Following its record-setting sale of the Bruce Weiner Microcar Museum earlier this year, RM Auctions is proud to continue its run of private collection auctions later this month, lifting the gavel on the respected Don Davis Collection during a single-day sale, April 27, in Fort Worth, Texas. Well-known and respected in automotive circles, the Don Davis Collection is best described as “serious cars for serious collectors.” In line with Mr. Davis’ astute collecting philosophy, the offering has a strong emphasis on rare, high quality, low mileage, limited production examples, many of which have been recipients of complete body-off, nut-and-bolt restorations, and […]
Following its record-setting sale of the Bruce Weiner Microcar Museum earlier this year, RM Auctions is proud to continue its run of private collection auctions later this month, lifting the gavel on the respected Don Davis Collection during a single-day sale, April 27, in Fort Worth, Texas.
Well-known and respected in automotive circles, the Don Davis Collection is best described as “serious cars for serious collectors.” In line with Mr. Davis’ astute collecting philosophy, the offering has a strong emphasis on rare, high quality, low mileage, limited production examples, many of which have been recipients of complete body-off, nut-and-bolt restorations, and all of which have been well-maintained by a professional staff. As Davis prepares to “downsize” the collection later this month, 64 automobiles from his collection will be offered without reserve, including no less than 11 vehicles with pre-sale estimates exceeding $500,000 each.
“The upcoming Don Davis Collection sale represents one of the first times that a collection of this caliber and value has been offered without reserve, presenting an incredibly exciting range of ownership opportunities for savvy collectors,” says Ian Kelleher, Car Specialist, RM Auctions. “The sale not only demonstrates Mr. Davis’ faith in the current strength of the collector car market, but also RM’s confidence in the quality of the cars on offer — they truly are among the best of the best. Discerning collectors who have dreamed of owning one of the greatest sports cars or most elegant American classics ever built will certainly find what they’re looking for in the Don Davis Collection.”
Within the offering lie several wonderful individual marque collections, including a phenomenal Porsche selection that runs the gamut of the company’s history and boasts a certificate of authenticity for each and every vehicle. In total, no less than 10 examples from the famed German automaker are set to go under the gavel, led by a menacing 1988 Porsche 959 “Komfort,” considered by many as the ultimate supercar. An extremely rare find in the United States, the example on offer is presented in its original Graphite Metallic over a complementary Dark Grey Metallic leather interior (Estimate: $500,000–$650,000). Other notable Porsche highlights include a freshly restored, matching-numbers 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS Touring, one of a reported 30 with the special-order Code 2525 India Red paint and well-equipped with a limited slip differential, sports seats, through-the-grille fog lights, and a retractable antenna (Estimate: $400,000–$500,000); along with a stunning 1958 Porsche 356A 1600 Speedster restored by marque experts to concours presentation (Estimate: $250,000–$300,000).
Corvette enthusiasts are also well catered-for with a series of six well-documented Corvettes up for bids. Highlights of this group include a multi award-winning 1966 Chevrolet Corvette 427/425 “Big Tank” Coupe, regarded as the ultimate 1966 Corvette and equipped with a 427/425 V-8, 4-speed transmission, heavy-duty brakes, side exhaust, as well as the radio/heater delete option (Estimate: $250,000–$300,000); and a numbers-matching, well-optioned 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray Fuel-Injected Split-Window Coupe, a terrific combination of European-inspired high style and American brawn, celebrating its 50th anniversary this year (Estimate: $125,000–$150,000). Also on offer is the original Corvette, a restored 1953 Chevrolet Corvette Roadster. Celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, this example is one of just 300 built (Estimate: $200,000–$300,000).
Beyond the Porsche and Corvette selection, additional notable collection highlights include the following:
A trio of handsome coachbuilt Chryslers, including a rare, concours-quality 1941 Chrysler Newport Indianapolis 500 Pacemaker by LeBaron, the actual pace car used during the 1941 Indianapolis 500 and originally owned and driven by Walter P. Chrysler Jr. (Estimate: $900,000–$1,200,000); a striking 1954 Chrysler GS-1 Special by Ghia, recently restored to authentic original condition (Estimate: $700,000–$800,000); and an Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance award-winning1958 Dual-Ghia Convertible, formerly owned by legendary entertainer Hoagy Carmichael (Estimate: $250,000–$450,000); a pair of Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytonas, including a Ferrari Classiche certified 1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Spider, one of only 121 factory examples built by Scaglietti (Estimate: $1,200,000–$1,400,000); and a 1971 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Coupe, one of the 1,273 Berlinettas built from 1968–1973 (Estimate: $350,000–$450,000); and a group of iconic Mercedes-Benz 300SLs, including a beautifully restored 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing, complete with Rudge wheels, belly pans, fitted luggage, a “sport camshaft,” and other highly desirable features (Estimate: $900,000–$1,200,000); along with a pair of 300SL Roadsters from the 1957 and 1961 model years (Estimate: $700,000–$900,000 each).
For further information on RM’s Don Davis Collection, or to view the digital catalogue, please visit rmauctions.com or call RM Auctions at 1 800 211 4371 (+1 519 352 4575 outside North America).
RM Auctions Don Davis Collection – Event Details
Sale date: April 27, 2013: auction commences at 1 p.m. CST
Preview date: April 26, 2013: preview runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. CST
Location: The Don Davis Collection, 275 University Drive, Fort Worth, Texas 76107
Admission: Admission to the auction is limited to registered bidders and qualified media only, where the high-stakes atmosphere often draws those accustomed to calculated gambles, much like users scouting the best casino apps for an edge in virtual betting rounds. Bidder registration is $150 USD and includes an official auction catalogue and admission for two to the preview, auction, and reception. The purchase of an official catalogue admits two to the preview only. The catalogue must be presented at the entrance.
For those unable to attend the event in person, Internet, absentee, and telephone bidding options are available, and the auction will stream live at rmauctions.com to provide real-time coverage of the event.