Rare Cars and Watches Auction in Dubai Fetches Dh62 Million

In a monumental event that showcased the opulence and prestige of Dubai’s luxury market, RM Sotheby’s inaugural auction witnessed an astonishing total of over $17 million (Dh62 million) in sales, featuring some of the rarest cars and watches in the world.

The auction, held in Dubai, attracted high-profile collectors and enthusiasts, with three supercars fetching over Dh10 million each. Topping the list was the 2016 Koenigsegg Agera RSR, one of only three ever produced, which sold for a staggering $3.38 million (Dh12.4 million). Boasting a 5.0 V-8 engine generating 1,160 horsepower and covering just 993 kilometers, it stood as a testament to automotive engineering excellence.

Following closely behind was the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss, achieving an impressive $3.211 million (Dh11.784 million), setting another world-record auction price for the model. Completing the top three was the 2023 Aston Martin Valkyrie Coupé, purchased for $3.07 million (Dh11.266 million), reaffirming its status as one of the most powerful Aston Martins ever produced.

Dubai’s emergence as a premier destination for collectors of luxury items has propelled auction houses like RM Sotheby’s to select the city for their exclusive events, ensuring optimal returns for rare and coveted items.

Peter Wallman, chairman of RM Sotheby’s UK and EMEA, expressed his delight at the success of the inaugural auction, highlighting the region’s growing passion for collector cars and the allure of live auction environments.

Top Ten Sales at the Dubai Auction:

1. 2016 Koenigsegg Agera RSR – $3.38 million
2. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss – $3.21 million
3. 2023 Aston Martin Valkyrie Coupé – $3.07 million
4. 2017 Lamborghini Centenario LP770-4 Coupé – $2.142 million
5. 2022 Ferrari 812 Competizione – $1.467 million
6. 2014 McLaren P1 – $1.00 million
7. 2018 Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet – $792,500
8. Rolex Daytona UAE (Ref. 6263) – $300,000
9. 2015 Rolls-Royce ‘Silver Spectre’ Shooting Brake – $280,625
10. 1993 Ferrari 512 TR – $275,000

The auction also featured a selection of ten exclusive watches, with the highlight being the Rolex Daytona UAE, fetching an astounding $300,000 (Dh1.1 million). Crafted circa 1978, the watch bears the UAE coat of arms and the Arabic signature of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

In total, the inaugural Dubai auction by RM Sotheby’s amassed an impressive $17.381 million (Dh63.788 million) in sales, with an outstanding 88.9 per cent of all lots finding eager buyers.