Held, as is traditional, over two days, and featuring a slip-cased, two-volume catalogue of the highest quality, RM’s 2008 Monterey sale looks like being another blockbuster event.

The Ontario-based company describes the activities on the Monterey peninsular in August as “one magical week”. A more cynical writer might opine that much of the magic relates to the colossal sales figures turned by RM, Gooding, Bonhams & Butterfields et al - and the commissions therein. In 2007, RM alone grossed $46m. Business is business, but you know that beneath the bottom line they are all true 'vintage' car enthusiasts – none more so that Rob Myers of RM.

The 2008 catalogue is another work of art and just a few words here would fail to do it justice. So, let’s just dip in and attempt to pick a few highlights.



One of the most talked-about entries is the 1958 Chrysler Diablo Convertible Coupé. This is a concept car from the era when flying cars, boat-o-planes and hover-chairs were the merest width of a strand of nylon from being invented. There’s no estimate – you’ll have to contact RM – but this could be one of the surprises of the week.

1961 Facel Vega HK500 - $95,000 - 125,000

1966 Mercedes-Benz 600 SWB Limousine - $65,000 - 85,000

While the Chrysler Diablo may not feature in this author’s dream garage, one car that definitely would is the 1956 Ferrari 250 GT Tour de France. It’s another ‘Estimate on Request’ entry, but what a superb car! This – a genuine competition car from delivery in September 1956 – is the eighth of nine produced with the original body style, the eighth of just seventy-two ‘TdF’ Berlinettas built in total.

Currently clearly a concours entry, I’d have it on the track in double-quick time.

1930 Duesenberg Model J Barrel-side Dual Cowl Phaeton by LeBaron - $1,800,000 - $2,400,000

1961 Ferrari 250 SWB Berlinetta - $3,700,000 - $4,200,000

There are other Ferraris, of course. Like two 1964 250 GT/L Lussos, identically estimated at $700,000 - $800,000, and a 1973 365 GTB/4 ‘Daytona’ Spyder for $1,400,000 - $1,600,000, as well as the most fantastic 1954 375 America ($550,000 - $700,000).


Home-grown products of the highest order would include the 1929 Duesenberg Model J Roadster ($1,400,000 - $1,800,000), the 1966 Shelby 427 Cobra ($800,000 - $900,000), and the 1962 Chaparral 1 Sports Racing Car ($750,000 - $950,000).

1966 Shelby Mustang GT350 Fastback - $160,000 - 180,000

1966 Shelby 427 Cobra - $750,000 - $900,000

All super stuff, and well worth the $100.00 for the catalogue.

The 2008 RM Monterey auctions will take place over 15-16th August, at the Portola Hotel & Spa and Monterey Conference Center, 2 Portola Plaza, Monterey, California 93940. Admission is $40.00 for an event pass per person.

The sales will commence at 17:00 and are likely to run to 01:00 the following day.

Please CLICK HERE to see the full lotlist for the RM Auctions ‘Sports & Classics at Monterey’ sale.

Text: Steve Wakefield
Photos: RM

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