Coming off the ten-car Thursday sale of no-reserve Maranello Rosso Ferraris, marked by the Monterey week benchmark sale of Ferrari 250 GTO s/n 3851GT, Friday’s Bonhams auction had high expectations to meet.
And meet them it did.
Bonhams offered 105 cars on Friday, selling 95 of them, a 90.5% sale rate and $41,550,100 in total sales.
The total is $10 million more than last year’s record Quail Lodge auction, $30 million more than 2012. The sell-through is 6.5 points better than last year and so much better than 2012 and earlier it barely resembles the same auction.
To what to attribute this breakout? Well, you might first identify the new guys, on the block and engaging with consignors and bidders, who are bringing a renewed vitality to Bonhams’ presentation.
Supported by stalwarts Robert Brooks and Malcolm Barber, Bonhams is a refreshed organization ceding initiative to fresh faces, approaches and presentations.
The underlying achievements of Bonhams at Quail Lodge in 2014 is masked by the Thursday Maranello Rosso results, an overwhelming package that blended the new guys’ vitality with the old guys’ contacts.
$41.6 million on Friday is still firmly in third place among the Monterey auctions, but the trend is emphatically ‘up’ and the fresh-faced, diligent, astute Bonhams’ team is on a roll that should continue to their ‘Preserving the Automobile’ auction at the Simeone Museum in October, Scottsdale and their new Amelia Island auction in 2015.
Bonhams has a premier team. They understand the cars, appreciate the market, work hard and return phone calls.
Quail 2014 demonstrates the success of the formula.
Here are the numbers for Bonhams’ Friday auction; the combined Thursday-Friday sale blows these out of the water, but this is the comparable 2013-2104 data set:
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Bonhams Quail Lodge 2014 – Auction Report
Lot # 201 1959 Jaguar XK 150 Roadster; S/N S830118DN; Engine # V3269-8; Red/Black; Black top; Estimate $90,000 – $120,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $90,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $99,000. No Reserve – Disc brakes, overdrive transmission, wire wheels, driving lights, 4-pipe exhaust, tool kit, owner’s books and extensive historical documentation. – A low-mileage original with some paint work and re-covered seats. The cosmetics are tired with unevenly faded paint, dings on the doors, checked chrome, aged top with fogged rear window and a ratty boot cover. The engine compartment has been better maintained. The seats have been recovered while pieces like the passenger sun visor are missing. An interesting but tired car showing 18,292 miles on its odometer, almost certainly in actuality having a 1 in front. – Basically a #2- price for a #3- car, but likely to be a sweet runner since factories generally build cars better than restorers. Replace what’s necessary (including all seals) and drive it on tours. Its condition will lead to many interesting discussions, and the new owner could always save the ratty boot cover for preservation class exhibition.Lot # 202 1958 Mercedes-Benz 190SL Roadster; S/N 1210428502300; Engine # 1219218502300; Silver/Tan; Black top; Estimate $140,000 – $180,000; Recent restoration, 1 condition; Hammered Sold at $150,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $165,000. No Reserve – Becker Europa radio, Kienle clock, extensive restoration documentation. – A fresh restoration that was expertly executed inside and out. A stunning, concours-worthy car. – Perfect 190SL restorations have been regularly hitting above $200K. This example wasn’t too far off in condition but a fair spot away in price. A mid-estimate result, but ultimately a shrewd purchase considering its condition.Lot # 204 1956 Austin-Healey 100/4 Roadster; S/N BN2L230518; Engine # B230518M; Olde English White/Blue; Estimate $80,000 – $120,000; 1- condition; Hammered Sold at $60,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $66,000. No Reserve – Represented as matching numbers, overdrive, Le Mans upgrades, Denis Welch valve cover, leather bonnet strap added at some point, painted wire wheels, tonneau cover. – Fully restored with very few flaws worth comment. Easily a show winning car. Documented with BMIHT Heritage Trust certificate. – Factory Le Mans are good for 110 bhp, the dealer package promised 100 bhp, and base horsepower was 90 bhp. This car was cataloged as the last and the bidders probably concluded that the hood, strap, and valve cover were all that was added, a reasonable conclusion. If the engine was really fitted with larger carburetors, high lift cam and the body had alloy panels, the buyer did rather well.Lot # 205 1967 Chevrolet Corvette 427/435 Convertible; S/N 194677S120664; Engine # T0424JE7120664; Marlboro Maroon, Black stinger/Parchment vinyl; Black vinyl top; Estimate $80,000 – $120,000; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $93,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $102,300. No Reserve – 427/435hp, 4-speed, manual steering, manual brakes, side pipes, Rally wheels with trim rings, red line tires, pushbutton AM/FM radio. – Represented as matching numbers. Fresh restoration, excellent paint with straight body panels. Bumpers appear to be replacements. Interior is excellent. A very well done and desirable Corvette. – Provenance issues dog collector-quality Corvettes. If you cannot prove your car was delivered exactly as it stands, or experts can deduce its real identity quickly, the price penalty is severe. If correct, this should have been bid past $150K, so draw your own conclusions.Lot # 206 1963 Lincoln Continental Convertible; S/N 3Y86N426887; Metallic Green/Burgundy leather; White vinyl top; Estimate $60,000 – $100,000; Unrestored original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $50,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $55,000 – Power windows, power locks, aftermarket radio. Bought new by Undersecretary of the Navy Paul Fay who was close friends with President Kennedy. – An original, single-family owned car. Paint has scratching, chrome is pitted, interior is faded and worn with cracks in the dash. An interesting, well-preserved car with equally interesting history. – The Camelot connection helped this car, but these are very complicated and expensive to restore. This was a #3 car that sold for a #2+ price even below Bonhams low estimate. With less than 20,000 miles it should be an excellent driver to be enjoyed as long as the buyer can afford 10 mpg.Lot # 208 1955 Lancia Aurelia B20 GT 4th Series Coupe, Body by Pinin Farina; S/N B20-3618; Engine # B20-4372; Maroon/Beige; Estimate $220,000 – $260,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $185,000 – RHD. Nardi air cleaner, woodrim steering wheel and performance kit including floor shift, Borrani wire wheels, Carello lights. Books, tools and jack included. Imported from Italy in 2011. – A superior driver-quality car, kept in Italy until 2011. Painted and reupholstered at some point, but aging gracefully. Chrome is checking, back window oddly scratched, later rear turn signals added. – Worse cars have done as well as the amount bid here and B20 prices have certainly been running rampant. It could have been cut loose before reaching the reported high bid.Lot # 209 1970 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Roadster; S/N 11304412019165; Engine # 13098312012717; White, White hardtop/Grey; Blue cloth top; Estimate $130,000 – $160,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $80,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $88,000. No Reserve – Automatic, air conditioning, two tops, Becker Europa radio, factory build sheet and records, tools and warranty paperwork. – The product of a thoroughly documented restoration. Paint and brightwork are excellent, panel fit is superb. Terrific attention to detail throughout. A high-end, show-quality car. – An excellent example, but it seems that most of the 23,885 production run are on the market right now. Without a 4- or 5-speed manual transmission, they are boulevardiers, mostly driven by folks in gated communities who are too old to lift off the hard top. Given the law of supply and demand, the price was right.Lot # 212 1973 Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spider, Body by Pininfarina.; S/N 17057; Engine # B2944; Azzuro Hyperion/Beige leather, Black stripes; Estimate $2,600,000 – $3,200,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $2,400,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $2,640,000 – Becker Europa AM-FM, P/W, A/C, alloy wheels, Michelin XWX tires, painted nose panel, pop up lights. – Good repaint in the original color, clean, orderly underbody, good major chrome but scratched windshield header. Soiled original seats and door trim. Weak wind wing trim chrome. 3,345 miles from new. Ex-Mansour Ojjeh – Ferrari Classiche Certified, highly original but showing age. Comprehensively documented from new. – At RM Monterey thirteen years ago this was a no-sale at a bid of $375,000. Now it’s a sound but aged car with a decent repaint for this price, and estimated at even more. It has uncontested history and is appealingly original. It also is expensive.
