Automobiles of London 2010 Auction Report

Report by Rick Carey, Auction Editor

RM Auctions held its fourth annual Automobiles of London auction on October 27th, 2010 at Battersea Evolution in London, with the sale headlined by the James Bond movie Aston Martin DB5. It sold on just two bids for £2,600,000 hammer, £2,912,000 with RM’s London commission of 12%, a cool $4,612,317.

RM promoted the Aston as ‘The Most Famous Car in the World’, fame largely attributable to the ambitious, extensive and very creative campaign RM mounted to remind later generations of the Aston’s past glories. It traveled the world on a road show as elaborate as any put on by Government Motors to tout its coming IPO. The RM Graphics and Web departments outdid themselves with a special ‘dossier’ that accompanied the catalog and an interactive website presentation that allows visitors to activate the Aston’s various offensive and defensive features (but not, unfortunately, the famed ejection seat.) The website is still up, operating and worth a visit for a few moments’ diversion.

The effect was apparent when the bidding opened at £2.5 million and was promptly bumped to £2.6 by eventual buyer Harry Yeaggy. The room went pretty silent. Max Girardo fished for further bids. RM’s ring crew worked the crowd. The phone bank chattered away. All to no effect. Max eventually realized the pool was empty, announced the car for sale and counted it down.

Even that dramatic occasion may not have been the most important event of the sale, however, because on preview day RM announced it will hold an auction at next year’s Concorso d’Eleganza at Ville d’Este on May 22, 2011, a date that is planned to alternate with an RM sale in Monaco on the even-numbered years coinciding with the Grand Prix Historique.

Implicit in the announcement is the end of RM’s sale at Ferrari in Maranello, something that was confirmed by RM in answer to an inquiry. The Maranello sales were crucial to RM’s expansion into Europe, as well as to establishing the credibility and acceptability of Ferrari’s Classiche restoration shop and certifications. Although it has served its purpose it placed restraints on RM’s dealings in Ferraris and impinged upon Ferrari’s Formula One program in the middle of the season. It was, though, an unprecedented opportunity to visit Maranello with unparalleled access to Ferrari and will be missed.

These developments, and the dossier of important, valuable, significant, desirable cars (along with a few dogs and cats) assembled for RM’s London sale highlights just how important the U.K. and European venues have become for RM Auctions. For many years the traffic was all in the other direction as British-based auction companies migrated to the U.S. in search of inventory and buyers. It took determination, skill, a top-notch staff and years of groundwork to establish its credibility, relationships and financial resources for RM to reverse the flow, but it quickly established itself as a major player on the Continent and in the U.K. and continues to solidify that position.

London 2010 mirrors that success and stature, a high profile auction that has become one of the annual auction calendar’s most important events in only four years.

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Automobiles of London 2010 Auction Report – RM Auctions (listed by lot number)
(See Reference – Auctions Explained, A Note on Conditions and Character).

Lot # 101 1979 DeTomaso Pantera Coupe Group 3, Body by Ghia; S/N 09139; Black/White leather; Estimate $63,356 - $79,195; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $71,276 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $79,829 – 400+hp, 351 cubic inch V-8, Group 4 flares and air dam. Just a used car with a repaint. No Reserve. This is very impressive money for a Pantera, even a late Group 3, and particularly for a less than impressively presented Pantera.

Lot # 102 1954 Lancia Aurelia B20 GT 4th Series Coupe, Body by Pinin Farina; S/N 3271; Engine # 3874; Dark Green/??; Estimate $79,195 - $95,034; Competition restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $74,443 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $83,377 – RHD. 2,451cc/118hp V-6. No bumpers installed (but included), fog lights, Bilstein shocks, Halda Tripmaster, clock, fire extinguisher. Prepared for historic tours and rallies with good paint, brightwork and interior. Described as working correctly. Modestly priced and a good value in both pounds and dollars, a Ferrari and Maserati challenger prepared to modern historic competition standards that promises exceptional satisfaction on the road. Well bought in pounds and dollars.

