A Bugatti Type 57 SC and a Jaguar D-Type are the top cars on offer at the RM Sotheby’s Arizona Scottsdale 2021 classic car sale.
A red 1955 Jaguar D-Type and a 1937 Bugatti Type 57 SC with coachwork by Corsica are the two leading cars for the RM Sotheby’s Arizona classic car auction during the traditional Scottsdale collector car sales week in January 2021. Twelve million-dollar cars will be on offer in the auction including the first McLaren Speedtail and the first Koenigsegg Regera offered for sale in a public auction.
RM Sotheby’s Arizona (Scottsdale) Sale 2021
RM Sotheby’s Arizona classic car auction: 22 January 2021 at a new venue — OTTO Car Club, in Scottsdale itself and no longer in Phoenix. Around 80 cars will be on offer.
The format for 2021 is a live auction with admission only to registered bidders. Telephone, internet, and commission bidding will also be possible. Cars may be viewed by appointment at the OTTO Car Club in the days leading up to the auction.
In 2021, RM Sotheby’s earned $35,065,900 with a sell-through rate of 90%.
In 2020, RM Sotheby’s earned $30.4 million at Arizona with a 90% sell-through rate. According to Hagerty, the average sale price was down to $238,507.
In 2019, RM Sotheby’s earned $37 million with a sell-through rate of 85% of 154 lots on offer. According to Hagerty, the average sale price was $273,710 per car.
In 2018, RM Sotheby’s grossed $35.8 million by selling 109 cars of 127 offered for a sell-through rate of 86% and an average $328,404 per car. (Hagerty calculations)
In 2017, RM Sotheby’s earned $54 million from 141 cars offered with a sell-through rate of 89%. RM Sotheby’s sold 15 cars for more than a million dollars.
The Arizona / Scottsdale auction record is $9,900,000 paid for a 1937 Mercedes Benz 540 K Special Roadster by Sindelfingen at the RM Sothebys Arizona 2016 sale.
Million-Dollar-Plus Cars at RM Sotheby’s Arizona 2021 Sale
The following cars on offer at the RM Sotheby’s Arizona Scottsdale 2021 have presale estimates exceeding a million dollar:
| Year | Car | Estimate ($) | |
| 1 | 1955 | Jaguar D-Type | 5,750,000 – 7,500,000 |
| 2 | 1937 | Bugatti Type 57 SC Tourer by Corsica | 4,750,000 – 6,500,000 |
| 3 | 2020 | McLaren Speedtail | 3,500,000 – 4,500,000 |
| 4 | 2019 | Koenigsegg Regera | 2,600,000 – 2,900,000 |
| 5 | 1954 | Ferrari 375 America Coupe by Vignale | 2,400,000 – 3,400,000 |
| 6 | 2003 | Ferrari Enzo | 2,250,000 – 2,500,000 |
| 7 | 1965 | Aston Martin Short-Chassis Volante | 1,500,000 – 1,750,000 |
| 8 | 1956 | Ferrari 250 GT Alloy Coupe by Boano | 1,200,000 – 1,400,000 |
| 9 | 2019 | McLaren Senna | 1,000,000 – 1,300,000 |
| 10 | 1957 | Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster | 1,000,000 – 1,200,000 |
| 11 | 2019 | Ford GT “Lightweight” | 900,000 – 1,200,000 |
| 12 | 1958 | Lister-Jaguar “Knobbly” | 900,000 – 1,200,000 |
Top Cars on Offer at RM Sotheby’s Arizona Scottsdale 2021 Sale
The two top cars on offer in the RM Sotheby’s Arizona / Scottsdale 2021 classic car auction were both no-sales at recent auctions. Both the Bugatti Type 57 SC and the Jaguar D-Type are offered with estimates significantly lower than the rejected bids at the previous auctions.
1937 Bugatti Type 57SC Tourer by Corsica
The 1937 Bugatti Type 57SC Tourer by Corsica, estimate $4,750,000 to $6,500,000, is a rare car. Just over 40 Type 57S chassis were produced, of which only 16 were fitted with open coachwork. Corsa fitted coachwork to only eight of which only two were the four-seater tourer bodies that the Bugatti on offer is wearing. Adding the available “C” specification Roots-type supercharger early in the car’s life further raised the power output to 200 hp, enabling a top speed of 120-mph and making the 57SC the fastest French production car of the period.
This 1937 Bugatti Type 57SC Tourer by Corsica was the lead car for the RM Sotheby’s Amelia Island 2019 classic car auction where the highest bid of $5.7 million was not accepted. The estimate then was a slightly higher $6,000,000 – $7,500,000.
The Bugatti was formerly a centerpiece in the Judge North, General Lyons, and Blackhawk Collections. While in the hands of the Blackhawk Collection, a full restoration was performed, and the car was displayed on the lawn at Pebble Beach in 2003 to much fanfare. As it presents today, it carries this well-preserved restoration from its Pebble Beach debut. Most importantly, the Bugatti retains its original chassis, engine, gearbox, and body, with the supercharger believed to be the same one that was installed within the first few years of its life.
