The focus of the
collector car will turn towards Central London in late
October as RM Auctions lifts the gavel on a selection of
80 automobiles at Battersea Evolution. Celebrating its
fifth anniversary in 2011, RM’s flagship UK sale is now
regarded as the UK’s most consistently successful,
highest grossing collector car auction, a reputation
earned over the years for its consignments, record
prices and international clientele.
Last year’s Battersea
auction, headlined by the famous 1964 Aston Martin DB5
James Bond movie car, achieved in excess of £19 million
in sales with a strong 87 percent sell-through; bidders
represented over 30 countries around the world. The 2011
auction promises to continue the momentum, presenting
yet another exceptional roster of blue-chip automotive
marques for the collector.
“The collector car
market is vibrant,” says Max Girardo, Managing Director,
RM Europe. “2011 has been a great year to date for RM
Auctions globally, including two highly-successful new
sales in Europe. The continuing strength of the market,
coupled with our great track record in London and an
exciting list of early consignments for the Battersea
sale sets the stage for another memorable auction,”
Girardo adds.
Leading a long list of
exciting early entries for the Battersea sale are a trio
of historic Alfa Romeo sports cars which are headlined
by a rare, competition-bred 1972 Alfa Romeo 33-3 TT,
chassis number AR11572/010.
Raced extensively by
the famed Autodelta team in 1972, this historic sports
racing car was a participant at Le Mans in the hands of
Nino Vaccarella and Andrea de Adamich, the latter of
whom also drove the car in the Targa Florio that same
season. Accompanied by extensive documentation and
presented in outstanding, highly original condition, it
boasts a freshly rebuilt engine and is ready to compete
at the world’s most prestigious events. RM Auctions
estimate the 33-3 TT between £525,000 and £575,000.
The sale will also
present an unusual 1929 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750, chassis
number 0412061, featuring an original body by James
Young, this car is estimated at £100,000 - £130,000;
and, a rare Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Cabriolet from 1939,
chassis number 913048, boasting a fascinating provenance
and one of only two examples believed to have been
completed in this style by Touring, estimate: £180,000 –
£220,000.
Other Italian interest
in the Battersea auction includes a left-hand-drive,
long-nose, alloy-bodied 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB Alloy
Berlinetta, chassis number 08255, showing just 26,400
kilometres, estimated by RM to fetch £660,000 to
£720,000 and a beautifully-restored 1965 Iso Grifo A3 C,
chassis number B0232, the last Iso A3 C produced and
fitted with a rare all-alloy body; estimate: £350,000 -
£400,000.
