Marques of distinction
Bringing over 20 years of expertise in classic and collector cars, the record-setting automobile specialists are set to expand Christie’s offerings of prestigious collections and luxury masterpieces
Previous auction highlights:
1995 McLaren F1 sold for $20,465,000 at Pebble Beach in 2021, a world record at auction for the marque; 1967 Toyota-Shelby 2000 GT sold for $2,535,000 at Amelia Island in 2022, a world record at auction for the marque and the most expensive Japanese car sold at auction; 1962 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider sold for $18,045,000 at Amelia Island in 2023; 1970 Porsche 917K sold for $14,080,000 at Pebble Beach in 2017, a world record at auction for the marque; 1937 Talbot-Lago T150-C-SS Teardrop Coupe sold for $13,425,000 at Amelia Island in2022, a world record for the marque and the most expensive French car sold at auction.
There is something about the beauty, engineering and innovation of the perfect classic car that resonates well beyond the automobile expert. The lines, the form, the history — and that’s just at a standstill. Experience once at full throttle and it’s easy to understand why people become enamoured.
The thrill and passion that acquiring a classic car elicits is in many ways akin to collecting art. The appreciation for rarity, craftsmanship and provenance has seen the collector car market broaden and evolve in recent years, welcoming in a new audience tantalised by the promise of high-octane speed, stirring nostalgia and engineering prowess. For these burgeoning enthusiasts, the pursuit of classic and vintage cars and automobilia represents a particular articulation of a luxury lifestyle — one in which collectors seek out the exceptional, the most significant, and the rarest.
Achieving $13,425,000 at Amelia Island in 2022, the 1937 Talbot-Lago T150-C-SS Teardrop Coupe not only holds the world record at auction for the marque, but is also the most valuable French car sold at auction.
A partnership of shared values
Tracing the synergies between the classic car and art markets has, in part, triggered the ignition for an equally exciting and natural move within Christie’s luxury sector. Today, Christie’s is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Gooding & Company, the leading international auction house in the collector car market. The acquisition will mark a significant milestone for Christie’s, establishing its position in the rapidly expanding classic and collector car market and further solidifying its leadership in the broader luxury sector.
The affinity between the collector car market and art market extends to the shared values of Christie’s and Gooding & Company. Centred around the business of exquisite objects, both organisations are built on specialist expertise while fostering client relationships built with integrity and trust. Which tracks, considering the long-standing relationship between Christie’s and David Gooding.
1939-Bugatti-Type-57C-Aravis
The top lot from the revered collection of Peter Mullin, which sold in-part earlier this year, was a 1938 Bugatti Type 57C Aravis 'Special Cabriolet', which achieved $6,605,000.
1934_Bugatti_Type_59_Sports
The world record at auction for a Bugatti marque was taken by this 1934 Bugatti Type 59 Sports when it sold at the Passion of a Lifetime auction in 2020 for £9,535,000. The Type 59 most recently won best of show at the 2024 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance
The Co-Founder and President of Gooding & Company began his career in the auction industry at Christie’s, working his way up to become the global head of its International Motor Car division before briefly moving to RM Auctions. The husband-and-wife team of Mr Gooding and Chief Creative Officer Dawn Ahrens launched their eponymous company in 2003. The house has commandeered the automotive industry ever since.
‘We are delighted to be part of this full-circle moment for David, as he rejoins the Christie’s family,’ says Guillaume Cerutti, Christie's Chief Executive Officer. ‘We have long admired the company that David and his exceptional team have built, as well as their way of doing business.’ Adding that, ‘Christie’s is confident that we will provide the opportunity for significant global growth. The legacy that David Gooding and his team have built over the past two decades is well admired by collectors internationally and we could not be more honoured to welcome them into the Christie’s family.’
