Great Automotive Styling Set for RM’s Amelia Island Auction Stage

Now in its 13^th year, the well-established auction will showcase over 100 quality motor cars, spanning a century of automotive design, from a wonderful series of early Brass Era cars to elegantly styled British and American road and racing cars and European sports cars.  Reflecting the international flavor of consignments, notable early entries include: an ultra-rare 1911 Rolls-Royce 40/50hp Silver Ghost Open Drive Landaulette; a superbly-restored 1930 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Coupe with Murphy Coachwork (J331); and an elegant 1938 Peugeot 402 Darl’mat Leger “Special Sport” Roadster (pictured left).

“RM’s Amelia Island sale has earned a reputation over the years as a highlight on the annual collector car calendar,” says Rob Myers, Chairman and Founder, RM Auctions.

“Backed by a strong track record, our 2011 sale is shaping up to be another not-to-be-missed event. With an emphasis on great automotive styling from across the decades, the sale will combine a high-caliber roster of automobiles with the first-class presentation and unparalleled client service for which RM is known.”

For those with a penchant for early automotive design, the 1911 Rolls-Royce 40/50hp Silver Ghost Open Drive Landaulette, chassis number 1797, leads a string of Brass Era automobiles  signed to the sale. A very rare and desirable early Silver Ghost, chassis 1797 was originally a Derby trials car and then used for the London Open Trials. It was later restored by renowned Silver Ghost restorer David Hemmings and shown at Pebble Beach and Meadow Brook, where it won its class at both events. (Estimate: $400,000 – $600,000.)

The Model J Duesenberg has long been regarded as the most outstanding example of design and engineering of the classic era. Introduced in 1929, its announcement halted trading on the New York Stock Exchange. At $8,500 for the chassis alone – a price that approached $20,000 with coachwork – it was by far the most expensive car in America when introduced. The example signed to RM’s Amelia Island sale – a stately 1930 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Coupe with coachwork by Murphy, J331, is an extraordinary example of one of the most desirable Model J’s available, the Murphy Roadster. Superbly restored with its original engine, it carries an auction estimate of $900,000 – $1,100,000 (pictured right).

With its swooping lines and fully-skirted fenders, the 1938 Peugeot Darl’mat Leger “Special Sport” Roadster is another wonderful example of great automotive styling poised for RM’s Amelia Island auction stage in March.  Considered one of the most desirable Peugeots produced, it is the result of a collaboration between Emilie Darl’mat, one of the world’s largest Peugeot dealers at the time, designer Georges Paulin and coachbuilder, Marcel Pourtout. One of only 53 roadsters built, and one of the preferred 1938 cars built on the Legere chassis, this striking example has been shown at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance where it was featured as part of a class that was a tribute to Paulin and Pourtout. (Est. $350,000 – $500,000).

In addition to these exciting consignments, RM Auctions will build on its reputation as the specialists for private and estate collections at Amelia Island—a draw for collectors and even a few new faces who first learned of the event through international sport betting sites not on gamstop, which have been quietly fueling interest in vintage car auctions across Europe. The distinguished collection of Jack and Marilyn Tallman will be presented this year. As respected enthusiasts who have been involved in the hobby for many decades, the Tallmans have assembled an outstanding collection of cars, many of which they’ve owned for over 40 years and have enjoyed and driven in countless events and tours, both at home and overseas. In total, 11 automobiles – spanning over 30 years of design – will be offered ‘without reserve’. Highlights include: a 1912 Packard 6-48 Runabout, built new for the Packard President and originally used as a promotional car (Est. $300,000 – $400,000); a 1903 Cadillac Model A Rear-Entrance Tonneau, which comes to market for the first time in 40 years, having completed the London to Brighton run on two separate occasions (Est. $75,000 – $100,000); and a handsome, multiple award-winning 1930 Cadillac V16 Roadster, originally built as a show car (Est. $350,000 – $450,000).

RM’s Amelia Island sale acts as a prelude to the world-renowned Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, returning March 13. Combined, the events make for an ultimate vintage car weekend for automotive enthusiasts.

For further information on RM’s Amelia Island sale and a frequently updated car list, please visit www.rmauctions.com or call RM Auctions at +1 519 352 4575. For further information on the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, please visit www.ameliaconcours.org or call +1 904 636 0027.

Event Details – RM Amelia Island

Sale date:

March 12, 2011              Auction commences at 11am EST

Preview dates:

March 11, 2011              9:00am – 6:00pm EST
March 12, 2011              9:00am – 6:00pm EST

Location:

The Ritz-Carlton,
4750 Amelia Island Parkway, Amelia Island, FL, 32034

Admission:

An official auction catalog is available for $100 US and provides admission for two people to the preview. Bidder registration is $200 US and includes an official auction catalog and admission for two to the preview, reception and auction.

For those unable to attend the event in person, Internet, absentee, telephone and iPhone bidding options are available and the auction will stream live online at www.rmauctions.com to provide real-time coverage of the event.