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Headline Offerings at RM Amelia Island 2015

Darin Schnabel ©2015 Courtesy of RM Auctions
1960 Ferrari 400 Superamerica SWB Cabriolet by Pinin Farina (photo: Darin Schnabel)

A 1960 Ferrari 400 Superamerica SWB Cabriolet will be among the highlight offerings at the RM Auctions Amelia Island 2015 sale, scheduled for Saturday, March 14 at the Ritz-Carlton in Amelia Island, Florida. The Ferrari will headline RM’s selection of more than 90 automobiles, a field that RM said represents their finest offering in the event’s 17-year history.

“It’s an absolute privilege to have been entrusted with the sale of 1945 SA at our upcoming Amelia Island sale. As our recent Arizona sale showed, there’s a continued strong appetite for great open-top Ferraris, and this 400 SA is certainly among the best of its breed,” says Gord Duff, Car Specialist, RM Auctions.

The true definition of sporting elegance, 1945 SA combines stunning design with high performance. Visually, it is beautiful in every respect. Its unusual and striking color combination helps distinguish it from its peers, enhancing its desirability, not to mention its various other unique details, from the chrome trim on the hood to its flush-mounted door handles. I’ve had the pleasure of driving the car and can attest it is a fantastic, turnkey driving example.”

The matching-numbers 1960 Ferrari 400 Superamerica SWB Cabriolet, chassis number 1945 SA, is powered by a 4.0-liter V-12 engine producing 340 bhp and wears Pinin Farina coachwork. The example on offer is the third of seven short wheelbase Superamericas built. A left-hand-drive example and fitted with open headlights, it was finished in the color combination of Verde Bottiglia over a Rosso Connolly leather interior that it still wears today. Over the years, 1945 SA has passed through a string of collectors, including noted sports car enthusiast, Oscar Davis. Its current owner commissioned a full, no-expense-spared restoration by marque experts. Significantly, proceeds from the car’s sale will support the owner’s foundation for the education of children (Est. $6,000,000 – $7,000,000).

The Superamerica will be joined at the RM Auctions Amelia Island 2015 sale by a 1931 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 Spider, chassis number 10814313. With coachwork by Zagato, this particular Alfa Romeo is a correct, fifth-series example with matching body stampings throughout. Like the Superamerica, it also benefits from a comprehensive restoration, completed in 2009. The Alfa was imported to the United States for first time in 2011 and exhibited the following year at Pebble Beach (Est. $2,300,000 – $2,600,000).

A more recent offering slated for RM’s 2015 Amelia podium is a 1970 Aston Martin DB6 Mk II, chassis no DB6MK2/4214/LC. A Canadian example and one of 71 original Vantage-specification DB6s constructed, it was picked up by the original owner from the factory and was a part of his collection in the Toronto area for some 45 years, during which time it was regularly exercised and carefully preserved. This highly original example, including its original interior and matching numbers drivetrain, features numerous optional accessories, including rare factory air-conditioning (Est. $650,000 – $850,000). The DB6 Mk II joins the previously announced 1971 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 ‘Condo Find’ Daytona, chassis no. 14385, also offered fresh to the market following single Canadian ownership from new (Est. $600,000 – $750,000).

“In today’s market, vehicles boasting single ownership from new are the epitome of automotive connoisseurship,” comments Duff. “These vehicles are often purchased new by individuals for whom it is love at first sight. It’s quite easy to understand why the Aston DB6 has been treasured by its current owner for more than four decades. Combining great looks with comfort and performance, it is the ultimate iteration of the DB6 platform, checking all the boxes.”

Additional highlights at the RM Auctions Amelia Island 2015 sale include:

  • 1930 Duesenberg Model J ‘Sweep Panel’ Dual-Cowl Phaeton, engine no. J-487, only long-wheelbase LeBaron ‘Sweep-Panel’ Dual-Cowl Phaeton built and boasting outstanding provenance, including some of the greatest names in modern collecting (Est. $1,200,000 – $1,400,000);
  • 1955 Austin-Healey 100S, chassis no. AHS-3504, one of only 50 competition Healey 100s, was built specifically for Hollywood actor/director Jackie Cooper (Est. $975,000 – $1,375,000); and,
  • 1927 Stutz Vertical Eight Black Hawk Custom Two-Passenger Speedster, chassis AA-C18-86501, “one of the most important Stutzes” and the fastest American-built production car of 1927, formerly part of the Harrah Collection with documented history (Est. $400,000 – $550,000).

Visit RM’s special website showcasing recent feature highlights for Amelia Island at m.rmauctions.com.

As the official auction of the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, RM Auctions’ annual Amelia Island sale will once again be held on the grounds of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, 4750 Amelia Island Parkway, Amelia Island, Florida on Saturday, March 14th, 2015. For complete event details, including a frequently updated list of entries, visit rmauctions.com. or call toll-free at 1 800 211 4371 (+1 519 352 4575 outside North America).

[Source: RM Auctions]