KENO BROTHERS UNEARTH NEW FINDINGS FOR ’69 FERRARI N.A.R.T. DAYTONA OFFERING
Confirms Provenance, Authenticity and History of 40 Select Consignments for Inaugural NYC Fine Automobile Auction
PR Newswire, NEW YORK – November 17, 2015
When Leigh and Leslie Keno established that the term ‘authenticity’ would become one of the key differentiators within the branding of their newest venture, Keno Brothers Fine Automobile Auctions, they chose to go beyond mere provenance and additionally focus on specific vehicle research that has yet to be drawn upon. The 1969 Ferrari 365 GTB4 Daytona N.A.R.T. Competizione (http://www.kenobrothers.com/auctions/1969-ferrari-365-gtb4-nart-competizione) is but one example of the 40 significant offerings to cross the auction block during this week’s “Rolling Sculpture” auction, November 18-19 at Skylight Clarkson Sq., in SoHo, NY , and clarifies accounts of this very special Ferrari’s role in history, due to the Keno’s re-examination of existing documentation for chassis #12467.
Under the curation of Leigh and Leslie Keno, Co-CEOs and Founders of Keno Brothers Fine Automobile Auctions ( www.kenobrothers.com), “Rolling Sculpture” is the Keno Brothers entrée into the high stakes automotive auction market and the story of this this particular N.A.R.T. Daytona is a reflection of the type of vehicles they are drawn to consigning. According to Leigh Keno, “It’s about digging deeper and connecting the dots – especially once you are in the presence of a truly significant vehicle, or in this case, prototype.”
And there is no question that Ferrari 365 GTB/4, chassis number 12467, also known as “The N.A.R.T. Daytona” is significant. Its place as the third Daytona constructed alone is noteworthy. Its performance in the 1971 24 Hours of LeMans capturing 5th place overall, behind only the Group 5, 5-liter Porsche 917s and Ferrari 512s eight laps ahead of the nearest GT car is extraordinary. However, its listing by Ferrari itself as the ‘Gr. 4.prototipi’ is what makes it immortal.
But it is the interpretation of the pre-existing documentation which the Keno Brothers unearthed that sets its history apart, finding that Ferrari itself refers to the car as the prototype of the “365 GTB/4 Competizione-GT Speciale Group 4” rather than it’s prior notation as a simple ‘conversion’ car, thus bestowing 12467 as a progenitor of the Group 4 GT Daytona Comp Series cars.’ The GT (Grand Touring) Class is for road cars converted for racing and the significance of the Keno Brothers finding is that 12467 had been considered simply one of eight Daytonas adapted for racing, when Ferrari notated the car as the prototype of the Group 4 (GT class) Daytona Competizione. For full documentation, please view: http://www.kenobrothers.com/auctions/1969-ferrari-365-gtb4-nart-competizione as well as the pdf with the related documents attached.
“Rolling Sculpture” – presented by Keno Brothers Fine Automobile Auctions – will be housing the very finest automobiles to showcase the convergence of art, science and engineering by some of the greatest artists and visionaries of the 20th century and beyond. The ‘museum-esque’ multi-media experience within a boutique automotive auction setting will house only 40 carefully curated cars -- many with extensive provenance -- and will be a two-day extravaganza, including two preview days, a symposium and live and online technology powered by Proxibid, (www.proxibid.com), the most trusted online Marketplace for buying and selling highly valued items.
Recognized for nearly two decades for their knowledge of antiques on PBS’s “Antiques Road Show,” the Keno Brothers are bringing the very same proficiency to automobiles. “It’s not just about the design, it’s about knowing and understanding the story behind each piece and its originality and authenticity,” said Leigh. “My brother and I have had a deep passion for automobiles since our childhood as our father was a car collector, and we’ve never lost sight of the intrinsic value of a great car.”
According to Leslie Keno, he and identical twin brother Leigh are simply applying the very same techniques and science used in the art world to the car world – and together, they’re utilizing the same skill set they’ve used their entire lives. “We grew up with an appreciation for the history of an object, and the subtle nuances between things that are restored in an original manner, and even more so, those that are preserved,” said Leslie. “The automotive world has some of the most beautiful designs, textures and performance factors that, together with true provenance, make a piece of rolling art a true collectible – and we’ve strived, and hopefully succeeded, in building a carefully curated collection that will be well-remembered.”
“We also are firm believers in conservative pre-auction estimates,” continued Leigh. “It’s all about providing an attractively priced point of entry, and realizing if we were to start at a price that’s beyond reason, buyers may wonder ‘why?’ and never get into the game. We want to open the channels that allow potential buyers to get to know each lot, know the car’s history and even flaws -- make everything as transparent as possible.” And that alludes to the ‘Keno Difference,’ beginning with providing a PPI (pre-purchase inspection) for each and every consigned vehicle.
Bradley Farrell, COO for Keno Brothers, takes the differences the Keno brand stands behind to heart – ranging from the digital realm to live experiences and distinct customer service. “We believe in a concierge approach from the moment our consignors, potential buyers and attendees have their first communication with us,” said Farrell. “We have five-star service that can help with travel, hotel needs, events in the area and of course, every aspect of our auction – including providing registered bidders use of a tablet to view video vignettes and all background information of our distinct collection.”
