McCormick’s Palm Springs Collector Car Auction Results

 

Here are the results from the McCormick’s Palm Springs Collector Car Auction. The overall top seller was a 2007 Bentley Continential GTC that sold for $121,800. The top seller amongst classic cars was a 1954 Cadillac El Dorado Convertible that sold for $81,375.00. For a complete list of the results visit http://www.classic-carauction.com/auction_results_list.cfm?auctionnbr=51

2012 Porsche Panamera GTS The Purest Panamera Yet

Porsche today unveiled the Porsche Panamera GTS at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The Panamera GTS is the purest expression of a sports sedan in the Porsche family with a clear focus on performance.

The new Panamera GTS is based on the Panamera 4S and includes more power, upgraded brakes and a body lowered by ten millimeters with new, sportier chassis tuning coupled to air suspension and Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM). These technical modifications make the Panamera model even more capable of cutting it on the race track without sacrificing practicality. The sportiest of all Panamera models also conveys this to occupants and the outside world by its striking sound. In terms of looks, the new Panamera GTS includes distinctive design features at the front, side and rear as well as black highlights. The interior is also tailored to its sporty personality with adaptive sports seats, SportDesign steering wheel with shift paddles and exclusive GTS leather interior with Alcantara surfaces.

The Panamera GTS is powered by a modified 4.8-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine, delivering 430 hp at 6,700 rpm, increasing the output over the Panamera S/4S by 30 hp. The maximum torque also increases by comparison, from 369 to 384 lb. ft. At the push of a button, thanks to the standard Sport Chrono package, the 7-speed Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) transmission transmits the engine output to the all-wheel drive system during gear changes without interruption to the power flow. This collaboration enables the Panamera GTS to sprint to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, accelerating on to its top track speed of 178 mph.

The 0-60 figures and top speed only scratch the surface of the new Panamera GTS’s sporty character. Its chassis in particular makes it fit for the race track: the adaptive air suspension and Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) connect the chassis and body, constantly adapting to the driving challenges by regulating leveling settings, adjusting height, modifying the spring rate and electrically modulating the damping system. The body has been lowered by ten millimeters and the damping designed to be tauter, which helps agility and further reinforces the sporty personality of the Panamera GTS. Five millimeter wheel spacers between the wheel and the wheel hubs increase the rear axle track width, giving the Panamera even more stability. The required grip is provided by standard 255/45 size 19-inch tires on the front axle and 285/40 on the rear axle. Optional 20-inch wheels are available with 255/40 tires on the front and 295/35 on the rear.

Deceleration on the sporty Panamera is provided by the braking system from the Panamera Turbo, which includes larger diameter front brake rotors than Panamera S/4S. Like all other Porsche models, the Panamera is available with the optional Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB), featuring brake calipers finished in yellow.

The sports car among Sports Sedans

The Panamera GTS is the purest member of the Porsche Panamera family. The heart of the new Panamera GTS is its upgraded 4.8-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine benefiting from numerous modifications to give it even better performance. Compared with the Panamera S/4S, these modifications result in a 30 hp increase in engine output and an increase in torque of 15 lb. ft. to 384 lb. ft. at 3,500 rpm.

To achieve these enhancements, the engineers increased the speed at which the engine reaches peak power by 200 rpm; the GTS’s eight-cylinder engine achieves maximum output at 6,700 rpm. Redline was extended by 400 rpm to 7,100 rpm. The higher engine speed capabilities are enabled by modified valve springs, ensuring that the valves open and shut precisely in all circumstances.

In addition to the increase in redline; the engine in the Panamera GTS employs a higher-flow air intake system. At low speeds, flaps close each of the two air intake openings. At engine speeds above 3,500 rpm, both flaps open and allow additional air flow into the inlet duct. In order to be able to handle the increased flow of combustion air, two new camshafts with a one millimeter increase in lift control the intake valves. As a result, especially at higher revs, the engine draws in more air and, with it, the engine makes more power.

