LONDON.- Excitement is building for RM Sotheby’s brand-new Milan event, with a raft of fresh consignments set to take centre stage at the striking Fonderia Macchi Carlo on 22 May. The stunning industrial backdrop has recently played host to fashion shows from the likes of Gucci and Valentino, and the latest round of collector cars consigned to the Milan auction more than live up to billing, representing some of the most stylish and glamorous models ever to turn a wheel.
No Italian auction would be complete without a healthy dose of la dolce vita, and few cars capture that effortless blend of beauty and performance quite like Alfa Romeo’s legendary 8C. The recently consigned 1932 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Cabriolet in the style of Pinin Farina is the undeniable star of the sale, boasting fascinating, newly revealed history and unique coachwork. This hugely significant machine was first delivered to royalty, HRH Prince Filiberto of Savoy-Genoa, before being exhibited by him at the 1933 Monte Carlo Concours d'Elegance. It was subsequently owned by noted racing driver, Vittorio Belmondo, who commissioned its stunning one-off coachwork in 1937. With tremendous provenance, eligibility for the world’s foremost concours and events, and achingly beautiful and utterly unique bodywork, this significant Alfa Romeo 8C is worth every cent of its €3,500,000 - €4,500,000 EUR pre-sale estimate.
Hailing from the same magical era of pre-war motoring is a 1930 Alfa Romeo 6C Gran Sport Spider Series IV by Zagato, a beautiful example of a model that made its name contesting the great road races of the period. This car has carried on that tradition by competing in the Mille Miglia Storica on multiple occasions, while also having been raced by Phil Hill in the 1985 Monterey Historic Automobile Races and entered into the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in the same year. Most recently, it benefitted from a comprehensive service by Jim Stokes Workshops in the UK. It is estimated at €1,300,000 - €1,500,000 EUR.
The trio of Alfa Romeo consignments is completed by one of the marque’s post-war gems, a 1949 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Super Sport by Pinin Farina. As one of only 383 Super Sports produced and of an even smaller number to wear Pinin Farina’s elegant cabriolet coachwork, the car is eligible for any number of top tours, concours events, and exhibitions, and further benefits from a brief spell of ownership by celebrated Alfa Romeo gentleman driver, Franco Bol. It is estimated at €300,000 - €350,000 EUR.
The Alfa Romeos will be joined by another Italian legend of a later era, a 1969 Ferrari 365 GTC by Pininfarina. A very early example from the model’s limited 150-strong production run, this car is just the seventh off the line and has remained in Italian ownership since new. It is expected to sell for €650,000 - €750,000 EUR.
Two spectacular examples of the iconic Mercedes-Benz 300 SL will also make the trip to Milan, each offered from long-term ownership in the same respected collection. The first, a 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing, boasts a dream specification that includes a rare factory-fitted NSL engine and Rudge knock-on wheels. Further distinguished as one of only four cars originally finished in Blaugrau (now silver), it is offered from 37 years of continuous ownership and wears a pre-sale estimate of €1,800,000 - €2,200,000 EUR.
Equally special is a 1962 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster, one of only 209 of the most sought-after late-model examples to feature an alloy engine block and disc brakes. Like its sister car, the Roadster has remained in the same collection for an extended period, having been purchased directly from the car’s first owner in 1996. Finished in Light Blue over Roser and complete with its removeable hardtop, the Roadster presents in wonderfully original condition. A remarkable survivor and fine example of the breed, it is expected to fetch €1,800,000 - €2,200,000 EUR.
