2017 RM Sotheby’s Monterey Sale Auction Preview

Racing Aston Martins, magnificent Ferraris and classic Mercedes Benz cars are leading the RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2017 classic car auction.

The 1956 Aston Martin DBR1/1 is the lead car for the RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2017 sale. This Le Mans participant may set a new marque record. Five Aston Martins are expected to achieve a million dollar at the sale including a DB4GT Prototype and an Ulster Competition Sports. The leading Ferrari is a 1961 Ferrari 250 SW Berlinetta but the unique 1950 Ferrari 166 MM Uovo by Fontana is the more interesting car. Fourteen Ferraris are expected to sell for more than a million dollar, including a LaFerrari. The Monterey 2017 sale also includes two large Mercedes Benz cars from the 1930s, a 1928 Mercedes Benz 26/120/180 Typecast S Sports, a Gullwing and a 300 SL Roadster. At least 40 cars in the sale have the potential to achieve over a million dollar ranging from the 1925 Bugatti Type 35 C Grand Prix to near-new hypercars such as the LaFerrari, Porsche 918 and a Pagani Huyara.

RM Sotheby’s Monterey Classic Car Auction

In 2017, RM Sotheby’s will have its Monterey sale on 18 & 19 August 2017 at the Portola Hotel & Spa in Monterey, California, USA. Around 100 cars will be on offer.

In 2016, RM Sotheby’s grossed $118 million from just over 100 cars – 21 cars were sold for over a million dollar including three that sold for over $10 million and setting new marque records: a 1955 Jaguar D-Type, 1939 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900 B Lungo Spider and a 1962 Shelby 260 Cobra CSX2000 – the most-expensive American car ever.

Million-Dollar Cars at RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2017

The following cars are on offer at the RM Sotheby’s Monterey classic car sale with upper estimates of a million dollar or more:

Top Aston Martins at the RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2017

The prices of Aston Martins have increased dramatically at recent auctions and this trend is likely to continue giving the selection of mostly racing Aston Martins on offer at the RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2017 sale:

1956 Aston Martin DBR1

The 1956 Aston Martin DBR1/1, “estimate upon request”, is the lead car for the RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2017 sale. Although no estimate was released, bids above $20 million were expected when the car was announced earlier, which would make it the most-expensive car at any of the Monterey Week 2017 auctions. It may also increase the Aston Martin marque record – currently $14,300,000 achieved for a 1962 Aston Martin DB4GT Zagato at RM Sotheby’s New York 2015 sale.

The 1956 Aston Martin DBR1/1 was the first of five cars built and the sister car of the 1959 Le Mans 24 Hours race winner. DBR1/1 participated in three Le Mans 24 Hours races but failed to finish. The car was raced actively from 1956 to 1962 and driven by amongst others Carroll Shelby, Roy Salvadori, Stirling Moss, and Jack Brabham. Its best result was victory overall at the 1959 Nürburgring 1000 with Stirling Moss and Jack Fairman at the helm.

The 1956 Aston Martin DBR1/1 comes with its original engine although a reproduction unit is fitted for historic racing events.

1959 Aston Martin DB4GT Prototype

The 1959 Aston Martin DB4GT Prototype, chassis DP199/1, estimate $6,000,000 – $8,000,000, was the design project for the 75 DB4GTs and 20 Zagatos that would be built. The car won at its first outing at Silverstone with Stirling Moss and Reg Parnell behind the wheel. It was raced at Le Mans in 1959 by the Ecurie Trois Chevrons team but the engine ran a bearing after only 21 laps.

Although the 1959 Aston Martin DB4GT Prototype was the original development car, it was only the 69th DB4GT to be delivered to an owner outside the Aston Martin group. By that time it was already on at least its third engine, as race engines where changed to comply with different regulations.

1935 Aston Martin Ulster Competition Sports

The 1935 Aston Martin Ulster Competition Sports, registration CMC 614, estimate $2,500,000 – $3,000,000, has been described as the most-raced car ever. It retired early on during the 1935 Mille Miglia but finished Le Mans 8th overall. During thee decades of ownership by Derrick Edwards, the 1935 Aston Martin Ulster Competition Sports was raced all over the world and won an estimated 650 awards in 40 years of racing.

