London, England October 3, 2008 – Eager anticipation is building for RM Auctions’s second annual Automobiles of London event, to be held at the state-of-the-art Battersea Evolution event arena in London UK, October 29, 2008. With 100 vintage motor cars set to cross the block, the single day auction, held in association with Sotheby’s, is set to capture the attention of the collector car world as it brings together some of the world’s finest automobiles with some of the world’s most discerning collectors. Excitement is also building for this year’s hotly anticipated gala reception on October 28, which will provide an […]
London, England October 3, 2008 – Eager anticipation is building for RM Auctions’s second annual Automobiles of London event, to be held at the state-of-the-art Battersea Evolution event arena in London UK, October 29, 2008.
With 100 vintage motor cars set to cross the block, the single day auction, held in association with Sotheby’s, is set to capture the attention of the collector car world as it brings together some of the world’s finest automobiles with some of the world’s most discerning collectors.
Excitement is also building for this year’s hotly anticipated gala reception on October 28, which will provide an advance preview of the magnificent auction line-up. Themed around the popular sixties British spy series The Avengers, the reception will treat guests to a thrilling evening of cocktails and canapés set against a fitting backdrop of vintage Bentley’s and other significant international marques.
“We have received phenomenal early interest in our upcoming London auction and look forward to welcoming collectors and enthusiasts from around the world to Battersea Park for what is set to be another first class event,” said Max Girardo, Managing Director of RM Auctions’s European Operations.
“Our team has assembled a magnificent collection of vintage automobiles, including some of the greatest British, Italian and German marques of all time, and with 100 motor cars to choose from, there is something to cater for all automotive tastes,” he added.
For Ferrari enthusiasts, the London event will continue RM’s reputation for offering the world’s finest Ferraris, with over 20 milestone examples set to go under the hammer. A stunning 1963 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spyder (s/n 4121 GT) and a beautifully restored, concours-winning 1959 Ferrari 250 GT Tour de France Berlinetta (s/n 1385), which received first place at the Ferrari 60th anniversary concours, are amongst those expected to draw significant interest.
One of the last three SWB versions built, the 1963 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spyder is presented in almost totally original condition. Adding to its wonderful history, the car was in long-term ownership between 1972 and 2003 and has made various film and television appearances, including being driven by Cameron Diaz and Lucy Liu in the hit movie “Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle.”
Other significant Ferrari consignments set to cross RM’s London auction block include a Targa Florio class-winning 1965 Ferrari 250 LM Berlinetta, a rare 1985 Ferrari 288 GT0, accompanied by its original books and tool kits, and a sleek 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 Berlinetta, considered one of the most original examples.
In addition to the Ferraris, one of the many star attractions set to steal the spotlight at the October 29 event is a luxurious 1938 Horch 853 Special Roadster with coachwork by Erdmann & Rossi (chassis number 854268). Formerly stored in a private Latvian collection, the elegant 853 Special Cabriolet presented here is one of just three surviving examples of its kind, and one of six survivors of all types, making for an exclusive ownership opportunity.
Another jewel of the London line-up is a flawless 1997 McLaren F1. The last road going McLaren F1 supercar ever produced – and arguably one of the most famous – this example was the Park Lane Showroom car for McLaren for many years. With single ownership and just 437 kilometres from new, it is being offered at the RM event for the first time since sold new by McLaren.
For those with a predilection for the Bentley marque, the London sale will also shine a spotlight on a magnificent range of vintage Bentley’s, including a luxurious 1932 Bentley 8-Litre Short Chassis Fixed Head Coupe and an awe-inspiring 1924 Bentley 3/8 Litre.
Limited to only 100 examples, the luxurious 1932 Bentley 8-Litre Short Chassis Fixed Head Coupe was to be the last of the great “W.O.” Bentleys produced before the company was absorbed by Rolls-Royce. With a complete and known provenance from new, the example presented here with Mayfair coachwork was the second to last 8-Litre built, and one of only three Short Chassis Fixed Head Coupes.
The remarkable 1924 Bentley 3/8 Litre also boasts a fascinating history, having been formerly owned and developed by noted Bentley aficionado John “Jumbo” Goddard for over sixty years. (Est. £600,000 – £680,000). Also joining the Bentley line-up is a well-documented 1953 Bentley R-Type Continental Fastback, with manual gear change, lightweight seats and spats.
Other notable consignments for RM’s London event include:
• A 1938 Bugatti Type 57C Atalante, a true barn-find discovered after 45 years in storage.
• A stunning 1924 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost Torpedo, formerly owned by Ettore Bugatti, Maurice Trintigant, Count Frederic Chandon and Jean Alesi.
• A 1965 Aston Martin DB5, which featured in the Robbie Williams music video for ‘Millennium’.
• A stately 1953 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible State Limousine, as ordered new for the Royal House of Belgium and used in the royal wedding of Prince Albert II and The Princess Paola.
• A 1955 Ford Thunderbird, formerly owned by Hollywood star John Travolta.
The auction will also offer a fine selection of extremely rare automobilia, including a complete set of the Ernest Montaut 1897-1907 motor racing prints that inspired the decoration of the Michelin Building in London, one of ten Rene Lalique bronze plaques issued to commemorate the first Targa Florio in 1906, the Fastest Lap Trophy from the first British Grand Prix held in 1926, both 120 mph and 130 mph Brooklands Badges, along with a collection of Members Badges and other important memorabilia, five pieces from the famously exclusive Rolls-Royce Desk Set, and a collection of 1949-2006 Ferrari Yearbooks.
RM Auctions, in association with Sotheby’s, will present its Automobiles of London event at Battersea Evolution, Battersea Park, London UK on October 29, 2008. A full day preview will be held on October 28 from 10:00am to 5:30pm, followed by the invitation-only gala reception from 7:00pm. Doors open on October 29 at 10:00am, with all the auction action getting underway from 3:00pm. Admission to the event is by catalog only, which is available for £50 ($87) and admits two.
Visit www.rmauctions.com for more information.