Gallery: $20M Worth of Classic Cars From an Extravagant Auction
RM Sotheby's0101.lot135.jaguar
To avoid paying heavy taxes on a new car, the Finnish buyer of this 1955 D-Type asked Jaguar to make the car appear used, so the company added an old steering wheel, adjusted the odometer, and more. In what must have been an awesome sight, the car was used for ice racing and is one of the most original D-Types in the world. $3,675,000
Tim Scott/RM Sotheby's0202.lot160.jaguar
This Jaguar XJR-9, chassis 388, was the third XJR-9 completed, participating in a number of IMSA GTP endurance races in 1988, including at Daytona, Miami, Road Atlanta and others. It won the 24 Hours of Daytona in 1990 and finally ended its career by taking third later that year at the 12 Hours of Sebring. $2,145,000
Robin Adams/RM Sotheby's0303.lot183.ferrari
The 1972 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Spider, is one of 121 Spiders to come from the factory and of the most desirable convertible Ferraris ever built. The V12 makes an "incredible" exhaust note thanks in part to the open-air experience. This version is Ferrari Classiche certified, restored by Ferrari itself. $3,300,000
RM Sotheby's0404.lot152.lamborghini
This 1971 Lamborghini Miura SV was the first of its kind to enter the US, a prototype intended to be tested by the EPA. The car made the first public Miura appearance in the country, at the Boston Auto Show. After going through several owners, the car has since been restored to original condition. $2,310,000
Ryan Merrill/RM Sotheby's0505.lot154.cobra
When Carroll Shelby had trouble selling a few hundred 427 Cobra chassis to racing teams, he used them to make a street-legal version of the car. Marketed as the fastest street car ever built, the 427 Semi-Competition could accelerate from 0 to 100MPH and back to 0 in a still-incredible 13.2 seconds. $2,117,500
RM Sotheby's0606.lot187.mercedes
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL "Gullwing" coupe is one of the most beautiful cars ever built. Naturally, so is the drop-top version. This Fire Engine Red 1961 300 SL Roadster has been owned by a series of enthusiasts that actually drove the car, putting a total of 63,000 miles on her. We'd welcome her in the WIRED garage. $962,500
Anthony Bellemare/RM Sotheby's0707.lot155.toyota
One of only 84 left-hand-drive 1968 Toyota 2000GT's, this car was built to goose the company's staid reputation as a designer of conservative econoboxes. Intertwining design and performance, the 2000GT produced 150 horsepower, impressive on a car weighing just 2,400 pounds. It remains a beauty, even today. $880,000
RM Sotheby's0808.lot134.ferrari
This 1995 Ferrari F512 M graced the bedroom posters of many an adolescent growing up in the mid 90s. Only 75 of the 501 units built came to the US, and this one, with just 11,000 miles on the odo, includes all the owner's manuals and books, as well as the original tool set, adding to the appeal. $462,000
RM Sotheby's0909.lot138.mercedes
This 1935 Mercedes-Benz 500/540 K Cabriolet A was purchased by a Cpt. Dean Weihe of the US Air Force, who brought it home in 1961. Fully restored in 2000, the car has been well-cared for. One of only 33 built, and thought to be 1 of 11 surviving, the car can still handle the long-distance touring for which it was built. $3,025,000
RM Sotheby's1010.lot109.fiat
Given the current popularity of the new Fiat 500, it's good to remember where the car came from. This 1952 Fiat 500C Topolino is considered by some to be the most popular, stylish, and best-loved small car of its era. With a 16-horsepower 34.9 cubic-inch four-cylinder engine, and a top-speed of 59mph, this 500 is a (slightly) more affordable classic. $52,250
