This April, RM Sotheby’s is eschewing the conventional auction format in favour of a trio of sales that embody exclusivity and discretion. Among them, Shift Online offers a collection of nearly 100 supercars from Europe and the Middle East, with bidding open exclusively online from 23rd to 28th April. The roster includes automotive icons such as a 1971 Ferrari Dino 246 GT by Scaglietti, a 1988 Bentley Continental Convertible by Mulliner Park Ward, and a 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 Edition.
However, the real intrigue lies in two sealed auctions scheduled for the end of the month, featuring an extraordinary selection of cars with provenance as distinguished as their design.
The Gianni Agnelli Collection
Gianni Agnelli, the industrial titan and heir to the Fiat empire, was not merely Italy’s wealthiest man; he was its style icon, its powerbroker, and in many ways, its uncrowned king. L’Avvocato, as he was known, controlled 4% of Italy’s GDP and 16.5% of its industrial research investment, shaping both the country’s economy and its aesthetic sensibilities.
As befitted a man of his stature, Agnelli’s personal garage was a reflection of his eclectic tastes and sharp sartorial eye. This month, three cars from his private collection will cross the auction block, each a compelling piece of Fiat’s storied history.
Foremost among them is a 1974 Fiat 130 Familiare, a bespoke commission that remained in Agnelli’s possession for 11 years. Only three of these rare vehicles were ever built, all for members of the Agnelli family. This particular example, resplendent in silver with faux wood trim, is the only one to feature a roof rack complete with a wicker basket—a detail that became its defining hallmark. In the winter months, it was put to spirited use, transporting Agnelli and his skis to the slopes of St. Moritz.
Then there is his Panda 4x4, a seemingly modest but brilliantly engineered winter runabout. Owned by Agnelli for 15 years before being entrusted to its current consignor, this Mk2 Panda was meticulously restored to its original condition earlier this year, standing as one of the finest examples of Fiat’s plucky off-roader.
Completing the trio is an exceptionally rare Lancia Thema Familiare, one of only two prototype models built by Zagato. Acquired and driven by Agnelli himself, its silhouette bears an uncanny resemblance to the Fiat 130 Familiare, a poetic echo that ties this remarkable collection together. Bidding for these storied automobiles is open until 24th April.
Six Cars, One Truck: The Delivery Mileage Porsche Collection
For many, the dream of collecting the world’s finest sports cars is tempered by the realities of space, logistics, and the inevitable dilemma of whether to drive or preserve them. The consignor of this extraordinary lot found an elegant solution: assemble six of Porsche’s most desirable 911s and house them in a dedicated transport truck, ready to travel at a moment’s notice.
This meticulously curated collection consists of a GT3 Touring, 911 R, GT3 RS, GT3, GT3 Cup, and GT3 Cup R, each one a paragon of Porsche’s 991-generation. Remarkably, all six have scarcely been touched, with odometers registering no more than 50 km. Each car remains in factory-fresh condition, boasting exquisite optional extras such as Bose sound systems, full leather interiors, 918 Spyder-style seats, and carbon fibre detailing. Colourways range from the understated to the audacious, with shades spanning deep black to the pulse-quickening Indian Red and Racing Yellow.
Completing the ensemble is a Rolfo Auriga transport truck, customised to accommodate this breathtaking fleet. With just 500 km on the clock and meeting EURO 6 emissions standards, it comes complete with an EEC Certificate of Conformity, ensuring seamless registration across the EU.
This is, without question, one of the most unconventional and exhilarating lots to emerge on the auction scene, embodying both the thrill of the open road and the purity of preservation. Bidding for this unique collection is open until 30th April.
