In case you hadn’t heard, speedwayimmersive.com is now a part of the Red Ventures family. I will remain as Creative Director, with a focus on continuing to grow and improve speedwayimmersive.com as a content-led marketing platform.
What does this mean for you as a customer? Not much, thankfully! We will continue to honor all past events and offers on our website as we work to grow and improve as a platform.
Phew, that was a mouthful. Let’s dive in!
The Final Offering
The final offering on speedwayimmersive.com before the rebrand was the historic Milner Rolls Royce collection. The sale of this singular collection represented the passing of an era, as it was the final automobile offering from the legendary motor car collector Roy Milner before his untimely death in 2016.
What would make this particular collection so special? First, it’s exceptionally rare to find a complete set of five Rolls Royce cars (Stingray, Phantom XI, Phantom, Phantom III, and Wraith). Second, all five cars were ordered by Milner personally, and all were driven (or shipped) by him himself. Third, this was one man’s personal collection, and he owned them all. Finally, the cars were all in excellent condition, as Milner was particular about keeping up with the maintenance and upkeep of his fleet.
This was a prime example of a private collection being put on public display for the first time ever. It was incredible to walk around with a complete history of automobiles in your hands, and to be able to study the work of one of the most influential designers of all time. In the end, it was probably the final joyride Roy Milner ever took, as he passed away just two months later at the age of 101.
The Most Expensive Vintage Car Ever Sold
The most expensive vintage car ever sold was none other than the one and only Bugatti. This incredible automotive work of art was sold for the sum of €487,000 at the Bonhams Monaco auction in January 2018. The preceding month, a 1939 Bugatti 90S AVATiSSE (which was also at the center of a legal dispute between Bonhams and its client) sold for €435,000 at an Mecum auction in Germany.
Why is Bugatti, arguably one of the most important and most successful automotive design companies of all time, on this list? First of all, it’s because of the sheer number of cars that they produced during their existence. However, it’s also because of their unique design language, as demonstrated by the 90S model above. This is a car that truly stood out from the crowd.
Even more incredible is the fact that all of this happened before the year 2010. For context, Bugatti only became a brand in 1874, with the first model being the Type 35. However, it wasn’t until the year 1914 that they began producing a model that would eventually become the 90S. This makes the Bugatti 90S the longest running model in the company’s existence. The fact that it still runs so well after over a century of being built is nothing short of amazing.
Most Expensive Car Collection Ever Sold
The most expensive car collection ever sold was, in fact, a personal collection of Carroll Shelby’s. This collection of vehicles (which was put up for auction by Bonhams in December 2017) consisted of 28 cars, 16 of which were manufactured by Shelby himself. The average price paid per car was €28,000, with the most expensive model being the Ford GT, which sold for €113,000. This made the overall collection valued at €1.134 million.
Even more mind-blowing is the fact that this collection was amassed over many years. It began in the 1950s (with the first model being a customized 1950 Ford roadster), and continued until just a few years ago (with the most recent model in the collection being a 1967 Shelby Mustang). This makes it one of the longest-running and most expensive vehicle collections in history. It’s also worth nothing that all of the cars were sold as a single lot, as it was the last collection that Shelby ever assembled.
Most Expensive Landmark Remade
The most expensive landmark remake was the Hotel de Nevers, a 14-story glass skyscraper located in Paris. This building was designed by SHoP Architects and built starting in 2016. It boasts a helix stairway and a retractable roof, both of which are focal points and allow for exceptional views of the city.
What makes this particular hotel so special? For one, it’s not your typical hotel, as it is the brainchild of fashion designer Philippe Starck. It was his dream to somehow combine fashion and architecture, and I think he succeeded. Secondly, it’s incredibly rare to find a hotel with a helix stairway. Thirdly, the hotel’s roof is not just a traditional roof, but it is also equipped with revolving restaurants, boutiques, and other landmarks.
Why is the Hotel de Nevers, arguably one of the most important and most innovative hotels of our time, on this list? First, it’s because of its bold design that makes it stand out. The fact that it has a helix stairway and a revolving restaurant is nothing short of breathtaking. Finally, this was a complete rebranding and redevelopment of an existing landmark building. It was truly a labor of love for Philippe Starck.
Most Expensive Island Retreat
The most expensive island retreat was, in fact, a brand new estate built on a private island in the Bahamas. This 12-bedroom, 12-bathroom ultra-luxurious retreat (designed by architects Stefano Boeri and Franchetti S.c.i) was sold for a jaw-dropping €16 million. It features a private beach, twin pools, professional spa, fully equipped gym, and butler service.
Why is this particular resort so special? First of all, it’s designed to be a self-sufficient community, featuring a nursery school, kindergarten, and high school. Secondly, it’s located in the Bahamas, which is an incredible country rife with beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters. Finally, this was a truly spectacular retreat to call one’s own. It featured every conceivable luxury one could want, and it even had its own islanders to take care of the logistics (such as ferrying you around in the resort’s private boat).
This makes it the perfect spot for that much-needed break away from reality, whether it’s with a loved one, family, or friends. It could even become a regular getaway for you and your colleagues.
Most Expensive One-of-a-Kind Furniture
The most expensive one-of-a-kind furniture was, in fact, an exquisite dining set made entirely from walnut. This spectacular piece of furniture (designed by Italian designer Carlo Bonini) was sold at Sotheby’s Geneva auction in June 2016 and realized €35,500. It features a sculptured walnut table and six chairs, all upholstered in leather and has a total value of €175,000.
Why is this particular collection of furniture so special? First, it’s one-of-a-kind. Secondly, it was designed by Carlo Bonini, arguably one of the most important and innovative furniture designers of our time. Finally, these pieces were made entirely from wood, with a lot of attention paid to the detail and craftsmanship. It’s no wonder this piece was so highly sought after. It also makes it a fantastic investment, as it is guaranteed to increase in value.
Most Luxurious Residence
The most luxurious residence was, in fact, a private residence located in Los Angeles. It is the embodiment of excess. It features a large entry hall, an indoor pool, an outdoor pool, a basketball court, a movie theater, a spa, nine bedrooms, and nine bathrooms. It was designed by Atelier OMA and built in a vintage Los Angeles residential neighborhood. The property’s centerpiece is a 45-foot sculpture of the goddess Athena by British sculptor Elisabeth Fricker.
Why is this particular residence so special? First, it’s designed in the shape of a diamond, with a room on each face. This allows for an incredible 180-degree view of the surrounding area. Second, it’s filled with artwork, many of which are by well-known contemporary artists. Third, it features an indoor pool, an outdoor pool, a spa, a fully equipped gym, and a guesthouse with a fireplace and a kitchenette. Finally, it’s located in the heart of one of the most stunning cities in the world.