ULTRA RARE BUGATTI LEADS BURNETT COLLECTION AT GOODWOOD REVIVAL SALE

ULTRA RARE BUGATTI LEADS BURNETT COLLECTION AT GOODWOOD REVIVAL SALE

From the collection of the late Barry Burnett

1935 Bugatti Type 57 Atalante
Coachwork by Bugatti
Registration no. DYF 4
Chassis no. 57252

An ultra-rare and exceptional 1935 Bugatti Type 57 Atalante Faux Cabriolet will lead a stunning sextet of cars collected by the late Barry Burnett, which will be offered in the Bonhams Goodwood Revival Sale on 14 September.

The Atalante is one of only very few surviving 'Atalante' fixed-head coupés. Having spent its early life in France, the Bugatti crossed the Atlantic in 1957, when purchased by an American collector, before returning to Europe in the 1980s.

Barry encountered the Atalante when it was in the possession of another notable collector, Peter Rae, who had had the car completely restored, although, unusually, it retains its original chassis, engine, gearbox and body, all with matching numbers. Barry acquired it as a straight swap for a Delage, adding its registration 'DYF 4' which once appeared on the Type 57S Atlantic of Sir Malcolm Campbell. The car, finished in striking black and cream coachwork, has an estimate of £1,000,000 – 1,500,000.

West Countryman Burnett was a renowned motor car collector, most famously possessing a Corsica-bodied 1931 Daimler Double Six – the first car he ever purchased – which in later life went on to win the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in 2006.

Bonhams had the privilege of handling a collection of 28 of Barry's 60 motor cars in the 2009 Beaulieu Sale, which was a huge success.

The other five cars being offered a decade later at Goodwood are an eclectic selection and line up as follows:

1938 Lagonda V12 'Le Mans Replica' Tourer

A pre-production prototype and factory press car which, with Earl Howe at the wheel, set a new national '100-miles-in-the-hour' record at Brooklands in 1938. The Lagonda has been in the Burnett family since 1989. Estimate: £200,000 – 300,000.

1963 Facel Vega Facel II, Estimate £200,000 – 300,000.

One of just 26 right-hand drive versions of the French luxury grand tourer, advertised at the time of production as the fastest 4-seater coupé in the world and driven by a host of notable owners including Pablo Picasso, Tony Curtis, Frank Sinatra, Ava Gardner, Princess Grace of Monaco and Stirling Moss.

1936 Lagonda LG45 Tourer. Estimate £120,000 – 160,000.

1936 Talbot-Lago T23 Le Mans Replica. Estimate £100,000 - 150,000.

Jaguar D-Type Replica. Estimate £40,000 – 70,000.

Sholto Gilbertson, Bonhams Motor Cars Department Director UK, commented: "We are delighted to have been entrusted to offer another bespoke selection from the Burnett stable at this year's Goodwood Revival Sale. It reflects Barry's expert eye for quality and his passion for classic and vintage motor cars."

One fine example of Barry's eye for quality is the opulent 1934 Duesenberg Model J Torpedo Phaeton, which he added to his collection in 2006, and which Bonhams will offer in its Quail Lodge Auction in California on 15 August. Featuring stylish coachwork by renowned Duesenberg restorer Fran Roxas, this is one of the most important models ever produced and has an estimate of $600,000 – 800,000 (£490,000 – 660,000).

MANSELL’S ‘RED FIVE’ ON POLE FOR BONHAMS SALE F1 CHAMPIONSHIP-WINNING FW14B LEADS THE BONHAMS GRID AT FESTIVAL OF SPEED

MANSELL’S ‘RED FIVE’ ON POLE FOR BONHAMS SALE

 F1 CHAMPIONSHIP-WINNING FW14B
LEADS THE BONHAMS GRID AT
FESTIVAL OF SPEED

1992 WILLIAMS-RENAULT FW14B CHASSIS 08. Estimate on Request

The Williams-Renault FW14B Formula 1 car, in which legendary British racing driver Nigel Mansellwon a record-setting five Grand Prix races (all from pole) at the start of his Championship-winning 1992 season, is to be offered by Bonhams at the Goodwood Festival of Speed Sale on 5 July 2019.

