Written by: TFV-PR • February 12, 2024• Auto Featured

$80 Million in Classic Cars, Hypercars, and Even an Iconic Airplane Coming to Auction in Miami

The highly anticipated auction will take place during ModaMiami, Miami’s newest event showcasing the world’s most incredible cars, world-class cuisine, luxury goods, and entertainment, on March 1 and 2, at the iconic Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables.

RM Sotheby’s is thrilled to announce 119 motor vehicle lots, spanning 112 years from 1911 to 2023, for our upcoming two-day auction scheduled for 1-2 March at ModaMiami. For the world’s newest and most innovative collector car exhibition, it only makes sense to bring cars worthy of being showcased on the showfield itself, and that is exactly what RM Sotheby’s is doing. From a heart-stopping 1953 Ferrari 250 Europa Coupe by Vignale, valued at $4.5 to $5 million, to a 2018 Bugatti Chiron, valued at $3.2 to $3.8 million, to Hollywood-famous iconic airplanes, this weekend is set to be quite the must-experience event.

For its inaugural year, ModaMiami will bring car culture to the mainstream with four days (February 29–March 3) filled with special events, ranging from the most spectacular collection of rare cars and exclusive drive activities to meals presented by celebrity chefs and two days of highly anticipated auctions by RM Sotheby’s. South Florida and the collector car world at large are eagerly anticipating the newest event in the automotive world.

“We’ve been holding auctions in Florida for nearly 30 years, but in 2022, we ventured into something new by hosting our first ‘pop-up’ auction in downtown Miami, which turned out to be a massive success,” said Rob Myers, CEO & Chairman of RM Sotheby’s. “Fast forward to today, and we’re taking it to the next level, organizing an event on a scale unlike anything we’ve previously attempted. In collaboration with Moda Events, our goal was to create the premier car show on the East Coast. To achieve this at the RM Sotheby’s auction, we knew we had to bring an array of incredible cars. The diversity of cars we’re offering matches the variety you’d see on the showfield, from the fastest hypercars to American classics. Hosting an auction in a city like Miami just fits perfectly. With its top-notch restaurants, beautiful beaches, accessible airports, and everything else you might need, Miami is the ideal setting. We’re excited.”

Top Lots & Highlights:

1967 Ferrari 365 California Spyder by Pininfarina – This exquisite and rare coachbuilt California Spyder is the ninth of only 14 examples ever built. It boasts certification from Ferrari Classiche with a Red Book, authenticating its matching-numbers chassis, engine, gearbox, rear axle, and body. This stunning Ferrari has had four private caretakers, including two long-term owners, which underscores its well-preserved legacy. It clinched the FCA Platinum Award at the 2004 Cavallino Classic at Concorso Italiano, a testament to its condition and restoration. In 2009, the highly esteemed Paul Russell and Company meticulously restored it to its original color combination of Rosso Cina over Bianca Molitan leather. As Maranello’s last great vintage flagship grand touring spider, this vehicle represents an unparalleled and unique opportunity to acquire a celebrated model that has not been publicly offered in the US for over 10 years, making it a truly rare find for collectors (Estimate: $4,000,000 – $4,500,000).

1953 Ferrari 250 Europa Coupe by Vignale – The first luxury GT Ferrari boasting a 3-liter V-12 engine. One of only 22 made, with design by Vignale’s Giovanni Michelotti, this car was a highlight of the 1953 Paris Motor Show. Unique as one of two with the V-12 engine and one of three Vignale-bodied models, it underwent a meticulous restoration from 2010 to 2015, achieving Ferrari Classiche certification. With its original engine confirmed by a Ferrari Red Book, it has won multiple awards, including Best of Show and FCA Platinum, and featured at top events like Pebble Beach and Villa d’Este, plus coverage in Cavallino magazine (Estimate: $4,500,000 – $5,500,000).

2018 Bugatti Chiron – This Chiron, one of about 207 originals and part of the 500 total variations, shows just 1,489 miles and boasts meticulous care from a single owner. Featuring French Racing Blue with exposed blue carbon fiber and a Deep Blue/French Racing Blue interior, it is a prime example of Bugatti’s hypercar excellence. With a major service in September 2023, it is perfect for collectors or concours d’elegance and supercar events, representing a top pick for modern speed enthusiasts (Estimate: $3,200,000 – $3,800,000).

1930 Duesenberg Model J ‘Disappearing Top’ Convertible Coupe by Murphy – This Duesenberg, with its highly sought-after “Disappearing Top” body style, is one of only two surviving examples featuring original rear-mounted spares, marking it as a rare find on the market today. It underwent its final full restoration by the renowned marque specialists at Randy Ema, Inc., and is Auburn Cord Duesenberg (ACD) Club Certified (D-078). Unshown in its current ownership, it is essentially concours-ready for a new owner, presenting a unique opportunity to acquire a piece of automotive history in pristine condition (Estimate: $3,500,000 – $4,000,000).

