The top cars on offer at the RM Sotheby’s Arizona sale during Scottsdale Week 2022 are a Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Alloy Gullwing, a Duesenberg Model J Tourster, and Ferrari Daytona Spider.
The headline car at the RM Sotheby’s Arizona 2022 sale, and the most expensive car on offer at any auction during the annual Scottsdale motor week late January 2022, is the rare 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Alloy — estimate $7,000,000 to $9,000,000. Other leading cars on offer include two further 300 SLs — another Gullwing and a Roadster — and three modern Porsches: a 959, 918, and Carrera GT. American classics include the 1931 Duesenberg Model J Tourster by Derham and a 1930 Cadillac V-16 Sport Phaeton by Fleetwood. The top Ferraris are a 1971 Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spider by Scaglietti, a 1967 Ferrari 330 GTS by Pininfarina, and an ever-popular 1965 Ferrari 275 GTB by Scaglietti.
→ See also RM Sotheby’s Arizona 2022 Sale Auction Results.
RM Sotheby’s Arizona (Scottsdale) Sale 2022
RM Sotheby’s Arizona classic car auction: 27 January 2022 at the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa in Phoenix, Arizona, USA. A traditional live auction is planned.
The annual Arizona auction is usually a good earner:
- In 2022, RM Sotheby’s earned $43.3 million with an impressive 95% sell-through rate.
- 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 Cars on Offer at RM Sotheby’s Arizona Sale 2022
RM Sotheby’s is the only top auction house offering the usual range and a high number of million-dollar cars for sale during the Scottsdale motor week in 2022. No fewer than 15 cars are expected to achieve million-dollar results and given some spectacular prices achieved at Mecum Kissimmee in mid-January 2022 in Florida, RM Sotheby’s must feel confident that similar results could be repeated in Arizona
The following 15 cars on sale at the RM Sotheby’s Arizona 2022 classic car auction during Scottsdale Motor Week have presale estimates exceeding a million dollars:
| Year | Car | Estimate $ | |
| 1 | 1955 | Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Alloy | 7,000,000 – 9,000,000 |
| 2 | 1931 | Duesenberg Model J Tourster | 2,750,000 – 3,250,000 |
| 3 | 1971 | Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spider | 2,400,000 – 2,800,000 |
| 4 | 1964 | Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster | 2,200,000 – 2,500,000 |
| 5 | 1965 | Ferrari 275 GTB | 1,500,000 – 2,000,000 |
| 6 | 1967 | Ferrari 330 GTS | 1,500,000 – 2,000,000 |
| 7 | 1955 | Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing | 1,450,000 – 1,650,000 |
| 8 | 1987 | Porsche 959 Komfort | 1,200,000 – 1,500,000 |
| 9 | 2015 | Porsche 918 Spyder | 1,200,000 – 1,400,000 |
| 10 | 2005 | Porsche Carrera GT | 1,000,000 – 1,300,000 |
| 11 | 2019 | Ford GT | 950,000 – 1,150,000 |
| 12 | 1988 | Cizeta-Moroder V16T | 900,000 – 1,200,000 |
| 13 | 1955 | Lancia-Aurelia B24S Spider America | 900,000 – 1,200,000 |
| 14 | 1930 | Cadillac V-16 Sport Phaeton | 900,000 – 1,100,000 |
| 15 | 1994 | Porsche 911 Turbo S Flachbau | 800,000 – 1,100,000 |
Top Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Cars at RM Sotheby’s Arizona 2022
Three Mercedes-Benz 300 SL cars will be on offer in the RM Sotheby’s Arizona 2022 classic car auction:
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Alloy Gullwing
The extremely rare 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Alloy Gullwing, chassis number 5500332, estimate $7,000,000 to $9,000,000, is the most expensive car on offer at any auction during Scottsdale 2022. If it sells within estimate, it will set a model record and be the most expensive post-war Mercedes-Benz ever.
Around 1,400 Gullwings were produced but only 29 lightweight alloy versions were ever made with the car on offer the 13th produced. It was originally delivered to Marocco but soon found its way to the USA where it was for over three decades owned by Hyatt Creek — a member and at times president of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America.
Chassis number 5500332 retains its original lightweight body and numbers-matching 3.0-liter NSL engine and currently exhibits significant attention to factory-correct features throughout, befitting its provenance and near-exclusive maintenance by Paul Russell’s famous workshop since 1975.
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing
For the smaller budget, a more regular Gullwing will also be on offer in the sale (and a further one is on offer at Barrett-Jackson). The 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing was the only example to leave the factory in the striking combination of Dunkelgrau paint over an interior upholstered in beige with red-and-green plaid fabric seats. The car received regular attention and maintenance over its lifetime, and before being purchased by the current owner, it received extensive restoration and refinishing work to bring it back to its original luster.
