'The Next 30 Days'

Over the next 30 days, RM Sotheby's will offer a once-in-a-lifetime selection of nearly 200 cars, including the 1954 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R, the 1964 Ferrari 250 LM, and other rare collector cars from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. Following a $31.6 million Arizona sale to kick off 2025, these historic auctions will take place in Stuttgart, Paris, and Miami, this February.

The next 30 days will mark one of the most significant periods in RM Sotheby's history as the auction house presents an extraordinary selection of iconic vehicles, including cars from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. These offerings showcase some of the world's most desirable and historically significant automobiles. Highlights include the 1954 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R Stromlinienwagen, famously driven by legends Juan Manuel Fangio and Sir Stirling Moss, and a 1964 Ferrari 250 LM with a celebrated Le Mans-winning history. These exceptional vehicles, along with other ultra-significant offerings, will headline premier auctions in February at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, during Rétromobile Week in Paris, and at ModaMiami.

'Over the next 30 days, RM Sotheby's will accomplish something that has never been done before - it will be truly extraordinary,' said Rob Myers, CEO of RM Sotheby's. 'This weekend, we'll sell the Mercedes-Benz W 196 R in Germany. Just three days later, we'll head to Rétromobile in Paris to auction the Ferrari 250 LM, the outright winner of Le Mans in 1965. From there, we'll go to ModaMiami, an event we started just last year and has already become one of the great concours in America. At Moda, we'll present nine cars from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, including the Chevrolet Corvette SS Project XP-64—Arkus-Duntov's Corvette prototype—the Ford GT40 Mk II that raced at Le Mans, Craig Breedlove's Spirit of America, and the 1908 Mercedes 17.3-Liter 150 HP 'Brookland' Semmering Rennwagen. In addition to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum Collection, we'll be selling 70 other amazing cars in Miami, including three of Ferrari's legendary 'Big Six' models, and many more.

'I don't believe any other company in the world will ever accomplish something like this,' Myers continued. 'This is a moment we should celebrate and embrace—reflecting on what RM Sotheby's has become, what it stands for today, and what we're accomplishing right now. What we're about to achieve is truly unbelievable.'

'These are once-in-a-lifetime cars,' said Gord Duff, President of RM Sotheby's. 'Selling even one of them would have been a dream just a few years ago. To handle a collection like this is an incredible opportunity. Our collaboration with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, as well as our partnerships with Mercedes-Benz and events like Rétromobile, reflects the trust they've placed in us to deliver exceptional results. This is a moment of immense pride for our team and our company.'

In close collaboration with Mercedes-Benz Heritage and following the record-breaking $142 million sale of the Uhlenhaut Coupé, the 1954 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R Stromlinienwagen stands as one of the world's most desirable and significant vehicles. Considered by many to be among the most important cars ever built, it holds the unique distinction of being driven by two of motor racing's greatest legends, Juan Manuel Fangio and Sir Stirling Moss. Donated to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum by Mercedes-Benz in 1965, the iconic W 196 R is estimated to exceed €50,000,000.

Paris, France - Held during Rétromobile Week - February 4-5, 2025

The 1964 Ferrari 250 LM was one of Luigi Chinetti's NART entries for the 1965 running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, a race in which Masten Gregory and Jochen Rindt, driving this car, achieved an impressive 1st overall finish, a feat not accomplished again by a Ferrari until 2023. The car would go on to race in two additional 24 Hours of Le Mans and was a three-time entrant at the 24 Hours of Daytona. An icon of motorsport and a hallowed piece of Ferrari, Le Mans, and NART history, this legendary 250 LM is estimated in excess of €25,000,000.

The upcoming Paris auction, set to approach €100 million, boasts a range of exceptional cars, including standout highlights like the 1970 Ferrari 512 M, a unique racing car with Le Mans history, estimated at €9,000,000 - €12,000,000 EUR; the 1981 Ferrari 512 BB/LM, with wins at Monza and Pergusa, valued at €2,000,000 - €2,500,000 EUR; and the 1951 Ferrari 212/225 Export by Vignale, one of just 27 examples and recently restored, with an estimate of €2,500,000 - €3,500,000 EUR.

As part of the Paris auction, two collections will be offered. The first is a private collection featuring standout pieces such as the 2011 Koenigsegg Agera. The second, The Curated Collection, includes the 1954 Bentley R-Type Continental Fastback Sports Saloon by H.J. Mulliner, and the 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 Lightweight. Click here to view the entire lineup.

Miami, Florida - The Official Auction of ModaMiami 'The Ultimate Luxury Event' - February 27-28, 2025

The 1966 Ford GT40 Mk II, a highly correct example of Ford's legendary 7-liter second-series GT40, was campaigned by Holman-Moody at the 1966 12 Hours of Sebring and 24 Hours of Le Mans, driven by Walt Hansgen, Mark Donohue, and Paul Hawkins. Displayed at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum since 1968, it is estimated at $8,000,000–$11,000,000 USD.

The 1957 Chevrolet Corvette SS Project XP-64, GM's first purpose-built race car and a personal project of Zora Arkus-Duntov, showcases lightweight design and aerodynamics. The sole Corvette SS completed, it was famously raced at the 1957 12 Hours of Sebring by John Fitch and Piero Taruffi. It is estimated at $5,000,000–$7,000,000 USD.

The 1908 Mercedes 17.3-Liter 150 HP 'Brookland' Semmering Rennwagen, one of three surviving 'Brookland' race cars and the only one with fully documented race history, represents the pinnacle of chain-drive, large-displacement Grand Prix cars. It is estimated at $7,000,000–$9,000,000 USD.

Named after Craig Breedlove's ultimate goal of breaking the sound barrier, the jet-powered 1965 Spirit of America Sonic I would set the land speed record on November 15, 1965 on Utah's Bonneville Salt Flats with a run of 600.601 mph. This was the fastest recorded run of Breedlove's entire legendary career. Craig's wife, Lee, also set the women's land speed record in this car, averaging 308.56 mph. This car is estimated at $500,000 - $1,000,000 USD.

The rest of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum Collection includes: 1991 Benetton B191 Formula 1, 1907 Itala 120 HP Works Racing Car, 1930 Bugatti Type 35B Grand Prix, 1911 Laurin & Klement Type S2 Sportswagen, and the 1911 Mercedes 22/40 HP 'Colonial' Double Phaeton.

Apart from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum Collection, auction highlights include three of Ferrari's legendary 'Big Six' models, a 1931 Duesenberg Model J 'Disappearing Top' Convertible Coupe by Murphy, and the 1988 Porsche 959 Sport.

'The excitement surrounding these auctions marks a landmark period for RM Sotheby's,' said Shelby Myers, Global Head of Private Sales. 'Presenting cars once thought unbuyable is a defining moment for our company. These vehicles are more than just automobiles—they are historical artifacts that represent pivotal moments in automotive history. Bringing them to auction is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. This is a time in our careers and as a company that will be remembered forever.'

About RM Sotheby's

RM Sotheby's is the world's largest collector car auction house by total sales. With over 45 years of proven results in the collector car industry, RM's vertically integrated range of services, from auctions (live and online) and private sales to 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 Sotheby's is currently responsible for six of the top ten most valuable motor cars ever sold at auction.

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Photo credit: RM Sothebys
posted on conceptcarz.com

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