Top Bugatti Results at Public Auction
The five most-expensive cars sold in 2020 were all classic Bugattis. However, this was an exceptional year, not only due to the worldwide pandemic but also despite the fame of the brand, only three Bugattis have ever sold for over $10 million (nominal).
Two of these were sold at the Gooding Passion of a Lifetime London 2020 auction, including the new marque record holder, a 1934 Bugatti Type 59 Sports that sold for $12,681,550 (£9,535,000). In the same sale, a 1937 Bugatti Type 57S Atalante achieved $10,447,150.
It is no surprise that classic Bugatti owners may now consider a good time to sell their cars, especially when other top car owners are reluctant to test the market. However, it is quite special that two Bugatti 57S chassis fitted with Corsa coachwork is hitting the market within a few weeks. In addition to the 1937 Bugatti Type 57SC Tourer by Corsica at RM Sotheby’s Arizona 2021, a 1937 Bugatti Type 57S with Grand Routier coachwork by Corsa (estimate $6,500,000 — 9,000,000, no reserve) is the car around which Bonhams arranged the Legends of the Road classic car auction in London on 19 February 2021.
1955 Jaguar D-Type
The 1955 Jaguar D-Type, XKD 518, estimate $5,750,000 to $7,500,000, is a well-documented car with period competition history.
It is one of only two (possibly three) D-Types delivered in a dramatic red livery. The first private owner was famed British racing driver Peter Blond, who purchased the car from motorsport icon Bernie Ecclestone. Blond raced XKD 518 until 1957, with highlights including a 5th Overall at the Aintree 100, a top 10 finish in the Goodwood Trophy, and a win at the Snetterton National Race. After Blond sold the Jaguar in 1957, XKD 518 had several prominent owners including famed racer Ms. Jean Bloxham and Led Zeppelin band manager Peter Grant.
The Jaguar D-Type is in its distinctive original livery with its matching-numbers engine, XKD 518. The tailfin and full-width windscreens are not factory original but were presumably added early in the car’s history.
It is a second outing to the Scottsdale, Arizona, auctions in three years for the red 1955 Jaguar D-Type, chassis XKD518. In 2018, it was offered by Gooding with the highest bid of $8.85 million rejected — the presale estimate was $10,000,000–$12,000,000. On the same day, RM Sotheby’s failed to sell one of the six works Jaguar D-Types with a highest offer of $9.8 million rejected (presale estimate $12,000,000 to $15,000,000)
The 1956 Le Mans-winning 1955 Jaguar D-Type Ecurie Ecosse team car sold for $21,780,000 at RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2016 auction. At the time it was the most-expensive British car ever sold at public auction – a record since beaten by the 1956 Aston Martin DBR1. However, it remains the most-expensive Jaguar ever and the most-expensive Le Mans-winner.
For the smaller budget, a 1958 Lister-Jaguar “Knobbly” is available in the same auction. It is one of three works cars produced and. believed the only one still using its original Jaguar engine.
Modern Supercars at RM Sotheby’s Scottsdale 2021 Sale
Modern supercars tended to perform better at online collector car auction in 2020 than more classic automobiles. Several modern supercars will be on offer at RM Sotheby’s but best not to ask current owners how the cars drive — the 2019 Ford GT has only 8.2 miles on the clock, the Speedtal 30, and the Regera 200!
2020 McLaren Speedtail
The 2020 McLaren Speedtail, estimate $3,500,000 to $4,500,000, was the 36th of only 106 produced. It is fitted with over $170,000 in options, of which almost a third was spent on the bespoke shade of MSO Heritage Atlantic Blue, further enriched by a set of Bespoke Exterior Painted Pinstripes which are color-matched to the lightweight alloy wheels.
The Mclaren Speedtail is the fastest McLaren road car ever built with a top speed of 250 mph. It was only sold to preselect customers and this will be the first example offered in a public sale. It has only 30 miles on the clock.
A 2019 McLaren Senna is also available in the same sale. It is the 95th of 500 examples produced and has almost 500 miles and two annual services on record. This Senna was fitted with over $360,000 of optional equipment.
2019 Koenigsegg Regera
The 2019 Koenigsegg Regera is heading towards record territory if it sells at the RM Sotheby’s Arizona 2021 sale — it is the first of only 80 produced between 2016 and 2020 to be offered in a public auction. This Regera was the 175th chassis produced by Koenigsegg and was fitted with $217,000 worth of optional extras. Rather disappointingly for a car with such performance, it has fewer than 200 miles on the clock.
Koenigsegg cars are rare and rarely offered at auction. The marque record was set when a 2015 Koenigsegg One:1 sold for $4,631,767 at Bonhams Bonmont 2019 near Geneva. The car was only offered in the auction after 25 luxury cars were confiscated by Swiss authorities from the son of the president of Equatorial Guinea.
Top Ferraris on Offer at RM Sotheby’s Arizona 2021 Sale
As at so many other auctions in 2020, top Ferraris will also be relatively limited at the Scottsdale, Arizona, classic car auctions in 2021. The two 1950s Ferraris have rare bodywork by Italian craftsmen before Scaglietti and Pininfarina produced most Ferrari bodies. The top three Ferraris on offer in the RM Sotheby’s Arizona 2021 sale are:
1954 Ferrari 375 America Coupe
The 1954 Ferrari 375 America Coupe, estimate $2,400,000 to $3,400,000, is one of only two bodied by Vignale. It is restored to its original color scheme of burgundy and silver-grey over beige. It retained its original V12 engine.