Hearing performance: Sound Symposer transmits intake noises

At the push of the Sport button, driver and passengers can hear the GTS engine “breathing” even more than usual as a ‘Sound Symposer’ directs the intake sounds into the interior. This is accomplished with the addition of an acoustic channel, which picks up the intake vibrations between the throttle valve and air filter. The acoustic channel incorporates a membrane that transmits the vibrations as an engine sound into the A-pillar. A controllable valve located in front of the membrane enables the Sound Symposer to be activated or deactivated by means of the Sport button.

Exhaust gases exit the Panamera GTS through a standard sport exhaust system. This exhaust comes with larger diameter pipes to reduce back pressure and black exhaust tips. This too, is another building block toward increased power output, and one which adds additional aural excitement: the sport exhaust system features two tuning flaps, which expose additional exhaust openings, thereby emitting an even more powerful sound. The flaps are controlled by a switch in the center console, which features a “last mode” function that remembers the last setting when the engine is restarted.

The control of the GTS engine is handled by modified and upgraded engine controls. The new system has been tuned for improved torque and responsiveness. The modified engine management system also enables a brief shutoff of individual cylinders when changing gears, allowing the engine speed to adjust even faster to the transmission speed. This further reduces gear change times and is accompanied a short, sharp report from the exhaust system, particularly audible when downshifting in Sport mode.

Sport Chrono Plus Package for individual sportiness

The Panamera GTS comes standard with the Sport Chrono package, which in addition to Normal and Sport modes offers a Sport Plus program as well. Specific characteristics of the Panamera GTS are further accentuated depending on which mode is selected: for example, activating Sport Plus mode enhances gear-shift parameters and throttle response and includes Launch Control for faster off-the-line acceleration.

Moreover, in Sport Plus mode the Porsche Stability Management (PSM) stabilization system intervenes later. The Sport Plus mode offers even greater agility with the PSM deactivated. For safety’s sake however it remains on permanent standby in the background, intervening automatically if both front wheels are in the ABS control range. In addition, the adaptive air suspension lowers the vehicle to the low setting and switches to a harder spring rate. The rear spoiler angle of attack also changes to the performance-oriented setting.

Options for even greater driving dynamics: PDCC and PTV Plus

Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) is the final level of development of the Panamera GTS chassis, paired with an electronically controlled rear axle differential lock and PTV Plus. PDCC prevents the body from rolling by using active stabilizers on the front and rear axle to apply a counteracting force.

PDCC is further enhanced by Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus). The system works by varying the torque distribution to the rear wheels and by employing an electronically regulated rear differential lock, optimizing steering behavior. Braking interventions applied to the inside rear wheel generate an additional rotational pulse in the direction in which the steering wheel has been turned. This results in a direct and dynamic steering action as the car enters the curve.

PTV Plus improves steering behavior and precision by modulating braking interventions to the rear wheels when the car is being driven in a highly dynamic way. When entering a corner, braking force is applied to the inside rear wheel as the steering maneuver begins. This imparts greater drive torque to the outside rear wheel and improves the car’s agility.

Panamera GTS aerodynamics package

The aerodynamics of the Panamera GTS are on par with the Panamera Turbo: with its large air intake openings, the standard front fascia from the Panamera’s SportDesign package emphasizes the vehicle’s sporty dynamics and ensures an optimal air supply for the larger air filters unique to the GTS. This is matched in the rear section by fitting the adaptively deploying four-way rear spoiler from the Panamera Turbo. At speeds of 125 mph and above, it positions itself to generate downforce on the rear axle, thereby ensuring stable driving safety at high speeds.

Exterior: Sporty at first glance

The exterior features a high-gloss black exterior package as standard, comprised of side window trim, decorative trim on the rear lid, the headlight washer unit cover, the rear diffuser and the side air outlet panels. Together with the black front fascia grills, black side skirts, black lower rear fascia the sport exhaust system’s matte black tailpipes, the resulting appearance is striking.

