2009 RM Auctions Automobiles of Arizona
Across town from Barrett-Jackson at the Bitmore Resort, RM Auctions held its "Automobiles of Arizona" auction highlighted by several multi-million dollar cars including a one-of-five 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport and a past Pebble Beach winner 1937 Bugatti 57SC Atalante Coupe (much like the one that was recently found in a barn). Unfortunately, neither car saw a bid that met the reserve price, perhaps an indication that current economic conditions are finally catching up with the high-end collector car market.
The Grand Sport went unsold with a top bid of $5 million, and the Bugatti failed to meet its reserve with a high bid of $4.4 million. A 1958 Ferrari 250 GT Tour de France also went unsold with a top bid of $1.8 million. One notable car that did find a new owner was the 1954 Dodge Firearrow III Concept with the hammer falling at $800,000 before auction fees. There were plenty of other beautiful cars that did sell, and you can check out the full list at RM's web site.© Source: autoblog
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Labels: 2009 RM Auctions Automobiles of Arizona, autonews, RM Auctions
posted by Anonymous @ 3:35 PM
1 Comments:
I believe that the main reason that the Bugatti Type 57SC did not sell at RM Auctions in Arizona was because all the 'serious' Buyers will be waiting for the 'Howe' Type 57S At Bonhams,Paris, next month.
Any 'Serious' collector would not consider this car in the wake of the upcoming sale in Paris.
The Bonhams car is 99% original, and also has probably the best provenance of any Type 57S out there.
The Yellow Arizona car has been tampered with, and does not even have its original engine. It is also one of the few unfortunate cars to have been built with extended rear wings, which spoil the lines at the back of the car completely. The most beautiful angle of the Type 57S is its Booty.
I think that RM did the car, and its vendor, a real injustice by offering it before the sale of the Howe Bugatti in Paris next month. The only bidders they were ever likely to attract would be 'Bargain Hunters'.
You just cannot compare this car to the Howe Bugatti, or the Williamson car which was sold by Goodings last year.
I will be watching the Retromobile Auction with interest, and think that the Howe Type 57s will make close to three times the Arizona 57SC last week.
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