Sir Stirling picks up a Porsche RS61 Spyder at Auction
Gooding & Company is proud to announce that legendary race car driver Sir Stirling Moss is the new owner of the $1.705 Million 1961 Porsche RS61 Spyder from the auction houses’ debut Amelia Island Auction on Friday, March 12. Despite a serious accident a few days earlier, Moss pursued the rare sports racer via a proxy bidder who had been instructed by him from his hospital bed in the United Kingdom to pursue the car vigorously, which saw him eventually claim the winning bid for the Porsche RS61.
“I was terribly disappointed to miss Gooding & Company’s inaugural auction in Amelia Island last week,” said Sir Stirling Moss. “I have long sought after a Porsche RS and had my eye on that Porsche RS 61 for several weeks and now cannot wait to see my new car!”
The Porsche race car is similar to the RS60 Sir Stirling raced during the 1960s, in which he nearly won the 1961 Targa Florio. Gooding & Company is honored to have sold it to one of the world’s most influential and talented race car drivers who is a also a friend and client of the auction house. The Porsche RS61 was one of two world record sales at Gooding & Company’s first-ever Amelia Island Auction that garnered more than $16.1 Million for a total of 58 out of 71 lots sold, averaging an impressive $278,300 per car.
A legend who continues to lead by example far past his heroic racing days, Sir Stirling released a touching and light-hearted personal letter last week sharing his regret for not being able to attend the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance as scheduled. Many enthusiasts were struck by the strength and positive disposition expressed in the letter, despite the serious nature of the accident taken place a few days earlier. “I was thrilled to learn that it was none other than Stirling Moss who offered the final bid on the Porsche RS61 at our Amelia Island Auction,” said David Gooding, president and founder of Gooding & Company. “My deep concern for his health following his accident turned to sheer amazement when I learned that he was the one driving the bidding rush for that car.”
Originally estimated to sell between $1.2 – $1.5 Million, Moss finished the bidding race by offering a final price of $1.705 Million. One of only 14 ever built, the lightweight, 4- Cam RS61 was the ultimate evolution of the Porsche Spyder project that began with the legendary 550 Spyder. Between 1961-1963, this car captured over a dozen victories in the hands of numerous significant racing figures.
As a standard practice, Gooding & Company respects and values the privacy of its clients. In this circumstance, Gooding & Company agreed with Sir Stirling Moss to reveal information behind the purchase of the 1961 Porsche RS61.
Via: Gooding and Company
Images: Gooding and Company