**Lot # 103 1963 Jaguar Mk II by Vicarage; S/N 222371BW; Estimate $79,195 - $95,034; Not evaluated; Hammered Sold at $58,604 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $65,637**

Lot # 104 1974 Ferrari 365 GT4 BB, Body by Pininfarina; S/N F102AB18267; Engine # F102A000000261; Dark Blue (Blue Chiaro), Black rockers/Beige leather; Estimate $118,793 - $150,471; Unrestored original, 3+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $110,873 – RHD. P/W, A/C, 8-track stereo, updated with wider rear wheels (originals included.) Known history from new, engine rebuilt in 1995, comes with tools, parts catalog, owner's manual and all records from new. Recent cam belt change. Fully documented from new, original throughout and attractively presented but showing factory erratic fit and finish in nearly new condition. This is the forgotten Ferrari supercar, overlooked by collectors and undervalued, which is what this high bid reflects.

Lot # 105 1973 Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman Landaulet Conversion; S/N 10001412002035; Black/Cream leather; Estimate $237,585 - $316,780; Modified restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $253,424 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $283,835 – Whitewall tires, flag staffs, A/C and all the accoutrements of sybaritic luxury. Converted in the UK by Crayford in the early 80's and showing only limited age and use. Offered by The Auction in Las Vegas in 1999 where it no-saled at $90,000 with 16,384 miles on the odometer and sold here today for a fraction of what a Mercedes-built Landaulet would bring. It will look, feel and impress no differently from a Sindelfingen-built Landaulet and is a good buy at this price for someone who wants the look, feel and impression.

Lot # 106 1989 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante 'Prince of Wales'; S/N SCFCV81C2KTR15733; Engine # V/580/5733/X; Graphite Grey/Red leather; Estimate $197,988 - $245,505; Unrestored original, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $285,102 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $319,314 – RHD. 5-speed, A/C, 3.06 axle, alloy wheels, Blaupunkt Toronto cassette stereo. 14,385 miles from new. A Vantage without the flares, spoilers and air dam, one of 25 built. Never restored and very attractive. The bidders rewarded this car, the first of many Aston Martins to cross the RM London auction block today, with a premium price reflecting its refined appearance, exceptional performance, low mileage and rarity. It lacks nothing and will be a rewarding car to own and drive, even at this way over-estimate price.

Lot # 107 1929 Chrysler Imperial L80 Convertible Coupe, Body by Locke; S/N RR143P; Engine # L5098; Cream, Black fenders/Black; Cream cloth top; Estimate $79,195 - $110,873; Modified restoration, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $51,477 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $57,654 – RHD. Black wire wheels, blackwall tires, hydraulic brakes, rumble seat, dual rear spares. Freshly restored for the current Peking-Paris rally but not used. Heavy duty springs, 12 volt electrical system. 3.77 rear axle, overdrive, 15’ wheels. Weak paint, quickly reupholstered interior, sloppy top, sloppy panel fits. One of only 4 known survivors in this body style of 142 built. Includes the original wood spoke wheels. This is a car built for something like Peking-Paris and not the show field. While the cosmetics are disappointing the mechanics seem to have been intelligently dealt with. It brought a price that reflected its presentation and not the potential driving experience, a price that is probably less than it would cost to prepare it, even if the Chrysler were free. Rugged American cars of this era are the secrets of intelligent long distance historic rallies, something undervalued in this Chrysler's result.

