Exceptional Trio Leads Pack of Hidden Discoveries at Gooding & Company Scottsdale Auctions

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (January 5, 2015) – Gooding & Company, the auction house renowned for selling the world’s most admired and iconic collector cars, has consigned an array of noteworthy garage and barn finds to showcase at their annual Scottsdale auctions this January 16 and 17.   Among this significant collection appearing at the two-day Scottsdale event will be an original and very desirable 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster (Estimate: $1,700,000-$2,000,000), a 1958 Porsche 356 A Speedster (Estimate: $275,000-$375,000) that has benefited from single-family ownership since new, a low-mileage 1968 Lamborghini 400 GT 2+2 (Estimate: $700,000-$825,000) complete with Carrozzeria Touring coachwork and other interesting preservation gems from Ferrari, Aston Martin, Shelby and more. 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster  When this stunning 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster debuts in Scottsdale, it will be the first time it has ever been offered for public sale. It will be presented in the beautiful combination of Slate Grey over Red, which is in beautifully authentic condition including original paint, interior, accessories the now-sought-after “large” drum brakes.  This beautiful roadster was recently discovered in Washington State, where it was exquisitely maintained by one owner since the 1970s. The sale is complete with some wonderfully nostalgic, vintage photographs and documentation dating back to the 1960s.  The vehicle shows just 55,0000 miles from new and boasts the most desirable options including hard convertible top, sport wheels, Nardi steering wheel, Becker radio, fitted Hepco luggage as well as original tools, owner’s manual, radio manuals and 1963 Washington State license plates.  Overall, the SL displays a remarkably correct appearance and bears the distinct traces of age that speak to its minimal use and careful stewardship in the care of long-term owners. Sure to be admired and coveted by enthusiasts the world over, this roadster is, without a doubt, one of the most appealing original 300 SLs in existence and among the finest unrestored sports cars that Gooding & Company has ever had the pleasure to offer.    1958 Porsche 356 A Speedster  Discovered in 2014, this Speedster offered from the estate of its first and only owner, Ken Johnson, has an incredibly romantic history.  Living a true 1960s Angeleno lifestyle, this late production shining metallic silver example enjoyed drives to beach volleyball tournaments, daily trips up and down the coast of Malibu and was even the backdrop for the marriage proposal by Mr. Johnson, to his wife of over five decades. Purchased from in Long Beach, California and equipped with Dynaplastics accessory hardtop with Plexiglas side curtains and added cabriolet-style seats for comfort, the Speedster remained covered and secured for the next 56 years until late 2014.  When the garage door was finally pried open this past September, the 356A rolled outside for the first time in decades.  In the following weeks, the Porsche was returned to running order and received new tires, brake and fuel system servicing, and the carburetors were resealed.   Among the last Speedsters in existence, it is both incredible in its current condition as well as a great prospect for a top-level restoration by a discerning new owner.   1968 Lamborghini 400 GT 2+2  A resident of Japan for nearly 45 years, this 400 GT 2+2 is a late-production, low-mileage example, finished in specially ordered Amaranto (Red) paint and Senape (Mustard Tan) leather upholstery. Renowned as one of the finest 1960s GT designs, the 400 GT 2+2s are outfitted in Torino’s Carrozzeria Touring bodywork, which at the time was revised to accommodate the addition of rear seats while retaining its predecessor, the 350 GT’s classic silhouette. One of approximately 242 produced, the Lamborghini was sold to its first owner in Japan in 1968 and was soon road-registered. Three Japanese owners followed, and in mid-2013, the car was exported to the US. Having traveled less than 11,700 km (7,270 miles) from new, the 400 GT performed beautifully on a recent test drive.  This highly original 400 GT 2+2 is one of the most authentic and correct surviving examples in the world and a standard by which all others may be judged.   Additional discoveries coming to the two-day Scottsdale Auctions include a 1965 Ferrari 275 GTS offered from continuous 45-year ownership, a highly desirable 1960 Aston Martin DB4 Series II with original US Left-Hand-Drive, an impressively authentic and unrestored 1964 Shelby 289 Cobra, a 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III BJ8 with less than 22,000 miles from new, a unique Harvest Gold over Navy Blue 1973 MGB Roadster and many more unique finds perfectly suited for preservation hobbyists.