The 53 best lots at the 2020 Scottsdale auctions

Our favourites from the annual Arizona classic-fest

Every January, the desert town of Scottsdale plays host to hundreds of the most desirable classic cars as all of the big auction houses descend on Arizona for their season-opening mega-sales.

It all kicks off on Saturday (11 January) with the start of Barrett-Jackson’s nine-day auction, followed by Worldwide Auctioneers (15), Russo and Steele (15-19), Bonhams (16), RM Sotheby’s (16-17) and finally Gooding & Company (17-18). 

We were going to compile a list of our 25 favorites, but having trawled through the catalogues it was clear that we could never narrow it down to so few, so we’ve settled on this list of 53 instead. Enjoy.

1948 Tucker Model 48

Estimate: $1.75-2.25m

Tucker 48s don’t appear at auction very often – after all, only 51 were built before Preston Tucker’s ambitious plans dissolved amid a storm of negative press. But when they do surface, they always command big money – and this one is unlikely to buck that trend. 

The 34th produced, chassis 1034 was among 23 Tucker automobiles that were included in the court-ordered liquidation of the company’s assets in October 1950. It went into private ownership soon afterwards, and was later one of the 48s that appeared in the George Lucas/Francis Ford Coppola movie Tucker: The Man and His Dream.

As one of few Tuckers that have never required nor received a comprehensive restoration, it goes to auction in remarkably original condition – even some of the Waltz Blue Metallic paintwork is unchanged from when it left the factory. It has just 6241 miles on the clock and is surely one of the finest surviving examples of an American icon.

1992 Dodge Viper RT10

Estimate: $100-125k (no reserve)

When auto executive Lee Iacocca passed away last year, he left behind an enviable legacy that includes the creation of the Ford Mustang and the saving of Chrysler. He also left behind a few notable cars – including this 1992 Dodge Viper.

The very first Viper, it bears the number 001 and was in Iacocca’s personal collection from the day it rolled off the production line.  

1986 Chrysler LeBaron Town & Country

Estimate: $20-25k (no reserve)

If you like the idea of buying a Lee Iacocca car but don’t fancy the sporty stylings of the Viper, this Chrysler LeBaron Town & Country might be more to your liking. Indeed, the fact that both are open-topped models might be the only thing the LeBaron and Viper have in common. 

Delivered to Iacocca from new in 1986, it’s offered for sale in superb condition and with fewer than 20,500 miles behind it.

1939 Packard Super Eight hearse

Estimate: $150-190k (no reserve)

The Packard Super Eight was one of the finest pre-war American cars, but this is a particularly special example.

For starters, it was originally ordered by a funeral home in Virginia and was used as a hearse right up until the 1960s. What’s more, it’s one of only two such Packards that were built with a V12 frame, wheels, brakes, and front suspension but paired to an eight-cylinder motor – and the other vehicle is known to have been dismantled.

Want more? Well after its funeral duties ended, it was used by a rock band for touring, before ending up in a wrecking yard in the 1970s and only narrowly escaping destruction.

A lengthy restoration followed and it goes to auction in wonderful condition and with an equally arresting history behind it.

1932 Hispano-Suiza J12 Dual Cowl Phaeton

Estimate: $1.5-2m

Another pre-war classic, but this time hailing from Europe – and as far as we know never used as a hearse.

The J12 was something of a supercar of its day, combining advanced engineering and performance with the kind of stately beauty characteristic of the coachbuilt era.

This example wears a body by Parisian artisan Henry Binder and has a well documented history, having been owned by several noted collectors and with an appearance at the 1988 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance behind it.

It’s up for sale for the first time in more than a quarter of a century – so we wouldn’t be surprised to see it go for big money at Scottsdale.

1965 Ferrari 500 Superfast

Estimate: $2.5-3m

A rarity even among mid-’60s Ferraris, the 500 Superfast was built to the tune of just 36 examples between 1964 and ’66 and was an immediate hit among the fortunate few who were able to buy one.

This is the 14th produced and is thought to be the only one that shipped in this bold Nero over Beige colour scheme.

It received a complete rebuild of its 5-liter V12 engine in 2015/16 as part of an estimated $100k refurbishment that sees it go to auction in perfect condition.

