The focus of the collector car world returns to Central London, on October 26, 2011, as RM Auctions lifts the gavel on a magnificent selection of 80 of the world’s finest automobiles at Battersea Evolution.
Celebrating its fifth anniversary in 2011, RM’s flagship UK sale is regarded as the UK’s most consistently successful, highest grossing collector car auction, a reputation earned over the years for its stunning consignments, record prices and strong international clientele.
1972 Alfa Romeo 33-3 TT (photo credit: Simon Clay © 2011 courtesy RM Auctions)
Last year’s auction, headlined by the famous 1964 Aston Martin DB5 James Bond movie car, achieved in excess of CAD$30-million in sales with a strong 87% sell-through; bidders represented more than 30 countries around the world. The 2011 auction promises to continue the momentum, presenting yet another exceptional roster of blue-chip automotive marques for the savvy collector.
“The collector car market is vibrant,” says Max Girardo, managing director, RM Europe. “2011 has been a great year to date for RM Auctions globally, including two highly-successful new sales in Europe. The continuing strength of the market, coupled with our great track record in London and an exciting list of early consignments for the Battersea sale sets the stage for another memorable auction.”
Leading a long list of exciting early entries for the Battersea sale are a trio of Alfa Romeos, headlined by a rare, competition-bred 1972 Alfa Romeo 33-3 TT, chassis number AR11572/010. Raced extensively by the famed Autodelta team in 1972, this historic sports racing car was a participant at Le Mans in the hands of Nino Vaccarella and Andrea de Adamich, the latter of whom also drove the car in the Targa Florio that same season. Accompanied by extensive documentation and presented in outstanding, highly original condition, it boasts a freshly rebuilt engine and is ready to compete at the world’s most prestigious events. (Estimate: CAD$856,000 – $937,000, pictured top).
The sale will also feature an unusual 1929 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750, chassis number 0412061, featuring an original body by James Young (Estimate: CAD$163,000 – $212,000); and, a rare 1939 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Cabriolet, chassis number 913048, boasting a fascinating provenance and one of only two examples believed to have been completed in this style by Touring (Estimate: CAD$293,000 – $358,000).
1966 Ferrari 275 GTB Alloy Berlinetta (photo credit: Simon Clay © 2011 courtesy RM Auctions)