RM Sotheby’s Scottsdale Auction Totals $43.3m

Image: Forest Casey, courtesy of RM Sotheby’s

In its first auction of 2022, RM Sotheby’s realized some stunning sale prices in Arizona on the way to achieving over $43m in sales. Just as impressive as the total, is the strong sell-through rate of a 95 percent.

Stealing the show was the ultimate 300SL — an alloy-bodied car with a matching-numbers NSL engine, Rudge wheels and spectacular provenance. The 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Alloy Gullwing sold for a record-breaking $6,825,000.

Second on the high-sales list was an American classic and automotive icon, a 1931 Duesenberg Model J Tourster bodied by Derham. It exceeded its pre-sale high estimate, selling for $3.4m. Not surprising considering the Model J retained its original coachwork, original components and was expertly restored by RM Auto Restoration.

Rounding out the top three sales was another 300SL — this one an end-of-the-line 1964 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster. One of just three invoiced in 1964, it was the third-to-last example produced. As such, it retains rare features including an alloy engine block and disc brakes. In the hands of one owner from 1971 to 2013 and fully restored in 2014, the Roadster was well worth the $2.3m selling price.

Image: Patrick Ernzen, courtesy of RM Sotheby’s

Other highlights include two cars from The Dr. Terry Maxon Collection, a 1967 Ferrari 330 GTS and 1965 Ferrari 275 GTB, selling for $1,957,500 and $1,875,000 respectively. As was a 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder from the Tenenbaum Collection selling for $1.6m.

Just cracking the top ten was the first-of-its-kind sale of a 1988 Cizeta-Moroder V16T, the most well-known example of the unusual car, uniquely paired with an NFT package. Owned and created by Giorgio Moroder — the Oscar-winning music icon and “Father of Disco” — the supercar and accompanying NFT sold for $1,363,500.

Check out complete RM Sotheby’s Arizona results here