1935_Duesenberg_SSJ
The most valuable American car sold at auction, and the holder of the world record at auction for a Duesenberg marque, belongs to the 1935 Duesenberg SSJ, which sold at Pebble Beach in 2018 for $22,000,000. I
A driving force
Since its founding, Gooding & Company has dedicated itself to independently forging its reputation as a steward of exceptional automobiles. Through assurance and transparency, they have earned their recognition as global leaders in the automotive auction industry. Bringing in nearly $3 billion since their inception, Gooding & Company has consistently operated at the uppermost echelon of the collector car market throughout their tenure.
‘When Dawn and I founded Gooding & Company 21 years ago, we built it on the pillars of integrity, quality and passion within the collector car market,’ says Mr Gooding. ‘I am proud of our tremendous growth within this industry, and I am confident that our acquisition by Christie's is the next step in our continued development as a global market leader in this space.’
Headquartered in Santa Monica, the house has a strong global presence, bringing with it a highly trusted team of experts in New York, Paris and London. While the executive team alone averages 19 years of automotive auction experience, Mr Gooding notes that everyone, from the front-of-house team to marketing and press, shares a common devotion to the business of cars.
Like Christie’s, Gooding & Company offers an exhilarating blend of live and online auctions at every price point, providing a robust selection of automotive history and automobilia for every level of collector. Private sales are also offered through the auction house, for those looking for more discretion.
1995 McLaren F1 Forest
The 1995 McLaren F1 set the world record at auction for the marque when it sold at Pebble Beach in 2021 for $20,465,000.
Auctions around the world
Along with its global team, Gooding & Company opens the doors to its extensive community of collectors, connoisseurs and industry experts surrounding its three annual marquee auctions, which take place during Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance®, the Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court Palace and Amelia Island Concours Week. These multi-day destination events bring together the entire automotive community, punctuated by premier classic car auctions.
For nearly 75 years car enthusiasts have flocked to Pebble Beach every summer for what has been heralded as ‘the world’s premier celebration of the automobile.’ This year, Gooding & Company celebrated its 20th anniversary as the official auction house of Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance®. The team, who oversaw one of their most successful sales to date, achieved a market-leading $108 million in sales.
PebbleBeach
The 1938 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Lungo Spider was the headlining lot at Pebble Beach in 2024, achieving an incredible $14,030,000 on the block.
Most recently, The London Auction, held at the prestigious Hampton Court Palace, brought in over £7.5million in total sales, with the 1933 Bugatti Type 43A Roadster ‘Sport Luxe’ setting a world record for a Type 43. While the house’s Amelia Island Auctions — widely considered to be the preeminent East Coast collector car auction — will next occur during the first weekend in March 2025.
Year after year, Gooding & Company continues to set the standard for market-leading results, eclipsing its own milestones by achieving impressive sale totals and setting new world records with each auction. Today, Gooding & Company holds the world record prices for 12 marques, including Ferrari, Porsche, McLaren, Duesenberg, Mercer, and Bugatti. The house also made history earlier this year at the Amelia Island Auctions when they achieved a record price for an antique car sold at auction.
Mercedes
The most valuable antique, pre-1930s car sold at auction is this 1903 Mercedes-Simplex 60 HP ‘Roi des Belges,’ which achieved $12,105,000 at Amelia Island in 2024.
Coveted beyond the category
Like art, jewellery and other high-end collectibles, collector automobiles have appreciated in recent years not just in value but in meaning and resonance. Childhood dream cars mature into prized classics, while more venerated models are celebrated for their craftsmanship, ingenuity, design and provenance. ‘Both Gooding & Company and Christie’s recognize that today’s collectors have interests that reach beyond any one category. Our clients are constantly in search of items of unmatched quality — whether it is a motor car, a painting, or a piece of fine jewellery,’ says Mr Gooding. ‘Our new partnership signals an exciting opportunity to reach new clients across collecting categories and is emblematic of the global market demand for collector cars.’
Visit Gooding & Company’s website for more information on the premier automotive auction house. The next live auction will take place at Amelia Island in March 2025 with updates to the Online Auction calendar announced in due course.
Image courtesy Gooding & Company
