RM Sotheby's Topic Hub

2011 Morgan AeroMax LHD Tall-Boy Special – RM London 2017

Just 100 of these AeroMaxes were produced for sale! Seems a small quantity compared to the outsized reputation this machine has for its Top Gear and UK car-mag popularity. The AeroMax is sure to be collectible thanks to its well-known teardrop hardtop design, split rear window and somewhat cross-eyed appearance from certain angles. This edition to be sold by RM Sotheby’s London sale this week is a delicious metallic blue over lipstick red inside. It has less than 2000 miles from new and was originally sold to a member of the British royal family. A coupe special features of this …

Sep 04, 2017 Read more

2000 Lamborghini Diablo GTR – RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2017

Diablo GTR is an incredible example of Lambo previewing the future. We’ve seen the Countach evolve radically as the template. But as Diablo became Murcielago, and Murci became Aventador… there is always a VERY special run-out model. Think Reventon and Centenario for this generation. These bridge the design and performance gap with the next-gen model – milking the last year of production for max profits. A good formula! GTR is so special that RM Sotheby’s expects at least $600k when it sells this week in Monterey, California. This is the same price as a brand-new Aventador SV Roadster, coincidentally! …

Aug 16, 2017 Read more

Supercar for Civic Cash? Meet the $22k Daytona Coupe

What’s the catch? How can this 390HP, mid-front V8 powered legend be so cheap and so clean? If an original racing Shelby Daytona Coupe, this machine would be one of a handful of survivors and carry a price into the millions. This core design’s handling brilliance, speed and reliability are what won it its Daytona nickname, after all. So this raspberry beret is a replica. So what? The advantage of being a good, semi-authorized replica is that it is (nearly) brand new. And built by Factory Five versus an individual kitter. Imagine rumbling up to your local cars n’ coffee …

Jul 06, 2017 Read more

Never-Driven 2014 Ferrari LaFerrari Joins RM Sothebys Villa Erba 2017 Sale

Time flies! LaFerrari felt so definitely like the BEST EVER big Ferrari during its glorious rollout. How could something ever surpass this? This what happens with every real homerun Ferrari, of course. Think F40, not F50. And of course, now we have the FXX and the FXX-K, among others. This LaFerrari is as brand new as it was when delivered three years ago to the month. Less than 150 miles in total. Ever. Black wheels and roof, rosso corsa paintwork. All options like noselift and telemetry. This car has been living in the Netherlands since being sold in Italy. A …

Apr 27, 2017 Read more

Hall of Fame – 1935 Bugatti Type 57 ATALANTE Prototype by Carrosserie Bugatti

Here is an eye-popping exotic. A car that many would rank number one among the most famous vehicles ever made. The Type 57 Bugatti came in Atlantic and Atalante forms, with this prototype being the third ever produced in 1935. And one of just three survivors from production, no less. This example is special for more than just its exquisite design. That is something else, however. Smooth fenders without the rivet seam are plush, but the shrouded back wheels and “faux cabriolet” roofline are what prove give the Atalante such glamor from all angles. This pert little notchback of a …

Apr 26, 2017 Read more

1957 BMW 507 Roadster Series I – RM Sotheby’s Villa Erba 2017

Sea green over red leather is a color combo perfect for the most stylish 1950s bon-vivants of the world. This original 507 Series I is offered unrestored and with original patina throughout. The factory wheels and bumpers are included with the sale – set for late May 2017 in Villa Erba, Italy. The black hardtop and hood-mounted mirrors are perfect details for this iconic BMW. This color is not a factory shade, as it was added early in the car’s life by its orignal owner. Just four lucky individuals have called this car their own, however, and its originality is …

Apr 25, 2017 Read more

RM Monaco 2016 – 1961 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk I Works Rally

You are a rare, delicate flower. Yes. This is widely known. But you are nowhere near as rare — or well-preserved! — as this rally-winning Austin Healey 3000! =] RM Sotheby’s Monaco Coinciding with the Monaco Historic Grand Prix Le Sporting Monte-Carlo, Monaco 14 May 2016 http://www.rmsothebys.com/mc16/monaco/lots/ RM Monaco 2016 – 1961 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk I Works Rally

Mar 29, 2016 Read more

RM Monaco 2016 – 1928 Bugatti Type 40 Boattail Speedster

It is hard to fathom sometimes that cars like this are sitting quietly in wealthy garages around the world. Museum-quality icon or 1993 Mercury Sable? Which shall we drive today, honey? RM Sotheby’s Monaco Coinciding with the Monaco Historic Grand Prix Le Sporting Monte-Carlo, Monaco 14 May 2016 http://www.rmsothebys.com/mc16/monaco/lots/ RM Monaco 2016 – 1928 Bugatti Type 40 Boattail Speedster