A number of motor-racing greats will line up alongside the 90s legend to be offered for sale next Friday:

• ‘Old Mother Gun’, the pre-war Le Mans and Brooklands racing Bentley.
• 1935 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300, a road-going version of the Le Mans and Mille Miglia-winning race car.
• An Edwardian-era pioneer, the ex-Douglas Fitzpatrick Metallurgique-Maybach 21-litre Three-Seater Special.

The FW14B

 “It was just a fantastic year, with a fantastic car!”, said 1992 World Champion Mansell about theFW14B in an interview with Bonhams Magazine.

Designed by celebrated Formula 1 engineer Adrian Newey, The FW14B is considered one of the most sophisticated, dominant and important Formula 1 racing cars of all time, featuring state-of-the-art technology, including 6-speed semi-automatic transmission, ride-levelling active suspension and cutting-edge aerodynamics, powered by Renault’s RS3 3.5-litre V10 engine.

Bonhams is offering FW14B chassis 08 for sale, the car which contested 13 of that year’s 16 qualifying Grand Prix races, driven by Nigel Mansell in the first seven.

Mansell and the FW14B 08 won five of those seven Grand Prix races – in South Africa (where he set the fastest lap), Mexico, Brazil, Spain and Imola (for San Marino) – all from pole, setting a new Formula 1 record for consecutive wins.

Mansell was narrowly beaten into second place at Monaco by Ayrton Senna before ‘Red Five’, as it was known under Mansell’s command, was entrusted to Italian team-mate, Riccardo Patrese.

Then known as ‘White Six’, chassis ‘08’ contested a further six Grand Prix races, scoring World Championship points in three of them to give Williams-Renault one-two positions in the 1992 Formula 1 Constructors’ World Championship. Mansell notched up another four race wins in the sister car, becoming the first driver in Formula 1 racing history to win nine World Championship-qualifying Grand Prix races within a single season.

1992 WILLIAMS-RENAULT FW14B CHASSIS 08. Estimate on Request

Having been meticulously well-preserved, initially by Williams Grand Prix Engineering and subsequently by a private collector, FW14B ‘08” survives today in running order. Both its V10-cylinder engine and sophisticated hydraulic active-suspension system have been tested in recent weeks.

Mark Osborne, Global Director of Motorsport at Bonhams, commented: "The FW14B was the high-water mark in Grand Prix design for ‘92 and remains today one of the most sophisticated cars to compete in F1, and we at Bonhams are honoured to have been entrusted with such a motor-racing legend."

Also roaring into the Bonhams sale at Goodwood is ‘Old Mother Gun’, the 1927 Bentley Jackson Special – a timely offering in Bentley’s centenary year. The first 41/2-litre Bentley was a Le Mans and Grand Prix winner before dominating at Brooklands in the 1930s, setting speed records of 120mph and 130mph, before later recording an official top speed of 148mph. Estimate on Request.

Another historic speed king at the sale is the 1935 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 ‘Long Chassis’ Tourer,one of the last examples of the very first Alfa Romeo eight-cylinder models – a genuine 100mph car powered by a 2300CC engine, which achieved consecutive wins at Le Mans, Mille Miglia, Spa 24 Hours and Targa Florio, and led to the development of the legendary Monoposto Tipo B, the most dominating 30’s Grand Prix racer. Estimate £4,000,000 – 5,000,000.  

An ultra-rare ex-Douglas Fitzpatrick 1907 Métallurgique-Maybach Zeppelin-engined Edwardian three-seater, estimate £800,000 - £1,000,000, is considered one of the world’s greatest motor cars.

Powered by a very rare 21-litre airship engine, this remarkable motor car is a veteran of hill climbs, sprints and circuit-racing and still holds a current FIA Class A standing-start 500-metre world record. This Métallurgique’s other claim to fame is that it featured in the 1968 motion picture Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

The Bonhams Festival of Speed sale is offering an exclusive selection of some of the world’s most sought-after collectors’ cars, including:

2013 McLaren P1 XP Experimental Prototype, estimate £1,300,000 – 1,500,000.

1966 Ford GT40, estimate £850,000 – 1,250,000.

1928 Bentley 6 ½-Litre Saloon, coachwork by Gurney Nutting, est £800,000 – 1,200,000.

1998 Jaguar XJ220, estimate £350,000 – 400,000.

All motor cars will be available to view on Thursday 4 and Friday 5 July at Goodwood, with the sale starting at 2pm on Friday. 

