A Docket to Remember
RM Sotheby’s is known the world over as an auction house catering to only the finest collectible automobiles. As the official auction house of the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, RM Sotheby’s is raising the stakes with a truly standout docket. A 1950 Ferrari 166 MM and a one-off 1953 Lancia Aurelia with coachwork by Pinin Farina are just a couple of the highlights. Our team of leasing experts and automobile enthusiasts will be watching the bidding closely for market trends. Here are a few of the cars set to cross the block that they’re most interested in.
1959 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud Estate
Image Source: 1959 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud Estate (rmsothebys.com)
Premier’s Southeast Sales Manager, Chris Warren, has his eye on a 1959 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud. The stately estate at Lot 146 combines all the refinement of a Silver Cloud sedan with the added practicality of a “shooting brake” style rear hatch for luggage and hunting equipment. Custom built by H.J. Mulliner and Harold Radford, this Rolls-Royce is one of only two estates built on a short wheelbase chassis.
1989 Porsche 911 Speedster
Image Source: 1989 Porsche 911 Speedster (rmsothebys.com)
Lot 219‘s Porsche 911 Speedster is a favorite of Michelle Yancey, our Southwest Sales Manager. Hearkening back to the stripped-down 356 Speedster, this 911 has a steeply-raked, removable windshield, a lightened convertible top, and no rear seats. The added lightness is complimented by a fuel-injected, air-cooled 3.2 liter flat six producing 217 bhp. Finished in Guards Red with black accents and a cashmere interior, this Porsche shows as good as it goes.
1938 Graham 97 Supercharged
Image Source: 1938 Graham 97 Supercharged Cabriolet (rmsothebys.com)
Keith Neelans, our Northeast Sales Manager, is watching the 1938 Graham 97 at Lot 243. The powerful, supercharged engine makes this audacious cabriolet a preeminent tourer. Saoutchik’s delightful, Art Deco design earned this particular example a spot in the 1938 Paris Salon auto show. In a unique touch, its doors are cantilevered, pulling out and sliding back to better accommodate passengers.
1952 Bentley R-Type Continental Fastback
Image Source: 1952 Bentley R-Type Continental Fastback (rmsothebys.com)
Having formerly worked at Bentley, our West Coast Sales Manager, Juan Garcia, has a soft spot for the 1952 Bentley R-Type Continental Fastback. In addition to being smooth and luxurious, Lot 152‘s R-Type Continental was the fastest sedan of its time. Its 4.9 liter straight-six was upgraded by the factory and mated to a four-speed manual transmission. As the second of only 43 left-hand-drive examples, and painstakingly restored by marque experts, this Bentley is perhaps the finest example extant.
1953 Fiat 8V Supersonic
Image Source: 1953 Fiat 8V Supersonic (rmsothebys.com)
Premier’s corporate office in Woodbury, Connecticut loves the daring coachbuilt design of the 1953 Fiat 8V Supersonic at Lot 122. One of only 15, the 8V Supersonic’s futuristic look comes from the pen of Giovanni Savonuzzi of the Italian styling-house Ghia. Beyond looks and rarity, this Fiat boasts an advanced alloy V-8 with overhead valves and four-wheel independent suspension. Shown at both the Geneva Motor Show and the 7th annual Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, this futuristic coupe certainly deserves its 7-figure estimate.
RM Sotheby’s and Leasing with Premier
With experience working with major auction houses all around the country, a call to Premier Financial Services takes the hassle out of placing a bid. Whether you’re in the market for a unique, coachbuilt Fiat or Ferrari‘s latest supercar, Premier’s Simple Lease can help you conserve capital without sacrificing a chance for ownership. Be sure to brush up on Auctions 101 if you have plans to raise your paddle at Amelia Island.