A further point of differentiation: Bi-Xenon headlights with black inner bezels. They feature four LED daytime running lights. Optional paintwork in Carmine Red, available exclusively for the Panamera GTS, emphasizes the vehicle’s sportiness and provides an ideal contrast with the black exterior accessories.

Interior: Acceleration display, unique appointments

The Panamera GTS includes a lateral and longitudinal acceleration display. The multi-function display in the instrument cluster and the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system informs the driver about the instantaneous acceleration.

The Panamera GTS’s interior includes leather and Alcantara trimmed seats in a choice of five colors. The standard adaptive 18-way adjustable sport seats feature Alcantara center panels. Alcantara trim is also used on the upper sections of the door armrests and front center console armrest, as well as the roofliner. The SportDesign steering wheel with shift paddles and a twelve hour marking on the steering wheel combines dynamic looks with sporty functionality. This steering wheel can also be clad with black Alcantara if so desired. To ensure clear differentiation, the front brushed aluminum door entry guards are adorned with “Panamera GTS” lettering. “GTS” lettering is also found in the instrument cluster and on the embroidered headrests.

Porsche has put together two special optional interior equipment packages for the Panamera GTS. These packages marry a black interior with decorative stitching on the seats, foot mats, dashboard, door panels, center console armrest and doors, executed in Carmine Red or GT silver. Embroidered “GTS” lettering on the headrests and safety belts is also in the corresponding color.

About Porsche Cars North America

Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA), based in Atlanta, Ga. is the exclusive U.S. importer of Porsche sports cars, the Cayenne SUV and Panamera sports sedan. Established in 1984, it is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Porsche AG, which is headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, and employs approximately 220 people who provide parts, service, marketing and training for 194 dealers. They, in turn, work to provide Porsche customers with a best-in-class experience that is in keeping with the brand’s 63-year history and leadership in the advancement of vehicle performance, safety and efficiency. At the core of this success is Porsche’s proud racing heritage that boasts some 30,000 motorsport wins to date.

Source: Porsche Press Release

RARE FERRARIS LEAD THE WAY AT RM’S 2012 SEASON OPENER IN ARIZONA

An impressive roster of Ferraris, spanning from a one-of-a-kind 1957 Ferrari 410 Superamerica to a virtually-new 1991 Ferrari F40 have been announced among the feature attractions for RM Auctions’ upcoming Arizona sale in January.

 

Returning to the prestigious Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa on January 19 – 20, 2012, the well-established RM sale will lift the gavel on a handpicked selection of approximately 150 of the world’s finest motor cars. From historic sports and racing cars to American and European classics and Detroit muscle, the offering spans the full spectrum of the collector car market, catering to a broad range of automotive tastes.

 

“Following another vibrant year in 2011, we’re thrilled to return to Arizona in January and kick off what is shaping up to be another exciting auction season,” says Rob Myers, Chairman & Founder, RM Auctions. “Ferrari is truly one of the world’s leading automotive marques and remains the perennial leaders of the pack when it comes to achieving great prices at auction. We’re excited to present yet another superb offering at our January sale as we continue to build upon our strong track record at the Biltmore.”

 

Leading the charge for the RM Arizona sale is a unique 1957 Ferrari 410 Superamerica, s/n 0671 SA (pictured). Ferrari’s coveted Superamerica was regarded as one of the most elite Enzo-era road cars, reserved for its most discerning clientele and offering the ultimate combination of high-performance and bespoke design. The example on offer, one of just six Series II cars, was built specifically for longtime Ferrari patron, Dottore Enrico Wax, the principal in the Genoa firm Wax & Vitale, best known as importers of Johnny Walker Scotch and Connolly leather. Stunning in its design—0671 SA features a brushed stainless steel roof and fins, polished and vented rocker panels and side grille, and open headlights—it holds a special place in history as the first new Ferrari road car to be bodied by Scaglietti and the only 410 Superamerica ever bodied by the firm (Est. $1,750,000 – $2,250,000).

