RM’s 2014 Arizona sale will now span two days, offering a handpicked selection of approximately 120 blue-chip motor cars.
“After what has been a record-setting and ground-breaking 2013 for RM, we’re already looking forward to continuing the momentum in the new year,” says Ian Kelleher, Car Specialist, RM Auctions. “The Arizona auctions have a history of providing a strong barometer for the season ahead, and RM’s 2014 Arizona sale is set to present a premier selection of cars as diverse and important as ever.”
Headlining early entries for the Arizona sale are a trio of rare sports and racing Porsches, led by an ex-Bob Donner and Don Wester 1960 Porsche 718 RS 61 Spyder, chassis 718.066. Boasting extensive racing history from 1961 to 1964, including numerous podium finishes at SCCA and USRRC events, 718.066 has been beautifully restored to original specifications and is presented in fantastic condition. Offered for the first time in nearly 20 years, this RS 61 Spyder is expected to fetch between $2,800,000 and $3,200,000 when it crosses the podium in January. The RS 61 is joined by another fantastic race car from the German marque, a 1966 Porsche 906 Carrera 6, chassis 906-116. In addition to a notable European track record, including 1st place finishes at both the 1968 Norisring and the 1969 Hockenheim Finale, 906-116 is one of only three known street-legal examples. This 906, presented with known ownership from new, has been well-restored and is ready for the track (RM estimate: $1,200,000–1,600,000). The superb group of Porsches is completed by an ultra-rare 1957 Porsche 356 A Carrera 1500 GS Speedster, chassis 83087, which has been freshly restored by marque specialists and features a race-derived four-cam GS motor (Estimate: $1,100,000–$1,500,000).
Shelby Myers, Managing Director, RM Auctions – California, adds, “The GT and sports racing cars in our Arizona auction really represent what makes this hobby so wonderful. Whether you’re at the corkscrew at Laguna Seca or thundering past an old friend on a twisty mountain road on the Colorado Grand, these are history’s great motor cars that really get the adrenaline pumping!”
Additional important sports and racing highlights slated to cross the podium at RM’s Arizona Biltmore sale include:
· a 1961 Chaparral 1 Sports Racing Car, chassis 003, one of the two Jim Hall team cars built by Troutman & Barnes for the 1961–1963 seasons, and campaigned by Hall and his partner Hap Sharp in the golden age of front-engine sports racers. Following improvements made by the current owner, 003 has also seen podium finishes in several recent vintage racing events (Estimate available upon request);
· a matching-numbers, Ferrari Classiche certified 1964 Ferrari 250 GT/L ‘Lusso’, chassis 5215 GT, which boasts a meticulous and well-documented restoration and has known history from new (Estimate: $1,700,000–$2,000,000);
· a 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster, chassis 198.042.8500244, finished in its original color combination of DB334 Light Blue over red leather, one of only six produced in this shade from the factory. This U.S.-specification model has been upgraded with European specification headlamps and includes its original tool roll, books, and Mercedes-Benz build sheet (Estimate: $800,000–$1,000,000);
· a 1966 Ferrari 275 GTS, chassis 08353, finished in the incredibly rare hue of Grigio Fumo. Chassis 08353 was the fifth from last example of only 200 produced, and was originally delivered through legendary Ferrari importer Luigi Chinetti Motors. Showing less than 12,000 original miles, this 275 GTS is presented for sale following a fresh restoration by marque specialists (Estimate: $1,200,000–$1,600,000);
· a 1960 OSCA 850 S, chassis 769, which has an excellent, period racing history. Chassis 769 frequently competed in SCCA events from 1960 to 1965, with numerous podium finishes, including wins at Limerock and Marlboro, along with class wins at both the 1960 and 1962 12 Hours of Sebring. It has been well-maintained and is ready to return to the track (Estimate: $600,000–$800,000).