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Thursday 29 October 2015

THEODORE BRUCE AUCTIONS AUSTRALIA'S OLDEST AUCTION HOUSE STUNNING RECORD AUCTION

THEODORE BRUCE AUCTIONS
AUSTRALIA'S OLDEST AUCTION HOUSE

STUNNING RECORD AUCTION

Theodore Bruce, Australia's oldest auction house established in 1878, set a new Australian and indeed Southern Hemisphere record at its 'Motorclassica' sale held on Saturday evening in the impressive surroundings of the Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne.  The sale total of $3.7m was the highest ever recorded anywhere outside of the hotbeds of the USA and Europe for a classic car auction surpassing the previous record result set in 2008.

Highlights of the amazing sale included $662,500 realised for a 1914 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost, an incredible $635,000 for a 'lost' alloy bodied Jaguar XK120, $486,000 for a 1973 Ferrari Dino 246GT, $283,000 for a stunning 1966 Shelby GT350, $275,000 for the ex-Peter Brock Torana SLR5000, $233,500 for a 1970 Mercedes-Benz 280L California Roadster, $222,500 for another XK120, and a record $204,900 for a small bumper Porsche 911T.

A world record price of $106,875 of any form in or out of auction was also set for a rare 1951 Hartnett Pacific Tourer which doubled its estimate.  Five barn find cars were also sold with a whopping $75,000 paid for a desirable 1934 Packard 12 in need of total restoration.

With spirited bidding in the room from the large crowd including collectors who had flown in specifically from the United States, Asia and the UK, along with strong interest on the phones and via the internet from inter-state and overseas, the sale totalled a record $3.7m with just 34 cars offered.

Auctioneer and Director of Theodore Bruce, James Badgery said, "We are obviously delighted with the reslut and to achieve such high value sales.  This auction in conjunction with the Motorclassica event continues to grow year on year and has now truly established itself as an important sale on the international auction calendar."

A DOZEN VETERAN CARS GEAR UP FOR BONHAMS LONDON TO BRIGHTON RUN SALE

 
A DOZEN VETERAN CARS GEAR UP FOR
BONHAMS LONDON TO BRIGHTON RUN SALE

 
 
A dozen veteran cars head to Bonhams 101 New Bond Street headquarters, ready for the annual London to Brighton Run Sale. Now entering its 12th year, the auction offers an incredible selection of veteran motor cars, this year starring the 1903 Clement Model AC4R Four-Cylinder Rear-Entrance Tonneau, estimated at £400,000-500,000.  
 
Tim Schofield, Bonhams UK Head of Motor Cars, said: “We’ve got a wonderful selection of exciting veteran cars at this year’s auction, including two vehicles – an 1899 Panhard-Levassor Type M2E 4hp Two-Seater, estimated at £300,000-350,000, and an 1899 Star Benz 3½hp Vis-à-Vis, estimated at £60,000-70,000 - that are over 115-years old. It’s an incredible and unusual sale, transporting visitors back to the golden age of motoring.”
 
One of the most advanced cars of its day, the Clement has a long known British history, now returning to the UK from American ownership. Its very earliest days were recorded in the programme for the London to Brighton Run in 1934.
 
The auction also boasts a magnificent 1904 Napier Model D45 12HP Side-Entrance Four-Cylinder Tourer, one of the few Napier models that were assembled in period in America. It has been part of three major international car collections, has four cylinders, a four speed gearbox, carries five passengers, is exceptionally rare and comes with an enviable record of completed Brighton Runs. It is now offered at an estimate of £350,000-400,000.
 
Further automotive masterpieces from across the century and beyond include a 1904 Columbia Mark XLIII Two-Cylinder Rear-entrance Tonneau, estimated at £90,000-110,000, and what was commonly regarded as America’s premier make of petrol motor car, a 1904 Winton 4¼-Litre 20hp Two-Cylinder Detachable Rear-Entrance Tonneau, estimated at £130,000-160,000.
 
Held on 30th October at Bonhams flagship showroom on 101 New Bond Street, the annual London to Brighton Run Sale will offer over 100 lots of both veteran motor cars and automobilia.
 
The Bonhams London to Brighton Sale celebrates the longest-running motoring event in the world; the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run. The sale exclusively features pre-1905 cars, each eligible for the Run.
 
