RM Auctions, in association with Sotheby’s, is proud to be offering one of the world’s finest private museums, the Milhous Collection, during a multi-day sale, February 24 – 25, 2012 in Boca Raton, Florida.
The result of over five decades of
judicious collecting by brothers Bob & Paul Milhous, the extraordinary
collection features an unparalleled series of mechanical musical instruments,
automobiles and collectibles, handpicked from around the world and representing
the ‘best of the very best’.
In February, after playing host to
countless visitors and charitable events, the museum doors will open one final
time as the Milhous brothers offer the collection for auction. The upcoming
sale will feature over 550 lots, presenting a diverse range of ownership
opportunities for discerning collectors.
“The
Milhous Collection is one of the finest of its kind anywhere in the world, with
a strong emphasis on rarity, authenticity and superior quality,” says Rob Myers,
Chairman & Founder, RM Auctions.
“We are
honored to have been entrusted with the sale of this important collection and
delighted to be working in association with Sotheby’s for what promises to be
an unprecedented sale. Never before has such a wonderful assortment of
mechanical musical instruments, motor cars and collectibles been offered to the
public in one location. Compiled by connoisseurs for connoisseurs, the sale
presents an unrepeatable, once-in-a-lifetime ownership opportunity for
discriminating collectors.”
For
automotive enthusiasts, the upcoming Milhous Collection sale presents a superb
gathering of over 30 automobiles, spanning the spectrum of the collector car
market from high-horsepower Brass era cars to a superb roster of coachbuilt
classics and historically-significant Indianapolis racing cars.
Headlining
the offering is a Pebble Beach class winning 1912 Oldsmobile Limited
Five-Passenger Touring, chassis number 64626, the only known surviving
example from 1912 and featuring one-off coachwork (Est. $1,400,000 -
$1,600,000). Other notable highlights from the various different genres
include: the ex-Ralph Roberts 1933 Chrysler Custom Imperial Tourist with
stunning LeBaron coachwork (Est. $750,000 - $1,000,000); a flawless 1939
Lagonda V-12 Rapide Sports Roadster, delivered new to actor Robert
Montgomery (Est. $400,000 - $550,000); and the 1949 Rounds Rocket Race Car,
the first mid-engine, rear-drive Indianapolis racing car and featuring superb
provenance including an alleged Howard Hughes connection (Est. $250,000 -
$350,000). The sale will also feature a Pebble Beach “Best of Show” winning 1934
Packard Super Eight Convertible Victoria by Dietrich, the first car
acquired by the Milhous brothers and making its initial trip to the market
after over 40 years (Est. $150,000 - $250,000).
Other
notable entries include a majestic 1930 Duesenberg Model J Murphy Convertible
Sedan (Est. $900,000 - $1,200,000); a well-documented 1932
Marmon Sixteen Convertible Sedan, just four owners from new (Est.
$400,000 - $600,00); and a stunning pair of Fleetwood-designed Cadillac Sixteens
(Est. $700,000 - $1,000,000 each), all of which are displayed in a
faithful replica of the original Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg showroom within the
private Milhous museum.
The sale also features a selection of collectible motorcycles, including a 1949 Indian Scout Motorcycle and a 1972 Harley-Davidson FLH1200 Super Glide Motorcycle (Est. $20,000 - $30,000 each), along with a pair of antique tractors including a 1946 John Deere Model LA Tractor (Est. $5,000 - $10,000).
The
highly-anticipated Milhous Collection auction will be held during the same
weekend as the famed Boca Raton Concours d’Elegance, making for an ultimate
vintage car weekend for motoring enthusiasts.
A
video offering a virtual tour of the collection and select highlights is
available here.
For further information and a complete list of auction offerings visit www.rmauctions.com or call +1 519 352 4575.
