From April 11 to April 18, 2025, a treasure trove of automobilia will go up for sale at Gooding Christie’s Geared Online Spring Automobilia Auction. This curated selection of vintage collectibles features many lots sourced from exceptional single-owner collections, many of which are going to auction without reserve. Serious collectors will be pleased to discover a 525-lot catalogue of auto neon signs, gas pumps, Ferrari parts, Porsche literature, and auto posters. From decorating a garage with an illuminated Alfa Romeo wall sign to displaying a 1940s Wurlitzer Bubbler jukebox in a library, memorabilia enthusiasts can’t miss these historically significant collectibles. Register to bid here and discover the full online catalogue here.
A highlight of this auction is the collection of the late Fred Leydorf, a prominent vintage car collector based in Michigan. His renowned car collection was sold in March 2025 through Gooding Christie’s at the Amelia Island Auctions. The sale was headlined by Leydorf’s extremely rare 1955 Ferrari 375 MM Berlinetta, which sold for $9.4 million. Now, many of his collectibles will follow suit, such as Ferrari 375 MM parts, motoring catalogues, and vintage Ferrari postcards.
Similarly, the automobilia collection of Ken Roath, whose impressive car collection was also sold through Gooding Christie’s at the March 2025 Amelia Island Auctions, will be available for bids. Enthusiasts can snap up some of Roath’s vintage car signs and posters for an excellent deal, as many are also listed without reserve.
Illuminated Alfa Romeo Script Wall Sign (Estimate: $18,000 - $24,000, without reserve)
One of the top lots from Roath’s collection is an illuminated Alfa Romeo script wall sign. The legendary Italian car brand was founded in 1910, and the Alfa Romeo script first appeared on their cars in the 1920s. This illuminated sign recalls the sporty heritage of Alfa Romeo and is a unique addition to a finished garage or sports den.
Ferrari Illuminated Dealership Sign (Estimate: $10,000 - $15,000, without reserve)
Another outstanding lot in Roath’s collection is a Ferrari illuminated dealership sign. This extremely rare sign depicts the iconic Ferrari prancing horse on a canary-yellow background. Ferrari has used the horse symbol since 1932, along with the bright yellow color, the shade Ferrari founder Enzo Ferrari chose because it represented his hometown of Modena, Italy.
Double-Sided Ford Neon Sign (Estimate: $18,000 - $24,000, without reserve)
For those interested in American automobilia, a double-sided Ford neon sign also comes to auction from Roath’s collection. The Ford Motor Company’s script, which is said to have been based on founder Henry Ford’s own signature, has been used since 1912. This sign was manufactured by the Sales Equipment Co. in the hometown of the Ford Motor Company: Detroit, Michigan.
Shell Double Glass Gas Pump (Estimate: $20,000 - $30,000)
Petroliana fans will be excited by the multiple antique gas pumps in a variety of colors and configurations. One of the most prized pumps is a Shell double glass gas pump. This unique 20-gallon gas pump displays Shell’s iconic seashell design against a bright cherry-red background.
Ride the Flying Red Horse (Estimate: $20,000 - $30,000)
Other legendary pieces of Americana will hit the auction block, such as Ride the Flying Red Horse. The red Pegasus became the symbol of Mobil in the 1930s, and the gas company introduced the Flying Red Horse kiddie ride in 1953, a child-friendly attraction at Mobilgas stations. Today, this impressively preserved exemplar of a Flying Red Horse ride for children harkens to the golden era of advertising and marketing.
1948 Wurlitzer Bubbler Jukebox, Model 1015 (Estimate: $5,000 - $10,000, without reserve)
A highlight offered from the Roath collection is a 1948 Wurlitzer Bubbler Jukebox, Model 1015. Illuminated in neon colors and boasting glossy wood, this jukebox is filled with 1950s Elvis records and can play 12 two-sided, 78 RPM single-song records. The Wurlitzer 1015 jukebox was first introduced in 1946 and soon became a wildly popular emblem of postwar America. This 1948 edition adds a touch of musical nostalgia to any interior.
All of these lots, and much more, will be auctioned from April 11-18, 2025, at Gooding Christie’s Geared Online Spring Automobilia Auction. Anyone can register for this online only auction here so be sure to get signed up before the action ends April 18th, Last but not least, don’t wait for summer to consign for the upcoming Pebble Beach Auctions on August 15-16, 2025.
