20 classic cars we couldn’t resist for sale this week at Amelia Island

Awesome classics prepare for a bumper week at Amelia

This week, the classic car community sets its sights on Amelia Island in Florida, USA, as three of the largest and most prestigious auction houses prepare to sell a dazzling array of classics.

It all kicks off with Bonhams’ sale on 5 March, Gooding & Company’s lots crossing the block on 6 March, while for RM Sotheby’s it’s a two-day extravaganza, starting on Friday 6 March.

With so many mouth-watering dream classic cars on offer, it can be hard to know where to start – and to not get overwhelmed!

To help, we’ve picked some of the cars predicted to achieved the highest prices, plus some serious eye-candy, and a few we just couldn’t resist, for your viewing pleasure, to give you a flavour of the Amelia Island 2020 sales.

1958 Ferrari 250GT LWB California Spider (est: $9-11m)

And we had to start here with the car bearing the highest pre-sale estimate at any of the Amelia Island 2020 sales.

An early example with a Scaglietti body, it’s a Pebble Beach and Cavallino Classic award-winning restoration, but that doesn’t make it a garage queen – it’s also completed the California Mille and the Colorado Grand on several occasions.

1958 Ferrari 250GT LWB California Spider (cont.)

A rare covered-headlamp example with an also-rare hardtop, there’s a three-litre V12 under that shapely bonnet, giving 240bhp.

And, as you’d expect with a multi-million dollar price-tag, it’s a matching-numbers car and Ferrari Classiche Certified. It goes under the hammer with Gooding & Company on Friday.

1932 Bugatti Type 55 Super Sport Roadster (est: $6.5-9.5m)

Originally delivered to Victor Rothschild, later the 3rd Baron Rothschild, and now emerging from a collection where it has been for the past 35 years, this Bugatti has the second-highest predicted sale price at this week’s Amelia Island sales.

Consigned to Bonhams’ auction, it achieved a first-in-class placing at the 1993 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance straight after a sympathetic restoration.

Just 38 of these Super Sport Bugattis were built, of which only 14 left the factory with this Jean Bugatti Roadster coachwork – and this is one of just 11 of these remaining today with that original bodywork.

1932 Bugatti Type 55 Super Sport Roadster (cont.)

This Bugatti has spent much of its life in the UK and it has been well cared for, but well used, too – or should that be, “much enjoyed”?

Its eye-watering $6.5-9.5m (£5.1-7.4m) estimate puts it out the reach of most of us mere mortals, but let’s hope it finds a new home where it will continue to be cosseted and driven, as its maker intended.

1938 Bugatti Type 57 Cabriolet by D'Ieteren (est: $1.5-2m)

While we’re on this week’s top lots, here’s the car that commands the biggest pre-sale estimate in RM Sotheby’s Amelia Island catalogue.

Crossing the block on Saturday, this is the only Type 57 Bugatti built in the three-seater Aravis-inspired body style by D’Ieteren of Belgium – and it still has its original engine, chassis and body.

It will even be sold with its tools and original, unrestored luggage.

1938 Bugatti Type 57 Cabriolet by D'Ieteren (cont.)

This one-off body was in part conceived to accommodate the car’s first owner, by the name of Baggage who was tall, giving the cabin a slightly elongated feel – but it is still a sleek, low design.

Baggage enjoyed it for two years before hiding it during WW2. Fast forward to September 2015, and today’s vendor acquired it and invested in a sympathetic restoration retaining its unique original features.

1930 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Coupe by Murphy (est: $1.4-1.8m)

Staying with RM Sotheby’s and seeing as this is a sale in the US, how about a stunning American classic?

This is one of around 25 Murphy convertible coupes built with a conventional folding top and it’s thought to have been the dealer demonstrator car in California, before it was sold on 17 May 1932 to Jake “the Barber” Factor, the younger half brother of cosmetics magnate Max Factor.

1930 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Coupe by Murphy (cont.)

It has since passed through the hands of several Duesenberg experts, including Joe Kaufmann and Ben Caskey, ensuring its fastidious care, before S Ray Miller took ownership and the car starred in his museum.

