This coming August, one of Europe's most renowned classic car collections, that of the Danish Aalholm Automobil Museum, will auction in Denmark.
Assembled over four decades, the museum's collection began with a single vehicle and grew into one of the largest and most varied of its kind.
The museum was founded by Baron JO Raben-Levetzau in 1964, and its collection covers more than a century of automotive history.
Over 175 vehicles from the museum, which closed its doors in 2007, will be offered at the event which takes place against the stunning backdrop of the medieval Aalholm Castle.
 A 1911 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost Roi des Belges Tourer |
Annette Abaci, manager of the auction house's German division, commented: "With many examples coming to the market for the first time in decades following long-term display in the museum, the sale presents a rare opportunity for collectors to acquire an important piece of Danish history."
With the classic car market continuing to grow following a value increase of 13.89% in 2011, European collectors and investors will certainly have their eyes on the sale.
Each of the vehicles in the collection is accompanied by exceptional provenance, restored to exhibition quality and will be offered "without reserve".
Notable highlights will include the car that started the collection - a 1911 Rolls-Royce 40/50 hp Silver Ghost Roi des Belges Tourer - alongside two rare and important pre-war Bugattis in the form of a 1931 Type 40A Tourer and a 1938 57C Stelvio Drophead Coupe by Gangloff.
The earliest years of automotive history will be well-represented by vehicles, including a 1900 Decauville Roadster, a 1902 Rambler Model C Runabout and a 1902 Holsman High-Wheel Runabout.
Of particular note for historic collectors will be the 1900 De Dion-Bouton Four-Seat Vis á Vis, with interest in the marque high after the $4.62m world record sale of a historic 1884 De Dion Bouton et Trepardoux Dos-a-Dos Steam Runabout late last year.
The sale is scheduled to take place at the former Aalholm Automobil Museum, Denmark, on Sunday, August 12.
Stay tuned to our regularly updated classic car section for further details on the highly anticipated sale, along with market reports and the latest auction results from around the world.
