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19/02/2009
RM Auctions - Automobiles of Amelia Island March 14 2009 - Preview

1963 AC Cobra ex-1963 Le Mans 24 Hours - $1,000,000 - 1,400,000
RM’s third 2009 sale will be in Florida, held at the same time as the famous concours d'elegance. One of the leading entries is the ex-Le Mans, 1963 AC Cobra estimated at $1,000,000 - 1,400,000.

The white car was one of two Cobra roadsters fitted with a streamlined, ‘coupé’ roof in the famous French 24-hour race in 1963. American Ed Hugus entered the car and shared the driving with the British racer Peter Jopp; however, the engine failed after 10 hours. A recuperating Stirling Moss managed the car in the first European foray for the Shelby Cobra team – the very beginning of the ‘Cobra-Ferrari Wars’.

There’s also a 1966 AC Cobra 427, a previous Best in Class award-winner at Amelia Island with just 6000 recorded miles - and known ownership - from new. It carries an estimate of $700,000 - 900,000.

1952 Mercedes-Benz 300 S Cabriolet - $200,000 - 275,000	1936 Bugatti Type 57 Stelvio - $350,000 - 450,000
1934 Packard Twelve Five Passenger Phaeton - $250,000 - 300,000	1966 AC Cobra 427 - $700,000 - 900,000

Given the location, one would expect to find many cars suitable for events – and concours in particular. The catalogue does not disappoint. The 1930 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Coupe ($1,100,000 - 1,500,000) is a superb example, while all the great American inter-war marques are well represented. There’s a 1937 Cord 812 SC Phaeton ($225,000 - 300,000), a 1938 Packard Twelve Coupe Roadster ($275,000 - 350,000), and a 1935 Auburn 851 Boat Tail Speedster for $450,000 - 550,000.

No Cadillac V16s, however. GM’s most prestigious marque is represented by two 1949 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible Coupés, both estimated at $80,000 - 100,000. Enthusiasts for European pre-War cars will like the two Bugattis, one being the famous ex-Colonel Giles 1939 Type 57 C Faux Cabriolet ‘Charmaine’ ($550,000 - 750,000), a car that later found itself in ‘Bentley Boy’ Woolf ‘Babe’ Barnato’s ownership.

1941 Chrysler Newport Dual Cowl Phaeton Indianapolis 500 Pace Car - $800,000 - 1,200,000
One of the most interesting entries is the 1941 Chrysler Newport Dual Cowl Phaeton Indianapolis 500 Pace Car. $800,000 - 1,200,000 will buy a piece of motoring history as it was the first American car to feature flowing, one-piece bodywork without separate mudguards, and was once Walter P. Chrysler, Jr's personal transport. Only a handful of Chrysler Newports were ever built, used mainly for promotional tours, and its powerful straight-eight, 323ci engine provides strong performance.

1960 Porsche 356 Roadster - $120,000 - 150,000

1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider - $2,400,000 - 2,900,000

The European grandes marques are represented by a good selection of cars from Ferrari, Porsche and Mercedes-Benz.

Of the six Ferraris at the Amelia Island sale, pick of the bunch must be the 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider, estimated at $2,400,000 - 2,900,000. This is the 23rd of the 50 long wheelbase cars and is unique with its Superamerica-style front wing vents and unusual bonnet air intake. There’s also a 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 ($700,000 - 900,000) and it should be noted that both these entries carry very much ‘2009’, market-realistic estimates.

1939 Bugatti Type 57 C Faux Cabriolet 'Charmaine' - $550,000 - 750,000

There are four Porsche 356s including a 1956 Speedster for $140,000 - 160,000, and a very attractive (catalogued as in ‘concours-quality condition’) 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL 'Gullwing' at $475,000 - 550,000. Aston Martin has two entries, both red: a 1966 DB6 ($150,000 - 200,000) and a (rare) manual 1992 Virage for $60,000 - 80,000.

1953 Cunningham C -3 Cabriolet - $400,000 - 600,000
RM normally manages to include some special one-offs, or super-rare cars for showbiz stars in its sales. At Amelia, in addition to the Chrysler Newport Dual Cowl Phaeton, there’s a 1958 Dual-Ghia Convertible ($225,000 - 300,000), a 1953 Cunningham C -3 Cabriolet ($400,000 - 600,000), the 1911 Oldsmobile Autocrat ($700,000 - 1,000,000), and the 1954 Packard Panther Daytona Roadster Concept Car for $700,000 - 100,000.

1968 Porsche 911 'Milestone' Race Car - $90,000 - 140,000	1963 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Coupe - $225,000 - 300,000
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing - $475,000 - 550,000	1954 Hudson Italia Coupe $275,000 - 350,000

To see a full lotlist of entries to the March 14 2009, Automobiles of Amelia Island auction, please CLICK HERE.

To see all the entries to the March 14 2009, Automobiles of Amelia Island auction in the Classic Driver car database please CLICK HERE.

1966 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 - $700,000 - 900,000
ADMISSION:
Admission to this sale requires the purchase of the offical auction catalogue for $100. The catalogue will admit two and must be presented at the entrance to the sale to be granted entry.

AUCTION LOCATION:
The Ritz-Carlton
4750 Amelia Island Parkway
Amelia Island, Florida
32034

SALE DATES:
March 14, 2009
11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
(viewing starts at 9:00 AM)

PREVIEW DATES:
March 13, 2009
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

March 14, 2009
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

RM Auctions
One Classic Car Drive
Blenheim
Ontario N0P 1A0
Canada

Telephone: +1 519 352 45 75
Fax: +1 519 351 13 37

Website: www.rmauctions.com

Email: info@rmauctions.com.

Text: Steve Wakefield
Photos: RM Auctions

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