1949 Aston Martin  2-Litre Sports ‘DB1’ Le Mans

The 1949 Aston Martin 2-Litre Sports ‘DB1’ Le Mans, Chassis no. AMC/49/5, estimate $1,050,000 – $1,300,000, is another Le Mans 24 Hours participant – it finished 11th overall in the 1949 race. It is one of 13 cars produced of which at least nine survived. The moniker DB1 was added retrospectively as it was the first model produced after David Brown acquired the company. The car is in a highly original, unrestored condition.

1965 Aston Martin DB5

A US-delivery 1965 Aston Martin DB5, estimate $1,200,000 – $1,400,000, is the leading non-racing Aston in the RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2017 sale. The car is presented in the original colors of California Sage over Beige. The estimate is somewhat higher than most results achieved by the DB5 during the past two years but the car should be help by the interest created by all the racing Aston Martins available in the room at the same auction.

Top Ferraris at RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2017

Fourteen Ferraris on offer at the RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2017 sale have upper estimates above a million dollar:

1950 Ferrari 166 MM/212 Export “Uovo”

The 1950 Ferrari 166 MM/212 Export “Uovo” by Fontana, estimate $5,000,000 to $7,000,000, is the most-exiting Italian car on offer at RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2017. It has a one-off coachwork with its egg shape absolutely looking the part.

The unique egg-shaped body was designed by sculptor Franco Reggiani for Count Giannino Marzotto. The car was raced in period in both Europa and North America.

Reliability let the Uovo down in several races – once while leading the Works Ferrari by 30 km. It did achieve overall and class victories in Italy before being shipped to Mexico in 1953. It was raced in the USA in the mid-1950s.

The Uovo participated in the Mille Miglia historico several times since 1986 – a race it was prepared for in 1953 but where the owner preferred to race a 340 MM Spider instead. Enticingly for the new owner, the Uovo has not been shown at major concourse events.

The Ferrari Performance Collection

The Ferrari Performance Collection is a group of 13 Ferraris from a single owner that are on sale at the RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2017. Many of these cars will be offered without reserve (but not the two most expensive cars).

1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta

The 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta by Scaglietti, chassis 2985, estimate $8,500,000 – $10,000,000, was the 110th of 165 and one of 90 lusso versions. The car is Ferrari Classiche certified and a awarded a Platinum Award at the Cavalilino Classic in 2016. The car was owned for nearly four decades by Charles Betz and Fred Peters, the Southern California Ferrari experts, who participated in various historic races with the GT.

1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 Berlinetta

The 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 Berlinetta by Scaglietti, chassis 10147, estimate $2,750,000 – $3,250,000, is a matching numbers example finished in factory correct Rosso over Pelle Nera. The car has 82,577 km on the clock and is Ferrari Classiche certified. Several further Ferrari 275 GTB/4 cars will be available at the various auctions during Monterey Week 2017.

1991 Ferrari F40

Ferrari F40s usually sell for just over a million dollar but a few fell short at auctions this year. The 1991 Ferrari F40, $1,300,000 – $1,500,000, on offer at RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2017 should be helped by only two owners and a low 2,802 miles on the clock. The car is one of 213 F40s built in US specification. This F40 is accompanied by the original Schedoni fitted luggage, manuals in the proper leather pouch, and a complete tool kit.

Other Top Ferraris at RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2017

1955 Ferrari 121 LM Spider

The 1955 Ferrari 121 LM Spider, chassis 0546 LM, estimate $6,500,000 – $7,500,000, was the third of only four 121 LM cars built. It participated as a Scuderia Ferrari entry in both the 1955 Mille Miglia and 24 Hours of Le Mans but retired from both races after around 10 hours. It subsequently had more success at shorter races in California under private owners with several podium finishes. A crash in 1956 killed its driver, Ernie McAfee, the first fatality in SCCA racing. It led to the end of racing at Pebble Beach and the retirement of several drivers. The repaired car was rarely seen in the past two decades.

