I was fortunate to attend the Academy of Art university Collection auction on February 15th, 2025, in San Francisco. I have always been intrigued by this collection of cars. Back in 2008 I was visiting San Francisco and stumbled upon the collection on Van Ness Avenue with show-quality classic and European sports cars lurking inside a former dealership window. What is this magical place?
The University was founded by the Stephens family in 1929 (no relation unfortunately). The former President Richard A. Stephens had a passion for classic cars, and that has been passed down to his daughter and current President of the Academy, Dr. Elisa Stephens. Desiring to offer automotive design at the Academy, Mr. Stephens wanted to give students a design perspective that they would not be able to receive from anywhere else. With the museum full of rare and classic vehicles, students can study automotive design from a wide range of marques and eras and apply that inspiration to their own car designs. Recently the museum decided to auction off several cars to modernize the collection for the next generation of students.
The auction was split evenly between pre-war and post-war cars. Here are my favorite cars from the auction:
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing
Finished in Strawberry Red Metallic (Erdbeerrot), the original data card says it was painted from the factory in Graphite Grey over red leather. I love grey over red, so if I were the buyer I would be heading to the paint shop for a repaint and retrim in the original colors. This Gullwing was restored in the early 90s by Hjeltness and still presented very well. Sold for $1,490,000.
1937 Squire 1-1/2 liter Drophead Coupe
Body by Corsica, with stunning lines for a pre-war car, one of ten built. Body heavily modified in the 1990s, with lowered beltline and raked V-windshield. Engine-turned dashboard and polished engine bay was aircraft-inspired. I am not a huge fan of pre-war cars, but this Squire spoke to me. Sold for $643,000.
1964 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 3.8 Fixed Head Coupe
I love these covered-headlight Series 1 E-Type coupes. This example was restored in its original color of Primrose Yellow over a Black Interior. Sold new in California, it became a JCNA National Class Champion in 2001 and 2003 after restoration. Now the restoration has mellowed but this Jag still presents very well. My father had a Primrose Yellow Series 3 E-Type Coupe, so this color has sentimental value. Sold for $89,600.
1979 Mercedes-Benz 250 Limousine
The W123 series Limousines are very rare, and I was looking for a reason to buy this car. In right hand drive, this 250 Limousine was imported from the United Kingdom when new by the Stephens family. With only 33,331 miles and having spent its entire life in San Francisco, this Mercedes would be a cool ride for the family when going out to dinner. Sold for $33,600.