The spotlight will be on more than a century of automotive design and styling when the Sports & Classics of Monterey return, Aug. 16-17 at Portola Resort & Spa in Monterey.
Presented by RM Auctions on Monrovia, Calif., a range of luxurious classics, fast sports cars and exotic customs and street rods for will be available for bid. The fleet includes:
* 1933 Rolls Royce Phantom II Special Town Car; * 1929 Bentley 8 Liter Vanden Plas Tourer; * 1930 Duesenberg Model J Dual Cowl Phaeton Barrel-side by Le Baron; * 1938 Lincoln Convertible Victoria by Brunn; * 1939 Bugatti T57C Faux Cabriolet by James Young; * 1909-1912-1913 Peerless; * 1930 Cadillac V16 Sport Phaeton; * 1938 Packard Twelve Convertible Coupe.
Now in its 23rd year, the two-day event is the original auction held during the famed Monterey Classic Car week, and each year its attracts discerning collectors and enthusiasts from around the world.
While the event initially focused solely on sports and racing cars, in recent years, RM has broadened its offering to incorporate classic, luxury cars to cater for a growing international client base.
“This event is a highlight of our annual auction calendar and we anticipate another record-breaking sale as we present one of the most diverse line-ups of investment quality collector cars ever assembled on the Monterey Peninsula,” said Ian Kelleher, RM managing director. “This year’s offering caters for a wide range of automotive tastes and in addition to a thrilling line-up of sports and racing cars, puts a spotlight on vintage design and styling with a range of the world’s most beautiful classics.
Headlining the impressive list of luxury classics is an elegant, highly original 1933 Rolls Royce Phantom II Special Town Car, with coachwork by Brewster. Delivered new in 1934, it was the most expensive car in the world built that year with a price of $31,000.
The first of only three Special Town Cars completed, its one-off design was the direct inspiration for the Special Town Car bodies completed by Brewster for the actress Constance Bennett in 1935 and Dutch Darrin for the Countess de Frasso in 1938. It’s the only one of the trio to have been finished with its original body on the original chassis.
Also set to gain widespread interest at RM’s Monterey event is a rare, highly desirable 1929 Bentley 8 Liter Vanden Plas Tourer. One of ten 8 liter Bentleys built with open coachwork, this example is fresh to the market having remained virtually unknown in a barn for over 25 years. Introduced to the U.S. in 1966, the example on offer boasts an all original chassis and engine, and recently emerged from a thorough restoration. In the current vendor’s possession since 1997, both the vendor and restoration specialist, Brian Joseph, report this car to be the ‘best driving 8 liter’ they have driven.
Joining these British models will be a series of luxury American classics, including a majestic, rare 1930 Duesenberg Model J Dual Cowl Phaeton (Barrel-side) with coachwork by Le Baron. Known as J243, the vehicled originally was a Duesenberg factory demonstration car before it was delivered to New York City in the fall of 1930.
After various owners, the car eventually found its way into the garage of Jim Hoe, who after fulfilling his military obligations, went on to become a famous Duesenberg mechanic.
Admission to the Sports & Classics of Monterey auction event is $40 per person, with children 12 and under admitted free. An auction catalog is available for an additional $100, including shipping and handling within North America.
In addition to onsite bidding, RM Auctions also offers the option to bid via phone or online. For further information on online bidding, please visit www.rmauctions.com/onlineauctions or contact our Client Services department. The auction can be viewed live on auction day at www.liveauctioneers.com
For further information, call (800)-211-4371 or visit www.rmauctions.com