1959 Ferrari 410 Superamerica Series III Coupe

The 1959 Ferrari 410 Superamerica Series III Coupe by Pinin Farina, chassis 1305 SA, estimate $5,500,000 -$6,500,000, is an entirely different car from the racing Ferraris. It offered near racing car performance but with style and finesse. This Ferrari was the fourth of only 12 Superamerica Series III cars ever built. The car has a known ownership history from new with owners including prominent New York socialites and Ferrari collectors. The car has rarely been seen in public since the late 1990s.

1954 Ferrari 500/735 Mondial Spider

The 1954 Ferrari 500/735 Mondial Spider by Pinin Farina, chassis 0448 MD, $4,000,000 – $5,500,000, was the 12th of 13 first series 500 Mondial Spiders by Pinin Farina. For unclear reasons, the engine was upgraded to a 735 version before the car was delivered to Anthonz Parravano in California. Parravano competed successfully with the car before selling it to a Mexican and himself disappearing without a trace – he had tax problems with the IRS.The car was seldom seen or shown since it racing days.

1965 Ferrari 275 GTB/6C Alloy by Scaglietti

The 1965 Ferrari 275 GTB/6C Alloy by Scaglietti, chassis 07933, estimate $2,900,000 to $3,400,000, is another Ferrari Classiche certified car. It is considered an interim car falling between the early short-nose and later long-nose cars. This Ferrari thus has a lightweight alloy body, long-nose, and six carburetors that offer performance similar to the GTB/4 cars that would follow. The car is finished in correct Argento over a new blue interior.

2015 Ferrari LaFerrai

In contrast to the F40, the 2015 Ferrari LaFerrari, $3,300,000 to $3,800,000, is well used with 4,000 miles driven by the single owner. At least three other LaFerraris will be on offer during Monterey Week 2017 with this example positively worn against some of the near new cars on offer. This LaFerrari is in an appealing Nero over Nero color scheme and hopefully the “high” mileage will encourage the new owner to actually use it as a vehicle. The estimate is lower than bids refused at auctions for other hardly driven LaFerraris.

1954 Ferrari 250 Europa Coupe

The 1954 Ferrari 250 Europa Coupe, estimate $2,000,000 to $2,800,000, was the 11th of 27 produced. The Europa Coupe with bodywork by Pinin Farina was the first Ferrari grand touring automobile and the first 250 model for road use only. The car has not been shown for at least 25 years offering the new owner ample opportunity at many events. The car is equipped with its original V12 engine, which is not surprising given only 4,236 miles on the clock.

1969 Ferrari 365 GTS

The 1969 Ferrari 365 GTS, estimate $2,800,000 – $3,200,000, was the first of only 20 GTS cars produced with bodywork by Pininfarina. It was the 1969 Brussels Motor Show car.

Perhaps a bit surprisingly, the ivory Avorio over a Nero interior is the correct original colors while the car comes with a rare factory hardtop. The engine is a replacement by the Ferrari Classiche workshop.

1972 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Spider

The 1972 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Spider, $1,600,000 – $2,000,000, is one of only 123 produced compared to around 1,400 Berlinettas. The car was the 1972 Los Angeles Auto Show car. It has been in single-family ownership since 1983 and has covered only 36,500 miles. A Daytona Spider will also be on offer at Bonhams Quail Lodge 2017.

Like Gooding and Bonhams, RM Sotheby’s will also have two 365 GTB/4 Daytona Berlinettas on offer. The more interesting one is the 1971 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona “Harrah Hot Rod”, estimate $750,000 – $900,000. It was originally owned by Nevada casino owner Bill Harrah, who had the engine upgraded and bigger wheels fitted and fender flares. No Classiche certification.

Top Mercedes Benz Cars at RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2017

Although the two large 1930s Mercedes Benz cars on offer at the RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2017 sale come without estimate, several of the Ferraris and Aston Martins are likely to sell for higher prices. The 1928 Mercedes Benz 26/120/180 may also bring a higher result.

