Bonhams, Greenwich Concours d’Elegance, Greenwich, Connecticut, June 1, 2014
Report by Rick Carey, Auction Editor
Bonhams featured a couple of headline cars at Greenwich, particularly John Fitch’s Fitch Phoenix prototype which John had driven many times down from Lime Rock to the Concours.
The Fitch Phoenix’s thunder might have been overshadowed in the auction results by the $1.2 million Countach Periscopica, but nothing can really diminish the multiple contributions to racing and automobile safety of John Fitch. The quarter-million dollars that the Phoenix brought was in the greatest part due to respect for his immense talent, creativity and initiative.
The next time you spot some plastic barrels, splintered around a lane divider on the Interstate after sparing a motorist from impact with immovable Armco, think of John, whose innovative idea these passive barriers were.
In the same vein, the Greenwich Concours’ impresario, irrepressible Bruce Wennerstrom, brought a new element to the weekend: a flash mob performing choreographed song and dance before the awards ceremony. Greenwich isn’t New York, but it’s close enough that the intersection of Broadway and cars is only a thought away. Bruce melded that thought with the Concours this year and it injected fresh life into an already buoyant weekend of cars, commerce and conversation.
Something similar is probably not going to occur on the Lawn at Pebble Beach.
Bonhams has made Greenwich its own since taking over a few years ago. This is their seventh year at Greenwich, and the cars made their own statement with a singularly large component of preserved (to various degrees) original cars. A few of them got the bidders’ juices flowing, including the Countach Periscopica, and deserved to set new standards for type and condition.
Greenwich is a double-barrel event where a Bonhams catalog is admission not only to the auction but also to the Concours. The greatest concentration of disposable income in the world is less than an hour’s drive in radius, an area with a history of car collecting and preservation that is well over a half century old.
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There were a lot of neat and affordable cars here in Greenwich, an offering that was largely accessible as indicated by the $45,100 median result. Go to the Concours, get fired up, and buy a car with the potential to participate next year.
Participation in the all-singing, all-dancing flash mob is optional.
[On-site observations are ably contributed by Andrew Newton. The Transaction Comments are solely the responsibility of the Editor. Don’t blame him.]
Bonhams Greenwich 2014 – Auction Report
Lot # 310 1958 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider, Body by Pinin Farina; S/N AR149504505; Engine # AR131543835; Red/Black piped in red; Black vinyl top; Estimate $25,000 – $35,000; Unrestored original, 4- condition; Hammered Sold at $22,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $24,200. No Reserve – 1290/91hp, Solex carb, 4-speed, Motorola radio. – Rusty rocker panels, pitted chrome, filthy interior and grubby from top to bottom, but rather complete for a car that was in storage for almost 40 years. Well documented history from when it was delivered new to Max Hoffman in 1958 until it was taken off the road in 1976 with 52,239 miles on the odometer, the same number it shows today. Comes with receipts and the factory tool kit. A major but doable project. – This is an appropriate price for a bereft but largely complete project that could be worth upwards of $60K when it’s done. The good thing about it is that parts, aside from some picky trim items, are readily available making bringing it back to sound, reliable running and driving condition a reasonably straightforward concept.Lot # 312 1970 LeGrand Mk10 Formula Ford; S/N none; Red, White stripe; Estimate $8,000 – $10,000; Unrestored original, 4- condition; Hammered Sold at $6,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $7,150. No Reserve – Steel wheels and uprights, roll bar, slicks, no engine or gearbox. – Body mostly straight with no sign of major repairs. Paint, on the other hand, is cracking and crazing in most places. Decent frame. A cool project to get back to vintage specs, but there are cheaper and faster ways to go racing. – This frame, suspension and body are about what the original LeGrand kit would have looked like in the early 70’s, just add an engine and gearbox and go racing. Wait a minute. Not so fast. This kit needs extensive work to make it functional, let alone safe, at the speeds it is capable of reaching and is a daunting project. It needs, in short, ‘everything’ and will be expensive to finish to current vintage racing specifications.Lot # 314 1947 MG TC Roadster; S/N TC3043; Engine # XPAG3624; Black, Red grille/Red leather; Estimate $28,000 – $34,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $26,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $28,600. No Reserve – 1250/54hp, 4-speed, painted centerlock wire wheels, Dunlop tires, rear-mounted spare, driving light, wood dash, banjo steering wheel. – Used but clean engine bay. Strong older paint. Decent chrome. Very good interior. Some light scratches on fenders and a little crazing in the hood. Thoroughly restored in the early 1990s and an AACA and MG T Register show winner shortly after. Driven several thousand miles since and still a good, honest example, but in 2014 it is past its prime. – A TC is a sound and useful buy, particularly at this price. Summer is coming and it will make the season more fun as well as being a sound, safe place to park some liquidity. Take care of it and it will always be worth this much.Lot # 315 1985 Ferrari Mondial 3.2 Cabriolet, Body by Pininfarina; S/N ZFFUC15A4F0057179; Rosso Corsa/Tan leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $22,000 – $28,000; Unrestored original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $22,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $24,200. No Reserve – 3185/266hp, 5-speed, Michelin tires, Kenwood radio. – Good paint with some dings around the doors. Worn interior. Bad weather stripping. Top frame and wheels are scratched up. Tires are on their way out. Radio antenna is so bent it looks like it’s about to snap off. Showing just 46,236, probably actual, miles, less than its presentation would suggest. A bad example of a car that was pretty to begin with. – Surprisingly unloved for a car that is so practical, but without evidence of a recent service and qualified by the frightening statement it’s been ‘driven only about 3,000 miles in the last 22 years’ there is much that is uncertain about this Mondial 3.2 and the seller should be extremely happy to get this much for it.Lot # 318 1959 Fiat 600 Jolly, Body by Ghia; S/N 100595511; Engine # 100000648733; Coral/Brown wicker; White cloth top; Estimate $80,000 – $100,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $74,545 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $82,000 – 633/28.5hp, 4-speed, BF Goodrich Silvertown whitewalls. – Excellent paint and chrome. Wicker interior is superb. Clean undercarriage. Detailed engine bay. A showable example. Restoration