Mecum and RM: Unpredictable, therefore Contemporary

Two worlds, two auctions. RM Sotheby’s chose an unusual path for the collection of customised Porsches belonging to their extravagant owner, the designer Magnus Walker — beloved by the young for his look, his impossibly long hair and beard, and his flamboyant automobiles: a sale held entirely online. Clever, really. If his fortune lives on the internet, why exhaust yourself organising a live event? What happened? Eighteen cars offered without reserve, 100% sold — the expected outcome in such cases. The estimated value was $1,260,000, but when the day ended, the $1,829,520 on the board did not feel out of place at all.

Before examining the most interesting lots, let us look at what Mecum did in Glendale. Between the 17th and 21st of March, the classic Arizona sale played out with 1,258 cars offered — fewer than the 1,347 of 2025 — and 856 sales, also down on the previous year. Yet the success rate was 68.04%, an improvement over the 65.03% of twelve months earlier. Despite a slight dip in cars sold, their total value grew by 5%, from $43,279,075 to $45,524,490, for an average price of $53,183 — a decisive rise from last year’s $49,405.