Report: RM classic car auction, Michigan, 27 July

RM Auctions returned to Michigan with a highly successful single-day sale at the Inn at St. John’s, 27 July. The auction in America’s automotive heartland saw 77 cars, two boats, and one motor cycle sold, generating more than $7.7 million in sales with for a 90% sale rate.

Top honours at the sale, held in conjunction with the famed Concours d’Elegance of America at St. John’s along with the 2013 Automotive Hall of Fame Induction & Awards Ceremony, went to a 1929 Duesenberg Model J Dual-Cowl Phaeton (above), which made $682,000. 

Additional notable sales include a selection of motor cars from the collection of Michigan-based enthusiasts Richard and Linda Kughn, led by a 1934 Packard Super Eight Convertible Victoria which sold well at $225,500; a 1934 Lincoln Model KB Convertible Sedan at $275,000 and a 1942 Lincoln Continental Cabriolet at $126,500, exceeding pre-sale expectations; and a range of classic American convertibles from a 1939 Ford DeLuxe Convertible ($140,250) to a 1961 Imperial Crown Convertible ($148,500) which each realized strong prices at the summer sale.

'We were very happy with the results of this year’s sale, a 90 percent sell through rate shows that quality motor cars continue to bring strong prices at auction,' said Gord Duff, car specialist, RM Auctions. 'We’ve received a tremendous amount of positive feedback about the auction roster and venue and were once again honored to work with such a great team at the Concours d’Elegance of America at St. John’s. Together, the two events made for an exceptional weekend for enthusiasts and collectors from five countries and 30 states across the US.'

RM St. John’s Top 10 Sales

• 1929 Duesenberg Model J Dual-Cowl Phaeton, $682,000
• 1932 Packard Individual Custom Eight Convertible Victoria, $374,000
• 1932 Packard Twin Six Sport Phaeton, $330,000
• 1933 Marmon Sixteen Five-Passenger Sedan, $330,000
• 1934 Lincoln Model KB Convertible Sedan, $275,000
• 1931 Cord L-29 Cabriolet, $231,000
• 1934 Packard Super Eight Convertible Victoria, $225,500
• 1935 Packard Twelve Coupe Roadster, $187,000
• 1937 Cord 812 Phaeton, $173,250
• 1931 Lincoln Model K Sport Phaeton, $165,000