Sotheby’s describes this sale as ‘a nearly encyclopedic list of Porsches’. But there are other gems in the sale, which is of sufficient scale to take place on two separate dates in two different countries. 

Despite what the name might suggest, the Carrera Collection is an auction containing more than just Porsches. Indeed, the RM Sotheby’s sale is so vast that it takes place in two parts: the first in Switzerland on July 7, the second in Italy on July 12. While perhaps out of the usual Classics World remit, they do give us a great chance to lust over some exotica.

In the first catalogue there is certainly a host of desirable Porsche models. The earliest on offer is a matching-numbers 1955 1500 Speedster – the restored 356 guided at £195,000-£230,000. Meanwhile a 1963 356 B Carrera 2 2000 GS coupe looks equally appealing and is anticipated to sell for £270,000-£345,000. Of the many 911s on offer here the earliest is a red 1966 coupe. One of only three 1960s Porsche in this sale, it’s guided at £60,000-£75,000. Meanwhile, RM Sotheby’s expects a 1990 964-era 911 Targa to prove the most accessible Porsche lot – it’s one of 1329 Targa cars configured with all-wheel-drive and bids between £31,000-£46,500 are expected. Conversely, the most expensive offering is a 1973 911 Carrera RS 2.7 Touring, one of 1308 specified in roadgoing M472 Touring trim. Bids of £310,000-£345,000 could secure it.

Away from the Porsche lots come a handful of equally aspirational offerings from other manufacturers. Two Mercedes-Benz 190SL models – a 1956 example and a 1960 car – are both guided at £55,000-£75,000. A 1969 Lancia Fulvia Coupé Rallye 1.6 HF ‘Fanalone’ is also sure to generate plenty of interest, with the desirable Series 1 example expected to bring the hammer down at between £60,000-£75,000. Another curiosity is a 1981 Mercedes-Benz 500SL – a rare factory test chassis that was initially withheld before being sold new in Switzerland. An estimated £19,500 could buy it.

The second part of this sale takes place in Italy, and it includes yet more striking Stuttgart machinery. Of the earliest cars comes one of 394 examples of the 356 Pre-A Cabriolet. Bodied by Reutter Karosserie, it is expected to change hands for £155,000-£190,000. Conversely, amongst the newest is a 1990 928 S4, with the low-mileage, German-market example valued at £13,000-£25,500.

Amongst the various 911s comes a rare 1968 ‘Soft-Window’ Targa (£85,000 – £120,000), and a 1969 S coupe finished in factory special order Koenigsblau, potentially yours for £85,000. Several early turbocharged models include a 1978 3.3-litre 930 in Grand Prix White with a blue leather interior, which expected to sell for £70,000-£85,000.

Of the other marques, a 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SE Cabriolet guided at £60,000-£75,000 and a 1985 280SL estimated at 34,000-£50,000 are highlights, as is what’s believed to be one of just 141 BMW Z1s finished in Fungelb – and one of just 31 to feature a matching Gelb interior. Bids of £42,500-£60,000 are expected.

Visit the website for the full sale catalogue at rmsothebys.com

  • Built in the model’s final year of production and delivered new to a Mercedes-Benz employee in Germany, this 1985 280 SL will be offered on July 12. It is guided at £34,000-£50,000.
  • This 1955 Porsche 356 1500 Speedster is the oldest car in the catalogue and has been restored in its factory-correct colour combination. The auction house expects it to sell for £195,000-£230,000.
  • Displaying only 1986 miles on its odometer and boasting a unique Elfenbein colour scheme, this 1989 Porsche 911 Speedster looks like an ideal collector car. Bids of £130,000-£170,000 are anticipated
  • This 1990 Porsche 911 Targa could prove the bargain of The Carrera Collection auction in relative terms. The 964-era 911 is guided at £31,000-£46,500, but has no reserve.
  • The BMW Z1 is rare in itself, but this one is believed to be one of just 141 cars finished in Fungelb, and one of just 31 with a matching Gelb interior. It has a low mileage of 11,116 and is expected to sell for £42,500-£60,000.
  • This Series 1 1969 Lancia Fulvia Coupé Rallye 1.6 HF 'Fanalone' is a fine example of one of Lancia’s greatest homologation specials. Finished in factory-correct Rosso Corsa, it is expected to sell for upwards of £60,000.