The America Coupe was exhibited at the 1954 New York World Motor Sports Show and the 1954 Geneva Motor Show before being delivered to legendary racing sponsor Robert Wilke.
2003 Ferrari Enzo
The 2003 Ferrari Enzo (Est. $2,250,000 – $2,500,000), chassis no. 131919, was delivered new to its original owner via Foreign Cars Italia in Greensboro, North Carolina, and was promptly featured as the cover car for Car and Driver’s July 2003 issue, the willing subject of the first official testing review available to the United States audience.
The Ferrari’s original owner was also known for enjoying his cars on the road and his time with 131319 was no different. After logging several thousand miles on the road during his stewardship, he elected to sell the Enzo in 2006. The Ferrari subsequently changed hands however always remaining well cared for and in excellent condition. Now showing just under 12,000 miles from new and presented in its original Giallo Modena over tan leather interior, the Enzo benefits from a recent mechanical service.
1956 Ferrari 250 GT Alloy Coupe
The rare, “low roof” 1956 Ferrari 250 GT Alloy Coupe (Est. $1,200,000 – $1,400,000), was coach-built by Felice Mario Boano in 1957. One of just 14 alloy-bodied coupes produced by Boano between 1956 and 1958, chassis no. 0613 GT benefits from a rich and well-documented provenance, including its factory build records, in-period race victories, and more recently, certification by Ferrari Classiche.
Originally owned by NART financier, George Arents, 0613 GT was raced by Arents just once at Maryland’s Marlboro Speedway in 1957 before it was sold to noted privateer Bob Grossman, who navigated the car in several races, including the Speed week’s famous ‘All-Ferrari’ race, where he finished sixth overall. In 1960, 0613 GT was exported to England and passed through the stables of several English owners.
The car was exported to the United States in 2002, and by 2004, a concours preparation regiment and engine rebuild was executed, which resulted in a Gold Award at the 2004 FCA International Concours d’Elegance in Monterey. Attesting to its Ferrari Classiche Certification, 0613 GT retains its original V-12 engine, gearbox, rear differential, and alloy body.
Top Mercedes-Benz Cars at RM Sotheby’s Arizona 2021 Sale
The hand-built convertion 1990 Mercedes-Benz 560 TEL Estate by Caro is certainly a rare car but the more expensive ones on offer in the RM Sotheby’s Arizona 2021 classic car auction are:
1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster
Mercedes-Benz 300s from the 1950s remain popular and despite weaker prices than in 2015-16, these cars are never cheap. The 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster is one of 554 completed in 1957.
The Roadster was recently reunited with its original engine but the electronic-assist power steering and Bluetooth audio are not from the original built sheet. Neither are the reproduction Rudge knock-off wheels. Originally ivory over red, the roadster is currently in green over dark green interior with dark green soft top.
1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 Sc Roadster
The 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 Sc Roadster was new more expensive than the SL Roadster but has always been less desired. It is a far more rare vehicle — only 53 were produced in total making it one of the most-exclusive Mercedes-Benz production cars.
With body number 00001 and a floor-shift this roadster must have been one of the first produced. Originally finished in white over a cream interior it is currently dark red over black. The soft top is black like the original would have been.
Scottsdale and Arizona Car Auctions 2021
Scottsdale & Arizona Auctions 2021
Many auction houses have sales (live, online, or a combination) during the annual Scottsdale week in mid-January (and end March 2021), including amongst others:
- Barett-Jackson: Postponed until the week of 22 March 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona — live auction.
- Bonhams: 21 January 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona — live auction.
- Gooding & Company: 22 January 2021 — online only.
- RM Sotheby’s: 22 January 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona — live auction.
- Russo and Steele: 23 January 2021 in Scottsdale, live but private event with restricted admission.
- Worldwide Auctioneers: 23 January 2021 in Auburn, Indiana (but keeping the Scottsdale auction name!)
Scottsdale & Arizona Sales 2021 — Auction Results
- Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale March 2021 Auction Results
- Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale March 2021 Charity Lots Auction Results
- 2021 Scottsdale, Arizona, January Auctions Results Overview
- Bonhams Scottsdale 2021 Auction Results
- Gooding Scottsdale 2021 Auction Results
- RM Sotheby’s Arizona 2021 Auction Results
Scottsdale & Arizona Sales 2021 — Auction Previews
Scottsdale & Arizona Sales 2021 — Pre-Auction Announcements:
- Barrett-Jackson: Carroll Shelby’s Personal Cobra 427 Super Snake
- Barrett-Jackson: Reschedule Announcement
- Barrett-Jackson: First Cars Announced
- Bonhams: Early Highlights
- Gooding: Ferrari 275 GTB
- RM Sotheby’s: Early Highlights
Scottsdale & Arizona Sales 2020 – Auction Results