Mar 29, 2016 Read more

RM Monaco 2016 – 1977 Chevron B36 LMP1 Spider

This was the magnificent time in top-drawer auto racing where the wedge came to life. Sideways on track, spitting flames from their open rear ends! It was intuitive, low-tech aero. But race-proven and glorious to behold, then as now. The LMP1 and SPider descriptors above are ours – the car actually competed in primarily North American Can-Am races, we believe. But the sentiment and bleeding-edge tech certainly makes it LeMans worthy — whatever the classes were dubbed in 1977. RM Sotheby’s Monaco Coinciding with the Monaco Historic Grand Prix Le Sporting Monte-Carlo, Monaco 14 May 2016 http://www.rmsothebys.com/mc16/monaco/lots/ RM Monaco 2016 – 1977 …

Mar 29, 2016 Read more

RM Monaco 2016 – 1977 MV Agusta 750S America

This is beyond even the rush of speed, the sun in your face and a mechanical symphony down below. This MV Augusta 750S America has crossed over — into true art. It may be recalled as one of the purest expressions in all of 20th-century design and engineering. RM Sotheby’s Monaco Coinciding with the Monaco Historic Grand Prix Le Sporting Monte-Carlo, Monaco 14 May 2016 http://www.rmsothebys.com/mc16/monaco/lots/ RM Monaco 2016 – 1977 MV Agusta 750S America

Mar 29, 2016 Read more

RM Monaco 2016 – 2004 Aston Martin DB AR1 by Zagato

There are no words deeper than this Beluga black Aston DB AR1. RM Sotheby’s Monaco Coinciding with the Monaco Historic Grand Prix Le Sporting Monte-Carlo, Monaco 14 May 2016 http://www.rmsothebys.com/mc16/monaco/lots/ 2004 Aston Martin DB AR1 by Zagato

Mar 29, 2016 Read more

RM Monaco 2016 – 1984 Peugeot 205 Turbo 16 Evolution 1 Group B

Fabulous Pug and beautiful livery — this may be a top earner for all-time Peugeots at auction. RM Sotheby’s Monaco Coinciding with the Monaco Historic Grand Prix Le Sporting Monte-Carlo, Monaco 14 May 2016 http://www.rmsothebys.com/mc16/monaco/lots/ 1984 Peugeot 205 Turbo 16 Evolution 1 Group B

Mar 29, 2016 Read more

RM Monaco 2016 – 1982 Renault 5 Turbo Group 4 Rally Car

No, we do not just put together these auction pieces when too distracted or tired to write up a full piece. And we resent the implication! Okay, there might be some truth to that. But these cars are special enough to warrant a post– with or without color commentary.. RM Sotheby’s Monaco Coinciding with the Monaco Historic Grand Prix Le Sporting Monte-Carlo, Monaco 14 May 2016 http://www.rmsothebys.com/mc16/monaco/lots/ RM Monaco 2016 – 1982 Renault 5 Turbo Group 4 Rally Car

Mar 29, 2016 Read more

1957 Ferrari 250 GT LWB Berlinetta Tour de France – RM Amelia 2016 Preview

Leading a massive haul of Amelia Island stunners for RM Sotheby’s? This magnificent specimen! An estimate so high that it is available only on request? That smacks of $30-million plus to us. The vehicle certainly seems like a contender for the most-beautiful Ferrari of all time. 1957 Ferrari 250 GT LWB Berlinetta Tour de France RM Amelia Island 2016 Lot 174 1957 Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta ‘Tour de France’ To be auctioned on Saturday, March 12, 2016 Photo Credit: Darin Schnabel ©2015 Courtesy of RM Sothebys 260 bhp, 2,953 SOHC V-12 engine with three Weber 36 DCL3 …

Feb 28, 2016 Read more

RM Arizona 2016 – 1963 Shelby 289 Cobra DRAGONSNAKE

Quite a few gorgeous classics included in a row. These are a bit of a niche interest among readers… we know you guys prefer 2016-2020 models far more than these oldie foldies. Here is one to get you young bucks back onboard: the most successful dragracing Shelby Cobra of all time! Certainly, the Cobra is best known for its circuit racing and international endurance racing prowess. But it turns of the delicate-looking original 289 Cobra was also a world-beater on the dragstrips of the USA. So light, so grippy and so powerful…. literally nothing could keep up with this fuchsia …

