Join The World's Best Iconic & Vintage Car Community >>

RM Auctions Automobiles of Amelia Island Sale 2011 – Results

1953 Ferrari 340 Mexico at RM Auctions Amelia IslandRM Auctions held its Automobiles of Amelia Island 2011 auction on Saturday, March 12th in Amelia Island, Florida, resulting in $24.3 million in total sales and a 96% sales rate.
The RM Amelia Island sales total represents the highest tally achieved in the event’s 13 year history, with over a 25% increase on the company’s 2010 sales figure. As many as 27 lots exceeded pre-sale estimates. In total, the single-day sale presented 103 lots, including a selection of vintage motorcycles, before a packed house, with bidders in the room joined by those on the phone and over the Internet. Bidders hailed from over 24 countries around the world, including as far away as India, Argentina and the United Arab Emirates.
“We are thrilled by the results from the weekend’s sale, which represent RM’s best performance to date at Amelia Island. The buyer population appears to be more well-informed than ever, recognizing quality when they see it. In addition, many examples at our Amelia Island sale were fresh to the market, coming out of long-term ownership. Collectors recognized the unique and rare ownership opportunities these particular lots presented, as was reflected in the prices,” says Rob Myers, Chairman and Founder, RM Auctions.
Top sales honors of the weekend went to a rare 1952 Ferrari 340 Mexico Vignale Coupé, chassis number 0224 AT, offered from the private collection of former GM designer and Ferrari Club of America co-founder, Larry Nicklin. One of just three built and boasting a strong racing history, the competition coupe sparked a spirited bidding war in the room and on the phones, exceeding its pre-sale estimate to sell for $4,290,000. Also offered from the Nicklin Collection and exceeding its pre-sale estimate was a highly original 1953 Ferrari 212 Inter Vignale Coupe, chassis number 0267 EU, which realized $660,000. Both examples were offered for the first time in 30 years.
“The results are overwhelming,” said Mr. Nicklin following the sale. “I am thrilled with the prices achieved for my two Ferraris, both of which exceeded their estimates. It has been great working with RM – they are number one in every respect all around the world.”
The collection of Jack and Marilyn Tallman also garnered significant interest at Amelia Island. Spanning over 30 years of automotive design, the collection featured an array of early automobiles, many of which the Tallmans had owned for over 40 years and had enjoyed and driven in countless events, both at home and overseas. Headlining the collection was the sale of a handsome 1930 Cadillac Sixteen Roadster for $506,000 and a 1912 Packard Model 1-48 Custom Runabout for $407,000.
“We are very happy with the results from the sale of our collection at RM’s Amelia Island auction on the weekend,” said Jack Tallman after the auction. “It was a first-class event and a great experience. RM did an amazing job in the promotion and marketing of our collection to a global audience, and we recommend them to others looking to sell their collection or automobile at auction.”
Beyond the top-seller’s list, other consignments exceeding their estimates included: a 1986 Ford RS200 Evolution, one of only 24 Evolutions built, for $159,500; and an early 1964 Porsche 911 for $225,500.
RM Auctions Automobiles of Amelia Island Sale 2011 – Top Ten Results
1. 1952 Ferrari 340 Mexico Coupe, $4,290,000
2. Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 GS Spider, $990,000
3. 1933 Duesenberg Model J Torpedo Victoria, $979,000
4. 1930 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Coupe, $962,500
5. 1968 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 Berlinetta, $935,000
6. 1967 Ferrari 330 GTS, $770,000
7. 1953 Ferrari 212 Inter Coupe, $660,000
8. 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster, $627,000
9. 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe, $627,000
10. 1957 Ferrari 250 GT “Low Roof” Berlinetta, $605,000
RM Auctions offered 103 automobiles for sale, with 99 finding a new owner, reflecting a 96% sales rate. Total sales volume was $24,313,850, inclusive of buyer’s premiums. The average price per car sold was $245,594.
(See RM Auctions Automobiles of Amelia Island Sale 2011 – Official Results)
In 2010, RM Auctions offered 112 automobiles for sale, with 98 finding a new owner, reflecting an 88% sales rate. Total sales volume was $19,147,550, inclusive of buyer’s premiums. The average price per car sold was $198,383. Top sale went to a 1930 Duesenberg Model J Sport Berline at $1,705,000. (See 2010 RM Auctions Amelia Island Results).
In addition to the sale, RM Auto Restoration had a strong presence on the show field at the 2011 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, with the 1929 Duesenberg Model J Dual Cowl Phaeton owned by Charles Letts awarded ‘Best in Class’, and the 1960 Plymouth XNR Concept, displayed for the first time in 50 years in North America, also receiving honors.
Next up, RM kicks off its 2011 European auction calendar on May 21 with its debut sale at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. Held on the shores of Lake Como, Italy, the evening sale will feature a selection of 30 automobiles representing the ‘best of the very best’, – with an average value per car exceeding $1,000,000 USD.
For more information, visit www.rmauctions.com.
RM Auctions Automobiles of Amelia Island Sale 2011 – Results

1911 Rolls-Royce 40-50hp Silver Ghost Open Drive Landaulette
1911 Rolls-Royce 40/50hp Silver Ghost Open Drive Landaulette - Sold for $506,000 versus pre-sale estimate of $400,000 - $600,000. A desirable early Silver Ghost, chassis 1797 was originally a Derby trials car and then used for the London Open Trials. It was later restored by renowned Silver Ghost restorer David Hemmings and shown at Pebble Beach and Meadow Brook, where it won its class at both events.