is a few years old and still showing fresh. Titled as a 1960. – Sold at the Auctions America sale in Burbank last year for $67,100, a modest profit was earned while also having a year’s enjoyment. The new owner paid all the money for it, however, even in such fine condition.Lot # 321 1973 Volkswagen Type 181 Thing Utility; S/N 1833023202; Blizzard White/Black vinyl; Black vinyl top; Estimate $15,000 – $20,000; Original, with major mechanical repairs, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $8,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $8,800. No Reserve – 1584/46hp, 4-speed, Cornell 808 radial tires, roll bar, front push bumper, rear-mounted spare, oak stave floormats. – Rusty hinges under a bad respray that was done in 2003. Top is pretty tired. Rough looking undercarriage and dinged up wheels. Poor panel fit. Tacky bumper stickers that should have been taken off before going to a high-end collector car auction. Would be fun to cruise around the beach in, but nothing to be too proud of. – The Greenwich bidders saw the rat under the hype and bid accordingly resulting in a reasonable price for a needy vehicle. The consignor got exactly what the neglect and lack of pre-auction prep deserved.Lot # 322 1952 Morgan Plus 4 Roadster; S/N P2616; Black/Red; Black cloth top; Estimate $40,000 – $50,000; Older restoration, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $41,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $45,100 – 1991/105hp, dual SU carbs, Moss 4-speed, chrome hubcaps and steel wheels, dual rear-mounted spares, leather hood strap, single Lucas driving light, dual mirrors, folding windscreen, wood dash, banjo steering wheel. – Tattered top. Plastic rear window is yellowed and scratched up. Tired paint, especially on the fenders. Presentable, lightly worn interior. Decent chrome with some small dings. One of just 117 flat radiator Plus 4s built. An older restoration that is very much showing its age. – Needy, but still a Triumph-engined ‘Flat Rad’ Morgan, and lefthand drive at that. The price makes an MG TD look like a good value, but the Morgan will run rings around it and has that subtle Morgan cachet. This is a healthy but realistic price for a good, sound older restored Morgan.Lot # 323 1963 Maserati 3500 GTi Coupe, Body by Touring; S/N AM1012638; Engine # AM1012638; Amaranto Rame/Tan leather; Estimate $140,000 – $180,000; Unrestored original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $160,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $176,000 – 3485/235hp, Lucas indirect fuel injection, Nardi wood-rimmed steering wheel, 4-speed, Blaupunkt push button radio, Jaeger dash clock, solid frame. – Represented as 31,378 miles from new and original engine. Rough original paint overall with bubbling around the wheel wells and serious chips and crazing on and around the trunk. Tired chrome. Relatively clean engine bay. Pleasant interior that is only lightly worn. The current condition is on the fine line between needing a restoration and being a preserved example. It could be enjoyed as-is for a few years. – There is a considerable ‘originality’ premium in this price, on the order of $35,000. Is that rational or not only time will tell but in the current market it is in line with the percentages buyers are putting down for originality premiums on other cars.Lot # 325 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Roadster; S/N 11304412022076; Engine # 153624; Tobacco Brown/Brown vinyl; Estimate $55,000 – $65,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $48,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $52,800 – 2778/170hp, automatic, color-coded hubcaps, Cooper thin whitewalls, pagoda hardtop and soft top, heated hardtop rear window, P/S, Frigiking A/C, roll-up windows, Becker Europa radio, dash clock. – Good paint with a couple of small flaws and orange peel in the hardtop. Light scratches on the hub caps. Very good interior. Tidy but not spotless engine bay and undercarriage. Recently refurbished including paint, wood, engine tune and detail, new exhaust and new tires, a sound and usable example in an unusual color. – The new owner got a good car with exceptional equipment that adds up to a very good value. It could have brought well over $50K and still not been unreasonably priced.
Bonhams Greenwich 2014 – Auction Report Page Two
Lot # 326 1991 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce Spider; S/N ZARBB32N6M6010778; Vino Rosso/Tan leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $20,000 – $25,000; Unrestored original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $14,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $15,950. No Reserve – 1962/120hp, 5-speed, Kumho Ecsta PSX tires, wood shifter, dash clock, Clarion stereo with Bluetooth. – The condition of this car matches the 55,820 miles showing on the odometer. Strong paint overall with some light scratches. Door handles are both scratched up. Strong top, undercarriage and engine bay. Neat driver. – This result is right on the money these days but intrinsically is an exceptional value for money. It should be driven enthusiastically and enjoyed. Maybe by the time the new owner puts another 20K miles on it a new generation of collectors will wake up to the joys of driving and Alfa (and, it’s true, the headaches.)Lot # 327 1955 MG TF 1500 Roadster; S/N HDE439637; Engine # XPEG3382; Red/Black leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $37,000 – $45,000; Recent restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $30,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $33,000 – 1500/63hp, 4-speed, painted knock-off wire wheels, Monarch tires, driving lights, rear-mounted spare wheel, luggage rack, wood-rimmed banjo spoke steering wheel. – Clean, used engine bay. Very clean undercarriage. Great paint and chrome. Very good interior. Lightly worn seats. A properly restored, usable example with accessory oil cooler and 3.90 gears. A prime specimen of the final evolution of the T-Series MG. – Like the TC sold earlier, the TF 1500 is a sound place to put a few dollars where they can reside while also having fun with the TF 1500’s whole 63hp. This is a good, sound car with some miles that suggest it’s been debugged and has settled in as an attractive driver at a very reasonable price.Lot # 328 1961 Jaguar XKE SI flat floor Roadster; S/N 875091; Engine # R10739; Opalescent Dark Green/Suede Green leather; Grey top; Estimate $200,000 – $250,000; Concours restoration, 1- condition; Hammered Sold at $305,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $335,500 – 3781/265hp, 4-speed, chrome knock-off wire wheels, Dunlop Road Speed tires, flat floors, external bonnet locks, wood-rimmed steering wheel. – Excellent paint, chrome and interior. Top notch restoration started in 2001 but completion was delayed until 2011. The 91st left-hand drive E-Type ever made and one of the first 300 cars characterized by external hood release locks. Much hillclimb success in 1962 and 1963 at the hands of Jim Ladd, including the overall Pennsylvania Hillclimb Championship in 1962. Gorgeous presentation today and a period motorsports history make a great