12 exciting classics for sale to fire your imagination

Heart-stopping classics to brighten your day

Now more than ever, we need a bit of escapism, some drool-worthy classics whose lines we can simply enjoy drinking in – so look no further.

The global coronavirus pandemic means RM Auctions’ Palm Beach sale is now an online-only affair, meaning you can bid on the classic car of your dreams from the comfort of your sofa. And it’s packed with delectable and, frankly, very tempting consignments.

It’s on now, and lots will start to close on Wednesday (25 March), although some run all the way through to Saturday.

So whether you have the cash to bid or not, click on and enjoy some classic car daydreaming with us…

1. 1996 Porsche 911 GT2 (est: $950,000-1.1m)

The classic car expected to achieve the highest price when bidding ceases on 28 March is this stunner.

Well, it is one of just 194 roadgoing 993 GT2s, it is completely standard – and it has done a mere 30,113km (18,712 miles) from new.

1996 Porsche 911 GT2 (cont.)

It will do 0-60mph in under four seconds and its top speed is almost 190mph, yet it still has creature comforts such as air-conditioning and electric windows, both factory options.

Yet despite all its ability, we rather like the fact that it is finished in a demure Polar Silver, with a two-tone black-and-grey interior. Understatement at its best.

2. 1963 Shelby 289 Cobra (est: $750-800,000)

Just looking at this Cobra makes you feel better, right? And that it’s been driven and enjoyed but also cared for throughout its life only adds to its appeal.

Oh, and its glovebox has been autographed by Carroll Shelby, too. Yes, really.

1963 Shelby 289 Cobra (cont.)

Delivered to Los Angeles in the spring of 1963, it has been in the US all its life, and when this auction ends on Friday (27 March), its lucky new owner will need to head to Vero Beach, Florida to collect it.

But just think of the road trip home… 

3. 1963 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III (est: $500-550,000)

Also consigned to this online-only RM Auctions sale is this imposingly beautiful piece of British engineering.

What’s more, it has recently benefited from a frame-off restoration, carried out using new-old stock Rolls-Royce and Mulliner components.

1963 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III (cont.)

There’s ample room for four in this Rolls’ opulent burl-wood-trimmed cabin and it’s been converted to left-hand drive.

It’s also a former class winner at the Dana Point Concours d’Elegance – and it is thought to be one of just 11 such cars produced by HJ Mulliner.

Bidding closes on 27 March.

4. 1966 Ferrari 330GT 2+2 Series II (est: $300-325,000)

You knew there would be a Ferrari in here, didn’t you? Well, we hope this Rosso Scuro, Pininfarina-bodied beauty was worth the wait.

Its 300hp, 4.0-litre V12 paired with a five-speed manual transmission make for a pretty compelling combination, and that’s in addition to its dashing looks.

1966 Ferrari 330GT 2+2 Series II (cont.)

Its crema interior is pretty fetching, too, and this Ferrari Classiche certified car has previously achieved concours success, earning Platinum status at the Concorso Italiano in 2006, 2007 and 2008, and the same again in ’07 and ’08 at Bella Italiano.

Bidding runs until Friday (27 March).

5. 1961 Jaguar E-type Series 1 3.8-litre Roadster (est: $285-325,000)

Having completed just 400 miles since its restoration was finished in 2015, this 1961 E-type is pretty special.

As was the restoration. Its current keeper has owned this car since 1977 and, starting in 2012, invested three painstaking years in bringing it back to best, ensuring that the key features that separate these early examples from others were retained.

1961 Jaguar E-type Series 1 3.8-litre Roadster (cont.)

A true labour of love, then, vibrantly capturing the details that make this Jaguar, from the first year of E-type production, so precious.

The Heritage Certificate that accompanies the car says it was originally finished in Bronze with a biscuit-coloured cabin and a black roof – today it is Opalescent Blue with a red interior and blue roof. Why? Because that’s the colour scheme of the 1961 Geneva Motor Show stand car, which this restoration sought to emulate.

Bidding closes this Saturday (28 March).

