Three auction stars of 2011 ...
Defying the current economic conditions, the major auctioneers hosted some of the best sales ever in 2011 with numerous world records shattered. Topping all charts was Gooding & Company's Pebble Beach auction in August where this Ferrari 250 TR Prototipo changed hands for a staggering $16.4 million, breaking the record of the highest amount ever paid at auction by over $4 million. The car in question originally served as the prototype for the legendary 'pontoon fender' 250 TR and is the only one of its type to be right hand drive. In recent years the vendor had the car completely restored to the NART colours used during the 1958 24 Hours of Le Mans where it was driven by Dan Gurney and Bruce Kessler. Certainly one of the most spectacular Ferrari sports cars in existence, the 250 TR Prototipo is a well deserved world record holder.
Also sold at the same auction was this Duesenberg J Murphy Coupe, which at $10.3 million broke the record for a Duesenberg and also an American car sold at auction. The unique machine was originally built to special order of Captain George Whittel, who was one of America's wealthiest and eccentric people of the time. Among the many stylish cues are the brushed aluminium roof and the fully appointed interior with patent leather seats. It was acquired by the vendor from a prominent Duesenberg collector in 1995 and the Gooding sale represented a very rare opportunity to acquire the 'Whittell' Coupe, which was reflected in the eight figure price achieved.
Earlier in the year, RM Auctions hosted the first ever auction associated with the highly exclusive Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este. Taking centre stage was a collection of unique show cars offered directly by design house Bertone. Among them was the Marcello Gandini styled Lamborghini Marzal. Powered by the manufacturer's only six cylinder engine, it was effectively a four-seater version of the Miura. The opportunity to become the Marzal's first owner did not come cheaply as the Bertone show car was bid all the way up to 1.5 million Euro.
Enjoy the links:
1931 Duesenberg J Murphy 'Whittell' Coupe - Images, Specifications and Information
1957 Ferrari 250 TR Prototipo - Images, Specifications and Information
1967 Lamborghini Marzal - Images, Specifications and Information
If you should see a man walking down a crowded street talking aloud to himself, don't run in the opposite direction, but run towards him, because he's a poet. You have nothing to fear from the poet - but the truth.
(Ted Joans)
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