· Auctions America generates more than $5.7 million in sales at annual Auburn Spring event, May 9 – 11

· Auctions America continues its 2013 auction calendar, August 1 – 3 in Burbank, California

AUBURN, Indiana – Auctions America continued its 2013 season this past weekend with its annual Auburn Spring collector car weekend at the historic Auburn Auction Park in Auburn, Indiana. The highly successful auction, which included automobiles, motorcycles and memorabilia, generated more than $5.7 million* in total sales with over 77 percent of all lots sold. Bringing together the collector car community to celebrate all things automotive, bidders hailed from seven countries around the world and 38 states across the U.S., with nearly one-third of participants representing new clientele.

Following a spirited round of bidding, top sale honors at the Auburn Spring event went to an AACA National First Prize winning 1930 Packard 745 Dual Cowl Phaeton, beautifully presented in black with green leather interior and a black convertible top. Fitted with the desirable “Super 8” engine and benefitting from a well-preserved, first-rate restoration, the Packard achieved a strong $198,000 to applause from the crowd. A stunning 1931 Auburn 8-98 Boattail Speedster also attracted enthusiastic bidding, realizing $159,500, while a fully-equipped 1967 Shelby GT500 Fastback took third spot, garnering $121,000.

The highly anticipated selection of automobiles from the distinguished estate collection of John Soneff also sold well to a lively Saturday crowd. The top sale of the collection went to a resplendent black 1950 Hudson Commodore 8 Convertible Brougham for $112,200.

The Auburn Spring weekend also offered a number of attractions to suit any collector car enthusiast. Along with the swap meet and car corral presented exclusively by Carlisle Events, visitors to the Auction Park were thrilled with the chance to meet Richard Rawlings, star of Discovery’s hit TV show, Fast N’ Loud during two Saturday autograph sessions. The weekend was also host to the inaugural Antique Automobile Club of America Central Division National Spring Meet, which proved to be an exciting new attraction for AACA members and attendees alike.

“Thanks to a great team effort by the staff of Auctions America and AACA, our inaugural Central Division Spring Meet was a resounding success! We had almost 250 cars registered, 400 well-fed people at our banquet, and numerous empty wallets from attending the auction (and a few fat ones from selling)!” said Steve Moskowitz, Executive Director, AACA following the event. “The reaction from our members and the public alike was astounding. We look forward to an ongoing relationship with Auctions America and a continued presence at Auburn, and extend our sincere thanks to both the Auctions America team and naturally, to all our volunteers.”

“We could not have been happier with the turn out of the AACA’s inaugural meet at Auburn Spring,” adds Donnie Gould, president, Auctions America. “The impressive showing, along with very strong interest from bidders both nationally and abroad certainly took us one big step further in putting Auburn back on the map as the classic car capital of America. We look forward to welcoming clients back to the Auburn Auction Park for our annual flagship event, the Auburn Fall collector car weekend, August 29 – September 1.”

Auctions America’s Auburn Spring Top 5 sales:

Lot 501 –
1930 Packard 745 Dual Cowl Phaeton
$198,000

Lot 540 –
1931 Auburn 8-98 Boattail Speedster
$159,500

Lot 557 –
1967 Shelby GT500 Fastback
$121,000

Lot 524 –
1950 Hudson Commodore 8 Convertible Brougham
$112,200

Lot 500 –
1955 Chrysler 300
$107,250

Auctions America continues its busy 2013 season with its debut California sale, August 1 – 3, at the Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Airport Hotel in Burbank, California. The multi-day collector car auction is expected to feature more than 400 quality collector cars, including a diverse assortment of European and American classics and sports cars, Detroit muscle, hot rods, and customs.

Auctions America will welcome the collector car community back to the Auburn Auction Park for the annual Auburn Fall weekend, August 29 – September 1. A Labor Day weekend tradition, the multi-day event is one of the country’s premier celebrations of the collector car hobby and the longest running event in collector car auction history.

Complete results from Auctions America’s Auburn Spring sale, along with further information on upcoming events, is available online at auctionsamerica.com.

*Results are listed in USD and are inclusive of a 10 percent buyer’s premium for all vehicles and a 15 percent buyer’s premium for all motorcycles and memorabilia.

About Auctions America

Formed in July 2010, Auctions America specializes in the sale of American classics, European sports cars, Detroit muscle, hot rods and customs. Headquartered at the historic Auburn Auction Park in Indiana, Auctions America boasts an expert team of full-time vehicle specialists, who offer over 140 years of combined experience buying, selling, racing and restoring collector vehicles, making them uniquely qualified to advise on all aspects of the hobby. To learn more about Auctions America, visit auctionsamerica.com, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @auctionsamerica.

Photo Caption:

1930 Packard 745 Dual Cowl Phaeton (Photo Credit Andrew Smith © 2013 Courtesy of Auctions America)

Media:

Meghan McGrail – mmcgrail@auctionsamerica.com or +1 519 437 3061

Beth Ridenour – bridenour@tprm.com or +1 407 474 6698

Source: Auctions America

The 60th running of the most prestigious dirt track race in the world is slated for Thursday, May 23rd at the Indiana State Fairgrounds where the USAC Silver Crown cars will compete in the 2013 Hoosier Hundred.

