February 2025 Auction Preview: Temptations Galore in the International Market

    Cliff Chambers15 January, 2025

    Broad Arrow Auctions Academy of Art University Collection

    The Academy of Art University in San Francisco is poised to auction off its world-renowned collection in February 2025 (Image: Broad Arrow Auctions)

    There are temptations galore as the international auction scene ramps up for 2025, according to Retro Rides market analyst and serial tyre kicker Cliff Chambers.

    If you hanker for the glamour of 1920s Hollywood, or southern France in the 1960s, then two recently unveiled auction catalogues offer a range of vehicles to fulfil your fantasy.

    February 4-5 will see RM Sotheby’s take over part of the Louvre Palace in central Paris to present an exceptional selection of cars, many from a long-term Belgian collector or the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway Collection.

    Then on February 15 in San Francisco, Broad Arrow Auctions will offer a catalogue of 100 cars, all unreserved, from the Academy of Art University Collection.

     1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe

    This 1955 Gullwing Coupe finished in stunning Strawberry Red Metallic is offered at no reserve but expected to garner a US$1.2-1.5 million winning bid (Image: Broad Arrow Auctions)

    The Broad Arrow sale looks set to attract plenty of bidders in various price ranges, all competing to own some beautifully preserved cars.

    Most costly will likely be the Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing which is estimated at US$1.5 million. However, the sale also includes excellent MG and Triumph sports cars and plenty of 1960s US classics with estimates ranging from US$20,000-35,000.

    Also in the mix is an Australian-spec Mini Cooper S Mark 2, complete with Victorian number plates, tacked on wheel-arch flares and an enticing US$25,000-35,000 estimate. 

    1970 Morris Mini Cooper S Mk II

    This Australian-built Mini Cooper S somehow ended up in America at the Academy of Art University, complete with Victorian number plates (Image: Broad Arrow Auctions)

    Earlier models that on the day may exceed quite modest estimates include 1920s-30s US models that would have cruised the affluent streets of New York and Hollywood in their younger days. 

    Our picks for scarcity and value include a V12-engined 1934 Packard with Pebble Beach Concours history estimate at US$350,000-400,000 and the 1929 Auburn Boat Tail Speedster at US$120,000-150,000. 

    Anyone with US$70,000 to spend and wanting a US-made sports car other than a Corvette might also consider the very scarce Kaiser-Darrin Roadster which is one of only 435 made.

     1934 Packard Twelve 1108 Convertible Victoria

    This 1934 Packard Twelve, also from the Academy of Art University collection, is one many glamorous American motors on offer in Broad Arrow's February sale (Image: Broad Arrow Auctions)

    RM Sotheby’s Parisian event will doubtless see many higher prices realised than at the Californian sale, and more exotic models sold. However, the listings are also dotted with cars that are within reach of mainstream enthusiast buyers.

    Topping the list of price estimates and being offered on behalf of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum collection is one of the world’s most desirable Ferraris – a 250LM which won the 1965 24 Hours of Le Mans race and was subsequently owned by US Ferrari distributor Luigi Chinetti. It has been in the Museum’s collection for 55 years.

    Another desirable exotic with a sale price likely exceeding €10 million (US$10.24 million) is the Bugatti Centodieci – one of 10 cars built in 2022 by Bugatti Automobiles SAS to commemorate the release 30 years earlier of the EB110.

    1964 Ferrari 250 LM by Scaglietti

    This Ferrari 250 LM which won the 1965 24 Hours of Le Mans is expected to fetch more than €25 million in RM Sotheby's Paris 2025 sale (Image: Ferrari S.p.A.)

    Look back further again and the listings include evocative French, Italian and British exotics from the 1960-70s; cars rarely seen in Australia and almost never sold here.

    The RM Sotheby’s event will bring together rarities like the only Aston Martin DB6 Shooting Brake produced in LHD by Panelcraft, alongside pristine examples of the DB4 and DB5 coupe. There as well, will be a pair of DB2/4 and DB3 Dropheads in equally lovely condition.

    Ferrari buyers will find opportunities in a variety of price ranges, commencing at €80,000 (US$82,000) for a V12-engined 412 from 1985 then running to perhaps €25 million (US$25.6 million) for the 250LM.

    1966 Aston Martin DB6 Shooting Brake by FLM Panelcraft

    This DB6 Shooting Brake is believed to be one of only three rebodied by FLM Panelcraft, and the sole left-hand drive example among them (Image: Neil Fraser for RM Sotheby's)

    Those looking for Lamborghinis have lots of choice, with the list including an early 400GT and 1969 Islero, with the highlight being a Countach Periscopo in from Sweden that’s expected to exceed €750,000 (US$768,000).

    The Porsches begin with a selection of cheap 928s before improving to include several early 356s, various GT2 and GT3s and lots of 911s.

    Exotics that rarely appear anywhere but are available in Paris include a Mercedes-Benz Grosser Landaulet which is expected to make €1.3-1.6 million (US$1.33-1.64 million) and a 1970 Ferrari 512M Le Mans racer worth more than €10 Million (US$10.24 million).

    Full lists of cars available in these two auctions are available on the Broad Arrow Auctions and RM Sotheby’s websites.

    1974 Mercedes-Benz 600 'Six-Door' Pullman Landaulet

    On the quirky end of the spectrum, you'll find this opulent six-door Mercedes-Benz Grosser Pullman Landaulet originally delivered new to the government of Portuguese Guinea, now Guinea-Bissau, amid its bid for independence in 1974 (Image: Alexander Babic for RM Sotheby's)

    Cliff Chambers

    Writer & Head Valuer

    At age 14, surrounded by stacks of motoring magazines from the local junk shop, Cliff Chambers was warned by a concerned mother that he would ‘Never get anywhere knowing a lot about old cars.’  Seventeen years later when his definitive book, Making Money From Collectable Cars was published, she was proud to be proven wrong.

    That was in 1987, but Cliff’s life was already revolving around all things automotive. From working part time in a panel shop while at university, he moved to motor industry consultancy roles and managing a Championship winning rally team.

    During the 1990s he joined the classic vehicle insurance industry, at the same time becoming a prolific writer for magazines and motoring websites. Then came his ongoing contribution as one of the country’s leading vehicle valuers.

    Away from work, automotive events and objects remain prominent in Cliff’s world. He has owned more than 40 cars now considered ‘classic’ and within his collection of motor-related items there remain some of those magazines acquired as a fact hungry teen.

    Cliff brings to Retro Rides a blend of unique industry skills and a love of vehicles that will become more obvious with every contribution he makes to the site.

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