It’s not often that adding a Bugatti and a Pagani to the mix makes a group more accessible.
But that’s the idea behind RM Sotheby’s “Icons” auction on Dec. 6 in New York. The sale is meant to appeal to first-time car collectors and wealthy buyers who have probably purchased a high-priced watch or bottle of wine from the global auction house but haven’t yet dabbled in cars.
So while well-heeled enthusiasts, longtime Ferrari collectors, and older buyers will naturally gravitate to the $14 million 1959 Ferrari 250 GT on offer next month—as they always have—the folks at Sotheby’s are hoping a $3.5 million Bugatti Chiron and a $2 million Pagani Huayra will attract some new interest.
“The modern supercars and hyper-cars appeal to a younger demographic,” says Ian Kelleher, chief marketing officer of RM Sotheby’s. “They appeal to an audience who has an appreciation for modern technology.”
What’s more, modern cars such as the 2018 Bugatti Chiron are easier to drive than, say, the $1.4 million 1995 Porsche 911 GT2 and $2.4 million 1965 Aston Martin DB5 Convertible that are also on offer. Credit that aforementioned technology, which is a great thing if you’re a buyer looking to regularly enjoy your new purchase without putting forth much effort.
“A lot of these modern supercars are significantly more usable,” Kelleher said. “Not everyone has the wherewithal or the ability to handle a 911 at speed around a track. They need modern technology in order to make them more comfortable. It’s an area of the market that is evolving, and that is an area we want to be sure to pay attention to.”
The Chiron has plenty of technology, inside and out. It comes with a novel carbon monocoque chassis made with interwoven carbon fiber and aluminum, giving it structural rigidity on the level of a race car. Its massive, eight-liter W16 engine can hit speeds near 280 miles per hour, and it is stopped by carbon ceramic brakes 20 millimeters larger and 2mm thicker than those on the previous Bugatti, plus new, forged-aluminum calipers painted red. The interior trim is red as well; the exterior paint is black.
It’s also exceedingly rare, with just 250 miles, and it’s the very first Chiron ordered for the U.S. market—one of only 500 made.
The 2014 Pagani Huayra coupe is even rarer—the 78th of only 100 built. This one is finished in silver, set off by a black-leather interior and black aerodynamic flaps on the nose. It comes with only 4,943 miles on the engine. The low miles, rarity, and pristine condition make it immensely appealing.
“New collectors like to differentiate themselves,” Kelleher says. “The Pagani is a good example of that attitude,” because it is so rare when compared to something such as a Ferrari 488.