Listed for the 22nd annual RM Sotheby’s Arizona auction, the 2020 Speedtail contributed to total sales of $35 million (£25.6 million).
Held at the OTTO car club in Scottsdale, extremely limited amounts of in-person bidding was permitted. However, over half of all auction activity came from online bid, with 90 percent of all lots listed being sold.
One of 106 Speedtails made, chassis number 36 was first delivered to McLaren of Philadelphia last year. Even with an original list price of $2.25 million (£2.1 million), the first owner spent a further $170,000 (£137,711) on options.
Painted in MSO Atlantic Blue, with bespoke pinstripes, the interior of the Speedtail is a combination of tan Aniline leather and carbon trim.
A twin-turbocharged V-8 engine, combined with an electric motor, gives the hybrid Speedtail an output 1,035 hp. Trick aerodynamics allow a potential top speed of 250 mph.
Gallery: Your complete guide to the 2021 Arizona auction season (Motoring Research)
All the collector car auctions happening in Arizona this year
Gooding and Company – 2021 Scottsdale Edition
The Gooding & Company Scottsdale auction is one of the most prestigious in the collector car world. Last year it was responsible for the most expensive car sold at an Arizona event.
This year, the auction house is holding the sale through its Geared Online platform. It means no physical bidding, but still the same selection of high-quality vehicles.
When: Lots open for bidding on Monday, January 18 and continue through Friday, January 22.
Where: Although it may be billed as a Scottsdale event, this auction is occurring entirely online. Those in Southern California will be able to attend Gooding & Company’s facility to view lots by appointment.
Entry Cost: As an online event, the Scottsdale Edition is free for bidder registration. Identification, and proof of funds, are needed before bids are placed.
1926 Bugatti Type 37 Grand Prix
A star of the Gooding & Company sale is this vintage Bugatti racer. A combination of performance and reliability, the Type 37 was a successful competition machine when new.
This particular Bugatti was purchased by Peter Larkin, a Tony Award-winning Broadway set designer, in the 1950s. The car has remained within the Larkin family for some six decades, making it one of the longest-held Bugattis in private ownership.
The Scottsdale sale could see this four-cylinder Type 37 move on to a new keeper.
1966 Ferrari 275 GTB Long Nose
One of the most expensive cars listed for sale in the entire Arizona auction season is this 1966 Ferrari. Already rare and desirable, that this 275 GTB has not been restored is responsible for adding extra interest.
Delivered new to a buyer in Portland, Oregon, the Ferrari remained in family ownership for more than five decades. Scottsdale will mark the very first time the 3.3-liter V-12-powered car has been offered for public sale.
Being finished in Rosso Chiaro paintwork, with a red leather and cloth interior, makes for an unusual color combination. Pre-sale estimates suggest the Ferrari could achieve $2 million to $2.4 million.
1965 Shelby GT350
The Gooding & Company auction catalogue is not just packed with exotic supercars, with American muscle also included. One of the particular highlights is this Shelby GT350, taken from the first year of production.
Being a 1965-model means that the Shelby has the battery in the trunk, along with a spare wheel mounted where the regular Mustang rear seats would be. Powering the GT350 is a 289-cubic inch V-8, with output pushed to more than 300 horsepower.
This Shelby has previously been restored, and is said to be presented in show-quality condition.
1954 Aston Martin DB2-4 Drophead Coupe
Collector cars that have appeared at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance are a mainstay of the auction scene. However, what makes this Aston Martin special is being entered into the prestigious show when brand-new in 1955.
With bodywork by Italian styling house Bertone, the DB2/4 Drophead Coupe took third place in class at Pebble Beach. Since the 1950s, the Aston has passed through several owners, and appeared at many more major shows.
Subject to a detailed restoration, with a comprehensive history file included, expect plenty of interest in this classic Brit.
Bonhams – The Scottsdale Auction 2021
This marks the tenth year of Bonhams hosting a collector car auction in Scottsdale. Although the auction house admits they will miss the excitement and camaraderie of a physical sale, they promise to deliver an intriguing collection of vehicles.
When: A one-day event, the Bonhams sale takes place on Thursday, January 21.
Where: Bonhams will hold their 2021 auction at the The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa in Scottsdale. However, the actual sale itself will be conducted online, with no public audience during the auction.
Bidders can view the lots listed without an appointment between Tuesday, January 19 and Thursday, January 21.
Entry Cost: As an online auction, registering to bid is free for the Bonhams Scottsdale event. Telephone and absentee bids will also be accepted.
