CULVER CITY, CA.- Auctions America will lift the gavel on an impressive roster of nearly 300 collector cars and select memorabilia when its annual California sale gets underway, July 17-18 at the historic Barker Hangar in Santa Monica. From European and American sports cars to prewar classics, hot rods and customs, the offering caters to collectors of all genres and represents an eclectic mix of automobiles representative of diverse Southern California tastes.
In the lead up to this year’s event, Auctions America is teaming up with Petrolicious to host a one-day spirited vintage rally in Southern California. Dubbed ‘Drive Tastefully: Barker Hangar’, the June 27 rally will see participants cross some of the area’s best terrain, in addition to presenting collectors with a special preview of select auction vehicles in action.
“Anticipation is building for this year’s California auction; many automobiles are offered fresh to the market and emerging from private collections for the first time in many years, presenting an exciting range of ownership opportunities,” says Alexander Weaver, Car Specialist, Auctions America. “We’re delighted to also be working with Petrolicious on the ‘Drive Tastefully’ rally, which presents not only a fantastic opportunity for enthusiasts to explore some of the best Malibu canyons but to also see select auction cars on the open road.”
Early entries for the summer auction are highlighted by a superlative roster of European sports cars, led by a stunning pair of Ferraris, a 1967 330 GTS and a 2004 Enzo. One of the finest all-round road-going Ferraris, the 1967 Ferrari 330 GTS, chassis no. 10375, is the epitome of mid-sixties Italian supercar styling. Delivered new to William Harrah’s Modern Classic Motors before being promptly sold to a Los Angeles enthusiast, it is presented for auction beautifully finished in Rosso Corsa over black and is an ideal candidate for use as both a show or rally car (Est. $2,000,000 - $2,600,000).
“It is in optimal running order and performs admirably, pulling strongly in each gear,” commented Weaver following a recent test drive of the vehicle.
The 330 GTS will be joined at the sale by one of the most desirable contemporary Ferraris on the road today, the 2004 Ferrari Enzo, chassis no. ZFFCZ56B000135884. Originally delivered in Europe, the example on offer was imported into the U.S. in 2014, and has been federalized and made 50-state legal through a vigorous process. Showing just 13,000 kilometers on its clock, it is finished in the iconic Enzo combination of red over red (Est. $1,700,000 - $2,100,000).
“Ferraris have always stood proudly at the top of the automotive hierarchy, and without doubt, the Enzo represents one of the highest-performing and most advanced models in the marque’s modern lineage,” adds Weaver. “This example is presented in outstanding cosmetic and mechanical condition and delivers a true race-car like driving experience while still being comfortable enough to enjoy on public roads.”
German innovation and design will be represented by a superb group of Porsches. Collectively, the group spans the spectrum of production, from the earliest form of the iconic Porsche 356 Speedster through to the latest air-cooled 911s, the ultimate package of design, technology and performance. Among a long list of highlights secured to date is a correct 1955 Porsche 356 Pre-A Speedster, the very finest of its kind, expertly cared for by noted marque specialists (Est. $340,000 - $380,000); a very well optioned 1964 Porsche 365C 1600 SC ‘Sunroof’ Coupe, a long-time California car, presented with the rare Sunroof option (Est. $150,000 - $200,000); and a matching-numbers 1970 Porsche 911S Coupe, a beautiful example of Porsche’s grand touring sports car (Est. $200,000 - $225,000).
For those with a penchant for more recent design, the catalogue features a 1996 Porsche 911 Turbo, resplendent in classic black on black color and powered by the marque’s final twin turbo air-cooled motor (Est. $150,000 - $180,000); and, a two-owner 1998 Porsche 993 Carrera 2S Coupe, showing a mere 38,000 miles and sporting a factory aerokit (Est. $115,000 - $140,000).
Matt Malamut, Auctions America car specialist, comments, “This year’s offering celebrates a true chronology of the Porsche lineage with hand-selected consignments that capture the thrill of Porsche spanning across all eras. Each category is well represented with cars that have their own unique attributes that make them each highly desirable, and especially thrilling to drive. I am very enthusiastic about this grouping and cannot wait share in the excitement for these outstanding examples come auction time.”
Rounding out the desirable roster of early European entries is a trio of elegant Mercedes-Benzes. From a 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220SE Cabriolet, lovingly owned by the same California collector for 35 years (Est. $100,000 - $125,000), to a charming, matching-numbers 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster (Est. $1,100,000 - $1,400,000) and a professionally restored 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet, considered by many to still be the epitome of style and class (Est. $300,000 - $375,000), this group represents three decades of iconic design.
