2022 RM Sotheby’s Arizona (Scottsdale) Sale (Model J Announced)

A 1931 Duesenberg Model J Tourster by Derham and a 1930 Cadillac V-16 Sport Phaeton by Fleetwood are on sale at the RM Sotheby’s Arizona sale during the Scottsdale auction week in January 2022.

1931 Duesenberg Model J Tourster by Derham on sale at the RM Sotheby's Arizona sale during the Scottsdale auction week in January 2022
Darin Schnabel ©2021 Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s

RM Sotheby’s announced two American prewar classics for the Arizona (Scottsdale) 2022 auctions: a 1931 Duesenberg Model J Tourster by Derham (estimate: $2,750,000 – $3,250,000) and a 1930 Cadillac V-16 Sport Phaeton by Fleetwood (estimate: $900,000 – $1,100,000).

→ See also RM Sotheby’s Arizona 2022 Sale Auction Results.

RM Sotheby’s Arizona (Scottsdale) Sale 2022

1937 Mercedes Benz 540 K Special Roadster by Sindelfingen
Darin Schnabel ©2015 Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s

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.

American Pre-War Classics at RM Sotheby’s Arizona 2022

Two  American classics that are among the pinnacle of the pre-war collector car scene are on offer at the RM Sotheby’s Arizona 2022 classic car auction during the Scottsdale week in January 2022:

1931 Duesenberg Model J Tourster by Derham

1931 Duesenberg Model J Tourster by Derham profile on sale at the RM Sotheby's Arizona sale during the Scottsdale auction week in January 2022
Darin Schnabel ©2021 Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s

Few American cars are held in as much esteem amongst collectors as the Duesenberg Model J. 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 Tourset 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

1930 Cadillac V-16 Sport Phaeton by Fleetwood on sale at the RM Sotheby's Arizona sale during the Scottsdale auction week in January 2022

Joining the Duesenberg is a 1930 Cadillac V-16 Sport Phaeton by Fleetwood (Estimate: $900,000 – $1,100,000). This treasured 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. This CCCA Full Classic is suitable for exhibition and touring and is now eligible to be displayed in Pebble Beach once again.

Scottsdale and Arizona Car Auctions 2022

Scottsdale & Arizona Sales 2022 — Auction Results:

Scottsdale & Arizona Sales 2022 — Auction Previews:

Scottsdale & Arizona Sales 2022 — Pre-Auction Announcements:

Scottsdale & Arizona Sales 2021 — Auction Results

Scottsdale & Arizona Sales — Previous 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.