Finest cars up for grabs at RM Auctions

Despite technological advancements that make modern cars more powerful and fuel efficient, there is something about classic cars that never fails to evoke a positive reaction. Since most classic vehicles are no longer in production, the only way to get your hands on a piece is through auctions. One of the better known car auction companies is RM Auctions which also undertakes restorations. They’re also record holders for the most expensive cars sold at auctions. We’ve picked out 15 classic cars that one can get their hands on from RM this January if money isn’t an issue.

Estimate price: $575,000-$675,000

Why unique to own

Perfect for long distance touring, the 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL roadster has been superbly restored. Rudge wheels help give the restoration a correct reproduction while the 300SL has retained its original matching number engine. This model was also eligible for the Mille Miglia.

Buy here

Estimate price: $900,000-$1,200,000

Why unique to own

BMW has always been known for its stylish performance cars. This to-be-auctioned model has been professionally restored by RM Auto Restoration and awaits its new owner, promising stunning presentation and power. Only 251 of these BMW roadsters were ever built and this model has been correctly represented.

Bid here

Estimate price: $125,000-$175,000

Why unique to own

Potential buyers will be bidding like crazy on the 1913 Pathfinder 5-Passenger Touring as it is the only surviving 1913 Pathfinder. Owned by a single family for the past 90 years, the model is in good condition and received a three-year restoration by George L. Carney in 1980. A must-buy for a classic car enthusiast.

Bid here

Estimate price: $1,750,000-$2,250,000

Why unique to own

Buyers will have the distinction of being the proud owner of the only 1957 Ferrari 410 Superamerica Coupe to have been bodied by Scaglietti. While it’ll be selling for a pretty high price, it’s well worth it as the restoration work has been done by ex-Scaglietti and Ferrari craftsmen. The Superamerica has attracted a very exclusive client list and the next owner will have the privilege of joining that list.

Bid here

Estimate price: $750,000-$850,000

Why unique to own

One of the most well known performance cars of the 20th century, the 1966 Shelby 427 Cobra Roadster helped propel Ford into the international racing scene. Driven by the likes of racers like Pete Brock, Ken Miles and Phil Remington, the model to be auctioned has had just three owners with only 11,000 miles driven. The lucky winner of the RM Auctions bid will be the proud owner of this winner of the Cobra vs Ferrari war of the 60s.

Bid here

Estimate price: $300,000-$400,000

Why unique to own

If famous is what you’re looking for, then you needn’t look any further than the 1938 Cadillac V-16 Presidential Convertible Parade Limousine. Ferrying bigwigs like Truman, Roosevelt and Eisenhower, it was just one of two limousines built for the White House. Called The Queen Mary, this limousine is one of the most recognizable cars.

Bid here

Estimate price: $475,000-$600,000

Why unique to own

The 1931 Chrysler CG Imperial Convertible to be auctioned off by RM Auctions this January is one of only three in existence. First bought by Calvin Collins in 1939, it was bought by restorer Richard Grenon in 2009 from Calvin’s son, Scott. Restored by Grenon and his son, notable features include a full rear window and an interior light which are Waterhouse trademarks, dual side-mounted tires and a sun visor. Following its full restoration, the car has received many awards.

Bid here

Estimate price: $400,000-$500,000

Why unique to own

This particular car reportedly featured in Pacific Auto Rentals’ catalogue years back. Incidentally, Pacific Auto Rentals was a very well known company that supplied cars for Hollywood films in the 30s to 50s. Blackhawk Collection is said to have acquired it and sent it to Mike Fennel Restorations for a rebuild which took two years. The 1927 Isotta-Fraschini is also the winner of the 2009 Amelia Island award.

Bid here

Estimate price: $115,000-$145,000

Why unique to own

Performance-wise, the 1957 Jaguar XKSS Roadster Recreation will give you your money’s worth. Recreated by hand by New Zealand’s Tempero Coach & Motor Co., this beauty features a 5-speed gearbox and a 4.2-liter Jaguar XK engine. Red leather seat inserts beautifully complement the silver-blue body, making this roadster recreation worth owning.

Bid here

Estimate price: $475,000-$650,000

Why unique to own

The lucky buyer of this vehicle will have the privilege of being the owner of one of eight models of the 1931 Marmon Sixteen Convertible Coupe. It’s also one of the few cars with a completely documented history, having just six owners in eight decades. The restored model pictured above was the winner of the 2011 Amelia Island award, bagging a perfect 100 score.

Bid here

Estimate price: $325,000-$425,000

Why unique to own

Just 64 supercharged 1937 Cord 812 SC coupes were ever manufactured, making the potential buyer of this vehicle one proud owner. Restored about 25 years back, this brilliant yellow piece features a two-tone red and yellow interior, a tan convertible top and amber-colored Cord-scripted fog lamps. Known unofficially as the Sportsman, the 1937 Cord 812 SC was showcased at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in 2010.

Bid here

Estimate price: $900,000-$1,200,000

Why unique to own

While it comes at a steep price, the 1930 Duesenberg Model J LWB Dual Cowl Phaeton is worth every dollar. Pegged from the start to be the finest car the world has ever seen, its launch in 1928 actually halted trading in the interior of the New York Stock Exchange. It is the only long-wheelbase model in existence and features original LeBaron coachwork.

Bid here

Estimate price: $325,000-$400,000

Why unique to own

The restoration of this model of the 1932 Auburn V-12 Speedster cost a whopping $400,000 in the early 2000s. The result is well worth it, however, as it is a perfect testament to the stunning beauty of E.L. Cord’s vehicles. The V-12 is known to have broken many speed records ranging from one to 500 miles. Noted for its impressive speed back in the day, the 1932 Auburn V-12 Speedster is a must-have for classic car lovers with a feel for speed.

Bid here

Estimate price: $250,000-$300,000

Why unique to own

This restored beauty is just one of four 1915 Pierce-Arrow Model 48 7-Passenger Touring models in existence today. When bought by the Van Beek family in 1996, the car racked up a mileage of a very impressive 27,000 miles with only one mechanical failure. A fine example of touring cars of its time, the potential owner of this piece will be witness to its mechanical sophistication.

Bid here

Estimate price: $125,000-$175,000

Why unique to own

Potential buyers will be bidding like crazy on the 1913 Pathfinder 5-Passenger Touring as it is the only surviving 1913 Pathfinder. Owned by a single family for the past 90 years, the model is in good condition and received a three-year restoration by George L. Carney in 1980. A must-buy for a classic car enthusiast.

Bid here

 

© 2012, Automotto. Some rights reserved.