Last restored between 1993 and 1995, and having covered only 255 miles since, this is surely deserving of a loving new home – and it goes to auction with no reserve.

1952 Jaguar C-type (est: $6.5-7.5m)

This Jaguar C-type sports-racing two-seater ‘014’ was delivered new to Hoffman’s in New York to Commander John “Jack” Rutherford of Florida, then finished in Cream, with a suede-green-trimmed cabin.

It left Jaguar’s Browns Lane factory on 7 October 1952 and the following February Rutherford campaigned it at Daytona Beach during NASCAR Speed Week where he was timed at 134.07mph – and he kept the C-type until 1960, by which time it had a D-type as a stablemate.

1952 Jaguar C-type (cont.)

It’s since passed through several more owners who’ve raced it and enjoyed it on the road – and the car returned to the UK for just over a decade – plus it’s recently had a service.

Being sold with a packed history file and a dead-cert entrant to prestigious classic car events the world over, it will start its search for a new owner on Thursday at Bonhams’ sale.

1914 Rolls-Royce 40/50hp Silver Ghost Torpédo Phaeton (est: $2.7-3.5m)

Another revered British classic in Florida this week is this spectacular, Kellner-bodied Rolls-Royce that, in 2015, placed first in class and was a Best of Show nominee at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, no less.

Adding to its desirability is that this six-cylinder engined car will be sold with a full set of tools and what the auction house describes as “extensive period travel vanities”…

1914 Rolls-Royce 40/50hp Silver Ghost Torpédo Phaeton (cont.)

And here they are! We’d usually advocate driving classics, but in this case it seems the back seat might just be the place to be.

As you can see here, exquisitely presented and wood-trimmed, the rear compartment is fitted out to accommodate all manner of items to help a long journey pass more comfortably. We’re talking drink decanters and glasses, storage boxes, cigar holders and more – and, of course, brushes and a mirror to ensure you emerge looking suitably glamorous, even if you’ve been travelling roof-down.

1969 Lamborghini Miura P400S (est: $1.4-1.8m)

We’re upping the pace with this next Amelia Island pick, with an unrestored Miura that’s had just three owners and covered fewer than 17,500 miles from new.

And, having not been touched, it still has its original interior, as well as its matching-numbers Bertone-penned body, engine and drivetrain.

1969 Lamborghini Miura P400S (cont.)

Chassis 4109 is a rare find, then, and heads to auction with a stack of paperwork including an owner’s manual, factory build sheets and extensive documentation.

In fact, in January 2020 a Miura expert inspected this car and described it as “one of the most original, well-preserved, and meticulously maintained Miura P400S examples” – high praise indeed.

So: to drive or conserve? We’ll let its next lucky owner wrestle with that one!

1967 Ferrari 330GTS (est: $1.8-2.2m)

This 330GTS – the 28th of only 100 built – is clear proof that not all desirable Ferraris are red! Although for this Prancing Horse, originally it was finished in Grigio Fumo (smoky grey) with a Pelle Bleu leather interior.

Built for America and arriving in the US in April ’67, it remained unrestored until 2001, when, several keepers down the line, Californian Reed Harmon took ownership, at which point the car had done just 45,000 miles.

Work was finished in time for Monterey Car Week 2004, but by the end of that year Harmon had sold it on.

1967 Ferrari 330GTS (cont.)

It was in January 2012, whilst with its current owner, that this Ferrari was stripped and repainted Oro Chiaro, while also attaining Ferrari Classiche Certification – and the following year it achieved the Platinum Award at the 22nd Cavallino Classic.

And it has still covered just 50,952 miles from new.

1961 Ferrari 250GT Cabriolet Series II (est: $1.4-1.7m)

Speaking of Grigio Fumo Ferraris, here’s one that still is, this time teamed with a Pelle Beige-trimmed cabin. And these were its original colours.

Just 200 second-series cabriolets were produced and with its Pebble Beach concours-quality restoration, this must surely be up there with the best.

1961 Ferrari 250GT Cabriolet Series II (cont.)

Clearly in outstanding condition and with its matching-numbers chassis, engine, gearbox and differential and, of course, Ferrari Classiche certification, the Pininfarina-bodied chassis number 2587 will go under the hammer with RM Sotheby’s on Saturday.

