The Sotheby’s brand is known for guarding some of the world’s finest possessions – a legacy exemplified by ModaMiami, an utterly unique luxury experience curated by RM Sotheby’s and Sotheby’s auction house. This extravaganza, which launched in March 2024, is set to return for the second time this year to Biltmore Coral Gables from 27 February to 2 March.
The inaugural event was an homage to the world of luxury. It encompassed showcases from RM Sotheby’s and an exclusive high-end retail arena with signature pieces from Sotheby’s auction house, alongside live entertainment and gourmet culinary offerings.
This year, ModaMiami will begin with a highly anticipated auction from RM Sotheby’s, with lots featuring vehicles from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) Museum, a heritage museum highly regarded for its resplendent classic car collection. Read on to unveil some of the most fascinating cars going up for auction.
1966 Ford GT40 Mk II
When Ferrari was dominating the world of motor racing with six consecutive Le Mans victories, Ford was working hard behind the scenes to rise to the top. In spite of its GT40 Mk I model’s formidable performance at the 1965 Le Mans race, Ford was unable to disrupt Ferrari’s winning streak.
At this juncture, renowned automobile manufacturer Shelby American collaborated with the likes of Holman-Moody to rework the GT40 Mk I. This led to the creation of the GT40 Mk II, which boasted a sleek aerodynamic body, cooling systems in the front and rear, a low-rise nose that would stay closer to the ground, and a larger NASCAR engine. This upgraded car entered the 1966 12 Hours of Sebring race. With Walt Hansgen and Mark Donohue from Holman-Moody at the wheel, the car secured second place in the race – this was a historic finish, as Ford took all three spots on the podium.
Donohue and Hansgen were set to compete at Le Mans after that thumping victory. However, Hansgen tragically passed away just before the race, and Donohue was paired with Australian racer Paul Hawkins. While their vehicle was fraught with technical issues on the treacherous Circuit de la Sarthe, Ford still managed to sweep the podium with GT40 Mk IIs.
The GT40 Mk II – one of only eight models ever produced – joined the IMS collection in 1968. In 2011, a refurbishment project restored the car to its original colour and style. As the car that catapulted Ford to great heights in the golden age of motor racing, this is a veritable piece of automobile history.
1908 Mercedes 17.3 Litre 150 HP ‘Brookland’ Semmering Rennwagen
Developed by Mercedes in 1906, the 150 HP Semmering Rennwagen came to be known as ‘Brookland’ – a name sparked by the car’s incredible performance on the Brooklands circuit, the world’s first ever purpose-built racing circuit.
A one-off, bespoke version of this car was built in 1908 for the sole purpose of taking part in Austria’s challenging Semmering Hill Climb. It was fitted with a larger engine than was typically allowed for Grand Prix races and was driven to victory by Otto Salzer. After this race, the car was remodelled with an impressive 17.3-litre engine that generated 150 horsepower. It was driven again by Salzer at the 1909 Hill Climb to pole position, setting a record that remained unbroken for the next 15 years. The car also achieved third place in the Champion du Monde later that year, beating stiff competition. Following these victories, the car was revamped with brand-new Michelin tyres.
By the end of 1909, the Brookland was sold to an Australian buyer. It changed hands several times in Melbourne over the next few decades and gained new metal aircraft seats in the process. In 1955, David Gray Jr., one of Ford’s earliest investors, acquired the vehicle. After staying with him until 1964, the Brookland made its way to the IMS Museum – here, it was preserved immaculately.
Truly one-of-a-kind, Brookland's legacy endures to this day. It was one of the few cars that was flown to England for the 2003 Goodwood Festival of Speed. It was also part of the 2023 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
The Brookland maintains most of its original components and also sports its original ID tag, which is highly unusual for a classic competition Mercedes; needless to say, this tremendously elevates its exclusivity.
1957 Chevrolet Corvette SS Project XP-64
The Chevrolet Corvette was a passion project by Zachary ‘Zora’ Arkus-Duntov, a famous racecar driver, automobile engineer, and the hailed father of the Chevrolet Corvette.
Zora grew up loving racecars. He moved to New York as a young man and established himself by selling munitions for the American war effort. He went on to sell parts for Ford, which led to his racing career. Finally, he joined Chevrolet’s Corvette programme.
The Corvette was dangerously close to being discontinued before Zora dedicated himself to empowering the beloved vehicle. He redesigned the body and engine, and the transformed vehicle secured ninth place in the 1956 12 Hours of Sebring. While this iconic performance boosted sales, the vehicle was clearly lagging behind the top racecars of that time. Zora realised that a new, performance-oriented vehicle needed to be made.
With that, Project XP-64 was founded and was later renamed Corvette Super Sport (SS). It was a magnificent car, made with lightweight magnesium and other experimental components. Unfortunately, it faced several mechanical and technical challenges and had to be retired shortly after its first race. However, it gained a level of fame that did wonders for the Chevrolet brand. It was spotlighted in several motor shows and featured in countless magazines before being inducted into the IMS museum.
The Corvette SS represents a journey of resilience. It was a true labour of love by an eminent Corvette ambassador, who redefined the marque for generations to come. With its illustrious legacy, this car is an invaluable collector’s item.