combination. – E-types in general are in value trajectory that will soon take them into the stratosphere, but among them this early flat floor, external bonnet lock car, beautifully and freshly restored and with a notable period competition history is particularly valuable. The colors also enhance its value. It would have been a bargain at the pre-sale high estimate and is not – at least in the present market’s view – expensive at the result here.Lot # 329 1974 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 Utility; S/N FJ40170614; Nebula Green, White roof/Grey vinyl; Estimate $55,000 – $75,000; Older restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $54,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $59,400. No Reserve – 4230/135hp, 4WD, Dunlop Mud Rover radial tires, rear-mounted spare, factory winch. – Good respray in its original Nebula Green, a 1974-only color. Excellent interior. Three owners with 27,720 miles from new. Thoroughly restored about ten years ago for the owner, a Toyota dealer, and recently serviced. As good as it gets in an FJ40 without going overboard. – So often FJ40 restorations include a lift kit, oversize wheels and tires and engine upgrades, it’s refreshing to see one like this done the way it came from the factory, particularly on a low mileage, 3-owner, example with all original sheet metal. With prices that have run close to six figures recently this pristine FJ40 is a good value.Lot # 332 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Roadster; S/N 11304412023054; Engine # 153624; Silver/Black vinyl; Estimate $65,000 – $75,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $53,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $58,300 – 2778/170hp, automatic, dual mirrors, color-coded hubcaps, Goodyear Viva tires, soft top and pagoda hardtop, heated rear window, fire extinguisher, roll-up windows, Becker Europa radio, dash clock. – Strong older respray done in 2005. Scratches on the hardtop. Scratches and some curb rash on the hub caps. Good original interior overall with tired, cracking original steering wheel. Mostly clean but tired engine bay and undercarriage. Pretty driver and quite well-preserved, but nobody’s pride and joy. – Why is this one worth $5,000 more than the one sold as Lot 325? Originality? This isn’t the kind of originality that translates into value, it translates into wear, age and potential maintenance problems. This should have been the $48,000 bid and 325 should have been bid to $53,000.Lot # 334 1973 Volvo 1800ES Sport Wagon; S/N 1836353004700; Red/Black vinyl; Estimate $30,000 – $40,000; Unrestored original, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $84,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $92,400 – 1986/125hp, Bosch fuel injection, 4-speed, Yokohama tires, roof rack, mud flaps, Bosch amber driving lights, Carello fog lights, Blaupunkt push button radio, A/C. – Phenomenal and almost completely original car. Excellent paint. Very good chrome with a few small dings. Very strong interior. New brake system. Just 12,570 original miles. The original New Hampshire owner fitted a 28-gallon fuel tank and used the car for regular trips back and forth to New York City. Used sparingly since, and only minor cosmetic issues and basic mechanical work have been needed. Volvo 1800s are famous for their longevity and ability to rack up miles with ease, so finding one with such low mileage and well kept cosmetics is exceptional, especially in the Sport Wagon body style. – Apparently not many trips from NH to NYC with only 12,570 miles. This is a very attractive car, a real Preservation Class star, and the bidders seized upon it with a vengeance. Is it worth three times a commonsense P1800ES though? This result will stand as an outlier for a long, long time.Lot # 336 1952 Mercedes-Benz 300 Sedan; S/N 1860110241852; Black/Red leather; Estimate $50,000 – $70,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $40,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $44,000 – Dual Solex carbs, floor shift 4-speed, Remington Cushion-Aire whitewalls, color-coded hubcaps, Bosch driving lights wood dash and door trim, dash clock, interior dome light, tools. – Clean undercarriage. Strong paint and chrome. Some chips in the paint around the doors. Good original interior with some noticeable wear both front and back. Wonderfully preserved and correct example with rare floor shift in place of the standard column shift. – An original car other than some expected attention to the paint, and still elegant and prestigious, the new owner should enjoy this Adenauer for many years while impressing people with its style and luxury. The new owner also can be very satisfied with the price.Lot # 341 1967 Austin Mini Cooper S Mark I 2-Dr. Sedan; S/N CAZS7L101Z522A; Gold, White roof/Black vinyl; Estimate $25,000 – $35,000; Modified restoration, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $15,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $16,500. No Reserve – 1275/77hp, dual SU carbs, 4-speed, side curtains, Yokohama Advan tires, Minilite wheels, Paddy Hopkirk accessory throttle pedal. – Lightly modified motor with bigger carbs. Gold is an odd color for a Mini to begin with, but the quality of the paint itself is inexcusable with overspray, terrible touch-ups, serious scratches and drips. There is enough coming off of the rear that it looks like you could peel off the rest of the paint. Tires are on their last legs. Good interior. Solid undercarriage and clean engine bay. A sad-looking but mostly sound Mark I Cooper S that needs new paint as soon as possible. – No matter how cool a car might be, and this is undeniably cool, it’s hard to make the sale in an odd color distinguished by badly applied peeling paint. The price it achieved, however, more than recognizes the costs to be incurred in getting it to look right, and then it will be an exceptionally cool car worth more than the price paid here and the cost to make it presentable. Lot # 342 1933 Packard Super Eight Model 1004 7-Passenger Sedan; S/N 654I63; Engine # 751263; Thistle Green/Tan cloth; Estimate $150,000 – $175,000; Concours restoration, 1- condition; Hammered Sold at $138,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $151,800 – 385/145hp, single Stromberg carb, 3-speed, chrome wire wheels, Lester wide whitewalls, Solar headlamps, dual chrome horns, Trippe safety lights, chrome radiator mascot, dual enclosed sidemounts with mirrors, luggage rack, dash clock, wood dash and door trim, rear window curtains, jump seats, robe rail, interior dome light. – Excellent paint, chrome and interior. Imperfect shut lines. Beautiful, sharp gauges. Nearly pristine undercarriage. Highly detailed engine compartment. 2013 AACA Senior National First Prize. A top notch restoration of a car that qualifies as a CCCA Full Classic ™, that is both usable and showable. – Reportedly the product of a quarter million dollar restoration and looks like it. Even the Dark Thistle Green/Tan broadcloth livery is superior. An object lesson that it is more cost effective to buy a car that’s been done (and done well) than to undertake a project, as tempting as the latter may be.
