Latest news with #RM Sotheby's
Forbes
30-06-2025
- Automotive
- Forbes
This Ex-Ralph Lauren Ferrari F50 Could Hit $7.5 Million At Auction
Just two U.S-specification Ferrari F50s left the factory painted yellow It's not every day that a Ferrari F50 comes up for auction. Those days are even scarcer when it's a yellow F50 we're talking about – and when the car previously belonged to Ralph Lauren? It's a truly unique moment. Lauren's classic car collection is world-famous, but opportunities to buy one of his cars come by very rarely indeed. The F50 coming up for auction this summer was first bought by the fashion mogul in 1995, then sold in 2003 and seldom seen since. Ferrari produced just 349 examples of the F50, a two-seat supercar with a Formula One-derived V12 engine and a removable hard-top roof, to celebrate its 50th anniversary. The vast majority of those 349 were painted red, with just 31 painted 'Giallo Modena' yellow – and of those, just two were built to U.S. market specification. This is one of those two cars. It is being offered for auction by RM Sotheby's and will go under the hammer in mid-August, during Monterey Car Week in California. It has had the same owner for the last 22 years and, the auction house says, has not been shown or displayed in public since 2009. It is described as being in immaculate condition and is showing fewer than 5,400 miles from new. The car was purchased new by Ralph Lauren in 1995, then sold to the current owner in 2003. The car carries a guide price of $6,500,000 to $7,500,000. This puts it firmly at the top end of the Ferrari F50 market, and demonstrates not only the draw of the rare color and Lauren ownership, but also the increasing appreciation of the F50 more generally. Initially seen as a car failing to out-do its F40 predecessor, the F50 value has surged from below the $1 million mark in the previous decade, to more than double that today. RM Sotheby's sold a red example with just 1,000 miles on the clock in February 2025 for $5,532,500, and another sold in the summer of 2024 for $5,505,500. Expanding on the significance of an ex-Lauren car coming up for sale, Sotheby's states, 'It is very rare that Mr. Lauren has parted with a car once acquired, making the opportunity to purchase a vehicle with his provenance quite a rarity. Nonetheless, Mr. Lauren retained the F50 until May of 2003, at which point it was made available for sale through Paul Russell & Company with 3,300 miles; it appears to have been sold into the hands of a dealer in Florida.' The yellow paintwork is contrasted by an all-back leather interior. The car is described as being 'the centerpiece' of its owners' collection, a married couple who are known as being avid Ferrari fans, and who have both competed in the company's Challenge race cars. Further explaining how rarely the car has been seen in public, the auction house said, 'Early in their ownership it was taken to a couple of events, including being driven for demonstration laps at Watkins Glen, and used as the poster car for the Burn Prevention Foundation Concours in 2005, as well as display at the Cavallino Classic in 2009. It is believed to have not been shown publicly since that year at the Celebration Exotic Car Festival in Central Florida.' As you would expect from a Ferrari of such significance, the F50 has received Ferrari Classiche Certification, which was reviewed and renewed in 2024 with a new 'Red Book' documentation folder due to arrive with the seller ahead of the auction. This process acts as confirmation from the Ferrari factory in Maranello, Italy that all components remain original and are exactly as they should be.
