(March 19, 2014) FORD LAUNDERSALE, Fla. — Auctions America posted its most successful performance to date in South Florida this past weekend, generating $21,039,631 in total sales with 76 percent of all lots sold at its 12th annual Fort Lauderdale auction. The three-day sale continued the company’s strong track record in South Florida, attracting its strongest attendance to date and realizing a nearly 20 percent sales increase over 2013.
Demonstrating the auction’s international reach, bidders represented 13 countries from around the world, including from as far away as South America, Asia and Australia, while also bringing in bidders from 44 states across the U.S.
“The Fort Lauderdale sale gets better and better every year,” said Donnie Gould, president of Auctions America. “This year, Auctions America had record high sales and over 30 percent new clientele—demonstrating that our reach is continuing to expand thanks to our promotional efforts and the dedication of our expert team of car specialists who work tirelessly to secure exciting and significant vehicles for the sale.
"This weekend’s event was a fantastic success, the excitement on the auction block was electric and we’re looking forward to continuing that energy throughout 2014.”
Taking top sale honors was a freshly restored 1963 Shelby 289 Cobra, (pictured at top) the 23rd production example built, which realized a final sale price of $825,000 following a lively bidding war. Also attracting strong interest from collectors was the 2006 Ford GT Heritage Edition with only 80 miles from new which achieved $412,500 — a new world record for Heritage Edition Ford GTs sold at auction. One of the most exciting lots on Saturday was the 1970 Plymouth Hemi Superbird that ignited a spirited bidding contest between a bidder in the room and on the phone, eventually realizing $319,000 to the cheers of the crowd.
Within a roster of cars that offered something for everyone, ranging from Brass Era speedsters to modern collectible supercars, there were numerous surprise sales, including a beautiful 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Fuel-Injected Coupe, which after an enthusiastic bidding war, almost doubled its pre-sale estimate, bringing a very strong $189,200.
Demonstrating the diversity of the offering and the strength of the market, additional lots that sold very well include: a stylish 1961 Jaguar E-Type Series I 3.8 Roadster, achieving $149,600 to well surpass its pre-sale estimate; a thoroughly restored 1947 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible garnering a strong $93,500; and a well-equipped and accurately-restored 1969 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Ram Air III, selling for a very respectable $140,250.
Auctions America Fort Lauderdale 2014 Top 10 Sales:
1. 1963 Shelby 289 Cobra, $825,000
2. 1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4, $605,000
3. 2006 Ford GT Heritage Edition, $412,500 (Record for a Ford GT Heritage Edition at auction)
4. 1934 Packard Twelve, $390,500
5. 1970 Plymouth Hemi Superbird, $319,000
6. 2005 Ford GT, $259,600
7. 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz, $255,750 (Record for the 1959 model at auction)
8. 1967 Chevrolet Corvette 427/435, $250,250
9. 1965 Shelby GT 350, $214,500
10. 1947 Chrysler Town & Country, $211,200