Bonhams Quail Lodge 2014 – Auction Report Page Two
Lot # 213 1959 Fiat 500 Jolly, Body by Ghia; S/N 110072952; Engine # 110000048890; Blue/Wicker; Blue, White stripes top; Estimate $70,000 – $90,000; Cosmetic restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $80,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $88,000. No Reserve – 7-inch headlights, canvas surrey top, wicker picnic basket, whitewall tires, hubcaps – Recent cosmetic and mechanical restoration. Good paint with pitted bumpers, old windshield seal, new top. Engine compartment is clean, new wicker seats. A very good driver’s car that can be shown with modesty. – Jolly Madness continues. Sold close to high estimate and must surely be the best ROI a restorer could hope for. They do say the Jolly factories in Italy are running flat out. This result was exceeded the next evening downtown when RM sold a Jolly and a Multipla in matching colors for $231,000.Lot # 214 1963 Rolls-Royce Phantom V Touring Limousine, Body by James Young; S/N 5LVA55; Engine # A27PV; Silver/Gray; Estimate $200,000 – $300,000; Older restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $360,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $396,000 – Air conditioning, division window, Blaupunkt Koln radio, cloth chauffer’s compartment, telephone. Fully documented history, owned new by Elvis Presley. – An old and neglected restoration with a Frank Dale & Stepsons rebuilt engine. Dull paint, pitted chrome and peeling grille shell, poor hood fit, cracking wood trim and worn seats. An interesting piece of history but sincerely unattractively presented. – The Elvis factor pushed this about $100,000 past high estimate; testament to the Elvis celebrity spiff being alive and well. The other PV in this sale (Lot 224) was a much better car for $150,000 less. Probably bound for another museum where it will continue to sit and deteriorate while a loop of Elvis recordings plays in the background.Lot # 215 1960 Chevrolet Impala Convertible; S/N 01867A155463; Engine # T0322F; Red, White/Red; Red top; Estimate $75,000 – $100,000; Unrestored original, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $70,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $77,000 – 348/250hp V-8 (cataloged as 320hp), 3-speed, wheel covers, whitewalls, skirts, dual rear antennas, pushbutton radio – All original. Superb paint, excellent brightwork with only one notable scrape on the front bumper. Interior is like new. 16,202 miles from new, 1994 AACA First Junior and still show quality. This car should continue to see meticulous preservation. – Offered at Gooding’s Pebble Beach auction in 2008 when it failed to sell at a reported bid of $78,000, this is an extraordinary Impala with little or no premium for its exceptional originality and the preservation that makes it even better than a freshly restored car. It is sensational and the new owner should be proud both of the car and of the modest price paid for it.Lot # 216 1963 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster; S/N 19804210003174; Engine # 19898210000137; Blue/Grey leather; Estimate $1,900,000 – $2,200,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $1,650,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $1,815,000 – Restamped replacement alloy engine, disc brakes, chrome wheels, non-original air conditioning, Euro-spec headlights, fitted luggage, aftermarket radio, jack, tools and manual included. – Product of a $325,000 restoration. Paint and panel fit are superb with excellent brightwork. A near perfect car inside and out, though the hard top didn’t appear to have been part of the resto package. – Presentation is essential and while this car checks every box when it comes to restoration and presentation, the fine print isn’t so encouraging. The block is a factory re-stamped replacement, air conditioning was added during restoration, and the colors were changed from grey/red to dark blue/grey. The hard top was also added later, and the luggage is not original to the car. While this roadster almost made low estimate, it might have done $200-400,000 more if it had been delivered new with these extras and had its original engine.Lot # 218 1953 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible; S/N 536285567; Engine # 536275823; Azure Blue/Blue, White leather; White cloth top; Estimate $120,000 – $180,000; Unrestored original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $118,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $129,800 – Power steering, Continental kit, wheel covers, wide whitewall tires, pushbutton AM radio, leather seats, parade boot – Represented as original with 23,243 miles. Paint is scraped with a crack on the driver’s door, brightwork is in very good condition. The interior is in excellent shape with almost no wear. A very pretty driver’s car that has been carefully stored and maintained for years. – Bought at an appropriate price for a restored car in this condition with no appreciable premium for its originality and low miles. In these colors it is literally an attractive buy. Best to just drive it since it is far too good to despoil its originality by restoring.Lot # 221 1961 Porsche 356B Coupe, Body by Reutter; S/N 117172; Engine # 606378; Ivory/Red; Estimate $80,000 – $100,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $62,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $68,200. No Reserve – Matching numbers, sunroof, Nardi steering wheel, chrome wheels, hubcaps, blackwall tires, original wheels and Porsche CofA included. – An older cosmetic restoration, dull paint, uneven left front fender, good trim. Old, faded interior. A driver quality Porsche without obvious significant flaws. – 356 prices have been on the march, but only the best cars score big money and it takes a lot of money to get a car to “best” status. This seemed to be a serviceable driver but the $80,000-$100,000 estimate was optimistic, even with the sunroof. The Quail bidders appropriately valued its condition and specifications in arriving at this result.Lot # 223 1967 Jaguar XKE SI 4.2 Convertible; S/N 1E14542; Engine # 7E11911-9; British Racing Green/Black leather; Black top; Estimate $130,000 – $160,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $152,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $167,200. No Reserve – Chrome wire wheels, blackwall tires, JDHT certificate, books, tools and jack included. – An older restoration represented as having its matching numbers engine. Paint and bodywork are good while the front bumpers have been poorly installed. The interior has been well installed but does not appear to be period correct. More of a driver’s car than a show car befitting its reported use ‘on a number of 1,000 mile rallies’. – At last E-type prices are rising to where everybody always thought they should be. Typically the early stages of a rising tide lifts all boats, but lately the pricing gap between good and very good XKEs is widening. The price paid for this indifferent example was a little behind the times in that regard and is generous for its condition.