Yup, I am openly promoting this race and nope, they don’t pay me. I grew up attending the Hoosier Hundred with the greatest man I ever knew – my Dad – in the 70′s and 80′s, back when it was a September event. It was among our favorite events each summer.

I remember sitting in the stands and watching Larry Rice, who would later to become a good friend and TV colleague, try to chase down Jack Hewitt in the final laps of the 1986 race. I still have the ticket stub. We saw some great races at the Indy Mile each year. Yeah, I pretty much love this race.

So yesterday I called up Bob Sargent, president of Track Enterprises, and asked him a few questions that I thought might interest my fellow open wheel fans. Here they are:

SC: What’s up with the date change? You held the race on the Friday before the Indy 500 for several years.

BS: We thought with Carburetion Day being on Thursday years ago, that Friday worked perfect for us. And now they’ve moved it to Friday and we had to make some adjustments. We felt that Thursday night would be a good night for the fans and for people from the speedway.

SC: You guys (at Track Enterprises) have worked pretty hard to build this race back up after it fell on hard times. How’s it going?

BS: It’s still on the way up to being recognized as a national event and to being well-attended. Obviously the tradition is huge here. This is our 60-year anniversary for this event and USAC is doing a much better job promoting the race and the Silver Crown cars. We’ve even got a little NASCAR flavor with Ken Schrader coming to race the modifieds, so we feel we’re definitely going the right direction.

SC: Why the low car count last year? The Silver Crown fields just weren’t that big.

BS: (USAC) tried a different kind of fuel last year and some of the car owners just didn’t want to run it, so they were a little low on car count. It seems they’ve got some new and young car owners and drivers now and we’re going the right direction to build this car count back to where it was back in the day.

SC: If you were going to offer people just one good reason to attend this year’s Hoosier Hundred, what would it be?

BS: There aren’t a lot of different types of cars that can race on a dirt mile. Silver Crown cars fit the Indianapolis Mile just perfect… it’s the excitement and the history combined with drivers like A. J. Foyt, Parnelli Jones, Tony Stewart, Jeff Gordon, and on and on racing these kinds of cars. We have a beautiful facility at the Indiana State Fairgrounds and a one mile dirt oval. This is very unique. We can watch asphalt races go round and round every Sunday but these dirt miles are very historic and there aren’t very many in the country left.

I hung up the phone thinking about Bob’s last comment. The Hoosier Hundred at the Indiana State Fairgrounds is as close as you will ever get to a motorsports time machine.

This is the track where racing legend Barney Oldfield pushed an automobile past the 60-mph barrier for the first time in June 1903, and everything remains the same today. The grandstands are nearly identical in construction and on precisely the same spot. The start/finish line and flag stand are within inches of their original positions. The track surface hasn’t changed by an inch.

The Hoosier Hundred was first held at the fairgrounds in 1953. It was won by Bob Sweikert, who would seal his legacy by winning the Indy 500 in 1955.

Johnny Parsons set a track record at over 108 mph at the fairgrounds in the summer of 1975, just two years after 17-time national champion Mert Lawwill set a motorcycle speed record here.

Parsons’ 108-mph record was smashed in 1989 by the incomparable Rich Vogler.

Look… the history of this event and this racetrack would chew up ten more articles. Just do yourself a favor and be there on May 23rd.

I’ll be sitting in Turn One with my Dad.

Stephen Cox
Sopwith Motorsports Television Productions
#20 Boschett Timepieces/Ed & Co. Racing Supplies ARCA Truck
Co-host, Mecum Auto Auctions

Read Stephen’s book on the Can Am Champion L&M Porsche 917 – free online

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Boschett Timepieces

Photo Credit: Sopwith Motorsports

Source: Global Media/Sopwith Motorsports Television Productions

INDIANAPOLIS – The all-new, seventh-generation 2014 Corvette Stingray will serve as the Indianapolis 500 Pace Car, leading the field to green at the start of the 97th running of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” on Sunday, May 26, at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

It marks a record 12th time the Corvette has served as the Pace Car, starting in 1978.

“It is an honor to help inaugurate the all-new Corvette Stingray at the hallowed Brickyard and further the legacy between Chevrolet and the Indianapolis 500,” said Jim Campbell, GM vice president of Performance Vehicles and Motorsports. “The 2014 Corvette Stingray’s performance was influenced by racing, making this prestigious assignment even more fitting.”

Along with Chevrolet’s return in 2012 as an engine supplier, the Corvette Stingray Pace Car extends a legacy at the Brickyard that dates to the racetrack’s early days.

Photos:

“Chevrolet is a great partner of the Speedway,” said Jeff Belskus, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation president and chief executive officer. “That connection is heightened this year with the next-generation Corvette in front of a very talented field of racers.”