Jan 29, 2016 Read more

RM Arizona 2016 – 1974 Porsche 911 Carrera 2.7 MFI Coupe

RM Sothebys Arizona 28-29 January 2016 https://www.rmsothebys.com RM Arizona 2016 – 1974 Porsche 911 Carrera 2.7 MFI Coupe

Jan 03, 2016 Read more

RM Arizona 2016 – 1974 DeTomaso Pantera by Ghia

RM Sothebys Arizona 28-29 January 2016 https://www.rmsothebys.com RM Arizona 2016 – 1974 DeTomaso Pantera by Ghia

Jan 03, 2016 Read more

RM Arizona 2016 – 1971 Lamborghini Miura LP400 S by Bertone

RM Sothebys Arizona 28-29 January 2016 https://www.rmsothebys.com 1971 Lamborghini Miura LP400 S by Bertone

Jan 03, 2016 Read more

RM Arizona 2016 – 1988 Porsche 959 Komfort

RM Sothebys Arizona 28-29 January 2016 https://www.rmsothebys.com 1988 Porsche 959 Komfort

Jan 03, 2016 Read more

1988.5 Lamborghini Countach 5000 QV in Bianco White is AS_NEW! Just 8k Miles

One of just 75 with the full factory aeroit, this 5000QV makes 420-horsepower from its 48-valve 5.2-liter V12. This particular model has me ait its black badging and 1988.5 Lamborghini Countach 5000 QV in Bianco White RM Sothebys Arizona 28-29 January 2016 1988½ Lamborghini Countach 5000 QV Chassis no. ZA9CA05AXJLA12340 Engine no. 1556 420 bhp, 5,167 cc DOHC V-12 engine with Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection, five-speed manual transmission, front and rear independent suspension with coil springs and telescopic shock absorbers, and four-wheel ventilated disc brakes. Wheelbase: 96.5 in. A desirable 1988½ model in well-preserved condition Currently showing fewer than 8,600 …

Jan 03, 2016 Read more

1995 Ferrari F512 Modificata – Last Flat-12 Fezza Updated Testarossa Details for 1990s

Here is a deeply bizarre Ferrari — a one-year special that even tifosi will have trouble naming. The F512M was a run-out special for the Testarossa and 512TR, which dated to the mid 1980s, or earlier, mechanically. This superficial update brought the 512 into the new Ferrari name scheme: starting with F for the names, and ending in M for modificata. The nose dropped the very-tired flip lamp look for the 1990s vogue of flush-mounted clear lamps, plus a rounded grille to mirror the smiley droop of the 456 and F355’s faces. A fresh tail treatment also brought more rounded …

Jan 03, 2016 Read more

This 1955 Porsche 550 SPYDER Is Worth $4k per Pound

This is the real deal folks! One of just 75 factory-made 550 Spyders, the premier race-winner of a generation and a timeless icon still today. As such, there is a healthy business in replica models. None will exude the raw genius of this 550 Spyder’s endurance fuel-tank wrapping the entire nose, nor its single-piece frame with strategic lightweighting to the monocoque. The 550 Spyder is the supreme Porsche, and this one will fetch quite a bit. The pre-sale estimate is about $4-million, but we can see double that from someone in love with its delicate curves and blue topaz contrast …

Dec 28, 2015 Read more

1965 Alfa Romeo GIULIA Tubolare ZAGATO Brings Racing Patina to RM Sotheby’s Paris 2016

This Giulia TZ is sublime. The car is delightfully compact yet fearsome in its aggressive motorsport details. That applies well below the featherlight alloy body panels: the chassis with a tubular space-frame formed an exceptionally brilliant way to make a racecar exceptionally strong, yet also super-light. 155 ponies mean you will work hard to squeeze every last drop of power from up front — but that is all part of the Giulia Tubolare Zagato’s authenticity. 1965 Alfa Romeo GIULIA Tubolare ZAGATO RM Sotheby’s Paris 2016 Feb 3, 2016 1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia Tubolare Zagato Chassis no. AR10511 750087 Engine no. AR0511 …

Dec 28, 2015 Read more

RM Paris 2016 Preview – 1963 Buick Riviera

This Riviera had to be a very curious sight thrumming around France, and its namesake golden coastline. 1963 Buick Riviera RM Sotheby’s Paris 3 February 2016 1963 Buick Riviera Without Reserve Chassis no. 7J1105700 Engine no. 7J1105700

