The RM auction in Auburn (Indiana) on May 31 and June 1, 2019 showed that even in the USA, everyday auctioning is not always easy. 274 cars (including two trailers) with a value of USD 10.8 million (EUR 9.7 million, CHF 10.8 million) were offered over the two days.
In total, around two thirds of these were sold. The highest bids were also on average two thirds of the estimated value. The sales proceeds for the cars thus amounted to around USD 4.7 million (EUR 4.1 million, CHF 4.7 million).
51 brands, US dominance
Vehicles from a total of 51 brands were offered. The US manufacturers dominated, with Ford leading the way with 55 vehicles, Chevrolet with 44 cars, Packard with 20 (!) and Cadillac with 14.
Only Mercedes-Benz was able to contribute a similarly large contingent with 15 cars, while the number of eight Hudson or nine Buick shows that they were in the USA.
Of course, there were also some exotic cars, such as REO, Haynes, Pierce-Arrow or Amphicar.
On average, the cars were 56 years old, but the spectrum ranged from 1903 to 2016, covering eleven decades.
Packard without brilliance
In many cases, the bidders did not want to follow the auction house's recommendations. The Packard brand vehicles in particular only achieved an average of just 48 percent of the median estimate, compared to 57 percent for Mercedes-Benz, 59 percent for Hudson, 66 percent for Ford, 71 percent for Chevrolet and 72 percent for Chrysler.
A 1940 Packard One-Twenty Convertible Coupe sold for just USD 3300 instead of the expected USD 15,000 to 20,000, to name one example.
As around a third of the cars were auctioned without a reserve price, some Packard consignors had to be satisfied with very low bids.
The surprising AMC AMX
The biggest surprise was provided by a 1979 AMC AMX, which was worth USD 24,200 to its new owner instead of USD 6,000 to 10,000, almost three times the estimated value.
Only a 1965 Lincoln Continental Convertible (USD 12,100 instead of USD 3,000 to 6,000) and a relatively new 2001 Bentley Arnage Red Label (USD 38,500 instead of USD 20,000 to 25,000) came close to this achievement.
Some Europeans were also auctioned above the estimated value, albeit mostly close, such as a Mercedes-Benz 280 SL from 1971 (USD 93,500), an MG TD Mk II from 1953 (USD 27,500) or an Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III BJ8 from 1967 (USD 81,400).
Bargains?
Many cars were sold very cheaply. For example, you could buy a 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL 500 for USD 5060 (estimated at USD 15,000 to 20,000).
An AMC Javelin SST from 1970 was available for USD 3575, a Mercedes-Benz 300 SL from 1991 for USD 4950.
A 1977 MGB also went for almost nothing (USD 2640).
And the USD 2860 for a 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 SL or the USD 6270 for a 1980 450 SL are also well below what you would pay for a similar car in Europe. However - only a detailed inspection will reveal whether these cars were really bargains.
Many cars with fair prices
A Ferrari Testarossa from 1988 for USD 99,000 or a Chevrolet Corvette Sing Ray from 1967 for USD 81,400 seem to be fair prices. This is also reflected in the fact that well over half of the cars fetched top bids of between 60 and 100 percent of the median estimate.
Nevertheless, those responsible at RM must not have been entirely happy with the result. Although the Auburn auction was positioned differently to the glossy sales at Pebble Beach, Villa d'Erba or Paris, they would of course like to announce new records after every weekend.
The fact that they did not compete at the highest level is also evident in the most expensive car at the auction, a 1930 Cord L-29 Convertible Phaeton Sedan for USD 157,300.
Offered and Sold Vehicles
The following table lists all offered and sold vehicles with estimated prices, highest bids, and sale prices. The price conversion was made at the exchange rate valid on the auction day. All information is provided without guarantee.
| Lot | Car | Year | USD Est from | USD Est to | USD HP | USD SP | CHF SP | EUR SP | % Est | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5001 | Chrysler 200 Convertible | 2011 | 4000 | 6000 | 5000 | 5500 | 5500 | 4922 | +10%
|
V |
| 5002 | Ford Bronco II | 1989 | 3000 | 6000 | 3100 | 3410 | 3410 | 3051 | -24.22%
|
V |
| 5004 | Lincoln Continental Convertible | 1965 | 3000 | 6000 | 11'000 | 12'100 | 12'100 | 10'829 | +168.89%
|
V |
| 5005 | Mercedes-Benz 250 C | 1971 | 6000 | 10'000 | 4000 | 4400 | 4400 | 3938 | -45%
|
V |
| 5006 | Ford Roadster Custom | 1932 | 20'000 | 25'000 | 18'500 | 20'350 | 20'350 | 18'213 | -9.56%
|
V |
| 5007 | MG MGB | 1977 | 5000 | 8000 | 2400 | 2640 | 2640 | 2362 | -59.38%
|
V |
| 5009 | Buick Model 66 S | 1932 | 20'000 | 25'000 | 26'000 | 28'600 | 28'600 | 25'597 | +27.11%
|
V |
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All information is provided without guarantee.
Legend: Column S = Status (V = Sold, N = Not sold, Z = Withdrawn, U = Under reserve)
Est = Estimate, HP = Hammer Price, SP = Sale Price








































































































































































































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