1901 Winton Runabout 8HP

Estimate: $125-150k

A real rarity, it’s not overstating it to describe this 119-year-old example of the first American gasoline production car as a landmark model.

Most remaining single-cylinder Runabouts are in museums, but this one with its Stanhope-style coachwork has left the Philip Reed collection, where it was for nearly 30 years, for Bonhams’ 2020 Scottsdale sale.

It goes to auction with a pre-sale estimate of $125-150,000.

1971 Lamborghini Miura P400 SV

Estimate: $1.4-1.6m

What’s left to say about the Miura? The quintessential ’60s supercar is an automotive icon, as revered today as it ever was – and the P400 SV is its greatest incarnation.

It arrived in 1971 with those Gandini-penned lines as sumptuous as ever but now with better handling and a raft of user-friendly tweaks to the engine. Not that it had slowed down any: the SV could hit 60mph in 5.8secs and topped out at 180mph.

This example is now on its second engine – the original was stolen – but on the plus side it’s slightly cheaper than the average SV. Though it’s all relative, of course…

1960 Volkswagen Type 2

Estimate: $90-120k (no reserve)

From one automotive icon to another, albeit a rather slower – and cheaper – one.

This VW Type 2 Kombi actually has a fascinating history: fitted with specialized doughnut-making equipment soon after it was originally sold, it was then garaged for 45 years after its owner discovered one of his employees was skimming off the profits.

It emerged in 2008 in remarkably original condition and retains many of its culinary fittings today, making it the ideal candidate for any sugar-loving entrepreneurs.

1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K

Estimate: $1-1.5m

The stunning 540K is renowned as one of the most elegant of all pre-war classics and its relative rarity – only 419 were built – ensures it’s always in demand at auction.

This one’s even more notable than most, though, having been lost to the world for nearly 40 years. Known as ‘The Missing Coupé’, it was hidden away by its owner in 1980 soon after it was beaten at a concours by a John Deere tractor!

It emerged late last year and goes to auction with its Hebmüller-crafted coachwork in wonderfully original condition.   

1938 BMW 328

Estimate: $475-525k

Here’s another pre-war German beauty, in the form of the BMW 328.

One of the Bavarian firm’s earliest successes, the 328 was ahead of its time in many ways and was a hugely successful racer in heyday.

The example on offer has competed extensively in the past 18 years and goes to auction ready for its next challenge.

1957 Austin A35

Estimate: $18-24k (no reserve)

In the market for a racer but can’t quite stump up for the BMW 328? Look no further than this dinky Austin A35.

It certainly has the right credentials, having been owned for 25 years by British motorsport legend Barrie ‘Whizzo’ Williams, who passed away in 2018.

Whizzo drove it in events such as the Goodwood Revival and the Lombard ‘Golden Fifty’ Rally, and once described it as exhibiting “deceptive briskness,” “spirited cornering,” and “robust engineering”. If it was good enough for him, it’ll do for us.

1941 Buick Roadmaster Convertible Phaeton

Estimate: $70-90k (no reserve)

Hooray for Hollywood! This original and unrestored ex-Warner Brothers Studios Buick is believed to have starred in 1949’s Flamingo Road and The Big Street of 1942.

It oozes style and glamour – and with a mere 12,000 miles on its odometer, this matching-numbers, straight-eight-engined conveyance looks to have led a less-than-strenuous life, too.

Bonhams is selling it at Scottsdale without reserve, but it’s thought it could achieve $70-90,000.

1995 Ferrari F50

Estimate: $3.2-3.6m

There are two Ferrari F50s up for grabs in Scottsdale and despite what its $3m-plus estimate might suggest, this is likely to be the cheaper of the two.

One of only 55 originally built for the American market – out of 349 in total – it was bought new by real-estate magnate Benedetto ‘Benny’ Caiola in 1995. It was sold for the first – and, until now, only – time by Gooding & Company in 2011, where it made $814,000.

That only goes to show quite how steeply these F1-derived supercars have risen in value in the past decade, though, because it’s likely to go for considerably more when Gooding sells it again next week.

