Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions

Lovers of Art Deco-era French sportscars will have their opportunity to bid on a couple of pristine examples at the upcoming Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, where RM Auctions is to set up shop for the first time.

In addition to the Bertone concept cars on the docket will be this beautiful 1938 Talbot-Lago T150C-SS Teardrop Coupe. Chassis #90112 is one of only 11 with Figoni et Falaschi’s second-series “New York” bodywork, and is further distinguished by its sun roof.

There’s also a 1937 Bugatti 57SC Atalante (not to be confused with the rarer Atlantic coupe). One of only 40 built, chassis #57551 is an absolute gem in its own right.

Classic Talbot & Bugatti for Auction at Villa d’Este originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 12 Apr 2011 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Estates, Auctions

It takes one to know one. Josh Altman, arguably one of Los Angeles’ sexiest and most successful bachelors, has listed a home at $6,250,000 that he describes as “the sexiest bachelor pad I’ve ever sold.”

Continue reading The Sexiest Bachelor Pad in Los Angeles: Estate of the Day

The Sexiest Bachelor Pad in Los Angeles: Estate of the Day originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 06 Apr 2011 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Timepieces / Watches, Auctions

An extremely important white gold Patek Philippe single-button chronograph from 1928, undoubtedly the only one of its kind, is expected to fetch up to $2.7 million at Christie’s Important Watches sale in Geneva on May 16.

Created in 1928 on the eve of the stock market crash, the unique and complicated 1928 chronograph was a bespoke commission from one of Patek Philippe’s most important patrons, though his exact identity is unknown.

The cushion-shaped wristwatch, with vertically positioned registers and Breguet numerals, is the only known example extant of a single-button chronograph by Patek Philippe made in white gold.

As such, it’s perfectly possible that it could end up selling for more than $2.7 million, especially with the buoyant market for such horological masterpieces at the moment.

[via JustLuxe]

$2.7 Million Patek Philippe Watch Stars in Christie’s Sale originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Estates, Auctions

It’s no exaggeration to say that the grand Villa L’Imperiale fulfills every fantasy of a lavish French manor.

Built in 1980 and totally renovated, this magnificent villa has almost three and one-half acres of landscaped gardens with sweeping views of the countryside. Located in Mougins, a snap five miles north of Cannes, it is totally removed in spirit and sensibility from the chaos of the French Riviera port. Mougins, which has preserved some of its medieval walls, is serene and quiet yet boasts some great restaurants where chefs like Alain Ducaisse got his start. No wonder Picasso spent the last 12 years of his life here.

The villa is perched on a hilltop within a gated community in what is widely considered the most desirable and prestigious residential area of Mougins. Along with seven bedrooms, new kitchen, gym, and guest quarters, the property also has an attractive screening room. The large pool, pool-house, and outdoor dining area fit in seamlessly in the manicured gardens.

Admittedly, the French owner, who is selling because of relocation, is a Napoleon “fanatic.” In a private Napoleon museum next to the wine cellar, he displays original and authenticated helmets, swords, rifles, and documents as well as many paintings from the Napoleonic era. Details at estatenetfrance.com.

Fantasy Villa in Mougins: Estate of the Day originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 04 Apr 2011 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions

Concept cars are typically designed and crafted as one-of-a-kind creations by automakers or independent design studios, shown at a couple of expositions, and then disappear into museum collections. But every once in a while, these radical rarities come up for sale or auction. And that once in a while is about to arrive, and arrive in a big way, this coming May. That’s when the venerable Bertone Museum collection will cross the auction block.

The six concept cars were all created in the 1960s-1980s by the famed Italian design house, which is now facing a restructuring and is selling off much of its collection. The items up for auction are the 1967 Lamborghini Marzal, 1970 Lancia Stratos HF Zero, 1963 Chevrolet Testudo, 1974 Lamborghini Bravo, 1980 Lamborghini Athon and 1978 Lancia Sibilo concept cars, ranging in pre-sale price estimates between six figures and as much as $2.5 million apiece.

