RM Sotheby's Is Delighted To Announce A Stunning New Location For Its Annual London Auction

June 13, 2024 by RM Sothebys

• The annual London sale is to be held at the prestigious new Peninsula Hotel, a five-star hotel in the heart of London, on 2 November

• An exciting early highlight for the sale is the incredible ex-Rob Walker 1936 Delahaye 135S Competition

• Many more exciting consignments are set to be announced in the coming weeks and months

• More information available at rmsothebys.com

RM Sotheby's is delighted to announce an incredible new location for its annual London sale. The autumn London sale is RM Sotheby's oldest annual European sale, and The Peninsula Hotel is set to become the new home for this flagship auction.

Situated alongside Hyde Park Corner and Wellington Arch, The Peninsula London undoubtedly occupies one of the city's most prestigious addresses. Having recently been built, the hotel represents the cutting edge of luxury in the capital and will be a fitting location for RM Sotheby's long-standing November London sale. The auction takes place on 2 November, on the eve of the historic London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, during The Royal Automobile Club's London Motor Week.

An outstanding early consignment for the sale is the 1936 Delahaye 135S Competition. An iconic car among automotive aficionados and historic racing enthusiasts, the car boasts one of the most remarkable competition histories. Originally a Works car entered into Grand Prixes for famed driver Albert Divo, it was then sold to the United Kingdom and registered 'DUV 870'. Competitively raced around the United Kingdom and Europe, this Delahaye won the 1937 12 Hours of Donington at the hands of Prince Bira and Hector Dobbs. In 1938 it was acquired by a young student, the heir to the famous Walker whisky distilling group, Rob Walker. Incredibly, Walker with little racing experience entered the car into the 1939 edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans where he finished 8th overall with Ian Connell as his second driver. During Walker's pre-war ownership, he lent his Delahaye to Arthur Dobson for 'The Fastest Road Car Race' at Brooklands in May 1939 where it triumphed beating serious opposition. Following the war, Walker had given up his racing license due to marriage so embarked on a famous career as an entrant. Still in possession of the Delahaye, it was entered into the 1949 edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans for Tony Rolt and Guy Jason Henry but it retired with bearing failure Walker then sold the car and it was raced at Goodwood several times before entering the famous Major Thompson collection. Following the death of Thompson, Rob Walker bought his beloved car back in 1970 and had it restored. Astonishingly, this Delahaye has remained in the Walker family since, with occasional appearances at Goodwood and Brooklands.

Most recently, this Delahaye made a stellar appearance in a Johnnie Walker Blue Label promotional mini-feature film 'The Gentleman's Wager II', featuring Jude Law undertaking an epic journey from Southern Italy to Monte Carlo in the car. The film also features appearances from world champions Jenson Button and Mika Hakkinen. This significant piece of automotive history, is estimated to sell for between £1,000,000 – £1,500,000 GBP.

Sholto Gilbertson, Director of Sales, UK, says 'This Delahaye is undoubtedly an icon of motor racing, with extensive pre- and post-war history. It is, truly, one of the most significant motor cars to be offered at auction in recent times and it will be a truly irresistible proposition to collectors. This example is one of the many consignments that will be coming to our London sale in November, which will take on an entirely new look and feel at the remarkable Peninsula Hotel.'