RM Sotheby’s Tops $887m in Online, Live and Private Sales in 2024

For RM Sotheby’s, 2024 was a big year. 

The company set new records and achieved a 96% sell-through rate across its three primary sales platforms. According to the company, in 2024, 51% of bidders and 65% of buyers were new clients, and over 126 cars sold for more than $1 million each.

From the Dare to Dream Collection to the Rudi Klein Collection and continued success at Monterey Car Week and beyond, high-profile events seemed to be the norm.

“2024 has been a monumental year for RM Sotheby’s, marked by great achievements and landmark consignments that showcased the strength of the collector car market,” said Gord Duff, President of RM Sotheby’s. “From record-breaking sales like the Dare to Dream Collection and Rudi Klein’s legendary Junkyard to groundbreaking events such as ModaMiami and our debut in Dubai, we’ve continued to innovate.”

“At RM Sotheby’s, innovation is at the core of everything we do. Although we’ve been in business for over 40 years, we operate with the mindset of breaking into the market — constantly pushing forward. We don’t wait for the market or trends to shift; instead, while others focus on catching up, we are already exploring new spaces, developing ideas, and shaping the future of the collector car industry. Our approach is never reactive; it’s proactive, ensuring we remain at the forefront,” 

“When I step back and look at 2024, I’m constantly amazed by the caliber of cars we handle each year. Throughout the year, we had the privilege of working with some of the most significant, rare, limited-production, and best-in-category cars I’ve ever seen. Looking to 2025, we are already preparing for our biggest European sale to date and the highly anticipated Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum Collection coming to market. None of this would be possible without our incredible clients, dedicated team and global community of enthusiasts.”

Dare to Dream 

The Toronto-based Dare to Dream Collection became RM Sotheby’s largest on-site private collection ever, achieving over $69.2 million USD ($95 million CAD) across three no-reserve auctions, with both online and live components. With 100% of all lots sold and over 1,000 bidders from 41 countries, the sales included $65.5 million USD ($89.9 million CAD) in cars and motorcycles and $3.7 million USD ($5.1 million CAD) in sneakers and memorabilia. Highlights included a record-breaking 1972 Lamborghini Miura P400 SV at $4.9 million USD ($6.72 million CAD), the 1972 Nike Waffle Racing “Moon Shoe” at $306,000 USD ($419,638 CAD), and Michael Jordan’s rookie-era Air Jordan 1 game sneakers at $162,000 USD ($222,161 CAD).

The Rudi Klein “Junkyard” Collection

The Rudi Klein Collection achieved $29.6 million in sales, nearly doubling its $17 million pre-sale low estimate, with 100% of lots sold through live and online sales. Bidders from 39 countries and 36 US states participated, with nearly one-third being first-time participants. Highlights included a record-setting 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL ‘Alloy’ Gullwing ($9,355,000), a 1935 Mercedes-Benz 500 K ‘Caracciola’ Special Coupe ($4,130,000), and a 1939 Horch 855 Special Roadster ($3,305,000). It also featured three Lamborghini Miuras, led by the 1968 Miura P400 ($1,325,000). 

Monterey 2024

RM Sotheby’s achieved $161.2 million in sales and multiple auction records. In total, 87.25% of lots sold, including 33 over $1 million and five exceeding $5 million. The auction drew bidders from 39 countries. Highlights included the $17 million 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider — the top lot sold during Monterey Car Week — as well as the record-breaking Ferrari F50 at $5.5 million and the Ferrari 410 Sport Spider at $12.985 million. 

ModaMiami 2024

ModaMiamiwas a groundbreaking event in the luxury and automotive lifestyle worlds, blending world-class automobiles, premier brands and vibrant cultural experiences. This event drew record attendance and engagement, solidifying its place as a must-attend showcase on the global stage. 

Dubai 2024 

RM Sotheby’s has worked to expand its EMEA operations by conducting two sales in Dubai. The first of the two sales grossed $17,381,045 USD in this emerging market while the latest sale grossed  $27,914,325 USD. The latter was highlighted by the sale of the most valuable modern car ever sold: the 2014 Pagani Zonda LM Roadster at $11,086,250 USD.

Monaco 2024

The bi-annual sale in Monaco was the biggest that RM Sotheby’s has conducted in the Principality, grossing over €40,000,000. This event was highlighted by former F1 World Champion Jody Scheckter’s collection, which realized a total of €12,523,550.  

London 2024

RM Sotheby’s annual London sale moved to a new venue — the Peninsula London — and grossed £18,293,215, making it the UK’s most successful collector car auction of 2024. 

Throughout 2024, RM Sotheby’s Private and Sealed successfully transacted some of the finest vehicles spanning Pre-War classics, Post-War sports cars, and modern hypercars. Notable vehicles sold through Sealed include a 2004 Maserati MC12, a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Alloy Gullwing, a 2015 Porsche 918 ‘Weissach’ Spyder, a 1995 McLaren F1, a 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 Alloy, a 1990 Porsche 911 

Auction Highlights:

Total Auctions: 41 across the following platforms:

• 15 Live Auctions
• 9 Online Auctions
• 17 Sealed Auctions
• Over 50 auction records broken
• 126 carssold for more than $1 million

Total Lots Offered: 5,211

Top Three Collections Sold:

• The Dare to Dream Collection: $69,217,196 USD in total sales
• The Junkyard: The Rudi Klein Collection: $31,044,924 USD in total sales
• The Aumann Collection at Munich: $19,161,987 USD in total sales

Top 10 Live Auction Results:

1. 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider by Scaglietti – $17,055,000 USD (Monterey)
2. 1955 Ferrari 410 Sport Spider by Scaglietti – $12,985,000 USD (Monterey)
3. 2014 Pagani Zonda LM Roadster – $11,086,250 USD (Dubai)
4. 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta Competizione by Scaglietti – $11,006,125 USD (Paris)
5. 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL ‘Alloy’ Gullwing – $9,355,000 USD (The Junkyard: The Rudi Klein Collection)
6. 1960 Ferrari 400 Superamerica SWB Cabriolet by Pinin Farina – (Monterey; Sold after auction)
7. 1979 Ferrari 312 T4 – $8,248,109 USD (Monaco)
8. 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider by Scaglietti – $5,615,000 USD (Monterey)
9. 1995 Ferrari F50 – $5,505,000 USD (Monterey)
10. 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 NART Alloy by Scaglietti – $5,285,000 USD (Monterey)

Learn more about what’s in store for 2025 here.

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Jim Pickering

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