The letters on your modern car’s trunk lid might have no real meaning, but the “S” on the back of a classic Porsche 911 signified a major performance upgrade over the standard car. Porsche’s marketing for the original 911S cautioned, “This is no car for a novice.” The 911S rewarded skilled drivers while being known to put a scare into those unfamiliar with its handling traits. RM Sotheby’s is offering a rare concours-restored 1968 911S at no reserve at its Amelia Island auction in March. Expect hot bidding.
The legendary Jaguar XK-120, first introduced in 1949, has played an important role in sports car lineage, both in terms of styling and performance. A very early alloy-body XK-120 (chassis number 670019), will be offered at Gooding & Company’s Pebble Beach auction, with a pre-sale estimate of $250K-$300K.
A few Scottscale Auction highlights: a record $6.8 million for a 1955 alloy-body Mecedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing; a $335,000 sale of the 1949 “Rain Man” Buick Roadmaster convertible; and $775,000 for a rebuilt Duesenberg Model J engine – yes, just the engine. Read all the highlights here
The Apollo GT is a rarity, with a total of 88 made, and fewer than 50 believed to survive. Fantasy Junction in Emeryville, CA has a critical example, of a 1964 model said to be the second-to-last made, all original with just 4,000 miles.
At the Amelia Island Concours auctions this month, Bonhams has a 1971 model Mercedes-Benz 280SL up for grabs, with an older restoration and a pre-sale estimate of $90k-$110k.
Jaguar drove into auction history when a 1963 E-Type Lightweight sold for $7.37 million at the 2017 Bonhams Scottsdale sale. Meanwhile, over at RM Sotheby’s, a stunning 1965 Series 1 Roadster went for.