1936 Mercedes-Benz 500 K Offener Tourenwagen

Arguably the most interesting Mercedes on offer at RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2017 is the 1936 Mercedes-Benz 500 K Offener Tourenwagen by Sindelfingen. This large Mercedes is one of only four known survivors of the 16 produced. It has been in single-family ownership for over six decades. The car was a class award winner at 2015 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance to confirm the quality of its restoration. It also took best of show at the Forest Grove Concours d’Elegance in 2015.

1937 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Sport Cabriolet A

The 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Sport Cabriolet A by Sindelfingen is a bit of an auction problem child – it failed to sell at the RM Arizona 2015 auction (estimate $3.4 to $4 million) and again at the Bonhams Greenwich 2016 sale. It is one of only 10 Sport Cabriolet A cars produced but despite this version being closest to the very desirably Spezial Roadster body shape, all three catalogues only pictures the car with the roof up. The quality of the restoration is beyond reproach: the car achieved Best of Show at the 2015 Arizona Concours d’Elegance and third in class at Pebble Beach 2014.

1928 Mercedes Benz 26/120/180 Type S Sports 4

The supercharged 1928 Mercedes Benz 26/120/180 Type S Sports 4, estimate $3,500,000 – $4,000,000, is a four-passenger tourer with bodywork by Sindelfingen. It is sometimes claimed that the car originally belonged to famed German racing driver Rudi Carracciola but the car was almost certainly delivered new to legendary American entertainer Al Jolson. The car was shown at Pebble Beach in 2006 and 2011. A 1928 Mercedes Benz 26/180 Type S Sports Tourer with body work by Glaeser Karosserie will be on offer at Gooding.

Mercedes Benz 300 SL

As at Gooding and Bonhams, RM Sotheby’s also has at least a 300 SL Gullwing and a Roadster on offer at Monterey 2017. Although 300 SL prices have been weaker than in 2015, the two examples at RM Sotheby’s are of exceptional quality and in fully restored condition. Both have estimates of $1,250,000 to $1,500,000 that would have been low two years ago but reflecting the current state of the 300 SL market.

The 1960 Mercedes Benz 300 SL Roadster is in an immaculate restored condition and finished in medium blue with a factory correct hardtop and blue soft-top over beige. Since its restoration, it has been shown at the Palos Verdes Concours in 2013 and 2016, and the Los Angeles Concours d’Elegance in 2009 winning best in class on all three occasions.

The 1957 Mercedes Benz 300 SL Gullwing had only three previous owners. The car had matching-numbers engine and drive train and is presented in its original color scheme of black over red leather. It is equipped with original Rudge wheels and fitted luggage. Nearly $700,000 was spent recently on the complete restoration of the car. Nevertheless, the car still has its original engine, drivetrain, gearbox and belly pans.

1930 Bentley 6 ½-litre Speed Six Sportsman’s Saloon

The 1930 Bentley 6 ½-litre Speed Six Sportsman’s Saloon with coach work by Corsica, estimate $3,500,000 – $5,500,000, is one of the best-known Speed Sixes. The car benefited from Bentley’s Le Mans successes to offer both speed and reliability, as well as comfort with its impressive Corsica body.

The Bentley has a known ownership history from new and is well known in classic car circles.

Top Bugattis at RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2017

Two million-dollar Bugattis will be available at the RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2017 sale:

1937 Bugatti 57 Cabriolet

The 1937 Bugatti 57 Cabriolet, chassis 57156, estimate $1,200,00 – $1,500,000, like many cars of the period has a questionable early history. It was originally sold to Belgian racing driver Trasenster but later sold again by Bugatti with a new chassis on the same number and a new engine. Sometimes during the period the D’Ieteren drophead coupe body was fitted on the second chassis. The restored car has been shown at various events including Amelia Island and won Best of Show Pre-war in the 2013 La Jolla Concours.

1925 Bugatti Type 35C Grand Prix

The 1925 Bugatti Type 35C Grand Prix, estimate $1,100,000 – $1,300,000, is one of at least four produced with the same chassis 4572 number. (For tax purposes most likely, as all four were owned by the legendry Elizabeth Junek.) The early history is thus uncertain but the car has been in California for the past six decades where it was frequently campaigned in historic races.

