NEW YORK, NY.- Sotheby’s and RM Sotheby’s announced a new series of online-only, single-lot automobile auctions. The series kicked off on 10 May with a beautifully restored 1967 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III BJ8.

Hosted on Sotheby's newly developed digital auction platform, the sales will offer new and seasoned collectors alike a unique process for discovering and acquiring cars selected specifically for the new format. Bidding for the Austin Healey opened at 10:00 am on 10 May, and will run through 23 May, during which the current high bid will be visible. While the sale format is new, the quality of cars for auction on the digital auction platform will be consistent with Sotheby’s and RM Sotheby’s offerings and will be subject to RM Sotheby’s mechanical and cosmetic inspection process completed by a specialist. Further, the cars offered will be available for in-person viewing and inspection at RM Sotheby’s Auburn, Indiana facilities. Sellers and buyers can also expect the same concierge-level service offered by Sotheby’s and RM Sotheby’s, assisting clients from the moment of consignment through to final transaction and transportation.

“We are delighted to partner with RM Sotheby’s to host this exciting series of online sales. RM’s unquestioned category leadership, combined with Sotheby’s technical capabilities and reach, will help us accelerate our clients’ passions for collecting the finest cars in the world,” said Michael Goss, Sotheby’s Chief Financial Officer.

Kenneth Ahn, President, RM Sotheby’s adds, “Sotheby’s has already demonstrated great success with its new digital auction platform, and we are excited to offer collector cars via this proven tool. We very much look forward to providing car collectors and enthusiasts a platform that harnesses the reach of both Sotheby’s and RM Sotheby’s brands, as well as the opportunity to present a curation of high-quality cars for sale digitally and outside of our traditional scheduled auction events. Clients can expect multiple cars per month, representing a variety of market segments and themes.”

Just this week Sotheby’s online-only sale Berluti: The Art of Craftsmanship featured a unique Porsche 911 Targa 2.4L, whose interior had been fully customized with Berluti natural grained leather, which sold for €348,500 (est. $175,000 / 225,000). The first car on offer via the RM Sotheby’s Online Only sales from 10 May is a highly desirable, numbers matching 1967 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III BJ8. Presented in its original combination of Ivory White over black, the Austin-Healey is true to the way it left the factory, save for a couple of tasteful modifications, and is a wonderful example of the marque. Beautifully restored by marque specialists and fully sorted, this is perhaps the ideal driver’s car to be enjoyed in the coming summer months. The Austin-Healey is estimated to bring $60,000 - $70,000 via the Online Only auction and is offered without reserve. Extensive photography, documentation, and a pre-purchase inspection of the car are available at sothebys.com, along with video footage to enhance the online bidding experience. RM Sotheby’s conditions of business will apply to the Online Only sales.