ULTRA RARE GORDINI TYPE 15S BARQUETTE TOPS THE SALE LIST AT BONHAMS CHANTILLY SALE

ULTRA RARE GORDINI TYPE 15S BARQUETTE TOPS THE SALE LIST AT BONHAMS CHANTILLY SALE

The Chantilly Sale

30 Jun 2019

Chantilly, Chateau de Chantilly 

1952 Gordini Type 15S

An ultra-rare 1952 Gordini Type 15S Barquette (Sport Barchetta), proved to be the Chatelaine of Chantilly and the top lot in today's Bonhams sale taking place at the prestigious Arts et Elegance concours, in the grounds of the famous Château.

Following extensive national interest prior to the sale and a bidding battle, the Gordini 15S sold for an impressive total of €708,000 to a European buyer in the room, who earned applause from the chic visitors attending the motoring garden party.

The purchaser, a private collector and historic racer, is now the proud owner of a rare and important piece of French motoring and motorsport history, with his new acquisition being one of only two four-cylinder barchettas built by the legendary French sports car manufacturer. The other belongs to the renowned Schlumpf Collection in France's national motor museum in Mulhouse.

This remarkable motor car also has a fascinating history of competing in two top motorsport series – firstly as one of only five 'Type 11' single-seater 'monopostos' built in 1947 by the legendary Amédée Gordini for his Grand Prix racing team, driven, among others by the great Juan-Manuel Fangio, Jen Behra, Robert Manzon, Prince Bira of Siam and Aldo Gordini.

In 1952 the car was transformed, by Gordini himself, into a two-seat Barchetta, known as '15S', within 11 months an 'Équipe Gordini' challenger in the legendary Le Mans 24 hours race and leading sports car series.

Following an extensive restoration in the early 2000s, as a patriotic act by collector and former director of Renault Formula 1, Jean Sage, the 15S competed in the Mille Miglia tribute rally, Monaco Historic Grand Prix and Le Mans Classic event, until 2009.

Philip Kantor, Bonhams Head of European Motoring, said: "We are delighted that the Gordini will remain in Europe and we look forward to perhaps seeing it displayed at Chantilly in the near future!"

Other highlights from the Bonhams Chantilly Sale include:

• 1953 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mark 1, first owned by the Belgian Baron Maurice Solvay, realised €212,400. 

• 1962 Citroën DS Décapotable, a rare and highly-desirable early 'ashtray' model, achieved €182,900.

• 1965 Fiat 500 Elégance Beach Car, built by Carrozzeria Savio and displayed at the 1965 Turin Motor Show, achieved €87,320. 

• 1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta SS Coupé, designed by Bertone and offered in stunning condition, realised €89,680. 

Bonhams' next European motor car sales will be The Bonmont Sale in Geneva on 29 September and The Zoute Sale on 11 October.

THE CREAM OF CHANTILLY AT BONHAMS JUNE MOTOR CAR SALE

THE CREAM OF CHANTILLY

AT BONHAMS JUNE MOTOR CAR SALE

1952 Gordini Type 15S Barquette (Sport Barchetta) estimate €700,000 - €1,000,000

An ultra-rare 1952 Gordini Type 15S Barquette (Sport Barchetta), will be the cream of Chantilly as one of the top lots in Bonhams Chantilly Sale (estimate €700,000 - €1,000,000), casting its spell upon the town’s fairy tale chateau, also home to the Aga Khan, where the auction will be staged on Sunday 30 June.

The Gordini 15S, (chassis number 18), is one of just two four-cylinder engine Barchetta in the world built by the sports car manufacturer – and the only one available for the discerning collector to purchase, with the other, chassis number 20, belonging to the renowned Schlumpf Collection in France’s national motor museum in Mulhouse, which makes it unlikely to be offered for sale in the foreseeable future.

However, this motor car is not just remarkable for its rarity value, but also for its fascinating history of competing in two top motorsport series – firstly as one of only five ‘Type 11’ single-seater ‘monopostos’ built in 1947 by legendary sports car manufacturer Amédée Gordini, AKA ‘the sorcerer’, for his Grand Prix racing team and driven, among others, by the great Juan-Manuel Fangio, Jen Behra, Robert Manzon and Aldo Gordini.

