There are car shows, there are collector car auctions, and then there is RM Sotheby’s at Hershey!
As part of my 2026 adventure at the AACA Eastern Fall Meet in Hershey, Pennsylvania, I had the incredible opportunity to spend time inside the RM Sotheby’s auction at the Hershey Lodge. If you love automotive history, rare automobiles, beautiful craftsmanship, and the excitement of watching extraordinary vehicles cross the auction block, this is an experience unlike any other.
My goal at Hershey this year has been simple: The Cars of Hershey. I want to bring you up close to the machines, the history, and the people who make this gathering one of the greatest celebrations of the automobile.
And the RM Sotheby’s auction certainly delivered!
A Collector Car Auction Unlike Any Other
Celebrating its 20th year at Hershey, RM Sotheby’s returned October 7 and 8, 2026, as the official auction of the AACA National Fall Meet.
Held inside the Hershey Lodge, this prestigious auction brings together some of the finest examples of early automotive engineering and design. Unlike auctions dominated by modern supercars and muscle cars, Hershey has a particular emphasis on Brass Era automobiles, pre-war classics, historic luxury cars, and vehicles with remarkable stories.
Walking among these automobiles was like stepping into a museum where nearly everything had the potential to find a new owner.
From massive luxury touring cars and handcrafted coachbuilt masterpieces to early electric vehicles and rare sports cars, there was something fascinating around every corner.
The Cars: Extraordinary Machines Crossing the Auction Block
1934 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Berline by Murphy
Estimated Value: $900,000 to $1,200,000
One of the undeniable stars of the auction was the magnificent 1934 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Berline, featuring coachwork by the Walter M. Murphy Company of Pasadena, California.
Duesenberg represented the absolute pinnacle of American automotive luxury and engineering during the Classic Era. These were automobiles built for an exclusive clientele who demanded performance, prestige, and craftsmanship.
This particular example, chassis number 2434, is especially significant because approximately five examples of this close-coupled Murphy Convertible Berline design are believed to survive.
Its elegant proportions, dramatically angled windshield, distinctive beltline, and beautifully sculpted bodywork make it a rolling work of art.
With an estimated value approaching $1.2 million, this was certainly one of the automobiles I was most excited to see.
1935 Auburn 851 Supercharged Speedster
Estimated Value: $850,000 to $950,000
If there is one automobile that perfectly captures the drama and elegance of 1930s American automotive design, it might be the Auburn Speedster.
The 1935 Auburn 851 Supercharged Speedster is famous for its sweeping bodywork, distinctive boattail rear end, and supercharged eight-cylinder engine.
But the example offered at Hershey was even more special. RM Sotheby’s identified it as the very first 1935 Auburn 851 Supercharged Speedster produced.
Imagine being able to see such an important piece of American automotive history in person!
These cars are instantly recognizable, and their combination of Art Deco styling and advanced engineering continues to attract collectors nearly a century later.
1915 Mercedes 28/60 HP Town Car and Tourer Display Chassis
Estimated Value: $450,000 to $650,000
Another fascinating automobile was the 1915 Mercedes 28/60 HP Town Car and Tourer Display Chassis.
This extraordinary early Mercedes represents an era when automobiles were transitioning from experimental machines into sophisticated transportation for the wealthy.
Its history is particularly interesting because it is believed to have been owned by Carl Laemmle, one of the founders of Universal Pictures.
For me, automobiles like this demonstrate just how closely automotive history is connected to the broader history of American culture, entertainment, and industry.
1913 Fiat Type 55 Speedster
Estimated Value: $250,000 to $300,000
One of the more surprising vehicles in the auction was the 1913 Fiat Type 55 Speedster.
While many people associate Fiat with small Italian automobiles, the company once built enormous, powerful luxury vehicles in the United States.
This particular Fiat represents that fascinating chapter in automotive history. Featuring a massive four-cylinder engine displacing nearly 9.4 liters, the Type 55 was an impressive performance machine for its time.
It is a reminder that the automotive industry looked very different more than a century ago!
1909 Detroit Electric Model D, Type K Brougham
Estimated Value: $120,000 to $160,000
Electric cars are nothing new!
Long before Tesla and today’s modern electric vehicles, manufacturers were experimenting with battery-powered transportation.
The 1909 Detroit Electric Model D, Type K Brougham offered at Hershey is believed to be the earliest surviving example of its model family and one of only two surviving Detroit Electrics equipped with an early dual-chain-drive configuration.
Seeing an automobile like this really puts the evolution of electric vehicles into perspective.
More than 115 years ago, engineers were already exploring alternatives to gasoline-powered transportation.
1965 Sunbeam Tiger Mk I
Estimated Value: $80,000 to $100,000
For enthusiasts who appreciate a little more horsepower, the 1965 Sunbeam Tiger Mk I was another exciting offering.
Developed with involvement from legendary American performance engineer Carroll Shelby, the Sunbeam Tiger combined British sports car styling with the power of a Ford V8.
The result was a compact, lightweight roadster with a tremendous personality.
It’s exactly the type of automobile that demonstrates how creative engineering and unexpected partnerships can produce something special.
A Special Moment: Meeting Wayne Carini at Hershey!
As if being surrounded by these incredible automobiles wasn’t enough, another highlight of my evening was getting to spend a little time with Wayne Carini, the legendary collector car expert and star of the popular television series Chasing Classic Cars!
For those unfamiliar with Wayne, he’s one of the most recognizable personalities in the collector car world. As the owner of F40 Motorsports in Connecticut, Wayne has spent decades discovering, restoring, buying, and selling some of the world’s most extraordinary automobiles. His passion for cars began at a young age, working alongside his father, and eventually led to a career that has made him a household name among classic car enthusiasts.
Through Chasing Classic Cars, Wayne has taken millions of viewers behind the scenes of rare automotive discoveries, prestigious auctions, and remarkable restorations.
And there he was, right in the middle of the RM Sotheby’s Hershey auction, doing exactly what he’s famous for!
I had the opportunity to watch Wayne actively participating in the auction, holding up his bidder paddle, bidding on cars, and following the action as these extraordinary machines crossed the block. It was fantastic seeing him in his element, doing what he loves!
I also had the chance to say hello, spend a little time with him, and grab a photograph together. What a great experience!
For someone who has spent years enjoying classic cars and sharing automotive adventures through jamzDOTnet, moments like these make events such as Hershey even more memorable.
You never know who you’re going to meet or what incredible automotive history you’re going to experience!
More Than Just Expensive Cars
What makes the RM Sotheby’s Hershey auction so interesting is the diversity of the vehicles.
There were cars representing the earliest days of motoring, magnificent coachbuilt luxury automobiles, distinctive American classics, and even unusual historic machines that rarely appear at public events.
Each automobile has a story. Some were engineering breakthroughs. Others belonged to notable individuals. Many survived decades of changing ownership, restoration, and preservation.
And unlike simply looking at photographs in a catalog, seeing these machines in person gives you an appreciation for their scale, design, materials, and craftsmanship.
That is what makes Hershey so special.
From seeing million-dollar Duesenbergs and beautiful Auburn Speedsters to watching Wayne Carini in action, my evening at RM Sotheby’s was an unforgettable part of the 2026 AACA Eastern Fall Meet.
And the best part? There’s plenty more to come!
I’m bringing you even more photographs, videos, and up-close looks at the incredible automobiles of Hershey. My mission this year is all about The Cars of Hershey, and I can’t wait to share them with you.
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Stay tuned. You won’t want to miss what’s coming next!