Bonhams sale takes place during ‘London Motor Week’ – a series of events hosted by the world famous Royal Automobile Club which also includes the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, a Literary Festival, Motoring Forum and the Regent Street Motor Show. The first Run took place in 1896, and since then it has taken place almost every year since it’s 1927 revival.
 
More information on the Run can be found at www.veterancarrun.com.  
 
For further information on Bonhams motoring department, visit: https://www.bonhams.com/departments/MOT-CAR/

1956 JAGUAR D-TYPE WORKS ‘LONG NOSE’ LEADS RM SOTHEBY’S RETURN TO ARIZONA









1956 JAGUAR D-TYPE WORKS ‘LONG NOSE’ LEADS RM SOTHEBY’S RETURN TO ARIZONA
·        RM Sotheby’s returns to the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa for its 17th annual sale in Phoenix, January 28 – 29, 2016
·        Two-day auction presents diverse roster of more than 100 blue-chip automobiles
·        Early sports and racing highlights led by a rare 1956 Jaguar D-Type Works ‘Long Nose’
·        Further information and frequently updated list of entries available online at www.rmsothebys.com


BLENHEIM, Ontario (October 27, 2015) – RM Sotheby’s, the world’s largest auction house for investment quality automobiles, will present more than 100 hand-selected motor cars from some of the most iconic automotive marques at its 17th annual Arizona sale, returning January 28 – 29 to Phoenix. Held at the stunning Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa, the two-day auction will build on RM’s strongest performance at the venue to date in 2015, an event which generated an incredible $63.7 million and witnessed the sale of the most valuable automobile in Arizona auction history. In keeping with past tradition, entries for the 2016 sale offer tremendous diversity, ranging from pre-war classics through to important sports and racing greats and contemporary supercars.

Coming out of the gate strong, early highlights for the January auction are led by a 1956 Jaguar D-Type Works ‘Long Nose’, chassis no. XKD 604, the first of just six works long-nose examples built for the 1956 season, the final year of Jaguar’s D-Type racing effort. Throughout 1955, the Jaguar experimental department had been developing an independent, de Dion rear suspension, along with fuel injection for petrol delivery, and decided to incorporate these innovations into the first car built for the 1956 Jaguar works team.

Following testing by Jaguar’s famed test engineer, Norman Dewis, XKD 604’s first competitive outing came at the Daily Express Silverstone event in May 1956; with Desmond Titterington behind the wheel, the featured Jaguar competed alongside two other works team cars. While the length of the Silverstone race did not warrant using the still novel Lucas mechanical fuel injection over the tried and true Weber carbs, XKD 604 was the only D-Type raced with an independent rear axle. At season’s end, the team cars were retired and XKD 604 was acquired by renowned Scottish racing team, Ecurie Ecosse, where it remained in storage until the team closed its doors in 1971. The Long Nose was eventually obtained by Scotsman Jim Tester in the 1970s, and later passed onto Michael Fisher of Britain, who commissioned its restoration by marque experts to original fuel-injected specification in 1986. It was then imported into the U.S. in 1992, landing with the vendor in 2004.

In recent years, the D-Type has been displayed at numerous hobby events, including the 2011 Monterey Motorsports Reunion, where it was part of the Jaguar Heritage Display, as well as at the 2012 Dana Point Concours d’Elegance, where it received the Featured Marque Award. XKD 604 comes to auction as a fantastic example of a very rare breed, ready to return to the track (Estimate available upon request).

“We’re thrilled to return to the Biltmore following what has been another record-setting year for RM Sotheby’s,” says Ian Kelleher, Managing Director, RM Sotheby’s West Coast Division. “Arizona represents one of our strongest venues on the auction calendar, and we’re always working to secure the most desirable, fresh-to-market vehicles for this true collector car destination. The long-nose D-Type is a perfect example, as it has not changed hands in more than a decade, and offers a number of untapped historic event participation opportunities for its next enthusiast owner.”