Bonhams Quail Lodge 2014 – Auction Report Page Three
Lot # 224 1967 Rolls-Royce Phantom V Limousine, Body by James Young; S/N 5LVF105; Engine # F52PV; Brewster Green/Beige leather, broadcloth; Estimate $400,000 – $500,000; 1- condition; Hammered Sold at $240,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $264,000. No Reserve – Air conditioning, power windows, wood cabinetry, crystal drinks accessories, hubcaps, trim rings, blackwall tires, power division window, writing tables, driving lights, tools, jack and manuals. – First owned by horse breeder Charles C. Males. An older repaint showing a few scattered chips. Panel fit is excellent, the horn plating is worn while the rest of the brightwork is excellent, interior is in very good condition. Impeccable style and elegance, one of 13 lefthand drive PVs with this blind quarter body style PV23. Impeccably maintained and would be at home on the show field. – This is a strong price, but likely to be a sound long-term buy. Rolls-Royce prices may be in a slump right now, but when they recover, this car will still be around in which to toast the revival.Lot # 228 1953 Morgan Plus Four Roadster; S/N 2427; Engine # V394ME; Yellow/Black leather; Black top; Estimate $35,000 – $45,000; Older restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $37,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $40,700. No Reserve – Disc brakes, dual spares, fog light, TR2 engine, Moss gearbox, black steel wheels. – An old 1996 restoration with sound overall paint and bodywork. Windshield seal appears to be installed wrong. The seats are aged while the dash and gauges still present well. Can be used as is, but aged enough that it soon will be due for another restoration. – Sold at Barrett-Jackson in Scottsdale in 2001 for $16,200 and brought an ample price here taking into account its old restoration and lack of use. Morgan prices have been as flat as this car’s radiator for most of the last decade and there is no shortage of options on the market at this price – even in roadster guise.Lot # 229 1951 Mercury Eight Convertible; S/N 51SL62928M; Burgundy/Burgundy leather; Estimate $75,000 – $100,000; Modified restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $70,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $77,000 – Upgraded Lincoln 460/350hp V-8 and automatic transmission, power steering, power front disc brakes, air conditioning, fender skirts, tilt steering column. – Fully restored and customized with near flawless paint, body lines and brightwork. Close attention to detail while restoring the interior. Tastefully customized and near perfect in execution. – Funny that these are always referred as the “James Dean” Mercury (he drove one in “Rebel Without a Cause”), as he was vocal in his dislike of the model. This car carefully threaded the line between correct appearance and modern running gear, and only the tilt wheel gave it away instantly. It was reported sold at Russo and Steele in Scottsdale in 2006 for $143,000, sold here slightly below the low estimate, and cost every penny of that to build. It is an astute acquisition, but fix that steering wheel (unless it’s needed for the new owner to slip gracefully into the driver’s seat.)Lot # 230 1952 Ferrari 212 Europa Coupe, Body by Pinin Farina; S/N 0277EU; Engine # 0277EU; Light Blue [Blu Francese]/Cream leather; Estimate $1,400,000 – $1,700,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $1,175,000 – Chrome spoke Borranis, Vredestein blackwall tires, Audiovox pushbutton radio, 3-piece wraparound rear window – Owned by Charles Pozzi for some three decades, freshly restored to highly detailed, like new condition after completing the Tour Auto in 2006. Ferrari Classiche certified. – It is difficult to see why this Europa didn’t bring more than the reported high bid. Its history is benign and it is attractively bodied and finished in its original color. Not surprisingly the seller elected it was more car than the bid it brought here.Lot # 231 1912 Speedwell 12-J 50hp Speed Car; S/N 3003; Engine # L2501; Dark Grey, Red accent/Burgundy leather; Estimate $550,000 – $750,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $790,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $869,000 – RHD. Round bolster tank, white tires on Burgundy wood spoke wheels, monocle windshield, Rushmore acetylene headlights, Dietz Sterling Junior kerosene sidelights, Jones speedometer, New Haven clock, Apple Electric ammeter, dual rear spares, Rubes folded trumpet bulb horn, Le Testophone 4-trumpet horn, electric starter. – Prior owners include a list of pioneering collectors from James Melton through Winthrop Rockefeller, Dr. Sam Scher and William Harrah. Restored in the 1990’s for Carl Schmitt by Allan Schmidt. Very good paint, brass and upholstery. Shows a little use and age but a lusty, fast tour car that can be shown proudly. – Sold at Gooding’s Pebble Beach auction in 2008 for $506,000 and showing about 45 more miles on its odometer today than it did then. The only known example with this spare, lightweight body and cherished and preserved by a succession of important early collectors. It’s worth every cent of the over-estimate price it brought.Lot # 232 1962 Maserati 3500 GT Coupe Speciale, Body by Moretti; S/N AM1011858; Engine # 101124 (unconfirmed); Red/White leather; Estimate $500,000 – $600,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 4+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $320,000 – Silver painted Borrani wire wheels, bias ply Pirelli tires, woodrim Momo Indy steering wheel, P/W, multi-band radio. – A remarkably unattractive Maserati in equally unattractive condition. Soiled original upholstery, poor door fits, flawed chrome, chipped and poorly masked paint. A good car in only one way: good to avoid. – While this may be the only Maserati ever bodied by Moretti its coachwork looks like a perverted Jensen and its condition is enough to frighten anyone away. Which, apparently, is exactly what happened.Lot # 233 1962 Austin Mini Beach Car; S/N AAY1L197664; Engine # 8AM-U-H264329; Surf Blue, Snowberry White roof/Beige; Estimate $70,000 – $90,000; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $165,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $181,500. No Reserve – Upgraded transmission, wood-rim steering wheel, wicker seats. – Owned by San Francisco BMC dealer Kjell Qvale to ferry customers, a no-doors, hard roof Mini-based Jolly, one of 14 built by Austin to promote the Mini’s introduction. Documented with a BMIHT certificate. Fully restored in 2007, the car looks like new inside and out. It is impossible to find anything wrong with this vehicle. – In a world where Fiat 500 and 600 Jollys sell for near $100,000, the rarity and bulletproof provenance of this car have to make it one of the most desirable beach cars to own. Of course you could buy a Moke for about a fifth of this price, but it doesn’t have the same charm. The Quail Lodge bidders’ determination of its value is definitive.Lot # 234 1970 Porsche 908/03 Spyder; S/N 908/03-002; Silver, Blue ‘Martini”/Red cloth; Estimate $1,800,000 – $2,300,000; Competition restoration, 2 condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $1,550,000 – Black alloy wheels, Avon slicks, Momo suede rim steering wheel, correct Porsche transaxle. – Ex-works Weissach development and test car, assembled from various 908 parts on an original frame with a later body. Vintage raced the last 14 years in the US. Neat, orderly and sharp if not fresh. Appears nearly rare ready without being fluffed up for concours. – A magnificent example of how a world championship caliber sports racer should be restored, maintained and prepared. If the Bonhams Quail bidders failed to satisfy the consignor’s expectations it wasn’t in any way attributable to the presentation of this car. The built from parts history does nothing for value, though, although honestly any top rank racing car is, in the end, built from parts. It would be a very good value at the reported high bid, and not expensive at the low estimate.
