1800-cc twin. The oldest surviving Rolls-Royce, with body changes over the years and a non-original steering column. Fitted with streamlined coachwork in the ’20s, restored in the ’50s. In good shape with excellent brass fittings. The only R-R eligible to take part in the VCC London to Brighton run.

Bidding quickly rose from the $2m opener and kept going, so auctioneer Jamie Knight moved up from $100k to $200k increments. The final bid on the phone bought the car to much applause at roughly three times over the low estimate... but as Knight said, "There is only one." (See the English Profile, March ’08, p.50).

Bodied by New York coachbuilder Frederick Wood and Sons. Once owned by Henry Austin Clark Jr. Still carries orignal coachwork and brass headlamps and sidelamps. Numerous awards from major concours. A historicialy significant Mercedes-Benz that still maintains a strong presence.

Last seen at RM's Phoenix sale in January of 2003, where it sold for $770,000 (SCM# 30295). One of the cornerstones of the Chandler collection. Sold for serious money, but the price paid was not outlandish. One of the more significant brass-era cars offered at auction in recent memory. Very well sold.

Fitted with an amazing amount of brass and all is nearly perfect. Painted wood wheels, white period tires. Detailing is immaculate throughout. No shocks fitted, engine compartment and interior spotless.

There was some speculation surrounding the race history of this car, and despite its excellent condition throughout, the price paid was a lot to spend for a car with stories. Undoubtedly rare, but well sold.

Worn, flaking, and bubbling paint. Some polished brass fittings, most dull. Very dry leather seats have holes, open seams, and many missing buttons.

Coal-burning early steam vehicle, which may be as old as 1889. Remarkable and complete, it would be a dramatic—if not really slow and hard riding—London-Brighton entry. The saleroom went wild on this one, pushing it to well over three times the high estimate. Still, well bought—try to find another one.

Coachwork by Labourdette. A quality older restoration. Repaint starting to show cracks in various places, all black parts appear more recently redone. Nice older retrim still presents well. All brass bright and largely dent-free. Canvas windshield in very good order, presentable dash panel and engine bay. Believed to be the only surviving 7.3-Liter Panhard built before 1905.

Coachwork by Labourdette. A quality older restoration. Repaint starting to show cracks in various places, all black parts appear more recently redone. Nice older retrim still presents well. All brass bright and largely dent-free. Canvas windshield in very good order, presentable dash panel and engine bay. Believed to be the only surviving 7.3-Liter Panhard built before 1905.

Absolutely right car with a great history in the US among prominent collectors. Great looks, chain drive, gobs of power from 6.7-liter engine, tons of prestige, one of the ultimate brass-era cars.

Top price of the sale. Gone to another distinguished collection. Car has won multiple awards, including Best Mercedes at Pebble Beach. Should continue to win its share of trophies, as well as be one of the stars of any brass-era gathering or tour.

The "real" Model A. The seller describes this as the oldest surviving car built by the Ford Motor Company on the first day of production. Excellent paint, brass is all well-polished and complete. Interior very well done.

There are earlier Fords, but they are not the product of the Ford Motor Company, a distinction to remember before you write in. This car comes with all the bragging rights of being the oldest relative of the F150 in your driveway, if that's the sort of thing that floats your boat. Me? I'll take a 1904 model and a couple of Ford GTs instead.

"Carefully restored to as-raced condition in the early '70s, little used since. Singularly important, possibly owned and raced by Baron deCaters in city-to-city races. Great thumping 4-cylinder (2.3 liters/cylinder!), death-defying driving position."

"A really important automobile of remarkably solid provenance for its age, sympathetically restored by Bill Lake. A sister Type Z Mors driven by Willie K. Vanderbit was the first gasoline auto to capture the land speed record: 76.02 mph."

Last restored in 1988, body, paint, and interior still excellent, perfect brass includes Lucas 721 sidelights and acetylene headlamp. "Grandfather rights" for London to Brighton run (as it was originally dated by the VCC as a 1904 model) stay with the car.

Although not blowing its reserve by half like other Edwardians at the sale, this price was near the top estimate of $496k, so the seller should be pleased with the result.

Coachwork by Besson. Imposing London to Brighton car in super order throughout. Nicely-done brasswork includes BRC acetylene headlamps and oil sidelamps. Non-original period coachwork suits well. Later distributor and coil conversion, last taxed in 2005.

The final sale price was right in the middle of the pre-sale estimate range, and at that price, it cost its new owner more than the price of a vintage Bentley. A market price for one of the more practical London to Brighton cars.