Additional early European highlights secured for RM’s Arizona sale include a desirable array of Ferraris spanning several decades of the famed marque’s history. Leading the group is a U.S.-specification 1971 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Berlinetta, chassis no. 14819, finished in its factory-original colors of bright Giallo Fly over Nero, fitted with factory air-conditioning, and having travelled less than 27,000 miles from new (Est. $700,000 - $800,000). Representing two points in the Testarossa’s evolution are a 1991 Ferrari Testarossa, chassis no. 87482, with just 4900 miles on the odometer and originally owned by Luigi Della Grotta, a friend of Enzo Ferrari’s and the first importer of Ferraris into Canada (Est. $225,000 - $300,000, offered without reserve), along with a potent 1995 Ferrari F512 M, chassis no. 100154, one of just five delivered new to the U.S. in striking Giallo Modena paintwork (Est. $400,000 - $500,000). The modern era prancing horse is offered in the form of a rare 2011 Ferrari 599 SA Aperta, chassis no. 182788, one of only 80 examples produced and showing a mere 1200 miles from new (Est. $1,100,000 - $1,500,000).

RM’s sale will also present two very different yet equally desirable examples of Porsche’s timeless 911 design, each offered without reserve. The pair includes a highly original, well-optioned and numbers-matching 1976 Porsche 911 Turbo Carrera, chassis no. 9306800074, a California car finished in Grand Prix White with a Cinnamon leather interior (Est. $225,000 - $275,000); and, a1968 Porsche 911 S ‘Soft Window’ Targa, chassis no. 11850368, the recipient of a recent nut-and-bolt restoration by marque specialists, complete with a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity (Est. $200,000 - $250,000).


Leading up to the sale, the Arizona Biltmore will host the Arizona Concours d’Elegance, January 24, of which RM Sotheby’s is a proud sponsor, creating an ideal destination for enthusiasts looking to enjoy a week of classic car camaraderie.

For further information, or to discuss limited consignment opportunities for the Arizona sale, please visit www.rmsothebys.com or contact an RM Sotheby’s car specialist at +1 310 559 4575.

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Wednesday 21 October 2015

RM SOTHEBY’S TO OFFER THE EX-FANGIO, EX-WORKS FERRARI 290 MM IN NEW YORK CITY: ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST HISTORIC AND VALUABLE SPORTS RACING CARS








RM SOTHEBY’S TO OFFER THE EX-FANGIO, EX-WORKS FERRARI 290 MM IN NEW YORK CITY:
ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST HISTORIC AND VALUABLE SPORTS RACING CARS

·         RM Sotheby’s secures ex-works 1956 Ferrari 290 MM by Scaglietti, chassis 0626, for its ‘Driven by Disruption’ sale, December 10 in New York City
·         Built for racing legend and five-time World Champion Juan Manuel Fangio to compete in the 1956 Mille Miglia, 0626 was driven by the ‘Who’s Who’ of motorsport in period
·         Career highlights include 1st overall in the 1957 World Championship Buenos Aires 1000 KM
·         Fully documented and never crashed, 0626 is one of the world’s most significant and original competition Ferraris
·         ‘Driven by Disruption’ to also present an exceptionally original 1955 Ferrari 500 Mondial, chassis 0564MD/0424MD
·         A showcase of automotive perfection and beauty, December 10 auction features carefully curated roster of 30 creatively-styled, cutting-edge automobiles and select memorabilia
·         Further information and a frequently updated list of entries available online at www.rmsothebys.com


NEW YORK, New York (19 October 2015) – In the history of motor racing, it is hard to imagine two names with greater stature than Ferrari and Juan Manuel Fangio, the enigmatic five-time Formula One World Champion. To find a car which so closely connects these two great motor racing legends is the Holy Grail for car collectors and aficionados the world over. RM Sotheby’s is thrilled to announce it will offer one such automobile, the ex-Works 1956 Ferrari 290 MM, chassis 0626, at its exclusive Driven by Disruption sale, December 10 in New York City. Raced not only by Fangio but also future World Champion Phil Hill, along with numerous other celebrated Ferrari Formula One drivers, the featured Ferrari is undoubtedly one of the greatest, most original, and most valuable cars ever offered at public auction.

Chassis 0626 was specifically built by the Ferrari factory for Juan Manuel Fangio to drive in the 1956 Mille Miglia. Certainly the best driver of his era, and classed by many as the greatest driver who ever lived, Fangio raced 0626 in the 1000-mile event single-handedly, finishing an impressive 4th overall in a race hindered by appalling conditions. Dressed in the unique factory Argentinian color scheme for Fangio, the car featured a totally new 3.5-liter V-12 engine and was one of only four 290 MMs to be built. Furthermore, it was one of the first Ferraris raced in Europe by Phil Hill and also heralded the beginning of Wolfgang von Trips’ Ferrari-driving career. It was famously piloted to victory in the 1957 Buenos Aires 1000 KM by Eugenio Castellotti, Luigi Musso, and Masten Gregory. During its illustrious career, 0626 was also campaigned by other legendary names including Alfonso de Portago, Peter Collins, Olivier Gendebien, and Joakim Bonnier.