2019 Runge RS010
Runge Cars, created by Minnesota-based Christopher Rünge, builds bespoke automobiles paying homage to racers from the 1950s. Featuring a mid-mounted flat-four engine hiding beneath polished aluminum bodywork, the RS010 is a truly unique choice.
With curb weight in the region of 1,350 lb, combined with 195 horsepower, the RS010 is no slouch. Air conditioning, sound deadening, and even a clock from a Soviet MiG jet mean the interior is not completely utilitarian.
Estimated to sell for between $225,000 to $250,000, the Runge is like nothing else in the Bonhams catalogue.
1964 Fiat 1100 Turismo Veloce Charmant Coupe
Built between 1937 and 1953, the Fiat 1100 was originally intended to be a practical family car. Late in its lifespan, twelve examples had custom bodywork designed by carrozzeria Vignale.
Although it may only have 50 horsepower, the Charmant Coupe generated plenty of interest for its first owner. So much that they placed the Fiat into storage, and drove a subtler Mercedes-Benz instead.
It means that the car has covered fewer than 4,000 miles since new, with the car in well-preserved condition. An impressive backstory, and limited usage, produced a pre-sale estimate of $175,000 to $225,000.
1969 Chevrolet Camaro SS Restomod
A casual observer might not assume too much about this 1969 Camaro SS, but beneath the black paintwork is a wealth of modifications. Undertaken by Long Beach-based RMD Garage, almost every part of the Chevrolet has been updated or upgraded.
Power comes from a new 6.2-liter LS3 V-8, said to be generating 550 horsepower. The Camaro still retains a four-speed automatic transmission, but performance suspension and brakes have been installed.
The three-year restoration process saw new American Racing wheels fitted, with the interior finished in black leather. It makes for an impressive package, and justifies the estimated $140,000 to $170,000 price.
2018 Porsche 911 GT3 Touring
Intended as an understated version of the regular Porsche 911 GT3, the Touring model was launched at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show. Ditching the high-level rear wing, a pop-up spoiler is used instead to generate downforce.
A six-speed manual transmission was standard for the 4.0-liter flat-six engine, which produces 493 horsepower. The original owner of this car spent more than $12,000 to have the car custom-painted in Pantone Blue 296C. An extended range fuel tank, heated seats, and Xenon headlights were all specified, too.
This GT3 has not spent all its life in storage, racking up 14,000 miles from new. As a desirable version of an impressive Porsche, an estimate of $175,000 to $200,000 is predicted.
RM Sotheby’s Arizona 2021
In comparison to the two previous auctions, RM Sotheby’s will be able to offer limited in-person attendance for their 2021 sale. Online, telephone, and absentee bidding will also be permitted.
RM Sotheby’s has curated a collection of 80 cars available for auction, ranging from vintage classics to modern hypercars, like the McLaren Speedtail.
When: The 2021 RM Sotheby’s sale is a one-day event, set for Friday, January 22. Appointments can be made to view lots between Monday, 18 and Thursday, 21 January.
Where: RM Sotheby’s has chosen the Otto Car Club, located in Scottsdale, to host the auction event this year.
Entry Cost: Registration to bid online is free. Pre-registration is required to attend in person, which will cost $250. Those attending will be required to wear a face mask both inside and outside the auction venue.
1955 Jaguar D-Type
Introduced by Jaguar in 1954, the D-Type was built with the sole purpose of winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race. An aerodynamic aluminum body, all-round disc brakes, and a straight-six engine made it innovative for the 1950s.
This particular car was first sold by ex-Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone. Used in club racing in the UK, it later crossed the Atlantic in 1982. It has subsequently been owned by several collectors, and was repainted to its original red color.
With low production numbers, and unique color combination, the D-Type is expected to achieve a substantial amount on the auction block.
Pre-sale estimates suggest the Jaguar could achieve between $5.75 million and $7.5 million.
2019 Ford GT Lightweight
Ford’s second-generation of the GT supercar is a regular of the auction circuit, due to limited production numbers and impressive performance. Created to bridge the gap between the Competition model and Carbon Edition, the ‘Lightweight’ version was offered only to selected buyers.
Adding $70,000 to the price, the Lightweight package includes titanium lug nuts, carbon fiber wheels, a titanium exhaust, and carbon fiber trim inside and out. The 647 horsepower 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 was left unaltered, and has covered six miles from new.
As a rarer version of an already scarce supercar, the GT should reach $900,000 to $1.2 million when auctioned.
2019 Koenigsegg Regera
The Ford GT is not the only carbon fiber-clad supercar on offer at the RM Sotheby’s auction. One of the 80 examples of the Koenigsegg Regera will also go under the hammer in Scottsdale.
