One of just three built and boasting a superlative racing pedigree, the hugely valuable competition coupé sparked a spirited bidding war in the room and on the phones, exceeding its pre-sale estimate to sell for an extraordinary US$4,290,000.

Also offered from the Nicklin Collection by RM Auctions and exceeding its pre-sale estimate was a highly original 1953 Ferrari 212 Inter Vignale Coupé, chassis number 0267 EU, which realized US$660,000. Both examples were offered for the first time in 30 years. “The results are overwhelming,” said Mr. Nicklin following the sale. “I am thrilled with the prices achieved for my two Ferraris, both of which exceeded their estimates. It has been great working with RM – they are number one in every respect all around the world.”

RM Auctions, the official auction house of the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, continued its record-breaking sales run in Northeast Florida posting a remarkable US$24.3 million in total sales with a strong 96% of all lots sold at its 13th annual Amelia Island sale to claim the top sales results of the weekend. Building on the company’s strong track record in Florida, the impressive sales total represents the highest tally achieved in the event’s 13 year history, with over a 25 percent increase on the company’s 2010 sale figures. As many as 27 lots exceeded their pre-sale estimates.

In total, the single-day sale presented 103 lots, including a selection of vintage motorcycles, before a packed house, with bidders in the room joined by those on the phone and over the Internet. Illustrating RM’s global clientele, bidders hailed from over twenty four countries around the world, including as far away as India, Argentina and the United Arab Emirates.

“We are thrilled by the results from the weekend’s sale, which represent RM’s best performance to date at Amelia Island. The buyer population appears to be more well-informed than ever, recognizing quality when they see it. In addition, many examples at our Amelia Island sale were fresh to the market, coming out of long-term ownership. Collectors recognised the unique and rare ownership opportunities these particular lots presented, as was reflected in the prices,” says Rob Myers, Chairman and Founder, RM Auctions.

Building on RM’s reputation as the specialists for private and estate collections, the distinguished collection of Jack and Marilyn Tallman also garnered significant interest. Spanning over 30 years of automotive design, the collection featured a wonderful array of early automobiles, many of which the Tallmans had owned for over 40 years and had enjoyed and driven in countless events, both at home and overseas. Headlining the collection was the sale of a 1930 Cadillac Sixteen Roadster for $506,000 and a 1912 Packard Model 1-48 Custom Runabout for $407,000. “We are very happy with the results from the sale of our collection at RM’s Amelia Island auction on the weekend,” said Jack Tallman after the auction. “It was a first-class event and a great experience. RM did an amazing job in the promotion and marketing of our collection to a global audience, and we highly recommend them to others looking to sell their collection or automobile at auction.”