In 1952 the car was transformed, by Gordini himself, into a two-seat Barchetta, known as ‘15S’, an ‘Équipe Gordini’ challenger in the legendary Le Mans 24 hours and leading sports car series. Following an extensive restoration in the early 2000s, as a patriotic act by the collector and former director of Renault Formula 1, Jean Sage, the 15S competed in the Mille Miglia, Monaco Historic and Le Mans Classic races, until 2009. For the past ten years, the 15S has been displayed in several concours. With the passing of its most recent and similarly patriotic French owner, the Barchetta is ready for a new appreciative custodian to keep the magic alive.

The Gordini will be joined on the Bonhams rostrum by a beautifully-restored example of one of the world’s most desirable automotive designs, the BMW 507 Series II Roadster, a grand tourer powered by a 3.2-litre engine. This Bavarian Belle, costing twice the price of a Jaguar XK120, was owned by the clichéd rich and famous including Elvis Presley, former Formula 1 world champion and four-time 500cc motorcycle Grand Prix world champion John Surtees, actors Alain Delon and Ursula Andress, Prince Rainier of Monaco and the Aga Khan.

Fittingly, the first owner of this 1959 Series II example was believed to be Baroness von Thyssen. The car spent its early life in Switzerland and then Germany, undergoing a comprehensive restoration in 1982. One of only 232 produced, the 507 is now rarer and arguably more desirable than its Stuttgart rival, the Mercedes-Benz 300SL. Estimate €1,800,000 – 2,200,000.

1959 BMW 507 Series II Roadster estimate €1,800,000 – 2,200,000

2001 BMW Z8 Roadster

Nearly 40 years after the launch of the 507, BMW unveiled the 507’s spiritual successor, the Z07 concept. This caused such a sensation at the 1997 Tokyo Motor Show, that it was put into production as the Z8 Roadster. This model will be joining its ancestor at Chantilly in the form of an original and unrestored 2001 example finished in Topaz Blue, which is offered by its original owner, having covered just over 21,000kms from new. Estimate €180,000 – 240,000.

The sale, set in the grounds of the historic Chateau de Chantilly, will offer a fine selection of 40 collectors motor cars, largely representing the finest continental marques, including:

1966 Shelby Cobra 427. One of the all-time greats of classic sports fusing European chassis engineering and the ultimate expression of American V8 power, created by the legendary Carroll Shelby. This example, powered by the desirable 427ci ‘side oiler’ engine, is featured in the official Shelby registry and has continuous ownership history. Estimate €850,000 – 950,000.

1955 Alfa Romeo 1900C Super Sprint. Part of Alfa Romeo’s first all-new post-war offering, the 1900 series, the attractive three windows Sprint Coupé was designed by Carrozeria Touring, with the Super Sprint featuring a 1,975cc engine. Only 200 examples of the original 600 built are believed to survive today, including this beautifully-restored example offered in its stunning original two-tone coachwork of ‘Azzuro Verde Oceano with a dark green roof and matching interior. 

Estimate €200,000 – 300,000.

1954 Arnolt-Bristol DeLuxe Roadster. A product of a joint venture between the British manufacturer and US industrialist ‘Wacky’ Arnolt and styled by Italian design house Bertone, the DeLuxe Roadster was a successful challenger at Le Mans and Sebring. This survivor of a production run of just 130 has competed in and is eligible for the Mille Miglia Retrospective. Estimate 290,000 – 330,000.

Other highlights include:

• 1962 Citroën DS Décapotable, rare and highly-desirable ‘ashtray’ model (€170,000 – 200,000).
• 1955 Mercedes-Benz 190SL cabriolet, very early chassis number 65, possibly the earliest remaining example, with desirable bucket seats as featured in the very first cars (€90,000 – 140,000).
• 1965 Fiat 500 Elégance Beach Car, built by Carrozzeria Savio and displayed at the 1965 Turin Motor Show, a one-off which is a must-have for any beach car collection (€75,000 – 105,000).
• 1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta SS Coupé, designed by Bertone and ordered new by one of the Bertone family ladies, with the noteworthy feature of Bertone Giulia GT door handles (which are more forgiving to nail polish!). This example is offered in stunning condition (€70,000 – 100,000).

