1934 Packard Twelve Convertible Victoria by Dietrich. Photo: Darin Schnabel ©2011 Courtesy of RM Auctions.

BLENHEIM, ON.- RM Auctions, the official auction house of the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, has announced an exceptional roster of automobiles for its highly-anticipated Amelia Island sale, March 10 in Northeast Florida. 

Returning to the prestigious Ritz-Carlton Hotel, the well-established sale – now in its 14th year – will present a magnificent roster of 100 blue-chip automobiles as it looks to build upon RM’s strong track record in Northeast Florida. In 2011, the company once again enjoyed the top auction results posted during the Amelia Island Concours weekend, generating a remarkable $24.3 million in sales with a superb 96% of lots sold – the highest tally ever achieved during the event’s history. The 2012 event promises to continue the momentum with a stellar list of early entries, including a handsome 1934 Packard Twelve Dietrich Convertible Victoria and a stunning 1929 Cord L-29 Hayes Coupe. Both are considered the ultimate in Classic Era design, rarity and desirability. 

“The Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance weekend is a world-class celebration of automotive styling through the years,” says Rob Myers, Chairman & Founder, RM Auctions. “We are delighted to be an official part of the weekend once again and look forward to bringing another impressive catalogue of high-caliber motor cars to our Amelia Island auction stage.” 

1934 Packard Twelve Convertible Victoria by Dietrich. Photo: Darin Schnabel ©2011 Courtesy of RM Auctions.

Regarded by many as the “ultimate” Classic Packard, the 1934 Packard Twelve Convertible Victoria, chassis number 1108-15, is expected to garner serious attention from discerning enthusiasts. In many ways, the Packard Twelve was the signature car of the Classic Era – the top-of-the-line offering from one of America’s leading manufacturers. The example on offer represents the most desirable model year and is one of as few as two known surviving examples featuring the perfect combination of supremely desirable custom Dietrich coachwork in this style on a powerful Packard 12-cylinder chassis. Boasting an excellent provenance and well-documented history, it has benefitted from the care of several notable collectors over the years. In addition, it is a proven touring car – its excellent driving dynamics confirmed during a 1700-mile tour from Seattle, Washington, to Pebble Beach, California. Completing its status as the “ultimate” Classic Packard, its beautiful restoration was recognized via “Best in Class” honors at the 2011 Concours d’Elegance of America at St. John’s in Michigan (Estimate available upon request). 

“This Packard ticks all the boxes when it comes to desirability – unique styling cues, excellent provenance, superb presentation and capability for extended touring. It is arguably one of the finest, rarest and most inspired automotive masterpieces of the Classic Era, deserving of close inspection,” adds Myers. 

1929 Cord L-29 Hayes Coupe. Photo: Darin Schnabel ©2011 Courtesy of RM Auctions. 

Another outstanding example of Classic Era styling set for RM’s Amelia Island auction podium is a stunning, one-off 1929 Cord L-29 Hayes Coupe, chassis 2927005, widely recognized as the most significant L-29 in existence. Designed by Count Alexis de Sakhnoffsky and built by Michigan’s Hayes Body Corporation on the revolutionary front-drive Cord L-29 chassis, this “one-off” design statement was conceived and built specifically for international show competition. No stranger to the show field, it enjoyed stunning results at the 1930 Paris, Monte Carlo and Beaulieu Concours d’Elegance events, where it secured its place in the history books as the first American entry to win at all three venues. Its stunning looks have continued to fascinate onlookers over the years, with additional accolades received at the 1987 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, and more recently, “Best in Class”’ honors at the 2008 Meadow Brook Concours d’Elegance. Beyond its success on the show field, it also holds its ACD Category 1 Original Certification and boasts a known, well-documented provenance, including 50 years of careful single ownership (Est. $1,250,000 – $1,500,000). 

Reflecting the international flavor of consignments for the RM Amelia Island sale, additional highlights include: 

• a one-off, well-documented 1937 Squire Corsica Short Chassis Roadster, chassis 1063, one of a limited few cars built by Adrian Squire. Powered by a supercharged Anzani twin-cam engine, it is the only one with coachwork by the London firm Corsica (Estimate available upon request); 

1937 Squire Corsica Short Chassis Roadster. Photo: Darin Schnabel ©2011 Courtesy of RM Auctions. 

• The Ex-Walter Chrysler, Jr. 1941 Chrysler Newport Dual Cowl Phaeton, one of five built and the only example to pace the 1941 Indianapolis 500 (Est. $1,500,000 - $2,000,000); 

1941 Chrysler Newport Dual Cowl Phaeton by LeBaron. Photo: Darin Schnabel ©2011 Courtesy of RM Auctions. 

• a well-documented 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 Berlinetta, chassis 09721 (Est. $1,200,000 - $1,400,000); 

1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 Berlinetta;. Photo: Darin Schnabel ©2011 Courtesy of RM Auctions. 

• a highly-desirable, professionally-restored 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster, resplendent in the superb colors of black over dark green and featuring a removable hardtop and desirable Rudge wheels (Est. $850,000 - $1,100,000); and, 

1960 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster. Photo: Darin Schnabel ©2011 Courtesy of RM Auctions. 

• a beautifully restored, matching-numbers 1950 Jaguar XK120 "Alloy" Roadster (Est. $290,000 - $360,000). 

1950 Jaguar XK-120 "Alloy" Roadster. Photo: Darin Schnabel ©2011 Courtesy of RM Auctions

RM’s Amelia Island sale acts as a prelude to the world-renowned Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, returning March 11. Combined, the events make for an ultimate vintage car weekend for automotive enthusiasts.