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While the auction world has been buzzing about recent record prices for contemporary and modern paintings, another category of collecting is gaining speed: autos, for both their artful design and vintage appeal.

“There’s no questioning the strength and resilience of today’s collector-car market,” says Gord Duff, a car specialist with RM Sotheby’s. “It’s driven by educated, passionate enthusiasts, and quality, blue-chip automobiles remain in high demand and continue to fetch strong prices at auction.”

It’s only fitting that Detroit, the cradle of American automobile design, would play host to one of the year’s most anticipated sales of fine collector cars. Bringing in a total of $7.4 million, the RM Sotheby’s Motor City sale lifted the gavel on 80 vehicles representing nearly a century of automotive history.

Much anticipation surrounded a 1934 Auburn Twelve Salon Speedster, which sold for $506,000. Just nine of these cars were ever produced in Auburn, Indiana, and of those, only four have survived. “It checks all the boxes when it comes to great design, engineering, rarity and provenance,” Duff explains. “It’s unlikely we’ll see another example come to market any time soon, making this a very special ownership opportunity.”

A 1968 Shelby GT500KR convertible once owned by the model’s namesake fetched $203,500. Renowned racecar driver Carroll Shelby worked with the Ford Motor Company to design the Mustang-based performance auto. Known for its hefty horsepower and luxurious interior, the so-called King of the Road was a favorite of the car-savvy Hollywood set and remains popular today. Extols Duff: “There’s nothing better than an automobile formerly owned by the man whose name it bears.”

Read this article as it appeared in the magazine.

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