The sale is being conducted by the venerable RM Auctions as part of its first event during the prestigious Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este on the shores of Lake Como on May 21.

Bertone Concept Cars up for Auction at Villa d’Este originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions

A very special Ferrari is set to cross the auction block in May. One of only 1,400 examples made, and only 158 in right-hand drive, this metallic blue 1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona has some very prominent provenance indeed.

Chassis #16531 most recently appeared on an episode of the hit BBC television program Top Gear, where celebrity presenter Richard Hammond drove it along the riviera from Portofino to Saint-Tropez while his co-host James May raced him in a speedboat. But long before the filming of the episode, its first owner was none other than HRH Charles, Prince of Wales. The car is being auctioned by Historics at Brooklands and is expected to fetch around £180,000 - £210,000.

Prince Charles’ Ferrari Daytona Up for Auction originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 30 Mar 2011 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Dining, Luxury Travel & Hotels, Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions, Celebrity Shopping, Charity, Celebrity Design

Last week we reported on the host of international celebrities, creative icons, industry leaders and conservationists joining together with famed auction house Christie’s to support the 2011 Green Auction, a momentous live event and companion online auction raising funds and awareness for the preservation and sustainability of the planet.

Christie’s has partnered with luxury charity auction site charitybuzz.com to put more than 200 coveted auction packages online from now through April 7 to raise funds for Oceana, the Natural Resources Defense Council, Conservation International and the Central Park Conservancy. Supporters can make a Bid to Save the Earth at www.charitybuzz.com/BidtoSavetheEarth.

A companion invite-only event and live fantasy auction hosted by Seth Meyers will be held at Christie’s New York on March 29 in partnership with Vogue’s Runway to Green. The event will feature a fashion show sponsored by Tiffany & Co. on the night of the live auction, with designer collection selections available online through Net-A-Porter.com.

In part one of our report on the incredible experiences on offer, we focused on the big ticket items estimated at over $100,000 apiece, including a ride with Harrison Ford on his private plane. Now we’re selecting some of our favorite lots across a range of expected prices (N.B.: Lagerfeld and Ducasse are being auctioned off live tonight):

Continue reading Ralph Lauren’s Cars, Private Parrot Cay Villa & More in Bid to Save the Earth Auction - Part 2

Ralph Lauren’s Cars, Private Parrot Cay Villa & More in Bid to Save the Earth Auction - Part 2 originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 29 Mar 2011 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Auctions, Events, Celebrity Shopping, Charity, Green, Celebrity Design

A host of international celebrities, creative icons, industry leaders and conservationists are joining together with famed auction house Christie’s to support the 2011 Green Auction — a momentous live event and companion online auction raising funds and awareness for the preservation and sustainability of the planet.

Continue reading Win a Ride With Harrison Ford in His Private Plane & More in Bid to Save the Earth Auction - Part I

Win a Ride With Harrison Ford in His Private Plane & More in Bid to Save the Earth Auction - Part I originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions

A 1978 Ferrari 512BB Berlinetta Boxer owned by British Formula One driver Jenson Button is to be sold by Bonhams at its sale of Collectors’ Motor Cars at the RAF Museum in Hendon, UK on the 11th of April. The car, which was bought last year by Button, the then-reigning Formula One World Champion, has attracted a pre-sale estimate of up to $180,000.

Continue reading Jenson Button’s Ferrari to Sell At Bonhams

Jenson Button’s Ferrari to Sell At Bonhams originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Estates, Auctions

High on a hill in the Summit Ranch subdivision in Denver, Colorado is today’s home which was originally listed for $3.25 million. Concierge Auctions will sell this home on June 14 in cooperation with listing agents Jim and Barbara Appleby of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, who are also the sellers.

