Guyton Collection Exceeds Bidding Expectations In St. Louis

Made up of sixty, pre-war and early classics, as well as hundreds of automobilia items, the Guyton Collection packaged up for sale at the May 4-5 auction in St. Louis that was hosted by RM Sotheby’s. The auction house is promoting the collection as “rarest of veteran, brass, and classic era American and European motor cars," and it ended up selling for an impressive $11.7 million.

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"We are thrilled with the results for the Guyton Collection, which truly exceeded our expectations in every way,” RM Sotheby’s car specialist Donnie Gould offered. “The entire team was honored to present such an exceptional collection and the prices achieved go to show just how well-respected Fred’s name and eye for quality were within the hobby."

“The car offering ignited spirited bidding and achieved strong prices across the board, led by a fascinating, award-winning 1909 Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP Silver Ghost Roi des Belges in the style of Barker, which saw an extended bidding contest, eventually bringing a final $1,325,000 against a pre-sale estimate of $800,000 – $1,000,000,” RM Sotheby’s said in a Press Release.

“Special Rolls-Royce models stole the show on Saturday, with a one-of-two 1938 Rolls-Royce Phantom III ‘Parallel Door’ Saloon Coupe drawing eyes and bids to a final $423,000 (est. $150/250k), and a highly desirable, largely original 1925 Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP Silver Ghost Piccadilly Roadster selling for a final $280,000 (est. $175/225k).

“Other European highlights include a 1927 Bugatti Type 40 Grand Sport, one of Mr. and Mrs. Guyton’s favorite cars, which sold for a final $362,500 (est. $200/300k).”

“Fred Guyton was a treasured name in the collector car hobby, and we’re honored to present his fascinating collection at auction,” RM Sotheby’s car specialist Donnie Gould offers.

Fred Guyton enlisted int the Peace Corps and U.S. Army, following his graduation from the University of Illinois. He moved to St. Louis, and co-founded Peckham Guyton Albers & Viets, Inc. - he served as a chairman for three and a half decades from then.

“With an encyclopedic knowledge of history himself, Fred’s collection tells the story of a significant period in automotive advancement, one that we’re thrilled to share with the hobby this spring. Fred rarely if ever sold a part of his beloved collection, and, apart from a handful of cars, did not show his collection often, so this truly is a very rare opportunity.”

Of the collection, Sotheby’s points out that a trio of classic era highlights stand out, that include a 1930 Packard 734 Speedster Eight Phaeton, 1930 Duesenberg Model J Murphy Convertible, and 1930 Ruxton Model C Baker-Raulang Roadster. 

“Mr. Guyton’s passion for historical pursuits is reflected in very discernible areas within his automobilia and collectibles as well, with an entire room in his facility dedicated to WWI and WWII aviation and naval ephemera, as well as a superb automotive library. Well over 500 pieces of automobilia, collectibles, petroliana, sports memorabilia, and original artwork are set for the May auction, alongside more than 3,000 model and toy cars, including what is regarded as one of the world’s finest assortments of Minic Clockwork Toy Cars.”

Other significant picks from the collection include a 1906 Mason Touring, 1927 Duesenberg Model X Dual-Cowl Phaeton, 1938 Rolls-Royce Phantom III ‘Parallel Door’, and 1909 Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP Silver Ghost Roi des Belges. 

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