High-Dollar Cars Lead Early Consignments for RM’s 25th Monterey Sale

BLENHEIM, Ontario (May 4, 2010) – Fresh on the heels of a highly-successful sale in Monaco last weekend, RM Auctions, the world’s largest collector car auction house, has announced a magnificent roster of early consignments for its highly-anticipated Sports & Classics of Monterey event, August 13th – 14th in California.

Headlining early entries for the annual sale are no less than a dozen cars estimated to fetch more than $1,000,000, including the wildly extravagant 1949 Delahaye 175 S Saoutchik Roadster, and a stunning 1938 Talbot-Lago T150-C Lago Speciale Teardrop Coupe with coachwork by Figoni et Falaschi. Both well-known in the automotive world, each provides a great illustration of the automobile as an art form and are expected to attract significant attention from the world’s most discerning collectors.

“With strong early interest from consignors, and an outstanding line-up of blue chip automotive marques already confirmed, this year’s Monterey sale is set to continue RM’s strong track record for offering significant, historic and exotic cars of exceptional quality,” says Ian Kelleher, President and Chief Operating Officer, RM Auctions.

“In celebration of the event’s silver anniversary, the look and feel this year will be of a sophisticated auto salon and consistent with the high caliber of motor cars on offer,” Kelleher adds.

Resplendent in its turquoise paint and dripping with chrome accents, the striking 1949 Delahaye 175 S Saoutchik Roadster, chassis number 815023, is a spectacular, one-off work of art. Commissioned by the flamboyant English collector, Sir John Gaul – a man described as having ‘impeccable albeit eclectic taste’ – this magnificent example features coachwork by the innovative Jacques Saoutchik and was built for the reemerging concours circuit following World War II. From a design perspective, 815023 was built upon the first new post-war Delahaye chassis and features swooping lines, a disappearing top and fully skirted fenders, the latter of which gives the illusion of the car ‘floating’ as it moves. Other styling cues include a unique ‘nose’, inspired by the Figoni et Falaschi Narval.

First introduced at the 1949 Paris Auto Show, Sir John Gaul exhibited 815023 at several European concours that year, from Paris to Monte Carlo and San Remo. It then passed through a succession of other flamboyant owners, including actress Diana Dors – often described as the English Marilyn Monroe – who’s favorite color was turquoise. 815023 was later reunited with its original engine and most recently appeared at the world-renowned Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in 2006 where it was awarded best in class. It returns to the Monterey Peninsula in August for its auction debut. (Estimate Available Upon Request).

“Following the financial depression of World War II, there were few collectors with the means, flamboyance and flair to commission a car as exotic as this Saoutchik Roadster,” adds Kelleher. “Arguably the most desirable post-war, coachbuilt automobile of all time, it is truly a masterpiece of the coachbuilder’s art. Eye-catching and exotic, it is wonderful to drive and combines superlative styling on a chassis of competition quality.”

The stunning, one-of-a-kind 1938 Talbot-Lago T150-C Lago Speciale Teardrop Coupe, chassis 90034, is another great example of a ‘rolling work of art’ expected to garner significant attention at this year’s Monterey sale. Clothed by master French coachbuilders, Figoni et Falaschi, and featuring a seductive teardrop shaped body and fenders, this unique motor car is the only long wheelbase Lago Speciale Teardrop in existence. Combining speed with beauty, it features a continuous history from new and a commendable and unique competition record, including an impressive first in class at its racing debut at the 1948 24 Hours of Spa. Freshly restored by RM Auto Restoration, it is presented in outstanding condition and is a magnificent candidate for the world’s best concours events. (Estimate Available Upon Request).

“The Lago Speciale is a wonderful representation of prewar French creativity and imagination,” adds Kelleher. “Crafted at the very height of Art Deco design, it is arguably one of the world’s most stunning automobiles and virtually unmatched in its beauty. Its upcoming sale offers a very exciting ownership opportunity for the successful bidder,” he adds.

Other select million-dollar entries slated for the sale include:

• a custom 1933 Packard Twelve Dietrich Coupe (Est. $1,200,000 – $1,400,000)

• an elegant 1913 Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP Silver Ghost “London to Edinburgh” Tourer (Est. $1,000,000 – $1,500,000)

• a majestic 1933 Duesenberg Model SJ Brunn Riviera Phaeton, one of only two factory supercharged cars (Est. $1,250,000 – $1,600,000)

• an exquisite 1936 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Cabriolet (Est. $1,100,000 – $1,300,000)

• an ever-desirable 1971 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Spyder (Est. $1,000,000 – $1,200,000)

• an important 1964 Shelby Cobra USRRC Team Car, to be offered without reserve.

Now in its 25th year, RM’s annual Sports & Classics of Monterey event was the first and original auction held during the now famous Monterey Classic Car Week. Over the past two decades, the event has carved a reputation for bringing together the world’s finest automobiles with its most discerning collectors. Returning to the Portola Hotel & Spa and Monterey Convention Center, August 13 – 14, this year’s event will feature approximately 200 investment-quality motor cars.

For further information, event details, and to view the frequently updated list of consignments, visit www.rmauctions.com.

Image by Darin Schnabel ©2010 courtesy RM Auctions