Bonhams Greenwich 2014 – Auction Report Page Three
Lot # 343 1948 Chrysler Town & Country; S/N 7408313; Engine # C3977928; Polo Green, Wood panels/Green and Cream leather; Green cloth top; Estimate $110,000 – $140,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $105,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $115,500 – 324/135hp, single Stromberg carb, Fluid-drive transmission, chrome hubcaps, Firestone wide whitewalls, dual mirrors, GE spotlight, push button AM radio, heater, dash clock. – Revarnished wood is in very good shape. Good paint. Decent chrome. Excellent seats. Dash has a couple of cracks. Tidy undercarriage and engine bay. Panel fit/shut lines aren’t great, and the wood doesn’t fit as cleanly on the door as you would hope. Documented ownership history and very well preserved example that has never been, or needed, restoration. Titled as a 1949. – A remarkably preserved T&C with the problems (erratic door fits) expected but none of the blackened seams and water damage which these arks usually experienced when owners didn’t keep up with the varnishing and let them get wet. It’s not pristine, but it is far better than most and worth every dollar of the price it brought.Lot # 344 1960 Mercedes-Benz 190SL Roadster; S/N 12104210014520; Engine # 12192110014637; Ivory/Black leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $90,000 – $120,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $92,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $101,200 – 1897/105hp, dual Solex carbs, 4-speed, color-coded hubcaps, BF Goodrich whitewalls, leather top boot, Becker Europa radio, dash clock. – Very good paint and interior. Decent chrome with some scratches and dings. Wheels and hub caps were poorly redone done with overspray and uneven paint. Dash is a bit tired, but the interior is very good overall. Looks like new leather and door trim. 2-owner car, with the first keeping it until just last year. Strong example, but not the best one in the recent craze for 190SLs. – With some 190SLs bringing amazing, eye-popping prices this sale of a sound and attractively preserved 2-owner example at a more reasonable price may signal a re-set in expectations. Then, again, I’ve made that observation before and been proved wrong within a few weeks. This transaction represents a moment of sanity and reasonableness in the 190SL market which recently has been noted for remarkable flights of fancy.Lot # 345 1922 Kissel Model 6-45 Gold Bug; S/N 1964; Engine # 451964; Yellow, Black fenders/Black leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $150,000 – $175,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $150,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $165,000 – 338/61hp, 3-speed, yellow wire wheels, Goodrich Silvertown blackwall tires, cloth-covered rear-mounted spare, wood-rimmed steering wheel. – Decent paint with light cracking around some of the panels. Big crack under passenger door and another one at the top of where the driver’s door would be if it had one. Very good interior with lightly worn seats. Tidy engine bay. Ex-Harrah collection, sold at the dispersal auctions in the mid-1980s. A well done older restoration that still presents quite well. – The Kissel Gold Bug is a relatively sophisticated automobile for its time but with the sporting flair of its Mercer and Stutz predecessors. Entirely capable of cruising at today’s freeway speeds, this is a realistic price for a very good example with Harrah’s history.Lot # 347 1986 Ferrari 328GTSi Targa; S/N ZFFWA20B000060121; Rosso Corsa/Tan leather; Black vinyl top; Estimate $45,000 – $55,000; Unrestored original, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $50,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $55,000 – 3185/270hp, 5-speed, targa roof, black vinyl roof hoop, Bridgestone Potenza tires, P/W, Alpine stereo, tool roll, owner’s and maintenance books. – Excellent paint. Nearly pristine interior. Desirable Euro spec car with 10 more hp from its Bosch K-Jetronic fuel-injected engine. Currently showing 36,101 miles and has covered less than 100 miles since a major (and expensive) tune-up and belt service. An exceptionally good 328. – And an exceptionally good price for it, too, but the car’s benign history and apparent continuing care and attention to what it has needed is a strong endorsement. The new owner can expect with some justification to enjoy a protracted ownership experience with little concern for deferred maintenance, the bane of these cars, to rear its ugly head.Lot # 348 1963 Buick Riviera 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 7J1032117; Arctic White/Brown leather; Estimate $20,000 – $30,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $15,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $16,500. No Reserve – 401/325hp, automatic, Michelin thin whitewalls, wood interior accents, P/S, P/W, factory A/C. – Very good older repaint aside from one unusually large, dime-sized bubble on hood. Very good chrome. Big chip and crack on driver’s side of the windshield. Grubby undercarriage. Good interior with great leather. Otherwise just shows the general wear of use. Well-preserved and showing 74,833 miles. First year for the Riviera – This is probably a better car than its somewhat aged presentation indicates, particularly for those who appreciate the first Riviera’s sharp, restrained design. It is a sound value at this price, or even the auction’s low estimate.Lot # 349 1991 Aston Martin Virage Coupe; S/N SCFCAM2S7MBL5022; Green/Black leather; Estimate $70,000 – $90,000; Unrestored original, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $60,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $66,000 – 5340/335hp, 5-speed, Avon Turbospeed tires, Sony stereo, automatic seatbelts. – Very good paint and interior. Couple of scuffs on the wheels. Well kept and equipped with the desirable 5-speed gearbox. Not the most elegantly styled Aston, but has clean proportions and a commanding presence. Aston’s top model of the era, and only 1,050 produced. – Bonhams called the Virage ‘a future collectible’, which probably understates its potential, particularly with the 5-speed manual gearbox. At this price the new owner has a car with a still-commanding presence that can be driven regularly with some hope of preserving its value but has paid dearly for ‘future’ collectability.Lot # 350 1959 Triumph TR3A Roadster; S/N TS67590L0; Engine # TS64327E; Light Blue/Blue with white piping; Black top; Estimate $25,000 – $30,000; Older restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $37,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $40,700 – 1991/100hp, 4-speed, chrome centerlock wire wheels, BF Goodrich thin whitewalls, wing mirrors, black vinyl top boot, banjo steering wheel. – Titled as a 1960 car. Decent chrome. Decent paint. Panel fit/shut lines are off pretty much everywhere. Good interior with lightly worn seats. Wheels are kind of tired. Ten-year old restoration that shows its age, but a solid driver that is finished in an eye-catching color. – It’s hard to see what got the Greenwich bidders so excited by this older restored and well used TR3A which would have been adequately priced at its low estimate. 50% over that is extraordinary.Lot # 352 1967 Aston Martin DB6 Coupe; S/N DB62415L; Engine # 4002334; Fiesta Red/Black leather; Estimate $325,000 – $375,000; Original, with major mechanical repairs, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $285,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $313,500 – 3995/282hp, ZF 5-speed, triple SU carbs, chrome knock-off wire wheels, Pirelli tires, wood-rimmed steering wheel, push button radio, factory A/C. – Several noticeable cracks and chips in the paint. Lots of scratches on the chrome. Clean original steering wheel and dash, but the seats are rough with plenty of cracks. Used but tidy engine bay and undercarriage. Panel fit is slightly off. Originally ordered with the Borg-Warner 3-speed automatic, but changed to the ZF 5-speed early on. – While not ‘original’ in its mechanical specs the ZF 5-speed adds significantly to the enjoyment and therefore value of this DB6. Had the gearbox swap gone the other way the situation would have been quite different. A good, sound, consistently maintained example, it promises to need little more than continuing care and maintenance while being a choice ride. The price it brought reflects what has been happening to Aston Martin values recently and isn’t out of line.Lot # 353 1952 Lagonda 2.6-Liter Drophead Coupe; S/N LAG/50/476; Engine # B6A/50/554; Green/Brown leather; Tan cloth top; Estimate $40,000 – $60,000; Older restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $32,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $35,200 – RHD. 2580/105hp, 4-speed, alloy coachwork, wing mirrors, Coker Classic whitewalls, Landau bars, Lucas fog lights, suicide doors, wood dash and door trim. – Decent paint with obvious touch-ups on right front fender and light scratches throughout. Tired cloth top, chrome and interior wood. Imperfect panel fit. Chrome is deplating on the top frame. Steering wheel is showing serious wear and tear. Excellent seats. A tempting driver or excellent place to start on a restoration. – Surprisingly unappreciated despite adequate performance and rarity, the W.O. Bentley-engined Lagondas were top rank luxury cruisers in the early 50’s. This well-preserved drophead coupe would have been a sound value at its low estimate and represents very good value for money at this price.
