Originality still seems to have some value if the results of Auctions America’s Hilton Head Island sale last weekend are anything to judge by. An Aquamarine Blue 1957 Porsche 356A 1600 Speedster that had spent the past 40 years parked in a Chicago-area garage emerged as the star of the sale, nearly tripling its pre-sale estimate to gavel for a bid of $665,500!
“We’re thrilled with the result for the Porsche 356, ” said Auctions America president Donnie Gould, “which reflects the continued appetite for highly original, unmolested cars. We anticipated strong interest in the Speedster given its fascinating provenance and long-term ownership, but could certainly have not predicted its incredible final price. It was a thrill to witness — 13 phone bidders battling it out with collectors in the room in a bidding contest that lasted almost seven minutes — certainly one of the most exciting auction moments in recent memory.”
The Speedster was one of 103 handpicked vehicles to cross the block during the single-day auction, which generated a total of $5.7 million in sales, besting the company’s 2015 Hilton Head Island debut despite the challenges presented by Hurricane Matthew. The auction’s top five sellers were: an “as new” 2004 Porsche Carrera GT — possibly the lowest mileage example in the world with a mere 24 miles on its odometer — that earned a final price of $800,000; a factory-original, Shelby Registry-documented 1967 AC Shelby 427 Cobra that sold for $726,000; a single-owner 2006 Ford GT Heritage Edition that garnered $305,250; and, a 1960 Maserati 3500 GT that brought in $222,750.
Auctions America now turns its attention toward its 2017 calendar, which will kick off in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, March 31–April 2. For complete information please visit www.auctionsamerica.com
