MONTEREY, CA.- One of the most highly anticipated lots of Monterey Car Week, the ex-Steve McQueen 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4, entered the history books on Saturday night, selling for a record $10,175,000 at RMs flagship Monterey sale.
Delivered new to Hollywood and motoring icon Steve McQueen on the set of Bullitt, the 275 GTB/4 spurred a spirited contest between bidders in the room and on the phone, more than tripling the previous auction record for the model.
While the McQueen four-cam lent star power to the RM sale, the true highlight of the night was a 1964 Ferrari 275 GTB/C Speciale, one of just three built. Dubbed the 65 GTO, the extraordinarily rare Speciale roared onto the auction stage, with bidding opening at $15 million. The final sale price an outstanding $26,400,000 cements its place in the pantheon of the most valuable automobiles ever offered at public auction.
In total, six Ferraris led a string of 21 individual million-dollar-plus sales during the Saturday sale. Among other highlights were the Austie Clark 1911 Mercer Type 35R Raceabout, offered from single-family ownership since 1949, which realized a superb $2,530,000; and a 1971 Lamborghini Miura SV, which sold for $2,090,000.
The RM group of companies rounds out a tremendous week on Californias Monterey Peninsula today (Sunday, August 17) with four motor cars freshly prepared by RM Auto Restoration set for display at the Pebble Beach Concours dElegance. In 2013, RMs restoration division cemented its reputation as the worlds leading restorer of fine automobiles when the 1934 Packard 1108 Twelve Dietrich Convertible Victoria restored by the company was judged Best of Show. The accolade marked the fifth time RM Auto Restoration has been awarded the events top honor in the new millenniuman unprecedented achievement.
Complete official results for RMs Monterey sale will be posted online at
www.rmauctions.com early next week.