Decked out in Laguna Blue Tintcoat with official Indianapolis 500 graphics on the doors, the Corvette Stingray Pace Car differs from production models with only track-mandated safety features and strobe lights. No powertrain upgrades are required to run in front of the IndyCar pack, thanks to its all-new 6.2L LT1 engine, which features advanced technologies including direct fuel injection, continuously variable valve timing and Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation). They help produce an estimated 450 horsepower more efficiently.

The 2014 Corvette Stingray coupe goes on sale this fall, with a convertible model – featuring a fully electronic top that can be operated remotely with the key fob – coming a few months later. Vehicle highlights include:

- An interior that offers genuine carbon fiber and aluminum trim, hand-wrapped leather materials, dual eight-inch configurable driver/infotainment screens, and two new seat choices – each featuring a lightweight magnesium frame for exceptional support

- Advanced driver technologies, including a five-position Drive Mode Selector that tailors 12 vehicle attributes to fit the driver’s environment and a new seven-speed manual transmission with Active Rev Matching that anticipates gear selections and matches engine speed for perfect shifts every time

- Lightweight materials, including a carbon fiber hood and removable carbon fiber roof panel on coupes; composite fenders, doors and rear quarter panels; carbon-nano composite underbody panels and a new aluminum frame help shift weight rearward for an optimal 50/50 weight balance that supports a world-class power-to-weight ratio

- A sculpted exterior featuring advanced high-intensity discharge and light-emitting diode lighting and racing-proven aerodynamics that balance low drag for efficiency and performance elements for improved stability and track capability

- Track-oriented Z51 Performance Package, including an electronic limited-slip differential; dry-sump oiling system; integral brake, differential and transmission cooling; as well as a unique aero package that further improves high-speed stability.
The Corvette Pace Car features the track-capable Z51 package.

Chevrolet and the Indianapolis 500

Chevrolet has a long shared history with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the Indianapolis 500 and the IZOD IndyCar Series. Chevrolet was founded in 1911, the year of the inaugural 500-mile race, and the Chevrolet brothers – company co-founder Louis, Arthur and Gaston – all competed in early Indy 500 races. Arthur Chevrolet competed in the 1911 race and Gaston Chevrolet won it in 1920.

Chevrolet competed in Indy-style competition as an engine manufacturer in 1986-93 and 2002-05 with V-8 engines, and returned in 2012 with the Chevrolet IndyCar twin-turbo V-6 engine with direct injection. In that time, Chevrolet won 118 IndyCar races, powered seven driver series champions and scored seven Indianapolis 500 victories.

2013 marks the 24th time a Chevrolet has served as the official Pace Car of the Indianapolis 500, more than any other brand, dating to 1948 with a Chevrolet Fleetmaster. Camaro has served in the role seven times and, with this year’s running, Corvette has led the way a record 12 times.

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4.5 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design, and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

CONTACTS:

Doug Boles
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
317-492-6412
dboles@brickyard.com

Randy Fox
Chevrolet Cars
Phone 313-667-4128
Mobile 313-378-5872
randal.l.fox@gm.com

Jan Thomas
Chevy Racing IndyCar Marketing Manager
Phone 313.665.2445
Mobile 313.618.7391
jan.1.thomas@gm.com

Source: Chevrolet

- RM Auctions announces that it is the official auction partner of the exclusive St James’s Concours of Elegance

- London auction dates to change from late October to 7-9 September, 2013 to coincide with the highly anticipated concours event

LONDON – RM Auctions, the world’s largest collector car auction house for investment-quality automobiles, is delighted to announce that it has now become the official auction partner of the St James’s Palace Concours of Elegance, which will take place from 5-7 September at St James’s Palace in central London. As a result of the partnership, RM Auctions has changed the dates of its well-established London sale which has traditionally taken place in late October.

Peter Wallman of RM Europe, said: “Our London auction has been a highly successful fixture on the global collector car calendar since 2007, but we are delighted to have established a partnership with the St James’ Palace Concours of Elegance and to announce our new auction date to coincide with the event in early September. There are several exciting motoring events taking placein London and the south of England over that period, and it will be an exciting time to conduct an auction, particularly in partnership with such an exclusive event.”

As the official auction house partner of the St James’s Concours of Elegance, RM Auctions we will have a presence at the event and the Concours participants will enjoy a drive across London to the auction venue in Battersea as part of the official programme on Saturday 7th September. The auction preview will take place on the 7-8September, followed by the auction on Monday 9 September.

RM Auctions’ annual Battersea sale is one of the most successful on the European collector car calendar. In 2012 the auction generated an incredible £13,866,000 ($22,393,638 USD) in sales.

For further information on RM’s London auction or its upcoming sale during the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este weekend, 25 May, please contact RM’s London Office at +44 (0) 20 7851 7070 or visit rmauctions.com.

