Last month's auction at Amelia Island, Florida, certainly turned up its fair share of eye-catching automobiles
A group of entrepreneurs set up the De Dion-Bouton Motorette Company in New York in 1900. This 1901 De Dion-Bouton is one of the very few surviving Brooklyn-built New York Type Motorettes
At last month's auction the 1913 Pierce-Arrow Model 38-C Roadster attracted a bid of US$95,000, but failed to meet the reserve
The 1937 Cord 812 Supercharged Cabriolet went for US$220,00
The 1974 Ferrari Dino 246 GTS was sold for US$429,000
In near-original condition, the 1901 De Dion-Bouton sold for US$115,500 at last month's auction
The De Dion-Bouton's 3.5 hp, 402 cc single-cylinder engine and two-speed transmission were rebuilt in 1992
The leather seating was restored around 1992 by carefully underlaying the original material with a flexible backing
The De Dion-Bouton was entered in the 1992 London-to-Brighton Veteran Car Run in England. After a brave effort, engine trouble struck on the final hill and the car came up just short of the finish line
Presented at Amelia Island last month, the De Dion-Bouton was recently detailed and is in close to original condition
The 1913 Pierce-Arrow Model 38-C Roadster has had only two owners from new
The 1913 Pierce-Arrow Model 38-C Roadster runs on a T-head six-cylinder engine
This model is one of 750 first series 38-horsepower Pierce-Arrows and was built at the end of 1912
The six-cylinder 1913 Pierce-Arrow Model 38-C Roadster has a wheelbase of 132 in (335.3 cm)
Over the last four years, the 1913 Pierce-Arrow Model 38-C Roadster has been repainted to original black
The 1913 Pierce-Arrow Model 38-C Roadster completed the Grizzly Bear Tour in California in April 2013, managing to ascend 7,400 ft (2,255 m) in the snow
The 7 hp, 61 cu. in. twin-cylinder 1914 Indian 'Hendee Special' model was in production for only one year
The 1914 Indian 'Hendee Special' is believed to be the first motorcycle equipped with an electric starter
This 1914 Indian 'Hendee Special' sold at last month's RM Auction was presented in unrestored condition with original paintwork
The 'Hendee Special' was so far ahead of its time, its battery technology could only withstand a few dozen starts
This 1914 Indian 'Hendee Special' sold at last month's RM Auction for US$126,500
The popularity of Indian cycles was largely due to their renowned reliability. In 1913, the company sold a record 31,950 units
The 1914 Packard Six Runabout sold for US$412,500 at last month's RM Auction
The 1914 Packard Six Runabout was the first Packard car to feature left-hand drive and an electric start
The model sold at last month's auction is one of only five known Runabouts
The 1914 Packard Six Runabout sold at last month's auction was presented with original body, engine and chassis
In 1997, the Runabout was sold to renowned collector John McMullen who restored the paintwork and leather seating. Under the ownership of McMullen, the Runabout won awards such as Best in Class at the Meadow Brook Concours d’Elegance and Best in Show at the Bay Harbor Motoring Festival
The 1927 Rolls-Royce Phantom I sold for US$214,500 at last month's RM Auction
Hollywood actor Lewis Stone acquired the Phantom I on Christmas Eve 1927
The chassis of the Phantom I was re-bodied in Australia in the early 1970's
The Phantom I was restored to replicate the body of the Roll-Royce Brewster Derby
The Phantom I has four-wheel brakes and a three-speed transmission
The Phantom I runs on a 113–120 bhp, 7,688 cc OHV inline six-cylinder engine
The Phantom I has a wheelbase of 143.5 in (365 cm)
The 1928 Bugatti Type 37A Grand Prix sold at last month's auction for US$962,500
The Bugatti Type 37A sports a 90 bhp, 1,496 cc supercharged inline four-cylinder engine
For performance, the Bugatti Type 37A was dependent on mechanical simplicity, finesse, and lightweight design
With a 1.5-liter engine, the Bugatti Type 37A was capable of speeds of 122 mph (196 km/h)
This model of Bugatti Type 37A was delivered new to Belgium in June of 1928
By the mid-1990's and after multiple owners, the car's engine and transmission has been replaced, but it still retains its original coachwork
The model comes with both red and black interiors which can reportedly be switched out with relative ease
This model has recently been prepared for vintage rallying and racing
The 1928 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Special Roadster sold for US$275,000 at last month's RM Auction
The coachwork of the Phantom I Special Roadster was completed by the Paris-based duo Hibbard and Darrin and features a split windshield for ventilation, brass bezels and inlaid interior woodwork