 

Also expected to garner considerable attention at RM’s January sale is the 1991 Ferrari F40. Widely-regarded as one of the greatest supercars ever built by Ferrari, the F40 bridged the gap between a road car and a racing car, combining aggressive looks with unmatched performance. Presented in virtually new condition with less than 300 miles, the example on offer was ordered new by famed auto executive Lee Iacocca, noted for revamping the American automotive industry (Est. $650,000 – $750,000).

 

Other important examples on offer from the celebrated Italian marque include a rare 1952 Ferrari 342 America Pinin Farina Coupé, s/n 0246 AL, the fifth of a total of only six examples built and the example displayed at the 1953 Geneva Motor Show (Est. $800,000 – $1,000,000); a 1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Spyder, s/n 16705, offered for the first time in 23 years (Est. $900,000 – $1,100,000); and a genuine matching-numbers 1958 Ferrari 250 GT Ellena Berlinetta, s/n 0861, fully restored and one of only 15 known to remain in original condition (Est. $450,000 – $550,000).

 

Beyond the Ferraris, additional notable entries for RM’s January sale at the Biltmore include:

• a freshly-restored, sporting 1957 BMW 507 Roadster (Est. $900,000 – $1,200,000);
• a majestic 1930 Duesenberg Model J LWB Dual Cowl Phaeton, J487/2336, the only long wheelbase LeBaron sweep panel phaeton ever built (Est. $900,000 – $1,200,000);
• a low-mileage 1966 Shelby Cobra 427, CSX 3228, showing less than 11,000 miles (Est. $750,000 – $850,000);
• a multiple award-winning 1931 Chrysler CG Imperial Convertible Victoria, just three owners from new including single-family ownership for 70 years (Est. $475,000 – $600,000);
• an elegant 1914 Rolls-Royce 40/50 Silver Ghost Landaulet by Barker (Est. $500,000 – $700,000); and
• a beautifully-restored, well-documented 1953 Chevrolet Corvette, the fifth example off the production line and sold new to the DuPont family (Est. $450,000 – $650,000).

 

Full event details and a frequently updated list of entries for the Arizona sale are available online at www.rmauctions.com.

 

The Arizona Biltmore auction kicks off a superb 2012 global events calendar for RM Auctions, including the presentation of the renowned Milhous Collection, February 24 – 25 in Boca Raton, Florida. Presented in association with Sotheby’s and held the same weekend as the Boca Raton Concours d’Elegance, the multi-day sale will lift the gavel on an unprecedented selection of automobiles, mechanical musical instruments and collectibles. Other early 2012 RM auction highlights include a return to Amelia Island, Florida on March 10 for the annual sale held in conjunction with the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, as well as the biennial auction at The Grimaldi Forum in Monaco, May 10 – 12, coinciding with the 8th Grand Prix de Monaco Historique.

Source: RM Auctions Press Release

**Photo caption – 1957 Ferrari 410 Superamerica (credit – Darin Schnabel © 2011 courtesy RM Auctions)

2012 Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Spyder Debuts at LA Auto Show

Automobili Lamborghini is expanding the most successful model line ever built under the sign of the bull with a very special car – the new Gallardo LP 550-2 Spyder combines the open spyder body style with purist rear Wheel Drive. This version brings together that stunning level of open-air driving fun that can come only from a super sports car with a folding roof and an unbelievably agile and spontaneous handling.

“With the Gallardo LP 550-2 Spyder, we are expanding the Lamborghini lineup with a purist model that adds yet another dimension of driving fun. This will appeal in particular to a very special group of customers that enjoy a spirited driving style and also like to experience the sheer pleasure of open-air driving,” says Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. “This special model with rear-wheel drive is a logical expansion of our lineup of spyder models with all-wheel drive.”

The most important technical characteristics of the Lamborghini LP 550-2 Spyder are already recognizable from the model designation – LP stands for Longitudinale/Posteriore, for the mid-engine built longitudinally in front of the rear axle. 550 refers to the power output in hp, and the 2 stands for the drive to the rear wheels. At Lamborghini, the word spyder means the ultimate synthesis of a fascinating, powerfully expressive super sports car design, the ultimate open-air thrill and sheer pleasure for all the senses.