About RM Auctions

RM Auctions is the world’s largest auction house for investment-quality automobiles. With over three decades of experience in the collector car industry, RM’s vertically integrated range of services, from restoration to private treaty sales, auctions, estate planning, and financial services, coupled with an expert team of car specialists and an international footprint, provide an unsurpassed level of service to the global collector car market. RM proudly holds five of the top ten all-time records for the most expensive motor cars sold at auction. RM’s restoration division has achieved unprecedented accolades, earning Best of Show honours at the world’s top concours events. For further information, please visit rmauctions.com, find us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter @rmauctions.

Media Information:

If you are interested in attending this event as a member of the media, please visit www.rmauctions.com/credentials to register for media credentials. For further information, hi-res images, and interview opportunities, please contact

Peter Haynes phaynes@rmauctions.com +44 7738 883 259

Source: RM Auctions

AUBURN, Indiana – Tradition continued in Carlisle, Pennsylvania this past weekend, as Auctions America returned for its third annual Spring Carlisle collector car auction. Held at the Carlisle Expo Center, the two-day auction – a featured attraction of the Carlisle Events Spring Carlisle Collector Car Swap Meet and Corral weekend – generated over $2.2 million* in total sales with more than 53 percent of all lots sold.

This year’s strong attendance saw high quality collector cars sell before a lively crowd. Bidders hailed from 27 states across the U.S. with over one third of bidders representing first time clientele. Top sale honors went to a rare, Bloomington Gold Certified 1959 Chevrolet Corvette “Big-Brake” Fuel-Injected Convertible that realized a final price of $148,500. The handsome black Corvette, one of only 142 built, boasts an extensive frame-off restoration and complete owner history dating back to 1959. Taking the number two spot was a beautifully restored 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Split-Window Coupe for $96,250.

The enthusiastic auction room also saw more than $12,000 raised for the Chip Miller Amyloidosis Charitable Foundation, which was formed to help spread awareness about the disease and to raise money for education and research for the cure. The Foundation is dedicated to empowering people with the knowledge and understanding necessary for earlier detection, ensuring a better quality of life for those afflicted with the disease. In addition to the funds donated from the sale of a 1985 Chevrolet Corvette, a Forty Years of Corvette poster was sold and donated back to the auction several times on Friday to benefit the charity.

“We were pleased to once again join forces with Carlisle Events to deliver the Spring Carlisle sale,” said Donnie Gould, president, Auctions America. “This grassroots collector car event continues to draw passionate crowds as the quality of the offering improves each year. We look forward to continuing the momentum at our Auburn Spring collector car weekend next week.”

Auctions America’s Spring Carlisle Auction Top 5 sales:

Lot 376 -
1959 Chevrolet Corvette “Big-Brake” Fuel-Injected Convertible
$148,500

Lot 368 -
1963 Chevrolet Corvette Split-Window Coupe
$96,250

Lot 381 -
1962 Chevrolet Bel Air 409
$85,800

Lot 377 -
2007 Ford Shelby GT500 Super Snake
$74,250

Lot 380 -
1999 Bentley Azure
$70,950

The Spring Carlisle Collector Car Swap Meet and Corral held at the Carlisle Fairgrounds also posted record attendance, providing a great opportunity for motoring enthusiasts from across the country to share in the thriving hobby.

“The 2013 Carlisle Spring Show kicked off the season with a huge crowd and the buyers, sellers and visitors that came for the auction had to be overwhelmed with the selection and quality of this year’s cars,” said Bill Miller, co-owner/co-founder of Carlisle Events. “Cars ranged from a Model A Ford to a Bentley Azure convertible and everything in between, all looking for new homes. Most of the cars consigned did just that. If you didn’t find your special ride at the event this time, consider the Auburn Spring collector car auction, May 9-11 in Auburn, Indiana.”

Auctions America continues its busy 2013 schedule with its annual Auburn Spring Collector Car Weekend at the historic Auburn Auction Park in Auburn, Indiana, May 9 – 11. In addition to lifting the gavel on approximately 500 automobiles, the Auburn Spring weekend will also feature the inaugural Antique Automobile Club of America Central Division National Spring Meet and an extensive swap meet and car corral presented exclusively by Carlisle Events. Collector car enthusiasts can also look forward to Auctions America’s debut California sale at the Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Airport Hotel, August 1 – 3.

Complete results from Auctions America’s Spring Carlisle sale, along with further information on upcoming events is available online at auctionsamerica.com.

*Results are listed in USD and are inclusive of a 10 percent buyer’s premium for all vehicles and a 15 percent buyer’s premium for all motorcycles and memorabilia.

About Auctions America

Formed in July 2010, Auctions America specializes in the sale of American classics, European sports cars, Detroit muscle, hot rods and customs. Headquartered at the historic Auburn Auction Park in Indiana, Auctions America boasts an expert team of full-time vehicle specialists, who offer over 140 years of combined experience buying, selling, racing and restoring collector vehicles, making them uniquely qualified to advise on all aspects of the hobby. To learn more about Auctions America, visit auctionsamerica.com, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @auctionsamerica.

