Hershey, nestled in the heart of Pennsylvania, is globally renowned for its chocolate and is a name that is indelibly linked with that of the United States. The region also holds an essential place in America’s automotive history and plays host to a historic annual event each October - the Eastern Fall Meet of the Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA). For over seven decades, this esteemed gathering has served as a haven for enthusiasts seeking rare and storied automobiles. RM Sotheby’s has been a notable presence at this prestigious event for the past twenty years as its official auction house. This year, an exceptional array of classic cars will be up for auction, including these magnificent vehicles.
1935 Auburn 851 Supercharged Speedster
The Auburn Speedster, an American counterpart to the European Bentleys and Bugattis of the 1920s and 30s, first made its debut in 1928. With a design that remained largely consistent throughout its production, the 1935 model stands out with its sleek, tapered rear bumper, earning it the moniker ‘boattail’. Sporting one of the later design variations by the illustrious Gordon Buehrig, this Speedster features a supercharged engine producing 150 horsepower, a notable upgrade from the standard model. Equipped with a dual-ratio rear axle, it adeptly navigates both urban landscapes and serene country roads.
This particular Speedster boasts a prestigious provenance, having been owned by prominent figures such as Tom Barrett and Chuck Spielman. The current owner acquired it in 2021, and it has been meticulously restored, preserving its original components and stunning black and red colour scheme.
1933 LaSalle 345-C Convertible Coupe
In the early 1920s, General Motors introduced a ‘companion make’ programme, creating brands such as LaSalle to complement its more famous marques like Cadillac. Despite its promise, LaSalle faced obsolescence in the early 1930s amid shifting tastes and economic downturns. However, under the guidance of Harley Earl, GMC’s chief designer, LaSalle was revitalised with a streamlined design in 1933, ensuring its survival for another seven years.
The 1933 LaSalle 345-C Convertible Coupe presented here is an exceedingly rare specimen — one of only 146 produced and just five remaining according to the LaSalle Club Directory. Meticulously restored with period-accurate details and adorned in a sophisticated grey and dark red colour scheme, it remains a prized find.
1916 Locomobile Model 48, Series 6 Coupe by Locke
Connecticut’s Locomobile was esteemed for its robust and elegantly engineered vehicles during the Brass era. While their cars were known for reliability rather than flamboyance, the Model 48 defies this norm with its sportier, three-seater coupe design and vibrant emerald and yellow finish.
Although the early history of this particular model is somewhat obscure, it was part of an extensive collection owned by Helmut and Ivone Peitz before being acquired by Terence Adderley in 2013. It has since been showcased at various events and remains a highlight of the award-winning Adderley Collection.
1937 Packard 1507 Twelve Coupe Roadster
A rare gem within the Packard lineage, this Coupe Roadster is identified as the 38th model produced on the 1507 chassis. Originally owned by a relative of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, it changed hands several times before entering the collection of renowned car dealer Ervin ‘Bud’ Lyon in 1998. Lyon, known for his meticulous care and restoration work, commissioned expert Chris Charlton to restore the Packard to its original splendour.
In 2009, the vehicle was acquired by William B. Ruger Jr., whose connections enabled the car to be reunited with its original vehicle plate after it had long carried a reproduction.
1926 Hispano-Suiza H6B Tourer by Hooper
The Hispano-Suiza, a French marque created by Swiss engineer Marc Birkigt and initially produced in Barcelona, Spain, is a striking example of French automotive artistry. This sense of craftsmanship is exemplified by the H6B, featuring a 135-horsepower six-cylinder engine and a bespoke chassis. Customised in London and reported to have originally been delivered in Kenya, this model has an intriguing history, with the earliest records of its provenance dating back to 1954. It journeyed across continents over the decades to find its current place in the Adderley Collection.
Restored to its original quality by Terrence Adderley, the Hispano-Suiza retains distinctive features from its previous ownership, such as smaller tyres fitted in the 1960s. It presents an excellent opportunity for a fresh restoration, enhancing its potential as a concours competitor.
1965 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III Drophead Coupe by Mulliner Park Ward
The establishment of Mulliner Park Ward by Rolls-Royce in the early 1960s marked the union of two prominent coachbuilders under a prestigious automotive brand. Mulliner primarily worked with customised Rolls-Royce chassis and faced the new challenge of building on a very modern design by Vilhelm Koren. Only 101 drophead coupes were produced, with 52 featuring a left-hand drive for American markets. This particular 1965 model was delivered to esteemed collector and dealer Donald Cain in New York.
Originally finished in porcelain white with a striking black and white leather interior, the car was later acquired by Andrew Darling, a prominent collector in the Midwest, who refitted it to a black and red palette. After his passing, it was auctioned by Sotheby’s in 1996 and remains a distinguished example of modern Rolls-Royce design.
Final Thoughts
The RM Sotheby’s Hershey auction continues to uncover rare and cherished classics from America’s automotive history. This year’s offerings, a superb collection of vehicles spanning various eras, promise to captivate collectors and enthusiasts alike with their remarkable heritage and exceptional craftsmanship.
