The strength of the classic car market has boosted RM Auctions' Scottsdale sale to a 42% increase in value on the figures seen in 2012.
Taking place on Friday (January 18) in Arizona, the one-day sale realised $36.4m. It saw a smaller, more exclusive selection than previous years, yet still brought a significant improvement on the 2012 results.
 The beautiful Berlinetta is now the world's most valuable example of its kind |
RM Auctions' managing director, Shelby Myers, described the leap in sales as "a significant increase that reflects not only the exceptional quality of the automobiles presented, but also illustrates the continued strength of the market for 'best of category' examples."
The auction follows a strong year for classic car sales, with the Hagerty Blue Chip Index reporting a 13.4% increase in value between December 2011 and December 2012.
The sale was led by a magnificent Ferrari 250 Berlinetta "Competizione", which sold for $8.1m and set a new auction record for the model. The auction house offered a total of 11 Ferraris during the sale, including a 1967 Ferrari 274 GTB/4 that sold for $1.8m as the third highest selling lot.
Bringing the second highest bids was a 1967 Shelby 427 "Semi-Competition" Cobra, which realised $2m. Also featuring was the 1953 Allard JR Le Mans Roadster, which brought $605,000 - a 34.4% increase on its $450,000 high estimate - to become the most valuable Allard ever sold at auction.
See all of the top sales from Scottsdale in our Classic Cars news section. We also have a superb selection of motoring collectibles for sale in our online store.
