Michael Satterfield
by Michael Satterfield – 01/14/2022
In a few weeks, I will be headed to Arizona for the RM Sotheby’s January Auction, the kick-off to the collector car auction calendar held at the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa, one of my favorite hotels. While I have bummed around Monterey Car Week and attended a number of classic car auctions, this will be my first time experiencing RM Sotheby’s and I am pretty excited about the lineup of cars and memorabilia that will be on hand. I don’t think I will be bringing anything home myself as the least expensive vehicle listed is a 1979 Ferrari 308 GTB race car which is a steal if it goes for the auction estimated $30,000-$40,000, a great deal, but a bad daily driver.
The catalog includes classic Cords, Mercedes, Porsches, Jaguars, and a 1959 Devin C that I am really excited to see in person. Highlights of the auction include a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Alloy Gullwing which is expected to bring between $7 and $9 million, a 1931 Duesenberg Model J Tourster with an auction estimate of $2.7 to $3.2 million, and a 1971 Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spider which could bring nearly $3 million when the hammer drops. You can see the full auction catalog here.
In my follow-up story, I will take readers along through the whole process of visiting an auction like this, from bidder registration, the auction experience, payment options, titles and documents, and how winning bidders take delivery of their new prized possession. So if you have any specific questions be sure to visit our Facebook Page or Instagram to submit them.
I will be at the auction from start to finish so be sure to follow @thegentlemanracer on Instagram to keep up with live updates, photos, and send me any questions. Also, check out the auction catalog and let me know what cars you would like to see highlighted live at the auction.
Photos by Darin Schnabel ©2020 Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s
