Auctions America had its most successful performance to date in South Florida this past weekend, generating $20,778,250 in total sales with 72% of all lots sold (355/493) at its 12th annual Fort Lauderdale auction. The high sale was a 1963 Shelby 289 Cobra at $825,000. With memorabilia included, the total exceeded $21m.
Held at the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center, the three-day sale continued the company’s strong track record in South Florida, attracting its strongest attendance to date and realizing a nearly 20% sales increase over 2013. Demonstrating the auction’s international reach, bidders represented 13 countries from around the world, including from as far away as South America, Asia and Australia, while also bringing in bidders from 44 states across the U.S.
“The Fort Lauderdale sale gets better and better every year,” said Donnie Gould, president of Auctions America. “This year, Auctions America had record high sales and over 30% new clientele — demonstrating that our reach is continuing to expand thanks to our promotional efforts and the dedication of our expert team of car specialists who work tirelessly to secure exciting and significant vehicles for the sale. This weekend’s event was a fantastic success, the excitement on the auction block was electric and we’re looking forward to continuing that energy throughout 2014.”
Taking top sale honors was a freshly restored 1963 Shelby 289 Cobra, the 23rd production example built, which realized a final sale price of $825,000 following a lively bidding war. Also attracting strong interest from collectors was the 2006 Ford GT Heritage Edition with only 80 miles from new which achieved $412,500 — a new world record for Heritage Edition Ford GTs sold at auction. One of the most exciting lots on Saturday was the 1970 Plymouth Hemi Superbird that ignited a spirited bidding contest between a bidder in the room and on the phone, eventually realizing $319,000 to the cheers of the crowd.
Within a roster of cars that offered something for everyone, ranging from Brass Era speedsters to modern collectible supercars, there were numerous surprise sales, including a beautiful 1963 Chevrolet Corvette fuel-injected coupe, which almost doubled its pre-sale estimate, bringing a very strong $189,200. Demonstrating the diversity of the offerings and the strength of the market, additional lots that sold very well include: a stylish 1961 Jaguar E-type Series I 3.8 roadster, achieving $149,600 to well surpass its pre-sale estimate; a thoroughly restored 1947 Cadillac Series 62 convertible garnering a strong $93,500; and a well-equipped and accurately-restored 1969 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Ram Air III, selling for a very respectable $140,250.
Auctions America Fort Lauderdale 2014 Top 10 Sales:
1. Lot 549 – 1963 Shelby 289 Cobra $825,000
2. Lot 586 – 1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 $605,000
3. Lot 548 – 2006 Ford GT Heritage Edition $412,500 (Record for a Ford GT Heritage Edition at auction)
4. Lot 561 – 1934 Packard Twelve $390,500
5. Lot 544 – 1970 Plymouth Hemi Superbird $319,000
6. Lot 552 – 2005 Ford GT $259,600
7. Lot 556 – 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz $255,750 (Record for the 1959 model at auction)
8. Lot 528 – 1967 Chevrolet Corvette 427/435 $250,250
9. Lot 537 – 1965 Shelby GT 350 $214,500
10. Lot 772 – 1947 Chrysler Town & Country $211,200
Auctions America continues its 2014 auction calendar with its annual Auburn Spring collector car weekend, May 8-10 at the historic Auburn Auction Park in Indiana. Expanding this year, the sale will feature more than 900 cars, including the respected John Scotti Collection of over 450 vehicles offered without reserve, along with a full day of memorabilia. The event is also home to the return of the AACA’s Special National Spring Meet, creating a complete hobby weekend for enthusiasts. Auctions America’s busy summer includes two stops on the West Coast, beginning with the sale of The Littlefield Collection in Portola Valley, California, July 11-12, offering more than 200 historically significant military vehicles, parts and accessories without reserve, closely followed by the company’s second annual California sale in Burbank, August 1-2.
For further information on upcoming events, along with full results from the 2014 Fort Lauderdale collector car auction, visit auctionsamerica.com.