It’s hard to know where to start when describing just how important this 290 MM is,” says Peter Wallman, Car Specialist, RM Sotheby’s. “Driven by the greatest drivers of the 1950s and built for possibly THE greatest driver in history, this is a car with which Enzo Ferrari was personally involved and is a fundamental part of Ferrari folklore. Its originality, coupled with its extraordinary provenance and history, which are truly second to none, can only lead you to conclude that it is one of the most desirable and valuable cars that will ever come to the open market.”

Combining rarity, powerful mechanical specification, important racing history, and purposeful good looks, 0626 is the ultimate 1950s factory sports racing car. An integral part of Ferrari’s 1956 and 1957 Manufacturer’s World Championship-winning teams, it participated in a roll-call of classic races during its period racing career, a selection of which are outlined below.

April 28/29, 1956                 Mille Miglia                                           Fangio                  
May 27, 1956                       Nürburgring 1000 KM                         Hill/de Portago/Gendebien/Wharton
July 8, 1956Rouen              Grand Prix                                            de Portago                                                           
August 11/12, 1956             2nd Sveriges Sports Car GP              von Trips/Collins
January 20, 1957                Buenos Aires 1000 KM                       Gregory/Castellotti/Musso 
June 9, 1957                        Portugal GP                                          Gregory

In 1957, 0626 was sold through Luigi Chinetti to enthusiast Temple Buell, a friend of Enzo Ferrari, who continued to campaign the car around the world with Masten Gregory and Jo Bonnier behind the wheel. It then passed through the hands of two enthusiastic Ferrari team owners and continued to be raced up to 1964, eventually making its way into a private U.S. collection.


Following the end of its racing career, 0626 remained in the United States before it was acquired by renowned collector Pierre Bardinon, remaining in his incredible Mas du Clos Collection for almost 34 years before being purchased by its current custodian. It has since been presented at numerous prestigious events, including the 1987 Cartier “Hommage to Ferrari” exhibition and the UK’s Concours of Elegance, as well as participating in the Mille Miglia Storica. Ferrari Classiche certified, it remains the best of all the four examples built, having never fallen victim to the crucible of motorsport, and retaining its original chassis, matching-numbers engine, gearbox, and body. It comes to auction accompanied by an extensive history file and is eligible for all major historic events, including its 60th anniversary at the Mille Miglia next year (Estimate available upon request).

The 290 MM will be joined at RM Sotheby’s New York sale by another great competition Ferrari of the same era, the 1955 Ferrari 500 Mondialchassis 0564MD/0424MD.


Finished in French Blu and equipped with a Lampredi four-cylinder engine with dual overhead camshafts, 0564MD/0424MD was sold new to French gentleman driver Mr. Yves Dupont in 1955 and successfully campaigned in period. It made its racing debut at the 12 heures de Hyères in May 1955 and later entered the famous and demanding Liège-Rome-Liège. Following the end of the 1955 season, 0564MD/0424MD was returned to the factory to be refurbished; it was never picked up by its owner and instead remained there for the next two decades, during which time it was oversprayed red by the factory and displayed at the Monza Museum. In 1975, the factory sold the car to French enthusiast Jean-Francois du Montant. Over the ensuing years, 0564MD/0424MDpassed through the hands of a number of respected, enthusiast owners.

In 2008, the then-owner of 0564MD/0424MD arranged for a Padova-based body shop to delicately remove the red paint to reveal the original French Blu paint underneath, a project that took three months to complete. The car still wears its original French Blu paint today. In recent years, 0564MD/0424 MD has participated in a number of historic events, including multiple appearances at the Mille Miglia Storica, as well as at various concours events including Salon Privé. Extraordinarily original, it comes to auction following a fresh engine rebuild and complete with Ferrari Classiche certification. It is eligible to participate in all key historic events (Est. $5,000,000 - $7,000,000).