The estimate of $1,450,000 to $1,650,000 is in line with results achieved at auctions in 2021 and higher than they have been for a few years. However, Mecum achieved a sensational $2,640,000 on a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing at Kissimmee in mid-January 2022. Although this Gullwing was thoroughly restored by specialists, the presale estimate of $1,750,000 to $2,000,000 seemed optimistic before the auction.
1964 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster
One of just three cars invoiced in 1964, the 1964 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster offered in Arizona was the third-to-last 300 SL to be delivered and is presented today in the original colors of Gray Blue over red interior. It is one of 218 late-production examples equipped with disc brakes and an alloy engine block.
This European-specified car with European-style headlamp lenses and rare stone guards remained in single ownership from 1971 to 2013 and was a recipient of a full cosmetic restoration upon the consignor’s purchase in 2014. It has 80,342 km (almost 50,000 miles) on the clock.
If it sells within the estimate of $2,200,000 – $2,500,000, it will become one of only a handful of 300 SL Roadsters to have achieved over $2 million at public auction. The model record is $3,709,212 paid at the Artcurial Le Mans 2018 auction for a Roadster with only 1,380 km on the clock.
1930s American Classics at RM Sotheby’s Arizona Sale 2022
Prewar cars play a fairly small role at Scottsdale 2022 auctions, except at Worldwide Auctions, but two large American classics are on offer at RM Sotheby’s Arizona 2022:
1931 Duesenberg Model J Tourster by Derham
The 1931 Duesenberg Model J Tourster by Derham on sale in Arizona was formerly owned by Andy Granatelli and John Mozart and is now offered after over 20 years in a noted private collection. Boasting magnificent styling by Derham and with its original coachwork still in place, this CCCA Full Classic has received a meticulous restoration by RM Auto Restoration and retains all its original components. One of just eight of the authentic Derham Toursters, this example has won numerous awards at concours d’elegance all over North America and is ACD Club Certified in Category 1.
The estimate for the Model J Tourster is $2,750,000 – $3,250,000 — five of the eight Model Js sold at public auction in 2021 achieved over three million dollars. The marque record is $22 million paid for a 1935 Duesenberg SSJ in 2018 — still the most expensive American and prewar car ever.
1930 Cadillac V-16 Sport Phaeton by Fleetwood
Joining the Duesenberg is a 1930 Cadillac V-16 Sport Phaeton by Fleetwood (Estimate: $900,000 – $1,100,000). This V-16 boasts a distinguished ownership history including Joe Runyan, Otis Chandler, and Keith Crain. The Cadillac is one of only 17 known survivors in the breathtaking Sport Phaeton body style and benefits from mechanical service.
This carefully maintained older restoration in Bottle Green was awarded at the Classic Car Club of America Grand Classic in 1997 and Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in 1998, with its last Pebble Beach appearance being in 2009.
Top Ferraris at RM Sotheby’s Arizona Auction 2022
Top-end Ferraris have been offered relatively seldom at recent auctions and million-dollar Ferraris have also been testing the market less often than in recent years. The three top Ferraris on offer in the RM Sotheby’s Arizona sale are all popular models that generally perform reliably well at auction:
The 1971 Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spider by Scaglietti was the 31st of just 121 examples built. Once owned by famous Hollywood director Sydney Pollack, the Spider is an FCA Platinum Award winner and retains its numbers-matching engine and gearbox. The Daytona is one of only 14 originally finished in Argento Metallizzato paint over a Nero interior and is beautifully restored in its original specification. (Estimate: $2,400,000 – $2,800,000).
The 1967 Ferrari 330 GTS by Pininfarina is an exceptional example of another of Maranello’s great grand touring spiders. The 330 GTS is one of only 99 examples built and boasts 46 years of meticulous mechanical upkeep under the dedicated ownership of a single, enthusiast owner. This highly desirable GTS will go to its new owner with a spare wheelset and accompanied by a comprehensive Massini report, period SEFAC certificate of origin, Chinetti Motors delivery note, and service and parts invoices (Estimate: $1,500,000 – $2,000,000).
The 1965 Ferrari 275 GTB by Scaglietti is one of the Maranello marque’s most desirable models. This fastidiously maintained example has benefited from 36 years of care within the consignor’s collection. Presented in outstanding, highly original condition, the car won the preservation class award at the 2015 Arizona Concours d’Elegance and was presented at the 2015 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Documented with a Massini report and a handwritten logbook dating back to 1985, this GTB retains its numbers-matching V-12 engine and is offered with two spare wheelsets. (Estimate: $1,500,000 – $2,000,000).