Powered by a 1,000 horsepower 5.0-liter V-8 engine, combined with a trio of electric motors, the Regera is supremely rapid. It holds the world record for the 0-250-0 mph run, completing it in 31.49 seconds.
Such gigantic performance comes with features such as carbon fiber wheels, and exterior detailing that includes 24-karat gold leaf trim. Unsurprisingly, the pre-sale estimate is vast at $2.6 million to $2.9 million.
1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 E Evolution II
One collection set to feature at the RM Sotheby’s sale is an array of cars built for motorsport homologation. That includes the Evolution II version of the Mercedes-Benz 190 E sedan, seen here. Designed to let the German brand compete in the DTM series, 502 examples of the Evo II were made.
The giant rear spoiler and flared fenders are the obvious changes for track success. Beneath them hides a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, tuned by Cosworth to deliver 232 horsepower. Adjustable suspension, Brembo brakes, and a ‘dogleg’ five-speed manual transmission were all included.
First sold to a German buyer, the 190 E later moved to Japan, and was imported into the United States in 2015. Between $175,000 and $225,000 should secure the mighty Merc.
Worldwide Auctioneers – Scottsdale 2021
Staging a major car auction in 2021 requires a little bit of lateral thinking, and Worldwide Auctioneers have done just that. Whilst this is billed as their Scottsdale sale, the event will actually take place at Worldwide’s headquarters in Auburn, Indiana.
The auction catalogue features countless exotics, and 20-strong array of woodie wagons, and even a TV icon.
When: Preview days will be held from Wednesday, January 20, through to Saturday, January 23. The sale itself will also take place on January 23.
Where: Not Scottsdale! Instead, the sale takes place at the elaborate Worldwide Auctioneers headquarters in Auburn, Indiana.
Entry Cost: Admission as a spectator will cost $30, with bidder registration priced at $150. This does include admission for two people and a digital auction catalogue. Worldwide will also allow bids to be placed online or by telephone.
1979 Chevrolet 2500 Van
Along with the Dukes of Hazzard’s Dodge Charger and the Ford Torino from Starsky & Hutch, the A-Team van is one of the most recognizable TV stars. This is not just another home-built special, but one of six officially licensed replicas created for Universal Studios.
Used to help promote the TV show, Hollywood Productions ensured that the Chevrolet-based replicas looked exactly like the real GMC Vandura. This included replacement badging, the iconic paint job, and even an arsenal of faux weaponry mounted throughout the interior.
Proceeds from the sale will benefit the J. Kruse Education Center Career Coaching Academy nonprofit organization.
1937 Dodge Series MC Hot Rod Pickup
Early pickup trucks like the Dodge MC were designed for hard work, but this hot rod version is all about fun. Described by the current owner as being “a blast” to drive, a 125 horsepower 248-cubic inch Buick V-8 provides the power.
Almost every part of the Dodge has been modified, from the smoothed bodywork to the bespoke rootbeer and harvest tan color scheme. Of particular note is the custom truck bed, finished in an intricate pattern of golden oak and dark walnut wood trim.
The actual frame of the truck has been lengthened, with suspension components from a Chevrolet S-10 installed. Four-wheel disc brakes, and a modern ignition system, add an extra degree of usability.
1947 Mercury Series 79M 4×4 Station Wagon
One of the 20 wagons being auctioned as part of the Steelewood Collection, this Mercury is exceptionally rare. Converted to four-wheel drive by Marmon-Herrington, this is one of six wagons known to have been created by the company. Just three were Mercury models, with this the sole 1947 example.
Fully restored by woodie expert Nick Alexander, the Mercury is powered by the original 100 horsepower 289-cubic inch V-8 engine. The restoration included being repainted in Parrot Green, which contrasts against the maple and mahogany wood panels.
Inside is more genuine wood trim, with leather covering the three rows of seats. Original Ford-etched window glass was sourced to ensure ultimate attention to detail.
1958 Imperial Crown Limousine by Ghia
The relationship between Chrysler’s Imperial brand and the Italian Carrozzeria Ghia was responsible for this impressive limousine. Chrysler shipped completed cars to Turin, Italy, where Ghia would create a new body by hand. After countless hours of work, the cars would then return to Detroit for sale.
Such a lengthy build process added considerably to the cost, and saw a total of 132 examples built by the partnership in nine years. A 392-cubic inch Hemi V-8 is beneath the hood, connected to a push button automatic transmission.
When new, this Crown was delivered to Toronto, Canada. There it was used to carry Queen Elizabeth II on the Royal Canadian Tour of 1959, with documentary evidence supplied to support this. It means this Imperial truly is fit for royalty.
