RM Sotheby’s kicked off its 2022 live auction calendar this week
with the company’s 23rd annual Arizona sale at the Arizona
Biltmore in Phoenix. The one-day auction totaled $43.3 million in
sales, with 95 percent of all lots sold with registered bidders from
thirty different countries. An impressive 24% of all registered
bidders were first-time clients, showcasing the continued growth of
the industry.
Establishing a record price for a 300 SL Gullwing offered
publicly at auction, the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Alloy
Gullwing sold for an incredible$6.8 million as the undisputed
star of the sale. Boasting exceptional provenance and in the
ultimate specification, the Alloy Gullwing is considered one of the
most desirable road-going models of the marque. This particular
car was one of very few to retain its numbers-matching 3.0-liter
NSL engine and original alloy body.
The 1931 Duesenberg Model J Tourster, one of the most iconic of all American cars of its era, drew
crowds during preview days. Boasting magnificent original coachwork, this CCCA Full Classic had received a
meticulous restoration by RM Auto Restoration, retains all its original components, and sold for an
outstanding $3.4 million, exceeding its pre-sale high estimate.
The third highest-grossing car was an exceptional 300 SL Roadster—one of just three cars invoiced in 1964.
The 1964 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster offered in Arizona was the third-to-last 300 SL to be produced.
The late production model car remained in single ownership from 1971 to 2013 and received a full cosmetic
restoration in 2014. Being outfitted with the rarest specifications, such as an alloy block and disc brakes, the
300 SL Roadster sold for an exceptional $2.3 million.
RM Sotheby’s continued to break new ground in the collector car market by offering a world-famous supercar
alongside a unique NFT package, owned and created by Oscar-winning music legend and the “Father of
Disco,” Giorgio Moroder. Rounding off the top 10 most valuable lots of the evening, the 1988 Cizeta-Moroder
V16T received more attention as it drew onlookers all week. Being the original Cizeta-Moroder
prototype and the most famous example of the model, the Cizeta did not disappoint selling for $1.3 million
alongside the first of its kind NFT.
Additional top sale highlights from RM Sotheby’s Arizona auction included two impressive collections. The
Tenenbaum Collection featured a selection of European sports and supercars. Holding desirable
specifications, low production numbers, originality, and unique color combinations, the collection sold in its
entirety for an impressive $7.5 million, well over high estimate. The star of the collection was the 2015
Porsche 918 Spyder selling for $1.6 million. The Dr. Terry Maxon Collection offered a variety of classic
Ferraris which did not disappoint. The star of the Maxon Collection was the stunning 1967 Ferrari 330 GTS
selling for $1.9 million.
The 10 highest grossing vehicles in the sale:
Gord Duff, Global Head of Auctions at RM Sotheby’s, said:
“The Arizona auction was an outstanding success thanks to our amazing team and a client base which is the
finest in the industry. Our specialists consigned a great offering with high-quality examples. The whole team
worked tirelessly to maintain the quality RM Sotheby’s is known for. When you bring some of the best and
rarest examples of collector cars to market, you know that those cars will find willing new owners prepared to
pay strong prices to secure exceptional examples. Our 95% sell-through in Arizona is a testament to that.
The Alloy Gullwing was a once in a generation opportunity, as was the Cizeta-Moroder, which saw us break
new ground with its associated NFT.”