An alternative to this lovely racing car is a Bugatti 35 GP sculpture by Francosi Chevalier, 2016, that is estimated at $60,000 – $80,000. The Type 35 was the winningest racing automobile of all time with at least a thousand victories between 1924 and 1931. At the peak of its career, Type 35 averaged 14 victories per month.

Top Porsches at RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2017

Porsches will be available in lower numbers than at many recent auctions but several will be on offer at RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2017. Only three are expected to sell for over a million dollar although a few 911s that are predicted to just miss that mark but may surprise as several 911 variants had done in recent years.

1970 Porsche 908/03

The 1970 Porsche 908/03, chassis 908/03-003, estimate $3,500,000 – $4,500,000, was one of the three 908s raced by Porsche Salzburg in 1970 when Porsche took first and second at both the Nürburgring 100 Km and Targa Florio. Chassis 003 was mostly used for development and setup purposes and was only formally raced once when it finished second overall at the 1970 Nürburgring 1000 km. The fully restored car won First in Class at the 2017 Masterpiece Concours d’Elegance at Schloss Dyck.

1995 Porsche 911 GT2

The 1995 Porsche 911 GT2, estimate $1,100,000 – $1,400,000, is the top 911 derivate at the RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2017 sale. It is one of only 194 Porsche 911 GT2s produced for road use. This white over black Porsche was originally sold in Germany but spent most of its history in Japan. It has covered only 11,470 km since new.

2015 Porsche 918

The 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder, estimate $1,200,000 – $1,600,000, was the 89th of 918 built and one of the first of 294 delivered to the US. It is a single owner car that has covered 1,188 miles. It is finished in basalt black metallic paint over a onyx black interior with acid green accents.

At least three Porsche 918 Spyders will be available at the various auctions during Monterey Week 2017.

Other Million Dollar Cars at RM Sotheby’s 2017

A few further million dollar cars on offer at RM Sotheby’s 2017:

1929 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Coupe

The 1929 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Coupe by Murphy, estimate $1,400,00 – $1,700,000, is the most-expensive American car in the auction. This Duesenberg is also known as “The Baseball J” as it formerly belonged to Philip K Wrigley and Bill Veeck Jr. Following restoration, the car was shown at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, in 2009, and an Amelia Award at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance in 2011

1964 Shelby 289 Lindauer Cobra

The 1964 Shelby 289 Lindauer Cobra, chassis CSX2344, estimate $1,200,000 – $1,400,000, is the only other American car with a million dollar estimate in the sale. The car comes from single-family ownership and has covered only 15,500 miles. The unmolested car is highly original and even has the original carpets still in place.

2006 Lamborghini Concept S

The 2006 Lamborghini Concept S, estimate $1,800,000 – $2,500,000, was the first and only functional example of a planned run of 100 that was ultimately not built due to high production costs. It is a street-legal roadster but has covered only 180 miles on its own propulsion but traveled the world for display and show purposes. This Lamborghini failed to sell at the RM Sotheby’s New York 2015 auction when the estimate was a higher $2,400,000 – $3,000,000.

2014 Pagani Huayra Tempesta

The 2014 Pagani Huayra Tempesta, estimate $2,200,000 – $2,800,000, is a more exclusive alternative to the LaFerrari, Porsche 918 and McLaren P1 with no question about which car bearing the sexiest side mirrors. Only 100 Huyaras were ever built with this example the first delivered to North America and the only example finished in Grigio Scuro Opaco. It is also fitted with the €180,000 Tempesta performance package. The car also comes with a seven-piece luggage set that was a $20,000 option – presumable unused as the car has covered only 640 miles since new.

More Information on the Monterey Week Classic Car Auctions 2017

• Monterey Week – Updates on all Monterey week 2017 auctions
• Pebble Beach – Updates on Gooding auction announcements, previews and results
• Monterey – Updates on RM Sotheby’s auction announcements, previews and results
• Quail Lodge – Updates on Bonhams auction announcement, previews and results