JACKSONVILLE, Florida – A magnificent 1931 Duesenberg Convertible and a historic sports car built for Edsel Ford achieved top bids at RM Auctions’ 10th annual ‘Automobiles of Amelia Island’ event on Florida’s coast on Sunday.
Discerning collectors and vintage car enthusiasts from across North America, Europe and as far away as Dubai descended on the elegant Ritz-Carlton hotel, for the single-day auction that saw over 100 magnificent vintage automobiles cross the block during the seven-hour auction.
“Over the past decade, our Amelia Island auction, in conjunction with the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, has carved a reputation as one of the leading automotive events on the collector car calendar,” said Ian Kelleher, Managing Director of RM Auctions.
“With record attendance and strong prices across the board, this year’s Amelia Island auction was a fitting celebration for our 10th anniversary sale,” he added.
Spirited bidding greeted the star attraction of the auction -- an historic 1934 Ford Model 40 Special Speedster, custom-built for Edsel Bryant Ford, former President of the Ford Motor Company.
Previously hidden in storage for decades, the Amelia sale marked the auction debut for the distinguished Speedster, an occasion which spurred the bidding and significant interest before the gavel fell at an impressive $1.76 million.
Immediately following the sale of the Speedster, another motor car built to Edsel Ford’s own specifications, an original, one-of-a-kind 1934 Brewster Ford Town Car, crossed the block for $198,000.
The “Top Seller” title went to an original 1931 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Coupe with custom coachwork by Murphy (engine number J395) sold for $2.64 million at the Amelia Island’ auction event on the weekend. One of two Model Js offered over by RM.
Destined for fame, this automobile found its way into the Pacific Auto Rentals collection in the late 1940s, one of the best-known suppliers of antique and classic cars to Hollywood television and movie producers. For many years, J395 was considered the centerpiece of the Pacific Auto Rentals collection, starring in such films as “Whatever Happened to Baby Jane”, and “Gable and Lombard”. J395 continued to be seen on the Hollywood set until the late 1970s, serving as Frank Buck’s personal car in the highly successful series, “Bring ’em Back Alive.”
“To many collectors, part of the charm and attraction of classic cars lies in their individual histories,” added Kelleher.
“Not only are these Model J Duesenbergs some of the best surviving examples, but they have fascinating stories. As witnesses to celebrity history, they lead you to ponder the wonderful tales you could discover if only cars could talk,” he said.
Included in this distinguished duo was a 1929 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Berline with coachwork by LeBaron brought $1.2 million. No stranger to the spotlight, the Model J is regarded as one of the most outstanding examples of design and engineering of the classic era; the introduction of the Model J in 1929 was considered so significant, it halted trading on the New York Stock Exchange.
The 1929 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Berline by LeBaron (engine number J103), the first long wheelbase car built and one of the handful of cars exhibited at the Model J’s New York Auto show launch. The importance of this particular car is elevated by its fascinating ownership history.
J103 was sold new to Canadian entrepreneur William C. “Billy” Van Horne and grandson of the President of the Canadian Pacific Railway Company - Sir William Cornelious Van Horne who was responsible for connecting Northern Ontario to Canada’s Pacific Coast by rail. Billy Van Horne was Canada’s first and only Duesenberg agent. Following Billy Van Horne’s ownership, J103 was subsequently sold to another Canadian iconoclast, William Christie, heir to the Christie Biscuit Company.
Additional auction highlights included:
A stunning 1931 Bentley 8-Litre Open Tourer with coachwork by Harrison, one of only 10 originally built, sold for $2.2 million
A handsome 1931 Cadillac V16 Sport Phaeton, one of only 18 V16 Sport Phaetons in existence, achieved $522,500
An impeccably restored, multiple Best of Show winning 1933 Packard Super Eight Convertible Victoria was won with a final bid of $412,500.
The auction event was followed by the prestigious Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance to make for an ultimate vintage car weekend for motoring enthusiasts.
Next month will be a busy time for RM Auctions with three separate auction events in North America:
The Classic Car Auction of Toronto to be held April 4th to 6th at the International Centre, Mississauga, Ontario
The Wayne Davis Collection to be offered on April 19th in Southlake, Texas
The Classic Car Auction of Michigan to be held April 26th to 27th at the Rock Financial Showplace in Novi, Michigan.
In May, RM Auctions will return to Maranello, Italy for the much anticipated Ferrari: Leggenda e Passione auction event.
For full sales results from the Amelia Island auction and further information on upcoming RM events, visit
www.rmauctions.com (Photo credit:Shooterz.biz)
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