13.11.2010 ONE OWNER FOR 55 YEARS FIAT 8V SUPERSONIC SET TO STAR AT GOODING & CO'S SCOTTSDALE AUCTION

FIAT 8V SUPERSONIC GHIA (1953)

Possibly the finest example of the legendary Fiat 8V Supersonic, with just one owner for the last 55 years, is set to be the star lot of Gooding & Co's Scottsdale Auction next January and is expected to fetch as much as $1.4 million.

Celebrated for selling the most valuable car of Scottsdale Auction Week three years in a row, Gooding & Company will once again present an exceptional array of quality consignments at its annual 2011 Scottsdale Auctions.

Following last week's chatter, the leading auction house officially announces one of its auction highlights: a sensational 1953 Fiat 8V Supersonic. One of the most spectacularly designed automobiles to leave Italy's carrozzeria Ghia during the jet age 1950s was the Fiat 8V Supersonic, an extremely rare sports car embodying the best of the era's American and Continental design.

This particular 8V Supersonic, chassis no. 106.000035, was the first Supersonic of only 12 models created and has always been specifically regarded as the finest example in existence. Treasured by its current owner for the past 55 years, this phenomenal car has only been driven a mere 17,000 miles since new and remains in exceptionally well-preserved condition with its original engine, maroon paint, complete interior and even the original Pirelli tyres still intact. Gooding & Company believes this museum-quality automobile will be a heroic contender in any preservation class and estimates it will sell for between $1.1 - $1.4 Million in Scottsdale. Gooding & Company's 2011 Scottsdale Auctions will again take place at the Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall, at 11 a.m. on Friday, January 21 and Saturday, January 22, 2011.

Other highlights of the auction announced this week include the recently-discovered 1948 Tucker Serial No. 1010, a rare 1930 Duesenberg Model J Dual Cowl Phaeton with coachwork by LeBaron, a 1933 Stutz DV-32 Dual Cowl Phaeton formerly of Harrah's Automobile Collection and a twin-turbocharged 2005 Saleen S7 featured in the Hollywood blockbuster "Iron Man."  

Believed to have disappeared many years ago, Tucker Serial No.1010 has re-emerged after more than 50 years spent tucked away in a private barn. Originally delivered to its first owner in Waltz Blue, this 1948 Tucker is spectacular in its near-original, unrestored condition, having traveled only 10,000 miles since new. It is believed that this car raced at Bonneville in the early 1950s, achieving an impressive top speed of 134 mph while defying the harsh elements of the Salt Flats. A very exciting discovery for collectors around the world, this car is expected to bring in excess of $1 Million at the auction.

Meanwhile the 1930 Duesenberg Model J Dual Cowl Phaeton is a LeBaron-coachbuilt Duesenberg, engine No. J-243, and is an outstanding example of the classic American automotive legend. It is coveted not only for its impressive and unbroken ownership history, but also for being one of the best surviving barrel-side Phaetons in existence - one of the few that has managed to retain its original chassis, engine and body. Notable past owners include Jim Hoe, America's foremost Duesenberg mechanic and restorer during the post-WWII era, as well as Rick Carroll, a renowned Florida collector whose passion was for Duesenberg and Rolls-Royce. For the past several decades this fine example has resided alongside the most important Duesenbergs in existence and remains in lovely condition. This car's estimate is between $1.2 - $1.6 Million. Another highlight of the auction will be the last model ever built by Stutz Motor Company: the DV-32 was one of the very best, high-performance chassis of the classic era. Formerly the property of the prestigious Harrah's Automobile Collection, this example is distinguished as the only known Dual Cowl Phaeton surviving on a legendary DV-32 chassis. A stunning sight and one of the most sporting American classics, this LeBaron-bodied Stutz will command a great deal of attention. This important Full Classic is estimated to sell for $500,000 - $650,000.

 

Photo: Pawel Litwinski © 2010 courtesy of Gooding & Company / © 2010 Interfuture Media/Italiaspeed