Broad Arrow Auctions starts 2025 strong, securing $14.5 million at The Academy of Art University Collection sale, led by a $1.49M Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing.
Broad Arrow Auctions launched its 2025 auction season with resounding success, achieving $14.5 million in total sales at The Academy of Art University Collection Auction on February 15. The sale, held at the university’s Museum facilities, drew an enthusiastic crowd alongside hundreds of online and phone bidders from 13 countries.
Leading the auction was a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing, finished in an eye-catching Strawberry Red, which sold for $1,490,000, topping pre-sale estimates. The car sparked a heated bidding war, ultimately selling to a new Broad Arrow client over the phone.
“The fantastic results from this auction reaffirm that enthusiasm for classic-era collector cars remains strong,” said Caroline Cassini, Senior Car Specialist at Broad Arrow Auctions. “The unique nature of these vehicles attracted significant interest, demonstrating our team’s expertise in connecting private collections with the right buyers.”
Top Sales Highlight Pre-War Craftsmanship
Among the top sales were several coachbuilt pre-war classics, including a 1933 Chrysler Custom Imperial Dual-Windshield Phaeton by LeBaron, which sold for $1,039,000—a historic car originally owned by LeBaron designer Ralph Roberts.
A 1937 Squire 1½-Liter Drophead Coupe by Corsica exceeded expectations, fetching $643,000, while a 1931 Invicta S-Type 4½-Litre Low Chassis Fixed Head Coupe, complete with an invitation to the 2025 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, secured $445,000.
Rounding out the top five was a 1932 Marmon Sixteen Convertible Sedan by LeBaron, once owned by J. Paul Getty, which sold for $423,000, surpassing its pre-sale estimate.
Broad Arrow’s Academy of Art University Collection – Top 10 Sales
| Lot | Vehicle | Final Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 180 | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe | $1,490,000 |
| 157 | 1933 Chrysler Custom Imperial Phaeton | $1,039,000 |
| 160 | 1937 Squire 1½-Liter Drophead Coupe | $643,000 |
| 143 | 1931 Invicta S-Type Fixed Head Coupe | $445,000 |
| 167 | 1932 Marmon Sixteen Convertible Sedan | $423,000 |
| 150 | 1930 Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A Castagna Cabriolet | $412,000 |
| 164 | 1939 Lagonda LG6 Rapide | $401,000 |
| 130 | 1928 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Brewster Town Car | $357,000 |
| 162 | 1934 Packard Twelve Convertible Victoria | $357,000 |
| 146 | 1928 Daimler Double-Six 50 Royal Limousine | $346,000 |
Complete results from the auction are available at broadarrowauctions.com.
Broad Arrow Looks Ahead to Amelia Auction in March
With a strong start to 2025, Broad Arrow now turns its focus to The Amelia Auction, taking place March 7-8 at The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island. The official auction of The Amelia Concours d’Elegance will feature over 165 collector cars, including two Le Mans legends: a 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider Competizione and a 1954 Jaguar D-Type Works Competition known as OKV 2.
Bidding registration and event details can be found at broadarrowauctions.com.