The 1928 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Special Roadster runs on a 40/50 bhp, 468 cu. in. overhead-valve inline six-cylinder engine
The Phantom I Special Roadster was sold accompanied by documentation from the Rolls-Royce Foundation
The 1928 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Special Roadster was offered from the estate of passionate car collector and founder of The San Diego Collection Charles "Chuck" Swimmer
The 1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Ascot Tourersold sold for US$335,000 at last month's auction
American importer of Lowenbrau beer and automotive collector Dieter Holterbosch acquired the Phantom I Ascot Tourer in December of 1977
The Phantom I Ascot Tourer runs on a 40/50 bhp, 468 cu. in. overhead-valve inline six-cylinder engine
The car was recently restored, including the fitting of new blackwall tires, flushing out of the fuel tank and cleaning of the carburetor
The 1929 Willys-Knight 66B 'Plaidside' Roadster sold for US$264,000 at last month's RM auction
Around 400 models were produced, with the model sold at last month's auction one of only 11 known survivors
The 1929 Willys-Knight 66B 'Plaidside' Roadster runs on a 87 hp, 255 cu. in. inline “Knight Sleeve-Valve” six-cylinder engine
An exhaustive restoration of the car was completed between 2008 and 2012
The 1929 Willys-Knight 66B 'Plaidside' Roadster has won numerous awards in recent years, including Best American Open Car at The Elegance at Hershey, Best in Class at the Hilton Head Concours, and Best in Class and the Founder’s Trophy at the Ault Park Concours
The 1931 Mercedes-Benz 370 S Mannheim Sport Cabriolet sold for US$671,000 at last month's RM Auction
The 370 S had a wheelbase of 112 inches (284.5 cm), much shorter than its siblings: the 350 and 380 models
The 370 S runs on a 75 bhp, 3,689 cc inline six-cylinder engine with dual carburetors and three-speed manual transmission
This particular model forms part of a collection of Mercedes-Benz classics in the American Midwest, its body, engine and chassis in original condition
The 1932 Packard Twin Six Individual Custom Convertible Sedan sold for US$840,000 at last month's auction
The RM Auction last month was the first time this 1932 Packard has been available for sale in 33 years
The 1932 Packard Twin Six Individual Custom Convertible Sedan runs on a 160 bhp, 445 cu. in. side-valve V-12 engine
The car was offered from the collection of renowned automotive enthusiasts Bob and Sandra Bahre
The restored Packard Twin Six Individual Custom Convertible Sedan retains all of its original body panels
1934 Auburn Twelve Salon Speedster sold for US$286,000 at last month's RM Auction
This particular Salon Speedster was once owned by renowned automotive collector Gordon Apker
The 1934 Auburn Twelve Salon Speedster runs on a 160 bhp, 391 cu. in. horizontal-valve V-12 engine
This particular model has won awards such as Best in Class at Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in 1980
The model sold at last month's auction features an original Salon chassis and Auburn Speedster body
1934 Duesenberg Model SJ Convertible Sedan by LeBaron yielded US$1,567,500 at last month's RM Auction
This model is the only SJ built with a convertible body by LeBaron
The SJ Convertible runs on a 400 bhp, 420 cu. in. DOHC inline eight-cylinder engine with dual carburetors and centrifugal supercharger
The SJ Convertible maintains its original engine, body and chassis
1935 Amilcar Type G36 Pegasé Boattail Roadster sold for US$467,500 at last month's auction
The Type G36 features a modified chassis and is equipped with modern hydraulic brakes
The G36 runs on a 120 bhp, 152 cu. in. double overhead-camshaft four-cylinder engine, four-speed manual transmission
The interior of the G36 is upholstered in thick black leather
The 1935 Packard Twelve Sport Phaeton went for US$286,000 at last month's RM Auction
This particular Twelve Sport Phaeton is believed to be one of only four built in 1935
The Twelve Sport Phaeton runs on a 175 bhp, 473 cu. in. modified L-head V-12 engine, three-speed selective synchromesh manual transmission
This particular model was once owned by renowned collectors Walter Cunny and Gerald Greenfield
1936 Bentley 3.5-liter Sedanca Coupe by Windovers yielded US$374,000 at last month's auction
This particular model once formed part of renowned enthusiast Carles Chuck" Swimmer's collection
The Sedanca Coupe runs on a 105 bhp, 3,669 cc OHV inline six-cylinder engine
