RM Sotheby’ s showcases the world’s most coveted collector cars, with average sale prices above $1 million. Key categories include: • Pre-War Classics ($500 K–$ 10 M+): Duesenbergs, Bugatti Type 57s, Mercedes-Benz 540Ks, Alfa Romeo 8C 2900s • Post-War Sports & Racing ($1 M–$ 20 M+): Ferrari 250 GTO, 250 GT SWB, Porsche 917/956, Ford GT40, Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato • Modern Supercars ($500 K–$ 5 M+): Ferrari F40/F50/Enzo/LaFerrari, Porsche Carrera GT, McLaren F1, Bugatti Veyron • Coachbuilt Masterpieces ($1 M–$ 15 M+): Talbot-Lago T150-C, Delahaye 135 MS, Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Touring • Historically Significant ($2 M–$ 50 M+): Le Mans winners, celebrity-owned, one-offs, royal commissions
Why Attend • Bucket-list Experience – See cars like the $48 M Ferrari 250 GTO or the $142 M Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé. • Education – Learn coachbuilding, racing lore, provenance, and investment criteria from scholarly catalog essays. • Networking – Rub shoulders with top collectors, curators, historians, and industry leaders.
First-Timer Tips • Dress Formally – Suits or sport coats for men; elegant attire for women. • Pre-Register & Study the Catalog – Smooth entry and informed questions. • Attend Previews – Inspect cars up close before they’re on stage. • Respect Vehicles – No touching or leaning on ropes. • Ask Informed Questions – Specialists appreciate homework. • Research Market & Timing – Know recent sales; consider Amelia Island for a quieter alternative. • Bring a Camera & Stay Through the Evening – Major lots often sell last. • Network Thoughtfully & Enjoy – The thrill of a multi-million-dollar sale is unforgettable.
Choosing Your Auction • Barrett-Jackson: American muscle, family-friendly, variety ($5 K–$10 M+) • Mecum: Muscle/hot rods, high volume, bargains ($5 K–$3 M+) • Copart: Salvage deals online ($500–$100 K) • Russo & Steele: European sports, intimate ring format ($30 K–$2 M+) • RM Sotheby’s: Investment-grade, pre-war, international elegance ($500 K–$50 M+)
Practical Prep Set a budget (buyer’s premium, tax, transport, insurance), inspect in person, understand paperwork, arrange financing, plan logistics, and have ID ready.
Auction Travels Follow their YouTube channel and website for previews, live coverage, post-auction analysis, interviews, and bidding strategies.
Whether you’re seeking a family-fun spectacle or chasing investment-grade rarities, the collector-car auction world awaits. The gavel is up—will you be there to witness history?
