With supercars thronging Dubai’s streets, the city’s penchant for luxury automobiles is unquestionable. While there’s a dedicated community of discerning collectors, there’s also a demand for performance cars defined by cutting-edge technology and automobile engineering.
RM Sotheby’s hosted its inaugural Dubai auction in March 2024 at Alserkal Avenue. The event was a grand success, marked by staggering sales and stunning automobile showmanship. The star of the show was the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss that sold for $3.2 million.
The second auction will take place on 1st December, during the peak event season in the city. RM Sotheby’s is looking to take the extravaganza up a notch by hosting the auction at Emirates Golf Club, one of Dubai’s oldest golfing venues. With the club being the starting point for the 1000 Miglia Experience UAE, it is indeed a fitting backdrop. The following are some of the best supercars up for auction.
2022 Aston Martin Valkyrie Coupé
Seven years in the making, the Valkyrie is revered for being the first ever street-legal ‘hypercar’ produced by Aston Martin. The engineering is driven by airspace-grade technology and its chassis resembles a space shuttle – aptly, it was made under the codename “Nebula.” Finished in Lunar White and adorned with red and black detailing, the Valkyrie conjures a sense of power and honour. This magnificent series was launched in October 2022, and only 150 units were produced. These wheels, characterised by unparalleled aerodynamics, can gain over 3.5 G around high-speed corners – three times more than a typical race car could achieve. Built with carbon-fibre bodywork, the vehicle is fitted with a Cosworth 6.5-litre V12 and a Rimac electric motor that can generate a total of 1,160 horsepower. It is also armed with a strikingly sleek windscreen wiper provided by the same supplier as the Space Shuttle programme, in addition to the world’s smallest and brightest rear brake light. This car is being sold by its original owner. Authentic and unspoiled, this unit has only 68 miles recorded on its odometer. It will indeed be an invaluable addition to any race car collection.
2019 McLaren Senna LM
The Senna LM was produced to commemorate McLaren’s victory at the 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans. One of 20, this particular unit is one of the rarest and most momentous in the world. The F1 GTR’s incredible performance spurred McLaren to produce a road-legal version known as the F1 LM – only six units were produced.
Later, a special edition was created to celebrate the silver jubilee of the race. Its four-litre twin-turbocharged V-8 motor was reworked to generate an additional 25 horsepower (taking the total horsepower to 814). Courtesy of OZ Racing, the car is fitted with beautiful five-spoke wheels that match those of the original F1 GTR. This unit flaunts a vivid Papaya Orange finish, which is McLaren’s most recognisable LM aesthetic.
The 2019 McLaren Senna LM is certainly an enviable set of wheels. This unit, with a backstory marked by legendary victories and engineering prowess, has had only one owner.
2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series Coupé
A fresh take on the iconic 300 SL Gullwing, this unit is the fifth vehicle in the SLS AMG Black Series. It boasts a naturally aspirated eight-cylinder engine, which was among the most powerful in the industry at the time of its release. While 350 units were produced, this unit stands out for its utterly unique Designo Mystic Blue finish – this hue is so stunning that many Black Series owners have repainted their cars to match it.
The car is outfitted with a 6.2-litre V-8 engine that can produce 631 horsepower. The interior features dark blue finishes and a state-of-the-art Bang & Olufsen sound system. Originally owned by a customer in Germany, this unit has been tucked away from the perils of the road, with its odometer recording a mere 202 miles. Truly one of a kind, this car is the most sought-after in the AMG Black Series.
2018 Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato Shooting Brake
This car was built on Aston Martin’s VH platform, the brand’s default template until 2016. Adorned with bespoke carbon-fibre designs made by the reputed coachbuilder Zagato, the Shooting Brake design (sported by this particular unit) became the most popular – this design is characterised by an elongated passenger compartment, blade-like LED lights, and sculpted “Z” designs on the grille and rear mesh. Recurring “Z” motifs are also woven into the interior upholstery. Fitted with the Vanquish S powertrain, the car’s naturally aspirated V12 can generate a horsepower of 584. Finished in Lava Red, this unit of single-ownership, is one of 99 models produced, making it a rare find.
1966 Lamborghini 400 GT 2+2 by Touring
A treasured and historic unit, this Lamborghini 400 GT is one of the brand’s first few 2+2 seater models. It was launched in Geneva nearly 60 years ago. Only 224 units were produced between 1966 and 1968.
Benefiting from improvisations on the previous models, this car was provided with increased fuel capacity, a bigger rear luggage compartment, and four headlights. It was also equipped with a five-speed manual gearbox specially designed by Lamborghini, in addition to a 3.9-litre V-12 engine. These modifications enabled the car to achieve a top speed of 154 mph, a remarkable feat at the time.
This unit has changed hands a few times, having gone from California to Germany to Paris, where the current owner acquired it. Its actual finish was replaced by an understated silver hue. With its illustrious legacy, this car is a veritable collector’s item.