1963 Ferrari 250GT/L Berlinetta Lusso (est: $1.3-1.6m)

Yes, it’s another Ferrari – and another that’s not red!

It comes to auction from 48 years of single ownership in which time it has done just 13,704 miles and twice won the Platinum award at the Cavallino Classic.

1963 Ferrari 250GT/L Berlinetta Lusso (cont.)

This Scaglietti-bodied Lusso still, as you would expect, has its matching-numbers body and V12 engine.

Having been lovingly cared for and meticulously restored, this a very well preserved grand tourer.

1976 Porsche 934 (est: $1.25-1.6m)

This is the first of 13 Porsche 934s built, delivered new to Jürgen Kannacher and raced by his team and Kremer Racing at meetings including the 1979 24 Hours of Le Mans, where it achieved a third-in-class finish in the hands of the all-French team comprising Anne-Charlotte Verney, Patrick Bardinon and René Metge.

The joy of this air-cooled classic is clearly much more than skin deep.

1976 Porsche 934 (cont.)

Under the watchful eye of marque experts it has been carefully and faithfully restored, and it goes to auction wearing its original Indischrot livery and a wealth of documentation.

We’ll see if it manages to sell for around its $1.25-1.6m pre-sale guide price.

1992 Ferrari F40 (est: $1.2-1.4m)

It’ll certainly be Ferrari Friday when this F40 goes under the hammer with RM Sotheby’s on 6 March.

The 199th of 213 delivered to the US new, it has only been lightly used, its odometer showing a mere 12,759 miles.

1992 Ferrari F40 (cont.)

Having spent most of its 28 years in the custodianship of serious and fastidious collectors, and having benefited from servicing by Ferrari Maserati of Ontario last September, it appears to be more-than-ready to delight this week’s lucky bidder.

Is it destined to be driven or displayed – or both?

1987 Porsche 959 Komfort (est: $1-1.25m)

Predicted to achieve $1m at auction this week, this is one of just a handful of California-legal 959s.

Indeed, this one-of-337 ‘poster car’ has a sub-four-second 0-60mph time and can hit 200mph – yet this example has been driven just 5822 miles.

1987 Porsche 959 Komfort (cont.)

It was sold new, through Porsche of Stuttgart, to German racer Bernd Schwebel on 21 April 1988, later imported to the USA, eventually reaching a southern Californian collector who sent the car to Canepa Design.

There it received a raft of updates, including a leather-wrapped rollcage, a custom audio system, a five-point harness, as well as an upgraded engine and more.

All of which means there’s unlikely to be another Porsche 959 quite like this one.

1972 Maserati Ghibli 4.9 SS Spider (est: $900,000-1.1m)

We couldn’t overlook this gorgeous, Ghia-bodied Ghibli, consigned to Gooding’s sale this Friday.

That it is one of just 30 American examples produced – and one of 24 fitted with the ZF five-speed manual gearbox – only enhances its appeal.

1972 Maserati Ghibli 4.9 SS Spider (cont.)

Under the bonnet still lies its matching-numbers 4930cc, double-overhead cam V8 engine – although it left the factory painted Oro Longchamps (Longchamps Gold) with Marrone (Brown) Connolly leather upholstery.

Despite being originally dispatched to the US, it has spent time in Sweden, the UK, France and Italy, before returning to the US with Jacques Pozzo di Borgo, the owner of two Maserati parts specialists.

The auction house concedes that its cosmetic restoration is beginning to show its age – so let’s hope its next owner puts some miles on it, rather than polishing it and hiding it away.

1986 Audi Sport quattro (est: $550-700,000)

With just three owners and fewer than 35,000 miles from new, this is surely an exceptional example of the quattro.

It is one of 224 built, including an estimated 164 roadgoing versions, and was sold new to the US – Ohio, to be specific – in 1986.

1986 Audi Sport quattro (cont.)

Its current owner has had it since 2012 and in 2018 commissioned a mechanical restoration, plus concours-level detailing – and since then it has covered under 1000 miles, meaning it’s in excellent condition.

And it will be sold with its original books, tools, jack, spare wheel and Sabelt harnesses, as well as a file of documentation.