Bonhams Quail Lodge 2014 – Auction Report Page Four
Lot # 235 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce Convertible; S/N ZARBA5412F1021382; Black/Black leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $15,000 – $20,000; Unrestored original, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $12,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $13,750. No Reserve – 5-spoke alloy wheels, woodrim steering wheel. Two-owner car with full known history and 38,656 miles. – A survivor car showing little wear inside and out. Very well preserved and prime for continued preservation. – The boattail Duetto was superseded by the Kamm-tail Spider in 1971, but the square trunk model has never attracted the same following. Later model Spiders are just beginning to be more than used cars, and it takes a very good one to bring more than $10,000. This is an appropriate current price with a realistic premium for originality and low miles, but continued preservation should bring an upside later.Lot # 236 1957 Mercedes-Benz 190SL Roadster; S/N 1210427501800; Red/Black; Black top; Estimate $70,000 – $90,000; 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $70,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $77,000. No Reserve – Fog lights, Becker Europa radio, hubcaps, trim rings, narrow whitewall tires, build sheet, books, tools and first aid kit. – An old restoration, paint still presents well, blemished brightwork and poor panel alignment. A driver’s car needing too many things to be shown in its current state. – Prices of 190SL roadster have climbed in the wake of the 300SL’s rise, which is odd seeing as the cars cannot possibly be compared. This was just a driver and the price paid is appropriate to the age and quality of its restoration but with other 190SLs bringing low six-figures it is unusually modestly priced in the current market.Lot # 238 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 Coupe; S/N 9113600125; Engine # 6630156; Red/Black; Estimate $800,000 – $1,000,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $850,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $935,000 – Matching numbers, ducktail delete option, complete ownership records, tools and books included. – One of the first 500 RS 2.7s built for racing homologation. Restored by RUF Porsche in 1984, mechanically rebuilt by Andial in 2004, overall appearance has been well maintained since. Judged first in class in the 2012 Porsche Parade. Represented as matching numbers engine. Essentially perfect, just showing a little age. – On all Porsche collectors’ A-lists, the 1973 Carrera RS continues to impress. The model is seemingly setting new benchmarks each month, with this mark being particularly impressive for a Touring model. Price guides can’t keep up and just $65,000 more makes this a million-dollar car.Lot # 239 1954 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith LWB Sedan, Body by Vignale; S/N LCLW14; Engine # L13C; Silver/Gray; Estimate $250,000 – $350,000; 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $180,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $198,000. No Reserve – Air conditioning, retractable rear window, wide whitewall tires, leather seats, television, toilet with gold-plated seat hidden under the right rear seat cushion, Becker Mexico radio – Unique Vignale-bodied Silver Wraith with reversed C-pillar built for Joseph J. Maschuch of Maplewood, NJ. Furiously over-embellished with fussy details but definitely exclusive. An old cosmetic restoration. A few dings, dents and scrapes in the body, good brightwork and an unexplained hole in the trunk lid. Rear interior is in very good condition while the chauffeur’s seat is heavily worn. Even with its flaws, this car is way too interesting not to draw attention anywhere it goes. – A well-known Rolls, but not necessarily because of it is handsome. Buyer paid up for idiosyncrasy, which is purely a matter of personal preference for a car with a rear 3/4 view that looks like a Hudson. Hard to peg, but if feels like enough and then some.Lot # 241 1959 Porsche 356A 1600 Super Cabriolet, Body by Reutter; S/N 151991; Engine # 74065; Silver/Red; Black top; Estimate $175,000 – $225,000; Recent restoration, 2- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $155,000 – AM radio, hubcaps, blackwalls, bumper overriders. spare wheel and tire, tool kit, owner’s manual and Kardex. – Fully restored with close attention to detail and correctness inside and out. A very attractive, show-quality car with a fresh repaint even newer than the 2009 restoration. – Generously bid, but not enough for the consignor who will not go on to recycle this car through more auctions in search of a more impressionable audience. It’s a bad bet.Lot # 242 1948 Talbot-Lago Record T26 Grand Sport Coupe, Body by Oblin; S/N 110106; Engine # 103; Black/Black; Estimate $1,100,000 – $1,500,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $1,350,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $1,485,000 – RHD. 4,482cc/190hp inline six with triple sidedraft Zenith carbs, pre-selector 4-speed, wire wheels, blackwall tires, short wheelbase chassis, fastback body. – First owned by Goldie Gardner with seriously unattractive coachwork by Van den Plas. Rebodied in 1952 for second owner Claude Nias by Oblin with this full envelope fastback that is seriously sleek and attractive. Competed in period in the Liege-Rome-Liege Rally, later used in historic events until it was rolled in 2002, proving the strength of Oblin’s roof reinforcements. The body was restored by Rod Jolley in 2002. Decent exterior cosmetics, drivetrain and interior are largely original and show appropriate patina. A carefully kept car worthy of any major vintage event. – Handsome, fast and historical, this Talbot Lago coupe is eligible for just about all the important vintage events. Better than that, it will be competitive. It attracted serious, continuous interest in Bonhams preview, interest that continued into the bidding. The history, appearance and performance make it an astute acquisition even at this price just shy of the high estimate.Lot # 243 1972 Toyota FJ43 Land Cruiser Utility; S/N FJ43-24324; Engine # F377783; Rustic Green/Black; Beige top; Estimate $55,000 – $75,000; 1- condition; Hammered Sold at $100,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $110,000. No Reserve – 3,878cc/125hp, 3-speed, AVM locking front hubs, canvas top, center-facing rear seats, rear-mounted spare, hubcaps. – Represented as matching numbers. Thoroughly restored with flawless paint and body, powder-coated frame. It’s almost too nice inside and out to actually drive. Documented with restoration photos and the original sales invoice. – With restored standard FJ40s occasionally nudging $100,000, this rare long wheelbase version is bound to find a following among Land Cruiser fans. It is unlikely to go in harm’s way, and also unlikely to get any cheaper. Breathtakingly expensive at a Hundred Large, but its rare (and simple) specifications and meticulous restoration make it a special Land Cruiser.Lot # 245 1958 Jaguar XK 150S 3.4 Drop Head Coupe; S/N S837560; Engine # V4634-8; Burgundy/Biscuit leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $125,000 – $150,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $130,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $143,000. No Reserve – Chrome wire wheels, – Body-off restoration completed in 2008, excellent paint and brightwork, well-fitting top, clean engine compartment, beautiful and clean interior with gorgeous wood trim. Judged JCNA Best in Class and Judge’s Choice in recent years, Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate. A well done car worthy of its awards. – Sold by RM here in Monterey in 2009 freshly restored for $165,000, this Jag is still a show-stopping restoration and a good buy given its commendations and specifications. The high quality of its restoration is still instantly apparent and the bidders recognized it with a healthy but not unreasonable price.
