RM Sotheby's Dubai Results
RM Sotheby’s held their Dubai Auction last week and achieve some impressive results. It should be noted that a last-minute change was made to the schedule and the auction was held a day earlier than had been planned due to severe weather in the area, but with the quality of cars that were on offer we’re not sure that made much of a difference in the end results.
It was quite striking to see that someone spent more money to purchase a helmet used by Michael Schumacher at the 2004 European Grand Prix than was spent to purchase the 1959 Fiat 500 Jolly, but the Jolly wasn’t used by a seven-time world champion so we can’t exactly fault the buyer of the helmet. Below we’re going to take a look at the cars that reached seven figures.
The 2016 Koenigsegg Agera RSR stands as a remarkable testament to the Swedish manufacturer’s unwavering dedication to pushing the boundaries of innovation and performance in the automotive world. As an ultra-exclusive iteration derived from the acclaimed Agera RS, the RSR exemplifies exclusivity, with only three units ever produced, all of which found homes in Japan.
Rooted in the legacy of the original Agera, which debuted in 2011 as a successor to the iconic CCX, the Agera RSR builds upon its predecessors’ foundations of stellar performance and opulent interiors. Through various iterations like the Agera R and Agera S, Koenigsegg continually refined and elevated the Agera line, culminating in the pinnacle of the series with the introduction of the Agera RSR in 2016.
This final iteration of the Agera series introduced groundbreaking enhancements, prominently showcased through its aerodynamic design. The RSR boasted a distinctively engineered rear wing seamlessly integrated into the engine hood, elevating both downforce and stability to unprecedented levels. Additionally, it featured a removable top with a striking roof scoop reminiscent of the revered One:1 model, further accentuating its formidable presence.
Beneath its captivating exterior lies the heart of the Agera RSR: Koenigsegg’s formidable twin-turbo 5.0-liter V8 engine. With an awe-inspiring output of 1,160 hp at 7,800 RPM, this powertrain ensures that the Agera RSR not only captivates with its visual splendor but also delivers an unrivaled performance experience, firmly establishing it as a powerhouse on both the road and the track.
As these are such rare cars there isn’t anything to really a comparable vehicle to the Agera RSR, but whoever the new owner of this one is will certainly enjoy it.
Sold for $3,380,000
The 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss stands as an exceptional homage to the iconic British Formula 1 driver, Sir Stirling Moss. This exclusive speedster marked the culmination of the SLR series, a celebrated collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and McLaren Automotive.
Limited to just 75 units, the Stirling Moss edition emerged as one of the most coveted vehicles of its era. Distinguished by its roofless, windshield-free design, it epitomized the spirit of a purebred speedster. Drawing inspiration from the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR racer, famously piloted by Sir Stirling Moss, the car’s aesthetics paid a fitting tribute to racing heritage.
Beneath its sleek exterior lies the power of a 5.4L AMG V8 engine, generating an impressive 641 horsepower. This formidable powerplant propels the SLR Stirling Moss from 0 to 62 mph in a blistering 3.5 seconds, achieving a remarkable top speed of 217 mph.
The unveiling of this model marked the conclusion of an illustrious chapter in the Mercedes-Benz McLaren SLR series, paving the way for McLaren Automotive to unveil its own final edition of the SLR nameplate the subsequent year. As a timeless symbol of racing legacy and automotive excellence, the SLR McLaren Stirling Moss continues to captivate enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Sold for $3,211,250
The 2023 Aston Martin Valkyrie Coupé represents a pinnacle of automotive design and engineering. Developed in collaboration with Red Bull Racing and several other high-profile partners, it’s a road car that blurs the lines between street legality and track-level performance. The Valkyrie’s history begins with its announcement in 2016 as a part of Aston Martin’s ‘Second Century Plan,’ aiming to launch a new vehicle every year from 2016 to 2022.
The Valkyrie is named after the chooser of the slain in Norse mythology, reflecting its fierce and powerful nature. It features a naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 engine developed by Cosworth, an energy recovery system similar to those used in Formula One, and a lightweight carbon fiber structure that contributes to its impressive power-to-weight ratio.
Throughout its development, the Valkyrie underwent extensive testing, both in simulation and on racetracks around the world. The final production model was unveiled in 2021, with deliveries beginning in 2022. It quickly became known for its exceptional aerodynamics, innovative design features like the FlexFoil rear wing, and its exclusivity with only 150 units set to be produced.
