1939 Porsche Type 64
Part of the RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2019 auction, this Porsche is causing a huge stir. Representing the genesis of the historic brand, this is the only survivor out of 3 that historians believe were completed. It was also the personal car of Ferdinand Porsche and his son Ferry and was owned by the Porsche family for some time. Every legend needs an origin, and while many incorrectly think the 356 is it for the German automaker, this is indeed the first car to wear a Porsche badge.
1962 Ferrari 196 SP By Fantuzzi
The final car on this list from the RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2019 auction, this is the final of 5 surviving Scuderia Ferrari Sports Prototypes made for the 1961-1962 race season, so it of course is going to be hotly contested. Estimates for this car range from about $8 million to $10 million (approx. £6.6 million to £8.3). This car was key to Ferrari creating the famous and highly successful P-car series, it raced at events like the Nurburgring 1000 KM and 12 Hours of Sebring.
1965 Shelby/De Tomaso P70 Can-Am Sports Racer
Some people have forgotten about the brief collaboration between Carroll Shelby and Italian de Tomaso. The two created this revolutionary P70 racer to take on the likes of McLaren, using a 289ci HiPo Gurney-Westlake V8 and 5-speed manual. Thanks to disagreements, conflicting schedules, and Shelby taking over Ford’s GT40 programme, this collaboration ended with only one P70 built. That makes this car incredibly valuable, with estimates running up to $3 million (approx. £2.5 million).
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL
A more vintage car, this gullwing coupe is supposed to fetch between $1.2 and $1.4 million (approx. £995,000 and £1.2 million) at auction. It’s already a rare and highly sought-after car, but this particular example is free of rust and looks amazing yet is mostly original and numbers-matching. The history of the car is known, having been kept in one family for over 40 years, with extensive documentation including service records, the factory MBZ Build Sheet, and the original toolkit. This means for the first time in almost 50 years, a member of the public can buy this car, which has been lovingly cared for.
1953 Jaguar XK120 SE
Moving on to the Worldwide Auctioneers Pacific Grove Auction, the selection isn’t nearly as wide at under 45 cars, but each one is quite amazing. One of the most compelling is this 1953 Jaguar XK120 SE, which is rightfully a symbol of great national pride in Britain. With the horrors of WWII still fresh, this curvaceous and fun roadster debuted in 1948, providing direction for roadster design moving forward. Those looks are backed by the original 3.4-litre inline six-cylinder, which was the first high-volume twin-cam engine. A no-expenses-spared nut-and-bolt restoration leaves this car looking beautiful and running solid, capturing perfectly what made it special when new.
1946 Pontiac Streamliner Station Wagon
Offered without reserve, this 1946 Pontiac Streamliner Station Wagon is one of the most desirable vehicles made by Pontiac post-WWII. Woodies are highly collectable and always draw plenty of praise when they’re in excellent condition like this one. This Pontiac is mostly original and has gone through a comprehensive restoration, which you can see in the details both outside and in. To maintain the ash and mahogany without warping, splitting, or dry rot is absolutely incredible. On top of that, the original 248ci inline-eight has been fully restored and is also correct, making this Streamliner as genuine as they come.
1936 Bugatti Type 57 Atalante
It should be no surprise an example from a French automaker has appeared on this list. While there are other compelling examples, this rare and exceptionally restored Bugatti is a true piece of artwork on four wheels. Jean Bugatti himself designed the Type 57 Atalante, which has a poise of grace and athleticism simultaneously. Just as impressive is the inline 8-cylinder engine with a single twin-choke Stromberg UUR2 carb and a Roots-style supercharger included. This vehicle has the numbers-matching chassis and drivetrain, plus a sumptuous interior which includes plenty of rich woodwork and other fine details. Estimates are that this example will go for upwards of $2.25 million (approx. £1.86 million).
1965 Ford GT Competition Prototype Roadster
With only 5 of these Roadsters ever built, and a mere 2 surviving today, this car is a red-hot item. Add to that the fact this is the only Roadster surviving with actual Le Mans racing history, and all expectations are that bidding will be fierce. This car is also packing a nice HiPo 289, while the Ford 4-cam Indy engine is also included with the sale. This is part of the Mecum Monterey auction, which includes 600 cars.
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