RM Sotheby’s has had some world-class eye candy roll across its auction block over the years, and the array of precious sheetmetal (and carbon fibre) that will go up for auction today is nothing short of incredible. We’ve chosen just five of our favourites from the complete list of cars crossing the auction block today in Paris. Which one is your favourite?
1968 Ferrari Dino 206 GT
1968 Dino 206 GT
The excellent 206 GT was built as a gorgeous home to homologate Ferrari’s 2L Formula 2 engine. The 65-degree V6 was also sold in special Fiat models and was enlarged to 2.4L in 1971. These early 2.0L engines have slightly less horsepower and torque but rev sweetly to 8,000 rpm – and that’s worth the power penalty. These early 206s are the most pure of the line. Later models received wider tires, fender flares, bigger bumpers and more scoops. This one also comes with a wild interior featuring fuzzy blue fabric seats.
1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III Works Rally Car
1964 Austin-Healey 3000 MkIII
Back before rallying was dominated by ho-hum AWD Japanese sedans, rally grids were full of interesting sports cars. This factory-prepared rally car actually won the 1964 Spa-Sofia-Liège rally and carries a proud competition history. Underhood is a stalwart 2.9L inline-six fed by no less than three Weber carburetors. We bet it sounds lovely. Hopefully the new owner isn’t too shy to keep this car racing in historic events.
1973 Maserati Bora 4.9
1973 Maserati Bora
Everyone loves the Countach, but its Italian competitor, the Maserati Bora has gone largely forgotten. The Bora’s dramatic bodywork hides a mid-mounted 4.9L DOHC V8 that can trace its roots back to the 1950s. Inside you’ll find wildly shaped seats that look like props from a Star Wars set and plenty of gauges to keep you informed of the big V8’s health.
1969 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona
1969 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona
People like to harangue other sports car owners for modifying their valuable cars in ways that diminish resale value – but people have been doing that for ages! This 1969 365 GTB/4 was tuned and modified in the 1970s for more speed. Deviations from stock include competition carburetors, brake cooling ducts and a roll bar inside. But those modifications have hardly made this Daytona more affordable. We’ll bet those 12 carb throats sing lovely music at 7,000 rpm.
1952 Volkswagen Beetle
1952 Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle
Unrestored, original cars are slowly gaining respect in the marketplace. Cars that would have been restored a few years ago are now being preserved. Take this classic split-window bug, for example. The weathered finish shows years of honest use. This one even comes with 5-year-old skis! Said to run and drive, this 25-horsepower VW would be a great city cruiser. Hopefully it doesn’t have any funky smells inside.
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