PHOENIX – RM Auctions announces two private collections will be joining their “Automobiles of Arizona” auction event, Jan. 16, 2009 in Phoenix, Arizona. RM’s 10th anniversary auction will include approximately 125 magnificent vintage motor cars, including a selection from the esteemed Dr. Barbara Atwood Collection, and a second important private collection that contains early brass-era cars and luxury classics from the late 1920s and early 1930s.

The Atwood Collection is the result of a lifetime of discerning collecting by the late Dr. Barbara Mae Atwood. Throughout her life Dr. Atwood shared two passions – caring for animals and collecting automobiles. In the latter, she is renowned as the premier female collector of her time. Twenty-four of her most treasured automobiles will join RM’s Arizona auction lineup in January. Each representing some of the finest examples of their time, highlights of the offering include: a one-off 1929 Graham-Paige Model 837 LeBaron Dual-Cowl Phaeton, built for the 1929 New York Auto Show and specially commissioned by Joseph Graham’s daughters; an award-winning 1932 Stutz DV-32 Super Bearcat by Weymann, regarded as the final and fastest iteration of the famous Bearcat; a 1937 Lincoln Model K Brunn Cabriolet, ordered and specially customized for Boston socialite and tennis star Eleanora Sears; and a 1933 Marmon Sixteen Convertible Sedan, among the last of the Marmons and reportedly Mrs. Marmon’s personal car.

Other highlights of the Atwood Collection include an ultra-rare 1913 Herreshoff Roadster, a desirable 1925 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost Picadilly Roadster, a unique 1931 Hudson Greater Eight Boattail Speedster, and an award-winning 1934 Auburn Salon Convertible Sedan.

Also set to cross the block at RM’s Arizona sale will be an important collection of early brass-era cars joined by a selection of luxury classics from the late 1920s and early 1930s. Highlighting this private collection are a rare 1910 Thomas Flyer 6-70P Touring Car, a beautifully restored, award-winning 1909 Thomas 6-40 Flyabout and a magnificent early 1909 Pierce-Arrow Great Arrow 7P Touring Car, complete with rare original copper-plated hood and every imaginable brass accessory from new.

Considered one of the great legends of American motoring, the 1910 Thomas Flyer 6-70 p Touring, equipped with its massive six cylinder T-Head 70hp engine and double-chain drive, was one of the fastest cars of its time. Reportedly one of only two known to exist today, this example boasts an impressive ownership history having once been part of the esteemed Harrah’s Collection.

Equally rare, the 1909 Thomas 6-40 Runabout also boasts superb ownership provenance having formerly been owned by Gene Zimmerman, Tiny Gould, Bob Bahre and Bob Adams. The recipient of a recent, professional restoration, this example has been in single ownership for the past 30 years and is believed to be one of only three survivors.

Also on offer from the same private collection are an ultra-rare 1905 Ford Touring Car, a handsome 1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Ascot Phaeton, a 1930 Packard 745 Dual Cowl Phaeton, just three owners from new; and a 1929 Duesenberg Model J LeBaron Sport Phaeton.

RM’s Automobiles of Arizona auction event will be held at the luxurious Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa, 24th Street & Missouri, Phoenix, Arizona on Jan. 16, 2009. An auction preview will be held Jan. 15 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. local time followed by the auction from 11 a.m. on Jan. 16, also local time. Live Internet bidding will be available through www.LiveAuctioneers.com. For additional information on this sale, log on to www.rmauctions.com.