Confiscated Duemila Route Collection Sells for €51m at RM Sotheby’s
Italian authorities auctioned 817 confiscated lots from Luigi Compiano’s Duemila Route collection, raising over €51 million and dispersing hundreds of classic cars, motorcycles and automobilia.
A vast collection of classic cars, motorcycles and automobilia seized by Italian authorities from former security magnate Luigi Compiano has raised €51.26 million at auction. RM Sotheby’s conducted the sale at Milano AutoClassica, with 817 lots crossing the block over the weekend.
The Duemila Route (2000 Wheels) collection had been amassed over decades by Compiano, whose business empire collapsed under the weight of unpaid tax bills. Italian tax authorities confiscated the collection, which included more than 70 Porsches, over 60 Jaguars, nearly 50 Ferraris, and dozens of Lancias, Alfa Romeos and Maseratis. The sale also featured 155 motorcycles, 140 bicycles, 55 racing boats, vintage bobsleds and a trove of memorabilia and spare parts.
Logistics and highlights
Moving the collection required 100 trucks to transport the items from warehouses near Venice to the 18,580 square metre venue in Milan. Vehicles ranged from pristine to unrestored, with several rare race and rally cars among the lots. The sale attracted international interest, in part due to the sheer scale and variety on offer.
- More than 70 Porsche models
- Over 60 Jaguars
- Nearly 50 Ferraris
- Dozens of Lancias, Alfa Romeos, Maseratis
- 155 motorcycles and 140 bicycles
- 55 racing boats
- Large quantities of automobilia and spare parts
Aftermath and context
Proceeds from the auction will go to the Italian state, offsetting Compiano’s tax debts. The sale marks the end of one of Italy’s most notorious automotive hoards, with the lots now scattered to collectors and dealers worldwide. Authorities have also seized and sold other assets from Compiano, including properties and various collectibles.