Photo Caption:

1959 Chevrolet Corvette Fuel-Injected Convertible (Photo Credit © 2013 Courtesy of Auctions America)

Media:

Meghan McGrail – mmcgrail@auctionsamerica.com or +1 519 437 3061

Beth Ridenour – bridenour@tprm.com or +1 407 474 6698

Source: Auctions America

April 25-27 Auction Draws Large Crowd and Diverse Selection to Downtown K.C.

Walworth, Wis. – Magnificent and serene Kansas City, Mo., turns into a car collector’s paradise twice a year when Mecum Auctions comes to town. Last weekend, April 25-27, the Kansas City Convention Center was transformed into that dream location with 735 cars spread across the gleaming floor of beautiful Bartle Hall. With 446 cars selling over the three-day period for a 61 percent sell-through rate, the enduring auction brought a strong $9.6 million total.

The top sale at the Kansas City auction was a Historic Mount Vernon, N.Y., Ahrens-Fox BT piston pumper fire truck (Lot S201), which hammered at $125,000. The fully restored truck may be the finest example remaining of the small group of only nine that were manufactured. The second top spot on the top ten list was nabbed by a bold, Tropical Turquoise 1958 Chevrolet Impala Convertible that was the subject of a frame-off restoration and features a continental kit with a 348 CI Turbo-Thrust V-8 power plant. The car, which crossed the block as Lot S116, sold for a healthy $112,500.

The complete top 10 sales for Mecum’s spring Kansas City auction include (all sales reflect hammer prices):

1. 1936 Ahrens-Fox BT Fire Truck (Lot S201) at $125,000
2. 1958 Chevrolet Impala Convertible (Lot S116) at $112,500
3. 1931 Cadillac Roadster (Lot S121.1) at $112,000
4. 1989 Lamborghini Countach 25th Anniversary (Lot S106) at $111,000
5. 1969 Oldsmobile Hurst 442 (Lot S131) at $100,000
6. 1959 Chevrolet Impala Hardtop (Lot S120.1) at $80,000
7. 1970 Ford Mustang Twister Special (Lot S88) at $78,000
8. 1968 Shelby GT500 Fastback (Lot S94) at $73,000
9. 1955 Chrysler 300 Hardtop (Lot S148) at $67,000
10. 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible (Lot S105) at $64,000

For access to complete auction results and other member benefits, sign up for the free InfoNet service offered at www.Mecum.com.

Mecum’s next auction is just around the corner with the original, largest and best muscle car auction returning to Indianapolis this May 14-19 with Dana Mecum’s 26th Original Spring Classic at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. To consign a vehicle or to pre-register to bid at one of Mecum Auctions’ upcoming events, visit www.Mecum.com or call (262) 275-5050.

About Mecum Auctions

Nobody sells more than Mecum. Nobody. The Mecum Auction Company is the world leader of collector car and Road Art sales, hosting auctions throughout the United States. The company has been specializing in the sale of collector cars for 26 years, now offering more than 15,000 vehicles per year and averaging more than one auction each month. Established by President Dana Mecum in 1988, Mecum Auctions remains a family-run company headquartered in Walworth, Wis. For further information, visit www.Mecum.com or call (262) 275-5050. Follow along with Mecum’s social media news and join us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest and Instagram.

Source: Mecum Auctions

· RM Auctions posts over $21.2 million at the record-breaking sale of the distinguished Don Davis Collection, April 27 in Fort Worth, Texas

· Exceptional collection attracts bidders from 14 countries around the world

FORT WORTH, Texas – RM Auctions continued its strong track record in Texas this past weekend with the record-breaking sale of the Don Davis Collection in Fort Worth, Texas. Held onsite at Mr. Davis’s estate, the single-day auction of the esteemed “collector’s collection” saw 64 prized automobiles sell for more than $21.2 million before a packed house.

The exceptional quality of the collection was reflected in the strong global interest in the sale, with bidders hailing from 14 countries around the world, including from as far away as Brazil, Australia, and Kuwait. Top sale honors went to a rare, matching-numbers 1967 Ferrari 330 GTS. Representing the epitome of mid-sixties Italian GT styling, and stunning in Blu Scuro, the example on offer attracted tremendous interest from collectors, selling for an extraordinary $1,936,000, which set a new world record for a Ferrari 330 GTS sold at auction.

Taking the number two spot was another dream car, the 1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Spider, which garnered a remarkable $1,650,000. In total, five lots achieved individual million-dollar-plus results, while spirited bidding saw a number of automobiles well-exceed pre-sale estimates, to set no less than eight new world records.

Record-shattering sales were led by the 1967 Toyota 2000GT, which sparked an exciting bidding war, eventually selling for an amazing $1,155,000, which far-exceeds the previous world record for a Toyota 2000GT sold at auction. Also entering the history books and setting new auction records for their class were the highly sought-after 1988 Porsche 959 ‘Komfort’, which sold for an outstanding $770,000; the 1965 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III Mulliner Park Ward Drophead Coupe for $577,500; and the 1965 Lamborghini 350 GT Coupe for $550,000.