Top Porsches at RM Sotheby’s Arizona / Scottsdale Sale 2022
The four potentially million-dollar Porsches on offer at the RM Sotheby’s sale are all offered from the Tenebaum collection:
Top Porsches at RM Sotheby’s Arizona / Scottsale 2022 Sale
Heading the collection is one of the most iconic and technically advanced cars of its era, a 1987 Porsche 959. The model, which was developed for the fearsome Group B homologation class in the 1980s, wears a Guard Red exterior over black leather. Boasting around 14,000 km and recent restoration work, this 959 will cross the block accompanied by a tool kit and books (Estimate: $1,200,000 – $1,500,000).
The 2005 Porsche Carrera GT, in classic GT Silver over Ascot Brown leather, has had only three owners from new and 5,482 miles on the clock. It is offered without reserve — estimate: $1,000,000 – $1,300,000. A further Carrera GT will be available at Barrett-Jackson, also without reserve. Brave seller if hoping for a top result: only five Carrera GT cars have ever sold for over a million dollars at public auction — four were sold by Mecum at four different Monterey auctions and one by RM Sotheby’s at Monterey 2019.
The 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder has mere 1,396 miles on the clock and only two registered owners. It is finished in Liquid Chrome Metal Blue over Onyx Black with Acid Green piping (Estimate: $1,200,000 – $1,400,000). A further 918 Spyder will be in the Barrett-Jackson sale.
The 1994 Porsche 911 Turbo S ‘Flachbau’, estimate $800,000 – $1,100,000, is a performance version of the 911 rather than a Porsche supercar but it still has the potential to reach a million-dollar, although most Flachbaus fall slightly short. This car is one of 76 built, of which only 39 are in US specifications. It has done 3,800 miles from new.
Other Million-Dollar Cars at RM Sotheby’s Arizona 2022
Of the three further potentially million-dollar cars on offer in the RM Sotheby’s Arizona classic car auction, the 1988 Cizeta-Moroder V16T (Estimate: $900,000 – $1,200,000) is the scarcest. This was the original prototype and the only of only nine Cizestas built to wear the Cizesta-Moroder nameplate.
Another collector car auction, another Ford GT on offer. RM Sotheby’s has a 2019 Ford GT finished in Ingot Silver with Comp Orange stripes and only 21.3 miles on the clock. At least another four Ford GTs are on offer at Barrett-Jackson while Mecum already sold three at Kissimmee 2022 — two for over a million dollars.
The 1955 Lancia Aurelia B24S Spider is a good example of arguably the most celebrated post-war Lancia model. The estimate seems fair but these Spiders often seem to be a hard sell.
Scottsdale and Arizona Car Auctions 2022
Scottsdale & Arizona Sales 2022 — Auction Results:
- RM Sotheby’s Arizona Sale 2022 — Auction Results
- Bonhams Scottsdale Sale 2022 — Auction Results
- Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale 2022 — Auction Results
- Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale 2022 — Charity Lots Results
- Gooding Geared Online Scottsdale 2022 — Auction Results
Scottsdale & Arizona Sales 2022 — Auction Previews:
Scottsdale & Arizona Sales 2022 — Pre-Auction Announcements:
- Barrett-Jackson: Shelby Cars
- Barrett-Jackson: Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing
- RM Sotheby’s: Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Alloy Gullwing
- RM Sotheby’s: American Prewar Classics (Duesenberg Model J Tourster)
- RM Sotheby’s: Mercedes-Benz 300 SLs
- RM Sotheby’s: Tenebaum Porsches
Scottsdale & Arizona Sales 2021 — Auction Results
- 2021 Scottsdale, Arizona, January Auctions Results Overview
- Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale March 2021 Auction Results
- Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale March 2021 Charity Lots Auction Results
- Bonhams Scottsdale 2021 Auction Results
- Gooding Scottsdale 2021 Auction Results
- RM Sotheby’s Arizona 2021 Auction Results
Scottsdale & Arizona Sales — Previous Auction Results
- 2020: Gooding, RM Sotheby’s, Barrett-Jackson & Barrett-Jackson (Charity Lots).
- 2019 Scottsdale Auctions Results Overview
- 2018 Scottsdale Auctions Results Overview
- 2017 Scottsdale Auctions Results Overview
- 2016: Barrett-Jackson, Gooding, RM Sotheby’s, Bonhams
- 2015 Scottsdale Results Overview
- 2014 Scottsdale & Arizona Collector Car Auction Results
Scottsdale & Arizona Auctions 2022
Many auction houses have sales (live, online, or a combination) during the annual Scottsdale week in mid-late January, including amongst others:
- Barett-Jackson: 22 to 30 January 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona — live auction.
- Bonhams: 27 January 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona — live auction.
- Gooding & Company: 26 – 28 January 2022 — online auction but cars on display in Scottsdale (and Van Nuys, California, 18 – 21 January).
- RM Sotheby’s: 27 January 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona — live auction.
- Russo and Steele: 26 – 30 January 2022 in Scottsdale — live auction.
- Worldwide Auctioneers: 26 – 27 January 2022 in Scottsdale — live auction.
