Ferraris, Icons and Elegance at Arizona Auction Week
Arizona Auction week - Life in Classic
Arizona’s Automotive Spectacle Returns
For 28 consecutive years, RM Sotheby’s has anchored Arizona Auction Week at the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa. The crowd arrives from across the country and beyond. Yet the mood stays welcoming. Enthusiasts and first-time visitors often mingle beside the same cars. As a result, the event feels both exclusive and accessible.
The location suits the machinery on offer. Sunshine, mountain light, and grand architecture frame a week of automotive art. Meanwhile, the show floor tells a vivid story of design and performance across decades. Families, collectors, and curious newcomers find reasons to linger. And the week’s rhythm keeps everyone moving from icon to icon.
Sotheby’s Heritage, RM’s Focus
RM Sotheby’s stands on deep roots. Sotheby’s began in 18th-century London and grew into a global auction leader. Decades later, RM Auctions added a dedicated automotive voice. Since the first RM sale in Toronto in 1991, the company’s founder, Rob Myers, has guided its course from Ontario. Today, the RM Sotheby’s banner blends heritage and horsepower.
However, the mix of cars has evolved. Prewar masterpieces once led every conversation. Now, modern supercars often share the spotlight. Even so, the catalog still spans eras and tastes. You can find coachbuilt grace, motorsport pedigree, and clever oddities under one roof. Therefore, the room invites discovery at every turn.
Ferrari Fever in Full Force
Red cars drew the largest crowds, and Ferrari set the tone. A 1991 F40 and a 1995 F50 formed a dream pairing. Nearby, a 2003 Enzo signaled the brand’s relentless push forward. Additionally, a 2015 LaFerrari showed how hybrid tech reshaped the V12 flagship. Moreover, a LaFerrari prototype offered a rare look at development history.
The Prancing Horse story did not end there. Classic V12 coupes such as the 1967 330 GTC balanced the modern halo cars. Furthermore, front-engined grand tourers added depth. Examples included a 2001 550 Maranello and a 2004 575M Maranello. Beyond them, a 1984 512 BBi recalled an era when carbureted muscle met Italian finesse. Thus, Ferrari’s legacy felt complete and alive.
Porsche Power and Racing Pedigree
Porsche fans also found much to enjoy. A 1988 959 reminded everyone that innovation can be beautiful and fast. Then a 2005 Carrera GT delivered raw, analog drama. Meanwhile, track-focused machinery raised pulses. A 2007 911 GT3 Cup brought the scent of race fuel to the display. And a 1980 924 GTP evoked endurance racing grit.
The variety kept growing. A 2001 911 Turbo sat alongside later Turbo S models, including lightweight variants. Additionally, a Singer-reimagined 911 highlighted modern craftsmanship rooted in heritage. Moreover, a 1970 914/6R bridged the brand’s playful and competitive sides. Finally, a 1994 RUF showed how tuning houses turned Stuttgart precision into something even bolder.
Coachbuilt Grace and Rare Survivors
Prewar elegance still cast a long shadow. A 1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom II delivered formal presence and quiet authority. Nearby, a late-1920s Duesenberg exuded American confidence. Furthermore, 1930s stars such as Packard, Lagonda, and Chrysler Imperial showed how coachwork shaped luxury between the wars. Each car spoke to artistry, not just speed.
The surprises continued in every aisle. A 1910 Daimler stood near a 1914 Delaunay-Belleville, both radiating brass-era charm. Additionally, a 1922 Hispano-Suiza truck proved that utility can survive with grace. Even a 1913 Herreshoff launch brought a nautical accent to the room. Consequently, the past felt close enough to touch.
Postwar classics offered drama of their own. A 1953 Jaguar XK120 and a 1964 E-Type marked British design at its best. Meanwhile, American style roared with a 1958 Chevrolet Corvette and a 1956 Continental Mark II. Moreover, a 1958 Edsel told a cautionary tale of ambition. And a 1974 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am flashed a grin from the muscle era.
