The Top 5 Cars At The RM Sotheby’s The Tegernsee Auction
Set against the backdrop of the snow-capped Bavarian Alps, RM Sotheby’s is set to host an exclusive auction in partnership with the prestigious Concours of Elegance Germany. Held at the historic Gut Kaltenbrunn estate on July 27, guests can enjoy stunning natural landscapes with beautiful views of the glistening Lake Tegernsee, complemented by warm Bavaraian hospitality.
A defining date on the calendar for discerning car enthusiasts, the RM Sotheby’s auction will feature some of the industry’s most iconic models, including Ferraris, Porsches, Aston Martins, and a niche selection of modern classics.
Here are five cars to watch out for on July 27.
1966 Ferrari 275 GTB/6C by Scaglietti
Following the success of its predecessor, the 250 series, Ferrari appointed Pininfarina to sculpt to life a more appealing exterior. The 275 GTB/6C is a testament to this collaboration, representing the final model overseen by Pininfarina himself. This model introduced an independent rear suspension utilising a double-wishbone and coil-spring arrangement, a pioneering feature of its time.
These features are the most desirable of the 275 series, boasting a 'Long Nose' body by Scaglietti, equipped with six Weber carburetors and a transaxle with a torque tube. Displaying its original factory hues of Amaranto complemented by a Beige Conolly leather interior, the car underwent a full restoration by Bacchelli & Villa in 2004.
Certified by Ferrari Classiche in November 2005 and revalidated in May 2024, it maintains its original engine, reinforcing its authenticity. The car claimed the prestigious 2024 Cavallino Modena Platinum Award, further cementing its value.
With credentials that include eligibility for prime events like the Ferrari Cavalcade Classiche, Cavallino Classic in Palm Beach and Abu Dhabi, and the Rallye des Légendes, this Ferrari 275 GTB/6C embodies both elegance and performance in the realm of classic automobiles.
Lot 117 | Estimated Price €2,500,000 - €3,000,000 EUR
1955 Porsche 550 Spyder by Wendler
A top choice for any Porsche collection, the 550 Spyder was the first car Porsche ever made from the ground up to be a racecar. The vehicle participated in some of the 1950s’ most revered racing events, including the Targa Florio, Mille Miglia, 24 Hours of Le Mans, and Carrera Panamerica, and it performed superbly against larger rivals from Maserati and Ferrari. The car was called the 550 as a reference to its meagre weight of 550 kilograms.
Only 90 examples of the 550 Spyder were ever built, and the car underwent a thorough restoration in the 1980s by Porsche which saw it emerge with a fresh mechanical overhaul and revamped exterior while retaining its original gearbox and chassis.
Lot 126 | Estimated Price €3,500,000 - €4,200,000 EUR
1965 Aston Martin DB Short-Chassis Volante
When the Aston Martin factory set off to create a convertible that harmonised the athletic proportions of current models with the style of the DB6, the result was the beautiful DB Short-Chassis Volante.
With just 37 units ever produced, the DB Short-Chassis Volante is the rarest series-production convertible ever crafted by Aston Martin, and it marked the arrival of the ‘Volante’ nickname – Italian for ‘flying’ – on an Aston Martin car, a name that continues to grace their latest models. The model is a rare example of only 11 Short-Chassis models believed to have been manufactured in left-hand drive configuration.
Lot 114 | Estimated Price €1,000,000 - €1,400,000 EUR
2006 Porsche Carrera GT
In the late 1990s, Porsche began developing a successor to its legendary GT1 prototype for Le Mans, which was set to roar with a 5.5L V10 engine. However, midway through development, the FIA changed its rules, disqualifying the car from eligibility. Instead of accepting defeat, Porsche reimagined the race car as a road car, leading to the creation of the legendary Porsche Carrera GT.
A symbol of resilience, the Porsche Carrera GT quickly became a notable contender, standing alongside the Mercedes SLR McLaren, Ford GT, and Ferrari Enzo. Crafted with cutting-edge materials, the car featured a carbon-fibre monocoque and sub-frame, along with carbon ceramic brakes, resulting in a model that is remarkably strong yet light. A true feat of engineering, Porsche engineers designed a special three-disc carbon-fibre racing clutch that was a third the size of a normal clutch, and forged magnesium wheels with centre locking bolts for further weight savings.
The Porsche Carrera GT is a vehicle that can be heard before it’s seen, thanks to the sonorous, naturally aspirated V10 engine. It is also identifiable by its signature wooden gear knob, an iconic feature of this manual car.
Lot 123 | Estimated Price €975,000 - €1,275,000 EUR
2010 Mercedes Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss
A supercar that embodies excellence, the stunning Mercedes Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss pays homage to the legendary 1955 300 SLR. Widely considered the "unicorn" of supercars, it represents the crowning achievement of the Mercedes-McLaren partnership. Only 75 units of this car were produced, and they were offered exclusively to existing SLR owners in 2009.
The namesake of this SLR is particularly fitting. The late Sir Stirling Moss remains an iconic figure in motorsport history: as a Formula 1 Hall of Fame driver, he famously dominated the 1955 Mille Miglia in the formidable Mercedes Benz 300 SLR, a car that has since become the most expensive in the world.
Offered at the RM Sotheby’s Tegernsee auction, this is a truly unique opportunity to own a nearly new Stirling Moss, with just 45km on the odometer.
Lot 121 | Estimated Price €3,200,000 - €3,800,000 EUR
Final Take
Before the event, the cars will embark on a four-day tour of the Bavarian countryside exploring the splendour of natural surroundings. 200 beautiful cars await to be seen and admired on the shores of Lake Tegernsee at Gut Kaltenbrunn. Time to mark your calendars and prepare for a fantastic weekend celebrating unique cars, the finest Bavarian hospitality, and first-class gastronomy.