Dec 27, 2015 Read more

RM Paris 2016 – 1974 Maserati Bora 4.9

Ahh, the Bora. Giugiaro’s dream wedge was approaching production from various marques by the mid-1970s, and for Maserati, represented a swing for the fences. Big leagues. Long story short? It ended badly. But the car? Still quite a fetching design icon from the past — yet lively today and ready for the future. 1974 Maserati Bora 4.9 RM Sotheby’s Paris 3 February 2016 1974 Maserati Bora 4.9 Chassis no. AM117/49-US 0720 Engine no. 2132 Body no. 300 482 320 bhp, 4,930 cc mid-mounted V-8 engine with four Weber 42 DCNF twin-choke carburettors, five-speed ZF manual transaxle, four-wheel independent suspension with unequal-length …

Dec 27, 2015 Read more

RM Paris 2016 Preview – 1997 Ferrari F50

RM Sotheby’s is on a major roll lately — establishing classic cars as a true luxury auction staple, along with fine art of all kinds. The 2016 calendar is filling up fast. Some very exciting recent additions to the Paris auction on February 3rd, 2016…. 1997 Ferrari F50 RM Sotheby’s Paris 3 February 2016 1997 Ferrari F50 Chassis no. ZFFTA46B000106825 Engine no. 45134 Body no. 210 Gearbox no. 380 520 bhp, 4,698 cc V-12 engine with Bosch Motronic 2.7 engine management, six-speed manual transmission, four-wheel independent suspension with coil springs and unequal-length wishbones, and four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes. Wheelbase: …

Dec 27, 2015 Read more

RM Paris 2016 Preview – 1954 Kaiser-Darrin Roadster

RM Sotheby’s is on a major roll lately — establishing classic cars as a true luxury auction staple, along with fine art of all kinds. The 2016 calendar is filling up fast — with some exciting new additions to the Paris auction on February 3rd, 2016. To kick off the preview, let’s feature this stunningly original and fabulous Kaiser-Darrin Roadster. Brave and innovative, the car was a massive super-GT car with power and prestige unlike its contemporaries. 1954 Kaiser-Darrin Roadster RM Sotheby’s Paris 3 February 2016 1954 Kaiser-Darrin Roadster Chassis no. 161-001031 Body no. 161-1031

Dec 27, 2015 Read more

1955/56 Mercedes-Benz 300SC and 300S Roadster Set To Stun RM NYC 2015

The RM Sotheby’s auction this week is actually a pretty select group. The total list of items is barely 100 pieces, with actual cars about a third of that! But what a group of cars. Some trading carports locally, and some coming and going from abroad. This duo is most likely to head home to Germany. An exceptional 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SC Coupe, plus its roadster sister from 1956. The pre-sale estimates for these two could not be further apart. Care to guess which will earn double? $1.2M vs $600K? It is the roadster. De facto classic car auction rules definitely …

Dec 06, 2015 Read more

RM Paris 2016 – 2004 ENZO FERRARI Is Tastefully Updated with Dark Tints, Smoked Alloys

This Enzo is seriously sexy, even with more than two dozen other hypercars now competing for attention 11 years since its delivery. A slightly darker wheel finish looks more modern than the original bright silver of the five-spoke, centerlock alloy wheels. Some detail carbon-fiber touches are subtle but cool up close. Finally, a deep window tint all around gives this dark Enzo a menacing stare. 2004 ENZO FERRARI RM Sotheby’s Paris 3 February 2016 2004 Ferrari Enzo Chassis no. ZFFCZ56B000135564 Engine no. 080164 Assembly no. 52696 Photo Credit: Tim Scott ©2015 Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s

Nov 26, 2015 Read more

RM Paris 2016 – 1981 Lamborghini Countach LP400S Series III in Iconic Sunflower Yellow

Many would point to the Lamborghini Countach as the world’s first hypercar — a vehicle so extreme, it sent even seminal supercars like the Miura to the backburner of automotive daydreaming. This beautiful 1981 LP400S is arguably one of the greatest examples in the car’s 30-year production run. What makes this particular vehicle so special? Its lovely, original condition and its eye-popping sunflower yellow paintwork. Yellow is a famous shade for the Countach — the original concept wore this same bright shade ten years before. 1981 Lamborghini Countach LP400 S Series III RM Sotheby’s Paris 3 February 2016 1981 …

