RM Sotheby's Miami 2025
RM Sotheby’s will return as the official auction of ModaMiami at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables February 27-28, followed by the inaugural Sotheby’s Concierge Auction on March 1. The remaining cars from the IMS Museum Collection will be offered at this sale, along with plenty of classic blue chip cars and modern collectibles.
Modern Collectibles
The 2005-2006 Ford GT was a contemporary take on the classic Ford GT40, designed to honor Ford’s centennial and its storied history of Le Mans victories. It boasted a powerful 5.4-liter supercharged V8 engine that delivered 550 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque, enabling rapid acceleration with a 0-60 mph time of just 3.5 seconds and reaching speeds up to 205 mph.
Equipped with cutting-edge engineering features such as an aluminum space frame chassis, double-wishbone suspension, and Brembo brakes, it offered top-tier performance. The car’s design drew inspiration from the original GT40, showcasing elements like its low profile, aerodynamic contours, and rear clamshell adorned with flying buttresses. Over its two-year production span, only 4,038 units were made, making it an exclusive and highly coveted supercar.
The example being offered by RM Sotheby’s is one of only 343 Heritage Edition GTs built for the 2006 model year. It’s equipped with all four options available on the GT and has covered less than 2,200 miles since new. The Heritage Edition Ford GT has been sharply increasing in value in the past couple years so it would not surprise us to see this sell for more than $700,000.
Estimate: $600,000 – $700,000
The Lamborghini LM002 marked a surprising shift for the brand, traditionally celebrated for its high-performance vehicles. The LM002 SUV was manufactured from 1986 to 1993. Its development stemmed from Lamborghini’s unsuccessful military vehicle ventures, such as the Cheetah and LM001.
Colloquially known as the “Rambo Lambo,” the LM002 merged robust off-road abilities with Lamborghini’s renowned engineering prowess. It featured a 5.2L V12 engine adapted from the Countach, delivering approximately 450 horsepower.
Sporting a bold, angular design along with all-wheel drive and an opulent leather interior, the LM002 offered a unique mix of functionality and luxury. With only 328 units produced, these are particularly rare within the realm of collector trucks and SUVs. The LM002 stood among the first luxury performance SUVs, setting the stage for later models including the Lamborghini Urus.
This example is believed to be a three-owner car, having been kept by its first owner until 2018. It shows 22,657 since new and was imported to the US last year. A set of owner’s manuals are included with the SUV. We expect this to garner a great deal of attention at RM Sotheby’s Miami.
Estimate: $350,000 – $450,000
The 1991 De Tomaso Pantera 90 Si represented the ultimate version of the legendary Pantera, serving as its final model before production ceased. Crafted by Marcello Gandini, the “Sport injected” designation highlighted substantial enhancements in both design and performance compared to earlier versions.
Underneath the hood was a 5.0L Ford V8 equipped with electronic fuel injection, replacing the older carbureted system found in prior models. This upgrade enabled the engine to generate 305 horsepower, allowing the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in roughly 5.5 seconds and achieve a top speed over 160 mph. A 5-speed ZF manual transmission transferred power to the rear wheels, preserving the engaging driving dynamics that were characteristic of the Pantera lineage.
To improve road handling, the car featured a strengthened monocoque chassis and updated suspension systems. Among the most notable changes was the redesigned bodywork by Gandini, which included sleeker lines, integrated bumpers, and enhanced aerodynamics, setting it apart visually from the more angular predecessors.
As a limited-production vehicle, only 41 units of the Pantera 90 Si were manufactured, however only 38 were offered to the public, making it an extremely rare collector’s item. This last iteration reflected De Tomaso’s final effort to update the Pantera, leading up to the cessation of its production in 1992—a significant moment marking the conclusion of this iconic Italian-American supercar’s history.
The example being offered by RM Sotheby’s is equipped with a carbureted Ford 351 cubic inch Cleveland V8. It shows 18,763 km since new and has minimal signs of wear. The Pantera, especially later model-year examples have been very exciting in the market in recent months and this car, given its rarity and condition should bring plenty of bids when it his the auction block.
Estimate: $150,000 – $200,000
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum Collection
Following the successes seen in Europe, RM Sotheby’s will offer the remaining cars consigned by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum during ModaMiami.
In 1957, Chevrolet developed the Corvette SS (Project XP-64), a unique experimental race car designed to compete in endurance races like the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Under Zora Arkus-Duntov’s guidance, Chevrolet aimed to elevate the Corvette into an elite racing vehicle.