The six-bedroom home on more than 10 acres offers 11,000-square feet of space. The home’s open floor plan and large windows are meant to make the most of the Continental Divide’s natural beauty with sunrise, snow-capped and sunset mountain views. The home is also designed with spacious decks and patios overlooking acreage. The sunken great room has a massive stone hearth which opens to the gourmet kitchen and dining room. Warm, red oak floors ground an impressively high, 16-foot ceiling with a unique wood-encased beam treatment. The kitchen has granite countertops and stainless steel appliances including a professional gas range with six burners and griddle, a stainless steel refrigerator and freezer and a built-in wine center. The formal dining space opens to the great room and features a unique, wood-beamed ceiling with custom faux painting. The sunken library, also just off the great room has built-in knotty alder bookcases and a built-in wet bar with slab granite countertops and a copper bar sink. Two additional spaces on this main floor are a formal office with built-in knotty alder cabinets and bookshelves and slab granite desktop with its own outside entry door and a multipurpose room that could be used as private office space, a nursery or guest bedroom quarters.

The multi-room master suite has an exercise room, two fireplaces, a private covered porch, wet bar, spa bathroom, large closets and a laundry room. The lower level has a game room, sports bar/entertaining area, wine closet three bedrooms and a heated garage. The more than 1,500-square-foot unfinished space in the walkout level could be transformed into an expansive theater room, additional living or merely storage space.

Summit Ranch is open daily by appointment. For more details call 877-463-5280 or visit SummitRanchAuction.com.

Continue reading Summit Ranch, Estate of the Day

Summit Ranch, Estate of the Day originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 18 Mar 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Auctions, Books

The “Astor-Aubéry de Frawenberg” Hours, a beautiful Book of Hours dating back to the 1500s goes up for auction at the Heritage Rare Books Auction on April 7. A Book of Hours is a medieval devotional book. These illuminated manuscripts are often illustrated and decorated with gold detail and are incredibly ornate and beautiful, many are in museums and libarary collections.

It is believed that this one was made for a nobleman of Toul, in eastern France, circa 1500-1520. It is bound in red velvet and was later encased in seventeenth-century decorated silver gilt covers with royal arms designed for the manuscript, and intricate designs of birds, vases, sphinxes and more. Inside the manuscript contain 19 large miniatures, four full-page miniatures, and 28 small miniatures with pure gold details by by the Parisian workshops of Jean Pichore and Jean Poyet.

The book was possibly crafted for someone in the Aubéry de Frawenberg family and the beautiful binding was added to the manuscript later. Sometime before 1884, American ambassador to Rome and the wealthiest man in America at the time, Viscount William Waldorf Astor bought it for the what was then a huge amount, £420. The manuscript is believed to be connected with Toul, a town in Eastern France because the calendar names of two Toul feasts are featured in gold and the Cathedral of Toul is in the background. of one of the miniatures. It is estimated to sell for at least $325,000.

The “Astor-Aubéry de Frawenberg” Hours Up For Auction originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 06 Mar 2011 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Auctions, Books

A rare manuscript offered by Bonhams in their June 22, 2011 auction of Fine Books and Manuscripts is one of the cornerstones of modern mathematic thinking. Up for sale is a lot featuring a rare 15th century manuscript that includes key pieces of the ground breaking mathematical work, Liber Abaci or Book of Calculation by Fibonacci. Fibonacci is credited with bringing the Hindu-Arabic numeral system to the western world. and lends his name to the Fibonacci Sequence where each successive number is the sum of the two preceding numbers.

Within the text of the Liber Abaci, Fibonacci explains the benefits of Arabic numerals and the symbol for zero by applying them to the practical world of book-keeping, weights and measures, and trade. By appealing to tradesmen and academics he eventually convinced the public to adapt the system paving the way for modern mathematical equations, sequences used in computer programming and financial markets. The manuscript on offer contains the complete text of the section of Liber Abaci known as Flos or “The Flower,” which is the most advanced sections of Liber Abaci, dealing with calculus, and geometrical and algebraic methods for solving quadratic equations. The book first appeared in 1202, in manuscript form, and only 12 copies of the manuscript from the 13th through the 15th centuries have been traced in European libraries, many of them in the Vatican.

