The dawn of 2025 heralds not only a new year but also the much-anticipated launch of auction season. Leading the charge is Arizona Car Week, a globally celebrated gathering for automotive enthusiasts. Among the week’s standout events is the RM Sotheby’s auction, now entering its 27th year at the prestigious Biltmore Hotel Resort & Spa. Often referred to as the “Jewel of the Desert,” this iconic venue has hosted royalty, U.S. presidents, and Hollywood legends, providing an ideal setting for this world-class auction. For bidders, it’s an extraordinary chance to acquire automotive masterpieces, while consignors benefit from unmatched international visibility. Below, we spotlight three extraordinary classic cars that are set to command attention at this prestigious event.
1931 Bentley 8-Litre Convertible Victoria by Murphy
This remarkable Bentley is a one-of-a-kind marvel, the only 8-Litre model to feature coachwork by the esteemed American firm Walter M. Murphy. During an era when Bentleys were rarely seen outside Europe, this custom masterpiece was crafted in California for Conrad H. Matthiessen Jr., heir to the influential “Sugar Trust.” Designed by Franklin Q. Hershey—who would later become renowned for creating the iconic 1955 Ford Thunderbird—the car features elegant sweeping curves and a striking yet lightweight design characteristic of Murphy’s artistry.
Over the decades, the Bentley traveled extensively, undergoing modifications before noted Bentley enthusiast Don Weber acquired it in 1971. Weber commissioned an extensive restoration in the UK, where its original engine was reinstated, and period-correct details were meticulously recreated. In an extraordinary touch, a Murphy craftsman replaced a missing door handle using the same hammer employed in the car’s original construction.
Acquired by its current owner in 2012, the car underwent another exhaustive restoration by R.C. Moss in England. This included a return to its original livery and intricate details such as mother-of-pearl accents and embossed leather upholstery. As one of only 13 surviving 8-Litre models and the sole American-designed Bentley of its kind, this vehicle is a jewel for collectors with an appreciation for both rarity and history.
1939 Bugatti Type 57 C Atalante by Gangloff
The Bugatti Type 57 C Atalante represents the pinnacle of 1930s luxury and performance. Conceived by Jean Bugatti, the Atalante’s exclusivity and elegance made it a standout among its contemporaries. Only 33 examples of this two-seater coupe were produced, with an additional 17 built on the advanced Type 57 S chassis. This particular car, featuring the optional supercharged engine delivering over 160 horsepower, was commissioned in 1939—a rarity, as Bugatti’s factory had largely shifted focus to the Galibier saloon by then.
Built by Gangloff, a respected coachbuilder, this Atalante features slightly larger dimensions and unique design details. Originally delivered to Algeria, it remained there through World War II before moving to Paris in the 1950s. By 1980, it had become part of the Charbonneaux museum collection, where it underwent a restoration to its original colors.
Since then, the car has changed hands several times, eventually becoming part of the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. Though currently in excellent restored condition, the vehicle offers potential for further refinement, making it an enticing prospect for collectors aiming for concours-level perfection.
1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing
The legendary Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing continues to captivate automotive aficionados worldwide. This particular model exemplifies the allure of the Gullwing with its iconic design, engineering brilliance, and race-proven performance. Its timeless appeal was underscored at the RM Sotheby’s October auction, where a weathered Gullwing from the collection of famously reclusive collector Rudi Klein fetched a staggering $9.35 million.
This chassis, ordered in 1956 by a U.S. Army officer stationed in Berlin, boasts unique competition upgrades, including five Rudge wheels, sports suspension, and a high-performance racing engine. Its dramatic Fire Engine Red interior contrasts beautifully with its sleek black exterior, offering a striking aesthetic. The car eventually made its way to California in the 1960s, where it remained with one owner for decades before passing to its current consignor.
Recently, the car underwent a meticulous restoration, ensuring it meets the highest standards of quality and authenticity. With its original components largely intact and period-accurate replacements where necessary, this Gullwing is equally suited to racing, display, or daily driving. Its combination of rarity, provenance, and pristine condition ensures its status as a crown jewel for any collector.
