Presented by RM Sotheby’s
By Andrew Miterko –
It is no secret that the residents of the United Arab Emirates have an obsession for the automobile and motorsport, with more high-end motor cars residing there than anywhere else in the world. Based on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, the Yas Marina Circuit is considered by many to be the most technologically advanced Formula 1 circuit in the world and is the epicenter of motorsport of all disciplines in the UAE, having already hosted events ranging from NHRA drag racing to FIA GT1 competition. In collaboration with Formula 1, RM Sotheby’s is excited to hold their first-ever auction in the Middle East at the Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2019.
Headlining the auction are an exciting group of unobtainable super and hypercars representing some of the most exclusive and highest-performing examples of their respective classes, certain to thrill even the most discerning enthusiast.
At the forefront of the lineup is a 2015 Ferrari FXX K, the marque’s most potent track-only model and limited to only 40 units. After the unveiling of the LaFerrari, Ferrari’s hybrid-electric hypercar, it was only a matter of time before the track-only version was designated to participate in Corse Clienti events. Power output from both the electric and gasoline engines was raised for a total of 1,035 bhp—187 bhp from the electric motors, and 848 bhp from the 6.3-liter V-12. Aerodynamics were heavily revised and optimized for the racetrack, increasing downforce by as much as 50 percent over the road-going LaFerrari. In addition to the power and aerodynamic upgrades, the FXX K is 90 kg lighter, allowing it to complete the test track at Fiorano in just 1:14—a full five seconds faster than its road-going sibling. For the first time, the model is offered to the public at auction from its first and only owner with less than 250 km on the odometer. Since its delivery, it has yet to be driven in any Corse Clienti events and is ready to make its debut with its new owner in “standard” guise or can be upgraded to “Evo” specifications by Corse Clienti in Maranello for the ultimate in performance.
A name synonymous with Formula One, Ayrton Senna may be one of the most celebrated F1 drivers of all time. McLaren built the Senna to honor the three-time world champion with its Senna hypercar—the marque’s fastest track-focused, road-going McLaren ever built. A limited run of McLaren Senna GTRs were produced to dominate the race circuit; free from the constraints of road car legislation and motorsport competition rules, they sought to push the limits of what is technically possible. A colossal 814 bhp was extracted from the M840TR 4.0-liter turbocharged V-8 featuring dry-sump lubrication, lightweight materials for the rods and pistons, and a pair of ultra-low inertia, twin scroll turbochargers, equipped with electronic wastegates for instant throttle response. An Inconel and titanium exhaust system devoid of catalytic converters freed up additional power, allowing the Senna GTR to best its road-going sibling with a 0–60 time of less than 2.8 seconds and a 0–124 mph time of less than 6.8 seconds. Aerodynamics were comprehensively redesigned and incorporate both active aerodynamics and a “Drag Reduction System” (DRS). Slick Pirelli P-Zero tires envelop ultra-lightweight forged alloy wheels, and the suspension was optimized for the track to improve mechanical grip through slower-speed corners, where aerodynamic performance is less important. This example is offered as a brand-new car with zero miles on the odometer. It exemplifies the definition of a hypercar and may well be the most powerful and track-focused non-hybrid car that the factory ever builds.
A nod to one of the superstars of motorsport, a single-owner example of the 2010 Mercedes-Benz Stirling Moss is offered in virtually as-new condition, showing a scant 500 km from new. The collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and McLaren took the already mighty Mercedes-Benz McLaren SLR and crafted a carbon-fiber body to pay homage to Sir Stirling Moss’s 1955 Mille Miglia–winning 300 SLR, sharing the same open cockpit design, signature dual side exit exhaust, and distinctive aero humps. The Stirling Moss iteration is 200 kg lighter than the standard SLR, and as if that was not enough, it was tuned by McLaren to produce 651 horsepower and a massive 605 foot-pounds of torque. It is easily the most radical Mercedes-Benz roadster since the CLK GTR Roadster and one certain to leave its mark as a testament to its place in automotive history.
Los Angeles, California–based Rob Dickinson sought to create the ultimate air-cooled 911 by utilizing the best aspects of each generation into a singular bespoke 911, each unique and tailored to the specific tastes of the owner who commissions their own. Based on a 964 generation 911, the stock exterior panels are stripped in favor of carbon-fiber panels reminiscent of the beloved long-hood ST racing Porsches of the 1970s and fitted with deep 17-inch Fuchs-style wheels wrapped in sticky Michelin tires. This lovely midnight-blue example, dubbed “the Fiona Commission,” was thoughtfully specified with the Ed Pink 4.0-liter flat-six racing engine paired to a G50 five-speed manual transmission, while an Ohlins adjustable suspension ensures superb handling and upsized Brembo steel brakes and calipers painted to match the exterior bring the reimagined 911 to a halt. With 390 bhp at a redline of 7,200 rpm and 315 foot-pounds of torque, the 4.0-liter–specified Singer 911s are capable of the sprint to 60 from a standstill in just 3.3 seconds and 100 mph in just 8.2. Impeccable attention to detail carries throughout the interior, with woven cognac leather-trimmed race-spec seating, door panels, and leather-trimmed rollbar. Today, the company has completed more than 100 examples, and in speaking to the company’s attention to detail, philosophy, and the overall quality of the cars, very few have become available in the secondhand market.
The Lamborghini Diablo has been an enduring sensation since its inception in 1990, and as its production was set to come to a close, the 6.0 VT SE was released as the ultimate iteration of the popular Diablo model. As production neared the end in late 2000, Lamborghini earmarked the final 42 examples to be fitted with special magnesium intake manifolds and valve covers, a short-gear transaxle for quicker launches, and marque-badged brake calipers, while the engine compartments were trimmed in carbon fiber. Interiors were equipped with special chocolate leather upholstery, additional carbon-fiber trim, a titanium gearshift and instrument bezels, and an upgraded premium audio system with a DVD-based navigation system. Only two colors were offered in an even split of 21 examples each: a metallic gold named Oro Elios, and a color-shifting bronze-maroon called Marrone Eklipsis. This example is the 40th of the 42 examples produced, making it amongst the very last of the Diabo VT 6.0 SE examples produced. It has been preserved in virtually new condition, showing a mere 18 miles, and is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own the most refined and ultimate version of the legendary Diablo.
Koenigsegg quickly established a reputation for exceptional performance, revolutionary engineering, and Swedish charisma after a 22-year-old Christian von Koenigsegg founded the company. Only six years later, Koenigsegg caught the attention of the world with the CC8S, setting the record for Most Powerful Production Engine and Most Powerful Production Car shortly after with the CCR. The Agera R keeps in tradition by setting a blistering 0–300–0 km/h record of 21:19 seconds, a record only beaten by their own One:1 four years later. The Agera R can also run on both gasoline and E100 biofuel, and even a mixture of the two, thanks to its highly advanced engine management system. Between 2011 and 2014, only 18 examples were produced, with this example being among the very last. It shows today with just under 4,400 miles on its odometer and is certain to be admired for decades to come while holding its own against the supercar establishment for the foreseeable future.
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