the latest consignments announced for the RM Sotheby’s London 2020 classic car auction is a 1955 Porsche 356 Carrera 1500 GS Speedster, (Est. £1,100,000-£1,300,000). It was the seventh of 15 cars built in that year. The 1974 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 3.0 (Est. £800,000-£1,000,000) is one of just 56 examples produced and is alleged to be the only car fitted with a factory electric sliding roof.
RM Sotheby’s London Sale 2020
RM Sotheby’s 14th annual London sale will be an Online Only auction, in-line with all its European sales in 2020. Taking place on 31 October 2020, the sale will still run in partnership with the Royal Automobile Club and as sponsors of the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, set to take place during the same weekend on Sunday, 1 November 2020.
Maarten ten Holder, Head of Europe, RM Sotheby’s, says: “Once again we’ve amassed an enviable selection of cars for the London sale, and we’re still actively consigning. These two very special and rare Porsches represent peak model development for the 356 and 911 ranges, in period, and we’re delighted to offer them. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect us all, and we had to make the decision to move the London sale onto our Online Only platform, as with all our European sales this year.”
Special Porsches at the RM Sotheby’s London 2020 Sale
RM Sotheby’s announced two special high-end Porsches for its London 2020 classic car auction:
1955 Porsche 356 Carrera 1500 GS Speedster
Leading the latest consignments announced for the RM Sotheby’s London 2020 sale is a 1955 Porsche 356 Carrera 1500 GS Speedster, (Est. £1,100,000-£1,300,000). Widely heralded as one of the most collectible sports cars in history, this example is especially sought after, being one of a very limited number of “Four-Cam” models and only the seventh of just 15 production Carrera Pre-A 1500 GS Speedsters built in that year.
This example, chassis no. 81062, finished in red with tan interior, retains its original race-derived Type 547/1 ‘Carrera’ engine and is accompanied by a Kardex and official Porsche Certificate of Authenticity. Furthermore, its Reutter coachwork and immaculately maintained condition make it one of the most desirable cars to complement any prestigious car collection.
1974 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 3.0
A road-prepared version of the Porsche homologated 3.0-litre RSR factory race car, this 1974 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 3.0 (Est. £800,000-£1,000,000) is one of just 56 examples produced and is alleged to be the only car fitted with a factory electric sliding roof.
The Porsche is presented as delivered in vibrant yellow with a black leatherette interior and without the famed Carrera RS script along the lower side, contributing in part to this vehicle’s unusual specification. The car retains many of its original features, including the period roll cage, 917-type brakes, and numerous chassis and suspension reinforcements. Also retained is the Carrera RS’ original straight-six engine, capable of reaching 60mph in 5.5 seconds, and housed underneath the distinctive ‘whale-tail’ rear spoiler.
Owned by the consignor since 2004 and fastidiously maintained to an exceptional standard, this rare and desirable road-going racer would undoubtedly stand out at a vintage racing or concours event.
Aston Martins at RM Sotheby’s London 2020 Auction
Unquestionably amongst the most desirable of all the 1950s and 1960s sports GT cars are the DB series Aston Martins. Combining exceptional performance and stunning looks, the DB series of cars took on a new purposeful and elegant appearance with the launch of the DB4 in 1958. Finding complete cars which can form the basis of straightforward restoration is becoming increasingly hard, so it’s of significance to collectors that two examples are offered in the London sale.
The 1963 Aston Martin DB4 Series V Vantage (Est. £375,000-£425,000)is a highly desirable model featuring the factory engine upgrades lifting power by 26bhp. With a well-documented history, the Dubonet red example offered presents an exceptional opportunity to create a beautiful example of the ultimate incarnation of the DB4 model range.
Also offered in the sale is a 1965 Aston Martin DB5 (Est. £375,000-£425,000) in similarly complete and sound condition, presenting an equally straightforward restoration project of what is arguably the most desirable of the DB series cars. Presented in Royal Blue, the car was the subject of a restoration in the 1980s and will make for a fabulous fresh restoration for a new owner to enjoy in the coming decades.
Although RM Sotheby’s took over sponsorship of the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, the cars on offer a day earlier at the Bonhams The Golden Age of Motoring Sale ‘1886-1939’ featuring only veteran, vintage, and post-vintage motor cars, i.e. cars produced before the Second World War, will be much more in the spirit of the veteran car run.