RM Sotheby's Driven by Disruption event rounds out an already record year for the international auction house. The upcoming New York sale, to be held at Sotheby’s Manhattan headquarters on December 10, will feature a carefully curated selection of some 30 creatively-styled and pioneering motor cars, along with select automobilia. Each of the auction vehicles have been handpicked by RM specialists to showcase the extremes of motoring history and the molds that were broken by engineers and designers in pushing the automotive envelope.  As a prelude to the sale, an exclusive six-day exhibition will open over the weekend of December 5 in Sotheby’s 10th floor galleries.

For further information, or to view a frequently updated list of entries, please visit www.rmsothebys.com or call  +1 519 352 4575.

BONHAMS TWO-DAY STAFFORD SALE A £3.6 MILLION RECORD BREAKING SUCCESS

 
BONHAMS TWO-DAY STAFFORD SALE A
£3.6 MILLION RECORD BREAKING SUCCESS
The Olympia Motorcycle Show,1937 Brough Superior 990cc SS100, sold for £208,700
 
 
  • Bonhams Stafford Sale weekend realised more than £3.6 million, a record for the sale and the highest grossing motorcycle sale ever seen in Europe
  • Day one saw the single-owner Lonati Collection of 60 rare motorcycles achieve £1.3 million, with 91% sold. Day two of the sale saw the Brough Superior marque excel, with a pair of Brough Superior 981cc SS100 Alpine Grand Sport projects sold for £236,700 and £259,100 respectively, and the Olympia Motorcycle Show 1937 Brough Superior 990cc SS100 sold for £208,700
  • Attending the sale, former Top Gear presenter James May saw several of his motorcycles go under the hammer, including the 1967 Honda CB450 ‘Black Bomber’, sold for £5,980. Also selling well, the the ex-Steve McQueen 1934 Indian 750cc Sport Scout sold for £59,740
 
 
Bonhams motorcycle department enjoyed an incredible two-day Stafford Sale, grossing more than £3.6 million, the highest figure ever achieved for a European and UK motorcycle auction.
 
The hotly-anticipated single-owner Lonati Collection achieved excellent figures on day one of the sale, with 91% sold, and a new world record set for an Indian Four, as the 1930 Indian Model 402 Four Motorcycle Combination smashed its pre-sale estimate, soaring to £97,700.
 
Great British marque Brough Superior led day two of Stafford, with a duo of Brough Superior 981cc SS100 Alpine Grand Sport projects selling well, with the 1926 model sold for £236,700, and the 1927 model sold for £259,100. The 1937 Brough Superior 990cc SS100 also sold well, achieving £208,700, and the 1934 Brough Superior 1,096cc 11-50hp project sold for £93,340.
 
“It’s been an excellent weekend at Stafford, with a two-day sale that has grossed an incredible £3.6 million, a new record for the sale,” said Ben Walker, International Director for Bonhams Collectors' Motorcycles. “With great looks, excellent engineering and a prestigious reputation, it’s no surprise Brough Superior continues to prove popular, with enthusiasts willing to spend strong figures for both complete bikes and restoration projects, as we’ve witnessed at today’s sale, where the 1927 Brough Superior 981cc SS100 Alpine Grand Sport project was the highest grossing lot.”
 
 
From left: The 1927 Brough Superior 981cc SS100 Alpine Grand Sport Project, sold for £259,100
and the 1926 Brough Superior 981cc SS100 Alpine Grand Sport Project, sold for £236,700
 
 
 
Adding some celebrity sparkle to the event, former Top Gear presenter James May offered several motorcycles in the sale, lead by his 1967 Honda CB450 ‘Black Bomber’, which sold for £5,980. From captain slow to the king of cool, the ex-Steve McQueen 1934 Indian 750cc Sport Scout sold for £59,740.
 
“The two-day Stafford Sale has been a resounding success, and the highest ever UK and European motorcycle auction total. Bonhams have a long established reputation for successfully handling single-owner collections, with the Italian Lonati Collection Sale further cementing that status,” said Malcolm Barber, Bonhams co-chairman. “We witnessed strong international bidding, with several American clients travelling to the sale, many European bidders in the audience and on the telephone, and famous faces in the room – another great Stafford Sale.”
 
