Nearly a Century of Automobile History to be Offered in Unique Aalholm Collection Sale

Collectors from around the world are excitedly requesting catalogues to see in detail some of the diverse and highly-prized lots that will go under the hammer during RM Auctions highly anticipated Aalholm “without reserve” auction, 12 August in Southern Denmark.

Representing nearly a century of automobile manufacturing supplemented by some fascinating lots, including a Wright Brothers Replica Plane, a 1890s Danish Royal Train Carriage and a rare, highly-prized toy train set, the single-day sale of the Aalholm Automobil Museum is generating unprecedented interest from around the world. At one time, a significant and well-known attraction on the southern Danish island of Lolland, the Aalholm Automobil Museum, which had delighted visitors with its diverse and rare collection of cars from 1964 until 2007, is now available to be purchased in a once-in-a-lifetime, no reserve auction.

Max Girardo, Managing Director of RM Europe says, “The original brainchild of Baron J.O. Raben-Levetzau, this collection is notable for the sheer breadth of its diversity. There is truly something for everyone who would like to secure a piece of Aalholm history, with some spectacular star cars as well as numerous lots accessible to collectors on smaller budgets.”

The collection is notable for a number of very early brass-era veteran cars from the late-1800s and early-1900s, with several of the cars eligible for the world-famous London to Brighton veteran car run in England. The sale features an exceptional roster of pre-1905 vehicles, including a very early 1896 Léon Bollée Voiturette (pictured top), a 1899 De Dion-Bouton Tricycle, a 1900 De Dion-Bouton Four-Seat Vis-à-Vis and a 1900 Decauville Roadster. Also on offer, a 1902 Lacroix de Laville La Nef Tricycle, a 1902 Rambler Model C Runabout, a 1902 Holsman High-Wheel Runabout, along with a Renault 10CV Limousine and a  Ford Model A Runabout dating back to 1903, and a 1904 Delahaye Surrey-Top Tourer.

Representing motoring almost a century later, the sale will lift the hammer on a 1986 Jaguar XJ-6 Saloon, which was purchased new by Queen Ingrid of Denmark (1910–2000). A car which will undoubtedly be of strong interest to Danish collectors, it is accompanied by documentation of its royal provenance.  Another more recent offering from the collection is a 1985 Ferrari Testarossa (pictured), an iconic supercar of the 1980s, showing just 12,700 kilometres on its 4,943 cc flat-twelve engine. This Rosso red Ferrari is yet another car to boast blue-blooded heritage, having reportedly been delivered new to a Venetian prince.

Beyond the automobiles, one lot sure to catch the eye of serious collectors is the 1903 Wright Brothers Replica Plane, which although a replica, is thought to have been constructed between 1907 and 1909. The engine fitted is believed to be of the Renault type from the period 1918–1925, and it is possible that the plane might have been flown. The plane is an iconic Aalholm Collection piece as it was suspended from the ceiling of the main hall until the museum closed.

Another key non-automotive lot on offer is the 1890s Danish Royal Train Carriage. A superb recreation, itconsists of several different, grand compartments, one of which is paneled in exquisite, veneered wood from the ceiling to the floor. The seats are clothed in deep, rich, red velour, along with the arm and head rests, while in some areas the walls are covered with grand wallpaper hosting the Danish Royal emblem. The exterior of the train is painted a two-tone cream and navy blue with red coaching. This Danish Royal Carriage would be a magnificent piece in any collection.

Train enthusiasts will also appreciate the 1920s Märklin Train Set (pictured). A present to Baron J.O. Raben-Levetzau for his 16th birthday, the train set was originally housed in one of the first-floor rooms in the Aalholm castle. There are seven engines and 58 carriages altogether, including petrol tankers, cranes, timber carriages and passenger carriages, along with approximately 60 meters of track.

Among a long list of highlights, other notable entries for the sale include:

·         a 1911 Rolls-Royce 40/50 hp Silver Ghost Roi des Belges Tourer, the first car in the collection;

·         a much admired 1938 Bugatti 57C Stelvio Drophead Coupe by Gangloff;

·         a rare 1931 Bugatti Type 40A Tourer;

·         a remarkably original, right-hand drive 1928 Mercedes-Benz Nürnburg Limousine;

·         a 1932 Hispano-Suiza HS26 Cabriolet-Victoria;

·         a very rare surviving 1938 Maybach Zeppelin DS8 Roadster;

·         a 1947 Delahaye 135 M Cabriolet; and

         an unrestored 1963 Ferrari 250 GT/E.

For full details on the Aalholm Automobil Collection sale or to view the complete digital catalogue, visit www.rmauctions.com.