The top results at the RM Sotheby’s Arizona sale during Scottsdale Week 2022 were for a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Alloy Gullwing and a 1931 Duesenberg Model J Tourster.
RM Sotheby’s had a strong start to the 2022 classic car auction year with 12 million-dollar results and many prices above estimates at the Arizona sale during the annual Scottsdale motor week in January 2022. The top result and the most expensive car sold at any Scottsdale 2022 auction was $6,825,000 paid for the rare 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Alloy — a Gullwing model record. The second-highest result was $3,415,000 for a 1931 Duesenberg Model J Tourster by Derham. Strong results were also achieved on two further Mercedes-Benz 300 SLs — another Gullwing and a Roadster — and four modern Porsches: a 959, 918, 911 Turbo S Flachbau, and Carrera GT. Many results were above top estimates, which bode well for the next classic car auctions in Paris (early February) and Amelia Island (March) in Florida.
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 $9,900,000 paid for a 1937 Mercedes Benz 540 K Special Roadster by Sindelfingen at the RM Sothebys Arizona 2016 sale.
Top Results at RM Sotheby’s Arizona Sale 2022
The following 15 cars were the most expensive lots sold in the RM Sotheby’s Arizona 2022 classic car auction during Scottsdale Motor Week:
| Year | Car | Price ($) | Estimate ($) | |
| 1 | 1955 | Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Alloy | 6,825,000 | 7,000,000 – 9,000,000 |
| 2 | 1931 | Duesenberg Model J Tourster | 3,415,000 | 2,750,000 – 3,250,000 |
| 3 | 1964 | Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster | 2,315,000 | 2,200,000 – 2,500,000 |
| 4 | 1967 | Ferrari 330 GTS | 1,957,500 | 1,500,000 – 2,000,000 |
| 5 | 1965 | Ferrari 275 GTB | 1,875,000 | 1,500,000 – 2,000,000 |
| 6 | 1955 | Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing | 1,710,000 | 1,450,000 – 1,650,000 |
| 7 | 1987 | Porsche 959 Komfort | 1,600,000 | 1,200,000 – 1,500,000 |
| 8 | 2015 | Porsche 918 Spyder | 1,600,000 | 1,200,000 – 1,400,000 |
| 9 | 2005 | Porsche Carrera GT | 1,545,000 | 1,000,000 – 1,300,000 |
| 10 | 1988 | Cizeta-Moroder V16T | 1,363,500 | 900,000 – 1,200,000 |
| 11 | 1994 | Porsche 911 Turbo S Flachbau | 1,325,000 | 800,000 – 1,100,000 |
| 12 | 2019 | Ford GT | 1,077,500 | 950,000 – 1,150,000 |
| 13 | 1966 | Ferrari 330 GTC Speciale | 967,500 | 700,000 – 900,000 |
| 14 | 1955 | Lancia-Aurelia B24S Spider America | 940,000 | 900,000 – 1,200,000 |
| 15 | 1930 | Cadillac V-16 Sport Phaeton | 885,000 | 900,000 – 1,100,000 |
Note: Unpublished results. Prices include premium.
Million-Dollar Results at RM Sotheby’s Arizona Sale 2022
RM Sotheby’s was the only top auction house offering a high number of million-dollar cars for sale during the Scottsdale motor week in 2022 and the decision paid off. As at Mecum Kissimmee in mid-January 2022 in Florida, high prices were obtained for top cars with many selling well above presale estimates.
Of the 15 cars in the sale with upper estimates above a million dollars, twelve achieved above a million, and a further two sold for near lower estimate. The only top car in the RM Sotheby’s sale failing to sell was the 1971 Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spider with the highest bid of $2,175,000 not much below the $2.4 to $2.8 estimate. Very strong results well above estimate were also achieved on cars at lower price levels.
Top Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Results at RM Sotheby’s Arizona 2022
Three Mercedes-Benz 300 SL cars sold in the RM Sotheby’s Arizona 2022 classic car auction — all achieved very strong prices, which are likely to entice even more owners than usual to test the market in auctions later in 2022:
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Alloy Gullwing
The top result in the RM Sotheby’s Arizona 2022 auction was $6,825,000 paid for the extremely rare 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Alloy Gullwing, chassis number 5500332. Although just missing the estimate of $7,000,000 to $9,000,000, it set a new model record and is the most expensive post-war Mercedes-Benz ever. It is also the most expensive car sold at any Scottsdale 2022 auction and the most expensive car sold thus far in 2022 at public auction.
Around 1,400 Gullwings were produced but only 29 lightweight alloy versions were ever made with the record car the 13th produced. It was originally delivered to Morocco 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. The Alloy Gullwing retained its original lightweight body and numbers-matching 3.0-liter NSL engine.