A driving experience of the highest precision

The Lamborghini Gallardo LP 550-2 Spyder with rear-wheel drive is the perfect fit for the kind of sports car driver that enjoys a particularly hands-on and spirited style of driving. The setup is laid out to ensure that the rear end remains reliable and stable at all times, while the front axle steers with the highest level of precision and limits movement to an absolute minimum.

Thanks to the supremely powerful V10 engine, controlled oversteer is not a problem, although always and only to the extent prescribed by the driver. Its easy-to-control road manners and the ESP assistant system developed for these vehicles make the Gallardo LP 550-2 Spyder an outstandingly safe sports car to drive.

Further developed chassis, drive system and engine

In order to shape this unique character of driving fun and safety, the engineers in Sant’Agata Bolognese carried out extensive modifications to the Gallardo LP 550-2 Spyder, developing it specifically for these new characteristics. Not only was drive concentrated on the rear axle, the vehicle was also completely retuned in all its dynamic details. This Includes a specific dampers setting. The aerodynamics were also adapted to account for the change in the distribution of forces.

The vehicle show out its goods with a rear axle with the 45-percent locking differential, and the adoption of the e-gear transmission. All completed with a fine adaptation of the ESP stability control system. While the standard program puts a priority on stability, the CORSA program allows larger drift angles and delivers a highly intensive appreciation of the full dynamics of the LP 550-2. All the excellent characteristics of the Gallardo chassis are fully retained – its pleasing bodyroll comfort, as well as its excellent directional stability at high speed.

Outstanding performance is guaranteed

The heart of the Gallardo – the 5.2-liter ten-cylinder – was also retuned and its characteristics optimized for rear-wheel drive, delivering that perfect and breathtaking synthesis of high-revving pleasure, pulling power, exuberant temperament and powerful melody in all keys. In the LP 550-2 Spyder, the compact and lightweight power unit delivers 405 kW (550 hp). Thanks to systematic Lamborghini lightweight design and an extremely low dry weight of just 1,520 kilograms, phenomenal performance is guaranteed – the LP 550-2 catapults itself from zero to 100 km/h in just 4,2 seconds. And its top speed of 319km/h guarantees it a place among the ultimate super sports cars. The soft-top of the Gallardo Spyder is designed for unlimited top-speed enjoyment both open and closed.

Careful individualization of the lineup

With the Gallardo LP 550-2 Spyder, Lamborghini is expanding its most successful model line of all time (to-date a total of nearly 11.800 have been built in Sant’Agata Bolognese) with a stunning variant that continues the successful individualization of its lineup. This includes the LP 560-4 Spyder, as well as the ultra-high-performance Gallardo LP 570-4 Spyder Performante, which boasts an even further weight reduction through carbon-fiber lightweight engineering. The latest version among the coupe variants is the Gallardo LP 570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale – the road-going version of the race car featured in the world’s fastest single-brand racing series.

Source: Lamborghini Press Release

Bugatti crowns the 2011 Dubai International Motor Show with three spectacular Middle East versions of the Grand Sport

 

At the Dubai International Motor Show the legendary French brand presents three very special models of the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport, which is the fastest, most powerful and exclusive open top car in the world. It is Bugatti’s intention to honor the very important Middle East market with this threefold variety and to provide its highly exclusive clientele in the Middle East an insight into how creativity and inspiration can be successfully driven to individualized luxury.

 

The first Grand Sport on display at Dubai Motor Show has a horizontal color split with a bright yellow body and an underside in visible black carbon, including black-tinted wheels. The striking contrast of black and yellow, Ettore Bugatti’s favorite colors, is continued by seats finished in yellow-colored leather with black stitching. The middle console is in black carbon, while the dashboard, steering wheel and gearshift are encased in black leather with yellow stitching. This Grand Sport model comes at a price of 1.58 million Euros ($2,170,000.00 USD).

