What Would Santa Drive?

BLENHEIM, Ontario, Dec. 10, 2007 -- Everyone knows Santa's vehicle of choice for getting around on his biggest night of the year -- a magical sleigh led by nine good-natured reindeer -- but how does the jolly old elf get around the remaining 364 days of the year?

The experts at RM Auctions have ventured a guess at what a guy like Santa, being a fellow of impeccable taste and experience, would put on his wish list. In red, of course.

  1) 1930 Duesenberg Model J Dual Cowl Phaeton -- The Sophisticated Santa
      Almost as spacious as Santa's sleigh, the Model J Dual Cowl Phaeton is
  one of America's most elegant automobiles, thanks in part to its superb
  engineering and plush interior.  The Phaeton also offers a convertible top
  so that Santa may appreciate the many climates he's bound to visit.  Santa
  will appreciate owning a luxurious Duesenberg when he's feeling like a
  sophisticated day out.

  2) 1941 Chrysler Thunderbolt Concept -- The Modern Santa
      Santa will have the chance to put his hands on this one-of-a-kind car
  at RM Auctions' "Vintage Motor Cars in Arizona" event in January 2008.
  He's likely had his eye on this innovative gem for a while, with its sleek
  roadster shape hiding concealed headlights and a retractable metal
  hardtop.  This streamlined shape is perfect for cutting through blinding
  snowstorms and Northern winds.

  3) 1959 Ferrari 250GT California Spyder -- The Sporty Santa
      Santa will have to attend RM's Leggenda e Passione event in Maranello,
  Italy in May 2008 to put his hands on this legendary machine.  A car for a
  man who loves his toys, as of course Santa would, the 250GT California
  Spyder is one of the most valuable of all road-going Ferraris, with less
  than 100 produced between 1957 and 1962.  Santa could give Rudolph a run
  for his money driving this open sportster while enjoying a more tropical
  climate on his days off.

  4) 1922 American LaFrance Type 48 Triple Combination Pumper -- The
  Practical Santa
      Recently sold at auction in Hershey, Pa., this massive fire engine
  commanded $41,250 USD, and RM Auctions thinks that Santa would have felt
  right at home aboard its fire-engine-red body.  Santa may find this a
  great addition to his garage so he may relive the parade experience all
  year long.

  5) 1958 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz ("The Raindrop Car") - The Classic
  Santa
      Santa would appreciate the unique convertible feature of this car, a
  "raindrop feature" that will activate the car's convertible top and raise
  the electric windows upon sensing a few drops of rain, protecting his gift
  booty while away.  The Raindrop Car recently sold at auction for $330,000
  USD.

For a man who's got it all, or at least has elves to make it for him, these unique vehicles may be just the Christmas list that Santa would write for himself.

About RM Auctions, Inc.

Celebrating nearly 30 years in the collector car industry, North American-based RM Auctions Inc. and its associated companies are responsible for acquisitions, restorations and sales of the world's rarest and most valuable vintage automobiles, including record-breaking sales in Maranello, Italy and London, England. RM's restoration division achieved unprecedented accolades in 2006, when they earned "Best of Show" honors at the world's top three collector car events in a single year. www.rmauctions.com