BICESTER HERITAGE WELCOMES BONHAMS MPH AS NEW SPECIALIST

BICESTER HERITAGE WELCOMES BONHAMS MPH AS NEW SPECIALIST

Bicester Heritage, the UK’s only business campus dedicated to historic motoring excellence, is delighted to announce Bonhams MPH as the latest specialist to open at the unique destination and focal point for the historic car industry based at the beautifully restored former WW2 RAF Bomber Station.

Bonhams, the pre-eminent international auction house is renowned for the sale of significant motor cars at prestigious venues around the world. Bicester Heritage is pleased to have reached an agreement as the latest location of choice from which to launch their new auction venture, Bonhams MPH. The offices will be located in the recently refurbished former RAF Guard House, a beautiful neo-Georgian building which occupies a commanding position at the main gates to Bicester Heritage.

A separate business entity within Bonhams, MPH will focus on the consignment and sale of modern and affordable classics. Four auctions a year will be held at the Bicester Heritage campus in their vast events space, Hangar 113, the first taking place on Thursday 26th September. A new online consignment process carried out via the dedicated MPH portal is designed to make the transaction as quick and simple as possible for both buyers and sellers.

Bonhams MPH will have a presence at the inaugural Super Scramble event to be held at Bicester Heritage on Sunday the 23rd June, where their doors will be open to existing and new clients alike.

Dan Geoghegan, Chief Executive of Bicester Heritage, said: “We have long admired Bonhams' presence and performance in the classic car auction market and are absolutely delighted to welcome their new venture, Bonhams MPH, to Bicester Heritage. The establishment of Bonhams MPH within 90 minutes of 50% of the UK population will offer the best skills and professionalism in the auction world to the largest possible audience.”

James Knight, Bonhams Executive Director and Motoring Group Chairman, added: “We identified Bicester Heritage as the stand-out location for our new operation and I am so pleased that Dan Geoghegan and the management team expressed the same appetite for Bonhams to take up residence. We cannot wait to develop Bonhams MPH. The potential is enormous.”

BONHAMS SPRINGS INTO ACTION AT GOODWOOD MEMBERS’ MEETING SALE

BONHAMS SPRINGS INTO ACTION AT

GOODWOOD MEMBERS’ MEETING SALE
70 per cent sale rate, a total of £5,613,5301964 Aston Martin DB5 Sports Saloon to Vantage specification
the top lot at £636,600Ex-Elton John Ferrari 365 GT4 Berlinetta Boxer achieves £224,250

 

1964 Aston Martin DB5 Sports Saloon to Vantage specification sold for £636,600

Following on the heels of sales in the USA and on the Continent, the UK division of Bonhams’ motoring group sprang into action yesterday, conducting the annual Goodwood Members’ Meeting Sale, achieving a 70 per cent sell rate totalling some £5,613,530 - an increase of around £2 million on last year's sale, with a similar volume of lots. 

A 1964 Aston Martin DB5 Sports Saloon to Vantage specification proved to be the ‘best of British’ as the top lot, realising £636,600 from an international buyer in the room.

British and German marques dominated the top selling lots. A 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300SC Coupé from Turkey’s Key Museum achieved £356,500, while a 1955 Porsche 356A Speedster sold for £241,500.

A 1986 Porsche 911 Turbo SE ‘Slant Nose’ Coupé sold for £161,000, well above its estimate (£100,000 - £130,000), and the NEC Classic Car Show Meguiar’s Concours winner, a 1960 Porsche 356B 1600S T5 Cabriolet, realised £138,000.

Stardust was provided by an ex- Sir Elton John Ferrari 365 GT4 Berlinetta Boxer, delivered new to the singer in 1974, which realised £224,250, while a star of the racetrack, a 1966 McLaren M1B Group 7 ‘Can Am’ Sports Racer, sold for £172,500 to a telephone bidder.

