Early highlights of RM Sotheby’s Arizona auction in January include a number of high-end European sports cars and exotics, among them a group of Porsche supercars and other classics from a single-owner collection.
Among the Porsches in the Tenenbaum Collection are three top models that represent a continuum of technology and innovation, starting with an iconic 1987 Porsche 959, one of the most advanced supercars of its era, boasting all-wheel drive and other high-performance features. This low-mileage example restored in Guard Red over black leather has an estimated value of $1.2 million to $1.5 million.
Next along the line is a 2005 Porsche Carrera GT, a three-owner supercar in GT Silver with an Ascot Brown interior and driven just over 5,480 miles. Selling at no reserve and including a seven-piece luggage set, the Porsche is valued at $1 million to $1.3 million.
Rounding out the trio is a 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder, which RM Sotheby’s calls “the peak of sports car technological development available at the time of production.” The two-owner Spyder, in Liquid Chrome Metal Blue over Onyx Black with Acid Green piping, is barely broken in with just 1,396 miles driven. Its value is estimated at $1.2 million to $1.4 million.
Other cars in the Tenenbaum Collection are two more Porsches, a 1989 911 Flachbau Targa and a 1994 911 S Flachbau coupe, and three Mercedes-Benzes, a 1970 280 SL, a 1981 280 SE 3.5 cabriolet, and a 2011 SLS AMG coupe, plus a 1970 Jaguar 4.2 E-Type roadster.
1964 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster 
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing
Among the early stars at the auction are a pair of classic Mercedes 300 SL sports cars. Topping the value chart is a late-production 1964 300 SL roadster, the third-to-last car 300 SL delivered and presented in immaculate condition after a full cosmetic restoration. Complete with fitted luggage, books, tools and hardtop, the roadster is valued at $2.2 million to $2.5 million.
The other 300 SL is a 1955 Gullwing, the only example of the iconic coupe in the factory colors of Dunkelgrau (dark gray) over an interior in beige with red-and-green plaid fabric seats. Extensively restored, this unique Gullwing is valued at $1.45 million to $1.65 million.
Another impressive star crossing the block is the only Cizeta-Moroder V16T in existence, the original 1988 prototype and show car. The unique sports car has been mechanically restored and is being offered by its original owner, the music producer and investor in the car company that bears his name, Giorgio Moroder. The estimated value is $900,000 to $1.2 million.
A head-turning classic sports car to be auctioned is a 1967 Lamborghini 400 GT 2+2, fully restored in its original colors of Blu Note over Tobacco and certified by Lamborghini Polo Storico. The early Lambo is valued at $450,000 to $550,000.
A 1985 Porsche 911 RUF BTR III modified under the guidance of Alois Ruf will be presented, along with a series of handwritten letters from Ruf to the original owner regarding the bespoke build as it was being created. The estimated value is $325,000 to $375,000.
“These early lots show the quality and variety we always look for when bringing exotic and rare supercars from across the eras to market,” Gord Duff, global head of auctions for RM Sotheby’s, said in a news release. “From the RUF to the Lamborghini to the entire Tenenbaum Collection, we are confident these high-quality cars will garner the attention they deserve from enthusiasts and collectors around the world.”
RM Sotheby’s annual Arizona auction will be held January 27 at its usual venue in the Arizona Biltmore Resort in Phoenix. For more information, visit the auction website.