  
From left: Property of James May, the 1967 Honda CB450 ‘Black Bomber’ sold for £5,980,
 and the 1930 Indian 1,265cc Model 402 Four-cylinder Combination, sold for £97,700
 
 
 
Stored in an astonishing private museum of motorcycles, the highly prized Lonati collection saw excellent prices achieved, including a 1910 Pierce 688cc Four, sold for £63,100, a 1930 Henderson 1,301cc Model KJ ‘Streamline’ Four, sold for £49,450, a 1930 Harley-Davidson 1,200cc Model V, sold for £34,500, and the 1911 Flying Merkel 498cc 'Racing' Motorcycle, sold for £33,350.
 
Further sale highlights include a 1971 Münch 1,177cc TTS ‘Mammoth’ sold for more than double its top estimate, achieving £85,500, and a 1932 Rudge 350cc Works Racing Motorcycle for for more than seven times top estimate, sold for £70,940.
 
 
For further information on Bonhams motorcycle department visit: www.bonhams.com/motorcycles

BONHAMS WORLD RECORD-BREAKING SINGLE-OWNER LONATI SALE SEES AN INCREDIBLE £1.3 MILLION OF MOTORCYCLES SOLD

 
 
BONHAMS WORLD RECORD-BREAKING SINGLE-OWNER
LONATI SALE SEES AN INCREDIBLE £1.3 MILLION
OF MOTORCYCLES SOLD   
 
 
  • Day one of Bonhams Stafford sale saw the incredible single-owner Lonati Collection of sixty rare motorcycles realise £1,331,535, with 91% of machines sold
  • Indian motorcycles headed the sale, taking 40% of the top ten spots, lead by the 1930 Indian Model 402 Four Motorcycle Combination which smashed its pre-sale estimate, soaring to £97,700, setting a new world record for the model
  • Day two of Bonhams Stafford Sale continues Sunday 18th October
 
 
An incredible single-owner collection of sixty rare motorcycles sold for £1.3 million on the first day of Bonhams Stafford Sale.
 
“We’ve got an incredible selection of rare and exciting machines at the Stafford Sale, kicking off with the astonishing single-owner Lonati Collection, which today realised £1.3 million,” said Ben Walker, International Director for Bonhams Collectors' Motorcycles. “Indian motorcycles sold well, with the 1930 Indian Model 402 Four Motorcycle Combination smashing its estimate, soaring to £97,700, the top lot – and a new world record - for today’s collection.” 
 
Elsewhere from Indian, a 1914 Indian 7hp Big Twin sold for nearly double top estimate, realising £46,000, and the 1905 Indian 2¼ ‘Camel Back’ flew above estimate to achieve £40,250. 
 
“Today’s sale was a resounding success. Bonhams have a long established reputation for successfully handling single-owner collections, with the Italian Lonati Collection Sale further cementing that status,” said Malcolm Barber, Bonhams co-chairman. “We witnessed strong international bidding, with several American clients travelling to the sale, and many European bidders in the audience and on the telephone. We now look forward to tomorrow’s auction, with more than 150 incredible motorcycles still to go under the hammer at Bonhams Stafford Sale.”  
 
Stored in an astonishing private museum of motorcycles, the highly prized Lonati collection celebrates American marques from across pivotal points in motorcycle manufacture. Highlights of the sale include a 1910 Pierce 688cc Four, sold for £63,100, a 1930 Henderson1,301cc Model KJ ‘Streamline’ Four, sold for £49,450, a 1930 Harley-Davidson 1,200cc Model V, sold for £34,500, and the 1911 Flying Merkel 498cc 'Racing' Motorcycle, sold for £33,350.
 
1930 Indian 1,265cc Model 402 Four-cylinder Combination, sold for £97,700
 
 
The Lonati Collection began with Tiberio’s son, Francesco, who has a great love for motorcycles. With his enthusiasm for the machines, coupled with knowledge of his father’s likes, Francesco managed to persuade his father to purchase his first motorcycle – a civilianised 1942 Harley-Davidson WLA. This first motorcycle ignited a passion, and soon Mr. Lonati expanded to a vast sixty motorcycle collection, all housed in a private museum at the Santoni factory in Brescia, Italy.
 
