It was not one of the typical car auctions that RM held from May 5 to 13, 2021. Even the title "Handle With Fun" indicated that it was about things other than vehicles, such as pinball machines, board games and neon signs. Nevertheless, in addition to a group of motorcycles, 19 cars worth just over USD 600,000 went under the hammer. The average age of these vehicles was 56 years, but the variety was exceptional. The usual super classics were largely absent, but there were cabin scooters, small vehicles and a highly interesting driving school car.
Interesting automobilia
In the past, driving schools used functional car models to teach new drivers, some apparently even using original-sized chassis with cut-away technology.
One fine example was sold for considerably more than expected, it was based on the Fiat 1100 and offered interesting insights into the technology.
Children's cars also came under the hammer, such as a downsized Mercedes-Benz 190 SL, which certainly went well with its big brother.
The Beetle with two steering wheels
Anyone who can't decide between left-hand and right-hand drive could be helped with the 1955 driving school Beetle.
It had a steering wheel and pedals on both sides. So you could easily detach yourself while driving ...
In any case, the Beetle fetched the highest bid of USD 35,000, to which the buyer had to pay an additional 10 percent.
A second Beetle, a 1967 model in likeable condition, also did well. USD 25,000 was more than the estimate.
A valuable Messerschmitt
The 1956 Messerschmitt KR200 was once part of the Bruce Weiner collection and certainly fetched the highest price at auction. Now the pink-colored two-seater was listed for USD 60,000 to 70,000.
Nobody wanted to bid quite that much, but the USD 54,000 plus 10 percent is still a more than respectable price for a Messerschmitt.
The Renault for a visit to the beach
The coachbuilder Ghia is said to have produced around 50 beach cars based on the Renault 4 CV, in addition to many more that used a Fiat platform. Whether chassis 3607771 is one of these 50 genuine Ghia Jollys is probably not completely certain. In any case, RM described the car as one of 20 surviving beach cars.
This was enough for the highest bidder to raise USD 73,000 and win the bid. This sum did not quite meet expectations.
A beautiful Auto Union 1000 SP Coupé
One of the most elegant cars was certainly the red Auto Union 1000 SP Coupé from 1959.
The estimate was between USD 20,000 and 30,000, the highest bid hit exactly the middle of the two values, a fair price for the beautiful two-stroke coupé.
USD 16,000 was bid for a 1972 Volvo P 1800 ES, USD 19,000 for a 1949 Willy Jeepster, while a 1962 VW Type 2 Westfalia Camper was knocked down at USD 62,000.
The unloved Geo
Travelers to America in the nineties probably often saw it at car rentals, because the Geo Metro Convertible was usually the cheapest convertible. Even then, nobody really loved it, it just didn't look elegant enough. The blue car on offer from 1992, however, surprised with its good condition and only 39,500 miles on the clock.
Nevertheless, nobody wanted to bid the estimated USD 10,000 to 15,000, USD 4000 was enough to win the bid, making the Geo the cheapest car in the auction.
In the end, all the cars (and all the motorcycles) were sold, which was no surprise, as there was no reserve price.
On average, the highest bids for the cars were 75 percent of the median estimate, with sales prices totaling USD 524,975 or USD 27,630 per car. Millions don't always have to change hands ...
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2154 | Auto Union 1000 SP Coupé | 1959 | 20'000 | 30'000 | 25'000 | 27'500 | 24'750 | 22'550 | +10%
|
V |
| 2155 | Willys Jeepster | 1949 | 20'000 | 30'000 | 19'000 | 20'900 | 18'810 | 17'138 | -16.4%
|
V |
| 2156 | Chrysler LeBaron Town and Country Convertible | 1985 | 15'000 | 20'000 | 14'500 | 15'950 | 14'355 | 13'079 | -8.86%
|
V |
| 2157 | MG MGB Roadster | 1973 | 15'000 | 16'500 | 14'850 | 13'530 | V | |||
| 2158 | Messerschmitt KR 200 | 1956 | 60'000 | 70'000 | 54'000 | 59'400 | 53'460 | 48'708 | -8.62%
|
V |
| 2159 | Volkswagen Beetle Sedan | 1967 | 18'000 | 22'000 | 25'000 | 27'500 | 24'750 | 22'550 | +37.5%
|
V |
| 2160 | Ford Custom Deluxe Club Coupe | 1951 | 20'000 | 25'000 | 17'500 | 19'250 | 17'325 | 15'784 | -14.44%
|
V |
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
_RM.jpg)
