January 2025 heralds an exciting new auction season with the Arizona Car Week, an essential for automotive enthusiasts around the world. The weeklong showcase will present an array of exhibits and features, with RM Sotheby’s auction being one of the most highly anticipated events.
The Biltmore Resort, also known as the ‘Jewel of the Desert,’ is a highly sought-after holiday retreat in Arizona, steeped in old Hollywood glamour. Having hosted celebrities, royalty, and U.S. presidents, it is an ideal stage for such an illustrious event – auction bidders can revel in the resort’s decorated history while making bids, and consignors are assured incredible international exposure.
Notably, RM Sotheby’s is marking its 27th year at the Biltmore Resort. Read on to find out about three of the most exciting classic cars that will be going under the hammer in Arizona.
1931 Bentley 8-Litre Convertible Victoria by Murphy
This car bears the distinction of being the only eight-litre Bentley that had been customised by an American coachbuilder. This was during an era when Bentleys were hardly found outside of Europe, unless shipped abroad by migrating owners.
This vehicle belonged to Conrad H. Matthiessen Jr., heir to the Sugar Trust empire, America’s largest company in the sugar refining industry. In February 1931, he had it delivered to the most famous coachbuilder in the West Coast, Walter H. Murphy. Here the body was created by Franklin Q. Hershey, who would later gain renown for the iconic 1955 Ford Thunderbird. He crafted an imposing yet lightweight chassis, characterised by sweeping curves and a clean silhouette, resulting in a sleek and sporty vehicle.
Eventually, the car made its way to Mexico from Matthiessen’s garage, where it underwent significant changes. It was outfitted with Mercedes wheels and a truck engine – fortunately, the original engine still accompanied it.
In 1971, Bentley connoisseur Don Weber acquired the car and sent it to Hofmann & Mountfort in the United Kingdom for extensive restoration. The bona fide engine was reincorporated. Interestingly, one of the original hammered door handles was replaced by a former employee of Murphy’s, who used the same hammer that was used for the original handles. After gaining much fanfare in the United Kingdom, it was shipped back to Weber in the United States. It remained in his custody until 1986, following which it passed on from one collector to another in the West Coast.
The present owner acquired the car in 2012 and had it restored by R.C. Moss of Bedford, England. Every single component was restored to its factory specifications. Additionally, the original livery was reapplied along with detailwork such as the mother of pearl accents and the embossed leather upholstery. The report unpacks the full restoration in detail. The car also comes with the original owner’s manual and a tool kit.
This vehicle has an immensely intriguing legacy– it is one of 100 original 8-litre models, one of only 13 surviving examples, and the sole “American” Bentley. Indeed, this rare gem is sure to elevate any classic motorcade.
1939 Bugatti Type 57 C Atalante by Gangloff
A successor to the popular Type 49, the Type 57C underwent several upgrades, such as the incorporation of hydraulic brakes by Lockheed, the reinforced chassis, and the strengthened rear axle. It was also armed with an optional supercharged engine that produced more than 160 horsepower, leaps beyond the standard Type 57.
The Atalante was a handsome two-seater sports coupe created by Jean Bugatti. Only 33 units were produced, with an additional 17 built on the Type 57 S chassis, and were twice as expensive as typical factory models. This particular Type 57 C was specially made to order in 1939, when the Atalante had already been retired and Bugatti was more focused on the Galibier saloon. Built by renowned coachbuilder Gangloff, it was one of the most expensive Bugattis produced that year. As a Type 57 C with the supercharged engine, it was and still is truly one-of-a-kind.
The special Type 57 C was delivered to a buyer in Algeria, where it remained throughout World War II and had its registration renewed. It then made its way to Paris, where it was reworked before being sold to an individual who used it until 1977. After this, Hervé Charbonneaux, son of a renowned automobile collector and museum curator, acquired the vehicle to incorporate it into the Charbonneaux Museum. From 1980 to 1981, the car was restored to its original colours and fitted with a new cylinder block.
The car was sold again in 1996 and was passed through several owners before it was acquired by Los Angeles’ Petersen Automotive Museum in 2006. It has since been a pivotal exhibit at the museum for over 14 years. Fortunately, it is in exemplary condition and shows promise for new restoration. Utterly unique in its conception and steeped in rich history, this Type 57 C is a dream for Bugatti enthusiasts.
1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing continues to enamour and enchant automobile aficionados worldwide, as evidenced by the fanfare the vehicle deservedly received at the RM Sotheby’s ‘Junkyard’ auction in October 2024 – this dust-caked Gullwing that had been tucked away in the Rudi Klein Collection for decades commanded a staggering $9.35 million. The acclaim is hardly a mystery, given the Gullwing’s engineering prowess, sculpted silhouette, and awe-worthy track performance.
This particular 300 SL Gullwing was ordered for a buyer stationed in Berlin with the US Army in 1956. The car has competition-level upgrades, such as sports suspension, an upgraded racing engine, and five Rudge wheels. The interiors are clad in black leather and red gabardine fabric with Fire Engine Red hues. It remained in Berlin for a while before arriving in California during the 1960s. It was later held by another individual who kept it until the 1990s, after which it was acquired by the present consignor.
The car was completely disassembled and restored from scratch. Now, it is in excellent condition, armed with most of its original parts and some meticulously made replacements. There’s little doubt that the Gullwing is one of the most aspirational collectible sports cars in the world; this immaculately restored beauty, with its impressive upgrades and gorgeous colours, will be an invaluable addition to any collector's fleet.