“We were honored to have been entrusted to offer Don Davis’s incredible collection,” says Ian Kelleher, Car Specialist, RM Auctions. “The fantastic results reflect not only the truly exceptional quality of the cars, but also the continued health of the collector car market and Mr. Davis’s reputation for collecting the best of the best. From the Toyota 2000GT to the Ferrari 330 GTS, this was certainly a record-setting sale that we’re very proud to add to our portfolio of private collection auctions and to our strong track record in the Lone Star State.”

RM Auctions’ Don Davis Collection Million-Dollar-Plus Sales

Lot 132
1967 Ferrari 330 GTS
$ 1,936,000 – Record for a Ferrari 330 GTS sold at auction

Lot 148
1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Spider
$ 1,650,000

Lot 142
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing
$ 1,237,500

Lot 149
1967 Toyota 2000GT
$ 1,155,000 – Record for a Toyota 2000GT sold at auction

Lot 112
1965 Shelby 289 Cobra
$ 1,001,000

The Don Davis Collection sale is the latest on a list of highly successful single-vendor auctions presented by RM Auctions, furthering the company’s reputation as the specialist for private and estate collection sales.

“The entire RM Auctions group was outstanding in handling my auction,” said Don Davis following the sale. “From start to finish, every person handled each step of the process in an extremely professional and friendly manner. The enhancements made to my warehouse by the team completely transformed it to showcase the cars in the best possible way. From the outset, I was told all I needed to worry about was showing up on sale day. Because of the confidence I had in RM, that’s exactly what I did! My experience with the entire RM team was absolutely stellar!”

RM continues its busy 2013 auction season with the return of its highly anticipated biennial sale held during the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este weekend, May 25, on the shores of Lake Como, Italy. This will be closely followed by RM’s established U.S. summer sales, including its annual sale in Plymouth, Michigan, held in conjunction with the respected Concours d’Elegance of America at St. John’s, July 27, as well as RM’s flagship Monterey, California, sale, held during the same weekend as the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, August 16–17.

Full results from the Don Davis Collection sale, along with additional information on upcoming RM events, is available online at rmauctions.com.

*Results are listed in USD and are inclusive of a 10 percent buyer’s premium for all vehicles.

About RM Auctions

RM Auctions is the world’s largest collector car auction house for investment-quality automobiles. With over three decades of experience in the collector car industry, RM’s vertically integrated range of services, from restoration to private treaty sales, auctions, estate planning, and financial services, coupled with an expert team of car specialists and an international footprint, provide an unsurpassed level of service to the global collector car market. RM proudly holds five of the top ten all-time records for the most expensive motor cars sold at auction. RM’s restoration division has achieved unprecedented accolades, earning Best of Show honors at the world’s top concours events. For further information, visit rmauctions.com, find us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter @rmauctions.

Photo Caption:

The Don Davis Collection, 1967 Toyota 2000GT, 1967 Ferrari 330 GTS, 1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Spider (Photo Credit Eugene Robertson © 2013 Courtesy of RM Auctions).

Media:

Meghan McGrail mmcgrail@rmauctions.com +1 519 437 3061

Katherine McFadden kmcfadden@rmauctions.com +1 519 437 3053

Source: RM Auctions

- All-new Porsche duo wows VDI’s biggest-ever international jury – 29 judges from 19 countries

- Ford’s dynamicists scoop two prestigious awards

2013 Award Winners:

- Car of the Year: Porsche Boxster/Cayman
- Dynamics Team of the Year: Ford
- Dynamicist of the Year: David Put, Ford TeamRS
- Innovation of the Year: RaceActive Chassis Control, McLaren
- Development Tool of the Year: AIBA, Continental
- Supplier of the Year: Magneti Marelli Suspension System

Always highly anticipated, the winners of the annual Vehicle Dynamics International Awards have today been announced, with Porsche rewarded for making two very fine handling cars even better with the design of the all-new Cayman and Boxster sports cars. Ford is also a big winner this year, having been recognised by the judges for the exceptional talent and achievements of its global Dynamics Team and also specifically for the work of David Put, who is responsible for tuning the ST and RS models from Ford TeamRS.

Graham Heeps, editor of Vehicle Dynamics International said: “This year Porsche has launched two cars that have simply changed the game as far as all-round dynamic performance is concerned in a mainstream sports car. Ford continues its long heritage of developing some of the best engineering talent to be found anywhere in the industry. All the award winners are exceptional achievers in their fields.”

When judging the Porsche Boxster and Cayman, the judges were struggling to find superlatives to do the cars justice. Respected German journalist, Jürgen Zöllter, summarised Porsche’s achievement nicely by saying: “The best-balanced cars on earth in terms of overall performance, handling, price and fuel economy.”

