Author: Tony Piff

Tony has long trumpeted the virtues of collecting Japanese cars. His daily driver is a 1970 Toyota Hilux — the one with the turn signals on top of the fenders. His popular “Rising Sun” column keeps a pulse on the J-tin market.

Meet Keith Martin at the Concours d’Elegance of America

Keith Martin returns as emcee for the Concours d’Elegance of America on July 26 in Plymouth, MI. View the three-day schedule of events here. The featured concours classes are as follows: Pre-War Classes Motorcycles 1918 – 1929: The Dawn of the Modern MotorcycleGas Light: prior to 1914Jazz Age: 1915 – […]

Monterey Roundup: More Star Cars!

Monterey Car Week is less than a month away. Have you checked out the lastest consignments? Here is a roundup of some very significant star cars: Gooding & Company has consigned a 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spyder for their Pebble Beach auction (pictured above; Gooding & Company estimate: $16m–$18m). The […]

Meet Keith Martin, Donald Osborne and Alex Martin-Banzer at Forest Grove

The Forest Grove Concours d ‘Elegance returns for its 43rd year on Sunday, July 19, on the historic, tree-shaded campus of Pacific University in Forest Grove, OR. Keith Martin and Donald Osborne return as co-emcees. Alex Martin-Banzer will serve as a concours judge. All three will participate in Saturday’s Tour […]

Du Pont Collection Joins “Preserving the Automobile” Auction

Bonhams has consigned a private collection of original racing, experimental, hot rod and stock automobiles from the prominent American family du Pont — a name synonymous with a chemical empire, a luxury automobile manufacturer, and America’s first motorcycle company. The property of Alexis “Lex” du Pont, son of motoring magnate E. […]

Auburns, Cords and Duesenbergs at RM Sotheby’s Motor City

A strong selection of pre-war heavy iron hits the market on July 25 at RM Sotheby’s Motor City sale in Plymouth, MI. Leading the notable consignments are a 1935 Duesenberg Model SJ Dual-Cowl Phaeton (RM Sotheby’s estimate: $850k–$1.1m), a 1933 Packard Twelve Individual Custom Sport Phaeton ($400k–$450k) and a 1934 […]

Ferraris, Astons and Porsches at Artcurial Paris

Artcurial brings a strong assortment of European sports cars to their Paris sale on June 22. Leading the charge are a 1991 Ferrari F40 (Artcurial estimate: $1m–$1.25m), a 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS Touring ($785k–$1m) and a 1959 Aston Martin DB4 Series II coupe ($450k–$550k). View all the Paris consignments here.

No-Reserve 2004 Ferrari Enzo at Bonhams Goodwood

A 2004 Ferrari Enzo goes home to a new garage on June 26 at Bonhams’ Goodwood Festival of Speed sale. Bonhams predicts the no-reserve car will bring between $930k and $1.2m. Other big-money highlights include a 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster ($1.2m–$1.6m) and a 1963 Aston Martin DB4 Series V convertible […]

The First Star Cars of Monterey

Monterey Car Week is two months away, but the star cars are already stacking up. Here is a roundup of some early consignments: RM has extended their Monterey sale to three days with the addition of a private collection referred to as “The Pinnacle Portfolio” (pictured). Cars in the collection […]

193-mile 2006 Ford GT Headlines Russo and Steele Newport Beach

A 2006 Ford GT with just 193 original miles crosses the block this weekend at Russo and Steele’s auction in Newport Beach, CA. The sale takes place June 5–7. Other notable headliners include a 1973 Ferrari 246 GTS Dino Spyder, a 1972 Ferrari 246 GT Dino coupe, and a 1956 […]