Bonhams’ traditional end of season UK sale at Olympia in London drew the crowds on December 1st, with the wide selection of automobiles, motorcycles and automobilia attracting international interest. 
The sale realized £2.9-million with 68% of all lots selling, reflecting sound discerning bidding across the wide spectrum of cars on offer. Top price in the sale was £342,500 for a 1931 Bentley 8-litre Sedanca de Ville with coachwork by H J Mulliner.
James Knight, International Head of Bonhams Motoring Department and auctioneer at yesterday’s sale said, “We had some excellent results throughout the sale demonstrating that while bidders are becoming more selective about what they buy, they are prepared to pay healthy – and on some occasions record – prices for the right car. Whatever the age or marque, if it ticks the all-important boxes of provenance, originality and condition, the interest remains strong.”
With the 007 movie Quantum of Solace bringing James Bond back into the public eye, Bonhams also sold the 1976 Lotus Esprit, driven by Roger Moore in The Spy Who Loved Me, for £111,500.
The classic white sports car was bought by a private US collector, who was bidding on the telephone against a number of people in the saleroom. Commenting after the sale, the car’s new owner, who described himself as both a Lotus and James Bond aficionado, said that the car would be going to Atlanta, Georgia.
The vehicle was one of two Lotus cars driven in the 1977 film by Roger Moore’s James Bond character. In the movie it turned into an amphibious car, driven both on land and underwater.
Bonhams’ Olympia auction highlights:
- 1925 Bentley 3-litre Supersports Brooklands Two-Seater, one of only 18 built, which sold above estimate for £276,500
- The 1931 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental Touring Saloon, class-winner of the 1994 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elégance, which sold for £166,500
- 1936 Bentley 4 ¼-Litre Drophead Coupe – sold £135,700
- The 1933 Lagonda M45 Tourer – sold £133,500
- The 1950 Frazer Nash Le Mans Replica Recreation – sold £89,500
- 1958 AC Ace Roadster – sold £80,700
- 1958 Aston Martin DB MkIII Saloon – sold £76,300
For more information, visit www.bonhams.com/cars.
[Source: Bonhams]