Hans-Jürgen Wöhler, Porsche’s head of the Boxster and Cayman product line, said: “I am very proud to get this award. The new Boxster and Cayman have both made big steps forward.”

Meanwhile Ford has developed a worldwide reputation for bringing exceptional dynamic performance to affordable, mainstream, production cars. The company’s global Dynamics Team has brought some very talented cars to the market in the past twelve months, including the B-MAX and the Kuga/Escape SUVs, and the judges were delighted to present Ford with the ‘Dynamics Team of the Year Award’.

Furthermore, David Put was individually recognised for his work at Ford TeamRS on the sports oriented ST and RS models. “It is a particular challenge to infuse a sporting personality into a mass audience vehicle platform”, says Phil Morse, himself a dynamacist and writer. “David Put has not only accomplished this, but has gone one step further: He has created seriously sporty offerings that may, in fact, be palatable to the masses.”

Other award winners include McLaren in the Innovation of the Year category for its RaceActive Chassis Control, a system developed exclusively for its P1 hypercar; Magneti Marelli Suspension Systems won the ‘Supplier of the Year’ award for its ground-breaking work in developing ultra-lightweight suspension components; and Continental for its Automated Indoor Braking Analyzer (AIBA), which secured the company the award for the ‘Development Tool of the Year.

Vehicle Dynamics International magazine has a worldwide reputation as the only international publication entirely focused on the latest news, technologies and developments relating to all aspects of suspension and chassis engineering. All areas of this specialist engineering sector are covered in detail, from stability and traction control, to steering, braking, ride and handling. Visit the website at www.vehicledynamicsinternational.com

About the Awards

The voting process works like this: nominations are received from VDI’s expert readership of chassis and dynamics professionals, and from the input of the editorial team. Between four and six shortlisted finalists in each category then go to the international and independent judging panel of automotive journalists, which votes for the winners. The judging panel was significantly expanded this year and now includes 29 judges from 19 countries!

The full list of judges this year was:

Halit Bolkan, auto motor & sport, Turkey; Christophe Congrega, L’Automobile magazine, France; Carl Cunanan, C! magazine, Philippines; Matt Davis, Freelance & VDI columnist, USA; Padraic Deane, Automotive Publications, Ireland; Tarcisio Dias, Mecânica Online, Brazil; Lorenzo Facchinetti, Auto, Italy; Leonid Golovanov, Autoreview, Russia; Graham Heeps, Vehicle Dynamics International, UK; John Heider, principal of Cayman Dynamics and VDI columnist, USA; Graham Johnson, UKIP Media & Events, UK; Matt Joy, Press Association, UK; Jim Kenzie, Toronto Star Wheels, Canada; Nikos Kounitis, 4 Wheels magazine, Greece; Marc Lachapelle, Le Guide de l’auto/MSN Autos US, Canada; Jürgen Lewandowski, Ganske Publishing, Germany; Nicol Louw, Car, South Africa; Frank Markus, Motor Trend, USA; Yves Maroselli, Le Figaro, France; John Miles, Dynamicist and VDI columnist, UK; Phil Morse, Dynamicist and writer, USA; Marc Noordeloos, Freelance, USA; Sergio Oliveira de Melo, El Informador, Mexico; Tomaz Porekar, Avto Magazin, Slovenia; Alvaro Sauras, Car&Tecno, Spain; Hormazd Sorabjee, Autocar India; Gabor Szecsenyi, Az Auto, Hungary; Oleg Vasilevsky, Auto Bild Ukraine; Juergen Zoellter, Freelance, Germany.

Source: Torque PR

California has passed a new law allowing “autonomous cars” on the roadways and Audi says it can have an automated car ready for sale by 2015.

Look no further, folks. It has begun. Leprosy, smallpox, malaria… and now the driverless car.

Let me be abundantly clear about why I don’t like the idea of a car with no driver. It’s not the car that worries me. Yes, I’m sure some technofreak out there can build one.

I oppose the fact that human beings are becoming less skilled by the day. “Civilization” has already caused us to lose most basic skills. Truth be told, without matches and grocery stores most of us would be dead within a month, for without these modern crutches we could neither start a fire nor provide our own sustenance.

“You’re overreacting,” some might claim. Perhaps. But let us look at the evidence first.

Your parents memorized the telephone numbers of every family member, every close acquaintance, and most of the places where they conducted daily business.

Can you recite even five phone numbers from memory? Nope. Your smart phone hath rendered thee dumb.

Your grandparents could build their own home, grow their own garden and hunt their own food. Even if they didn’t need to, at least they knew how. They could sew their own clothes, milk their own cows, cut their own wood and, yes… repair their own car.

Your children won’t even be able to drive one.

And what new abilities have we developed to replace all the basic life skills that we’ve lost?

We can use touch screens and recite the Starbucks menu by heart.

Meanwhile, our food magically appears in a box on a grocery store shelf from whence we know not. Our warmth is provided by a giant company that we’ve never actually seen. Our houses are built from pre-fab plans by big corporations using borrowed money printed on worthless paper lent by massive banks run by people whose only appearance to society comes through someone else’s recorded voice on an 800 number.