From left: 1910 Pierce 688cc Four sold for £63,100

Wednesday 14 October 2015

RARE AND MODERN SPORTS CARS SET NEW RECORD HIGH AT BONHAMS ZOUTE SALE

RARE AND MODERN SPORTS CARS SET NEW
RECORD HIGH AT BONHAMS ZOUTE SALE
Ferraris were the undeniable leaders in Bonhams Zoute Grand Prix Sale when the Ferrari 599 SA Aperta, arguably the marque’s most exclusive modern edition, sold for €891,250.
One of only 80 of its kind ever made, the stunning and phenomenally fast Aperta features the latest technology and a V12 engine. Close at its heels was the 1971 Ferrari 365GTB/4 ‘Daytona’ Berlinetta, which sold for €828,000.
Rarity was a running theme in the auction’s success at the Belgian seaside resort of Knokke-Le-Zoute, with the 2005 Porsche Carrera GT Coupé – one of only nine delivered new to Belgium - selling for €644,000.
The Ford GT Coupé sold for €373,750. The model is exclusive not only because it was one of 101 examples built by Ford for the European market, but because the manufacturer imposed an extensive vetting procedure on their initial buyers for this all-time classic American great.
Also in the sale was the BMW M1 Coupé, the car designed to lead BMW to victory at Le Mans and Germany’s fastest production sports car when it launched at the Paris Motor Show in 1978. It achieved a price of €465,750.   
“Grossing €7.1 million Euro, we’ve almost doubled the previous year’s total, a new record for Bonhams Zoute Sale,” said Philip Kantor, Bonhams European Head of Motorcars. “With over 100,000 spectators in attendance, it’s exciting to see interest in the Zoute Grand Prix and Bonhams sale grow

COYS "SPIRIT OF MOTORING" SALE UPDATE

Coys' Spirit of Motoring sale, held at Ascot racecourse, home of the British sporting establishment, on 10th October 2015, offered a broad selection of the highest quality collectors motor cars.

Both collectors and the historic motor trade were pleased with the results - not only the prices achieved, some of which are highlighted below, but also the strong volume of sales, which was well received by all.
1937 Jaguar SS 100 2 ½ litre
SOLD: £309,800
1957 Mercedes-Benz 220S Cabriolet 
Right Hand Drive - One of 20 Produced
SOLD: £47,720
1962 Austin Healey MkII BJ
SOLD: £35,400
1986 Porsche 930 Turbo SE Flatnose 
One owner from new - one of 48 right hand drive cars
SOLD: £77,960
1994 Porsche 964 Speedster 
One of just Fourteen Right-hand Drive Cars Produced
SOLD: £141,800
1961 Bianchina Transformable
SOLD: £28,320
1966 Tecno Formula 3 - Ex Works Clay Regazzoni and Carlo Facetti – the Pederzani brothers first F3 single seater race car –
with bodywork by Medardo Fantuzzi.
SOLD: £29,500
1970 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5
SOLD: £47,160
1962 Porsche 356B T6 Coupe
SOLD: £40,000
1955 Bentley Series 1 Sports Saloon by Hooper 
1956  Earls Court Motor Show Car
SOLD: £28,320
Copyright © 2015 Coys, All rights reserved. 

Monday 12 October 2015

BRASS ERA MACHINES TOP RM SOTHEBY’S BEST EVER RESULTS IN HERSHEY








Meghan McGrail mmcgrail@rmsothebys.com +1 818 703 3731

BRASS ERA MACHINES TOP RM SOTHEBY’S BEST EVER RESULTS IN HERSHEY

·        RM Sotheby’s achieves strongest results to date in Pennsylvania at its annual Hershey auction, October 8-9
·        Brass Era machines are top-sellers at $16.3 million sale, led by dramatic 1913 Pierce-Arrow Model 66-A Seven-Passenger Touring at $830,500
·        Best-of-category American Classics also exceed pre-sale estimates, with stunning restorations commanding premium prices
·        Complete results for Hershey sale available at www.rmsothebys.com
·        RM Sotheby’s will top off 2015 calendar with exclusive Driven by Disruption sale, December 10 in New York City

HERSHEY, Pennsylvania (October 10, 2015) – RM Sotheby’s reinforced its reputation for the presentation of some of the finest available Brass and Classic Era motor cars at its two-day Hershey sale this week, generating an overall sales total of $16,344,387, with a very strong 96 percent of all lots sold. The fantastic result represents the company’s strongest performance in Pennsylvania, besting its 2014 total by more than 16 percent.

A feature attraction of the AACA Eastern Division Fall Meet, an autumn tradition bringing together hobbyists and collectors from around the world, RM’s Hershey sale welcomed bidders from 20 countries, with more than 20 percent representing new clientele. The beautiful weather drew hundreds to the outdoor preview, translating to spirited bidding across the two evening sale sessions.

