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2014 Pebble Beach auction roundup

The Pebble Beach auctions are almost always dominated by Ferraris and 2014 proved no different with an example of Maranello’s fabled 250 GTO once again breaking the world record price for an auction sale.

However, as we all know, there is more than one prancing horse in the world of premium sports cars, with Porsche being well represented at the sales held during the annual Monterey Classic Car Week.

Kicking off proceedings was esteemed British auction house, Bonhams with their Quail Lodge sale on 14-15 August. Amongst the record-breaking 250 GTO, three of Zuffenhausen’s finest caught the eye.

Photo courtesy of Gooding & Co.
Photo courtesy of Gooding & Co.

Making $935,000 (£559,057) including buyer’s premium was a gorgeous 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7. Unlike the majority of examples that have come under the hammer though, this particular featured the rare duck tail delete option.

Number 125 out of the first 500 2.7 RSs built, the car was resplendent in it’s simple red no doubt helping it in achieving its strong final sale price. Hopefully the new owner continues to add to the car’s 70,000km-strong history.

From Porsche’s racing past, a 1974 911 Carrera RSR 3.0 with a well-documented US racing history achieved $1.1 million (£657,715) while, at a more modest final price, Bonham’s 1973 Porsche 911S 2.4 looked a steal at $176,000 (£105,234).

Photo courtesy of RM Auctions.
Photo courtesy of RM Auctions.

With barely a breath between them, the bidding action headed to RM Auctions’ sale in downtown Monterey. Here a 1965 Porsche 911 achieved $308,000, $68,000 more than lot 128, a 1972 Porsche 911S 2.4 Targa.

The standout Porsche lot of RM’s sale was undoubtedly the 1989 Porsche 911 Carrera Speedster though. The Turbo-look, open-top 3.2 Carrera nearly exceeded its upper estimate of $325,000, eventually falling just shy at $308,000.

The final major auction of the week saw all eyes turn to Gooding & Company who had a delectable offering of Porsche 911s under the hammer however, with the week drawing to a close, only one beat its estimate.

Photo courtesy of RM Auctions.
Photo courtesy of RM Auctions.

That honour fell to a 8,800km Porsche 959 Komfort which, at $1,485,000 exceeded expectations by a tremendous $385,000. At the other end of the market, lot five, a 1971 Porsche 911S 2.2 could only achieve $170,500.

Gooding’s own 1973 Porsche 911S 2.4 sold for $330,000, while a pre-production 1965 Porsche 911 Coupe made $407,000 but still fell short of its $450,000-$550,000 estimate.

Interest was strong, however, in the rare 1968 Porsche 911 T/R. Driven in period by factory racer Herbert Linge, the hammer came down on this forerunner to the 911 ST at $440,000.

What do you think of the Pebble Auction values? Is the Porsche 911 market slowing down? Or do Ferraris steal Porsche’s thunder in Monterey? Comment below or share your thoughts on our Twitter and Facebook pages.

Photo courtesy of RM Auctions.
Photo courtesy of RM Auctions.

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