1995 Ferrari F50 Berlinetta Prototipo

Estimate: not given

We don’t have a guide to how much the second F50 at Scottsdale will make, because Worldwide Auctioneers hasn’t listed one – but we wouldn’t be surprised to see it break all kinds of records.

That’s because this is no ordinary F50, should such a thing even exist. Rather, it’s the prototype model, driven in testing by Niki Lauda, Gerhard Berger, Jean Alesi and Dario Benuzzi and described by Worldwide as “the most significant road-going F50 in existence”.

Chassic #99999 is also the last Ferrari built with a five-digit chassis number, if that kind of thing is important to you, and goes to auction in “superb” condition, as well you might expect.

1936 Duesenberg Model JN

Estimate: $800k-1m

The Model JN was Duesenberg’s final car and was limited to just 10 examples, reserved only for select clients such as Clark Gable.

All were bodied by Rollston and this is the very last of them to be built. It’s known by its engine number, J-575, and was one of only three created on the long 153.5in wheelbase.

J-575 was sold new to heiress, actress and socialite Mary Fahrney, a fascinating character who was married eight times – at one point to two men at the same time – and who became one of the first female aircraft pilots.

It passed through several more owners over the next two decades, unfortunately losing its body along the way  when it was removed for restoration and stored in a barn which subsequently burned down.

Fortunately, it was given new coachwork in the early ’70s – by the specialist Amsley’s Antique Body Company – and is offered for sale in great condition.

1982 DeLorean DMC-12

Estimate: $40-50k (no reserve)

This DeLorean is one of the cheapest lots to make our shortlist, but it’s also one of the best-preserved, having covered just 6700 miles since new.

Why so few? We’re not sure – but it’s only had one owner since it was sold in Portland, Oregon, in 1982 and is in remarkably original condition, other than having been fitted with a BAE turbocharger and turbo boost gauge.

1979 Porsche 911 Turbo

Estimate: $350-450k

The DeLorean on the previous slide may be a low-mileage example, but it’s got nothing on this Porsche 911 Turbo (930) – which will go under the hammer at the RM Sotheby’s sale with just 34 miles on the clock!

Chassis no. 1187 was one of the so-called ‘Final 50’ 930s produced specifically for the American market and has been owned by two collectors, neither of whom seems to have fancied taking it out on to the road.

It’s accompanied by its unopened original toolkit and all manuals and we can only hope that whoever buys it decides to get a little more enjoyment from actually driving it. 

1974 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia

Estimate: $70-90k (no reserve)

But to complete our trio of low-mileage classics, how about this 1974 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia? Sneering at the 911 Turbo’s 34-mile total, it goes to auction with just 23 miles behind it. 

A true time-capsule, it’s completely original from its Blaupunkt AM/FM radio and factory-specification Michelin XZX radial tires to the delivery sticker in its side window.

1930 Cadillac V16 Sport Phaeton

Estimate: $900k-1.2m (no reserve)

Cadillac’s V-16 was its range-topping model in the 1930s and is undoubtedly one of the finest American cars of the period. It was the first to use a V16 engine and came in a range of body styles including the highly sought-after Sport Phaeton design you see here.

This example is one of 17 survivors out of the 85 built in 1930 and ’31 and was thought to have been owned from new by one of the Kellogg family. It then spent nearly 40 years in the collection of dairy operator and enthusiast Walden Schmitz – who displayed it a specially constructed annex off his den!

Owned since the late 1990s by Oklahoma collector Jim Bradley, it’s enjoyed a comprehensive restoration capped by a 2017 appearance at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

1967 Ferrari 330GTC

Estimate: $750-900k

Ferrari 330s are in vogue at Scottsdale this year: this is one of two 330GTC models crossing the block, and if you prefer your Italian GTs in open-topped form then there are also two 300GTS on offer.

This one was ordered from new by Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis and then passed through several more owners before being placed into storage in the 1980s.

There it remained for nearly 30 years until its recent discovery, and it goes to auction in running order but still in largely original condition. 

1967 Ferrari 300GTS

Estimate: $2.2-2.5m

If you like the feel of the wind in your hair – and have considerably deeper pockets – you might prefer this 330GTS. 

Only 99 were produced and this must be one of the best. It received a full restoration in 2010/11, appeared at some of the world’s most prestigious concours events in subsequent years and comes complete with that all-important Ferrari Classiche certification.