The second individualized Grand Sport model is also presented in a two-tone horizontal color split consisting of visible blue carbon, framed in polished, anodized aluminum. The rims are highlighted in an aluminum polished and Diamond Cut two-tone finish. The grills at the front and the air intakes are in aluminum with a mirror shine finish. The interior of this car is finished with tangerine leather throughout. Only the door panels, dashboard, steering wheel and console are covered in dark blue Indigo leather or exposed blue carbon fiber, with tangerine stitching on the steering wheel and gearshift knob. This special edition model has a price of 1.74 million Euros ($2,390,000.00 USD).

The third Grand Sport comes in the newly developed green carbon fiber tone with polished aluminum. This special model takes up the traditional Bugatti two-tone-specification. The rims, the exterior rearview mirrors and even the EB-logo at the rear are of polished aluminum to create an elegant and harmonious overall appearance. The interior, especially and tastefully selected, is also dominated in green and silver which matches perfectly with the flamboyant exterior. The third Dubai Motor Show 2011 special edition model will be delivered at a price of 1.74 million Euros ($2.390,000.00 USD).

All these models fully stand in the tradition of Ettore Bugatti’s constant strive to use new color schemes and materials to provide his clientele with unique cars for its exclusive taste. Today Bugatti is still expanding the possibilities of options to offer more and more sophisticated individualization.

In cooperation with the Bugatti design and engineering teams, Bugatti customers can tailor their vehicles to their personal preferences by choosing from a broad array of exquisite materials and colors. The three models in Dubai display an ever growing number of options available to existing and new Grand Sport owners.

Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. has limited the Grand Sport to 150 units of which 45 have been sold and 105 slots are still open. The cars will be manufactured at the Bugatti factory in Molsheim, France.

Source: Bugatti Press Release

Mustangs at 2011 SEMA Show Photo Gallery

If you are a fan of the American Icon Ford Mustang the 2011 SEMA Show was the place to be. No shortage and no two alike a Mustang could be found at every turn. Enjoy the pics! Click on any image to enlarge. Special thanks to photgrapher Angel Torres for sharing his photos with LuxuryAutoDirect.com

Photo Gallery of the Girls of SEMA 2011

The SEMA landscape was filled with beautiful cars. What better compliment to these cars than a beautiful model? Here is a photo gallery of just a few top models at the SEMA Show 2011.

SEMA Show 2011 Photo Gallery from Day 2 featuring over 100 photos

Day 2 of show coverage from Luxury Auto Direct featuring over 100 photos. Every where you turn you can be assured of seeing something that will take your breath away. Enjoy the pictures!

First Photos of SEMA Show 2011

The highly anticipated 2011 SEMA Show has begun. Here are some of the first images for Luxury Auto Direct. We will be covering the show all week so check back for additional pictures and coverage.

STUNNING FERRARI 250 GT LWB ‘TOUR DE FRANCE’ BERLINETTA TOPS RM’S LONDON AUCTION

RM Auctions, the world’s largest collector car auction house for investment-quality automobiles, concluded its 2011 sales calendar on a high note in London on Wednesday (26th October), posting over £13.3 million* ($21,413,000) in total sales with a solid 79% of all lots sold.

Attracting an international clientele – bidders represented 22 countries from around the world – the single-day auction catered to collectors of both automobiles and motorcycles, presenting an exceptional roster of some 100 motor cars and 25 classic two-wheelers.

The star performer at this year’s sale was a rare, matching-numbers 1958 Ferrari 250 GT LWB Tour de France Berlinetta, chassis number 1039 GT (pictured), one of the most desirable competition-bred Ferraris in existence. Glistening under the auction lights, the beautiful red and white 250 GT LWB Tour de France garnered spirited bidding in the room and on the phones, achieving an outstanding final sales price of £2,240,000 ($3,606,400).

“The London sale is always a highlight of our auction calendar, and as ever, this year’s event has brought our 2011 auction season to a spectacular close,” says Max Girardo, Managing Director, RM Europe.

