Tag Archives: RM Sotheby's

Auctions

1959 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster for sale

In 1954, Mercedes-Benz introduced a two-seat sports car, the Mercedes-Benz 300SL. It was first produced as a Coupe, and in 1957 it was replaced by the Roadster version of this model. One of the Coupe examples, the 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster is up for auction.

When it hit the market with a list price of $11,000, it was very popular among celebrities, racing drivers and other successful individuals. This example is part of the Dare to Dream Collection and in 2013 it underwent a complete restoration by renowned marque specialist Rudi Koniczek. It is one of only 101 Roadsters from the entire production finished in extraordinary Light Blue, and one of only 211 examples produced by Mercedes-Benz during their 1959 model year.

During the restoration, the car was stripped completely while steel and aluminum panels were added into the car’s original body where required. It is equipped with Dunlop disc brakes, 3.64 ratio rear axle, color-matched wheels, a Becker Mexico radio, Talbot mirror, and Baisch-style seat belts, while its sumptuous, ergonomic interior was masterfully retrimmed in pristine red leather (1079) beneath a Dark Blue fabric Roadster top.

The car is powered by an original 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine that provides outstanding performance. It is reliable enough to be a favorite of enthusiasts for vintage rallies, long-distance touring, but also for everyday driving.

This collectible Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster is offered without reserve and has an estimated value of $1,500,000 – $1,800,000 USD.

Source: RM Sotheby’s

Gallery:

1959 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster for sale
Auctions

1996 Honda NSX-R for sale

In 1989, Honda introduced a mid-engine sports car, the Honda NSX-R, with a balance between raw performance and daily driveability. However, two years later for customers who wanted a no-compromise racing experience, the Japanese manufacturer introduced a more powerful limited version of this model, the Honda NSX-R. Only 483 examples were produced and one of them, the 1996 Honda NSX-R is for sale.

In early March, the car was auctioned but failed to reach the asking price of $450,000. Some will say that the owner is asking too much, perhaps he is if we consider that examples like this are estimated at $80,000 – $120,000.

The car is finished in Championship white and is one of the best preserved examples of this model. The weight of 1229 kg (2,710 pounds) was achieved by removing the audio and air conditioning systems, traction control, spare tire, and even some of the electrical system.

This NSX-R is equipped with custom Recaro racing seats, aluminum brackets to further stiffen the chassis, Enkei lightweight forged aluminum wheels, a competition-oriented suspension system with a stiffer front wishbone, suspension bushings, coil springs and dampers.

When it comes to the powertrain, under the hood is a 3.2-liter naturally aspirated V6 engine with a balanced crankshaft assembly and a revised final drive ratio. Power is rated at 294 hp (216 kW) and 224 lb-ft (304 Nm) of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a 6-speed manual gearbox.

The car is in excellent condition and still has the factory plastic covering the door sills. The six-digit odometer shows only 18,320 km (~11,496 miles). Comes with Japanese service records from new, owner’s manual and other books, keys, and has undergone recent servicing in preparation for sale.

Source: RM Sotheby’s

Gallery:

1996 Honda NSX-R for sale
Auctions

1958 Ferrari 250 “Pontoon Fender” Testa Rossa is up for auction

The Testa Rossa was the most successful sports racing car in Ferrari’s illustrious history, securing four World Championships and four overall victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans from 1958 to 1962. In 1957, Ferrari, in cooperation with Italian coachbuilder Sergio Scaglietti, began production of 19 special examples of the Ferrari 250 “Pontoon Fender” Testa Rossa. It is an extraordinary collector’s car, and one example of the 1958 Ferrari 250 “Pontoon Fender” Testa Rossa is up for auction.

The development of the Testa Rossa model was gradual, and after a lot of experimentation Ferrari decided on a 3.0-liter “Red Head” engine and a Scaglietti spider body also known as the “Pontoon Fender”. These examples have become among the most famous cars that Ferrari has ever built, and the desire of many collectors.

This example with chassis 0738 TR was ordered in 1958 by Jean-Louis Lacerda Soares of Sao Paolo through the Official Central and South American Ferrari Concessionaire Carlos Kauffman in Caracas. As a member of the Scuderia Lagartix team, he used the car in races, and in two years he achieved multiple victories and half-a-dozen podium finishes.

In 1961, the car was bought by Giorgio Moroni, who sent it to Italy, where a new 250 GTO-style body was created by Piero Drogo. After that, in 1965, Moroni sold the car to Claudio Klabin, who continued to use it in races. Until 2010, when it stopped being used in vantage races, the car changed several more owners.

In 2013, the car was sent for a full restoration where it was restored to its original body. The work was done by Ferrari Classiche, which issued its all-important Red Book, confirming that this is one of the few remaining examples that has retained both its original engine and gearbox. The restoration cost more than 650,000 euros.

Many collectors and car enthusiasts consider the Ferrari 250 “Pontoon Fender” Testa Rossa to be the ultimate Ferrari. This is an ideal and rare opportunity that collectors should not miss.

The auction will take place on February 21-23, 2024.

Source: RM Sotheby’s

Gallery:

1958 Ferrari 250 "Pontoon Fender" Testa Rossa is up for auction