Bonhams Greenwich 2014 – Auction Report Page Four
Lot # 354 1991 Ferrari Testarossa Coupe, Body by Pininfarina; S/N ZFFSG17A1M0086824; Engine # 23997; Rosso Corsa/Tan leather; Estimate $70,000 – $90,000; Unrestored original, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $84,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $92,400 – 4942/380 hp, 5-speed, Tubi exhaust, Dunlop SP Sport tires, dual mirrors, P/W, A/C. – Very good paint with two small rock chips on the nose. Excellent interior. Clean engine bay and chassis. Just over 200 miles since the 30,000 mile belt service done in 2012. Last year for the model and represented as just 21,992 miles. Comes with books, tools and service history. A solid, lightly used, used example. – Sold at RM’s Amelia Island sale in 2012 for a final price of $77,000. It’s a well cared for low mileage car, but this is still big money for a late Testarossa.Lot # 355 1959 Jaguar XK 150S 3.4 Roadster; S/N T831532DN; Engine # VS1486-9; Black/Grey leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $170,000 – $200,000; Older restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $185,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $203,500 – 3442/250hp, triple SU carbs, overdrive 4-speed, chrome knock-off wire wheels, Michelin tires. – Very good but not phenomenal paint. Lightly worn interior. Excellent dash. Very good top. Very clean engine bay and undercarriage. Represented with 17,958 actual miles and as a concours veteran with over 50 awards, including 100 point status in the Jaguar Club of North America. Documented ownership history. The restoration was done in the late 1990s and while not fresh, still shows very well. – Bonhams is making a specialty of selling XK 150Ss in exceptional condition, having sold S830856DN at Scottsdale earlier this year for $242,000 and backing that transaction up with T831532DN here, an equally fastidiously restored car but wearing its age a little more prominently. This is a Jaguar anyone should be proud to own, drive and appreciate.Lot # 356 1927 Amilcar CGSS Two Seater Sports; S/N CGSS41239; Blue, Red frame/Black leather; Estimate $90,000 – $110,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $174,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $191,400 – RHD. 1100/35hp, 3-speed, red wire wheels, Marchal headlamps, wood-rimmed steering wheel, dash clock, two chrome horns, sidemount spare on driver’s side, single Yankee taillight, Brooklands screen, cycle fenders. – Good paint overall, but there are some noticeable scratches on one fender and an unfortunate dent on the tail that has cracked the paint. Very good chrome. Excellent interior. Purchased from its original owner in Paris by Porsche dealer Otto Zipper, then made its way to William Harrah’s collection in 1962, where it stayed until the mid-1980s. Restored shortly after and still showing that restoration quite well. – Sold at the 1985 Harrah’s auction for $17,000 (identified by its engine number 41239) prior to restoration in the Harrah’s shop, which appears to be the presentation it still bears today, pretty impressive for a nearly 30-year old restoration. This is, however, an heroic price for a CGSS, nearly three times the $63,318 that RM got for a similar car in Monaco in 2010. It is Mille Miglia eligible but has no actual Mille Miglia history so acceptance is up to the organizers. Driving it a mille miles across Italy with 35hp and no weather protection is a daunting but enticing prospect. The price it brought is enthusiastic, bordering on preposterous.Lot # 357 1966 Fitch Phoenix Coupe; S/N 107375W224558; Engine # T0930RB; Dark Grey/Black and White leather; Estimate $150,000 – $200,000; Unrestored original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $230,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $253,000 – 140/170hp, 4-speed, knock-off wheels, Goodyear Invicta GL tires, pop-up headlights, luggage rack, wood shifter, wood-rimmed steering wheel, removable roof, Channel Master radio. – John Fitch’s prototype for a Coby Whitmore-designed Corvair-based small GT, bodied by Intermeccanica in steel, but stillborn when new government regs stymied prompt type recognition and Ralph Nader (Fitch’s neighbor in nearby Winsted) crucified the Corvair on which it is based. In Fitch’s hands all these years, often seen with him behind the wheel and now offered from his estate. Tidy engine bay. Strong paint. Worn, dinged up wheels. Worn seats with a couple of tears. Strong chrome and solid undercarriage. – John Fitch. It’s a name that resonates with anyone even remotely familiar with sports car racing in the Fifties and one of the most creative and innovative minds around. Creator not only of this car but also the Fitch-Whitmore Special and the sand and water filled crash barrier barrels that now punctuate America’s highways. The price it brought is a recognition of John Fitch’s contribution to racing and original thought and stands by itself.Lot # 358 1958 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud LWB 4-Dr. Sedan, Body by Park Ward; S/N LBLC4; Engine # C4B; Black/Beige leather; Estimate $50,000 – $60,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $39,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $42,900 – 4887/180hp, dual SU carbs, automatic, Lucas fog lights, dual mirrors, Michelin thin whitewalls, Spirit of Ecstasy radiator mascot, wood dash and door trim, roll-up windows, glass division, push button radio, interior dome light. – Tired, dinged up paint. Tired chrome. Used but tidy engine bay. Very good interior with very lightly worn seats. Delivered new to Sarah Jefford, daughter of Walter Jeffords, co-owner of the racehorse Man O’War. Cosmetically refurbished with new paint and interior in the mid-1990s. A rare long wheelbase, left-hand drive Silver Cloud. – Offered at Bonhams auction at the Simeone Museum last October and sold here for a modest price considering its rarity and preservation.Lot # 360 1932 Auburn Custom Eight Phaeton Sedan; S/N 2270528; Engine # GU73298BA; White, Red accent and grille/Red leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $75,000 – $90,000; Older restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $67,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $73,700 – 269/100hp, 3-speed, dual ratio axle, freewheeling, red wire wheels, Lester wide whitewalls, dual sidemount spares with mirrors, Stabilite headlamps, dual