RARE PACKARD TOPS RM'S SALE AT THE CONCOURS D'ELEGANCE OF AMERICA AT ST. JOHN'S

August 2, 2011 by RM Auctions

• RM Auctions generates over $7.6 million in total sales at its St. John's sale in Plymouth, Michigan

• Top seller: 1932 Packard Twin Six Individual Custom Convertible Sedan achieves $1,100,000

• Unique 1939 Pontiac Plexiglas Deluxe Six ‘Ghost Car' attracts strong interest, realizing $308,000

• Sale acts as a prelude today's celebrated Concours d'Elegance of America at St. John's

A rare 1932 Packard Twin Six Individual Custom Convertible Sedan delivered new to famed American entertainer Al Jolson for $6,600, broke the magic million-dollar mark at RM Auctions' St. John's sale in Plymouth, Michigan yesterday, selling for $1,100,000 before a packed house.

One of just two built and virtually unseen for nearly half a century, the sporting Packard with coachwork by Dietrich spurred a lively bidding war in the room and on the phones to achieve the top-sale of the day. A total of 70 automobiles were presented during the four-hour auction, generating over $7.6 million* in sales with 85% of lots sold.

Formerly known as the Meadow Brook auction, RM's Michigan sale adopted a new home this year – the Inn at St. John's in Plymouth – and once again acted as a prelude to the celebrated Concours d'Elegance of America at St. John's (July 31).

'We are very pleased with the results from our St. John's sale this weekend. They reflect the continuing strength of the market for quality collector cars and paint a positive forecast for the upcoming Pebble Beach auction week in August,' says Gerry Hockin, Chief Operating Officer, RM Auctions.

'Yesterday's sale was very well-attended and the response to our new venue in Plymouth has been extremely positive. We look forward to returning in 2012,' Hockin adds.

In addition to the Packard, an eye-catching 1939 Pontiac Plexiglas Deluxe Six ‘Ghost Car', America's first full-sized transparent car and a highlight of the 1939-40 New York World's Fair, also attracted significant attention from collectors. Remarkably preserved and showing just 86 original miles, it sold for a final price of $308,000 to applause from the audience.

Other notable sales included: a majestic 1929 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Berline for $704,000; a Special Order 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL ‘Gullwing' for $676,500; and a regal 1939 Lincoln Model K Convertible Sedan, built for King George VI and Queen Elizabeth and used as their 1939 Royal Canadian Tour car, for $297,000.

RM at St. John's Top Five Sales

1. 1932 Packard Twin Six Individual Custom Convertible Sedan - $1,100,000

2. 1929 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Berline - $704,000

3. 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing - $676,500

4. 1934 Duesenberg Model J Boattail Speedster - $506,000

5. 1939 Pontiac Plexiglas Deluxe Six ‘Ghost Car' - $308,000

Photo credit: RM Auctions
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