Bonhams Quail Lodge 2014 – Auction Report Page Five
Lot # 247 1953 Jaguar XK 120SE Drophead Coupe; S/N S677295; Engine # 1776-9; Red/Brown leather; Tan cloth top; Estimate $50,000 – $75,000; Unrestored original, 4+ condition; Hammered Sold at $39,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $42,900. No Reserve – Steel wheels, fender mirrors, rear wheel spats, Dunlop Road Speed tires. – An actual barn find car, and needs everything. Paint is faded, body is beginning to rust and the doors do not close well if at all. The top is ratty and tore away during a gust of wind during the preview. Interior is ratty and old. A car in desperate need of restoration. – Sold for $45,100 at Auctions America’s 2014 Spring Auburn sale. The prospects for a financially successful restoration of the grubby XK are minimal, but as has been shown time and again in recent months buyers pay serious premiums for dirt, of which this Jag has an abundance. No more or less than it appears, this Jag needs everything and will slurp up dollars like a dehydrated camel drinks water. Still, the hammer price is only $2,000 less than it brought at Auburn Spring, authenticating its value as ‘market’.Lot # 249 1955 Lancia Aurelia B24 Spider America; S/N B24S-1177; Engine # B241239; Black, Black hardtop/Tan leather; Black top; Estimate $1,300,000 – $1,500,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $1,000,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $1,100,000 – Factory hardtop, wire wheels, leather seats. – Cosmetically restored in 1987, paint has been buffed through around the edges, brightwork is scuffed, scratched glass, poorly fitting hard top seal. Engine compartment has been cleaned up. The interior appears to be redone more recently than the body. A solid driver’s car. – Prices for Spider Americas have gone through the roof and the result here reflects the current state of things. It is a rare and attractive car with ingenious drivetrain and suspension. Its value here is appropriate in today’s realities.Lot # 251 1964 Jaguar XKE SI Roadster; S/N 880500; Engine # RE4166-9; Silver/Grey leather; Black top; Estimate $100,000 – $125,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $135,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $148,500. No Reserve – Woodrim steering wheel, no radio, chrome wire wheels, blackwall tires. – An old but well maintained restoration, very good paint and brightwork, front bumpers have a slight droop. Light wear to the driver’s seat in an otherwise tidy interior. Represented as matching numbers, documented with a history file and JDHT certificate. Restored in the late 90’s, judged 99.96 points by JCNA immediately thereafter and used essentially not at all since then. No longer fresh, but a car that is ready to show as it sits. – This Jag is not perfect but it has clearly been taken care of and has no serious shortcomings, which earned it a slight premium. With early E-type prices marking serious increases recently more cars have come to market, classical economic’s antidote to further increases. There is no shortage of supply out there, an inherent limit to demand-driven price increases that also applies to such current hot cars as 190SLs. This is a quality car and it brought a deserved quality premium but is expensive in relation to the available supply.Lot # 253 1973 Porsche 911S Coupe; S/N 9113301070; Engine # 6331707; Ivory/Black vinyl, Houndstooth inserts; Estimate $150,000 – $180,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $160,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $176,000. No Reserve – Air conditioning, Fuchs wheels, power windows. – Repainted in the late 90’s that still presents very well, excellent panel fit, weatherstripping and molding around the windshield and rear window are aged. Reportedly mechanically rebuilt in the late 90’s, but no documentation is offered either for the date or subsequent miles. A well-cared-for car that should not need significant cosmetic work for years. – Uber-collectors seek out the 1967 and 1973 S models for their “bookend” status, and the amount paid here is an expression of the high esteem in which these ultimate versions of the original 911 design are held. Final price is in line with reality and reflects the uncertainty surrounding the age of the engine rebuild and its subsequent use.Lot # 257 1970 Brabham-Cosworth Ford BT33 Formula 1; S/N BT33-2; Engine # DFV061; Blue, Yellow/Aluminum; Estimate $1,000,000 – $1,400,000; Competition restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $940,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $1,034,000 – Ford Cosworth DFV, slide throttle port mechanical fuel injection. – Ex-Sir Jack Brabham, Ron Tauranac-designed, and South African Grand Prix-winning. 2nd at Monaco, 3rd at the French GP, 2nd in Britain. Later raced by Chris Craft. Jack Brabham and Ron Tauranac autographs on rear wing. Very good cosmetics, new tires, professional mechanical presentation and historic raced with success by Duncan Dayton. A gem. – A marvelous, charismatic, GP-winning DFV-powered F1 car eligible for all sorts of events and in excellent essentially race-ready condition bought appropriately for all of its multiple attributes.Lot # 259 1960 Porsche 356B 1600 Super 90 Cabriolet, Body by Reutter; S/N 153886; Engine # P801111; Silver/Red leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $90,000 – $120,000; Unrestored original, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $115,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $126,500. No Reserve – Matching numbers, canvas top, two tops, painted wheels hubcaps, blackwall tires. – Represented as matching numbers, known ownership from new with two long-term owners. Largely original, paint is generally good, some slight panel fit issues on the driver’s door. Interior is a bit faded and worn. A very presentable driver easily admired for originality. Documented with Kardex, Porsche CofA and period photos. – This car’s known history and sound condition inspire confidence. A good car at a good price that could have brought a little more without being expensive.Lot # 260 1963 Shelby Cobra 289 W and S Roadster; S/N CSX 2119; Engine # 1296; Vineyard Green, Black vinyl hardtop/Beige leather; Estimate $1,300,000 – $1,500,000; Unrestored original, 3+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $1,100,000 – Painted wire wheels, factory hard top, luggage rack, tool roll, grease gun, jack. – Factory demonstrator, 47 years in same ownership with full documentation of the ownership trail. 11,182 miles from new. All original other than a fender replaced after a period accident. Original paint has gained a slight patina while the brightwork remains excellent. Original seats are beginning to be noticeably worn. A stunning unrestored example. – The estimate might have been optimistic, but the car’s historical value and its sheer charm should have tipped the balance. Even though this was beyond #1 money, the bidders will likely be kicking themselves before too long. A rare opportunity missed for a rare Cobra in unusually original condition, but the number of ‘Cobra demonstrators’ is large.Lot # 262 1958 MG A Twin Cam Roadster; S/N YD/3/515; Engine # 16G/U/545; British Racing Green/Beige leather; Black top; Estimate $75,000 – $85,000; Cosmetic restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $62,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $68,200. No Reserve – 4-wheel disc brakes, centerlock Dunlop wheels, manuals. – Possibly the David Ash, J.S. Inskip Lime Rock road test car in period, Bahama Vintage GP participant. Freshly cosmetically restored, paint is very good while there are some fit issues with the doors. Interior in very good condition. An attractive car, but cosmetically, not comprehensively, restored. – Under estimate, but what a price. This Twin Cam’s history is somewhat tempered by its superficial cosmetic restoration that lacked attention to details, although the bidders weren’t dissuaded. We haven’t seen a price this high since early 2011, for a pair of concours restored Twin Cams. A good, but ultimately expensive, Twin Cam