Continue reading Rare Fibonacci Manuscript Goes Up For Auction

Rare Fibonacci Manuscript Goes Up For Auction originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 06 Mar 2011 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Auctions

Certain celebrities have a legacy that extends long beyond their all-too-brief life walk on this earth. Marilyn Monroe’s short life, incandescent beauty and connection to other iconic historical figures including the Kennedy brothers, has kept her in the public eye for decades.

Thus it’s fitting that perhaps the most expensive piece connected to Marilyn Monroe is her name. Rights to use her name traded hands last year for a sum said to be around $30 million. Marilyn’s name remains a viable brand that still has appeal for both male and female consumers even now, decades after her death. She remains one of the top earning dead celebrities and is perhaps the top female one, captivating millions who weren’t even alive when she was (see a video biography about Monroe below).

Continue reading Most Expensive Marilyn Monroe-Related Items

Most Expensive Marilyn Monroe-Related Items originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 06 Mar 2011 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Auctions

Vintage magic posters can be highly collectible and of course, the most famous musician, Houdini, often brings in the biggest returns. A rare Houdini poster, which is one of only five such posters known to exist, is going up for sale at a Potter & Potter Auctions in Chicago on March 26. The poster is one of more than 100 rare and valuable vintage magic posters which were discovered in a suburban Chicago home last year. Many of the poster swere purchased in the 1970s when they could still be bought fairly inexpensively.

The Houdini poster shows the legendary magician in handcuffs in front of a judge and jury in Germany. It represents a famous case in 1902 when Houdini was called a fraud by a German police officer. He sued for slander and won. Being a savvy self-promoter, he created the poster to dramatize the event and add to his fame. It is estimated at $15,000-$20,000. Also featured is a rare rare eight-sheet (7 feet x 9 feet) billboard advertising The Great Nicola. The huge poster is estimated at $2,500-$3,500. Many other posters in the sale can be had for just several hundred dollars. For more details visit www.potterauctions.com.

[via Auction Central News]

Rare Houdini Poster Up For Auction originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 10 Mar 2011 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions, The Classicist

RM Auctions, the world’s largest collector car auction house, will offer Steve McQueen’s iconic 1970 Porsche 911S, featured in his epic Hollywood film Le Mans, at its highly-anticipated Monterey sale in California on August 18 - 20. Built to the highest 1970 specification, complete with air conditioning and a full complement of factory options, the slate grey 911S stars in the film’s legendary opening sequence as McQueen’s character, hotshot Porsche driver Michael Delaney, drives through the French countryside reflecting on life, death, and racing.

In addition to its starring role in the film, the Porsche 911S was used as Steve McQueen’s personal transport during the movie’s production, later joining his own stable of extraordinary motor cars in California - a collection that over the years included everything from a Jaguar XK-SS, multiple Ferraris, Porsches, airplanes, motorcycles and everything in between. Today, the 911S is presented in exceptionally original condition, and is offered from the collection of one of America’s foremost Porsche aficionados.

Steve McQueen’s Famed 1970 Porsche 911S at Auction originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 10 Mar 2011 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Auctions

Also taking place on March 26 along with the auction of Slash’s collection at Julien’s Auctions in Beverly Hills is a Rock Legends auction. This sale is a catch-all collection of a variety of memorabilia spanning decades of music history. Shown above are some of the highlights including a handwritten set of the lyrics to Michael Jackson’s “Beat-It” estimated to sell at $4,000 to $6,000.

Continue reading Luxist Phototour: Rock Legends at Julien’s Auctions

Luxist Phototour: Rock Legends at Julien’s Auctions originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 10 Mar 2011 02:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Auctions

Last month I mentioned that entertainment memorabilia auction house, Julien’s Auctions, would be hosting an auction dedicated to the property of legendary guitarist and musician Slash, I knew I had to go see it in person. The sale includes a variety of famous guitars, memorabilia, vehicles and personal furniture and décor from his Hollywood Hills home and the sheer breadth of material is quite stunning. Slash, it could be said, might be a bit of a rock-and-roll packet. Guitars include a custom Stravinski Fender Stratocaster estimated at $3,000-5,000; a B.C. Rich Red Mockingbird guitar estimated at $2,000-4,000; and two versions of Slash’s very own Gibson and Epiphone Slash Les Paul signature model guitars in Tobacco Sunburst estimated at $4,000-6,000.

