Lynchburg, Va. (April 8, 2023) — Leading global auction house Gooding & Company successfully 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 highly 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 and memorable 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 undoubtedly one of the greatest Chrysler automobiles in existence, the bespoke, one-off 1932 Chrysler CG Imperial Custom Roadster carefully preserved in largely original condition and donning distinctive period modifications. This beautiful 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:
Lot 27 - 1932 Chrysler CG Imperial Custom Roadster, sold for $1,600,000
Lot 36 - 1934 Mercedes-Benz 500 K Offener Tourenwagen, sold for $857,500
Lot 32 - 1935 Brewster Coupe Roadster, sold for $577,000
Lot 29 - 1907 Ford Model K Touring, sold for $379,000
Lot 59 - 1907 White Model G ‘Roi des Belges’ Touring, sold for $324,00
New World Auction Records:
Lot 27 - 1932 Chrysler CG Imperial Custom Roadster, sold for $1,600,000 (a world record for the marque)
Lot 32 - 1935 Brewster Coupe Roadster, sold for $577,000 (a world record for the marque)
Lot 59 - 1907 White Model G ‘Roi des Belges’ Touring, sold for $324,000 (a world record for a steam-powered White
Looking Ahead Gooding & Company looks forward to conducting its 19th annual sale as the official auction house of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance® this August 18 and 19. The international auction house will also return to the beautiful grounds of Hampton Court Palace to conduct its London Auction on September 1 as the official sponsor of the Concours of Elegance. The firm is now seeking consignments for both of these upcoming live auctions. Interested parties are strongly encouraged to reach out ahead of summer to arrange for the upcoming sales. Gooding & Company specialists and administrative staff are ready to assist with all matters concerning the upcoming auctions later this year. Pebble Beach Auctions Dates: Friday, August 18, at 5 p.m. PDT, and Saturday, August 19, at 11 a.m. PDT Location: Pebble Beach Parc du Concours Public Preview: Wednesday, August 16 through Saturday, August 19 Auction Catalogues: $120, includes admission for two to the viewing and the auction General Admission: $50, includes admission for one to the viewing and the auction Bidder Registration: www.goodingco.com/register Live Auction Broadcast: www.goodingco.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/GoodingandCompany Twitter: @goodingandco #GoodingPebble Instagram: @goodingandcompany #GoodingPebble YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/GoodingandCompany Phone: +1.310.899.1960 *Gooding & Company presented and conducted the Estate of Mark Smith Auction under the authority of John J. Rendemonti, Executor of the Estate of Mark J. Smith, duly appointed by the Circuit Court of the State of New Hampshire, Probate Division, Case Number 312-2022-ET-00072.
About Gooding & Company Gooding & Company is celebrated for its world-class automotive auctions, private brokerage, and unparalleled service in the international collector car market, achieving over $2.6 billion in sales since the company’s inception. The auction house continues to deliver market-leading results through both its live auctions and Geared Online platform, setting new trends and world records with best-of-category cars across numerous verticals. Gooding & Company consistently presents the highest quality consignments while operating with openness and integrity, providing the company a reputation of trust and respect unmatched in the industry. Offering a wide range of services including private and estate sales, appraisals and collection management, the auction house is ready to assist you with numerous collector car services.
Media Inquiries: Pauline Pechakjian pauline@goodingco.com +1 (310) 383-7437
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