Similarly attracting high bids was the private number plate ‘U8’ which achieved £166,750. Also reflecting the varied lots featured in yesterday’s sale were a child’s Auto Union Type C ‘Silver Arrow’ pedal car by Audi Quattro which sold for £6,325 and a Lamborghini Cingolato 3402 CTL tractor which achieved an estimate-beating £27,600.

James Knight, Group Motoring Chairman at Bonhams, said: “We are very pleased with our first UK sale of 2019. It exceeded last year's total by some distance and we attracted global interest, selling lots to the USA, Australia, the home market and any number of countries on the Continent.

With lots ranging from pioneering Edwardian vehicles to rock stars’ sports cars, Bonhams’ offering yesterday was typically unique and diverse.”

Other highlights included:

- 1966 Citroen DS21 Décapotable - £117,300

- 1908 Columbia Electric Victoria Phaeton -  £58,650

- 1927 Delage 14HP DIS Tourer -  £49,450

- 1954 Austin Healey 100 BN1 Roadster -  £42,500

-  Ex-Dean Martin 1973 Excalibur Series II Roadster - £75,900

Fittingly, following the successful sale of the DB5 at Goodwood, the marque will be the focus of Bonhams' Aston Martin Sale on 19 May at Wormsley Estate, High Wycombe. 

Bonhams will return to the Goodwood estate on two further occasions this year: 5 July for The Festival of Speed sale and 14 September for The Revival Sale.

‘TURKISH DELIGHTS’ ARE KEY TO BONHAMS GOODWOOD MEMBERS’ MEETING SALE

https://www.classicchatter.co.uk/events-guide

‘TURKISH DELIGHTS’ ARE KEY
TO BONHAMS GOODWOOD MEMBERS’ MEETING SALE

 

1956 Mercedes-Benz 300SC Coupé, Estimate: £400,000-500,000.

A collection of ‘Turkish delights’ will be offered at the Bonhams Goodwood Members’ Meeting Sale on Sunday 7 April, in the form of 24 rare restored historic motor cars, offered directly from Turkey’s Key Museum, led by a 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300SC Coupé, with an estimate of £400,000-500,000. 

The 300SC will be joined in the Bonhams Goodwood selection by an exceptional 1962 Aston Martin DB4 ‘Series IV’ Sports Saloon (£250,000-300,000) and a 1947 Delahaye Type 135M Cabriolet (£220,000-280,000), both fully restored by the Key museum’s in-house team of 12 mechanics.

With its Sindelfingen coachwork and hand-finished tan leather interior, the 300SC is one of only 200 examples models built of the model which is widely considered among discerning collectors as the most desirable of all Mercedes-Benz’s post-war luxury cars.

The 300S was the marque’s flagship model throughout the 1950s, as it was lighter and faster and still more comfortable than its predecessor. The SC model was further enhanced with a Bosch-fuel injected 175bhp dry-sump engine to further increase its power and performance, achieving a top speed of 112mph and acceleration of 0-62mph (100kph) of around 13 seconds. 

This particular ultra-rare 300SC was restored in Europe in the 1990s and acquired by the Key museum in 2009 at a US auction. 

1962 Aston Martin DB4 ‘Series IV’ Sports Saloon, Estimate: £250,000-300,000.

The Key Museum is a surprising, 7000m² motoring haven in rural Turkey, situated one hour from Izmir. Founded by two brothers, Murat and Selim Özgörkey, the museum tells a global story of motoring history, and since 2001 its extensive assortment of vehicles has been sourced with meticulous diligence from all corners of the world. 

A change in the museum’s direction has led this world class institution to restructure its collection and so an eclectic selection of 24 cars will now feature prominently at the Bonhams Goodwood Members’ Meeting Sale.

Bonhams Head of Motoring UK, Tim Schofield, commented: “The quality of motor cars sourced by the Key Museum, in a relatively short amount of time, is exceptional, and we are very proud to be including in our sale some of the very best models of their collection. The 24 vehicles headed to Bonhams mirror the quality and diversity found in the Museum itself, with electric, steam and petrol engines all featured.”

