If you’re the kind of person who loves to find a good deal, online auctions are your friend. It used to just be the random sites for people who love the thrill, but now automobilia auctions are everywhere, if you know where to look. But not all automobilia auctions are the same. That’s what makes Gooding Christie’s so special. They actually carefully source the items in their Geared Online auctions, from their network of the world's most serious collectors, so you’re not sifting through the stuff that feels less exciting all the time. We picked out a few of our favorite hidden gems for your perusal. Oh, and did we mention most lots are available without reserve? Over 500 lots in fact! Anyone can register to bid before the auction runs April 11–18.
Rare Ferrari Car Parts
Our Geared Online Spring Automobilia Auction presents the unique opportunity to source special car parts from prestigious collections you might never come across again. It’s the perfect destination to source the best of the best and the deals are most certainly there if you know what to look for. Spanning from original engine components down to interior parts, they might just have that one item you have been relentlessly searching for to complete a vintage Ferrari. Some of the standouts include the Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta Gearbox, Type 539, Serial No. 66 (Estimate: $300,000 – $350,000), a Ferrari 250 GT Tour de France Gearbox, Type 508C, Serial No. 17C (Estimate: $175,000 – $250,000), a Ferrari 212 Gearbox, Serial No. 031 (Estimate: $100,000 – $150,000), a Ferrari 250 GT Engine, Tipo 128F, Serial No. 2741, Internal No. 472 E (Estimate: $100,000 – $150,000), or the Ferrari 250 GT Lusso Gearbox, Type 539 U, Serial No. 54 (Estimate: $40,000 – $70,000).
If you unfortunately missed the automobile offerings from the Fred Leydorf Collection that went on sale with Gooding Christie’s earlier this year, fear not, because the automobilia from this collection was set aside for this online sale. Some special mentions include those looking for select 375 MM parts at no reserve.
For those that don’t know, the Ferrari 375 MM is one of the most iconic and desirable Ferraris out there. So desirable that it just sold in our Amelia Island Auctions for $9,465,000. At the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June 1953, Scuderia Ferrari fielded three new competition Berlinettas bodied by Pinin Farina. All three were based on the 4.1-liter 340 Mille Miglia, but one example was powered by an even larger 4.5 liter engine that was derived from the mighty 375 F1 Grand Prix, the Monoposto that had earned Ferrari its first ever Formula World Championship win. The 375 MM went on to capture more crucial wins, awards, and recognition cementing it as one of the best Ferraris ever built.
For a limited time, you will have the opportunity to bid on some of these parts from the 375 MM. These include the Pair of Ferrari 375 MM Cylinder Heads (Estimate: $10,000 – $20,000, Without Reserve), the Ferrari 375 MM Brake Drums and Shoes (Estimate: $10,000 – $20,000, Without Reserve), and the Ferrari 375 MM Magnetos and Parts (Estimate: $10,000 - $20,000, Without Reserve).
Automotive Literature
If you’d rather add some automotive literature to your library, you can amass a whole host of collectibles to satisfy those interests. Whether you fancy sports car racing or have more of a specific interest towards European racing, there’s many unique pieces of automotive literature you might never come across again. For all you Porsche lovers, there’s a plethora of Porsche literature like the Large Selection of Porsche 356 A Literature (Estimate: $2,000 – $3,000, Without Reserve) or the Extensive Collection of Early Porsche 356 Pre-A Literature (Estimate: $1,500 – $2,500, Without Reserve).
If you’re more of a Ferrarista and need additional bragging rights with your newly won 375 MM parts, you’ll have to check out the Ferrari Perpetual Calendar (Estimate: $8,000 – $12,000, Without Reserve), Assorted Ferrari Yearbooks (Estimate: $500 – $1,000, Without Reserve), and Ferrari 250 Manual with Original Pouch and 1964 Dealer Directory (Estimate: $8,000 – $10,000, Without Reserve). Fans of Italian autos will also love the vintage feel of the Alfa Romeo 6C 1500 Use and Maintenance Manual (Estimate: $1,500 – $2,500, Without Reserve) and the 1950 Alfa Romeo 1900 Showroom Poster (Estimate: $1,000 – $1,500, Without Reserve).
Petroliana
If your garage, home, business, or collection is looking a little bare, the beautiful Petroliana available in this sale is a welcome addition to bring vintage charm to a space. Our favorites include the Column Gas Pump (Estimate: $20,000 – $30,000), the Shell Double Glass Gas Pump (Estimate: $20,000 – $30,000), and an Ace High Gasoline Pump (Estimate: $20,000 – $30,000). Reminisce in the craftsmanship of these gas pumps as you could bring one or all of them for some added petrol-zest to the room of your choosing.
Vintage Signage
Still needing to add some further flair with empty wall space? Hang up some gorgeously graphic vintage signs with the Illuminated Alfa Romeo Script Wall Sign (Estimate: $18,000 - $24,000, Without Reserve), a Double-Sided Ford Neon Sign (Estimate: $18,000 - $24,000, Without Reserve), a Ferrari Illuminated Dealership Sign (Estimate: $10,000 – $15,000, Without Reserve), a Chevrolet ‘Super Service’ Neon Sign (Estimate: $10,000 - $15,000, Without Reserve), or a Phillips 66 Sign (Estimate: $10,000 – $15,000, Without Reserve). All offered from the Ken Roath Collection, these stunningly preserved and timeless signs would look amazing anywhere.
Americana
And of course Americana is also a perfect addition to decor any garage, with joyful, nostalgic favorites to spruce your space. Most of all, it’s a lot of fun. There are so many beauties here, like a 1948 Wurlitzer Bubbler Jukebox, Model 1015 (Estimate: $5,000 – $10,000, Without Reserve) which still has tons of Elvis records from the fifties. Listen to your favorite tunes while getting your sugar fix from a gorgeous period Vendo 81 Coca-Cola Vending Machine (Estimate: $4,000 – $8,000, Without Reserve) or the Ice Cream Bike Cart (Estimate: $3,000 – $5,000, Without Reserve). If you still need something more for a thrill with the kids, then look no further than the Ride The Flying Red Horse (Estimate: $20,000 - $30,000) which is a vintage Mobilgas Pegasus Ride that will surely keep the little ones coming back for more.
There’s truly something for everyone at this auction, so don’t miss the opportunity to find a great deal on some of the most exciting automobilia from the online catalogue. The sale runs from April 11–18, so mark your calendars and register to bid on Gooding Christie’s website here. Happy bidding!
