New Highlights for the 19th Annual Hershey Sale by RM Sotheby’s

RM Sotheby’s has announced new consignments for the 19th annual Hershey sale, including a 1908 Panhard et Levassor Type Q Racing, a 1931 Marmon Sixteen Two-Passenger Coupe by LeBaron, and a 1935 Auburn 851 Custom Speedster.

Held at the Hershey Lodge in Hershey, Pennsylvania, on October 8-9, this annual sale features a selection of veteran, Brass Era, and post-war classics, as well as a variety of unusual and fascinating automobiles.

Auction highlights include:

1908 Panhard et Levassor Type Q Racing – The 1908 Panhard et Levassor Type Q Racing is one of only two surviving four-cylinder examples of its kind, powered by a formidable 10.5-litre T-head engine producing 50 horsepower through a dual chain drive. Originally delivered to Mexico, it was raced extensively by Don Pedro Suinaga and driver Augustine Casaux, remaining competitive into the 1920s.

Later rediscovered by Fernando Ariza, the car was restored and shown at Pebble Beach, where it won its class in 1995. It was subsequently displayed at the Petersen Automotive Museum before entering notable European collections. 

Recently returned to its 1910 speed trials configuration with extensive freshening, it remains mechanically pure and visually striking, offering a scarce opportunity to acquire an authentic Edwardian racing machine with remarkable provenance (Estimate: $800,000 – $1,200,000 USD).

1931 Marmon Sixteen Two-Passenger Coupe by LeBaron – The 1931 Marmon Sixteen Two-Passenger Coupe by LeBaron is among the rarest and most respected surviving Sixteens, boasting its original body, engine, and chassis.

Powered by a 200-horsepower all-aluminium V-16, it outperformed even the Duesenberg Model J, wrapped in elegant LeBaron coachwork designed by Walter Dorwin Teague Jr. Only six examples of this factory body style are known, making it exceptionally scarce.

This car’s well-documented provenance includes decades of ownership by notable enthusiasts, most prominently Marvin Tamaroff, who commissioned its award-winning 2002 restoration by Sixteen expert Harry Sherry.

With further concours successes under subsequent owners, including Best in Class at Amelia Island and Radnor Hunt in recent years, it stands today as one of the finest examples of its kind—a true cornerstone for any Full Classic collection (Estimate: $750,000 – $900,000 USD).

1935 Auburn 851 Custom Speedster – The 1935 Auburn 851 Custom Speedster is a singular example of Gordon Buehrig’s celebrated “Boattail” design, believed to be the only Speedster delivered in naturally aspirated Custom trim.

Retaining its original engine, chassis, and body, it stands apart from its supercharged siblings while still featuring Auburn’s advanced dual-ratio rear axle. With a well-documented history that includes long-term display in Dick’s Classic Garage Museum, the car was recently restored to striking factory-correct Duck Egg Blue over red leather.

As a CCCA Full Classic and one of the most significant Auburns of the Classic Era, it represents a rare opportunity to acquire an unrepeatable piece of American motoring history (Estimate: $625,000 – $725,000 USD).

Top Ten Cars 

1. 1908 Panhard et Levassor Type Q Racing — $800,000–$1,200,000 USD
2. 1931 Marmon Sixteen Two-Passenger Coupe by LeBaron — $750,000–$900,000 USD
3. 1935 Auburn 851 Custom Speedster — $625,000–$725,000 USD
4. 1937 Bugatti Type 57 Cabriolet — $550,000–$650,000 USD
5. 1955 Hudson Italia by Touring — $425,000–$500,000 USD
6. 1930 Cadillac V-16 Sport Phaeton by Fleetwood — $350,000–$450,000 USD
7. 1932 Marmon Sixteen Seven-Passenger Phaeton by Waterhouse — $350,000–$400,000 USD
8. 1958 Dual-Ghia Convertible — $300,000–$350,000 USD
9. 1930 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Transformal Phaeton by Hibbard & Darrin — $275,000–$325,000 USD
10. 1937 White 706 Glacier National Park Tour Bus — $275,000–$325,000 USD

These consignments follow the earlier announcement of the Suzy Q Collection, a warm and diverse group of 51 motor cars curated over two decades by the late Saul “Sonny” Schwartz. A beloved AACA and CCCA member, Schwartz was admired for his passion, hospitality, and eclectic automotive tastes, reflected in the collection’s Brass Era touring cars, CCCA Full Classics, 1950s favourites, and even a military cargo truck.

Offered entirely without reserve, the Suzy Q Collection will headline RM Sotheby’s Hershey 2025 auction this October. Highlights include the 1934 Auburn 1250 Salon Phaeton Sedan, 1916 Pierce-Arrow Model 36 C-4 Five-Passenger Touring, and the 1936 Cadillac Series 85 Convertible Sedan by Fleetwood.