Bonhams Quail Lodge 2014 – Auction Report Page Six
Lot # 263 1991 Ferrari F40; S/N ZFFMN34AXM0089767; Engine # 27523; Red/Red cloth; Estimate $1,300,000 – $1,600,000; Unrestored original, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $1,300,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $1,430,000 – Luggage, manuals, complete U.S. emissions, tools. – Essentially unused and pristine, even the usually frayed driver’s seat back bolster. 1,312 miles from new, serviced earlier this year at Algar Ferrari including timing belt, tensioners and fuel pumps. Original and as-delivered throughout, including the factory-fitted tires and balance weights. Ferrari Classiche certified. – Instantly identifiable as the standard-setting supercar of its day, F40s appeal to a new generation of collectors. It is one of the cars that got hung on the dorm room walls of kids now in their peak earning years and has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity and value which this transaction reflects. The originality of this car – not even a Tubi exhaust system – is unusual and is matched by its recent service at Algar to give confidence it can be used, once the old tires are replaced, probably with a complete set of wheels and tires to preserve the originals. It is not exactly expensive, but brought all the money it could have.Lot # 264 1967 Maserati Ghibli Coupe, Body by Ghia; S/N AM115090; Engine # AM115090; Black/Cream leather; Estimate $350,000 – $550,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $350,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $385,000 – Centerlock Campagnolo alloy wheels, Pirelli blackwall tires, Monte Carlo AM-FM radio, P/W. – First owned by singer Bobbie Gentry, later Bill Harrah’s wife, Amelia Island Concours Award winner. Very good paint, chrome and interior. Restored better than new. – One of the most beautiful high performance GTs of the Sixties, restored to exceptional standards, the Ghibli is the antidote to Daytona-centrism. This car leaves no box un-ticked and is a sound value for the money.Lot # 266 1979 Ferrari 312 T4 Formula 1; S/N 037; Engine # 35; Red/Tan suede; Estimate $1,500,000 – $2,000,000; Facsimile restoration, 2 condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $1,400,000 – The Enzo Ferrari-approved, ex-Dr. Bonomi, Gilles Villeneuve tribute. Clean, fresh, unblemished. A pretty amazing story of Ferrari factory duplicity since the original tub of 037 was incorporated in the T5 s/n 042. Despite the confusing history, there is no confusion: this 037 is its own car with Ferrari factory paperwork and attestation. There is no other s/n 037 T4. – Not surprisingly bidders may have been a bit put off by the to and fro of chassis, tubs and numbers, thus missing the chance to acquire a wonderful Gilles Villeneuve car built by Ferrari for an enthusiastic client.Lot # 267 1937 BMW 328 Roadster, Body by Ludwig Weinberger; S/N 85095; Engine # 85095; Black/Oxblood leather; Estimate $1,000,000 – $1,200,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $900,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $990,000 – Centerlock disc wheels, Avon radial tires, banjo spoke steering wheel, trafficators. – Formerly in the collection of Dr. Frederick A. Simeone. Represented as a fairly recent restoration completed in 2013 but the repaint is scratched and scuffed. The interior is good but the chrome and aluminum trim is dull. Orderly underhood. A sound but well used older restoration. – Catalog as ‘in stunning cosmetic condition’ this 328 falls far short of that standard and did well to reach this price. Dr. Fred Simeone’s ownership counts for a lot, but the bidders might consider that he let it go, presumably to replace it with something better. It is expensive at this price.Lot # 271 1966 Ferrari 330 GT 2+2 Series II, Body by Pininfarina; S/N 9209; Engine # 9209; Red/Black leather; Estimate $200,000 – $250,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $210,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $231,000 – Centerlock alloy wheels, Dunlop tires, Blaupunkt multiband radio, A/C, P/S, P/W. – Cheap fresh repaint, sound older interior, quickly detailed engine but otherwise a tired old car. Ten years ago this was a candidate for a Testa Rossa replica. – No longer a candidate for anything but driving and hoping the curve continues upward. This is an appropriate price in today’s market, but not much Ferrari for a quarter million dollars.Lot # 272 2005 Ford GT Coupe; S/N 1FAFP90S85Y400754; Engine # 1FAFP90S85Y400754; Red, White/Black; Estimate $225,000 – $275,000; Unrestored original, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $270,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $297,000 – McIntosh audio system, forged aluminum wheels, red brake calipers, air conditioning, stripe delete, window stickers and manuals included. Ex-Reggie Jackson. – Nearly new in appearance and mileage, showing just 794 miles. The only blemish being light curb damage to the right front wheel. Essentially a purchased and parked car. – A generous price even among handsome prices being paid by collectors enamored of the Ford GT who missed buying them new. Low mileage examples flood the market; seemingly every auction has one, or two, or three. What value is there in cars no one ever drives? This one brought just above the current market, maybe cuzza Reggie’s ownership, but there’s little else to distinguish it.Lot # 273 1958 AC Ace Roadster; S/N AEX1012; Engine # CLB2389WTEN; Black/Tan leather; Estimate $320,000 – $360,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $255,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $280,500 – AC engine, chrome wire wheels, silver brake drums, non-original leather upholstery, uprated by Wayne Obry’s Motion Products in mid-1990s to include overdrive and taller rear end. – Fully documented restoration with color change in 1990s. Replated chrome and paint are both still sparkling. Even as an older restoration, this has clearly been cared for since. Presentation is so crisp that the whole lot borders on being over the top. Documented with restoration receipts, old registrations and continuous history from new. – The appeal of the early AC Ace with its antique sohc engine is growing as the Ace’s potential has been confirmed by collectors who have let experts breathe on the old engine and realize its potential. While Cobras, with double the horsepower and less weight, smoke AC Aces, the performance differential isn’t as great as it once was. This was Cobra money a few years ago, today it’s representative AC Ace money.Lot # 274 1967 Ferrari 330 GTC, Body by Pininfarina; S/N 10007; Engine # 10007; Celeste Chiaro Metallizzato/Beige leather; Estimate $800,000 – $950,000; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $925,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $1,017,500 – Centerlock alloy wheels, Michelin X tires, Becker Europa II AM-FM, P/W. – Very good paint, interior and major chrome. Some slightly weak trim chrome. Like new underbody and fresh, orderly engine compartment. A fresh restoration in the original colors. – Sold by RM at Amelia in 2013 for $506,000 before its fresh restoration and now at the top of its class in condition and appearance. So is the price it brought.
