AUBURN, Ind. – RM Auctions returned to the Auburn Auction Park for the company’s 8th annual Auburn Spring collector car weekend May 11-12. This represented the first Auburn Spring sale held under the RM Auctions banner, following the integration of former RM Sotheby’s Group subsidiary, Auctions America, in fall of 2017. RM Auctions achieved an overall $6,037,635 in total sales, with 84 percent of the 500 lots on offer finding new homes. Absentee and Internet live bidding was available through LiveAuctioneers.
Auburn Spring’s top sale was the weekend’s headline offering, a single-owner 2006 Ford GT. Featuring three of four available factory options and showing less than 3,800 actual miles, the GT sold for a final $297,000 to a phone bidder (est. $250K-$300K, offered without reserve).
The diverse top three is rounded out by an American car from a much earlier time in the country’s automotive heritage—and a native to Auburn—a well-known 1931 Cord L-29 Cabriolet offered following a fresh, comprehensive restoration, which brought $210,000, as well as a pop culture icon, the 1966 Batmobile Recreation “#5,” which achieved $165,000 following plenty of attention during preview hours.
RM Auctions brand’s increased global marketing reach drew Auburn Spring bidders from 16 countries and 38 states across the U.S., with a third of bidders raising their paddles for the first time. Despite challenging weather, the Auburn Spring weekend saw thousands of attendees flock to the Auburn Auction Park to view the nearly 300 motor cars on offer, scour the onsite car corral and swap meet, line up to meet celebrity guest Jessi Combs, and enjoy another 270 cars on display as part of the AACA & Nash Car Club of America Triple Crown Meet.
Barney Ruprecht of RM Sotheby’s Group said following the sale: “Our top ten sales at Auburn Spring demonstrate both the diverse offering as well as the variety of cars that can successfully find new homes at the Auburn Auction Park. The Ford GT result and the successful presentation of private collections like the 15-car Duffy Grove group once again prove the power of offering significant cars without reserve in Auburn, while the refreshed auction arena and new park configuration drew nothing put positive feedback from our clients. We look forward to bringing even more excitement to the Auction Park for Auburn Fall.”
Once again, the Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) held their Spring Meet at Auburn Spring and this time invited the Nash Car Club of America to join as guests. Over 270 cars were preregistered with about 1,000 club members in attendance.
RM Auctions Auburn Spring 2018 Top Ten Sales
– 2006 Ford GT (Chassis No. 1FAFP90S06Y401219), $297,000.
– 1931 Cord L-29 Cabriolet (Identification No. 2928916), $210,000.
– 1966 Batmobile Recreation “#5″ (Serial No. 5), $165,000.
– 2001 BMW Z8 (Chassis No. WBAEJ13481AH60440), $145,000.
– 1965 Shelby 289 Cobra (Chassis No. CSX 8036), $110,000.
– 1932 Auburn Eight Custom Cabriolet (Serial No. 8-100 3109 F), $91,300.
– 1995 BMW M3 Lightweight (Chassis No. WBSBF9321SEH07179), $90,750.
– 1963 Rolls-Royce Phantom V Touring Limousine (Chassis No. 5LCG77), $82,500.
– 1952 Jaguar XK 120 SE Fixed Head Coupe (Chassis No. S 680003), $74,800.
– 1971 Porsche 911 T Coupe (Chassis No. 9111102000), $72,600.
Results are listed in U.S. dollars and are inclusive of buyer’s premium. Results include select post-sale transactions which occurred immediately following the auction.
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