HERSHEY, PA.- RM Sotheby’s reinforced its reputation for the presentation of some of the finest available Brass and Classic Era motor cars at its two-day Hershey sale this week, generating an overall sales total of $16,344,387, with a very strong 96 percent of all lots sold. The fantastic result represents the company’s strongest performance in Pennsylvania, besting its 2014 total by more than 16 percent.
A feature attraction of the AACA Eastern Division Fall Meet, an autumn tradition bringing together hobbyists and collectors from around the world, RM’s Hershey sale welcomed bidders from 20 countries, with more than 20 percent representing new clientele. The beautiful weather drew hundreds to the outdoor preview, translating to spirited bidding across the two evening sale sessions.
An imposing car drawing many eyes throughout the preview, top sale honors went to the 1913 Pierce-Arrow Model 66-A Seven-Passenger Touring, chassis no. 66667, which sold for $830,500 to applause from the packed auction room, after lively back-and-forth bids from interested parties both in the room and over the Internet. Well-surpassing its pre-sale estimate of $550,000-$650,000, the Pierce-Arrow shone as the ultimate Brass Era automobile. Joining the Model 66-A at the top of the list is the 1911 Oldsmobile Autocrat known as Yellow Peril, chassis no. 65877, a powerful racing machine of the same era. Thundering onto the auction stage, the fascinating car brought a final price of $698,500, ready for more cross-country touring with its next enthusiastic owner. Rounding out the top three and leading the selection of early European vehicles in the sale is an extremely rare 1914 Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP Silver Ghost Landaulette, chassis no. 25EB, which brought a final $577,500 after a very strong opening bid.
“Hershey proved once again to be the perfect venue for the offering of important early automotive design,” said Gord Duff, car specialist, RM Sotheby’s, following the sale. “Brass Era powerhouses were the hit of the week, with the most exciting moment coming as our auctioneer Max Girardo opened bidding on the 1913 Pierce-Arrow, igniting a fierce competition that had the crowd roaring with every raise of a paddle. At another level of the market, expert restorations stood out, with top tier examples bringing well-deserved prices.”
A number of beautifully restored Classic Era automobiles exceeded pre-sale expectations, headed by a stunning 1923 Duesenberg Model A Sport Phaeton, chassis no. 977, offered from 67 years of ownership, at $374,000, a new auction record for the model. Another fantastic example is the exquisitely restored 1924 Marmon Model 34C Two-Passenger Speedster, chassis no. B2-5001, a best-of-category car boasting numerous awards, which sold for $203,500. Additional sales of note include a handsome 1934 Pierce-Arrow Eight Two-Passenger Coupe, chassis no. 2080431, nearly doubling its estimate at $154,000, along with a sparkling 1936 Chrysler Imperial Airflow Sedan, chassis no. 7015285, at $176,000.
Highly desirable memorabilia also achieved great prices, kicking off the auction on both Thursday and Friday evening. Stand out highlights include tremendous prices for unique collectibles offered from the Richard Roy Estate Collection, most notably a trio of scale model replicas of World War II aircraft, led by the North American Aviation P-51 Mustang Model Plane at $21,850, more than triple its top estimate.