Lot # 275 1954 Nash-Healey Series 25 Coupe, Body by Pinin Farina; S/N 3122; Engine # NHA1416; Red/Burgundy leather; Estimate $90,000 – $120,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 4 condition; Hammered Sold at $44,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $48,400. No Reserve – AM radio, steel wheels, wire basket wheel covers, pushbutton radio, blackwall tires. – Advertised as an original with mechanical restoration, it has a tired repaint with multiple chips, scrapes, dings, rust and some Bondo peeking out. Body seals are poor and the passenger window is cracked. Mechanicals are in good order while the interior is more consistent with the rest of the car, superficial. It needs, in a word, everything. – The estimate was beyond aggressive for a generally despicable Nash-Healey and the price paid is more in line for a sound but aged car, which this isn’t. Needed restoration work will put the buyer upside-down for quite a while and even at this modest price the new owner can’t drive it with any kind of confidence or satisfaction, nor embark on a restoration that will never catch up with values and the compounded time value of money.Lot # 283 1958 BMW-Isetta 300 Coupe; S/N 499930; Red/Beige; White vinyl sunroof top; Estimate $30,000 – $40,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $22,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $24,200. No Reserve – US-spec with four wheels, repro hubcaps, new gas tank, folding sunroof, blackwall tires. – Advertised as an original while the nose appears to have had some previous paint work with scrapes and dings along the rest of the body. Windshield is scratched, rear bumper is dented and side mirror is broken off. Scruffy and not attractive. – While well-done Isettas routinely bring around $40,000, rough runners can still be found for $15,000- $20,000. This one is closer to the latter than the former, and valued appropriately. An educated purchase but not one to be particularly to proud to own at this price.Lot # 286 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing; S/N 1980404500130; Engine # 1989804500145; White/Black leather; Estimate $900,000 – $1,300,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $1,225,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $1,347,500. No Reserve – Rudge wheels, radio. – Two owners from new, first owner singer Pat Boone, then owned by Robert Ullrich since the late 50’s. Original body with a light mechanical overhaul. 50’s paint is dull, chipped and scratched, interior shows little aging. A reasonably well preserved largely original Gullwing. Proceeds to charity. – An interesting car that is almost but not quite a time-warp example, still with good bones. Paint, bodywork and mechanical work won’t be cheap. There isn’t a lot of downside here, but also no upside. All proceeds benefit a church project to help homeless children in Guatemala which may be reflected in the price it brought.Lot # 287 1949 Maserati A6 1500/3C Berlinetta, Body by Pinin Farina; S/N 086; Engine # 086; Dark Red/Blue leather, Beige cord inserts; Estimate $550,000 – $650,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $810,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $891,000 – Chrome spoke Borranis, 6.00×16 Michelin X Pilote tires, Marchal headlights. – Restored in the early 1980’s, multiple award winner through the 80’s, ran the 2006 Mille Miglia Storica then re-restored in 2010. Restored like new with excellent fresh paint, chrome and interior. – An exceptionally pretty, fast and well restored Maserati that popped the top off Bonhams’ estimate and deserved to do so. Mille Miglia eligible even if it never ran in period, it will be hard for the MM organizers to deny a place to this succulent little 1.5 liter 6-cylinder Maserati. Rarity and event eligibility combine to complete the equation on this exceptional price that should serve notice that Maserati is back in collectors’ favor.Lot # 288 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet; S/N 11102712004323; Engine # 11698012005541; Tunis Beige/Cognac leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $240,000 – $280,000; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $240,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $264,000 – Automatic, air conditioning, Becker radio, wheel covers, narrow whitewalls, manuals, warranty card, tools and jack. – Represented as matching numbers and 62,241 miles from new. Fully restored to uniformly high standards. Paint, bodywork and brightwork are excellent. Interior is gorgeous and impossible to fault. A top notch car. – The end of an era for the best-looking Mercedes-Benz models, and the 280SE 3.5 cab has been making regular and impressive gains for two years running. Expensive by today’s standards but may provide a return in future years. In the meantime it’s a seriously attractive and enjoyable M-B to drive in all seasons.Lot # 289 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB Berlinetta, Body by Pininfarina/Scaglietti; S/N 08933; Engine # 08933; Verde Scuro/Beige leather; Estimate $2,600,000 – $3,200,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $3,500,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $3,850,000 – Centerlock alloy wheels, Michelin XWX tires, long nose, torque tube. – The fifth from last. Freshly restored by Patrick Ottis, Brian Hoyt and Ken Nemanic. Better than new with flawless paint, interior, engine compartment and chassis, a show car. Documented with original paper, manuals and a Ferrari certificate of authenticity (pre-Ferrari Classiche.) – Going nowhere but up, that’s the trajectory of 275 GTB values. This car’s unusual (and highly attractive) color and the impeccable quality of its restoration made it a trophy for which the new owner paid dearly and more than RM’s alloy bodied example at $3,382,500. When colors affect values it’s time to reconsider criteria.Lot # 292 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster; S/N 19804275002; Engine # 19898075003; Black/Bamboo leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $1,150,000 – $1,400,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $1,100,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $1,210,000 – Chrome wheels, hubcaps, blackwall tires, tool roll and manual included. – Thoroughly cosmetically restored on a very good largely original California 300SL with a known history from new and represented as numbers-matching. Mechanically redone by Scott Grundfor in the early 90’s and well maintained and little used since. Paint, brightwork and top are in excellent condition. Panel fit, especially the trunk lid, could be much better. Very clean underhood, not over-polished, good interior. Not perfect, but still a very good 300SL Roadster that will hold its own even without being comprehensively restored. – A sound 300SL roadster with known history and professionally maintained. Bought appropriately for its history, cosmetic restoration and condition. Restoration will cost far more than the improved condition will support; use it as is and enjoy it.Lot # 293 1964 Mercedes-Benz 220SE Cabriolet; S/N 11102310037188; Engine # 12798212004518; Light Blue/Cognac leather; Blue cloth top; Estimate $90,000 – $120,000; Cosmetic restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $80,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $88,000. No Reserve – Becker Europa radio, hubcaps, trim rings – Replacement engine. Cosmetically restored, excellent paint, laser straight body lines, terrific brightwork. Interior is like new with beautiful wood. An absolutely stunning show car. – The replacement engine was balanced by the bidders against the generally flawless presentation inside, outside and under the hood. The outcome was a fair deal all round and a good value in a 280 SE 3.5 Cab.