Nov 26, 2015 Read more

RM NYC 2015 – 1963 Pontiac Bonneville ‘Roy Rogers’ Nudie Mobile

This outrageous Bonneville is the real deal: an authentic piece of memorabilia from the original Hollywood merchandising phenom: Roy Rogers. The iconic cowboy led a global trend spanning most of the 1950s and 1960s, when parents sought to avoid glamorizing WWII via the previously-ubiquitous soldier toys. The Bonneville here is shocking outside, yes, with guns replacing the door handles and an extra train-load of chrome all around its white bodywork. Giant steer horns lead the charge in front, of course. But if the outside is striking, the cabin will make you faint. The custom leatherwork makes the entire giant …

Nov 22, 2015 Read more

RM NYC 2015 – 1954 Siata 208S Spider by Motto

Many people cite the Mazda Miata’s inspirations from English roadsters. But the formula was really perfected well before the Lotus Elan, in Italy by a sports-car consortium names S.I.A.T.A. Swapping “S” for “M” and we get to the Miata name! Regardless, this 1954 Siata 208S Spider by Motto wears exclusive alloy engine components and even bodywork, ensuring an ultra-light and nimble application of the 125-horsepower. From a four-cylinder, you assume? So did we. But no! This last-ever Motto Siata 208S runs a 2.0-liter V8 engine with dual Weber carburettors. The formula would later inspire the Shelby Cobra and many a …

Nov 22, 2015 Read more

RM NYC 2015 – 1958 Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet Series I by Pinin Farina is Hamptons-Perfect

This Ferrari feels perfect for the Maidstone and other posh, exclusive haunts of East Hampton, New York. Its Bianco white over Blu Connoly leather is the original specification, returned via a flawless restoration to their humble, delicate original beauty. But not just the Hamptons, of course. For the next owner of this rare and iconic Ferrari, any and every address you visit will become fashionable. Just 40 were ever produced. The estimate is in the $6-million-plus range. What strikes us most about this Series I 250 GT is how humble it really feels versus later models. Like a star on …

Nov 22, 2015 Read more

Group B Debrief – 1986 Ford RS200 – Road-Legal Rally Legend Up For Sale

Imagine if suddenly all the power-cap rules for a major racing series were abolished overnight. A mad rush of skunkworks projects would be fast-tracked, with racecars zinging out their red-hot turbochargers through the World Rally Championship stages just 18-months later. Porsche, Ferrari, Lancia, Ford, and Audi all dove into the Group B program with both feet. The results on track were mixed for many of these cars: the lack of power cap rules meant that intagibles like chassis control, visibility and reliability were paramount for winning rallies in the short Group B time on the global stage. The excitement of …

Nov 11, 2015 Read more

RM NYC 2015 – 1959 BMW 507 Roadster Series II May Be Most-Valuable BMW with $3M Highball Estimate

If this absolutely magnificent BMW 507 clears its pre-sale estimate of between 2.3 and 2.6 million, it will become one of — if not the — most valuable BMW of all time. The top five list from premier auction house RM Sotheby’s is exclusively 507 Roadsters, with the top sale earning $2.42M at Amelia Island 2014. With the presentation and provenance of this rare cabrio, we’d be surprised if the total sale was under $3-million. Top 5 BMWs of all Time from RM Auctions Lot 152 | 2014 – Amelia Island – The Pray Collection 1958 BMW 507 …

Nov 10, 2015 Read more

RM NYC 2015 – 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Sportabteilung Gullwing Seeks $7M

One of the rarest Gullwings in the world? One of only four race-prepped W198 300SLs, featuring the upgraded NSL engine with 240HP? A surviving competition car that placed second in the 1956 Tour de France, and driven by Sir Striling Moss? Oh yes. For the first time in more than 25 years, an authentic ‘Sports Department’ Sportabteilung seeks a new home. RM Sotheby’s will sell the special Merc at their December event in Manhattan. No internet bids, riffraff! 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Sportabteilung Gullwing RM Sotheby’s New York – Driven By Disruption 10 December 2015 Lot 223 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL …

Nov 10, 2015 Read more

RM NY 2015 Preview – 1969 DeTomaso Mangusta by Ghia Is Flawless in Sunburst Orange

DeTomaso was one of a very talented group of ex-Ferrari men who broke out and founded their own dream supercar companies in the early 1960s. Like ISO, Siata, Bizzarrini and Lamborghini, the mid-1960s were sweet to all these new marques. Export markets to the US and elsewhere were all-new possibilities for the firms, and increases in sales were achieved for almost all the brands. Only a few really made it past the tumult of the early 1970s Arab Oil Embargo and new crash/emissions rules coming into force in America, by now dwarfing Europe in overall sales volumes for supercars. Lamborghini …

