Six Rare Cars, One Abu Dhabi Auction: Ferrari, Lamborghini and Lancia Icons Head to RM Sotheby’s on 9 December

Abu Dhabi: Some of the world’s rarest cars are coming to the UAE capital. RM Sotheby’s will hold a collector car auction here on 9 December. The first six cars include Ferraris, a Lamborghini and a rally-winning Lancia. Estimates run from about AED 294,000 to AED 3.1 million. 

This article covers each car, what “no reserve” means and what it all means for UAE buyers. Most of us drive far more modest cars. Our guide on how hybrids can stretch your fuel budget covers that side of the story.

What Is Happening in Abu Dhabi

RM Sotheby’s calls itself the world’s largest collector car auction house by total sales. These six cars are only the first consignments announced. More lots may follow.

Detail	Info
Organiser	RM Sotheby’s
Date	9 December
City	Abu Dhabi
Cars announced	Six
Top estimate	USD 850,000 (about AED 3.1 million)
Lowest estimate	USD 80,000 (about AED 294,000)

The Six Cars Going Under the Hammer

Four Ferraris, one Lamborghini and one Lancia make up the six. The Scuderia Spider 16M carries the highest estimate. Prices are in US dollars. The AED figures are approximate, using the 3.6725 dollar peg.

Car	Key fact	Estimate (USD)	About (AED)
Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M	Open-top, 5,200 km	700,000-850,000	2.57-3.12 million
2004 Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale	Swiss-delivered, about 32,000 km	450,000-550,000	1.65-2.02 million
2004 Lamborghini Murciélago	6.2-litre V12, 572 hp	400,000-450,000	1.47-1.65 million
2010 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano	UAE-registered, 39,900 km	140,000-200,000	514,000-734,000
1991 Lancia Delta HF Integrale Evoluzione “Martini 5”	388 of 400 built	120,000-150,000	441,000-551,000
2006 Ferrari 612 Scaglietti F1 HGTC	About 58,000 km	80,000-120,000	294,000-441,000

The Local Hero: A UAE-Registered Ferrari 599

The 2010 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano is a Middle East-market car. It is registered in the UAE today. It has carbon-fibre detailing and a specialist inspection reports very good condition. That history matters. Service records are to a classic what a warranty is to a new car. Our list of top 5 brands with strong warranty and after-sales support shows why.

• 39,900 km on the odometer
• Carbon-fibre detailing
• Specialist inspection: very good condition
• Estimate: USD 140,000-200,000

Murciélago and Delta: Two Very Different Thrills

The Lamborghini Murciélago brings a 6.2-litre V12 with 572 hp, a six-speed gated manual and four-wheel drive. It was delivered new to Japan in February 2004. It is left-hand drive and comes with its books, manuals and warranty card. The Lancia is a rally legend.

• Lancia Delta: number 388 of 400, marking Lancia’s fifth straight World Rally Championship manufacturers’ title
• Lancia Delta: recommissioned in May 2022
• Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale: service history, original books and tools

Two Cars With No Reserve

“No reserve” means a car sells to the highest bidder, whatever the price. The 2006 Ferrari 612 Scaglietti and the Lancia Delta Integrale are both offered this way. Their estimates are the lowest of the six.

Lot	Estimate (USD)	Reserve
Ferrari 612 Scaglietti F1 HGTC	80,000-120,000	None
Lancia Delta Integrale “Martini 5”	120,000-150,000	None

Why the Middle East Matters

Duccio Filippo Lopresto, managing director for Mena at RM Sotheby’s, calls the region an “incredibly exciting market for collector cars”. Holding the sale in Abu Dhabi suggests how strong that interest has become.

What This Means for UAE Buyers

Think of this as a showcase more than a shopping list. These cars suit serious collectors who have budget, garage space and patience. I have not seen any of them in person. Still, a few things deserve a quick check. The article does not say how to register, when viewing happens or what fees apply. Ask RM Sotheby’s before you plan.

• Add fees on top of the estimate once they are published
• Budget for climate-controlled storage in peak summer
• Ask for the specialist inspection report
• Check the service history before you bid
• Decide your maximum price beforehand

For everyday drivers, this is simply a fun look at what the region’s collectors admire. It is a good reminder that careful ownership keeps any car valuable.

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