Lot # 108 1934 Lagonda M45 Tourer; S/N Z11226; Engine # 12670/2976; BRGreen/Maroon leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $142,551 - $190,068; Rebodied or re-created, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $126,712 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $141,917 – RHD. Overdrive, dual rear spares, black wire wheels, blackwall tires, banjo-spoke steering wheel, full weather equipment. A rolling chassis restored by Oaklands for its owner, Tony Longmate. Fabric-covered touring car body with helmet-style front fenders re-created during restoration replacing the original sedan. Correct style Meadows engine but not original to this car. Restoration completed in 2000 and subsequently freshened mechanically and cosmetically showing clear evidence of age and use. A poster car for the term ‘bitsa’ but also an attractive, adaptable, fast and usable car for tours, events and historic racing. At this price, even in dollars, this is a fair result for both the buyer and the seller.

Lot # 109 1964 Aston Martin DB5 Convertible; S/N DB5C/1285/R; Engine # 400/1472; Sierra Blue/Black leather; Black Everflex top; Estimate $506,848 - $593,963; Not evaluated; Not sold at Hammer bid of $467,251 – RHD. 5-speed, chrome wire wheels, blackwall tires, P/W, engine upgraded to 4.2 liters, stainless steel exhaust. Reported sold by Christie's at Donington in December 1988 for $230,966 (GBP126,500) and by Coys in London in February 1993 for $66,715 (GBP46,200). Significantly upgraded since with an exterior color change and bigger engine.

Lot # 110 1980 Rolls-Royce Corniche 2-Dr. Sedan, Body by Hooper; S/N CRX50264; Engine # 50264; Turquoise Metallic; Estimate $63,356 - $87,115; Unrestored original, 2+ condition; Post-block sale at $60,810 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $68,108 – RHD. Chrome wire wheels, rectangular fog lights, Harvey Bailey suspension, Silver Spirit nose and tail, chrome rocker panels, Howard Becker custom stereo system. Built by Hooper and retained by them from new with only about 15,000 miles. Aged and negligently maintained. Hooper Corporate Collection. A post-block sale at a negotiated price that reflects the competing attributes of condition and rarity.

Lot # 111 1886 Benz Patent Motorwagen Replica; S/N JB16597; Black/Black leather; Estimate $55,437 - $71,276; Facsimile restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $55,437 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $62,089 – John Bentley Engineering replica. As-built and little used. Hooper Corporate Collection. No Reserve. Always at home in any collection, this is the right money for a Bentley-built Benz Motorwagen

Lot # 112 1951 Willys M38 Military Jeep; S/N 36972; Olive Drab/Olive cloth; Estimate $12,671 - $15,839; Truck restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $23,759 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $26,610 – Korean War era USMC configured with period radio equipment, shovel, axe, exhibition .30 caliber pedestal mounted machine gun, Tommy gun, hand grenades. Worn and used but very original and accurate. Hooper Corporate Collection. No Reserve. Despite the estimate this is the real money for a well restored, if used and a little ragged, military Jeep.

Lot # 113 1920 Pierce-Arrow Model 48 2/3-Passenger Coupe; S/N 515435; Engine # 515435; 23-karat Gold, Nickel/Black leather; Estimate $110,873 - $158,390; Customized restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $126,712 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $141,917 – RHD. 23-karat gold plated body, nickel-plated fenders, gold leafed wood spoke wheels, silver plated interior fittings. Known history from new, restored between 1945 and 1973 and showing age and patina but little use. Amazing. Hooper Corporate Collection. No Reserve. There's no accounting for taste. This car was started two generations ago, when it was just a 25 year old car and curiosities like this were a way of life. It is undeniably fabulous, as is its price.

Lot # 114 1930 Rolls-Royce Phantom II LWB Open Tourer; S/N 77GY; Black, Red, Aluminum hood/Red leather; Estimate $118,793 - $158,390; Rebodied or re-created, 4+ condition; Hammered Sold at $75,235 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $84,263 – RHD. Red wire wheels, blackwall tires, dual sidemounts, folding dogleg windshield. Replica body with cutdown sides and elaborate accent curlicues of unknown origins but attributed to a design by Rippon Brothers. Formerly owned by Richard and Linda Kughn. Quickly repainted and reupholstered a long time ago and rough. Hooper Corporate Collection. No Reserve. Looks like a circus wagon, not the Maharajah body it was purportedly patterned after. Tired, aged and strange, this might be a chassis purchase with the strange body headed for the scrap heap. It would be no loss.