Oct 24, 2015 Read more

Supercar FACE-OFF! 1976 Porsche 911 Turbo vs 1991 Ferrari Testarossa

A bit of a motley and fun collection in the short list of entrants to the RM Sotheby’s Arizona 2016 auction so far. But there is an undeniable charm to the cars offered so far. These two, for example, are separated by 25 years. Yet they feel like kindred spirits all the same. Similarly, they are supercars you could imagine taking to the beach, grocery store and everywhere in between. Though both appear ruthlessly original and OEM inside and out, they could be quickly updated to modern styles via trim and wheel color tweaks. Painting up the 512 TR’s black …

Oct 19, 2015 Read more

RM New York 2015 Preview – 1938 Bugatti Type 57C Atalante

1938 Bugatti Type 57C Atalante RM Sotheby’s New York – Driven By Disruption 10 December 2015 1938 Bugatti Type 57C Atalante Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s

Oct 14, 2015 Read more

Janis Joplin’s Winky 1964 Porsche 356C Heading to Auction for First Time at RM New York 2015

Never-before sold at auction, Janis Joplin’s acid-trip Porsche 356C is headed to the RM Sotheby’s 2015 sale in NYC this December. Janis was a consummate scene-ster and party girl — living and defining the Haight/Ashbury scene in San Francisco throughout the 1960s while performing at tiny coffee-shop type venues. The tiny gigs often paid not in cash, but just free drinks. The bay area 1960s ideals of peace and love went national and eventually global by the end of the decade, by which time Janis was finally enjoying commercial success for her unhinged and anti-establishment sound. That success came fast …

Sep 23, 2015 Read more

RM Hershey 2015 Preview – 1959 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud Drophead Coupe

This feels timely. But is outre and fabulous on its own, even without Dawn intro…! This 1950s Cloud is just lovely. It shows how far Rolls-Royce has come, but the luxury standard continuing uninterrupted. In example? A giant air conditioner unit up front in this ragtop, plus rear table trays in matching burl walnut. 1959 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud Drophead Coupe RM London 2015 London 7 September 2015 Lot 160 1959 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I Drophead Coupé Adaptation by H.J. Mulliner To be auctioned on Monday, September 7, 2015 Sold for £218,400 Chassis no. SNH14 Engine no. SN139 Body no. 6213 …

Sep 09, 2015 Read more

RM Monterey 2015 – 1938 Adler Trumpf RennLimousine – LM ‘Racing Sedan’ with Airship Aero

The fantastic convergence of aerospace and supercars has a glorious history! This Adler Trumpf Rennlimo from 1938 represented a fascinating view of automotive aerodynamics in a time before effective wind tunnels or computer simulations. The learnings and design principles of aerodynamics were far more theoretical in the pre-jet age. Yet Adler designers brought great insights from airship and Zeppelin design into the car world to great results. This ‘racing sedan,’ as the Rennlimo translates, was the first closed-cockpit racer to take on LeMans. Just six were produced for sale, all with unique spindle and wing tweaks to the bodywork. The …

Jul 20, 2015 Read more

RM London 2015 Preview – 1950 Aston Martin DB2 Vantage

What to say about this extra-special DB2 Vantage — with its stunning primer whitewash and flat black spokes screaming 2015 loud and clear! 1950 Aston Martin DB2 Vantage RM Sotheby’s London 7 September 2015 1950 Aston Martin DB2 Vantage Chassis no. LML/50/19 Engine no. LB6V/50/240 Photo Credit: Tim Scott ©2015 Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s 125 bhp, 2,580 cc DOHC inline six-cylinder engine, twin SU HV6 carburettors, four-speed manual transmission, independent front suspension with trailing link, coil springs and Armstrong lever dampers, live Salisbury rear axle with coil springs, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 2,515 mm. The very first Aston …

Jun 08, 2015 Read more

RM Monterey 2015 Preview – 2013 Ferrari 458 Challenge Evoluzione

Ferrari Challenge cars are brutal, hardcore and seriously extreme. If your senses have been dulled by supercars as daily drivers, these cars are a harsh wakeup call to the terror and glory of a true racecar. It is extremely rare to see one with the most current technology come up for sale, and this 458 Challenge Evo is basically brand new. It just returned to the US from Maranello, where it was upgraded to the quickest ‘Evo’ form with new mechanicals and aero updates via all-new nose and tail. Before that voyage, it only had a few hours of total …

Jun 08, 2015 Read more