Motoring AUGUST JULY 2016 2016 : ISSUE : ISSUE 6263
Pebble Beach Treasures The world-famous Concours d’Elegance rolls into California, and RM Sotheby’s Monterey auction is an integral part of the prestige
AIR
WORDS : CHRIS UJMA
“W
hat makes our Monterey sale a calendar highlight is that it ties-in to one of the oldest and most-prestigious international classic car events. The awarding of ‘Best in Show’ at Pebble Beach is one of the most-coveted awards in the world and as such, the vehicles and clients who are drawn to the area make it the most exclusive gathering, anywhere.” They’re the opening thoughts of Alain Squindo, Chief Operating Officer of RM Auctions, who wields great expertise when talking of an annual meeting that
his accent smoothly Americanises as ‘Moner-ray’. It’s the classic car sphere at its zenith, yet even without Alain’s insight the auction speaks for itself. The most discerning collectors flock to this RM Sotheby’s showcase, and the 2016 sale catalogue has a gleaming line-up to get the adrenaline going. Alain says of the standout lots that, “There are a number of captivating ones, and we have a really strong emphasis on American racing – which is quite appropriate given that Ford is celebrating the historic win of the GT40’s in 1966 at Le Mans, and of 70
course they won in their class this year. Among our offerings at Monterey are not one but two GT40s – one set up for road use, the other with racing specs.” Add to this the bombshell announcement made in July that Monterey would have a very special auction protagonist indeed: “We have the original, very first 260 Shelby Cobra CSX 2000. This is the car that built the company, and it’s never left the family’s ownership so is something that hasn’t been available for public sale. It is arguably the most important Shelby Cobra in the world.”