Maarten ten Holder, Head of Europe & Chief Auctioneer, RM Sotheby’s commented following the
sale:
“After many months of planning and execution, Saturday night’s sale represented the ultimate collaboration
between two world-class organizations in the production of a truly ground-breaking auction and lifestyle event.
To be hammering down some of the most desirable cars in Formula 1 racing history on the starting grid of the
2019 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was a benchmark moment for RM Sotheby’s as it confirmed the
launch of a successful and mutually rewarding partnership alongside Formula 1. There was an incredible and
tangible energy that no doubt owed its origin to the amazing community surrounding Formula 1 racing and the
incomparable exclusivity of the Paddock Club experience that many of our clients came to know for the first
time. Joining forces with Yas Marina Circuit and Abu Dhabi Motorsport Management for this inaugural auction
proved an excellent choice. We couldn’t have collaborated with a more dedicated and professional team on
this first-of-its-kind event.”
Gord Duff, Global Head of Auctions, RM Sotheby’s echoed:
“As the pre-eminent global auction house for the world’s most desirable motor cars, our first foray into the
Middle East fully exceeded my expectations in so many positive ways. Our existing regionally-based clientele
was tremendous in supporting the auction and we were honored by the reception we received in the Fanzone
with our exhibition. To be able to highlight the selection of cars sourced and consigned from around the world
for the inaugural auction to the tens of thousands of enthusiasts that visited us onsite was outstanding and
something that has never before been done in our industry. As one of the most recognizable and respected
global brands, Formula 1 made for the perfect partner to the RM Sotheby’s brand as we offered clients a new
experience at the intersection of motorsport and the collector car hobby that will continue into the 2020
auction calendar.”
Sean Bratches, Managing Director – Commercial Operations, Formula 1, added:
“At Formula 1 we are all delighted with the success of the auction on Saturday and the dynamic new
partnership with RM Sotheby’s. It was a fantastic setting on the grid of the Yas Marina Circuit on the eve of
the final grand prix of the year. The atmosphere was electric. It was also a perfect place to showcase and sell
such spectacular cars and after so many months of planning it was great to see it all fall into place in such a
seamless fashion.”
The auction night was led by the devilish 2017 Pagani Zonda Aether, a rare one-off hypercar fitted with an
ultra-desirable six-speed manual transmission and a host of unique features. The Zonda Aether achieved a
final $6,812,000 following a lengthy bidding competition, well-surpassing the current record for the model at
auction.
Next up was Michael Schumacher’s much-buzzed-about championship-winning 2002 Ferrari F2002.
Victorious in three Grands Prix™ in the 2002 season, the car also secured Schumacher his fifth Drivers’
World Championship title. Drawing plenty of attention ahead of the sale and during the preview, the legendary
racer sold for a final $6,643,750, making it the second most valuable Formula 1 car ever sold at auction,
second only to the Schumacher Ferrari F2001 which RM Sotheby’s sold for $7,500,000 in 2017. A portion of
proceeds from the car’s sale will benefit the Schumacher family’s Keep Fighting Foundation.
It was two more Ferraris that stole the show on Saturday night, with a 2015 Ferrari FXX K, Maranello’s most
potent track-only, limited production model and the first of its kind ever offered at auction, selling for
$4,281,250 to set a new benchmark for the model. Another Scuderia Ferrari F1 racer, a pivotal 1982 Ferrari
126 C2 raced to victory by Patrick Tambay at the 1982 German Grand Prix and driven to pole position and 3rd
place by Mario Andretti at the Italian Grand Prix, was the talk of the Paddock before it crossed the auction
block on Saturday. Presented as the sole surviving example of the model, the 126 C2 brought a final
$2,143,750 to applause from the packed crowd on the grid.
Additional highlights included a striking 2011 Aston Martin One-77, which was driven across the block by
former Formula One racing driver and current commentator, David Coulthard. Selling for a final $1,440,625,
all proceeds from the sale of the car will be donated by consignor Markus Jebsen on behalf of
Auction4Wildlife to benefit African Parks. Representing the classic cars on offer, an iconic 1956
Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing with rare optional sport suspension and the NSL engine was coveted on
the night, selling for a final $1,581,250. Finally, one of the quirkier cars in the sale, a one-off 1996 Zagato
Raptor built in conjunction with Lamborghini as a modern coach-built concept, sold for a final $1,086,250.
Two memorabilia lots complemented the motor car offering, led by a Formula 1 Slot Car Racetrack, which
was signed by all of the current Formula 1 drivers in the Yas Marina Circuit Paddock on Friday night ahead of
the sale, including now six time FIA Formula 1® World Champion, Lewis Hamilton. Sold for a final $48,000,
proceeds from the slot track will benefit the Reaching the Last Mike Fund, inspired by His Highness Sheikh
Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
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