6. 1992 Lamborghini LM002 (est: $275-325,000)

You might expect a Lamborghini in an auction of this calibre – but this?

Still, the LM002 is a bona fide classic and with a 5.7-litre V12 at its heart, there can be no questioning its credentials as a true Lambo, either.

1992 Lamborghini LM002 (cont.)

One of 328 built, this late-production example’s odometer is yet to hit the 30,000km mark, meaning it has plenty of life left in it.

Plus, it still features period accessories including a winch and an Alpine cassette stereo – bidding closes on Friday.

7. 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet (est: $275-325,000)

Is there a more elegant way to carry four with the wind in your hair? And this range-topping drop-top from the last year of production is in largely original, preserved condition.

An American-market car, its column-shift automatic gearbox was overhauled 1000 miles ago, plus it has recently had work to its steering, brakes and suspension.

1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet (cont.)

And then, of course, there’s that lovely big V8 nestled under its shapely bonnet that will help it to waft effortlessly along – and in this car, its 3.5-litre unit has been rebuilt.

Interested? Bidding on this lot closes on Friday.

8. 1983 Lamborghini Countach LP 5000S (est: $250-300,000)

With fewer than 40,000km on its odometer and having had in excess of $30,000 lavished on it during a mechanical and cosmetic restoration, this Countach has been in single-family ownership for over 20 years in Florida – and by Friday it should have a new owner.

It certainly packs plenty of wow factor.

1983 Lamborghini Countach LP 5000S (cont.)

And there’s more. It has had a full engine-out service, its refinished wheels have brand-new Pirelli rubber round them and inside there’s new leather headlining.

You’ve got to admit it, it looks pretty amazing.

9. 1953 Cadillac Eldorado (est: $175-225,000)

In these troubled and testing times, we all need something bright and uplifting – and we reckon this Azure Blue Cadillac does the trick!

One of 532 ’53 cars, the auction house says it has been fastidiously restored.

1953 Cadillac Eldorado (cont.)

Its immaculate, two-tone cabin just makes you smile. And then you remember that under the bonnet is a 331cu in V8, and that you have power-assisted steering and windows to ease life behind the wheel.

The vendor is asking $115,000 and bidding closes this Friday (27 March).

10. 1965 Porsche 911 (est: $175-225,000)

Finished in the factory hue of Irish Green over black leatherette, and even with a period-correct and very charming walnut AMCO gearstick topper inside, there’s little surprise that this apparently concours-standard 911 caught our eye.

What will bidding reach when the auction closes on Saturday?

1965 Porsche 911 (cont.)

We are very taken with this car’s sweet steel wheels – wrapped in Vredestein Sport Classic rubber – which really set it off and enhance the beautiful simplicity of its shape.

And that’s even before you consider firing up the 2.0-litre, air-cooled ‘six’.

11. 1989 Ferrari Testarossa (est: $130-175,000)

Giallo Fly with a tan-coloured cabin. Is there a better colour combination for the Testarossa?

If you agree and you want to bid on this tasty-looking Prancing Horse, don’t delay – this auction finishes on Thursday (26 March).

1989 Ferrari Testarossa (cont.)

Delivered new to the US in 1989, its first owner was Air Force Brigadier General Vernon R Tate, no less.

Well, when your car is powered by a 4.9-litre V12, it probably will fly…

12. 1966 Batmobile Replica (est: $100-150,000)

Last, but by no means least, there’s this – we couldn’t pass this by, could we? 

It is the work of Fiberglass Freaks, based in Logansport, Indiana, and is one of 27, based on a 1972 Lincoln, power coming from a 350cu in V8. The work was completed in August 2011.

1966 Batmobile Replica (cont.)

The incredible detailing continues inside, replica kit including a bat phone (but of course…), an emergency beacon, a homing receiver scope, a bat-ray projector, a detect-a-scope and parachutes.

Back in November 2013 it appeared on the Today Show and Good Morning America, and it has been displayed at various shows, too.

Bidding closes on Thursday (26 March).

And to find out more about this fantastical creation or any of the other lots in RM Auctions’ online-only Palm Beach sale, please click here.