RM Auctions, the world’s largest collector car auction house, announced today it will present more than 175 vehicles from the world-famous Aalholm Automobil Museum ‘without reserve’ during a single-day auction, 12 August, 2012 in southern Denmark.
Located just west of Nysted on the Island of Lolland, and set against the magnificent backdrop of the Aalholm Castle, one of Denmark’s oldest medieval castles, the Aalholm Automobil Museum was founded in 1964 by auto enthusiast, Baron J.O. Raben-Levetzau, who used the castle’s own 1911 Rolls-Royce as a starting point for the collection. In operation from 1964 through 2007, the museum was regarded as one of Europe’s largest and most exciting automobile collections, at one time displaying more than 200 motor cars spanning the 1890s through 1980s.
The upcoming sale follows a string of highly successful private and estate collection auctions hosted by RM in recent years, including the presentation of select automobiles from the private collections of Formula One Racing CEO, Bernie Ecclestone, German entrepreneur, Hans-Günther Zach, distinguished Dutch collector, Edgar Schermerhorn, and most recently, the esteemed Milhous Collection in Florida, USA, presented in association with Sotheby’s.
“RM is honoured to have been selected to represent the Aalholm Automobile Collection at auction as we continue to build our reputation as the specialists for private and estate collections,” says Annette Abaci, specialist RM Europe and manager of the Company’s German division.
“Well-known by motoring enthusiasts across Europe, the Aalholm Collection comprises a wide range of marques and eras, presenting a diverse range of ownership opportunities. With many examples coming to the market for the first time in decades following long-term display in the museum, the sale presents a rare opportunity for collectors to acquire an important piece of Danish history,” Abaci adds.
Among a long list of auction highlights is a 1911 Rolls-Royce 40/50 hp Silver Ghost Roi des Belges Tourer, chassis number 1677, the first car of the collection and the example that inspired the Aalholm museum (pictured top), along with a pair of pre-war Bugattis – a coveted 1938 Bugatti 57C Stelvio Drophead Coupe by Gangloff, chassis number 57716, a part of the collection since 1965 (pictured right), and a rare 1931 Bugatti Type 40A Tourer, chassis number 40905, one of just 32 examples built. Also on offer an original 1928 Mercedes-Benz Nürnburg Limousine; a 1932 Hispano-Suiza HS26 Cabriolet-Victoria; a rare surviving 1938 Maybach Zeppelin DS8 Roadster; a 1947 Delahaye 135 M Cabriolet and a 1963 Ferrari 250 GT/E.
Another highlight of the collection is a series of desirable veteran cars from the early 1900s, including a 1900 Decauville Roadster, a 1900 De Dion-Bouton Four-Seat Vis á Vis; a 1902 Holsman High-Wheel Runabout; and a 1902 Rambler Model C Runabout, all of which are London-to-Brighton eligible.
Beyond the automobiles, the sale will also lift the gavel on a 1903 Wright Brothers Replica Plane, a 1890s Train Carriage (Danish Royal Carriage) and a toy train set by Märklin from the 1920s which was reportedly given to Baron J.O. Raben-Levetzau by his father when he turned 15.
The single-day auction will be held in situ at the former Aalholm Automobil Museum, Sunday, 12 August, 2012. In the lead up to the highly anticipated sale, enthusiasts will have the opportunity to preview the 1925 Renault 10 CV Limousine from the Collection and meet with RM specialists at this week’s ‘Techno Classica’ event in Essen, Germany. The RM exhibit will be located in Hall 6, Stand 425.
For full details on the Aalholm Automobile Collection sale, visit www.rmauctions.com