1961 Jaguar E-type

Estimate: $275-350k

Jaguar E-types are hardly unusual sights at classic-car auctions, but early examples such as this one are less frequently seen and command far higher prices than the average.

It’s one of just 385 Series 1 Roadsters with flat floors, welded bonnet louvers and external bonnet latches and was restored to concours standard, at a reported cost of $135,000, around a decade ago – which almost makes that $275k guide price seem cheap.

1970 McLaren M8C

Estimate: $250-350k

When the fledgling McLaren team began picking up wins and titles in the F1 and Can-Am championships in the late 1960s, the demand for a customer car quickly grew.

McLaren didn’t have the production capabilities to supply such a car itself, so it teamed with British firm Trojan Cars to build 15 vehicles based on the all-conquering M8B, which had just won all 11 races in the 1969 Can-Am season.

This example is one of three delivered to Argentina for use as development racers by Ford and now runs on a small-block Chevy 350 engine. It’s featured in many historic events and is ready and waiting for its next outing with a new owner.

1963 Shelby 260 Cobra

Estimate: $650-750k (no reserve)

The perfect blend of European style with American swagger, the Shelby Cobra merged an AC Ace body with a Ford V8 engine for a sum that was greater than its parts.

This example is notable both as a relatively early, 260cu in model – of which only 75 were made – and for its wonderful condition, on account of having spent the past for 46 years in a climate-controlled garage built specifically to house a Cobra collection.

1960 Ferrari 250GT

Estimate: $1.3-1.5m

The 68th of 200 built, this former Monterey award-winner has spent much of its life in Mexico and has never before been offered for public sale.

In around 2000 it was restored to near-show standard and today it’s perfect for roof-down touring – assuming you can find the $1.3-1.5m Gooding estimates it will sell for, that is.

Still, it’s a lot cheaper than the other 250GT in our list…

1958 Ferrari 250GT

Estimate: $6-7m

The most expensive car for sale at Scottsdale is – surprise! – a 1960s Ferrari. And – double surprise! – it’s also a rare beast; just 40 first-series 250GTs were produced, and this is the 25th of them.

What is relatively unusual about this Pinin Farina beauty is that rather than sit in an immaculate museum for most of its life, it’s actually been well used.

It spent much of the first half of its life in Italy before reaching the United States, via a spell in England, in 1992. Once in America it was fully restored and then, a couple of owners later, prepared for vintage touring events.

Since then it’s been a common sight at some of the USA’s most prestigious tour and concours, including the Quail Rally, California Mille, California Classic, Santa Barbara Concours d’Elegance and the Vintage Ferrari Concours.

It’s been meticulously cared for in the past two decades and goes to auction as a prime example of mid-20th century Maranello excellence. 

1970 Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser

Estimate: $50-70k (no reserve)

Packed with character, this unrestored FJ40 has had just two owners in half a century and has covered fewer than 14,500 miles.

Indeed, its first owner kept it until he passed away, and his grandson sold it to its current custodian, a collector with a passion for low-mileage lovelies just like this.

As happened to many American examples, its original straight-six has been replaced by a GM Targetmaster 350 V8, but that only slightly detracts from this charming vehicle’s massive appeal.

1955 Kurtis 500 Swallow

Estimate: $200-300k

If you’re looking for something rare among the wealth of consignments at the many Scottsdale sales, look no further than this one-of-two racer in Bonhams’ 16 January auction.

Built to conquer the 1955 edition of the legendary Carrera Panamericana, this is a Kurtis Kraft 500 racing chassis clothed with Allied’s short-wheelbase glassfibre ‘Swallow’ body and powered by a Lincoln V8.

Of course, 1954 would be the contest’s final running, so this curvy coupé never had the chance to prove itself, although it was entered in the event’s – tamer – modern-day equivalent in 1990, and has been campaigned in historic motorsport events since.

1955 Lancia Aurelia B24S Spider America

Estimate: $850k-1.05m

With gorgeous looks courtesy of Pinin Farina and the first production V6 engine under the hood, the Aurelia was a sensation when it launched at the 1950 Turin Motor Show.

