RM Auctions To Feature Multi-Million Dollar Automobile Lineup For Amelia Island Auction Event

Pebble Beach Award-winning 1933 Duesenberg Model SJ Riviera Phaeton Joins Rare 1950 Ferrari 166 Mille Miglia and 1972 Ferrari Daytona Competizione Set to Headline Vintage Automobile Auction At Amelia Island - Ritz Carlton – March 12, 2005

Blenheim, Ontario, Canada (PRWEB) February 24, 2005 -- RM Auctions offers another multi-million dollar selection of nearly 100 significant classics and sports cars to its Vintage Motor Cars at Amelia Island, Florida sale on March 12, 2005 at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel. The auction, which kicks off the famed Amelia Island Concours dElegance weekend, showcases amazing, one-off vehicles for investors, collectors and hobbyists, including an elegant and award-winning 1933 Duesenberg Model SJ, expected to bring bids in the seven-figure range, two significant racing Ferraris and a 1957 Buick Super owned by legendary Russian dancer, choreographer and actor Mikhail Baryshnikov.

One of the auctions featured highlights is a 1933 Duesenberg Model SJ Riviera Phaeton with gorgeous custom coachwork by the noted coachbuilding firm of Brunn. A stunning example in black with walnut leather interior and a matching fully disappearing top, it is one of only three such examples built, and one of two to be equipped with a factory supercharger from new. Coming off of a $500,000 restoration by Fran Roxas, this spectacular Duesenberg captured both a class award and the Elegance in Motion award at the 2002 Pebble Beach Concours dElegance and has a proven provenance that will satisfy any collector. Its estimate is available upon request but it is well over the million dollar mark.

Two important racing Ferraris, each with its own interesting provenance, will make their way to the auction block – beginning with a 1972 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Competizione N.A.R.T. Group 4 Competition Berlinetta specifically built for Luigi Chinettis North American Racing Team. This will be an extremely rare opportunity to acquire one of the "Factory Five" alloy cars which raced on the worlds most famous speedways including LeMans, Daytona, Sebring and Watkins Glen. (est. $ 1,800,000 - $2,300,000)

Also featured is a 1950 Ferrari 166 MM Touring Barchetta - A Scuderia Ferrari factory entry at LeMans and winner of the 12 Hours of Paris at Montlhery with Chinetti-Lucas. Sold by Luigi Chinetti to Bill Spear and raced in the United States by Spear, John Fitch and Phil Walters including 4th overall at Sebring in both 1950 and 1952! The car has received a recent restoration by a Ferrari marque expert with concours awards from FCA Nationals, Meadow Brook and Pebble Beach. (est. $ 1,800,000 - $2,200,000)

Mikhail Baryshnikovs 1957 Buick Super 2 Door Coupe will also be a featured guest on the RM block with charitable proceeds from this car going to Gilman International Conservation and the Baryshnikov Dance Foundation in New York. In a recent interview, Baryshnikov remarked, I developed a love for this type of classic car from watching those old police shows on TV". The car was purchased in 1989 in the New York area and was carefully maintained and used during his years on stage and screen. All of my children grew up with this car which I call "Kitten" because of the way it purrs." Organizers expect the Buick to generate much interest at the auction given its excellent provenance and charitable purpose.

The Amelia Island weekend is becoming known as the winter equivalent of the famous Pebble Beach summer event, attracting thousands of auto enthusiasts and serious collectors from around the world," says Rob Myers of RM Auctions. We think this years auction lineup of pre- and post-war classics is one of the finest weve ever offered and goes a long way to compliment the weekends historical automotive perspective."

Other notable vehicles at the Amelia Island sale include:

• 1937 Cord 812 Supercharged Phaeton (Est. $175,000 - $225,000)
• 1929 Cadillac Phaeton ($140,000 - $180,000)
• 1953 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible ($120,000 - $150,000)
• 1935 Auburn 812 Supercharged Boattail Speedster ($175,000 – 225,000)
• 1987 March 87C Indy Car ($75,000 – 125,000)

RM Auctions Vintage Motor Cars at Amelia Island will be held at the elegant Ritz-Carlton Hotel, an integral element of the Summer Beach Resort and Country Club on Amelia Island, located at 4750 Amelia Island Parkway just north of Jacksonville, Florida. Activities begin Friday, March 11th with a pre-auction viewing from 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. followed by a second auction preview on Saturday morning, March 12th from 9:00 a.m. until Noon, when the automobile auction commences.

The auction precedes the famous Amelia Island Concours dElegance, March 13th, which will celebrate the featured marque of Italian manufacturer Alfa Romeo along with the 50-year anniversary of the innovative Chevrolet small block V-8 engine. NASCAR champion Bobby Allison will be the honored guest at this island event, leading cast of other automotive celebrities and world famous automobiles. Visit www.ameliaconcours.org for more information.

Admission to the Vintage Motor Cars at Amelia Island sale is by catalog only, which admits both the catalog holder and a guest. An auction catalog is available for $60 U.S., including shipping and handling within North America, by calling 800-211-4371 or visiting the company web site at www.rmauctions.com.

Celebrating 25 years in the collector car industry, RM Auctions, Inc. and its sister companies are responsible for acquiring, restoring and selling of the worlds rarest and most expensive vintage automobiles including Best of Show winning cars at the prestigious Meadow Brook and Pebble Beach Concours. For additional information on RM Auctions, Inc., please call (800) 211-4371 or visit the corporate web site at www.rmauctions.com

###