September often marks a quieter period for the world of collector cars. As summer winds down and business life regains its rhythm, even the most passionate enthusiasts allow for a brief pause. For RM Sotheby’s, this sets the stage for an important return in October, when the calendar comes alive with two major auctions on different continents. Hershey, Pennsylvania in the United States and Munich in Germany will both present carefully curated sales that not only celebrate automotive design but also reflect very different moments in motoring history.
Hershey, Pennsylvania
For anyone with an interest in the early history of the motorcar, Hershey is a name that carries weight. The Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) made the town famous with its Fall Meet, a tradition dating back to the mid-20th century. What started as a gathering of enthusiasts has grown into an internationally recognised festival of vintage automobiles. RM Sotheby’s became part of this legacy almost twenty years ago, and its Hershey sale has since become a cornerstone of the event.
This year, the auction returns to the Hershey Lodge with an array of vehicles that reach deep into the past, particularly the Brass Era. Collectors will encounter machines that represent the earliest steps of the automobile as well as mid-century designs that redefined elegance and power.
Among the most distinctive offerings is a Wells Fargo stagecoach, a rare survivor from the 19th century. Long before the automobile dominated the roads, this type of coach carried mail, parcels, and valuables across America’s western frontier. Bearing the “U.S. Mail” insignia, it evokes an era when transport was as much about endurance and security as it was about speed.
The catalogue also features a 1912 Ford Model T, an automobile that needs little introduction. Credited with changing the very concept of personal mobility, the Model T brought the car to the masses and redefined industry through Henry Ford’s assembly-line production. This particular example has been restored to an award-winning standard and is finished in a dignified blue with a black folding top. Beyond its historical value, it remains a remarkably elegant car to behold more than a century after its debut.
The auction’s variety extends into military history. An AM General M925 truck from 1984 stands as a reminder of robust American engineering in the service of defence, while a World War II–era M3A1 half-track adds a more direct link to pivotal moments of 20th-century conflict.
Hershey also has space for the unusual and theatrical. Perhaps the most whimsical lot of the sale is a 1922 circus wagon known as the “Walking Man.” Fitted with a towering mechanical figurehead, the wagon once travelled with American circuses in the early 20th century, its mustachioed figure instantly catching the eye of audiences wherever it went. More than a relic of entertainment history, it is a celebration of craftsmanship, spectacle, and the ability of vehicles themselves to capture the imagination.
Taken together, the Hershey auction is a reminder of how deeply intertwined automobiles are with American identity. From stagecoaches and Model Ts to military trucks and circus wagons, the lots being offered this year provide collectors with pieces that are as culturally significant as they are mechanically fascinating.
Munich, Germany
While Hershey looks back to America’s earliest motoring chapters, Munich tells a different story of refinement, performance, and the pursuit of engineering excellence. Since 2021, RM Sotheby’s has staged its October European sale at MotorWorld, a venue that has quickly become synonymous with collector culture in Germany. In only four years, the auction has developed into one of Europe’s most anticipated autumn events, drawing global interest for its mix of supercars, muscle cars, and rare one-offs.
The headline lot this year is the Porsche 906 Carrera 6, presented in its dramatic orange livery. Built in 1966 as a successor to the Porsche 904, the 906 was designed to dominate endurance racing with its lightweight construction and advanced aerodynamics. Only 65 examples were ever produced, and of these, 52 were fitted with the specialised 2-litre engine. The car consigned here was originally delivered to Racing Team Holland, whose distinctive colours gave it its unmistakable presence on track. Following an active competition life, the car has been carefully restored and today comes with both its fitted 911 engine and a correct spare block.
The Ferrari marque is also prominently represented, with four consignments spanning over three decades. From the refined 1973 Ferrari 365 GT4 2+2, designed by Pininfarina, to the high-performance 2007 Ferrari 430 Scuderia, these cars trace the evolution of the Ferrari ethos. Each represents a milestone in the brand’s journey and carries with it the exclusivity that has made Ferrari one of the most desired names in motoring.
Other highlights of the Munich auction include a 1954 Fiat 8V Bertinelli, a Red Bull Racing RB6 Formula 1 show car from 2010, and a customised 1969 Pontiac GTO, made famous by its appearance in the Hollywood film The Punisher. These lots highlight the international flavour of the Munich sale, where European refinement, American muscle, and modern motorsport converge.
In contrast to Hershey’s focus on heritage and Americana, Munich positions itself as a showcase of speed, innovation, and design excellence. Within just a few years, it has built a reputation as one of Europe’s most prestigious auctions, attracting collectors from across the globe. The 2025 edition continues this trajectory, offering a catalogue that blends rarity with performance and artistry.