With the quattro turning 40 this year, this car will surely be someone’s perfect celebration!

1934 Mercedes-Benz 500K Four-Passenger Tourer (est: $600-800,000)

Believed to be the only Mercedes-Benz 500K wearing a body courtesy of Mayfair Carriage Works Ltd of London – and just one of eight right-hand-drive 500K chassis delivered to England for custom coachwork – this is an unusual lot.

It was sold new through Norwich dealer Mann Egerton to its first owner, Sir Everard Talbot Scarisbrick, the 2nd Baronet and 30th Lord of Scarisbrick, the bodywork completed by 1935 – but by 1939 that had already been upgraded to the finish it still carries today.

1934 Mercedes-Benz 500K Four-Passenger Tourer (cont.)

Having resided in both the UK and the US, this big Benz has been refinished in British Racing Green with cream leather upholstery.

And it has its matching-numbers engine, frame and chassis, plus its original data plate.

1975 Lancia Stratos HF Stradale (est: $500-600,000)

There was no way we could overlook this stunner, was there? Just look at it.

And this example of the Bertone-bodied beauty, chassis number 001976, has recently undergone a concours-standard restoration, surely putting up there among the finest of its type.

1975 Lancia Stratos HF Stradale (cont.)

Initially registered in Italy in October 1975, its first owner held onto it for just a year, before selling it to Romano Cionini Visani who had it for seven years, sold it, then bought it back, hanging onto it for 11 more years – and its next owner kept it for two decades, selling it to the consignor in October 2015.

So it has been much loved, carefully maintained right up until last year, yet it hasn’t even done 20,000 miles.

1964 Lamborghini 350GT (est: $400-500,000)

Offered without reserve at Gooding & Company’s Amelia Island sale, this is one of approximately 130 examples built of Lamborghini’s first production model – and what a car to kick things off with!

From its Superleggera coachwork by Touring to its 3464cc 270bhp V12 paired with a five-speed manual ’box, this is quite some car and definitely caught our eye.

1964 Lamborghini 350GT (cont.)

It comes to auction after an amazing four decades with the same owner, and having been comprehensively refreshed between 2017 and 2019, work which cost close to $90,000.

And not only is this handsome classic up with no reserve, proceeds from its sale will benefit the work of the Community Foundation of Collier County, Florida.

1957 BMW Isetta 300 (est: $35-45,000)

You can class this under ‘cars we couldn’t resist sharing’ – and it heads to Bonhams’ Amelia Island sale with no reserve.

And, according to the auction house, this delightful little pale yellow Isetta is in fine fettle. There’s even a charming wicker case that can be strapped to the rear luggage rack. 

1957 BMW Isetta 300 (cont.)

Let air into this bubble car thanks to the sunroof for a refreshing drive. You may only have a 298cc, single-cylinder engine giving all of 13bhp, but there’s no reason you can’t have fun with it!

You’ll certainly turn heads when out and about.

1966 Mercedes-Benz Unimog Car Hauler (est: $25-35,000)

Last – but by no means least – is the most left-field of our Amelia Island picks. Perhaps the most unexpected of all Amelia Island lots? But being based on the mighty and frankly awesome Mercedes-Benz Unimog, we had to share it.

Given its size, it’s good to know it has a fuel injected, 5.7-litre straight-six to power it. What’s more, this Ruthmann Unimog is in the desirable flexiloader configuration, also known as the “Niederflurhubwagen” (“low-floor-elevating truck”).

This means that the wheels are hydraulically extended out from beneath the truck’s bed, meaning the bed can be lowered to the ground and vehicles driven on without ramps, before the process is repeated with the Unimog’s load in place. Clever. And rather cool.

1966 Mercedes-Benz Unimog Car Hauler (cont.)

Like the Isetta, it comes from the collection of Gerhard Schnuerer who bought it in 2008 then commissioned a comprehensive restoration – receipts show this cost in excess of $50,000.

It is still in fine working order and if you need to shift some vehicles and want to do so in style, it could be just the thing – with the bonus of a seldom-seen party piece.

This Unimog is offered without reserve and will start the search for its next owner at the Fernandina Beach Golf Club this Thursday.