BLENHEIM, ONTARIO.- RM Auctions, the official auction house of the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, is set to continue its strong track record in Florida, March 12, when it returns to the prestigious Ritz-Carlton Hotel for its annual Amelia Island sale.

Now in its 13th year, the well-established auction will showcase over 100 quality motor cars, spanning a century of automotive design, from a wonderful series of early Brass Era cars to elegantly styled British and American road and racing cars and European sports cars. Reflecting the international flavor of consignments, notable early entries include: an ultra-rare 1911 Rolls-Royce 40/50hp Silver Ghost Open Drive Landaulette; a superbly-restored 1930 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Coupe with Murphy Coachwork (J331); and an elegant 1938 Peugeot 402 Darl’mat Leger “Special Sport” Roadster (pictured left).

“RM’s Amelia Island sale has earned a reputation over the years as a highlight on the annual collector car calendar,” says Rob Myers, Chairman and Founder, RM Auctions.

“Backed by a strong track record, our 2011 sale is shaping up to be another not-to-be-missed event. With an emphasis on great automotive styling from across the decades, the sale will combine a high-caliber roster of automobiles with the first-class presentation and unparalleled client service for which RM is known.”

For those with a penchant for early automotive design, the 1911 Rolls-Royce 40/50hp Silver Ghost Open Drive Landaulette, chassis number 1797, leads a string of Brass Era automobiles signed to the sale. A very rare and desirable early Silver Ghost, chassis 1797 was originally a Derby trials car and then used for the London Open Trials. It was later restored by renowned Silver Ghost restorer David Hemmings and shown at Pebble Beach and Meadow Brook, where it won its class at both events. (Estimate: $400,000 - $600,000.)

The Model J Duesenberg has long been regarded as the most outstanding example of design and engineering of the classic era. Introduced in 1929, its announcement halted trading on the New York Stock Exchange. At $8,500 for the chassis alone – a price that approached $20,000 with coachwork – it was by far the most expensive car in America when introduced. The example signed to RM’s Amelia Island sale – a stately 1930 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Coupe with coachwork by Murphy, J331, is an extraordinary example of one of the most desirable Model J’s available, the Murphy Roadster. Superbly restored with its original engine, it carries an auction estimate of $900,000 - $1,100,000 (pictured right).

With its swooping lines and fully-skirted fenders, the 1938 Peugeot Darl’mat Leger “Special Sport” Roadster is another wonderful example of great automotive styling poised for RM’s Amelia Island auction stage in March. Considered one of the most desirable Peugeots produced, it is the result of a collaboration between Emilie Darl’mat, one of the world’s largest Peugeot dealers at the time, designer Georges Paulin and coachbuilder, Marcel Pourtout. One of only 53 roadsters built, and one of the preferred 1938 cars built on the Legere chassis, this striking example has been shown at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance where it was featured as part of a class that was a tribute to Paulin and Pourtout. (Est. $350,000 - $500,000).

In addition to these exciting consignments, RM Auctions will build on its reputation as the specialists for private and estate collections at Amelia Island, presenting the distinguished collection of Jack and Marilyn Tallman. As respected enthusiasts who have been involved in the hobby for many decades, the Tallmans have assembled an outstanding collection of cars, many of which they’ve owned for over 40 years and have enjoyed and driven in countless events and tours, both at home and overseas. In total, 11 automobiles – spanning over 30 years of design – will be offered ‘without reserve’. Highlights include: a 1912 Packard 6-48 Runabout, built new for the Packard President and originally used as a promotional car (Est. $300,000 - $400,000); a 1903 Cadillac Model A Rear-Entrance Tonneau, which comes to market for the first time in 40 years, having completed the London to Brighton run on two separate occasions (Est. $75,000 - $100,000); and a handsome, multiple award-winning 1930 Cadillac V16 Roadster, originally built as a show car (Est. $350,000 - $450,000).

RM’s Amelia Island sale acts as a prelude to the world-renowned Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, returning March 13. Combined, the events make for an ultimate vintage car weekend for automotive enthusiasts.