The Ball is Rolling for RM’s London Sale

London, England, August 4, 2008 – Fresh on the heels of their recent record-breaking Maranello sale, RM Auctions, in association with Sotheby’s, is delighted to announce its second annual Automobiles of London auction event on October 29th, 2008.

Returning to the state of the art Battersea Evolution event arena, the highly anticipated auction promises another fantastic collection of vintage motor cars, headlined by an elegant 1938 Horch 853 Special Roadster, an ultra-rare 1938 Bugatti Type 57C Atalante and a stunning 1924 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost Torpedo. More than 75 exquisite automobiles are set to go under the hammer during the single-day event.

“With total sales exceeding £18 million, last year’s inaugural London auction entered the history books as the largest motor car event of its kind ever to be held in the UK,” said Max Girardo, Managing Director of RM’s European Operations.

“Not only did it capture the attention of the automotive world, but also the social scene as we revived the traditional UK auction experience with an exciting new format and style.

“This year’s event will continue the momentum as we build upon last year’s foundation with another high caliber collection of important consignments and a hotly anticipated cocktail reception” he added.

One of the jewels of the forthcoming London sale is a luxurious 1938 Horch 853 Special Roadster with coachwork by Erdmann & Rossi (chassis number 854268). Regarded as one of Germany’s preeminent luxury marques, Horch was part of the famed Auto Union group alongside Audi, DKW and Wanderer. With its advanced chassis design and fully independent rear suspension, the Special Roadster competed with the Mercedes-Benz 540K. Formerly stored in a private Latvian collection, the elegant 853 Special Cabriolet on offer at RM’s October event is one of just three surviving examples of its kind, and one of six survivors of all types, making for an exclusive ownership opportunity. (Est. £1,500,000 – £2,000,000)

Another star attraction of the London sale is a 1964 Ferrari 250 LM Berlinetta (chassis number 6173). The 27th of just 32 total examples produced, this 250 LM enjoyed an early and successful racing history with Scuderia Sant’Ambroeus, winning its class in the 1965 Targa Floria. In 1975, it was acquired by Wayne Sparling, Luigi Chinetti’s former NART crew chief, who personally maintained and serviced the car for the next 25 years. (Est. £2,250,000 – £2,750,000)

Also set to cross the block at the London event is an ultra-rare, supercharged 1938 Bugatti Type 57C Atalante (chassis number 57766). This sleek black and primose yellow beauty began life as a Stelvio cabriolet before an early owner – who also had an Atalante coupé – exchanged the two car bodies for one another in an effort to mate the more powerful supercharged engine with the rarer coupé body (not an uncommon practice in that period). Adding to its fascinating history, this example was formerly owned by John W. Straus, grandson of Isidor Straus – the man credited for transforming American-based R.H. Macy’s into a retail colossus. After years of driving pleasure, Straus parked the car in his New York Garage in 1962, where it remained for 45 years before being recently uncovered, delicately cleaned and brought to proper running order. A barn find in the truest sense, the car was purchased by its current owner in 2007. (Est. £560,000 – £660,000)

Another highlight with remarkable provenance is an elegant, well-documented 1924 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost Torpedo with coachwork by Million-Guiet. Prepared for and displayed at the 1924 Paris Auto Show, this handsome example was originally purchased by a Mr. Dutasta of Paris in 1925, before finding its way into the revered collection of Ettore Bugatti. Mr. Bugatti and his family owned the car from 1926 to 1963. Other illustrious former owners include: French racing driver and vintner, Maurice Trintignant; champagne heir, Count Frederic Chandon de Briailles; and F1 racing champion, Jean Alesi. (Est. £300,000 – £400,000)

Other significant consignments include:

*A sporty, ultra-desirable 1965 Ferrari 275 GTS. (Est. £300,000 – £400,000)

* An awe-inspiring 1924 Bentley 3/8 Litre, formerly owned and developed by noted Bentley aficionado John “Jumbo” Goddard for over sixty years. (Est. £600,000 – £700,000)

* A meticulously maintained, highly original 1929 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 Third Series Turismo. (Est. £230,000 – £260,000)

* A series of unique, customs – best described as ‘rolling works of art’ – by well-known British customizer, Andy Saunders. Included in the offering is the unique, multi-coloured Citroen Picasso, the micro-sized, shortened Mini Haha and the Bentley Insane.

RM Auctions’ Automobiles of London event will be held at Battersea Evolution, Battersea Park, London UK on October 29th, 2008. A full day preview will be held on October 28th from 11am to 5.30pm. Doors open on October 29th at 10am, with all the auction action getting underway from 4pm. Admission to the event is by catalogue only, which is available for £50 and admits two.

RM Auctions invites further entries for this sale. For further information, please contact RM Auctions’ London Office at +44 (0) 207 293 6336 or visit www.rmauctions.com.