Scottsdale 2020: Day one for RM Sotheby’s at the Arizona Biltmore

Expect the figures to change after post-auction deals, but we forecast a likely $13m+ gross for the Canadian giant on its first day in Arizona.

Sell-through-by-number was at least 86%, and today’s minimum gross compares with the $18,463,680 at 83% achieved on the opening day of the same auction in 2019. This evening’s sale majored on less valuable entries; the more expensive lots will be offered tomorrow.

At a glance from provisional figures:

* Gross: $13,322,320
* Percentage sold by number: 86%
* Top-selling car: 2018 Pagani Huayra Roadster $2,370,000 gross, $2,150,000 net (est. $2.5 to $2.7m)
* Well sold? Estimated at $130k to $160k, the ex-NART 1961 Sunbeam Harrington Alpine Coupé went for $196k incl. premium
* Well bought? $75,600 all-in for the 1987 Ferrari Testarossa was low
* One to take away? The $1.27m gross silver 300 SL ‘Gullwing’
 

RM’s regular man at the rostrum Maarten ten Holder conducted the sale to an interested and full audience of predominantly US nationals, starting at 5.30pm and finishing a little over four hours later.

Most entries found homes on the night, notable exceptions so far being the McLaren Senna and the two expensive classic Ferraris (250 GT Europa and 275 GTB 6C). This might, of course, change by the weekend, after two days of post-sale deals. Only three of the 72 cars offered beat top estimate; most were sold below low estimate.

RM Sotheby’s at the Arizona Biltmore, 16 January 2020 – provisional

Gross: $13,322,320
Number of cars not sold: 10
Number of cars withdrawn: 1
Total number of cars: 72
Number sold: 62
Percentage cars sold by number: 86%
Percentage of cars met or sold below low estimate: 79%
Percentage of cars sold below avge of estimates: 92%
Percentage of cars sold met/exceeded top estimate: 5%

Photos by K500

January 2020 Scottsdale Auction Schedule:

Click here for a complete lot listing sorted by make and model

Barrett-Jackson – event from Saturday 11 January to Sunday 19 January. Sales from Monday 13 January to Sunday 19 January. Gates open at 08:00. 16601 N. Pima Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85260. See www.barrett-jackson.com

Leake – sales Thursday 16 January to Sunday 19 January. Gates open at 08:00. Event address: Salt River Fields, 7555 N. Pima Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 852585. See www.leakecar.com

Russo & Steele – sales Thursday 16 January to Sunday 19 January. Gates open at 09:00. Event address: 101 Freeway and Scottsdale Road, 18601 N Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ  85255. See www.russoandsteele.com

RM Auctions – sales Thursday 16 January and Friday 17 January. Auctions at 17:30. Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa, 2400 East Missouri Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85016. See www.rmsothebys.com

Gooding & Co – sales Friday 17 January and Saturday 18 January. Auctions at 11:00. Scottsdale Fashion Square, 4700 N. Scottsdale Road, corner of N. Scottsdale Road and E. Highland Ave, Scottsdale, AZ  85251. See www.goodingco.com