March 2021 – Barrett Jackson Scottsdale Auction
In light of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Barrett-Jackson made the decision in December 2020 to reschedule their annual Scottsdale event to March. Done out of “an abundance of caution”, the sale still promises to pack the same impressive array of collector cars.
When: Saturday, March 20 to Saturday, March 27 2021
Where: WestWorld of Scottsdale, AZ
March 2021 – Russo and Steele Scottsdale Auction
Russo and Steele typically only hosts a handful of major auctions each year, kicking off with a Scottsdale event in January. Like Barrett-Jackson, the auction house has rescheduled proceedings until March 2021.
When: Saturday, March 27 2021
Where: Russo and Steele Headquarters, Scottsdale, AZ
March 2021 – Mecum Glendale Auction
Although other auction houses have made a last-minute switch to a March date, Mecum has traditionally held an Arizona sale in that month. This year is no different, with 1,200 vehicles already lined up for the Glendale event, including this 1966 Chevrolet Yenko Stinger.
When: Thursday, March 18 to Saturday, March 20 2021.
Where: State Farm Stadium, Glendale, AZ
Auction prices to beat in 2021
The 2020 Arizona auction season saw five cars pass $2 million when sold, including the pictured Pagani Huayra Roadster. Being one of just 100 Roadsters certainly helped with demand, seeing a final sale value of $2.37 million at the 2020 RM Sotheby’s event.
A 1995 Ferrari F50 took the overall biggest sale at last year’s Scottsdale auctions. Sold by Gooding and Company, the rare Italian made $3.22 million on the block.
It remains to be seen what effects a global pandemic, and the rescheduling of several major sales, will have on the prices achieved in 2021.
25/25 SLIDES
Despite this, the first owner added just 30 miles to the odometer. This is far below the 2,500-mile annual limit, imposed by federal ‘Show and Display’ rules in the United States. These apply due to the Speedtail not being strictly road legal in the USA.
As impressive as the McLaren’s final price was, it was only the third top-selling car at the RM Sotheby’s sale.
That accolade went to the 1955 Jaguar D-Type, once sold by Bernie Ecclestone of Formula 1 fame. The bright red D-Type achieved a considerable $6,000,000 (£4,380,000) on the auction block.
A 1937 Bugatti Type 57SC Tourer by Corsica claimed second place in the most-expensive stakes.
Gord Duff, Global Head of Auctions, RM Sotheby’s, commented that the “diverse top three” of cars sold proved that “once again that best-of-category, top-quality cars of every era continue to draw significant interest from collectors and bring strong prices.”
![a car parked on the side of a road: RM Sothebys Arizona 2021 Speedtail](https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/enthusiasts/first-mclaren-speedtail-sold-at-auction-achieves-32-million/"default":"load":"default","w":"80","h":"45","src":"//img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/BB1d7a1x.img?h=450&w=799&m=6&q=60&o=f&l=f","size3column":"load":"default","w":"62","h":"35","src":"//img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/BB1d7a1x.img?h=351&w=624&m=6&q=60&o=f&l=f","size2column":"load":"default","w":"62","h":"35","src":"//img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/BB1d7a1x.img?h=351&w=624&m=6&q=60&o=f&l=f")
![a close up of a car: RM Sothebys Arizona 2021 Speedtail](https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/enthusiasts/first-mclaren-speedtail-sold-at-auction-achieves-32-million/"default":"load":"default","w":"80","h":"45","src":"//img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/BB1d7k4t.img?h=450&w=799&m=6&q=60&o=f&l=f","size3column":"load":"default","w":"62","h":"35","src":"//img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/BB1d7k4t.img?h=351&w=624&m=6&q=60&o=f&l=f","size2column":"load":"default","w":"62","h":"35","src":"//img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/BB1d7k4t.img?h=351&w=624&m=6&q=60&o=f&l=f")
![a car parked on the side of a dirt field: RM Sothebys Arizona 2021 Speedtail](https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/enthusiasts/first-mclaren-speedtail-sold-at-auction-achieves-32-million/"default":"load":"default","w":"80","h":"45","src":"//img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/BB1d7a1A.img?h=450&w=799&m=6&q=60&o=f&l=f","size3column":"load":"default","w":"62","h":"35","src":"//img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/BB1d7a1A.img?h=351&w=624&m=6&q=60&o=f&l=f","size2column":"load":"default","w":"62","h":"35","src":"//img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/BB1d7a1A.img?h=351&w=624&m=6&q=60&o=f&l=f")
