HOME-GROWN LUXURY MARQUES TO STAR AT BONHAMS INAUGURAL ITALIAN SALE

HOME-GROWN LUXURY MARQUES TO STAR AT BONHAMS INAUGURAL ITALIAN SALE

 

1960 Maserati 3500 GT Vignale Spyder (€600,000-700,000)

An outstanding array of classic and collectors’ motor cars will be offered at Bonhams inaugural Italian sale on 28 October at Auto e Moto d’Epoca, Italy’s largest classic motor show which takes place in Padua.

Italian marques feature heavily in the sale, with exquisite examples from Maserati, Lancia, De Tomaso, Fiat, Abarth, Alfa Romeo and, of course, Ferrari. The star of the show is the 1960 Maserati 3500 GT Vignale Spyder (€600,000-700,000). The 3500GT drew on Maserati’s competition experience and is one of their most successful and sought-after forays into the 2+2 market. Most coupés were the work of the coachbuilder Touring while all but one (a Frua-bodied example) of the much less common spyder version were the work of Carrozzeria Vignale. Introduced in 1959, Vignale's Maserati 3500GT Spyder was the creation of Giovanni Michelotti, at that time the company's star designer. The spyder lasted in production until 1964, by which time only 245 cars had been made.

1962 Lania Flaminia Sport 3C (€400,000-500,000)

The 1962 Lancia Flaminia Sport 3C (€400,000-500,000) is one of fewer than 400 Sport Zagatos made and features the Milanese house’s renowned ‘double bubble’ roof, designed to eke out extra headroom without compromising the sleek, elegant design of the motor car. It is one of the finest examples of the old-style Lancia designs and has been meticulously maintained since its extensive (1,750 hours) and professional restoration in the early 90s. Timeless Italian style paired with a highly-desirable and rare specification make this an ideal addition to any admirer and collector of classic Italian motor cars.

A beautiful Italian rarity is the 1967 De Tomaso Vallelunga Berlinetta (€200,000-250,000), one of only 50 made. The exquisite coupé was the first car from De Tomaso and was named after the Italian circuit where the company’s founder, Alejandro de Tomaso, raced during the 60s.This example is exceptionally original and presented in unrestored condition, right down to the paintwork. An under-rated and beautifully performing coupé, it is eligible for a wide variety of the most prestigious historic motoring events.

 

1967 De Tomaso Vallelunga Berlinetta (€200,000-250,000)

From Maranello, a 2001 Ferrari 550 Barchetta (€310,000-360,000) and a 1971 Ferrari Dino 246 GT Berlinetta (€200,000-250,000) will cross the rostrum. A true Ferrari roadster, only 448 of the 550 Barchetta were produced, making them a rare site at auction. A slightly more common sight, but nevertheless a beautiful one, is the Dino. This M-series example was delivered new to Genoa, Italy before heading to the USA for a full restoration in 2012. Currently part of the vendor’s extensive private collection in the UK, this is a true driver’s car and one which should form a part of every serious Ferrari collection.

Other highlights include:

• 1965 OSCA 1600 GT2 (€160,000-200,000)
• 1961 Lancia Flaminia Touring Convertible (€160,000-190,000)
• 1970 Lancia Fulvia Coupé (€120,000-160,000)
• 1963 Abarth Monomille GT (€90,000-120,000)

 

1971 Ferrari Dino 246 GT Berlinetta (€200,000-250,000).