An imposing car drawing many eyes throughout the preview, top sale honors went to the 1913 Pierce-Arrow Model 66-A Seven-Passenger Touring, chassis no. 66667, which sold for $830,500 to applause from the packed auction room, after lively back-and-forth bids from interested parties both in the room and over the Internet. Well-surpassing its pre-sale estimate of $550,000-$650,000, the Pierce-Arrow shone as the ultimate Brass Era automobile. Joining the Model 66-A at the top of the list is the 1911 Oldsmobile Autocrat known as Yellow Peril, chassis no. 65877, a powerful racing machine of the same era. Thundering onto the auction stage, the fascinating car brought a final price of $698,500, ready for more cross-country touring with its next enthusiastic owner. Rounding out the top three and leading the selection of early European vehicles in the sale is an extremely rare 1914 Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP Silver Ghost Landaulette, chassis no. 25EB, which brought a final $577,500 after a very strong opening bid.

“Hershey proved once again to be the perfect venue for the offering of important early automotive design,” said Gord Duff, car specialist, RM Sotheby’s, following the sale. “Brass Era powerhouses were the hit of the week, with the most exciting moment coming as our auctioneer Max Girardo opened bidding on the 1913 Pierce-Arrow, igniting a fierce competition that had the crowd roaring with every raise of a paddle. At another level of the market, expert restorations stood out, with top tier examples bringing well-deserved prices.”


A number of beautifully restored Classic Era automobiles exceeded pre-sale expectations, headed by a stunning 1923 Duesenberg Model A Sport Phaeton, chassis no. 977, offered from 67 years of ownership, at $374,000, a new auction record for the model. Another fantastic example is the exquisitely restored 1924 Marmon Model 34C Two-Passenger Speedster, chassis no. B2-5001, a best-of-category car boasting numerous awards, which sold for $203,500. Additional sales of note include a handsome 1934 Pierce-Arrow Eight Two-Passenger Coupe, chassis no. 2080431, nearly doubling its estimate at $154,000, along with a sparkling 1936 Chrysler Imperial Airflow Sedan, chassis no. 7015285, at $176,000.


Highly desirable memorabilia also achieved great prices, kicking off the auction on both Thursday and Friday evening. Stand out highlights include tremendous prices for unique collectibles offered from the Richard Roy Estate Collection, most notably a trio of scale model replicas of World War II aircraft, led by the North American Aviation P-51 Mustang Model Plane at $21,850, more than triple its top estimate.

RM Sotheby’s Hershey 2015 Top Ten Sales
1.      Lot 267
1913 Pierce-Arrow Model 66-A Seven-Passenger Touring
$830,500
2.      Lot 262
1911 Oldsmobile Autocrat "Yellow Peril"
$698,500
3.      Lot 162
1914 Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP Silver Ghost Landaulette
$577,500
4.      Lot 155
1932 Packard Twin Six Individual Custom Sport Phaeton
$440,000
5.      Lot 163
1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Torpedo Tourer
$434,500
6.      Lot 254
1914 Packard Six Five-Passenger Touring
$412,500
7.      Lot 240
1911 National Model 40 Speedway Roadster
$385,000
8.      Lot 259
1936 Packard Twelve Coupe Roadster
$385,000
9.      Lot 161
1923 Duesenberg Model A Sport Phaeton
$374,000
10.    Lot 238
1907 Thomas Flyer 4-60 Four-Passenger Runabout
$330,000

RM Sotheby's will round out it’s 2015 auction calendar with a return to New York City for its exclusive Driven by Disruption sale, December 10 at Sotheby's Manhattan headquarters. The event will feature a carefully curated selection of some 30 creatively-styled and pioneering motor cars, along with select automobilia. Each of the auction vehicles will be handpicked by RM specialists to showcase the extremes of motoring history and the molds that were broken by engineers and designers in pushing the automotive envelope. As a prelude to the auction, an exclusive six-day exhibition will open over the weekend of December 5 in Sotheby’s 10th floor galleries.

For complete results from RM Sotheby’s Hershey sale, along with further information on upcoming events, please visit www.rmsothebys.com or call +1 519 352 4575.

*Results are listed in USD and are inclusive of 10 percent buyer’s premium for all vehicle lots and 15 percent buyer’s premium for memorabilia. Sale totals include post-auction private sales.