Broad Arrow Auctions will offer more than 100 collector cars from the Academy of Art University Collection in a standalone sale on February 15, 2025, in San Francisco.
This world-class collection features some of the most sought-after American, British and European models from the pre- and post-war eras and beyond. Every vehicle will be sold without reserve.
The cars are currently part of the prestigious Academy of Art University Automobile Museum in San Francisco, and have been carefully acquired over several decades. The collection was initially curated under the direction of former Academy president and automotive enthusiast Dr Richard Alan Stephens, and it continues to be overseen by his daughter, Dr Elisa Stephens.
Headlining the collection is a stunning 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupé finished in Strawberry Red Metallic
The museum’s philosophy is to preserve key pieces of automotive history while inspiring students of art and design. However, in a move to modernise and expand the collection for future generations, the Academy has decided to bring a select portion of its cars to market.
“We are truly honoured to offer the Academy of Art University Collection at auction,” said Broad Arrow’s senior car specialist and Academy alumna Caroline Cassini. “This collection of automotive masterpieces paints a picture of watershed moments in motoring history and design, with a host of exciting examples on offer to suit a variety of collecting tastes.”
Headlining the collection is a stunning 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupé finished in Strawberry Red Metallic over Natural leather. The matching-numbers example was fully restored by Hjeltness Restoration before being acquired by the Academy in 2009. It is expected to fetch between $1.2m and $1.5m.
Sitting below the 300 SL in the pre-sale estimate hierarchy is a 1933 Chrysler Custom Imperial Dual-Windshield Phaeton by LeBaron. This one-off was commissioned by LeBaron designer Ralph Roberts, who subsequently used it as his personal car. A multiple winner at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, the Chrysler wears its correct Moon Glow Blue polychromatic livery and tan leather interior. Previous owners include Los Angeles Times publisher Otis Chandler, newspaper artist Milhous, and the late Judge Joseph Cassini ($900,000–$1.2m).
A 1932 Marmon Sixteen Convertible Sedan by LeBaron is another high-profile lot, and it was originally delivered to American-born British petroleum industrialist J Paul Getty. Finished in blue and grey two-tone paint over a grey leather interior, this Art Deco, V16-powered masterpiece underwent an award-winning restoration in the 1990s ($300,000–$400,000).
Another pre-war American automobile on offer is a top-spec Packard Twelve 1108 Convertible Victoria. Built in 1934, this luxurious machine is believed to have originally been owned by Hollywood actor Cesar Romero. It has since been shown at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in 1955 and 2008, and it features rare options including an in-dash radio and side-mount covers ($300,000–$400,000).
One of just 12 surviving Minerva AL Convertible Sedans looks certain to attract the attention of discerning collectors. Built in 1931, this Belgian automobile wears stunning Rollston coachwork and was restored by marque expert Steve Babinsky in 1998. The concours-winning machine is expected to fetch between $400,000 and $500,000.
The remainder of the Academy of Art University Collection spans the entire automotive alphabet, featuring brands such as AC, Amphicar and Auburn, as well as Talbot-Lago, Volkswagen and Volvo, with models ranging from 1927 to 2000.
“This outstanding offering of classic cars is emblematic of everything the University prized in automotive design and engineering,” concluded Dr Elisa Stephens. “We are thoroughly excited to know that many of these outstanding examples will become celebrated parts of other substantial collections worldwide.”
To view the auction catalogue, click here.
