RM Sotheby’s presents the first of its monthly sealed drop auctions — a bold new format designed to present an exclusive selection of one-of-a-kind automobiles from around the globe. Taking place in the final week of March, bidding opens on Monday, March 24, and concludes on Friday, March 28. This auction promises a discreet yet thrilling arena for collectors to secure some of the rarest and most striking cars ever crafted.
Let’s dive into the standout lots of this inaugural event, including a custom-designed McLaren P1 still with its original owner and a storied Mercedes-Benz 500 SEL 5.0 AMG, a bespoke masterpiece built for AMG North America's CEO.
2015 McLaren P1
When McLaren introduced the P1 in 2013, it wasn’t just entering the hybrid hypercar race — it was redefining it. As the final member of the celebrated trio alongside the Ferrari LaFerrari and Porsche 918 Spyder, the P1 ushered in a new design philosophy for McLaren. With its bold aesthetics and cutting-edge mechanics, the P1 cemented its status as a revolutionary successor to the legendary F1.
Limited to just 375 units, exclusivity was part of the P1's DNA. Yet, for many owners, personalisation was key. While some opted for subtle nods to the classic F1’s design, others pushed the boundaries.
This particular P1, owned by a collector in Qatar, is a prime example of unrestrained creativity. It boasts a striking matte green exterior — a rare finish even among P1s — contrasted with bold accents in papaya orange, a shade known as ‘McLaren Orange’ and famously tied to the brand’s racing heritage. Even the logos, traditionally red, were custom-painted in the same vivid orange. The result is a car that feels electric even when standing still.
With just 130 km on the odometer, this car remains virtually brand new — a bespoke iteration of a hypercar that has left an indelible mark on McLaren's history.
1997 Porsche 911 Turbo S
This 1997 Porsche 911 Turbo S is a living testament to Porsche's air-cooled era, a period many purists regard as the brand’s golden age. Originally delivered to Brumos in Jacksonville, Florida — a dealership synonymous with Porsche excellence — it is one of only 183 US models produced. Rarer still, it’s one of just three finished in the exquisite Viola Metallic.
Inside, the uniqueness continues. The cabin is dressed in Rubicon Grey leather, punctuated by vibrant Speed Yellow stitching, seatbelts, and trim. Add in a digital sound package, heated racing seats, Litronic headlights, embossed headrests, and 18-inch light-alloy wheels, and this Turbo S becomes a work of both engineering and art.
Having passed through only five owners, the car has been meticulously cared for, with Porsche Westmont and Barnaba Autosport overseeing its maintenance. In 2022, Barnaba performed comprehensive mechanical servicing to ensure the car’s performance remains as razor-sharp as ever.
With fewer than 26,000 miles on the clock, this Turbo S is more than just a collector's piece — it’s a spirited celebration of Porsche's relentless pursuit of perfection.
1984 Mercedes-Benz 500 SEL 5.0 AMG “Blueberry”
The 1980s marked AMG’s ascent into the American market, thanks in part to the partnership between Hans Werner Aufrecht, AMG’s co-founder, and Richard Buxbaum of Classic Motors in Illinois. Their collaboration brought the magic of German engineering to the US, with custom ‘Westmont’ builds quickly becoming legendary.
One car in particular — a 1984 Mercedes-Benz 500 SEL 5.0 AMG nicknamed “Blueberry” — tells a story as captivating as its color. Inspired by Buxbaum’s offhand remark about the lack of ‘great colours’ available for the 500 SEL, Aufrecht set out to create something truly unique.
Sourcing a German-built 500 SEL, Aufrecht painted it in an exceptionally rare Lapis Metallic Blue. Even the chrome trim was painstakingly matched to the same deep blue hue. The interiors were equally arresting: Orion Grey leather with delicate variations in tone, and zebrano wood reimagined in pickled grey. The car’s nickname, 'Blueberry,' perfectly captured its bold yet sophisticated personality.
Originally intended as a Christmas gift for the Buxbaums — with the invoice cheekily addressed to Richard’s wife, Robin — Blueberry became both a cherished family car and a symbol of AMG’s craftsmanship. It was briefly sold to billionaire Rick Cohen, who eventually traded it back on a quest for an even newer model. After some more time in the Buxbaums’ care, it was acquired by Mercedes-Benz specialist John Quay, who had personally worked on it during the time it was owned by Cohen. Quay used the car for several years before retiring it permanently in a covered barn. He finally sold it back to the Buxbaums, who had been on a years-long quest to repurchase it, in 2022.
Restored to its former glory with the help of two of Chicago's top restoration experts, Blueberry now stands as a rare fusion of personal history and automotive artistry — a tangible link to AMG's formative years in the United States and an extremely rare act of personal generosity from one of AMG’s original founders.
