RM Sotheby’s returns to the historic Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables on Friday, February 27, for its 2026 Miami auction during ModaMiami, presenting 89 collector cars within a 94-lot sale valued at more than $100 million. Among the offerings is a remarkable assemblage from the American LaFrance Corporate Collection – a group of machines that trace the arc of one of America’s most storied industrial names. Together, they reflect more than mechanical ingenuity; they embody the evolution of American enterprise itself.
To view the entire collection, click here.
At ModaMiami, three extraordinary examples illustrate the breadth of that legacy.
1911 American LaFrance Type 8 Roadster — The sole surviving authentic factory-built American LaFrance passenger automobile and believed to be one of fewer than 25 cars produced by the marque between 1903 and 1911. Powered by a massive 70-horsepower, 575-cubic-inch T-head four-cylinder engine and featuring a unique shortened chassis with high-speed differential transaxle, the Type 8 represents one of the most fascinating and over-engineered speedsters of the Brass Era. Acquired from the noted Barney Pollard collection in 1975 and restored in 1987 by Jim Cox for the American LaFrance Corporate Collection, it earned the AACA’s prestigious W. Emmert Swigart Memorial Cup at Hershey and remains arguably the most significant surviving product of its proud manufacturer (Estimated at $300,000–$500,000 USD).
1911 American LaFrance Metropolitan Steam Fire Engine — One of the finest steam fire engines in existence, this Metropolitan was originally delivered to Harrisonburg, Virginia, and represents one of the most celebrated designs of the steam era. A “third-size” model weighing approximately 6,800 pounds, it was meticulously restored to concours quality by renowned fire apparatus expert Andy Swift of Firefly Restorations, with extraordinary 23K gold leaf decoration and scrollwork executed by legendary master decorator Ken Soderbeck. Returned to its original livery and equipped with correct firefighting and steam engine accessories throughout, the engine was reportedly fully operational under steam following restoration and remains one of the crown jewels of the American LaFrance Corporate Collection (Estimated at $200,000–$300,000 USD).
1886 Silsby/Thomas Manning Steam Fire Engine — Built in 1886 for the city of Detroit, Michigan, this imposing “first-size” steam pumper is believed to be a one-off design and ranks among the most impressive surviving steam apparatus in existence. Period upgrades by LaFrance and Thomas Manning Jr. & Company reflect the evolution of early American fire engineering, while its known ownership history includes 55 years in the Henry Ford Museum before joining the American LaFrance Corporate Collection. Meticulously restored by master craftsman Ken Soderbeck with exceptional finish, 23K gold leaf decoration, and correct detailing throughout, it also served as the basis for the well-known National Motor Museum Mint scale model (Estimated at $200,000–$300,000 USD).