Other highlights from the Key Museum collection include:

•  1958 Fiat-Abarth 750 GT ‘Double Bubble’ Coupé, with coachwork by Carrozzeria Zagato, estimate £90,000-120,000.
•  1951 Jaguar Mark V 3½-litre Drophead Coupé, restored by the museum, estimate £80,000-100,000.
•  1960 Facel Vega HK500 Coupé, restored by the museum, estimate £90,000-120,000.
•  1948 Chrysler New Yorker ‘Town & Country’ Convertible, estimate £100,000-130,000.
•  1932 Auburn 8-100A Cabriolet, estimate £80,000-100,000.

The Bonhams Goodwood Members’ Meeting Sale will feature a world-class range of historic motor cars including a 1964 Aston Martin DB5 Sports Saloon (£580,000-660,000), a 1968 Aston Martin DB6 Volante (£480,000-580,000), a 1967 Maserati 3.7-Litre Mistral Spyder (£350,000-450,000) and a 1974 Ferrari 365 GT4 Berlinetta Boxer, delivered new to Sir Elton John (£250,000-300,000).

CONCOURS-READY CLASSICS LEAD BONHAMS 8TH GRAND PALAIS SALE

CONCOURS-READY CLASSICS LEAD BONHAMS 8^TH GRAND PALAIS SALE

1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupé sold for €1,207,500

Yesterday, 7 February, Bonhams held its eighth sale at the magnificent Grand Palais. The marathon sale saw more than 140 cars crossing the rostrum over several hours and spirited bidding taking place beneath the cavernous glass domes of the Grand Palais. The top lot of the sale was the imposing and elegant 1939 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Cabriolet A, formerly owned by His Majesty King Hussein bin Talal, former King of Jordan. It sold for €1,581,250to a European bidder in the room.

Following closely behind was the immaculate 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupé which sold for €1,207,500 – a testament to its absolutely pristine condition. Concours-ready motor cars were of great interest in the sale. The 1950 Porsche 356 Split-Window ‘Four-Digit’ Coupé boasted wins at both Zoute and InterClassics Brussels and sold for €805,000 to a European bidder.

1939 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Cabriolet A sold for €1,581,250

Bentleys were popular throughout the sale, and one of the lengthiest bidding battles of the sale was the competition to own the impressively original 1928 Bentley 6½-Litre Four Light Weymann Fabric Sports Saloon. It eventually sold for €1,150,000 to an online bidder. The 1931 Bentley 8-Litre Sports Tourer also performed strongly, achieving €787,750.

1928 Bentley 6½-Litre Four Light Weymann Fabric Sports Saloon sold for €1,150,000

Other highlights included:

• 1974 Ferrari 365 GT4 Berlinetta Boxer sold for €278,300
• 1937 Alfa Romeo 6C-2300 Berlina by Stabilimenti Farina achieved €264,500
• 1939 BMW 327/328 Sports Cabriolet sold for €212,750
• 1934 Lagonda M45 T7 Tourer realised €212,750
• The ex-Toyota Team Europe, Didier Auriol/Bernard Occelli, 1994 Toyota Celica ST185 Turbo Group A Rally Car achieved €207,000

Philip Kantor, European Director of Motoring, commented: ‘The top lots of the sale perfectly illustrated the diverse range of Bonhams expertise. We offered everything from pioneering veterans to ultra-luxurious, concours-ready classics to an enthusiastic, international crowd. The top lots such as the Mercedes-Benz Gullwing, the Mercedes-Benz 540K, the Porsche 356 and the Bentley 6½-Litre were all outstanding examples of some of the most desirable and iconic models in the automotive world and rightly commanded impressive prices. The Grand Palais is one of the most astonishing auction locations in the world, and we were proud to offer such a high calibre of motor cars and automobilia.’

AMERICAN CLASSICS SET TO HEADLINE RM SOTHEBY’S AMELIA ISLAND SALE

AMERICAN CLASSICS SET TO HEADLINE RM SOTHEBY’S AMELIA ISLAND SALE

• A desirable 
  assortment of great American Classics set for RM Sotheby’s 21st annual Amelia Island auction, extended to two days, 8-9 March
• Official auction of the Amelia Island Concours led by beautifully restored 1930 Duesenberg Model J ‘Sweep Panel’ Dual-Cowl Phaeton, alongside additional sought-after Classic Era motor cars
• Detailed lot and event information can be viewed at rmsothebys.com

Following enthusiastic bidding and the successful sale of desirable American Classics at the company’s recent Arizona auction, RM Sotheby’s is delighted to announce important Classic Era entries for its 21^st annual Amelia Island auction on 8-9 March at the Ritz-Carlton. The group is led by a stunning 1930 Duesenberg Model J ‘Sweep Panel’ Dual-Cowl Phaeton by LeBaron.