This is one of a mere 240 B24 Spider variants produced, and was originally delivered to the United States. Reimported to Italy in the 1980s, it underwent a full restoration before competing in the likes of the Mille Miglia Storica, the French Tour Auto and the Italian Sanremo Rally.

A well-travelled car, it returned to the States in 2010 and enjoyed another restoration ready for its sale at Scottsdale.

1992 Lancia Delta HF Integrale Evoluzione

Estimate: $150-180k (no reserve)

The Lancia Delta Integrale is a rallying legend, having taken six World Rally Championships between 1987 and 1992 – and the homologated roadgoing versions are every bit as iconic.

The Evo was the final variant, arriving in 1991 with bulging wheel arches and 210bhp on tap.

This one was gifted to Italian Olympic gold medalist skier Alberto Tomba by the Fiat-owning Agnelli family and features several Evoluzione 2 upgrades, such as the seats and red-painted cylinder head, as well as being finished in an unusual metallic black.

1967 Maserati Mistral 4.0 Spyder

Estimate: $450-550k (no reserve)

We’re suckers for ’60s Maseratis, so including this one was a no-brainer. It’s an exceptionally rare car even for Scottsdale: a mere 125 Mistral Spyders were produced, and of those only 37 were endowed with Maser’s larger 4-liter straight-six engine.

This is one of those 37, although sadly its original engine has now been replaced with a period-correct unit from a Mistral coupé. Still, its Frua-designed body is as stunning as ever and it goes to auction with RM Sotheby’s looking every bit the Italian beauty.

1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing

Estimate: $1.15-1.3m

There are several Mercedes-Benz 300SLs for sale in Arizona, but this one would be our pick (in the unlikely event we could ever afford one).

Originally finished in Medium Blue, it was repainted in classic Silver Grey – surely the only colour a Gullwing should come in – some years later. More importantly, it retains its original engine and has been meticulously cared for over the past two decades.

1956 Fiat 1100 103ETV

Estimate: $225-275k (no reserve)

Just three of these ‘Desiree’ coupés were built and the fact that they were designed by Michelotti and bodied by Vignale only adds to their, er, desirability.

This two-tone delight was displayed at the 1956 Torino Motor Show in this colour scheme and bought from Vignale’s stand – and it must have been love at first sight, because it was still with this owner when it was restored in around 2008.

He or she parted with it in 2014 and it has since starred at 2018’s Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance.

This super-rare, Turismo Veloce (Fast Touring) spec two-door is being offered without reserve.

1956 Alfa Romeo Sprint Veloce

Estimate: $200-250k (no reserve)

The Alleggerita (lightweight) version of Alfa’s Sprint Veloce cuts its kerbweight thanks to plexiglass side and rear windows and some aluminium panels, but this does nothing to undermine its aesthetics, particularly in this fetching – and original – shade of blue.

This example isn’t concours-perfect, instead bearing signs that it’s been used and campaigned as intended – indeed, it’s eligible for many classic motorsport events.

Tempted? We are. Or rather, we would be if we had a spare $200,000…

1958 Porsche 356A

Estimate: $100-130k (no reserve)

Emerging from decades of static storage into the dazzling limelight at Gooding’s Scottsdale sale, it’s surely about time this super-desirable cabrio gets the attention it deserves.

An American-market car, it was delivered new to Hoffman Motors in New York finished in Silver Metallic over red. It’s since been repainted and had some crude repairs inflicted on it.

That said, it’s being sold with its original, matching-numbers engine, optional factory hardtop and Becker radio – all it needs now is some serious TLC.

1990 Mercedes-Benz 190E Evolution II

Estimate: $340-380k

Is it just us that can’t believe the prices these (admittedly ultra-desirable and super-cool) sedans now command?

Number 256 of 500, this homologation special of Mercedes’ ultimate DTM championship-winning weapon must surely be one of the best examples, being completely original and having covered a mere 7615km. Indeed, it was with the same Japanese collector for its first 25 years and it’s been detailed to show-ready condition inside and out. 

Rare, sought-after and apparently in mint condition, let’s see how near it gets to its $340-380,000 pre-sale estimate.

