RM Sotheby's to Unveil Prized Pre-War Jim Patterson Collection at Monterey

BLENHEIM, ONTARIO – RM Sotheby's has announced it will showcase a meticulously curated selection from The Jim Patterson Collection at its highly anticipated Monterey Auction, scheduled for August 13–15. This offering promises to be a significant event for collectors, bringing to the market an extraordinary array of pre-war automobiles that stand as testaments to an era of unparalleled craftsmanship and design.

In a collector car market often dominated by modern hypercars and post-war classics, The Jim Patterson Collection offers a compelling counterpoint, emphasizing artistry, individuality, and profound historical significance. The collection, featuring some of the most celebrated names in early automotive history, provides a rare opportunity to acquire vehicles that embody the pinnacle of pre-war engineering and coachbuilt design.

A Glimpse into Pre-War Automotive Artistry

Headlining the collection is a truly exceptional 1937 Bugatti Type 57SC Atalante, a car renowned for its scarcity and remarkable pedigree. This specific example, chassis 57551, is one of only 42 Type 57S models ever built and one of merely 17 bodied with the iconic Atalante coachwork. Its deep historical roots include delivery to its first owner, Jean Lévy of Strasbourg, and later becoming a cherished part of the legendary Harrah's Automobile Collection. Its restoration to 57SC specification led to it securing the coveted 'Best of Show' award at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in 1976, solidifying its status as a masterpiece. This Bugatti represents the ultimate expression of the marque's pre-war performance lineage, blending elegant aesthetics with formidable engineering.

Such vehicles are more than just modes of transportation; they are rolling sculptures, handcrafted during a period when automotive design was a pure art form. They offer collectors a tangible link to the origins of motoring, a stark contrast to today's performance-driven vehicles. The opportunity to acquire a Bugatti of this caliber, with its exquisite provenance and concours success, is a rare occurrence that underscores the importance of the Patterson Collection.

Elegance and Engineering: The Delage Masterpieces

Further enriching the collection are two exquisite Delage models, showcasing the zenith of French automotive craftsmanship. The 1937 Delage D8-120 Coach Aérosport is another star, revered for its elegant lines and sophisticated engineering. It represents the collaboration between leading chassis manufacturers and master coachbuilders, a hallmark of the pre-war luxury car industry. This particular Delage, originally delivered to a prominent Portuguese owner, has been meticulously freshened by RM Auto Restoration and has accumulated numerous concours accolades, including 'Best of Show' at The Elegance at Hershey and the Keeneland Concours, as well as the 'Elegance in Motion Trophy' at Pebble Beach.

Accompanying it is a 1939 Delage D8-120 S Coupe, a further testament to the marque's commitment to luxury and performance. These Delage vehicles are celebrated for their distinctive designs and the high level of artistry involved in their creation, making them highly desirable for connoisseurs of pre-war French automobiles. The sale of these vehicles from The Jim Patterson Collection at Monterey is poised to attract significant international attention, reinforcing the enduring appeal of these irreplaceable machines for their beauty, historical significance, and the sheer joy of their preservation.