1930 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Coupe, Murphy Coachwork
1930 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Coupe with Murphy Coachwork - Sold for $962,500 versus pre-sale estimate of $900,000 - $1,100,000. The Model J Duesenberg has long been regarded as the most outstanding example of design and engineering of the classic era. Introduced in 1929, its announcement halted trading on the New York Stock Exchange. At $8,500 for the chassis alone – a price that approached $20,000 with coachwork – it was by far the most expensive car in America when introduced. The example signed to RM’s Amelia Island sale – a 1930 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Coupe with coachwork by Murphy, J331, has been restored with its original engine.

1952 Ferrari 340 Mexico
1952 Ferrari 340 Mexico Berlinetta - Sold for $4,290,000 versus pre-sale estimate of $2,750,000 - $3,500,000. S/N 0224 AT is one of only three Berlinettas built; it boasts an impressive competition history having been successfully campaigned at a number of the world’s most prestigious racing events. Most significantly, 0224 AT was piloted by famed racing driver Luigi Chinetti and Jean Francis to an impressive third overall finish at the grueling 1952 Carrera Panamericana; it was the only one of the three 340 Mexico coupes entered in the legendary Mexican road race to finish. It was also raced in period at the 1953 Mille Miglia, guaranteeing its future entry into the famed Mille Miglia retrospective. Purchased by its current owner in 1979, 0224 AT comes to market following long-term display at the Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg Museum in Indiana.

1953 Ferrari 212 Inter Coupe
1953 Ferrari 212 Inter Coupe - Sold for $660,000 versus pre-sale estimate of $375,000 - $500,000. One of just six examples bodied by Vignale, chassis number 0267 EU was displayed at the Turin Motor Show in 1953 before being sold to its first owner, well-known French collector Jean-Louis Lafourcade. In 1959, 0267 EU was imported to England, where it remained up until it was purchased by its current long-term owner, a respected collector and Ferrari enthusiast in 1977. Since the mid-1980s, 0267 EU sat untouched in a private garage in America’s Midwest, emerging for the first time in decades just last week (January 28). Presented in very original condition, with the exception of its paint which was returned to its original color scheme of black with a green roof and fins in 1979, it will be presented in ‘as is’ condition.

1938 Peugeot 402 Darl’mat Leger 'Special Sport' Roadster Side
1938 Peugeot Darl’mat Leger 'Special Sport' Roadster - Sold for $522,500 versus pre-sale estimate of $350,000 - $500,000. With its swooping lines and fully-skirted fenders, the 1938 Peugeot is another example of automotive styling poised for RM’s Amelia Island auction stage in March. Considered one of the most desirable Peugeots produced, it is the result of a collaboration between Emilie Darl’mat, one of the world’s largest Peugeot dealers at the time, designer Georges Paulin and coachbuilder, Marcel Pourtout. One of only 53 roadsters built, and one of the preferred 1938 cars built on the Legere chassis, this example has been shown at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance where it was featured as part of a class that was a tribute to Paulin and Pourtout.

1930 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 GS Spider by Zagato
1930 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 GS Spider - Sold for $990,000 versus pre-sale estimate of $1,100,000 - $1,500,000. Bodied by Zagato, chassis 8513064 was raced at the 1985 Monterey Historic Races by the late Phil Hill.

1908 Oldsmobile Limited Prototype
1908 Oldsmobile Limited Prototype - Sold for $544,500 versus pre-sale estimate of $600,000 - $900,000. Only known remaining factory prototype; believed to have had just a few owners from new; fresh high-point restoration.

1950 Fitch-Whitmore Le Mans Special
1950 Fitch-Whitmore Le Mans Special - Sold for $198,000 versus pre-sale estimate of 175,000 - $250,000. Offered from the estate of John O'Quinn; conceived and driven by racing legend John Fitch and commercial illustrator Coby Whitmore; uses Jaguar XK120 chassis and lightweight hand-formed aluminum body.

1968 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 Berlinetta
1968 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 Berlinetta - Sold for $935,000 versus pre-sale estimate of $1,100,000 - $1,300,000. Completely rebuilt by Miller Motorcars of Connecticut; formerly owned by golfer Greg Norman.

1957 Ferrari 250 GT Boana Berlinetta
1957 Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta - Sold for $605,000 versus pre-sale estimate of $550,000 - $650,000. Chassis 0673 GT bodied by Boano; FCA Platinum Award-winner; Matching numbers, Ferrari Classiche certified; equipped with rare side vents.

1964 Porsche 911
1964 Porsche 911 - Sold for $225,500 versus pre-sale estimate of $125,000 - $175,000. One of 232 911s built in 1964, of which only 45 are known to exist; fully documented restoration in 2005; matching engine, transmission and body.

1961 Jaguar E-Type Series I 3.8 Roadster
1961 Jaguar E-Type Series I 3.8 Roadster - Sold for $154,000 versus pre-sale estimate of $120,000 - $140,000. Original LHD, external bonnet-latch, flat-floor car, the 53rd E-Type produced; ordered new at the 1961 Paris Salon by the Editor of Maclean’s magazine.

1965 Shelby 289 Cobra
1965 Shelby 289 Cobra - Did not sell at high bid of $425,000 versus pre-sale estimate of $500,000 - $600,000. CSX 2485 is well documented in the Shelby American World Registry; original condition and patina.

1956 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham Town Car Prototype
1956 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham Town Car Prototype - Did not sell at high bid of $460,000 versus pre-sale estimate of $500,000 - $750,000. Motorama and Paris Salon show car, unveiled at the Waldorf Astoria; operational concept car with V-8 engine for show use; gold-trimmed passenger compartment; from estate of John O’Quinn.

1956 Austin-Healey 100M Le Mans Roadster
1956 Austin-Healey 100M Le Mans Roadster - Sold for $143,000 versus pre-sale estimate of $125,000 - $150,000. One of only 640 original factory-built 100M roadsters; one of 165 verified factory-built 100M cars in the 100M Registry; British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate.


[Source: RM Auctions]