1924 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost Piccadilly Special Roadster

Estimate: $450-650k

Unique roadster styling isn’t all that makes this stunning consignment to Bonhams’ Scottsdale sale stand out – although it doesn’t hurt.

Its first owner was Alphonzo Bell, an oil magnate, developer, champion tennis player and philanthropist, and this car appeared in Paramount’s 1938 film Arrest Bulldog Drummond.

But, after around six decades of neglect, this Silver Ghost was found in an LA barn in 2012. In the region of 2300 hours were poured into its painstaking restoration and it’ll cross the block with a stack of paperwork including research and archive images.

1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster

Estimate: $950k-1.1m

We never need to work hard to make the case for a 300SL Roadster, especially a matching-numbers example that’s recently emerged from 20 years in the hands of a caring collector.

With just shy of 78,000 miles on the odometer, fitted luggage and a recent service, this delectable three-pointed star is ready for its next owner to take on luxurious driving holidays – after all, it’s what it’s used to, having travelled from its Californian base to Monte-Carlo on several occasions with the vendor.

1991 Vector W8

Estimate: $300-450k (no reserve)

California-based Vector was one of a number of upstart supercar manufacturers which sprung up in the latter part of the 20th century and for a while its W8 Twin Turbo looked entirely capable of taking on the likes of Lamborghini and Ferrari.

Financial problems ultimately put paid to that ambition, but there wasn’t much wrong with the W8 itself: powered by a 625bhp, 5972cc twin-turbo V8 it could hit 218mph and when Autocar tried one in ’91 it achieved a Countach-beating 0-60 time of 3.8 secs.

This is one of only 14-17 built (reports vary) and with just 2268 miles on the clock, it presents as well today as it did when it first dared to challenge the big boys.

1966 Lamborghini 400GT Interim

Estimate: $575-650k

An evolution of Lamborghini’s first production car, this one-of-23 ‘Interim’ 400GTs is a key stepping-stone in this illustrious marque’s history – as well as a big-time head-turner.

There’s a matching-numbers 4-liter V12 beneath that gently curving bonnet, part of Touring’s eye-catching superleggera bodywork, and this car has been in California its entire life – it even featured on a period postcard promoting the model.

Not only is it rare, it’s been rarely seen due to long periods in a private collection, plus it’s recently had a ground-up restoration. 

1932 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Cabriolet Décapotable

Estimate: not listed

As the saying goes, if you have to ask how expensive something is, you can’t afford it. That’s certainly likely to be the case with this pre-war Alfa, which Bonhams is refusing to sully with anything so gauche as a pre-sale estimate.

It is, nonetheless, the standout lot in Bonhams’ Scottsdale catalogue and we’d certainly predict a big result when it crosses the block on Thursday 16 January.

Why? Well it’s one of only five surviving 8C 2300 Alfas with coachwork by Joseph Figoni and has a fascinating and convoluted history that’s worthy of a novel. The short version: it’s almost certainly an amalgamation of two 8C 2300s, one of which is a car that raced at Le Mans in 1935.

1981 BMW M1

Estimate: $400-500k

It’s hard to know where to start with this M1 – the strong selling points just keep coming.

Unrestored and finished in Henna Red, it was delivered new to The Netherlands before being imported to America in 1982 and remaining with the same family until last year.

Recently serviced and carefully maintained, it’s thought that this one-of-399 BMW could hit as much as $500,000 at Scottsdale.

1960 Alfa Romeo Giulietta SZ

Estimate: $500-600k

How can these flowing Zagato lines not seduce you?

Recently rediscovered, this one-of-200 car claimed a seventh in class finish at the 1961 4 Hours of Pescara and was sixth overall (fourth in class) at that year’s Coppa Inter-Europa, too. Well, it was sold new on 25 August 1960 to Italian amateur racing driver Rinaldo Parmigiani.

It arrived in America in 1978 and was raced at the 1980 Monterey Historic Automobile Races at Laguna Seca, but since 1984 it’s lived a more sedate existence – but who knows what the winner bidder is planning?

1971 Dinalpine A110

Estimate: $60-80k (no reserve)

You know – and love – the Alpine A110? Well, when it was built by Mexico’s Diesel Nacional between 1965-’74, this model carried the ‘Dinalpin’ name.