The Duesenberg Model J nicknamed the “Duesy,” represents anything truly great or grand. It was bankrolled by E.L. Cord and designed from the outset to be the world’s finest car. When the Model J debuted at the New York Auto Salon on 1 December 1928, its launch dominated newspaper headlines. Today, the Model J still marks the crowning achievement of the Classic Era.  

Interestingly, of the mere 18 examples ever produced of the ‘Sweep Panel’ Dual-Cowl Phaeton body style, engine no. J-487 is the one and only example on the long 153½-in. wheelbase. This Duesenberg, fully restored to concours-quality from the ground up by the renowned Fran Roxas, is finished in a stunning rich black and café au lait combination, highlighted by a subtle red pinstripe that delineates the iconic sweep panel, providing a handsome match to the tan cloth top and sumptuous leather interior, with its distinctive engine-turned dashboard. It is an exceptional example of the marque, and one with a known and continuous history from new, which has always been well maintained and cared for throughout its life, as evidenced by its ACD Club Category One Certification (Est. $1,600,000 – $2,000,000).

Further significant pre-war automobiles sure to draw attention in Amelia Island include the only factory non-supercharged 1935 Auburn Eight Custom Speedster, a sought-after Classic in today’s market, offered without reserve from the esteemed Richard L. Burdick Collection, from which strong results were achieved in Arizona ($500,000 – $650,000, offered without reserve); an authentic 1934 Packard Twelve Convertible Sedan Custom, offered fresh to the market following an exceptional restoration (Est. $1,250,000 – $1,500,000); a 1931 Packard Deluxe Eight Convertible Roadster by Derham, formerly of the Julian Eccles and James Weston Collections, coming to Amelia Island complete with its original chassis, engine and bodywork (Est. $650,000 – $750,000); and, formerly of the Imperial Palace and Michael Calore Collections, a 1932 Stutz DV-32 Convertible Victoria by Rollston, one of just five built to this design on DV-32 chassis and an AACA and CCCA 100-point Senior First Prize winner (Est. $750,000 - $1,000,000).

“The RM Sotheby’s Ocean Front Lawn at the Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island has long been where collectors find some of the hobby’s most coveted American Classics,” says Gord Duff, Global Head of Auctions, RM Sotheby’s. “As we saw in Arizona, there is a sustained and perhaps renewed appetite for great pre-war Classics in today’s market, and we’re thrilled to bring collectors rare opportunities such as one of Fran Roxas’ final Duesenberg restoration projects, yet to be shown following completion, an as-pure-as-it-gets Packard Twelve Convertible Sedan Custom, and an Auburn Eight Custom Speedster—a Classic in high demand.”

Ten Brass and Classic Era motor cars will cross the RM Sotheby’s block in Amelia Island, entirely without reserve, following decades of careful stewardship in The Leon-Hackey Collection, a long-standing, true enthusiast name in the hobby. Highlights include:

• 1909 Delaunay-Belleville Type IA Victoria by Brewster, a prized part of the collection since 1975, having had only three additional owners from new. This is one of the great French Brass Era automobiles, wearing elaborate Victorian coachwork by one of America’s finest coachbuilders (Est. $250,000 - $325,000); and,
• 1934 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental Close-Coupled Saloon by Barker, a centerpiece of the collection since 1978, formerly owned by Hollywood legend Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., wearing sporting one-off coachwork with numerous unique features, and complete with original chassis, engine and body as delivered in 1934 (Est. $350,000 - $450,000).

RM Sotheby’s 21^st annual Amelia Island sale is set to take place during the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance on 8-9 March at the Ritz-Carlton, presenting more than 120 of the world’s most sought-after blue-chip automobiles. Additional entries to be announced. For further information on RM Sotheby’s 2019 Amelia Island auction, please visit rmsothebys.com. Interested consignors and bidders are invited to call RM Sotheby’s headquarters at +1 519 352 4575 to speak with a car specialist.