chrome horns, chrome radiator mascot, dual spotlights, suicide front doors, white luggage trunk, driving light. – Badly scratched driving light, very good undercarriage. Excellent fresh paint, interior, top and engine compartment. Very good chrome. Refurbished and restored over the years as necessary. A thoughtfully cosmetically updated older restoration. – Desirably equipped and cosmetically refreshed, this open Auburn should be highly satisfying to own, drive and show, especially at this modest price.Lot # 361 1996 Bentley Brooklands 4-Dr. Sedan; S/N SCBZE11C6TCX57028; Red Mica Pearl/Parchment leather piped in red; Estimate $22,000 – $30,000; Unrestored original, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $27,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $29,700 – 6751/241hp, Bosch Motronic fuel injection, automatic, Goodyear Eagle GA tires, wood dash and door trim. – Recent service. Low miles. Fresh car. Well kept. Very good paint. Excellent interior. A lightly used, very fresh car with 32,711 miles. – Still impressive both outside the country club and on the road, capable of truly luxurious transport for four in silence and speed. The recent Bentley dealer service is some assurance against unexpected problems, as does the absence for this year of the turbocharger, ample compensation for the 59hp its extra complication adds to the Turbo R and 1997’s Brooklands. It is a sound value in a quality Bentley at this price.Lot # 364 1956 Morris Minor 1000 Pickup; S/N 0FE473195; Engine # 9MUH182969; Black/Tan leather; Estimate $15,000 – $20,000; Older restoration, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $11,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $12,650 – 948/37hp, single SU carb, 4-speed, chrome hub caps, tan canvas bed cover, dual mirrors, banjo steering wheel, CD player inside glove box. – Rough, crazing, bubbling, scratched paint. Scratches on rear window. Missing interior trim. Wheels dinged up. Surface rust here and there on undercarriage. Good chrome. Engine bay is a little better than the rest of the car would leave you to think. Very good leather. Ex-Whoopi Goldberg, not something you often hear at a collector car auction. Decent, lovable car but presented poorly. – Whoopi apparently doesn’t take very good care of her vehicles if this well used Minor pickup is any example. Still, even without the dreadlocks it’s a cheeky little weekend hauler. Cute is still valuable, and this Minor is definitely cute.Lot # 366 1984 BMW M635CSi; S/N WBAEE310201050039; Delphin Metallic/Beige leather; Estimate $22,000 – $28,000; Unrestored original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $35,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $38,500 – 3453/286hp, 5-speed, limited-slip differential, fender flares, chin spoiler, plastic rear spoiler, Michelin tires, sunroof, Becker Mexico radio, P/W. – Purchased new by Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahayan, then crown prince of Abu Dhabi and now president and ruler of the United Arab Emirates. Imported to Florida in 1986. Very good paint with light chips on the hood and chin spoiler. Small dent in driver’s side door. Good interior with lightly worn seats. Tidy original engine bay. Very pretty and original car showing just 27,366 miles in 30 years. – A real prize for BMW fans, as indicated by their willingness to bid it up well over the high estimate. Low miles and five-speed are valuable attributes, its Abu Dhabi history rather less so.
Bonhams Greenwich 2014 – Auction Report Page Five
Lot # 368 1959 Fiat-Abarth 750 Record Monza Bialbero Coupe, Body by Zagato; S/N 550486; Engine # 600319; Red/Beige vinyl; Estimate $175,000 – $250,000; Competition restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $185,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $203,500 – 835/72hp, 4-speed, Continental tires, roll bar, Nardi wood-rimmed steering wheel, roll-up windows. – Good paint with some small chips on the nose and around the hood. Very good interior. Tidy engine bay and undercarriage. Acquired with plans to restore in the 1980s, when it was discovered that this car was one of the 750 Record Monzas campaigned by Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Jr., and is believed to have been raced at Sebring, Daytona, Bridgehampton, Road America, Watkins Glen and the Bahamas during 1959. Since the extensive, well-researched restoration it has been run in VSCCA and at the Lime Rock Historic Races. Race-prepared engine, comes with original block – A giant-killer that deserves the illustrious reputation attached to it and its siblings and a Roosevelt Racing history that ensures its entry at all sorts of desirable events where its performance makes it the cat among much larger pigeons. Expensive, but it deserves to be.Lot # 370 1929 Packard 640 Custom Eight Opera Coupe; S/N 171187; Engine # 178883; Blue, Black fenders/Grey cloth; Estimate $40,000 – $50,000; Unrestored original, 4+ condition; Hammered Sold at $36,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $39,600 – 385/106 horsepower, 3-speed, black wire wheels, Denman blackwall tires, mesh radiator stone guard, Sliding Boy radiator mascot, Depress Beam headlamps, luggage rack, Packard trunk rack, dual sidemounts, single Hallco taillight, dash clock, dual spotlights, rear window curtains, books and tools. – Tired overall and with some surface rust but not dirty or rotten. New tires. Rare Opera Coupe featuring two doors but a very spacious and well-appointed rear passenger area with probably original upholstery except on the driver’s seat cushion. A relatively clean and straight survivor that would be a strong candidate for a sympathetic restoration or refurbishing. – An exceptionally unusual body style in mostly original condition. It can be used as is, and would be difficult to justify a restoration it is so well preserved. At this price, however, the choice is up to the new owner with pretty much anything being a practical alternative.Lot # 371 1956 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible; S/N E56S001116; Engine # OI8467IF56FG; Polo White, Silver coves/Red; Black cloth top; Estimate $50,000 – $90,000; Older restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $50,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $55,000. No Reserve – 265/225hp, dual quads, Powerglide, spinner wheel covers, BF Goodrich Silvertown whitewalls, P/W, WonderBar