1929 Duesenberg Model J ‘Sweep Panel’ Dual-Cowl Phaeton by LeBaron – This outstanding Model J, engine number J-121, originally delivered to Philip K. Wrigley, showcases a meticulous restoration by specialist Brian Joseph. With a prestigious ownership history and numerous national awards, it retains its original chassis, engine, and LeBaron bodywork, as requested by Wrigley. A true gem for Duesenberg enthusiasts, J-121 combines historical authenticity with unmatched elegance (Estimate: $2,650,000 – $2,850,000).

1966 Porsche 906 Carrera 6 – This Porsche was campaigned by onetime Porsche werks driver Sepp Greger, achieved notable success in the 1966 2-Liter Class European Hillclimb Championship and the 1968 European Mountain Championship. Its history is extremely well-known and has been authenticated by its original owner. The car underwent a superb, highly authentic, award-winning restoration by Porsche racecar specialist Kevin Jeanette. It comes accompanied by a correct 906 Carrera 6 engine, bearing the number 906-133, and is finished in its original color of Signal Red. Documentation includes its original German registration (Kraftfahrzeugbrief), ONS-Wagenpass, Kardex, a restoration/history notebook, and a prior FIA Historic Technical Passport, making it one of the finest examples of the model offered in recent years (Estimate: $1,800,000 – $2,800,000).

Top 10 Lots

1953 Ferrari 250 Europa Coupe by Vignale ($4.5M – $5.5M)
1967 Ferrari 365 California Spyder by Pininfarina ($4M – $4.5M)
1930 Duesenberg Model J ‘Disappearing Top’ Convertible Coupe by Murphy ($3.5M – $4M)
2018 Bugatti Chiron ($3.2M – $3.8M)
1990 Ferrari F40 ($2.8M – $3.4M)
1929 Duesenberg Model J ‘Sweep Panel’ Dual-Cowl Phaeton by LeBaron ($2.65M – $2.85M)
1930 Mercedes-Benz 770 K Pullman Cabriolet by Voll & Ruhrbeck ($2.5M – $3M)
1963 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster ($2.2M – $2.7M)
1939 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Special Cabriolet A by Sindelfingen ($2M – $2.4M)
2015 McLaren P1 ($1.9M – $2.1M)

Other highlights:

Highlighting BMW’s M Series Evolution: The auction features an exceptional lineup of BMW’s iconic M series, including the 1990 BMW M3 Sport Evolution, 1989 BMW M3 Convertible, 1987 BMW M3 Coupe, 1988 BMW M3 Evolution, and the 1997 BMW M3 Evolution Coupe. Each model represents a significant milestone in the evolution of performance and design, showcasing BMW’s commitment to innovation and motorsport heritage. From the track-inspired Sport Evolution to the M3 Convertible, these vehicles collectively offer a rare glimpse into the legacy of BMW’s M series, making this a unique opportunity for enthusiasts and collectors alike.

1929 De Havilland DH60GM Gipsy Moth “Out of Africa” – This beautifully restored, American-built DH60GM, an iconic craft of its era with a desirable all-metal frame, is offered to benefit the creation of a new rhinoceros sanctuary in central Kenya. Prominently featured in the Academy Award-winning movie Out of Africa, this aircraft has been meticulously maintained in excellent flying condition and looked after by the noted De Havilland Moth specialist Henry Labouchere, making it a marvelous piece of both Hollywood and aviation history.

Sotheby’s Luxury Experiences

The event’s shopping is not just limited to vehicle offerings in the Miami auction. In the lobby of The Biltmore Hotel—open to Casa Tua Club at Moda ticket holders, Biltmore guests, and entrants throughout the weekend—guests are invited to preview highlights from Sotheby’s Fine Watches auction (open for bidding from 29 February – 12 March) and shop an assortment of jewelry, designer handbags, and more.

Amongst the highlights of the Fine Watches auction is a spectacularly rare watch from Heuer that will undoubtedly command significant interest from the collecting community and racing enthusiasts alike, The Heuer Carrera Sunray DX. Sunray DX, one of the largest oil companies in operation during the 1960s, was also an important sponsor of auto racing, eventually starting their own autosport team with the legendary Don Yenko in 1966. The timepiece being offered this March was created in 1967, to celebrate their L-88 Corvette-powered race team. Estimated to achieve $15,000 – $25,000, the watch is being offered by an original member of the Sunray DX team, Gary Goss, and is only the second known example of this special watch to ever come to market. Additional highlights also include The 2020 Royal Oak Concept: an Audemars Piguet: Reference 26630BC.GG.D326CR.01 Royal Oak, expected to realize $150,000, as well as a remarkable collection of Richard Mille wristwatches with estimates spanning from $40,000 to $250,000.

View all lots here.

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Last modified: February 12, 2024