We no longer work to directly provide for ourselves. Do you realize that? We work to provide for the system in the hopes that the system will then bestow upon us what it deems necessary for our survival.

And it’s not just driving. It’s not just heat or food provisions. It’s the whole idea that human beings simply don’t have to function anymore. We’re becoming zombies.

Once upon a time, the automobile needed me in order to function. Then the car began making more and more of my decisions, each time taking away a bit more of my autonomy and replacing it only with a hard-to-find manual override button somewhere under the dash.

And now, the automobile has finally decided that it doesn’t need me at all. My only contribution to the entire transportation process is financial.

The new driverless automobile will not go any faster than your masters allow and it will not move an inch until your seat belt is buckled like a good little citizen. Roadside cameras will be re-programmed to enforce seat belt compliance and a thousand other petty rules as municipalities scramble to replace millions in lost revenues from speeding tickets.

Saturday night drag races will lose their appeal when competitors can only make faces at each other through the window to spice up competitions that invariably end in a tie.

These fool cars will undoubtedly spy on their own unwitting occupants and come armed with more cameras than a Department of Fatherland Security checkpoint.

They are certain to automatically pull over for police whether you want them to or not, which will make it very difficult to leave the scene of a bank robbery and nigh impossible to find gainful employment as a getaway driver.

All of this adds up to no fun whatsoever. A thousand curses upon the driverless car. I still want to live my own life.

Stephen Cox
Sopwith Motorsports Television Productions
#20 Boschett Timepieces/Ed & Co. Racing Supplies ARCA Truck
Co-host, Mecum Auto Auctions

Read Stephen’s book on the Can Am Champion L&M Porsche 917 – free online

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Boschett Timepieces

Source: Global Media/Sopwith Motorsports Television Productions

DETROIT – The 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray coupe will have a suggested starting retail price of $51,995, and the Corvette Stingray Convertible will start at $56,995. Both prices include a $995 destination fee but exclude tax, title, and license.

“The 2014 Corvette Stingray perfectly embodies Chevrolet’s mission to deliver more than expected for our customers,” said Chris Perry, vice president, Chevrolet marketing. “The Corvette Stingray delivers a combination of performance, design and technology that very few manufacturers can match, and none can even come close for $52,000.”

Standard features on the all-new 2014 Corvette Stingray include:

- Seating with lightweight magnesium frames for exceptional support, and eight-way power adjustment
- Five-position Drive Mode Selector that tailors up to 12 vehicle attributes
- New seven-speed manual transmission with Active Rev Matching
- 6.2L LT1 V-8 engine with direct injection, Active Fuel Management, continuously variable valve timing and an advanced combustion system
- Carbon fiber hood on all models, and a carbon fiber removable roof panel on coupes
- Aluminum frame that is 99 pounds lighter (45 kg) and 57-percent stiffer than the previous model’s structure
- Advanced, high-intensity discharge (HID) and light-emitting diode (LED) lighting
- Dual, eight-inch configurable driver/infotainment screens, with next-generation – Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system and rear vision camera
- Bose nine-speaker audio system with SiriusXM Satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity, USB and SD card and auxiliary input jack
- Keyless access with push-button start
- Power tilt/telescope steering wheel
- An all-new, fully electronic top on the convertible that can be lowered remotely using the key fob

As shown at the North American International Auto Show, the Stingray coupe fitted with the major available options would be $73,360, including:

- 3LT interior package, with leather-wrapped interior ($8,005)
- Z51 Performance Package ($2,800)
- Competition sports seats ($2,495)
- Exposed-carbon-fiber roof panel ($1,995)
- Magnetic Ride Control with Performance Traction Management ($1,795)
- Dual-mode exhaust system ($1,195)
- Carbon fiber interior trim ($995)
- Sueded, microfiber-wrapped upper interior trim ($995)
- Red-painted calipers ($595)
- Black-painted wheels ($495)

The 3LT interior package includes: Bose 10-speaker surround-sound audio system; SiriusXM Satellite radio with one-year subscription and HD radio receiver; color head-up display; memory package; navigation system; heated and ventilated seats with power lumbar and bolster adjustment; premium Napa leather seating surfaces; and leather-wrapped dash and instrument panel, console and door panels.

The Z51 Performance Package includes: high-performance gear ratios; transmission-cooling system; larger 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels and tires; larger, slotted rotors and brake-cooling ducts; electronic limited-slip differential and differential cooling system; unique chassis tuning; and available Magnetic Ride Control active-handling system with Performance Traction Management. Equipped with the Z51 package, the Corvette Stingray is capable of accelerating from 0–60 mph in under four seconds, and more than 1 g in cornering.

About Chevrolet

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4.5 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design, and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

Monte Doran
Camaro, Corvette
Phone 313-665-4243
Mobile 313-348-2317
monte.doran@chevrolet.com

Source: Chevrolet