Blue-chip collector cars led the bidding at Auction America’s second-annual Los Angeles sale, an event that generated $17.5 million in sales for its wide-ranging selection of cars and automobilia.
Leading the charge was a gorgeously restored 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300SL roadster that hit $1,155,000, followed by a lovely 1953 Ferrari 250 Europa that went for $1,017,500 (all sales results include buyer fees).
The 2014 results for the California sale last weekend was a tick higher than last year’s inaugural event, which resulted in a $17.2 million sale. The sell-through rate was off this year compared with 2013, though, when 83 percent of the cars sold. This year, 254 cars out of 400 offered went to new owners, for a 63.5 percent sales rate.
Other top sales included:
- 1990 Ferrari F40, formerly owned by rock star Rod Stewart, $990,000
- 1966 Shelby 427 Cobra, $962,500
- 1966 Ferrari 330 GTC, $759,000
Several late-model exotics hit high numbers, such as the 2005 Ford GT that sold for $275,000 and a 2004 Porsche Carrera GT for $385,000. Other notable sales included a 1969 DeTomaso Mangusta that rang the bell at $214,500 and a rare V12 engine from a Ferrari 333 SP, which commanded a strong $310,500.
The California sale presented a highly diverse selection of collector cars, from entry-level vintage cars, sports cars and micro cars – some of which sold for modest four-figure prices – to top-drawer classics and performance cars. According to Auctions America, the offerings were selected with an eye toward the California lifestyle and interests and designed to appeal to a wide range of potential buyers.
“The success of our second California Sale is a tribute to the enthusiasm in the Los Angeles-area collector-car community,” said Ian Kelleher, managing director of auctions for Auction America’s West Coast Division. “This sale offers California enthusiasts the opportunity to purchase anything from a late-model sports car to a seven-figure concours-quality classic without having to travel out of town. Last year’s results were unprecedented, and this year surpassed our expectations.”