This particular model won First in Class and the Lord Montague Trophy at Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in 1983
The 1937 Bugatti Type 57C Roadster in the style of Figoni et Falaschi went for US$902,000 at last month's auction
This particular model retains its original chassis, engine and supercharger with Roots-type supercharger
The Type 57 engine is regarded as one of the best all around touring Bugatti's ever built
The Type 57C Roadster runs on a 160 bhp, 3,257 cc dual overhead-camshaft inline eight-cylinder engine with Roots-type supercharger
This model was part of automotive enthusiast Malcom Pray's collection where it received a significant cosmetic and mechanical makeover
Restoration work on the Cord has included replacing the radiator core, rebuilding the exhaust and installing a new red leather interior
The Cord runs on a 190 bhp, 288 cu. in. supercharged L-head V-8 and a four-speed pre-selector manual transmission
1937 Delahaye 135 Competition Court Torpedo Roadster by Figoni et Falaschi went for US$6,600,000 at last month's auction
The Court Torpedo was comprehensively restored in 1969 and 1970, including the cream and blue finish seen in the pictures
The Court Torpedo runs on a 130 cv, 3,557 cc inline overhead-valve six-cylinder engine and a four-speed manual gearbox
The Court Torpedo was under single ownership for half a century
The 1938 SS 100 Jaguar 3½-Litre Roadster was sold for US$451,000 at last month's auction
The 3.5-liter Roadster runs on a 125 bhp, 3,485 cc overhead-valve inline six-cylinder engine with a competition head
The 3.5-liter Roadster formed a part of the renowned collector Malcolm Pray's collection and has been toured extensively
The 1939 Aston Martin 15/98 Short Chassis Open Sports went for US$616,000 at last month's auction
The car is one of only 50 built in this particular style
A comprehensive restoration, including installing a period-correct engine
The Short Chassis runs on a 98 bhp, 1,949 cc inline four-cylinder engine with overhead camshaft and twin SU carburetors
The 1941 Chrysler Town and Country Nine-Passenger "Barrelback" Station Wagon was sold for US$250,000 at last month's auction
This nine-passenger station wagon was owned by Glenn Gould of the Wells Auto Museum for over 50 years
This particular model has traveled only 56,000 actual miles (90,000 kms)
The Town and Country runs on a 108 bhp, 241.5 cu. in. L-head inline six-cylinder engine
The 1947 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith Cabriolet by Franay was sold for US$210,000 at last month's auction
The Silver Wraith runs on a 125 bhp, 4,257 cc F-head inline six-cylinder engine
The Cabriolet by Franay has a wheel base of 127 inches (322 cm)
The 1941 Packard Super Eight 180 Convertible Victoria by Darrin was sold for US$286,000 at last month's auction
This particular Super Eight model was offered from the Pray Collection
This particular Super Eight is reportedly one of 33 built in 1941
The aircraft style padding bucket seats of the interior where an unusually sporty touch for the era
The 1949 Jaguar XK120 Alloy Roadster sold for US$495,000 at last month's auctions
This particular Jaguar XK120 was offered from the estate of renowned collector Charles "Chuck" Swimmer
This particular XK120 variant was one of 184 left-hand drive alloys built
The Jaguar XK120 runs on a 160 bhp, 3,442 cc DOHC inline six-cylinder engine with twin SU H6 carburetors
The 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster was sold for US$1,842,500 at last month's auction
This model of 300 SL Roadster is one of 25 built with "Rudge" wheels
The 300 SL Roadster runs on a 215 bhp (DIN), 240 hp (SAE), 2,996 cc overhead-camshaft inline six-cylinder engine
This particular model of 300 Sl Roadster won Best in Class at the 2012 Amelia Island Concours
The 1958 BMW 600 sold for US$55,000 at last month's auction
This 1958 BMW 600 has had only two owners from new
The 1958 BMW 600 runs on a 26 bhp, 582 cc flat-twin engine and four-speed manual transmission,
This particular 1958 BMW 600 underwent a full mechanical rebuild in 2013
The 1958 Goggomobil T400 sold for US$35,750 at last month's auction
This particular Googomobil T400 has covered less than 9,000 actual miles (14,500 kms)
The Googomobil T400 runs on a 20 bhp, 23.99 cu. in. two-stroke two-cylinder engine and four-speed pre-selector transmission
This particular Googomobil T400 retains its original interior
The 1959 Fiat 600 Jolly by Ghia sold for US$99,000 at last month's auction
The 1959 Fiat 600 runs on a 21 bhp, 633 cc inline OHV four-cylinder engine and four-speed manual gearbox
