Bonhams’ classic motorcar auction in Philadelphia on October 2 exceeded expectations with very strong results. Hosted at the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum, the annual event blew past numerous low estimates for multiple lots, produced strong automobilia sales and posted an impressive 86-percent sell-through rate for automobiles.
A rare, exquisitely restored 1913 Rolls-Royce “London-to-Edinburgh” Silver Ghost (above, photo courtesy of Bonhams) sold for $1,001,000 after robust bidding. A 1924 Bentley 3-Liter Speed Model was bought for $200,000, while the tremendously original, two-owners-from-new 1913 Stevens-Duryea Model C6 5-Passenger Tourer hammered at $170,500.
Automobilia, sales were extremely strong with numerous lots soaring past their low estimates. The collection of early, exceptional license plates from the late Joel L. Finn’s collection was 100 percent sold, doubling its pre-sale estimate with many highlights. Specifically, the unique collection of Connecticut “number 1” plates made $72,500 and an ultra-rare 1905 Vermont plate made 10 times its estimate to sell for $10,000.
“It is always a pleasure to work with the renowned Simeone Foundation Automobile Museum in Philadelphia,” said Greg Porter, Bonhams Motoring Specialist. “The 2017 sale produced a result twice that of the previous year with some results that can only be established at an auction. Rare and original condition cars, particularly those from longstanding named collections, brought the most interest, while the early license plates blew away our expectations.”
For a full list of results, please visit www.Bonhams.com/Simeone.
