The automobiles featured at RM Sotheby’s Driven By Disruption auction in New York City this week might be the most amazing and significant group of vehicles ever at a single auction. A bold statement, for sure, but take a look at our top 10 favorites, presented in no special order:
1. The 1956 Ferrari 290 MM: Factory race car that was built for Fangio to race. Also driven by Bonnier, Von Trips, Gregory, Musso, among others.
2. The 1962 Aston Martin DB4GT Zagato: That is really all you have to say about this one.
3. The 1955 Ferrari 500 Mondial raced by Phil Hill in period and also wearing its original blue paint after being carefully stripped of it’s later factory-applied red paint.
4. Roy Rogers’ 1963 Pontiac Bonneville Nudie Mobile: A seriously guilty pleasure and a car admired by almost the entire room of collectors, no matter what their interests.
5. 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS: A Porsche Parade-winning example in No. 1 condition
6. 1981 BMW M1: The nicest we have ever seen, all original and flawless.
7. 1972 Lamborghini Miura SV: A No. 1 condition, flawless restoration.
8. 1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona: A fantastic restoration done to FCA Platinum levels.
9. Janis Joplin’s personal 1964 Porsche 356: Like the Aston above, that title says it all.
10. 1938 Bugatti 57C Atalante: One of the most beautiful Bugatti designs ever and a car with amazing history as well.
We are leaving out so many cars, including a 300SL competition car, additional Ferraris, Mercedes, a Talbot Lago and many others.
This was a sale without any filler whatsoever, unless you consider a flawlessly restored series 1 E-type roadster filler. Maybe a few years ago but not these days.
The presentation of the cars also was excellent with displays that spoke to bidders and spectators about the history of the cars with the use of dramatic but tasteful graphics, props, photographs and signage. It was a virtual museum show of significant cars of the last 90 years.
Photos by Andy Reid