September brings a bit of a lull in the RM Sotheby’s lineup. Autumn signals the beginning of a new academic year and represents a return to form for most of the business world after the langour of summer, so it’s understandable that the car world may need a brief break apart from the monthly sealed drops. A fresh new season will then kick off in October with two prestigious auctions in the US and Germany.
Each auction brings with it a distinct curation of vintage cars representing two key eras of automotive history. Below, we take a closer look at next month’s RM Sotheby’s sales and some of the most notable lots up for auction.
Hershey, Pennsylvania
The Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) established its Hershey chapter in the 1950s and its Fall Meet has since become an annual staple. What began as a gathering of car collectors in the region has ballooned into a global event that is anticipated by every classic car enthusiast across the globe.
Nearly two decades ago, RM Sotheby’s conducted its first Hershey sale at the meet and soon came to be its official auction. Returning to the Hershey Lodge, this year’s sale will be a showcase of the Brass Era, as well as post-war vehicles and other rare collectibles.
Apart from the usual assortment of classically elegant sedans and coupes, there are some truly unusual lots on offer that will add a touch of whimsy to any car collection. Among the oldest of the lots is a vehicle that predates automobiles - a Wells Fargo stagecoach from the 19th century emblazoned with ‘US Mail’, signifying its role in the transport of mail and other valuables during the Gold Rush. While it is undoubtedly a conversation starter, the coach is also an undeniable piece of Americana and an iconic piece of US road history.
And if it’s history that a collector is after, then there can be no better choice than one of the world’s first mass-market automobiles, in the form of a beautifully restored Ford Model T from 1912. This is a stunning example of a vehicle that made the Ford Motor Company a household name and influenced the development of the 20th century automobile industry. Finished in elegant blue with a black convertible top, this car holds multiple awards for the superior quality of its restoration.
For those who prefer something more heavy-duty to add to their garage, a pair of military vehicles may just fit the bill. An AM General M925 military truck from 1984 is the youngest of the lots and an impressive piece of machinery. Alternatively, or alongside this, a collector may opt for the M3A1 half-track personnel carrier, a crucial piece of WWII history that would have been used to transport Allied soldiers.
The early 20th century was a golden age for the American circus and travelling performances, and even the vehicles used by these troupes exhibited a sense of showmanship. And nothing says ‘showmanship’ like a circus wagon with a larger-than-life mechanical man attached to the front of it. The so-called ‘Walking Man’ wagon is a marvel of engineering and old-fashioned craftsmanship, and its Stetson-sporting mustachioed figurehead exudes as much star quality today as he did during his heyday in 1922.
Celebrating America’s rich and varied automotive past, the Hershey auction brings to light a rare selection of collectibles that will elevate any car collection beyond the ordinary.
Munich, Germany
Since 2021, MotorWorld has been the venue of choice for all things automotive in Munich, featuring versatile event spaces, themed conference rooms, virtual racetracks and a four-star hotel. It is also a space for high-end automotive sales, including the annual RM Sotheby’s auction in October. Celebrating its 4th year, the Munich sale offers up some of the most impressive muscle cars and supercars from the 1950s onwards. Luminaries such as Ferrari and Porsche are to be expected, along with a few other exquisite one-offs. We examine some of the most intriguing picks below.
The star of the show is Porsche 906, also known as the Carrera 6, which marks its presence with its dramatic orange paintjob and sleek silhouette. Designed as a followup to the hugely successful 904 in 1966, only 65 models were ever produced and only 52 (including the consigned lot) were fitted with a special 2-litre sports engine. Originally sold to Racing Team Holland - courtesy of whom it acquired its unique hue - the 906 distinguished itself on the track before changing hands and colours. Its current consignor restored the car and its vibrant original paint job, fitting it with a 911 engine. It is accompanied by a spare engine block of the correct specification.
Some of the other standouts include four Ferraris from four distinct eras presented in the carmaker’s signature red. These include a 1973 Ferrari 365 GT4 2+2 tourer by Pininfarina and a sleek 2007 Ferrari 430 Scuderia. Some of the more visually striking lots include a 1954 Fiat 8V Bertinelli, a Red Bull Racing RB6 show car from 2010, and a modded 1969 Pontiac GTO from the 2004 film ‘The Punisher’.
In the short time since its inception, the RM Sotheby’s Munich sale has become a highly anticipated autumn event and is one of Europe’s most celebrated automotive events. The 2025 event holds tremendous promise with its fantastic selection of lots and will undoubtedly set the stage for an exciting season of auctions.
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