Coachbuilt classics

RM’s 21st May sale also places a strong emphasis on elegance and sophistication in styling, as represented by a stunning selection of coachbuilt automobiles. Master French coachbuilders Figoni et Falaschi are responsible for a number of the sale highlights, including the breathtaking and previously-announced 1938 Talbot-Lago T150C-SS Teardrop Coupé, chassis number 90112 (Est. €3.100.000 - €3.800.000).

Also featuring coachwork by Figoni et Falaschi are an exquisite pair of pre-war Delahayes, which will make their first public appearance at the sale following a faithful, comprehensive two-year restoration by marque experts in France with the assistance of Claude Figoni. Built during the pinnacle of the French streamlined design movement, each boasts an intriguing history, having been hidden from public view during World War II.

Perfectly proportioned and resplendent in vibrant Andalouse Red with stunning chrome accents, the eye-catching 1939 Delahaye 135 MS Grand Sport Roadster, chassis number 60158, was enthusiastically campaigned by its second owner in numerous international vintage rallies during the ’80s and ’90s (Est. €800.000 – €980.000). The 1938 Delahaye 135 MS Coupe, chassis 60112, finished in light Ivory with a deep red interior, was displayed on the Figoni et Falaschi stand at the 1938 Paris Salon (Est. €900.000 – €1.100.000). Offered from the same private collection, both examples – like the other coachbuilt automobiles on offer – are wonderful representations of the automobile as an art form.

Additional notable highlights include:
- A flawless, well-documented 1937 Bugatti Type 57SC Atalante Coupé, one of only 17 built and recipient of ‘Best of Show’ at the 26th Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance (Est. €3.250.000 – €4.250.000);
- A stunning, multi-award-winning 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K Cabriolet A, built for the 14th Maharajah of Indore (Est. €1.250.000 – €1.800.000); and
- A handsome 1929 Rolls-Royce Springfield Phantom I Riviera Town Brougham, one of just 10 bodied by Brewster & Co. and featuring magnificent gold-plated exterior trim and original exterior cane work (Est. €490.000 – €700.000).
 

Spectacular Concepts

Rounding out the catalogue, RM’s upcoming sale also features six unique and historically significant Bertone design statements from the official collection of Bertone S.p.A. Each a trendsetting and historically significant concept, they not only reveal the design trends of their era but foreshadow the stylistic direction the manufacturer would take in years to come. The offering is headlined by a sensational 1967 Lancia Stratos HF Zero, the first prototype of the mid-engined Stratos production supercar and the hugely successful rally car (Est. €1.000.000 – €1.800.000), and the wild 1967 Lamborghini Marzal Prototype, the predecessor to the Espada, driven by Prince Ranier and Princess Grace at the start of the 1967 Monaco Grand Prix (Est. €1.000.000 – €1.800.000). The sale represents the very first time that any of these six vehicles have been offered for sale on the public market.

 
Event Details: RM Auctions at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este

Sale date:
21 May, 2011 8:30pm - 11:00pm CET

Preview dates:
20 May, 2011 10:00am - 5:00pm CET
21 May, 2011 10:00am - 5:00pm CET

Location:
Spazio Villa Erba,
Largo Luchino Visconti, 4
Cernobbio, Como, 22012, Italy

Admission:
Admission to the event requires the purchase of an official auction catalogue for €70. The catalogue admits two and must be presented at the entrance to the sale to be granted entry.

About RM Auctions
RM Auctions is the world's largest auction house for quality automobiles. With over three decades of experience in the collector car industry, RM's vertically integrated range of services, from restoration to private treaty sales, auctions, estate planning and financial services, coupled with an expert team of car specialists and international footprint, provide an unsurpassed level of service to the global collector car market. RM proudly holds four of the top five all-time records for the most expensive motor cars sold at auction. RM’s restoration division has achieved unprecedented accolades earning “Best of Show” honours at the world’s top concours events.


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