radio, dash clock. – Decent paint with several small cracks. Decent interior with some light wear. Poor panel fit. Tidy but used engine bay matches the condition of the rest of the car. 1956 was the first year the Corvette became the world-class sports car it has been ever since, and this is a decent driver quality example with the rare optional power windows. – Were it not for the Powerglide this would be an exceptionally desirable Corvette, but even with the slushbox (which Jim Hall later demonstrated on his Chaparrals was not the handicap we kids though it was in the Fifties) it is still a great driving car, albeit on the tired side of its restoration. This is a serious value for the money, even at Bonhams’ low estimate.Lot # 372 1951 Chevrolet 3100 Pickup; S/N 14JPC8806; Mariner Blue/Brown vinyl; Estimate $24,000 – $30,000; Truck restoration, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $15,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $16,500. No Reserve – 217/90hp, 3-speed, hubcaps and trim rings, Firestone tires, dual mirrors, dual remote spotlights, windshield visor, nine-board pickup bed, factory AM radio, heater, chrome grille and bumpers. – Restored in the mid-1990s. Unfortunate paint with bubbles and cracks. Very tired wood that looks to have been out in the elements. Very good interior and chrome. Frame and engine bay look significantly cleaner than the top side of this truck would suggest. – Sold at the Kruse Auburn Spring sale in 2005 for a final price of $25,920. It has not fared well in the intervening nine years and brought a price that reflected its condition.Lot # 375 1927 Essex Super Six Boattail Speedabout, Body by Biddle & Smart Company; S/N 548825; Engine # 612768; Milori Green, Black fenders/Black leather; Tan cloth top; Estimate $45,000 – $55,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $50,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $55,000. No Reserve – 153/55hp six, 3-speed, artillery wheels, Firestone wide whitewalls, rear-mounted spare tire, Spreadlight headlamps. – Good paint and chrome. Excellent interior. Detailed engine bay. Tidy undercarriage. Lightly discolored whitewalls. In the same family from 1929 until last year, and restored from 2000 to 2003. Received several AACA awards shortly after. Essex was the cheaper brand offered by Hudson beginning in 1919, and the Boattail Speedabout bodywork by Biddle & Smart is among the most exciting coachwork fitted to the Essex. – A handsome, lightweight, sporting roadster with ample power and a modest price tag.Lot # 378 1987 Porsche 930 Turbo Coupe; S/N WP0JB0930HS051462; Black/Black; Estimate $45,000 – $55,000; Unrestored original, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $44,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $48,400 – 3299/282hp, 4-speed, whale tail spoiler, OZ Racing wheels, Dunlop SP Sport tires, sunroof, Blaupunkt stereo, A/C, dash clock, later leather-rim steering wheel. – Decent paint with some chips on the fenders and a few touch-ups. Lightly dinged up wheels. Very good interior with lightly worn seats. Late example showing 77,901 miles. Driven less than 3,000 a year, but eventually that adds up. A used car that is still solid and taken care of. – Often crunched, but even more often garishly accessorized with body kits, this is a well preserved example with known miles. Its price is comfortable for both the buyer and the seller.Lot # 379 1956 Volkswagen Beetle 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 11028654; Engine # 193026; Black/Red leatherette with cream piping; Estimate $12,000 – $15,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $10,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $11,000. No Reserve – 1192/38hp, single Solex carb, 4-speed, oval rear window, Silicon solid state radio. – Strong chrome. Presentable paint with some noticeable scratches as well as a few small bubbles on the tail. Tired underbody. Interior almost looks new. Looks great from 15 feet away and even better from the driver’s seat, but is superficially done over. – A fun Beetle for fun Beetle money.Lot # 382 1951 MG TD Roadster; S/N TD10138; British Racing Green/Tan leather; Tan cloth top; Estimate $25,000 – $30,000; Modified restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $31,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $34,100 – 1250/55hp, 5-speed, oil cooler, aluminum valve cover and side panel, chrome hubcaps, silver painted steel wheels, Dunlop SP tires, Lucas amber fog lights, dual mirrors, rear-mounted spare, luggage rack, wood dash, banjo spoke steering wheel. – Very good paint. Good lightly worn interior. Paint bubbling on left front fender. Very good chrome. Clean wheels. Clean frame. Used but tidy engine bay. Retrofitted with a Sky Hook 5-speed gearbox that has synchros on all gears and overdrive on fifth. Interior was re-trimmed with new leather and burl wood dashboard. Tastefully modified and appealing car. – This TD looks good and should more than hold its own against TF 1500s with its modestly improved engine and especially the 5-speed. It looks like it has been loved and appreciated and should prove to be satisfying to drive and display, particularly at this reasonable price.Lot # 383 1950 Citroen 2CV Sedan; S/N 005408; Grey/Brown cloth; Blue cloth top; Estimate $15,000 – $20,000; Enthusiast restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $30,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $33,000. No Reserve – Michelin tires, mud flaps, front suicide doors, fluted hood, full length sunroof, Cibie headlights. – Cloth top is worn and has seen better days. Body isn’t quite straight with some bends and dings covered by an older amateurish respray. Filler cap and stem are loose enough to jiggle around. Interior is quite good but there’s not much in there to get dirty. Undercarriage is good not spotless. Plenty of flaws, but clean for a 2CV, which is charming in its simplicity and lack of pretensions. – Amazing its durability, adaptability and cuteness, if not its presentation, the imaginations of the Greenwich bidders apparently overwhelmed their reality. Visions of tooling around the summer beaches were presumably uppermost in their minds’ eyes as they pursued it to 50% over Bonhams’ high estimate. But in the hedge fund capital of the world what’s $10,000? A couple days’ overhead on the yacht? A month’s garden and lawn maintenance?