The 1961 Ferrari 250 GT Series II Cabriolet by Pininfarina was sold for US$1,760,000 at last month's auction
This particular Ferrari 250 GT has had only one owner since 1969
The 1961 Ferrari 250 GT Series II Cabriolet runs on a 240 bhp, 2,953 cc single overhead-camshaft 60-degree V12
As part of the Pray collection for 45 years, the 1961 Ferrari 250 GT required only mechanical and cosmetic maintenance, never a full restoration
The 1965 Shelby 289 Cobra sold for US$990,000 at last month's auction
The 289 Cobra runs on a 271 bhp, 289 cu. in. overhead-valve V8 engine with four-barrel carburetor
The Cobra was put into storage in 1978 when its owner at the time went abroad to for military service. It was recently rediscovered and restored to near original condition
The 1970 Maserati Ghibli Spyder sold for US$605,000 at last month's auction
This particular 1970 Ghibli Spyder is one of only 125 built
The 1970 Maserati Ghibli Spyder runs on a 330 bhp, 4.7-liter double overhead-camshaft V8 engine and five-speed manual transmission
The 1972 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Berlinetta was sold for US$781,000 at last month's auction
The 1972 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Berlinetta runs on a 352 bhp, 4,390 cc dual overhead-camshaft V12 engine with six Weber 40DCN20 carburetors
The 1972 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Berlinetta has covered only 28,800 actual miles (46,300 kms)
This particular 1974 Ferrari Dino 246 GTS was fitted with air conditioning and power windows and has since been upholstered with factory Daytona seats
The 1974 Ferrari Dino 246 GTS runs on a 190 hp, 2,418 cc DOHC V6 engine
The 1978 Transitron Mk II Electric Prototype sold for US$11,000 at last month's auction
This model is a one-off Hawaiian-built vehicle that uses the chassis from a 1971 Harley-Davidson XLH Sportster and a variable-speed electric motor
The 1978 Transitron Mk II Electric Prototype could accelerate from zero to 30 mph (48 km/h) in five to six seconds
The 1986 Lamborghini Countach 5000 Quattrovalvole sold for US$319,000 at last month's auction
This 1986 Lamborghini Countach 5000 Quattrovalvole is one of only 13 carbureted examples imported to the US
The 1986 Lamborghini Countach 5000 Quattrovalvole runs on a 455 bhp, 5,167 cc DOHC V12 engine with six downdraft Weber carburetors
This 1986 Lamborghini Countach 5000 Quattrovalvole has had two owners from new and has covered under 9,000 kms (5,600 miles)
Last month's auction at Amelia Island, Florida, certainly turned up its fair share of eye-catching automobiles
View gallery - 155 images
Around a dozen times a year, RM Auctions draws classic car enthusiasts from around the globe to examine, gawk at and bid for rare automotive gems. Last month's auction at Amelia Island, Florida, certainly turned up its fair share of stunning vehicles, with over US$35 million splashed on 91 cars and motorcycles spanning almost a century of production. Join Gizmag as we cast our eye over some of the highlights from the sale.
Notable sales from the March 8 auction included a still running 1901 De Dion-Bouton that fetched $115,500, while a 1986 Lamborghini Countach 5000 Quattrovalvole, one of only 13 carbureted examples imported to the US, went for $319,000. The value of these cars pales in comparison to the $6.6 million paid for a 1937 Delahaye 135 Competition Court Torpedo Roadster – a record price for the Amelia Island weekend.
But the collection wasn't just limited to cars built for the open road. A 1928 Bugatti Type 37A Grand Prix went for $962,500, while a 1914 Indian Hendee Special, believed to be the first motorcycle equipped with an electric starter, was sold for $126,500.
All of the vehicles embody accomplished craftsmanship, either through recent restorations or engineering that was ahead of its time. But don't take our word for it, click through to the gallery of our picks from the event to see the vehicles for yourself.
Nick has been writing and editing at New Atlas for over six years, where he has covered everything from distant space probes to self-driving cars to oddball animal science. He previously spent time at The Conversation, Mashable and The Santiago Times, earning a Masters degree in communications from Melbourne’s RMIT University along the way.
1 comment
Schuyler19
This was a great Concourse-I actually had a car there. It was on March 8th, as is every year. It's much lower key than Pebble Beach, but many whom have been to both, say Amelia is better. They have a silly area-whimsical cars that never made-it for instance, the "1962 El Tiburon Roadster" (The Shark).