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Automobiles of Amelia Island Auction Preview – RM Auctions

Sports Car Digest | Feb 24, 2009 | Comments 0

RM Auctions will hold its 2009 Automobiles of Amelia Island auction on March 14th in Amelia Island, Florida.

RM Auctions’ 11th annual auction is once again held in conjunction with the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. Held on the grounds of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, the event weekend is commonly referred to as the “Pebble Beach of the East Coast,” as it similarly attracts collectors and enthusiasts from around the world.

Automobiles of Amelia Island will feature 106 classic cars, headlined by the 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spyder, 1930 Duesenberg Model J Murphy Convertible Coupe, 1963 AC Cobra, 1941 Chrysler Newport Dual Cowl Phaeton and 1911 Oldsmobile Autocrat “Yellow Peril” Race Car.
From speed to style, the line-up is highlighted by several historic racing cars and offers something for every automotive taste.

“Our Automobiles of Amelia Island auction is an important event on the collector car calendar as it attracts many European and East Coast enthusiasts,” said Ian Kelleher, Managing Director of RM Auctions.

“From speed to style, this year’s event will feature a magnificent roster of collector cars, highlighted by several historic race cars, such as the legendary ‘Yellow Peril’,” he added.

RM Auctions’ Automobiles of Amelia Island event will be held at the Ritz-Carlton on Saturday, March 14th, 2009. A full day preview will be held on Friday, March 13th from 9am to 6pm. Doors open on March 14th at 9am, with the auction starting at 11am. Admission to this sale requires the purchase of the official auction catalog for $100, which will admit two.

For more information, contact RM Auctions at (800)-211-4371 or visit www.rmauctions.com.

Noteworthy Consignments: (click on picture for high-resolution version)

1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spyder – Estimate $2,400,000 – $2,900,000. Outstanding long wheelbase example with known history from new; various unique features, including a sleek original hardtop and Superamerica-style side vents.

1930 Duesenberg Model J Murphy Convertible Coupe – Estimate $1,100,000 – $1,500,000. Wonderful example of what many feel is the ultimate Duesenberg – the disappearing top Murphy Convertible Coupe. The engine from this car was one of four used at the onset of World War II by Pratt and Whitney for a testing program for R-2800 aircraft engines.

1934 Packard Twelve Phaeton – Estimate $250,000 – $300,000.

1954 Cunningham C-3 – Estimate $400,000 – $600,000.

1966 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 Berlinetta – Estimate $700,000 – $900,000.

1969 Lamborghini Islero – Estimate $120,000 – $160,000.

1963 AC Cobra – Estimate $1,000,000 – $1,400,000. This 289 Cobra represents the first American Ford entry at Le Mans. Driven by Ed Hugus and Peter Jopp, with Stirling Moss as team manager, it was one of two special, factory team cars built to contest the famed 24-hour race.

1941 Chrysler Newport Dual Cowl Phaeton – Estimate $800,000 – $1,200,000. One of the earliest concept cars built and one of just six examples produced, five of which are believed to survive today. Used as the Official Pace Car of the Indianapolis 500, following the race this example was retained by Walter P. Chrysler.

1904 Oldsmobile Model R Curved Dash “Pie Wagon” – Estimate $100,000 – $125,000.

1957 Alfa Romeo Spider “Veloce Monoposto” – Estimate $75,000 – $130,000.

1927 Hudson Super Six Supercharged Sports Tourer – Estimate $140,000 – $180,000.

1954 Hudson Italia Coupe – Estimate $275,000 – $350,000.

1911 Oldsmobile Autocrat “Yellow Peril” Race Car – Estimate $700,000 – $1,000,000. Regarded as one of the biggest and most powerful vehicles of its era, the original owner, John Greenway Albert, modified this car shortly after its purchase in an effort to make it “race ready.” Special modifications included constructing a one-off aluminum race body and a unique gas generating system – the latter which saw Albert emerge as a pioneer of fuel injection. Albert raced the car on various dirt and board tracks, reportedly often removing the fenders and headlamps to further lighten the load.

1954 Packard Panther-Daytona Roadster Concept Car – Estimate $700,000 – $1,000,000. Regarded as one of the most eye catching concept cars to emerge from Detroit in the 1950s, this example is one of just four Panther concepts built and the only one in roadster form. Features an innovative one-piece fiberglass body and was the first Packard to employ a wrap-around windshield.

1968 Porsche 911 Race Car – Estimate $90,000 – $130,000.

1956 Porsche 356A Speedster – Estimate $140,000 – $160,000.

1939 Bugatti Type 57C Faux Cabriolet “Charmaine” – Estimate $550,000 – $750,000. A supercharged Series III Type 57C, this was one of the last Bugattis built before the onset of World War II and formerly owned by a remarkable series of British personalities.