Being a vintage car collector required patience, passion, patience, love and determination. Some collect to preserve the past, others for the thrill, the hunt or the quest but the one thing they have in common is the pure joy and excitement owning rare vintage cars brings.
For avid car collectors, RM Sotheby’s exclusive and private sales are the pinnacle of taste and exclusivity, offering the perfect opportunity in own some of the world’s most significant blue-chip vehicles.
Here is a selection of what is on offer this year:
1960 Aston Martin DB4 GT Lightweight
1960 Aston Martin DB4 GT Lightweight
From a sporting – if not necessarily a commercial – perspective, 1959 proved to be the most important year in Aston Martin’s history. At their twentieth attempt, they finally won the coveted Le Mans 24 Hours race; a result which proved instrumental in securing the World Championship for Sports Cars later that year. This beauty, the 1960 Aston Martin DB4 GT Lightweight, was one of just 75 Touring-bodied DB4 GTs constructed, and one of only six RHD ‘Lightweight’ cars. Having won several racing victories, the vehicle was fastidiously maintained during the present ownership by marque specialists Aston Engineering. Its fascinating association with one of the most illustrious of all privateer racing teams, race-winning pedigree – courtesy of ‘Moss the Maestro’ and Jack Sears – and unimpeachable, entirely UK-domiciled provenance undoubtedly renders 0124/R one of the most significant Aston Martins to be offered for sale in recent times. As such, it would represent a dramatic and hugely historically significant centrepiece to any suitably discerning car collection.
960 Bentley S2 Drophead Coupe by H.J. Mulliner
One of the firm’s most successful models, a total of 1,863 Bentley S2s were produced by the time production drew to a close in 1962—virtually all of which were fitted with standard factory bodywork. Just 15 examples benefitted from the beautifully proportioned and hugely expensive Drophead Coupé coachwork of H.J. Mulliner & Co., Ltd. Of those special cars, just seven would be configured in left-hand-drive, the first of which is presented here: chassis B75LBR.
The car passed through the hands of at least one other owner before being acquired by the consigning seller via Vantage Motorworks of Miami, Florida in 2021. The Bentley was serviced by the dealership prior to its sale, for more than $83,000, and remains in excellent condition. A rare example of a post-war, coach-built Bentley, these strikingly attractive H.J. Mulliner S2 Drophead Coupés are seldom seen and much sought-after, and would make a fine addition to any collection of significant British motorcars.
1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster
A truly exceptional 300 SL Roadster, specified from new with several unique features and retains its original chassis, engine, gearbox, and body. It is the final 300 SL to be fully restored by marque specialist Rudi & Company of Victoria, with a silver grey metallic over a red leather interior.
Introduced three years after the highly-acclaimed 300 SL ‘Gullwing’, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster offered not just the thrill of open-air motoring, but numerous improvements over its closed sibling. Between 1957 and 1963, a total of 1,858 300 SL Roadsters were produced. Like the Gullwing that preceded it, these cars have remained highly sought-after by enthusiasts from the moment they entered production, and today are considered to be one of the most iconic automobiles ever built by Mercedes-Benz.
Despite bearing a 1957 chassis number, this particular 300 SL Roadster was completed by the factory 1958. Although this 300 SL Roadster was built to US specifications, it is believed that the car was delivered new to Germany rather than being shipped straight to North America. Acquired by its current Ontario-based owner in 2017, this beautifully presented Mercedes-Benz remains in exceptional condition today, having been very well preserved following the completion of the restoration.
Hailed as one of the greatest open sportscars of all time, the 300 SL Roadster is an icon of one of the most glamorous periods of motoring. Considered by many to be a more accomplished drive than its Gullwing sibling, these extraordinarily capable and deeply attractive Roadsters offer a seductive combination of class-leading performance, dynamic handling, and looks that could stop traffic.
For more information on the provenance and sale details visit: www.rmsothebys.com
Images Courtesy: RM Sotheby’s
