RM Sotheby’s London Sale

The London sale by RM Sotheby’s has become something of an institution, bringing an extra appeal every year to the autumn build-up to the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run.  Of course, this year everything is different. The Run has been cancelled, but the London Sale continues online. 

As with many of the pandemic-era auctions, the London sale has attracted plenty of really interesting lots, including a few obvious highlights, such as the 1992 Porsche 911 Turbo S Lightweight (above), one of only 86 built. This is a 964-model 911, a series that’s consistently gained in desirability over the last decade. The 964 RS was first to gain attention, but this being the Lightweight version of the Turbo S, it’s truly special. 

There are several more Porsches in the sale, but a few particularly stand out, such as the 1974 3.0 RS (above) that’s estimated at £800,000 to £1,000,000 and the 1955 Porsche 356 Carrera 1500 GS Speedster (below), which was one of the first Pre-A versions of this incredibly desirable models built. It has the famed four-cam engine and it’s Mille Miglia eligible, so it’s estimated at £1,100,000 to £1,300,000.

Of course it’s not just Porsche… how about Ferrari? There’s a stunning amount of Ferrari memorabilia in the sale, including a fantastic illuminated sign and a 250GTO/64 wireframe nose that would make the most amazing indoor sculpture. As for cars, (among others) there’s an F40, a 599 Aperta and a 2018 488 GTB that looks superb in silver.

There’s vintage too, our favourite of which is the 1938 Bentley 4¼-Litre Sedanca Coupé by Gurney Nutting, one of just four built it’s thought, and estimated at £25,000 to £300,000. There is also a stunning array of 1950s, ‘60s and ‘70s classics with unusual provenance, one of the highlights of which is a very early Jaguar E-type, registered 6162 RW actually used by the factory as a development and media car.

In complete contrast there’s a wonderful Mercedes-Benz 600 limo and  a 1969 Austin Mini Cooper Mk2. Could they be more different!

Some of the less obvious lots deserve a look. Two Lamborghini tractors? Bizzarrini Strada body buck? Bentley Blower childrens’ car? Or even simply just a Heuer Chronograph Race Timer? Or, if you’re all done with wheels for a while, how about a beautiful 1970 Riva Aquamara, perfect for the Italian lakes.

Text David Lillywhite  Photos RM Sotheby’s

Author: David Lillywhite

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