The Udying Charm of Classic Cars: RM Sotheby’s Sells 96% of all lots in Hersey, A Near White-Glove Sale.

• Sales totaled $10,675,350 with an incredible sell-through rate of 96.33% over the two-day sale
• Bidding participation was robust with 548 registered bidders. Notably, 20% were first-time participants, representing 17 countries and 39 states
• The star of the night, the 1909 Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP Silver Ghost Roi des Belges in the style of Barker, fetched an impressive $698,500

BLENHEIM, ONTARIO, CANADA – October 7, 2023 – (Motor Sports NewsWire) – RM Sotheby’s returned to the Hershey Lodge for its 17th annual sale in Hershey, Pennsylvania, during the Antique Automobile Club of America’s (AACA) Eastern Division Fall Meet. The sale realized a total of $10,675,350 in sales with 96% of lots sold over the two-day auction.

“The Hershey sale and swap meet is a staple of the collector car industry. These cars are all unique, many hand-built, standing in stark contrast to high-production modern cars; there truly is nothing like them in the world. Even as modern classics continue to gain traction in the market, there will always be a profound desire to own the classic cars that are offered in Hershey. We take pride in providing a space where passionate collectors can come together. Sales totaled $10.6M with an impressive sell-through rate of 96.33% over the two-day event, underscoring the enduring appeal and demand for such exceptional vehicles. The results unequivocally showcase the thriving market for these unparalleled automobiles.” – Jake O’Gorman, Car Specialist, RM Sotheby’s. 

Highlights

Wednesday night’s auction saw 163 lots go under the hammer, with the 1954 Hudson Italia, the first of 25 production examples of the Touring-bodied Italian-American dream car, the top selling car of the night. Acquired by the consignor’s uncle in 1980 and offered publicly for the first time since new, the car crossed the block wearing a gently patinaed older restoration in correct cream over a red and white interior with Borrani wire wheels, selling well over its pre-auction estimate for $495,000.

Not far behind the Hudson, and also fresh to market, the 1933 Auburn Twelve Salon Speedster also sold for more than its pre-auction estimate. Offered for the first time in over three decades, this CCCA Full Classic went to its new owner presented in metallic blue with a silver hood and beltline over black leather and restored as a Speedster with desirable Salon appointments, including “bowtie” front bumper and sweeping front fenders with chrome trim. The exceptionally presented Auburn sold for $385,000.

Concluding worthy mentions of the Wednesday evening sale is the result for the 1947 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible Coupe, selling for $90,750, 72% over its high estimate, proving the Series 62 Convertible Coupes truly remain amongst the most popular and sought-after of post-war Cadillacs.

Thursday night’s auction saw 158 lots cross the block, with the formidable 1909 Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP Silver Ghost Roi des Belges in the style of Barker selling as the top lot of the night. Offered in a beautifully restored condition, and having seen limited exhibition and road use since its completion, this early Ghost realized a strong result, selling for $698,500.

Trailing closely behind, and rarer than its sister Speedster model, the authentic, genuine V-12 1934 Auburn Twelve Salon Cabriolet, one of only 27 produced and one of only five known survivors, sold as the second top car of the night for $440,000.

And, of course, lastly, the 1908 Stanley Model F Side-Entrance Touring, a crowd favorite as it took to the block at full steam with horn blazing, sold well above its pre-auction estimate at $286,000.

For discerning collectors and enthusiasts, Hershey has long been hailed as one of the ultimate venues for acquiring truly unique automotive parts and memorabilia since the inception of the AACA’s Annual Fall meet, and the exceptional results of two private collections of memorabilia at this year’s sale speak for themselves. Highlights include the Stinson Model 2000M “King William” Mobile Orchestra in Trailer selling for $80,500, the ‘5 Miles to the Gallon’ by Stanley Wanlass, 1986 selling for $29,900, and the ‘Street Encounter’by Stanley Wanlass, 1988 selling for $19,550.

Important Numbers

• Total sold: $10,675,350
• Sell-through rate: 96.33 %
• Number of lots sold over high estimate: 76
• Number of registered bidders: 548
• Number of first-time bidders: 112
• Bidders hailed from 17 countries and 39 states

Top 10 Lots

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About RM Sotheby’s

RM Sotheby’s is the world’s largest collector car auction house by total sales. With over 40 years of proven results in the collector car industry, RM’s vertically integrated range of services, from auctions (live and online) and private sales to estate planning and financial services, coupled with an expert team of Car Specialists and an international footprint, provide an unsurpassed level of service to the global collector car market. RM Sotheby’s is currently responsible for seven of the top ten most valuable motor cars ever sold at auction.

Source: RM Sotheby’s

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