The Corvette SS incorporated a lightweight tubular space frame chassis and a body made from magnesium and aluminum, reducing its total weight to about 1,850 lbs (839 kg). It was powered by a fuel-injected 283 cubic inch V8 engine, producing roughly 307 horsepower, along with a 4-speed manual transmission. The suspension and braking systems were engineered for the rigorous demands of endurance racing.
Its first appearance was at the 1957 12 Hours of Sebring, driven by John Fitch and Piero Taruffi. Unfortunately, it didn’t finish due to overheating and mechanical problems. Despite its promise, Chevrolet had to cease factory-backed racing in 1957 because of a ban by the Automobile Manufacturers Association on manufacturer-supported racing.
Although the Corvette SS never competed at Le Mans, it significantly influenced future Corvette developments. Insights gained from this project informed the design of subsequent high-performance Corvettes, such as the 1963 Corvette Grand Sport. Today, the Corvette SS is recognized as an important chapter in Chevrolet’s racing legacy.
The XP-64 is being offered from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum by RM Sotheby’s. It was given to the museum in 1967. Since that time it’s made appearances at many significant classic car events including the Monterey Historic races – making its first appearance in Monterey in 1987.
There will never be another Project XP-64 – the mule car that was produced was later used to built the XP-87 Stingray Racer that took the SCCA National Championship in 1960 – and we expect the bidding to reflect the significance of this piece of automotive history.
Estimate: $5,000,000 – $7,000,000
The Spirit of America Sonic I, crafted and piloted by Craig Breedlove in 1965, stands as a remarkable jet-powered vehicle designed for land speed record attempts. This car utilized a J79 turbojet engine from a Lockheed F-4 Phantom II fighter jet, providing an impressive thrust of 15,000 pounds.
Featuring a streamlined, needle-nosed shape with three wheels, the Sonic I was engineered solely to surpass existing speed records. On November 15, 1965, at the Bonneville Salt Flats, Breedlove achieved a groundbreaking feat by becoming the first individual to break the 600 mph barrier, clocking in at 600.601 mph (966.57 km/h). This accomplishment firmly established his legacy within the annals of high-speed racing history and further fueled the race to set new world land speed records.
Breedlove’s Sonic I played a pivotal role in a storied competition among land speed pioneers, notably including Art Arfons. Although subsequent challenges would see the record evolve, the Spirit of America Sonic I continues to be celebrated as a landmark achievement in engineering and human determination.
Although other land speed records have been set in the decades since Breedlove broke the 600 mph barrier, this is arguably the most well-known and recognizable land speed record car ever built. While we don’t anticipate its next owner to head to the Salt Flats – though we can hope – this is a chance to own a significant piece of history.
Estimate: $500,000 – $1,000,000
The Ford GT40 Mk II became the iconic American race car that solidified Ford’s success at the 24 Hours of Le Mans during the 1960s. Created under Henry Ford II’s vision to outperform Ferrari, the Mk II was a refined version of the original GT40. It boasted a robust 427 cubic inch V8 engine, an upgrade from the initial 4.7L V8. This formidable powertrain, combined with a 4-speed Kar Kraft gearbox, equipped the Mk II with the stamina and velocity required to contend against Europe’s finest.
In 1966, the GT40 Mk II achieved fame by achieving a first-second-third finish at Le Mans, marking Ford’s inaugural overall victory in this prestigious event. Piloted by renowned drivers such as Bruce McLaren, Chris Amon, Ken Miles, and Denny Hulme, the Mk II’s triumph represented the peak of Ford’s determined quest for motorsport supremacy. This victory not only disrupted Ferrari’s dominance but also positioned Ford as a leading contender in endurance racing.
Today, the GT40 Mk II stands as one of the most celebrated race cars ever constructed, epitomizing American ingenuity, determination, and a significant era in motorsports history.
This 1966 Ford GT40 Mk II is one of only 8 examples built and boasts an impressive racing history as well as known ownership history. It was donated to the IMS Museum in 1968 and subsequently restored to its Holman-Moody Le Mans configuration in 2011. It was last displayed outside of the museum in 2011 and offers its next owner entry to just about any historic racing event.
Estimate: $8,000,000 – $11,000,000
Next Up for RM Sotheby's
The next in-person sale on the calendar for RM Sotheby’s will take place in Milan on May 22, 2025 at the Fonderia Macchi Carlo. Around 50 cars are expected to be offered at this auction.