A driving passion for automotive excellence...
The story of RM is one of passion, determination and a level of expertise about classic cars that is unrivalled. From its modest beginnings as a one-man restoration shop in founder Rob Myers’ garage, to becoming a world leader in vintage automobile auction, restoration and sales, the history of this successful and dynamic company is one worth sharing.
RM Auctions’ founder and CEO Myers’ passion for classic cars stretches back to his childhood, where he was surrounded by his father's various antique automobiles. After years of working on his father's cars, Myers inaugurated his own single-car garage restoration business in 1976, and by 1979 the company was officially incorporated.
Initially the shop focused on repairs, engine and performance upgrades and eventually graduated to bodywork modifications and custom paint. By 1980, the company’s success allowed for the construction of a large, dedicated restoration and sales facility. Throughout the 1980s, Myers was also actively buying and selling collector cars, and was soon joined by fellow collector car experts Dan Warrener and Mike Fairbairn, who became partners in 1988. With this team of knowledgeable specialists in place, brisk sales continued, and they were soon consigning dozens of vehicles to collector car auctions. They were doing such a large volume of business with other auction companies (in the neighborhood of several million dollars a year) that they decided to open their own auction house. In 1991, RM Auctions was formed, located in Chatham-Kent, Ontario.
From its inception, the auction division has experienced consistent and impressive growth, establishing an enviable roster of collector car auction events located in a variety of prestigious settings. Such notable auctions span the continent and include Monterey, California; Amelia Island, Florida; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; and Phoenix, Arizona. 2007 saw RM expand into Europe and the United Kingdom with record-breaking auctions in Maranello, Italy and London, England.
Through an alliance with international auction house Sotheby’s, RM’s European debut has been nothing short of outstanding. RM’s Automobiles of London auction in 2007 is regarded as the largest of its kind ever to be held in the United Kingdom, while RM’s Ferrari: Leggenda e Passione event in May 2009 saw the company achieve the new world record for the most expensive vintage motor car ever sold at auction. Taking this prestigious title was a stunning 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa, selling for an impressive $12,402,500 USD – smashing the previous world record, also achieved by RM at the same event the previous year, for a 1961 Ferrari 250 GTSWB California Spyder for $10,894,400 USD. Responsible for the sale of five of the top ten most valuable classic automobiles ever sold at auction, RM has established itself at the highest echelon of the vintage motor car market.
In addition to these events comprising its annual calendar, RM has also had the privilege of representing the sale of many noted private collections. Now employing approximately 80 staff in both North America and Europe, RM Auctions has become the world's largest vintage automobile auction house.
The restoration business that started it all continues to thrive, nearly thirty years after its inception. It has grown to be a highly regarded firm selected to undertake comprehensive restorations on some of the world’s most rare and important automobiles. Year after year, RM Auto Restoration work garners international awards and accolades including the world famous Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance "Best in Show" trophy in 2001, again in 2004, and an unprecedented Best in Show and “triple crown” win in 2006 at Pebble Beach, Amelia Island and Meadow Brook Concours.
For nearly three decades, RM Auctions has experienced impressive growth, facilitated record-breaking auctions and created a global network of clients and partners. On behalf of the RM team, we thank you for your interest and hope you will join us for the ride…