“Battersea always attracts a large international audience and the sale consistently brings together a fantastic collection of very desirable cars. The addition of 25 beautiful motorcycles to this year’s event brought a valuable new element to the auction, further enhancing RM’s reputation in the collectible motorcycle market,” Girardo adds.

Additional top-sellers included: a beautifully-presented, matching-numbers 1965 Ferrari 500 Superfast, one of only eight right-hand-drive examples for £644,000; a competition 1972 Autodelta Alfa Romeo 33/TT/3, a very rare car with Le Mans and Targo Florio history, for £588,000; and, a timeless, sporting 1935 Avions Voisin C25 Cimier Coupé for £380,800.

A further highlight was the sale of a bespoke 2008 Force India Formula One Racing Car. Hand painted by motorsport artist, Dexter Brown, and signed by over 40 Formula One racing drivers and other dignitaries, the unique ‘Art Car’ gave a new meaning to ‘rolling work of art’, realizing a final sales price of £168,000. Proceeds from its sale, including RM’s auction commissions, will benefit the Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital, which provides world-class care for its young patients, and the newly-established Force India Formula One Team Academy, an initiative aimed at providing youth in Indian the chance to get involved in motorsport.

RM London Top Five Motor Car Sales:

1.      Lot 293 – 1958 Ferrari 250 GT LWB ‘Tour De France’ Berlinetta – £2,240,000

2.      Lot 226 – 1965 Ferrari 500 Superfast – £644,000

3.      Lot 280 – 1972 Alfa Romeo Tipo 33/TT/3 – £588,000

4.      Lot 283 – 1954 Mercedes 300SL Coupé – £560,000

5.      Lot 214 – 1964 Ferrari 250 GT Lusso Berlinetta – £487,200

Beyond the automobiles, the sale also featured a significant series of 25 classic motorcycles from the noted ‘La Collezione due Ruote’ (pictured). Generating over £247,455 in total sales, the collection was headlined by an excellent 1973 MV Agusta F4 1000 which achieved £49,140.

RM Auctions will kick off its 2012 auction calendar with speed, style and grace in Phoenix, Arizona, 19th -20th January, 2012. From important sports and racing cars through to the best of American and European classics and Detroit muscle, the offering will present over 150 automobiles spanning the full spectrum of the collector car market.

RM’s 2012 European event calendar will get underway 10th – 12th May, with a return to the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco. Held during the famed Grand Prix de Monaco Historique, the highly-anticipated Monaco sale will be extended to two days, featuring an entire day’s sale devoted to the acclaimed Saltarelli Ducati Collection, one of the world’s most significant private Ducati collections. The motorcycles will be followed by the presentation of an elite group of 80 handpicked automobiles.

Official results from RM Auctions’ London auction will be posted online at www.rmauctions.com.

RM’s subsidiary company, Auctions America by RM, will wrap up its 2011 auction calendar next week (3 – 5 November, 2011) with the presentation of ‘The Lee Roy Hartung Collection’, a multi-day, single-vendor sale in Glenview, Illinois, USA. Regarded as one of the world’s most eclectic automobile and memorabilia collections, the Hartung collection sale will present some 2,000 lots all ‘without reserve’, including a 1950 Edwards R-26 Roadster, believed to be the 1950 inaugural Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance winning example, and an unique 1950 BMW Veritas. For further information visit www.auctionsamerica.com.

About RM Auctions

RM Auctions is the world’s largest auction house for investment-quality automobiles. With over three decades of experience in the collector car industry, 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 international footprint, provide an unsurpassed level of service to the global collector car market. RM proudly holds four of the top five all-time records for the most expensive motor cars sold at auction. RM’s restoration division has achieved unprecedented accolades earning “Best of Show” honors at the world’s top concours events, including an unmatched four wins at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in the past 10 years. For further information, visit www.rmauctions.com, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @rmauctions.

*All prices are listed in GBP and inclusive of 12% buyer’s premium for cars and 17% for motorcycles. Exchange rate used: 1 GBP = 1.61 USD

Source: RM Auction Press Release

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