Nomenclature dealt with, this seldom-seen sports car’s history is well-documented from new, when it was sold to a pilot who lavished much love on it.

The consignor, who took ownership in the mid-’90s, commissioned a restoration around 20 years ago and it heads to auction in very fine fettle.

1956 Cooper-Climax 1.5 Litre T39 ‘Bobtail’

Estimate: $125-150k (no reserve)

Imported to Australia in 1956 by none other than Jack Brabham, this Cooper-Climax has been raced throughout its 64 years, including its first race Down Under, that year’s Australian Tourist Trophy – Stirling Moss took the spoils in a Maserati 300S.

In the hands of Bill Patterson it was used in 1957 and ’58, notably securing a class win and second overall at 1958’s Victorian Hill Climb Championship, before Alan Jack took ownership and raced it from 1959 until 1961.

It was back on track in Australian events between 2009 and 2015, and raced as recently as December 2018 – and this T39 is being sold ready to take on classic challenges such as the Le Mans Classic and Goodwood Revival.

1951 Ferrari 212 Inter

Estimate: $2-2.4m

A grand tourer that also enjoyed significant racing success, the 212 Inter was produced in multiple variations between 1951 and 1952 and was bodied in an array of styles from lightweight spiders, coupés and berlinettas to stylish and luxurious cabriolets.

This is one of the latter type and was bodied by Vignale. It received a substantial restoration in 2012 and placed second in class at the 2014 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, as well as appearing at the 2017 Cavallino Classic.

1970 Porsche 914-6 GT

Estimate: $1-1.3m

A racing Porsche with an enviable pedigree, this 914/6 GT can count impressive finishes at the 1971 24 Hours of Daytona and 12 Hours of Sebring among its many successes.

It’s since swapped the track for the concours circuit – including a notable appearance at the 2015 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance – but should its new owner wish to race it, it would make the ideal drive for the likes of the Le Mans Classic or Tour Auto.

1954 Ferrari 250 Europa GT

Estimate: $1.5-1.7m

Yet another rare Ferrari – and this one was built to the tune of just 43 examples. 

Its first owner was wealthy socialite Jan de Vroom – once described in Vanity Fair as “a tall, blond adventurer who dominated drawing rooms by sheer force of personality rather than good looks” – and it passed through several more custodians before arriving with the vendor in the early 1990s.

With only 4236 miles on the clock and with a recent repaint having freshened up its Azzurro with Grigio finish, it will surely delight the lucky bidder at the RM Sotheby’s sale on Thursday 16 January.

1965 Ferrari 275GTB 6C

Estimate: $1.8-2.2m

If you plan on driving this beautiful 275GTB, you’ll be in good company – it’s currently owned by former racer Skip Barber, the founder of one of the world’s most respected driving schools and owner of the legendary Lime Rock circuit in Connecticut.

The car was refurbished shortly after Barber purchased it in 2012 and was presented at the Cavallino Classic in January 2013, where it won a coveted Platinum Award.

1971 Ferrari 365GTB/4 ‘Daytona’

Estimate: $650-750k

As good as new? This 1971 Daytona might well be. After all, it has done fewer than 7000 miles and has been lovingly cared for from day one – and in its first 34 years it had only two owners.

Originally brown, it was repainted red some time after 2006, at which point it also benefited from further recommissioning work.

This V12-powered, Ferrari Classiche Red Book-certified Prancing Horse gallops to auction with its tool kit.

1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 MkII

Estimate: $180-220k (no reserve)

This striking MkII DB2/4 caught our eye in the RM Sotheby’s Scottsdale catalogue – and it’s not hard to see why.

Originally dark grey over green but now blue over tan, it’s one of just 199 MkIIs that were produced and still boasts its original engine.

It’s ready to be enjoyed – and as a further bonus, it will be sold on 17 January without reserve.

1972 Ferrari 365GTB/4 ‘Daytona’

Estimate: $2-2.4m

You’ll need to dig deep for this Ferrari – in excess of an eye-watering $2m if the guide price is on the money.

For that, you could be the owner of a very original and low-mile (sub-40,000) example of this V12-engined, Pininfarina-penned drophead.

And we love that it’s Argento Metallizzato, not red!