The 2023 model year brought subtle improvements over its predecessors, further refining what was already considered one of the most extraordinary cars ever made. The Aston Martin Valkyrie Coupé is not just a car; it’s a statement—a testament to what can be achieved when pushing the boundaries of technology and design.
The car offered by RM Sotheby’s shows just 123 kilometers and is finished in Scintilla Silver with Speed Red details. This was the first Aston Martin Valkyrie to be offered at a public auction, though we can’t imagine it will be the last.
Sold for $3,070,625
The 2017 Lamborghini Centenario LP770-4 Coupé is a striking tribute to Ferruccio Lamborghini’s centenary celebration, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the legendary Miura’s introduction. Unveiled at the prestigious 2016 Geneva Auto Show, this exclusive masterpiece embodies Lamborghini’s pioneering ethos and engineering excellence.
Crafted in a limited production run of only 20 coupes, the Centenario is a rare treasure, blending mesmerizing aesthetics with unparalleled performance. Meticulously handcrafted in Sant’Agata Bolognese, Italy, each unit was pre-sold at a remarkable $2 million, underscoring its exclusivity and allure among aficionados and collectors alike.
At the heart of the Centenario roars a naturally aspirated V12 engine, delivering an astounding 770 horsepower. This powerhouse catapults the car from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 2.8 seconds, with a top speed exceeding 350 km/h, showcasing Lamborghini’s relentless pursuit of speed. Its carbon fiber monocoque and bodywork contribute to a feather-light weight of 1,520 kg, resulting in an impressive power-to-weight ratio of 1.97 kg/hp.
Aesthetically, the Centenario epitomizes futuristic elegance. Its aggressive stance and distinctive extending rear wing echo Lamborghini’s dedication to aerodynamic perfection. The integration of rear-wheel steering represents a significant leap in agility and stability.
More than just an automobile, the Centenario LP770-4 Coupé serves as a rolling testament to Lamborghini’s enduring legacy and a tribute to its visionary founder. It continues to redefine automotive boundaries, embodying the essence of innovation and performance that defines the Lamborghini marque.
Sold for $2,142,500
The 2022 Ferrari 812 Competizione stands as a pinnacle of automotive engineering and design, marking an era of exceptional performance vehicles from the iconic Italian manufacturer. This model is a direct descendant of the acclaimed 812 Superfast and is celebrated for its extreme front-engined berlinetta configuration, which has been honed to unprecedented levels.
At the heart of the Competizione lies a formidable 6.5L V12 engine, which propels this machine with an astonishing 830 horsepower. The car’s design is not just about raw power; it also features numerous engineering solutions that ensure an unparalleled driving experience. The Competizione’s aerodynamics have been meticulously revised to include a massive rear diffuser and a redesigned rear wing, ensuring that it remains firmly planted on the road even at high speeds.
The interior of the Competizione is just as impressive as its exterior, with a cabin that is swathed in luxurious materials and equipped with state-of-the-art technology. However, what truly sets this vehicle apart is its exclusivity. Ferrari produced only 999 units of the Competizione and 599 of its convertible variant, the Competizione A, making it a rare gem in the world of high-performance sports cars.
As we look towards an automotive future increasingly populated with hybrid and electric vehicles, the 2022 Ferrari 812 Competizione represents the culmination of Ferrari’s traditional engineering prowess – a fitting tribute to the legacy of its V12 lineage.
Sold for $1,467,500
In the world of hypercars, the McLaren P1 stands out as a remarkable feat of engineering and design. Unveiled at the 2012 Paris Motor Show, the P1 was not just McLaren’s first hybrid vehicle but also the world’s first hybrid supercar. With production commencing in October 2013, this limited-edition masterpiece was sold out by November, with only 375 examples built to maintain exclusivity.
The P1’s heart is a 3.8L twin-turbocharged V8 engine, complemented by an electric motor that together unleash a staggering 903 horsepower. This powertrain enables the P1 to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 2.8 seconds. The car’s design drew inspiration from McLaren’s Formula One heritage and its predecessor, the iconic McLaren F1.
McLaren’s commitment to innovation is evident in the P1’s carbon fibre monocoque and MonoCage concept, which ensure both rigidity and safety. The P1’s closest competitors are the LaFerrari and the Porsche 918 Spyder.
The P1’s legacy is not just limited to its performance or its pioneering hybrid technology; it also set a new standard for hypercars and remains an impressive testament to McLaren’s pursuit of automotive excellence.
Sold for $1,006,250