Blenheim, Ontario – October 25, 2010 – RM Auctions, the world’s largest collector car auction house, makes an exciting return to Phoenix in January for its annual Automobiles of Arizona sale, presenting one of the most diverse offerings of motor cars ever featured in the event’s 12 year history.
Staged at the prestigious Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa, January 20-21, 2011, the two-day auction will showcase over 160 automobiles spanning the spectrum of the collector car market, from important sports and racing cars, through to Detroit muscle, the best of American and European classics, and a series of wild customs and show cars.
“Our Arizona sale is a mainstay of our annual events calendar and highly-anticipated by our global clientele, providing a great start to the new collector car auction season each year,” says Rob Myers, Chairman and Founder, RM Auctions. “2010 has been a positive year for the automotive auction business, and with a diverse series of high-caliber motor cars already signed to January’s sale, we look forward to continuing the momentum in 2011.”
Following the success of this year’s ‘The British Are Coming’ sale, RM’s 2011 Arizona auction kicks off with the exclusive ‘The British Are Back’ on Thursday, January 20, celebrating a host of great British marques. Notable early entries include a 1921 Rolls-Royce 40/50HP Silver Ghost Phaeton (Est. $350,000 – $475,000); a 1932 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Newmarket Sport Phaeton (Est. $300,000 – $450,000); and a 1958 Aston Martin DB2 Mark III (Est. $200,000 – $250,000).
An important range of Ferraris lead the charge for RM’s Friday January 21 sale. No less than nine examples have already been signed, including the highly desirable 1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Spyder, chassis number 16835, offered from the personal collection of Baseball Hall of Famer, Mr. Reggie Jackson. This rare Daytona Spyder boasts an impressive celebrity provenance and ownership with famous motorcycle daredevil, Evel Knievel, and well-known New York and Los Angeles DJ, Frankie Crocker, listed as previous owners. (Estimate: $900,000 – $1,100,000). Other notable entries from the famed ‘prancing horse’ include a stunning, fully-certified 1966 Ferrari Superfast Series I (Estimate: $900,000 – $1,100,000); a fully-restored 1950 Ferrari 166 Inter Berlinetta (Est. $400,000 – $600,000); and a well-known 1995 Ferrari F50 Show Car ($600,000 – $800,000), the very first F50 built and the last Ferrari to have a five-digit chassis number, s/n 99999.
Continuing the company’s reputation as the specialists for the auction of private and estate collections, RM’s Arizona sale will also feature an impressive series of automobiles from the estate of noted Chicago collector, Bill Jacobs Jr.
“Bill Jacobs was well-known by the collector car community and a dear personal friend for many years. He is sadly missed by all,” adds Myers. “We are honored to have been chosen by his estate to present a selection of automobiles from his diverse collection, and look forward to sharing his legacy with other like-minded enthusiasts.”
Additional early sale highlights from the various different genres represented include:
• a majestic 1929 Duesenberg Model J Dual Cowl Phaeton, driven by Elvis Presley in the movie Spinout (Est. $900,000 – $1,200,000);
• a 1941 Lincoln Continental Coupe, gifted by Orson Wells to Hollywood actress, Rita Hayworth (Estimate: $150,000 – $200,000);
• a 1939 BMW 327/328 Cabriolet, offered for the first time in 33 years (Est. $180,000 -$250,000); and,
• a 1949 Cadillac Series 75 Woodie Limousine by Schwartz, specially ordered by Hollywood’s Metro Goldwyn Mayer Studios (Estimate $250,000 – $350,000).
A limited number of consignment opportunities for RM’s Arizona sale are still available. For further information visit www.rmauctions.com or call an RM car specialist at +1 519 352 4575 (North America) or +44 20 7851 7070 (Europe).