Keno Brothers Proprietary Technology
Farrell designed the proprietary software that has created a personalized multi-media experience throughout the entire event. Combined with Proxibid’s industry-leading and secure transaction engine, the Keno Brothers’ exclusive catalog software creates a comprehensive visual tool set that is extremely rich for online buyers, and generates a high level of consumer confidence in Keno Brothers and the collector cars available for sale. And all is available live and online.
“Our clients now have a one-stop solution for gaining both general and specific information about each car, along with sales trends, PPI and other key data points that can inform a positive purchase decision,” said Farrell. “We want the online auction experience to closely match our live event, so buyers can feel comfortable and informed whether they bid online or join us in person.”
Video vignettes, styled like a small film festival, have been created for each of the 40 significant vehicles within the “Rolling Sculpture” collection and can be found online within each of the “unlocked” data boxes at www.kenobrothers.com. An example of several include:
1961 Jaguar E Type Roadster HD: https://www.youtube.com/embed/wu1QHrDR10A
1990 Ferrari F40: http://bit.ly/1iwjdWZ
1965 Aston Martin DB5: http://bit.ly/1WCNz7I
1934 Duesenberg SJ Continental Berline by Rollston: http://bit.ly/20xtVii
Bids will be accepted online or by phone through Proxibid, view auction live stream at www.proxibid.com/kenobrothers
“At the Crossroads of Art, Engineering and Technology: The Many Facets of Historic Automobiles”
Leading into the Auction, collectors and enthusiasts will be treated to a symposium, on Wednesday, November 18th from 4-6pm, with some of the world’s greatest authorities in the automotive world. Topics will include: design; vintage racing; conservation; restoration; and trends in the marketplace. Moderated by Leslie and Leigh Keno, a wealth of insight will be provided by renowned automotive experts Kent Bain, Peter Brock, Dietrich Hatlapa, Murray Smith and Archie Urciuoli.
The Keno Brothers’ world-class team will include British auctioneer Simon Hope, who has been auctioning some of the world’s greatest cars and motorcycles for more than 30 years.
Schedule of Events:
November 18th – Preview 9am – 9pm (open to all)
November 18th – Syposium 4-6pm (open to all)
November 19th – Preview 9am – 3pm
November 19th – Selected Automobilia from the Collection of Werner Pfister 3pm – 5pm
November 19th – “Rolling Sculpture” 5pm
And there’s more!
Following “Rolling Sculpture,” the Keno Brothers Fine Automobile Auctions will be planning for Hershey, where they have been selected as the Auction House of choice for the 2016 Elegance at Hershey, (http://theeleganceathershey.com/) elevating the annual classic car weekend to a new level of celebration and sophistication within a three-day event.. The alignment with Hershey embarks on a three-year commitment to provide provenance and authenticity to a program already well versed in the very same passions.
The Keno Brothers personal relationship with Hershey stems back to last season’s concours where Leslie and Leigh were not only Co-Grand Marshalls, but entrants of the 2015 Elegance with their 1969 Lamborghini Miura, which is being offered in the current “Rolling Sculpture” auction November 19th, with an estimated value of $800,000 - $1.6mm. (http://www.kenobrothers.com/auctions/1969-lamborghini-miura-p400-s)
About Keno Brothers Fine Automobile Auctions
Keno Brothers Fine Automobile Auctions (www.kenobrothers.com) is a new venture focused on exceptional collector cars, founded by famed auctioneers and appraisers Leigh and Leslie Keno along with COO Technology and Digital Lead, Bradley Farrell, also a collector. The Keno brothers have been immersed in the world of classic cars from a very young age and have a passion for discovering unexpected rarities. They enjoy racing and rallying historic cars and have served as judges at prestigious auto events, including a decade of service with the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. The company is dedicated to offering a unique online buying and selling experience, with the highest level of security and transparency throughout the purchasing process.
About Proxibid
Proxibid provides auction companies and asset owners with access to the most trusted online Marketplace for buying and selling highly valued items. More than $3 billion in inventory passes through Proxibid’s Marketplace annually via live and timed auctions, as well as Buy Now and Make Offer capabilities, across 15 categories that include heavy equipment; industrial machinery; real estate; fine art, antiques and collectibles, and more.
Founded in 2001, Proxibid is headquartered in Omaha, NE with offices in South Sioux City, NE and London. For more information about Proxibid, please visit www.proxibid.com.
About The Elegance at Hershey
The Elegance at Hershey, a 501 (C) (3) organization based in Hershey, PA, was established in 2010. In its first four years, The Elegance at Hershey has donated over $800,000 to its three charities, JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation), The AACA Museum and the AACA Library & Research Center. Contributions are facilitated by significant sponsor support. Together with a great team of volunteers and donors The Elegance is excited to move forward with the 2016 event. The event will be held on June 10-12, 2016. For additional information, visit www.theeleganceathershey.com.
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Contact:
Deb Pollack | [email protected] | 805.320.9248
Jeff Ehoodin | [email protected] | 201.906.7818
Dana Kaufman| [email protected] | 402-505-7776