Ferrari dominant at high-priced RM Auctions' Monterey event

Sun, 17 Aug 2014

Of the 21 multi-million-dollar lots sold over RM Auctions' two-day Monterey event, the top six were Ferraris while the top four were members of the vaunted 275 family. In total, 13 of the 21 seven- and eight-figure entries bore the yellow shield and prancing horse of the Scuderia.

Two cars in particular wowed bidders at the Monterey event – the exceptionally rare Ferrari 275 GTB/C Speciale and a 275 GTB/4 that was originally owned by Hollywood legend Steve McQueen.

The GTB/C Speciale was the first of a three-car run. Ferrari originally planned on campaigning the new range as a GT complement to its prototype entries at Le Mans, although squabbles with the FIA limited its racing career. Still, the extremely rare nature of this car means another example probably won't be coming up for auction for several years. Considering that, the GTB/C's selling price of $26.4 million does make a bit of sense.

Steve McQueen's 275 GTB/4, meanwhile, was the second priciest vehicle sold by RM this year, crossing the block for $10,175,000. Other big-money entries included a 1971 Lamborghini Miura SV, which sold for just over $2 million while Ferrari's Formula One car from the 2000 season sold for $1.8 million. The priciest non-Italian car to cross the block was a 1911 Mercer Type 35R Raceabout, which sold for $2.53 million.

We have a wide array of photos of some of the big name winners from the last two nights of bidding. You can take a look at the gallery at the top of the page, or just click here.

MCQUEEN FERRARI SMASHES RECORD AT RM'S SATURDAY MONTEREY SESSION

Ferraris dominate RM's Saturday sale: 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 delivered new to King of Cool Steve McQueen garners $10,175,000; 1964 Ferrari 275 GTB/C Speciale realizes $26,400,000
21 vehicles achieve seven figures during Saturday sale session
Official results to be posted online at www.rmauctions.com in the coming days

MONTEREY, California (August 17, 2014) – One of the most highly anticipated lots of Monterey Car Week, the ex-Steve McQueen 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4, entered the history books on Saturday night, selling for a record $10,175,000 at RM's flagship Monterey sale.

Delivered new to Hollywood and motoring icon Steve McQueen on the set of Bullitt, the 275 GTB/4 spurred a spirited contest between bidders in the room and on the phone, more than tripling the previous auction record for the model (video: http://youtu.be/f2kqcKcRafQ?list=UU).

While the McQueen four-cam lent star power to the RM sale, the true highlight of the night was a 1964 Ferrari 275 GTB/C Speciale, one of just three built. Dubbed the '65 GTO, the extraordinarily rare Speciale roared onto the auction stage, with bidding opening at $15 million. The final sale price – an outstanding $26,400,000 – cements its place in the pantheon of the most valuable automobiles ever offered at public auction (video: http://youtu.be/t3kJq1WJx1g?list=UUNiTBZZrGcok8fuWlDQ-_yA).

In total, six Ferraris led a string of 21 individual million-dollar-plus sales during the Saturday sale. Among other highlights were the Austie Clark 1911 Mercer Type 35R Raceabout, offered from single-family ownership since 1949, which realized a superb $2,530,000; and a 1971 Lamborghini Miura SV, which sold for $2,090,000.

Unofficial RM Monterey Million-Dollar-Plus Sales (Saturday)

Lot 239 1964 Ferrari 275 GTB/C Speciale $26,400,000

Lot 220 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4, ex-Steve McQueen $10,175,000

Lot 231 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 $3,750,000

Lot 237 1965 Ferrari 275 GTB Alloy $3,382,500

Lot 218 1963 Ferrari 400 SA LWB Coupe Aerodinamico Series II $2,915,000

Lot 225 1953 Ferrari 250 Europa Coupe $2,750,000

Lot 235 1911 Mercer Type 35R Raceabout $2,530,000

Lot 216 1963 Ferrari 250 GT/L 'Lusso' Berlinetta $2,117,500

Lot 230 1971 Lamborghini Miura SV $2,090,000

Lot 211 2003 Ferrari Enzo $1,925,000

Lot 245 2000 Ferrari F1-2000 $1,804,000

Lot 227 1966 Ferrari 275 GTS $1,760,000

Lot 212 1965 Aston Martin DB5 $1,650,000

Lot 251 2006 Ferrari FXX Evoluzione $1,485,000

Lot 228 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster $1,375,000

Lot 247 1969 Lamborghini Miura P400 S $1,265,000

Lot 238 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster $1,182,500

Lot 219 1953 Lancia Aurelia PF200 C Spider $1,100,000

Lot 217 1967 Toyota 2000GT $1,045,000

Lot 234 1967 Ferrari 330 GTC $1,023,000

Lot 249 1961 Ferrari 250 GT N.A.R.T. Spider $1,017,500

The RM group of companies rounds out a tremendous week on California's Monterey Peninsula today (Sunday, August 17) with four motor cars freshly prepared by RM Auto Restoration set for display at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. In 2013, RM's restoration division cemented its reputation as the world's leading restorer of fine automobiles when the 1934 Packard 1108 Twelve Dietrich Convertible Victoria restored by the company was judged Best of Show. The accolade marked the fifth time RM Auto Restoration has been awarded the event's top honor in the new millennium-an unprecedented achievement.

Complete official results for RM's Monterey sale will be posted online at www.rmauctions.com early next week.

(All figures are reported in U.S. dollars and include the 10 percent buyer's premium)

About RM Auctions
RM Auctions is the world's largest auction house for investment-quality automobiles. Celebrating 35 years in the collector car hobby in 2014, RM's vertically integrated range of services, from restoration to private treaty sales, auctions, estate planning, and financial services, coupled with an expert team of car specialists and an international footprint, provide an unsurpassed level of service to the global collector car market. For further information, please visit www.rmauctions.com, find us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter @rmauctions.

By Brandon Turkus