Bonhams Greenwich 2014 – Auction Report Page Six
Lot # 384 1953 AC 2-Liter Tourer, Body by Buckland; S/N EHX2034; Engine # UMB2041H7/1; Ivory/Red leather; Red top; Estimate $35,000 – $45,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $32,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $35,200. No Reserve – 1991/76hp, Moss 4-speed, red wire wheels, suicide doors, Michelin tires, folding windscreen, Lucas fog lights, banjo steering wheel. – Solid undercarriage. Lightly aged paint and chrome. Tired, discolored original top. Newer front seats. Lightly worn original rear seats. Uneven gapping in the doors. A car that was overshadowed, and rightly so, by the Ace that replaced it. – Lost in the shuffle, like the Lagonda 2.6 Liter sold earlier, yet quite the car in its day, and a lefthand drive example is exceptionally rare. This is modest money for an MG TD, yet far more rare, more powerful and with room for the whole family. Bought appropriately for its condition and specifications, but inherently undervalued.Lot # 388 1975 Lamborghini Countach LP400 Periscopica Coupe Roadster; S/N 1120066; Engine # 1120070; Blu Tahiti/Naturale leather; Estimate $450,000 – $550,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $1,100,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $1,210,000 – 3929/375hp, six Weber carbs, 5-speed, Campagnolo wheels, Michelin tires, tinted windows, Philips radio. – Speedometer and odometer do not work. Odometer currently shows 16,483 kilometers (10,211 miles). Very strong paint with a couple of small scratches. Crack in one of the headlight bulbs. Visible stain from what looks like water on the top suede part of the dash. Lightly worn seats. Wheels are noticeably dinged up. Maintained but not driven for the last 20 years. Second production year for the Countach. Delivered new to Switzerland and has had the same American owner since 1978. One of the most lightly used and well-preserved Countaches around. – The sensation of the day, no doubt. Exceptionally well preserved, original, low miles example of a very desirable early Countach with fresh paint but otherwise original. The kilometrage is in doubt because of the non-functioning odometer, but the condition of the car is in no doubt at all, and it is all things and forty years considered, magnificent. But is it a million-two magnificent? That’s a question only the bidders at Greenwich could answer and they did so enthusiastically. It’s one of those ‘where will you find another one like it’ cars.Lot # 389 2003 Aston Martin DB AR1 Roadster, Body by Zagato; S/N SCFAE62333K800026; Engine # AM2A00407; Bowland Black/Tan leather; Estimate $170,000 – $190,000; Unrestored original, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $165,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $181,500 – 5935/435hp, 6-speed, Pirelli P Zero tires, carbon fiber interior accents, factory stereo, push button start, dash clock. – Strong paint overall with a couple of noticeable chips on the nose and some scratches on the tail. Lightly worn seats. Presents like it has been driven a few more than the 3,800 stated miles, but still well maintained and lightly used. Number 26 of 99 examples built. – Sold at RM’s Monterey sale in 2010 for a final price of $155,100. An even stronger result here, but still a huge chunk of cash less than the $250,000 sticker price ten years ago. The challenge is that most DB AR1 Zagatos are low miles, well preserved cars on top of being topless and therefore of limited practicality (which is one reason most of them are low mileage.) Slightly more aged than it was in 2010, the increase in value amounts to about 17% in four years: better than T-bills.Lot # 392 1954 Jaguar XK 120SE Roadster; S/N S672695; Engine # W5593-8S; British Racing Green/Tan leather; Tan cloth top; Estimate $100,000 – $120,000; Older restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $94,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $103,400 – 3442/180hp, 4-speed, wing mirrors, Lucas fog lights, chrome knock-off wire wheels. – Some chips and cracks in the paint, including a particularly large one on the passenger’s side door. Crazing on the tail. Lightly worn interior. Neat engine bay. Tidy undercarriage. Strong chrome. Restored in the late 1980s. Originally grey over red. A pretty driver and strong car overall, but the paint is a major weakness. – It is barely comprehensible what is happening to the prices of Jag XKs and E-types in the last year of so, but in that context the result here for this mediocre old restoration is appropriate.Lot # 399 1955 Messerschmitt KR200 Kabinenroller Cabriolet; S/N 55126; Mary Kay Pink/Black vinyl piped in white; Estimate $40,000 – $60,000; Recent restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $25,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $27,500. No Reserve – 191/10hp, 4-speed, Load Star tires, faux wire wheel hubcaps, wood interior trim, radio, dash clock. – Good paint and chrome. Top in great shape. Very clean undercarriage. Converted from an enclosed canopy example to an open Kabrio. – This little for a KR200, cabrio-decapitated or not, is a good value.Lot # 400 1953 Hudson Super Wasp Sedan; S/N 211072; Surf Green, Cream roof/Green cloth; Estimate $25,000 – $35,000; Original, with major mechanical repairs, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $11,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $12,650. No Reserve – 262/127hp six, 3-speed, dual mirrors, rear fender skirts, chrome hub caps, wide whitewalls, robe rail, bench front and rear seats, dash clock. – Tired chrome and brightwork. Exterior trim pieces coming loose. Dull paint with plenty of chips and scratches. Clean undercarriage. Neat, popular and relatively rare car in a great color, but tired presentation. Recently given a major mechanical overhaul, so it could be enjoyed as is or given cosmetic attention along the way. – Far from flawless, but exceptionally cool and oh, so Fifties. Begs for the 114hp Twin-H intake which is appropriate for 1953, however the VIN indicates it started out with the smaller 202 cubic inch 104hp six, not that it’s really significant and the extra horses are highly desirable. A seriously good value at this price, even with the condition shortcomings.Lot # 401 1938 Lincoln Model K Convertible Sedan, Body by LeBaron; S/N K9181; Engine # K9181; Black/Brown leather; Tan cloth top; Estimate $80,000 – $100,000; Unrestored original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $74,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $81,400 – 414/150hp V-12, 3-speed, BF Goodrich Silvertown wide whitewalls, dual enclosed sidemounts with mirrors, Trippe safety lights, Lorraine driving light, greyhound radiator mascot, dash clock, glass rollup division, robe rail. – Tired paint, dull, cracks, chips, especially around the doors and panel edges. Decent chrome. Cracked front passenger’s side window. Rough interior in the front. Faded, dull dash and worn seats. Rear interior is quite good. Top is a little dirty. One of 15 LeBaron-bodied Model K Convertible Sedans built in 1938 and a CCCA Full Classic(tm). – An automobile of many uses, from being chauffeur driven to the opera to top down weekend jaunts with the family, this one also benefits from its attractive LeBaron coachwork and originality that really qualifies for the description ‘patina’. Bought appropriately for its condition, but an inherently high quality classic that is eligible for a wide variety of events and tours where the performance of its 150hp V-12 will be appreciated, rain or shine.Lot # 403 1970 Porsche 911E Targa; S/N 9110210659; Engine # 6201655; Silver/Black leather; Black vinyl top; Estimate $8,000 – $12,000; Unrestored original, 4- condition; Hammered Sold at $25,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $27,500. No Reserve – 2195/155hp, 5-speed, Fuchs wheels, Dunlop tires, glass rear window, Blaupunkt radio. – Terrible paint and interior. Mostly complete car, but what’s there is rough and filthy. This is the consummate barn find, complete with obligatory mouse poop and spider webs. Of the handful of cars presented as freshly discovered barn finds at this sale, this Porsche was in the best overall shape. – The 911E shares its engine with the performance tuned 911S, benefiting from the strength built into the S for high output racing applications but driving much better on the street with more low end power. The E is no slouch for power, however, delivering its 155bhp from just 133 cubic inches. The Greenwich bidders saw a $125,000 restored car in this rolling pile of parts and it is reasonable to expect that it’ll be achievable at less than the difference in value. An astute buy even at double Bonhams’ unusually circumspect estimate range.
The quoted fact that the Plus 4 Morgan was one of only 117 is incorrect. That production number is for another model, and rarer, the Flat Rad Drop Head Coupe. Hemmings quotes 1950-1953 “Flat Rad” production, all body styles at 656 cars, so subtracting out the 117 DHCs, leaves some 549 Flat Rad Plus 4s 2 or 4 Seat Roadsters.
Mark,
Thanks for the heads-up. It does get confusing, but we’ll try to get it straight in the future.
Rick