RM Sotheby's Tops Rétromobile 2024
Following a strong performance across 2023 and on the heels of their 26th Arizona auction, RM Sotheby’s posted very strong results in Paris at the first of their 2024 European auctions. Total sales were €36,893,900 ($39,790,660), making it the most successful auction to take place at Rétromobile 2024. That total was no doubt aided by the very significant 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta Compeizione by Scaglietti that brought €10,158,125 ($10,955,700).
RM Sotheby’s achieved a sell-through rate of 84%, notable considering the results witnessed in Scottsdale last month. The second most expensive car sold by RM Sotheby’s at Rétromobile 2024 was the 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB/6C Alloy by Scaglietti. Selling for €3,211,250 ($3,463,384), it was offered from 18 years of single family ownership. It received Ferrari Classiche certification in 2006. It also included a report by Marcel Massini, plenty of documentation, various spare parts, and a tool roll.
The 275 GTB/6C Alloy features a lightweight aluminum body designed by Pininfarina and built by Scaglietti, with a long nose that improves aerodynamics and stability at high speeds. The car is powered by a 3.3-liter V-12 engine with six Weber carburetors, producing 300 horsepower and 294 Nm of torque. The engine is paired with a five-speed manual gearbox mounted at the rear axle, creating a balanced weight distribution and enhancing handling. Only 80 examples of the 275 GTB Alloy were built, and only 16 of them were equipped with six carburetors, making them even more collectible.
Other Paris 2024 Highlights
Other noteworthy cars that were sold by RM Sotheby’s in Paris include the 1919 Hispano-Suiza H6 Torpédo by Duvivier. A masterpiece of engineering, featuring an inline 6-cylinder overhead camshaft engine based on the features of its V8 aluminum World War I aircraft engines. The car had a top speed of 150 km/h and could accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 16 seconds. It also had innovative features such as power-assisted brakes, a seven-bearing crankshaft, and a pressurized lubrication system.
It was first owned by King Alfonso XIII of Spain, one of Hispano-Suiza’s most famous customers. King Alfonso XIII owned this H6 from 1919 until 1931. It was later owned by Patricio Chadwick of Spain before it was acquired by The Timeless Collection in the 1990s. It was well-sold at €522,500 ($563,524) with a pre-auction estimate of €400,000 – 500,000.
Another extremely well-sold car was the 1993 Porsche 911 Turbo 3.6, one of less than 1,500 produced. The one offered by RM Sotheby’s is believed to be one of only three finished in Oak Green Metallic over Sherwood Green leather. The consignor owned the car for more than 20 years and saw their car achieve almost three times more than its low estimate at €511,250 ($551,391).