Continue reading Luxist Phototour: The Collection of Slash at Julien’s Auctions

Luxist Phototour: The Collection of Slash at Julien’s Auctions originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 09 Mar 2011 05:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Auctions

The comic book market continues to boom as the first comic book to feature Spider-Man sold for $1.1 million through comic book auction house ComicConnect.com, the same house that sold a 1938 edition of Action Comics No. 1, featuring Superman’s debut last year for a record $1.5 million. Action Comics No. 1 originally sold for 10 cents and the Marvel Spider-Man sold for 12 cents in 1962. The copy that sold is in excellent condition and the cover shows Spider Man swinging by a web. Early comic books from the 1930s to 1950s are often called Golden Age comic books. The Spider-Man comes from what is known as the Silver Age this sale may end up raising the prices of other Silver Age books. Spider-Man remains popular with the public. A much-maligned and very expensive Spider-Man show is on Broadway and the movie franchise is being rebooted.

Spider-Man Comic Book Sells For $1.1 Million originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 09 Mar 2011 06:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Estates, Auctions

Today’s home is another Hawaii estate being sold through Concierge Auctions. This home is a custom Hawaiian Island residence with 150 feet of secluded beach front in the exclusive Waikoloa Beach Resort at 69-1065 Kolea Kai Circle. The sale will take place on March 21. The home was originally listed for $11.5 million but there is no minimum bid required. The sale is being conducted in cooperation with listing agent Daryl Flem, RB of Century 21 All Islands.

The home sits on a 34,000-square-foot ocean front lot and the estate grants gated access to 150 feet of secluded Pacific Ocean beach front. The home itself offers 5,759 square feet under roof with many rooms combining the best of indoor and outdoor life. There are four bedrooms and four full and one half bathrooms. Outside a covered lanai, poolside cabana, extensive landscape lighting and tiki torches deliver the best that life in Hawaii has to offer.

Nearby amenities of the 1,350-acre Waikoloa Beach Resort include a Robert Trent Jones Jr. golf course and a links-style course designed by Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish, preserved cultural sites, world-class hotels such as the Hilton Waikoloa Village and the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort and Spa, and the famed Kings Shops and Queens Marketplace.

The property is available daily for preview between 1 and 4 p.m. For more information visit www.HawaiiLuxuryAuction.com or call 800-211-1785.

Continue reading Waikoloa Beach Resort Residence, Estate of the Day

Waikoloa Beach Resort Residence, Estate of the Day originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions, The Classicist

Back in December my colleague Noah Joseph previewed some of the notable early consignments at Gooding & Company’s Amelia Island sale. Now with the auction date of March 11 looming we have details on starring lots added in the interim. Recent additions to the stunning lineup include an extraordinary “barn find” 1955 Bentley R-Type Continental Fastback with coachwork by H.J. Mulliner; a highly-original and unrestored 1961 Aston Martin DB4 Series IV; and a 1962 AC Cobra. They join other incredible offerings including a 1971 Lamborghini Miura P400 SV Prototype, a 1963 Lotus 23B and a 1964 Ferrari 250 GT Lusso (above).

“A true connoisseur’s car, the Bentley R-Type Continental Fastback has a place in the world’s finest collections,” says David Gooding, President and founder. “This recently-discovered, two-owner R-Type is the ultimate collector’s Bentley for its role in luxury motoring history and sophisticated performance specification.” Gooding have not released estimates for the Bentley or Miura, but expect the bidding to be fierce. Meanwhile the Aston Martin’s estimate is $425,000 - $475,000; the AC Cobra $450,000 - $550,000; the Lotus $175,000 - $225,000; and the Ferrari 250 GT Lusso $600,000 - $750,000.

Rare Ferraris, Bentleys, Astons & More at Gooding’s Amelia Island Sale originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 07 Mar 2011 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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