Lot # 295 1967 Jaguar XKE SI 4.2 Convertible; S/N 1E15082; Engine # 7E12726-9; BRGreen/Tan leather; Black top; Estimate $100,000 – $130,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $75,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $82,500. No Reserve – Open headlight, Series 1 1/2, chrome wire wheels, narrow whitewall tires, tool roll, grille guard. – Lightly cosmetically restored including a clean repaint, brightwork, and glass. Interior has been redone while the replaced parts have been kept for originality. Documented with JDHT certificate, original warranty card. A very tastefully done car with originality kept in mind. – This car is mostly original, though with a repaint and replacement interior there’s little to do now but drive it. A nice buy given the overall condition and known history. Far better than other similarly presented XKEs here at Quail Lodge for the money. The estimate range is optimistically exaggerated for an open headlight Series I.Lot # 296 1970 Porsche 911S 2.2 Coupe; S/N 9110300054; Engine # 6300088; Tangerine/Black; Estimate $175,000 – $225,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $150,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $165,000 – Fuchs wheels, original radio, includes tools and owner’s manual. – Represented as matching numbers with 100K plus miles. Mostly original paint, straight panels, restored seats and carpet, cracked dash. An attractive, consistently maintained car but not pristine. – Bought under the low estimate but appropriately for the qualified condition and despite its Tangerine eye-appeal.Lot # 297 1960 Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet SII, Body by Pinin Farina; S/N 1981GT; Engine # 1981GT; Metallic Red/Black leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $1,200,000 – $1,500,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $1,085,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $1,193,500 – Chrome spoke Borrani wire wheels, Michelin X tires. – Sound older repaint, weak chrome, dirty wheels, good replaced interior with surface cracked original passenger’s knee pad. Orderly largely original, oily and aged engine compartment. Unstamped engine block, 486F internal number, timing chain cover stamped 1981GT. A driver quality Cab II, and that’s not a bad thing. – The Series II Pinin Farina cabriolets represent one of the great values among V-12 Ferraris – if there is such a thing as a ‘great value’ where these avidly collected cars are concerned. Beautiful lines, healthy performance and handling and rarity with only about 200 built all contribute to its value. This one is a bit the worse for wear, but still beautiful to behold, and it can be driven without undue concern for the occasional bug squash or stone chip. There is real value in this Cab 2 at this price.Lot # 299 1974 Ferrari 246 GTS Dino; S/N 08280; Silver, Black roof panel/Dark Red leather, Black stripes; Estimate $400,000 – $475,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $355,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $390,500 – Chairs and Flares, Campagnolo alloy wheels, Goodyear Vivo tires, A/C, Blaupunkt AM-FM, – Good repaint, original interior and chrome, Campagnolo spare and Goodyear tire. U.S.-delivered when new. Orderly original condition engine and trunk compartments, likewise under the car. Original colors. Not driven in recent memory and will need recommissioning accordingly. – This Dino’s price reflects its condition, with little or no premium for originality. It’s the ideal candidate for Ferrari Classiche certification which will add the factory’s endorsement to its quality and impart a further increment to its value.Lot # 300 1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint Speciale, Body by Bertone; S/N AR381354; Engine # AR00121*01353; White/Grey; Estimate $125,000 – $175,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 4 condition; Hammered Sold at $70,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $77,000. No Reserve – 5-speed, radio, steel wheels, hubcaps. – Original body, neglected old color change repaint. Stored from 1972 until recently, an ignored, aged and tired but highly original weed-find. Serious work needed everywhere, interior is old and ratty. A project car. – The definition of a labor of love. Sprint Speciales have had a strong run over the past five years, as have original survivors. The buyers weren’t playing along this time, however, and the final sale price reasonably assesses the amount of work awaiting to make it usable. Even more is required to bring it to proudly displayed condition. The price is realistic, but leaves little headroom for all the work it needs.Lot # 302 1969 Jaguar XKE SII Fixed Head Coupe; S/N P1R28035; Engine # 7R12146-9; Black/Brown; Estimate $90,000 – $110,000; Modified restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $50,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $55,000. No Reserve – 4-speed, power steering, stainless steel exhaust, headers, lightened flywheel, Spax adjustable shocks, stainless steel calipers, chrome wire wheels. – Restored with good paint but poor panel fit, especially with the doors. Clean engine and interior. Attractive at first glance, but needing more attention to detail to reach its full potential. – This car addresses some of the gripes with Series II E-types, but it has the feel of a hasty project. A reasonable purchase at this price considering its mediocre condition and modifications.Lot # 303 1935 MG P-Type Midget 2-Seater; S/N PA2015; Dublin Green, Ulster Green/Green leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $45,000 – $55,000; Recent restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $48,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $52,800. No Reserve – RHD. Silver painted wire wheels, banjo spoke steering wheel, badge bar, slab tank, folding windshield, rear-mounted spare, trafficators. – Very good older paint, chrome and interior. Chassis is clean and shows nearly no use, just a little age but there is about six inches of play in the steering. Colors are original and amusingly named. The 448 miles on the odometer may be all it has covered since being restored. – A very attractive MG that drew continuous attention during Bonhams’ preview. The wobbly steering is an issue, but one easily and inexpensively resolved. The P-Type’s 36 horsepower and light weight give it respectable performance, but is probably better kept off the Freeway and on back roads where its responsiveness (with tightened up steering) will be much more enjoyable and at this price it can be enjoyed.Lot # 304 1957 Ford Thunderbird Convertible; S/N D7FH120130; Raven Black/Red; Beige vinyl top; Estimate $38,000 – $45,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $36,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $39,600. No Reserve – 312/245hp, automatic, power steering, power brakes, Kelsey-Hayes chrome wire wheels, whitewall tires, Town & Country radio, engine dressup kit. – Restored by Bill Fuenfhausen, good paint, straight body with some minor trunk alignment issues and well-fitted top. Excellent chrome, correct engine compartment and attractive interior. A well-done, very attractive car. – Baby Birds don’t speak to younger generations in the same way they do to their current owners. The good news for buyers is that this will cause prices to gradually slide to where young buyers can afford them, which will then change the conversation. We’re not there yet, but we are on our way. Despite the prognostications, this is what this old T-bird should have brought.Lot # 306 1964 Porsche 356C Cabriolet, Body by Reutter; S/N 159226; Engine # P710620; Silver, Silver hardtop/Black leather; Black top; Estimate $130,000 – $160,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $175,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $192,500 – Chrome wheels, hubcaps, hardtop, headlight stone guards. – Fresh 2013 color and interior changed restoration, represented as numbers-matching engine. Excellent paint and panel fit, dull leather. Exceptional attention to detail. Documented with Porsche CofA. – Restored to beyond new condition and blew through the $160,000 high estimate to sell for a hammer bid of $175,000. A car for buyers looking for immediate gratification who place a premium on ‘done’ cars with long-term ownership and bulletproof history and an entirely supportable decision by the successful bidder.
Thanks Rick – always look forward to your auction coverage and comments.
Rick, Excellent pics of some fantastic autos. I attended this event and was even better in person.