The doors are open: The 2018 Arizona sales

‘Businesslike’ probably best describes activity today in Scottsdale. While some of the local operators have been hard at it since Monday, for the Big Three it’s Bonhams that will fire the starting pistol at 11:00 tomorrow morning.

Like last year, the salerooms were well-attended but not exactly buzzing – a little early some might say, but by tomorrow night some 175 cars will have crossed the block. The UK trade was absent this morning, at least, despite the most favourable STG/USD rate since the Brexit vote in June 2016.

The Arizona sales, though, are predominantly North American affairs, with the thrill of the chase and a ‘winner takes all’ mentality rarely seen in Europe. Many cars or whole collections on offer this week were bought within the last few years, the fleeting owners perhaps seeing financial opportunities elsewhere. By Saturday night we’ll see how their investments performed.

Bonhams at a glance:

* Works Porsche 550 Spyder offered at a lower estimate than at its last outing with Gooding at Pebble Beach in 2016. Then $5m to $6m, now $4.5m to $5.5m
* Unremarkable red Ferrari ‘Daytona’ Spider catalogued by Bonhams at Scottsdale 2015 ($3m to $3.3m, not sold) priced today at $2.4m to $2.8m
* 64% at No Reserve – this, and some pragmatic pricing, should mean the Brits will do well

Bonhams occupied its usual slot at the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, with most cars outside and the star lots under cover. An exception was the yellow 275 GTB/4, crying out for a return to its original-spec metallic grey, a shade that would nicely complement its original interior.

The smart grey 300 SL Roadster (above left, first in the US) was the subject of a $460k restoration – but not to its original colour of Fire Engine Red, the most unfancied shade in the book. What price originality? Or condition?

We liked the Lancia 037 and the off-road section of classic SUVs and the Lamborghini tractor – the newer cars priced to clear less so, but they’re there to sell and help pay the ground rent.

RM Sotheby’s at a glance:

* D-type (top) and Shelby Cobra 427 S/C (above) created the most interest
* Thirty fewer cars this year meant some empty spaces – and it showed
* No Reserve entries such as the 1989 Porsche Turbo and 1968 Shelby GT500 should pull the punters in

Sitting in a corner, the catalogue-topping Jaguar D-type was the centre of attention in a smaller-than-usual display of cars in one of the Arizona Biltmore’s ballrooms. The big Cobra 427 S/C looked a bit too factory-fresh for savvy buyers craving the well-worn original look – but the fans loved it.

Outside, the lesser entries were lined up in blazing Arizona sunshine. Said to be in its original Verde Bosco, and with just two owners from new, the ‘preservation-class’ Maserati Vignale Spyder was an attractive and unusual car.

The incongruous sight of a tiny Toyota 2000 GT placed among 1930s Americana in the covered garage was perhaps a sign of how these cars’ star has waned. Not the Canadians’ best-ever catalogue, perhaps, but expect them to get the job done as always.

Gooding & Co at a glance:

* Bright red customer D-type dominates lobby
* Iso Grifo Prototype and one-off Ferrari 275 GTB two possible stars of the week
* A quality catalogue that presented well in the metal

Over at Gooding’s familiar white marquee in Fashion Square, visitors were greeted by the sight of its customer D-type in all its vibrant glory. Painted, rather than polished wheels, and a toning down of the scarlet paintwork should be first on the list for any new owner.

Battista Pininfarina would recognise the special 275 GTB built for him in 1965, but he wouldn’t be able to take it for a spin around the block: the car “has been in static storage and not driven in many years, [and] will require mechanical attention prior to road use”. A quite wonderful piece of art with an exquisite interior, factor in a mechanical restoration and the confident estimate of $8m to $10m becomes ever more self-assured.

Should Gooding sell this (below), the ‘D’ and the S1 Pininfarina Cabriolet, expect the Californians to top the charts on Saturday night.

January 2018 Scottsdale Auction Schedule:

Barrett-Jackson – event from Saturday 13 January to Sunday 21 January. Sales from Monday 15 January to Sunday 21 January. Gates open at 08:00. 16601 N. Pima Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85260. See www.barrett-jackson.com

Worldwide Auctioneers – sale Wednesday 17 January at 17:00. Viewing from  09:00. Event address: 6460 E McDowell Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85257. See www.worldwide-auctioneers.com

Russo & Steele – sales Thursday 18 January to Sunday 21 January. Gates open at 09:00. Event address: Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, 7555 N Pima Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85258 (off 101 Freeway and Indian Bend/Talking Stick Way). See www.russoandsteele.com

Bonhams – sale Thursday 18 January at 11:00. The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, 6902 East Greenway Parkway, Scottsdale AZ 85254. See www.bonhams.com

RM Sotheby's – sales Thursday 18 January and Friday 19 January. Auctions at 17:00. Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa, 2400 East Missouri Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85016. See www.rmauctions.com

Gooding & Co – sales Friday 19 January and Saturday 20 January. Auctions at 11:00. Scottsdale Fashion Square, 4700 N. Scottsdale Road. Corner of N. Scottsdale Road and E. Highland Ave. See www.goodingco.com

Photos by K500