Dreams or reality?

The three virtual garages that host the most interesting models from this year’s international auctions have been enriched with new acquisitions. The owners of the three garages include a vigilant collector who watches his money very carefully, someone we’ve named Cautious, a wealthy collector who pushes himself to purchases that almost reach one million, who goes by the name of Sober, and a collector who really aims high and only buys models that go for over one million.

Cautious, as always, took some very wise decisions by buying a 1973 Aston Martin V8, a 1969 Pontiac GTO Convertible to bring an American touch to his collection and also an impulse purchase: a Meyers Manx dune buggy from 1968. All together, they add up to a tidy sum: €147,959 ($177,639).

Sober, who invests serious money for a serious and forward-looking collection could not resist the temptation to bring home an Alpine Renault A110 1600S that competed in the Targa Florio in 1975. He wanted to pay homage to an important pre-war car such as the Stutz Bearcat of 1912 and also put down a significant sum on the 1999 Subaru 22B-STi that promises to increase significantly in price. A good investment: €861,352 ($1,025,566).

Those looking at the upper end of the market appear to have their eyes on the most interesting pre-war models. That’s why our friend Wealthy focused on two really important models: the 1929 Duesenberg Model J ‘Disappearing Top’ Torpedo and the beautiful and perfectly restored Mercer Type 35K Runabout from 1913, as well as a post-war car that was simply too good to miss out on: one of the 121 Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spiders built. A total outlay of €8,660,512 ($10,602,500).

We should soon start seeing some interesting results, as auctions are off to a great start and prices are beginning to rise.

The Cautious

In the best tradition of great American convertibles, the 1969 Pontiac GTO is a delight to use, for €42,884 ($51,150)

The best British tradition in this 1973 Aston Martin V8, sold for €56,248 ($67,089)

Even small buggies grow up: from beach toys to collectibles. The perfectly restored 1968 Meyers Manx hits a fine €48,827 ($59,400)

The Sober

A beautiful Alpine Renault 1600S from 1974 that was once highly competitive in important competitions such as the Targa Florio in 1975 is a collectible jewel. €121,914 ($145,412)

With just 16 units produced, the Subaru 22B-STi is increasingly sought after by collectors. An important purchase at €198,830 ($237,154)

One look at the opulence of the seats is all it takes to understand how carefully and lavishly the Stutz Bearcats of 1912 were built. Not forgetting their extraordinary performance. Sold for €540,608 ($643,000)

The Wealthy

Known as race cars for the street, Mercers are highly coveted by collectors. This Type 35K Runabout, sold for €1,985,751 ($2,425,000), confirms this

Majestic and elegant with its aluminium coachwork and a one-off tail, this 1929 Duesenberg Model J ‘Disappearing Top’ Torpedo by Murphy is a truly unique piece in any collection. Sold for €4,672,945 ($5,725,000)

Who wouldn’t want to have one of the 121 Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spiders built? This example, in Giallo Modena, needs no introduction. Sold for €2,001,816 ($2,452,500)

Editor's Choice

Prepared for the world’s toughest speed race, the Baja 1000, the 1969 Ford Bronco’Big Oly’ even has a large roof-mounted spoiler. Winner of the race twice, in 1971 and 1972, it truly is a unique piece and that’s why it is our Editor’s Choice