Auto Blog
29-06-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
After 60 Years, This Rare Corvette's Original Owner Is Letting Her Go
Finding a classic Corvette for sale isn't exactly rare. Plenty of C2s and C3s show up at auctions every year. But finding a fully restored 1965 Corvette, fitted with a fuel-injected V8 and an automatic transmission, is another story entirely. And when that car happens to be a one-owner example finished in a stunning blue-on-blue color combo, it crosses into unicorn territory. Fuel-Injected Tech Back In The '60s Source: eBay @Classic Auto Showplace Chevy built around 23,500 Corvettes in 1965. Buyers had six engines to choose from, and five of them ran on carburetors. The odd one out was the L84, a 327-cubic-inch fuel-injected V8 producing 300 horsepower, and marked the last year you could get fuel injection in a Corvette until 1982. While the power figures are impressive, the standout feature is the injection system itself. Back in the '60s, fuel injection was still in its infancy, with most cars still running carbs. So, seeing a classic Corvette that doesn't have a massive carb on top of its engine bay is a rare sight. Why This One Is Worth A Look Source: eBay @Classic Auto Showplace Four main things make this 'Vette special: its engine, spec, rarity, and condition. As we've mentioned, this was the last year you could have a vintage Corvette to harness fuel-injection power until the C4 came along. Then there's the one-of-a-kind spec: A Nassau Blue exterior, Bright Blue interior, white convertible top, and white wall tires wrapped around its chrome wheels. According to RM Sotheby's, only 771 Corvettes were fitted with the fuel-injected L84 engine in 1965. Add in the fact that this example has had just one owner since new, and things get even more interesting. The car was restored to factory finish back in 1984, with period-correct touches like an AM/FM radio and power antenna still in place. If you're a diehard collector, you might want to shut your eyes right about now. This 1965 'Vette hasn't lived its life as a garage queen. Instead, it's been driven and has 108,216 miles on the clock, making its pristine condition even more impressive. Clearly, the original owner took care of it. The Value Of This Classic Corvette Source: eBay @Classic Auto Showplace Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Classic Auto Showplace has this 1965 Chevrolet Corvette listed for $79,500. The listing includes detailed records of the car's restoration and maintenance, as well as some added goodies that make collectors drool, like the original owner's guide still in its original plastic cover, and the original antenna adjustment instruction card. According to the average selling price for a 1965 L84 Corvette is $125,249, but the high price is partly due to some ultra-low-mileage examples selling for nearly $400,000. Keeping that in mind, a $79,500 price tag seems like a steal, especially knowing that you're getting a rare spec, a documented history, and a Corvette that you can drive without guilt. With less than 3 hours remaining on the sale, you don't have much time left to make your Corvette-owning dream a reality. About the Author Marnus Moolman View Profile
ArabGT
17-06-2025
- Automotive
- ArabGT
The Earliest Military Land Rover Series I Still Survives
While the Land Rover Series I made its debut after World War II, its identity as a rugged, no-nonsense off-roader with military roots was quickly established—much like the Jeep CJ it is so often compared to. These compact, robust machines earned a place in the military almost immediately after production began in 1948. One rare example stands out above the rest: chassis R-860756, believed to be the oldest surviving military Land Rover Series I in existence. Now, this historic vehicle is heading to auction with RM Sotheby's, offering collectors a once-in-a-lifetime chance to own a true British legend. A Battle-Tested Legacy Preserved in Bronze Green Rolling out of the Solihull factory on December 16, 1948, this Series I was one of just 20 vehicles in the very first batch delivered to the British Ministry of Supply. It carried the War Department registration 'M6278786' before receiving its service number '90 YJ 00' in 1949. Unlike many of its contemporaries that were lost during active duty, this Land Rover endured—and its survival makes it a pivotal piece of Land Rover's military heritage. This Land Rover Series I remained in military service until 1961 and was officially retired the following year, sent to the War Department Storage Depot at Ruddington before being auctioned off. Civilian life began for the Series I with registration '2350 PK,' and it passed through only two owners before arriving in the hands of its current custodian in 1985. Restored With Respect, Built for History Though the original 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine was replaced during military service with a reconditioned 1949 unit—a standard practice for vehicles of this era—the engine block still wears its Ministry of Supply brass 'overhaul' plate. Beyond that, its drivetrain remains authentic, featuring a full-time, two-speed four-wheel-drive system and the rare 'ring pull' gearbox still intact. Photographic documentation from an early restoration effort revealed a chassis so well-preserved it had reportedly never required welded repairs. A comprehensive, historically faithful restoration followed in 2014–2015 under the supervision of a Dunsfold Land Rover expert. The body was returned to its correct Bronze Green, complemented by a silver chassis and black axles—factory-spec finishes throughout. It still rides on period-correct Avon Traction Mileage tyres wrapped around split-rim military wheels, and even includes semaphore turn signals and a complete toolkit. Interestingly, hints of red paint once flanking the body suggest it may have been used in bomb disposal or as a munitions carrier—a detail that adds further intrigue to its military backstory. Own a Defender's Grandfather—for the Price of One Despite its rarity and historical significance, RM Sotheby's has placed a surprisingly accessible estimate on this landmark vehicle: £50,000 to £75,000, or roughly $68,000 to $102,000. That positions it squarely within the price range of a new Land Rover Defender—modern, yes, but lacking the gravitas and originality of this Series I. With no reserve set, this iconic machine will sell to the highest bidder when it crosses the block at the Cliveden House auction on July 8. For enthusiasts and collectors alike, this Land Rover Series I isn't just an opportunity to buy a car—it's a chance to own the beginning of a legend. Gallery:
Top Gear
27-05-2025
- Automotive
- Top Gear
Schumi's 2001 Ferrari just sold for £13.4 million
Schumi's 2001 Ferrari just sold for £13.4 million Making it the most expensive Ferrari F1 car ever Skip 24 photos in the image carousel and continue reading Turn on Javascript to see all the available pictures. 1 / 24 For the second time in its life, Michael Schumacher's F2001 has become the most expensive Ferrari F1 car ever sold at auction, after going under the hammer for £13.4m big ones (or $18.2m slightly smaller ones) in Monaco this weekend. Rewind seven-and-a-half years and this exact chassis fetched about half that – $7.5m, or closer to $10m today – when it became the most expensive F1 car in history. Advertisement - Page continues below That title now belongs to the Mercedes W196 R, of course, having shifted for a frankly obscene £42.6m earlier this year. How the other half live, eh? The 3.0-litre V10-engined F2001 was the car with which Schumi clinched his second world championship for Ferrari (and fourth overall). He won nine grands prix that season, including Monaco, and so dominant was he that victory in Hungary sealed the deal… in August. With four races to spare. Overseen by RM Sotheby's, a donation will be made to the Keep Fighting Foundation – the charity set up after the tragic skiing accident that left Michael with severe brain injuries – from the proceeds of the sale. Advertisement - Page continues below Wonder how long it'll be before this thing is rolled out to break its own record again? Top Gear Newsletter Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Look out for your regular round-up of news, reviews and offers in your inbox. Get all the latest news, reviews and exclusives, direct to your inbox. Success Your Email*
The Sun
25-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Michael Schumacher's 2001 Monaco -winning Ferrari breaks record as it sells for whopping £13.4MILLION at auction
LEGENDARY racing driver Michael Schumacher's Monaco-winning Ferrari has sold for a staggering £13.4million. Schumi raced the F2001 to victory twice in 2001 - including the famous Monaco Grand Prix. 3 3 3 Chassis number 211 made its final appearance at the 2001 Hungarian Grand Prix where the racing legend qualified on pole position and took top step on the podium. The icon went on to win the title that year - his fourth of seven - with a records points haul ahead of team-mate Rubens Barrichello. The F2001's dominance also saw Ferrari take its 11th contructors' title. The historic motor was sold by RM Sotheby's for an eye-watering £13.43million. It marks the most expensive of Schumacher's Formula One cars to be sold at auction. The Ferrari F2001 was a cornerstone of Michael Schumacher and Ferrari's record-setting, multiple Formula 1 World Championship-winning pomp at the turn of the 21st Century," the car's listing reads. "Chassis 211 holds the remarkable distinction of being the only Ferrari aboard which the German won both the Monaco Grand Prix and Drivers' title in the same season, as the Scuderia clinched the 2001 Constructors' crown. "A two-time Grand Prix winner with a brace of World Championships to its name, chassis 211 is among the most significant of modern-day race cars." MICHAEL Schumacher's life was hanging by a thread 12 years ago as medics tried desperately to keep him alive after a tragic skiing crash that left him with horrific brain injuries. The F1 legend was given the best possible treatment as he was put into a medically induced coma, had his body temperature lowered and underwent hours of tricky operations on his brain. Formula One's Highest Earners Back in 2013, the retired seven-time world champion, and his then 14-year-old son set off on the Combe de Saulire ski run in the exclusive French resort of Meribel. Footage from his helmet camera revealed he was not travelling at excessive speed when his skis struck a rock hidden beneath the snow. He catapulted forward 11.5ft and crashed into a boulder head first that split his helmet into two and left him needing to be airlifted to hospital for two life-saving operations. At one point his family were told to brace themselves for the worst case scenario as the situation was much worse than originally believed. At the time, medics said Schumacher was likely to stay in an induced coma for at least 48 hours as his body and mind recovered. But the coma ended up lasting 250 days - more than eight months. After he woke up in June 2014, he was discharged from hospital and sent to his home in Lake Geneva to get further treatment. Since then his wife Corinna and his inner circle of friends have expertly avoided almost anything leaking out about his health status. Only small amounts of information have been released including reports that Schumacher was in a wheelchair but can react to things around him. In 2019, it was said that Schumacher was set to undergo breakthrough stem cell therapy in a bid to regenerate and rebuild his nervous system. Renowned France cardiologist Dr Philippe Menasche, who had operated on him previously, was set to carry out the treatment that would see cells from his heart go to his brain. Following the treatment at the Georges Pompidou Hospital in Paris, he was said to be "conscious", although few other details were given about his state.
