Gooding & Company concluded its Estate of Mark Smith Auction on Friday in Lynchburg, Virginia, achieving a 100% sell-through rate and realizing $8,857,040 in total sales. The auction featured 86 cherished personal belongings from the Estate of the late Mark J. Smith, all offered without reserve, and took place at Midland Motors in downtown Lynchburg, a former Chrysler dealership turned into a showcase and museum. The unique setting for the auction, along with the careful curation and attention lent to the automobiles which Mark prized so greatly, paid homage to the legacy of the respected American collector.
The auction was led by the sale of one of the greatest Chrysler automobiles in existence, the bespoke 1932 Chrysler CG Imperial Custom Roadster preserved in largely original condition and donning distinctive period modifications. This Classic Era automobile sold for $1,600,000, setting a new world record at auction for the Chrysler marque. The second highest sale of the day was the 1934 Mercedes-Benz 500 K Offener Tourenwagen, which sold for $857,500. This historic 500 K, which survived WWII, is one of only five known examples of this particular style to still exist today.
Several other notable selections from the Estate made world auction history, including the 1935 Brewster Coupe Roadster, which drew the attention of an incredible number of phone bidders that ramped up the final price to an unprecedented $577,000. This sale set a new world record for the rare American marque, with the sale price nearly quadrupling its pre-auction high estimate. The 1907 White Model G ‘Roi des Belges’ Touring also set a new world auction record for the most valuable steam-powered White automobile when it sold for $324,000. Additional significant results included several important American models. The 1930 Lincoln Model L Sport Roadster sold for a near-record $246,400, the ex-Henry Austin Clark 1907 Ford Model K Touring achieved $379,000, and the 1953 Mercury Monterey Convertible brought in $89,600, all figures well above the pre-auction estimates.
“To me, Mark Smith’s Estate represents a lifetime of commitment to collecting and maintaining unrestored prewar automotive treasures. Mark was a guiding and brilliant force within the car community, through his unfettered spirit on tours and his infectious passion for primarily original Classic Era automobiles,” said Gooding & Company President and Founder, David Gooding. “On Friday’s Estate of Mark Smith Auction, our team hoped to reward his dedication and the stellar cars offered, and the results speak for themselves. We are extremely honored and proud to have offered a hand in commemorating Mark’s legacy.”
Top Five Lots:
- 1932 Chrysler CG Imperial Custom Roadster, sold for $1,600,000
- 1934 Mercedes-Benz 500 K Offener Tourenwagen, sold for $857,500
- 1935 Brewster Coupe Roadster, sold for $577,000
- 1907 Ford Model K Touring, sold for $379,000
- 1907 White Model G ‘Roi des Belges’ Touring, sold for $324,00
New World Auction Records:
- 1932 Chrysler CG Imperial Custom Roadster, sold for $1,600,000 (a world record for the marque)
- 1935 Brewster Coupe Roadster, sold for $577,000 (a world record for the marque)
- 1907 White Model G ‘Roi des Belges’ Touring, sold for $324,000 (a world record for a steam-powered White)
Up next for Gooding & Company is its Pebble Beach Auctions August 18-19 at the Pebble Beach Parc du Concours. More information and results can be found HERE.
