RM Sotheby’s announced a 1929 Duesenberg Model J ‘Disappearing Top’ Torpedo Convertible Coupe by Murphy for the Amelia Island sale in May 2021.
Early highlights announced for the RM Sotheby’s Amelia Island classic car auction include a 1929 Duesenberg Model J ‘Disappearing Top’ Torpedo Convertible Coupe by Murphy (Est. $3,500,000 – $4,000,000) and a 1968 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 by Scaglietti (Est. $2,500,000 – $2,800,000). Due to Covid-19 related measures, the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance and related classic car auctions were moved from the traditional March to the end of May 2021.
RM Sotheby’s Amelia Island Sale 2021
RM Sotheby’s 23rd annual Amelia Island auction is scheduled for 22 May 2021. As the official auction of the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, the one-day sale will see a diverse lineup of more than 80 motor cars with entries spanning the market from pre-and post-war classics through to grand touring and sports cars of the 1950s, ‘60s, and ‘70s, as well as high-performance, modern cars.
The 2021 auction, postponed due to Corona from the traditional early March to late May, was a single-day live auction earning $42,174,340 and with a 95.28 percent sell-through rate — the highest since 2015.
RM Sotheby’s results and earnings at recent Amelia Island auctions were as follows:
In 2017, RM Sotheby’s earned an Amelia Island record $70.9 million but in contrast to most years, a second auction day was held during which 63 cars from the Orin Smith collection were sold without reserve to earn a total of $31 million. The top result that year was $7,700,00 paid for a 1937 Bugatti Type 57S Cabriolet by Vanvooren.
Top Early Entries for the Amelia Island 2021 Auction
RM Sotheby’s announced two special early entries for the Amelia Island 2021 classic car auction: a 1929 Duesenberg Model J ‘Disappearing Top’ Torpedo Convertible Coupe by Murphy and a 1968 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 by Scaglietti. Both are highly rated by RM Sotheby’s and valued accordingly.
According to Donnie Gould, Car Specialist, RM Sotheby’s, “This year’s Amelia Island auction represents what will be one of the most anticipated events of the year and the early consignments of both the Ferrari and the Duesenberg speak to the level and quality of cars our clients and first-time attendees can expect at the auction. J-414, with its Torpedo body and disappearing convertible top, is a “top ten” example among all Duesenbergs. Given its spectacular coachwork, unique provenance, and recent concours-level restoration it’s a natural fit for our Amelia Island auction. Equally impressive and also a “top ten” in the world of Ferrari production cars, the 275 GTB/4 is a terrific complement to the Duesenberg. Given its almost 50-year single ownership and mostly out of the public eye, we anticipate strong interest in what is the ultimate in all road-going Ferraris.”
1929 Duesenberg Model J ‘Disappearing Top’ Torpedo
The 1929 Duesenberg Model J ‘Disappearing Top’ Torpedo Convertible Coupe by Murphy, chassis no. 2199, (Est. $3,500,000 – $4,000,000) on offer at the RM Sotheby’s Amelia Island 2021 sale is a recent Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance award winner and Amelia Island Concours Best in Class winner.
The Duesenberg Model J on offer is one of two examples built with polished and brushed bare aluminum coachwork and the sole intact survivor. With a very well-known history from new, 2199 enjoyed the care of a handful of Southern California caretakers through its early life and into the late 1940s. In 1951, it was purchased by a longtime Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club member and remained as his prized possession until 1985. The car was subsequently restored, after which it received the coveted ACD Club Category One certification.
Recently, 2199 underwent a meticulous restoration by RM Auto Restoration that returned the stunning Duesenberg to its original, highly attractive, and unique presentation featuring its polished aluminum original coachwork. It comes to auction today as a recent Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance award winner and Amelia Island Concours Best in Class winner.
1968 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 by Scaglietti
At the opposite end of the spectrum is another top-tier car set to draw considerable interest, a 1968 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 by Scaglietti, chassis no. 10987, (Est. $2,500,000 – $2,800,000). One of 330 examples produced between 1966 and 1968, the car was delivered new to Rome, Italy, originally finished in Celeste over Nero interior.
Maintained and enjoyed by the same owner since 1973, the 275 GTB/4 underwent a restoration during his ownership, executed by Bob Smith Coachworks of Gainesville, Texas. Presenting wonderfully today in Giallo Solare finish and equipped with desirable Campagnolo alloy wheels, 10987 presents an outstanding opportunity to acquire a 275 that has largely remained out of the public eye until now.
The Ferrari 275 GTB/4 is one of the most popular Ferrari models from the 1960s. It is frequently seen at classic car auctions and generally sells within expectations.
Other Early Entries for the RM Sotheby’s Amelia Island 2021 Sale
Additional Amelia Island auction highlights include:
- an as-new, in-the-wrapper 2006 Ford GT Heritage, showing a mere 2.7 miles and one of 50 examples exported to Canada (Est. $480,000 – $520,000);
- a CCCA Full Classic 1919 Pierce-Arrow Series 31 Four-Passenger Roadster, reportedly one of only three extant in this design (Est. $200,000 – $250,000, offered without reserve);
- and a CCCA Full Classic 1930 Cadillac V-16 All-Weather Phaeton by Fleetwood, offered from single collector ownership since 1980 (Est. $150,000 – $200,000).
Amelia Island Classic Car Auctions 2021
Amelia Island 2021 Auction Results
- Bonhams: Amelia Island 2021 Auction Results
- RM Sotheby’s: Amelia Island 2021 Auction Results
Amelia Island 2021 Auction Previews
- Bonhams: Amelia Island 2021 Auction Preview
- RM Sotheby’s: Amelia Island 2021 Auction Preview
Amelia Island 2021 Auction Announcements
- Bonhams: Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost & Godsal
- RM Sotheby’s: Duesenberg Model J & Ferrari 275 GTB/4