1964 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster
One of just three cars invoiced in 1964, the 1964 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster sold for $2,315,000 at Arizona 2022 is one of just a handful of 300 SL Roadsters to have achieved above $2 million at public auction. According to Hagerty, this was the fourth highest price ever paid for a Roadster at auction. The 300 SL Roadster 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.
This European-specified car with European-style headlamp lenses and rare stone guards was the third-to-last 300 SL delivered. It is one of 218 late-production examples equipped with disc brakes and an alloy engine block and is in the original color scheme of gray blue over red. It was in single ownership from 1971 to 2013 and received a cosmetic restoration in 2014. It has 80,342 km (almost 50,000 miles) on the clock.
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing
The 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing sold for $1,710,000 — although far lower than the sensational $2,640,000 paid for a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing at Kissimmee in mid-January 2022, the price was still well above the presale estimate of $1,450,000 to $1,650,000 which was in line with results achieved in 2021.
This 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 received extensive restoration and refinishing work.
1931 Duesenberg Model J Tourster by Derham
The second-highest result at the RM Sotheby’s Arizona 2022 sale was $3,415,000 paid for a 1931 Duesenberg Model J Tourster by Derham. This was the sixth Duesenberg result above $3 million in the past year.
This Duesenberg was formerly owned by Andy Granatelli and John Mozart and was sold 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.
A 1929 Duesenberg Model J Berline by Derham sold for $2,260,000 a day earlier in the Worldwide Auctioneers Scottsdale 2022 sale.
RM Sotheby’s also sold a 1930 Cadillac V-16 Sport Phaeton by Fleetwood sold for $885,000 just below the estimate of $900,000 – $1,100,000.
Top Ferrari Results at RM Sotheby’s Arizona Auction 2022
Although the 1971 Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spider by Scaglietti failed to sell, the other top Ferraris on offer in the RM Sotheby’s Arizona 2022 classic car auction sold for near or above top estimate:
The 1967 Ferrari 330 GTS by Pininfarina was the top Ferrari result at Scottsdale 2022 when it sold for $1,957,500. The 330 GTS was one of only 99 examples built and boasted 46 years of meticulous mechanical upkeep under the dedicated ownership of a single, enthusiast owner.
The 1965 Ferrari 275 GTB by Scaglietti is one of the Maranello marque’s most desirable models and achieved a good $1,875,000. 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.
Just missing the million-dollar mark, the 1966 Ferrari 330 GTC Speciale sold for $967,000, well above the $700,000 to $900,000 presale estimate.
Top Porsche Results at RM Sotheby’s Arizona / Scottsdale Sale 2022
Porsches generally performed very well at the various Scottsdale 2022 auctions — not only the four from the Tenebaum collection that RM Sotheby’s sold for over a million-dollar and above top estimates but also in lower price categories and at other auction houses. Gooding sat Scottsdale 2022 out with an online-only sale but must feel confident with a growing selection of fine Porsches already lined up for Amelia Island 2022 in March.
The $1,600,000 paid for the 1987 Porsche 959 was the highest 959 result since 2015 other than the $2.1 million paid for a less than 1000 km car at the RM Sotheby’s St Moritz Sale 2021. In contrast, the Guard Red exterior over black leather 959 sold in Arizona had around 14,000 km on the clock, which is still a relatively low mileage for this model.
The $1.6 million paid for the 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder is similarly above recent results and more in line with the highs paid in 2018 and 2017. This 918 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. A further 918 Spyder will be in the Barrett-Jackson sale.
The 2005 Porsche Carrera GT sold for $1,545,000 — one of the highest results ever for the model. Only the five Carrera GT to have sold for over a million since 2014. The result makes the estimate of $1,800,000 – $2,400,000 that Gooding has on a Carrera GT in the Amelia Island 2022 auction seem less unrealistic. The Carrera GT sold by RM Sotheby’s is in classic GT Silver over Ascot Brown leather and had 5,482 miles on the clock. A further Carrera GT is available at Barrett-Jackson, also without reserve.
The 1994 Porsche 911 Turbo S ‘Flachbau’ also sold well above expectations — many Flachbaus previously just failed to break the million-dollar level. 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
Two further cars achieved a million dollars at RM Sotheby’s Arizona 2022:
The more interesting car (and surprisingly high result) was the 1988 Cizeta-Moroder V16T (Estimate: $900,000 – $1,200,000) that sold for $1,363,500. This was the original prototype and the only one of only nine Cizestas built to wear the Cizesta-Moroder nameplate.
The 2019 Ford GT finished in Ingot Silver with Comp Orange stripes and only 21.3 miles on the clock sold for a mid-estimate $1,077,000. 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. More will surely be available at the next auction.
The 1955 Lancia Aurelia B24S Spider sold for a solid $940,000. Although short of a million, the result was within estimate — the most celebrated post-war Lancia model is often 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.