RM AUCTION AT THE BILTMORE

And you thought England was only famous for the Beatles?

By: Cathy and Bill

The Biltmore Hotel, in Phoenix, Arizona, set the stage for the grandeur and excitement of the annual RM Auction, January  21 and 22^nd. RM celebrated “The British are Coming” on Thursday with choices ranging from a ’49 MG Roadster to a 1962 Aston Martin DB4 Racing Car.

Bill and I met collectors from all over the world, and enjoyed stories of cars lost, and jewels found in suburban barns over their many years of collecting. As you listened to these stories, you couldn’t help but pay attention to the soundtracks of the Beatles greatest hits, over the sound system.  It really put you in the mood to collect “British”.

One of the most unique cars on the block ( not from England)  for this auction was the 1956 Cadillac “Maharani Special” Motorama show car.  This Cadillac is also referred to as the “Kitchen Sink Cadillac.” Its stated purpose was to store, prepare, serve and clean-up an entire meal, in a setting for a king.  It was designed as nothing short of a kitchen on wheels – a function that required the removal of about half the front seat to allow for the installation of an electrical hot plate to warm food, a toaster and refrigerator in the trunk.

You could store fine china as well as a cutlery tray that features individual positions for forks, knives and spoons. 

Check out our radio interview with Ian Kelleher, the President and COO of RM Auctions, on our January 23^rd show on KKNT-960 AM 5-7 PM or go to www.twofortheroadusa.com click on radio shows.

This vehicle is estimated to go for between $150,000 and $200,000 dollars.

The photo we took, doesn’t do it justice, but if you google the “Kitchen Sink Cadillac” you will see how innovative and cool this “Maharani Special” really is.