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| 1970 Porsche 911S, once owned by Steve McQueen, as driven by ‘Michael Delaney' in the famous opening sequence of Le Mans |
RM Auctions has announced some outstanding entries for its first Villa d’Este sale on 21 May, as well as a very special, and very famous Porsche 911S consigned to its Monterey auction in August.
But first, the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, for which RM seems to be pulling out all the stops. RM tells us that, of the cars so far entered, the average value – and this is average, mind you – is approaching 1 million euros. Phew.
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| 1938 Talbot-Lago T150C-SS Teardrop Coupé |
Among the recently consigned ‘hand-picked’ entries is the rare and hugely desirable 1953 Ferrari 250 MM Pinin Farina Berlinetta (chassis number 0352 MM / 0239 EU), and a one-of-five-built 1965 Ford GT Works Prototype Roadster (chassis GT/111). These join the previously announced 1955 Ferrari 375 MM Pinin Farina Berlinetta and 1938 Talbot-Lago T150C-SS Teardrop Coupé in the genuinely elite group of just 30 automobiles – including models from Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Delahaye, Bugatti, Mercedes-Benz and Alfa Romeo, among others – to be accepted for the evening sale.
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| 1955 Ferrari 375MM Berlinetta | 1965 Ford GT Prototype Roadster |
Given that this is RM’s first sale as the official Villa d’Este auction house, perhaps it’s to be expected that the Canadian company is going to great lengths to present such an astounding selection of automobiles. But then, take a look at what Ontario-based RM has already consigned for its annual Monterey sale on 19-20 August…
…no less a car than Steve McQueen’s 1970 Porsche 911S, once owned by the King of Cool himself, and which he drove in the famous opening sequence of the Le Mans film, as ‘Michael Delaney’ cruises through the French countryside, reflecting on life, death, and racing.
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| 1970 Porsche 911S, ex-Steve McQueen |
Complete with air-conditioning and generous factory-fitted options, the Slate Grey 911S was also McQueen’s personal transport during the film’s production, later joining his own stable of motor cars in California.
Today, the 911S is said to be in ‘exceptionally original condition’, and is offered from the collection of one of America’s foremost Porsche aficionados. Prior to its August sale, the famous Porsche was displayed at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance and RM Amelia Island sale, last week (10-13 March).
For further details on RM’s upcoming auctions, see www.rmauctions.com.
You can view the early entries to the Villa d'Este sale in the Classic Driver car database.
Text: Charis Whitcombe
Photos: RM Auctions
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