Lot # 115 1935 Auburn 851 Supercharged Speedster; S/N 33177E; Engine # GH4430; Red/Off-White leather; Estimate $316,780 - $443,492; Rebodied or re-created, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $197,988 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $221,746 – Body color wire wheels, wide whitewalls. An older restoration from Montevideo, Uruguay with a replacement frame from a sedan. Hooper Corporate Collection. No Reserve. Unattractive and of mixed history, this is a usable tour car but of little significance in the hierarchy of Auburn boattails. The seller should be very happy with the price it brought, despite the generous estimate.

Lot # 116 1964 Rolls-Royce Phantom V Seven-Passenger Limousine 7-Passenger Limousine, Body by James Young; S/N 5LVA121; Dark Blue/Biscuit leather; Estimate $158,390 - $205,907; Older restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $229,666 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $257,225 – Lefthand drive. Blackwall tires, driving lights, division window, rear armrest console, picnic tables, jump seats, occasional pillows, lavish walnut burl woodwork. Restored by Hooper in the late 80's. Possible at one time owned by Nelson Rockefeller. Excellent older paint, upholstery, chrome and beautiful walnut burl interior trim. A choice PV. Hooper Corporate Collection. No Reserve. A bookmark on the end of an era for Rolls-Royce and British bespoke coachwork, this lavishly appointed PV is one of the last emblems of empire. Lincolns, Cadillacs and even Mercedes-Benz shrink into insignificance in its presence.

Lot # 117 1956 Lincoln Continental Mark II; S/N C56C2316; Black/Red, White leather; Estimate $47,517 - $63,356; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $47,517 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $53,219 – Original and unrestored showing 93,000 miles on the odometer appropriate to its condition. Surface-cracked leather, aged but sound paint, worn out original carpets. Recently mechanically re-commissioned. Hooper Corporate Collection. No Reserve. Expensive to build and even more expensive to restore, this Continental needs pretty much everything. The paint, chrome and interior are beyond preservation; mechanically it runs but nothing more than that. This is a generous price for a project that will not see the surface for many years of inflation.

Lot # 118 1962 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III SCT100 Touring Limousine, Body by James Young; S/N CBL51; Oxblood, Black/Biscuit leather; Estimate $39,598 - $47,517; Unrestored original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $63,356 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $70,959 – RHD. Unrestored and original inside and out. Solid and respectable but used and aged. Hooper Corporate Collection. No Reserve. Elegant and rare, a relic of a bygone day, but not so choice or admirably presented that it deserves even this much money.

Lot # 119 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing; S/N 1970405500123; Silver-Grey/Red leather; Estimate $554,365 - $633,560; Visually maintained, largely original, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $593,963 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $665,238 – Chrome centerlock Rudge wheels, 4-point belts, no bumpers. Historic event prepared and a multiple Mille Miglia participant. Good paint and attractive original upholstery. Attractive and reassuring presentation. Hooper Corporate Collection. No Reserve. Rich in US$ for its condition, but honestly presented and apparently working well, the London bidders' judgment is definitive if more than a U.S. bidder would pay for a sound but unrestored Gullwing.

Lot # 120 1989 Rolls-Royce Spirit Emperor State Landaulet, Body by Hooper; S/N SCAZSOOA1KCH26441; Black, Regency Red/Grey leather, Grey velour; Black cloth top; Estimate $126,712 - $190,068; Visually maintained, largely original, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $95,034 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $106,438 – RHD. Division window, rear compartment stereo. Beautifully done throughout with excellent upholstery, paint and interior wood trim. Created long after Hooper ceased regular coachbuilding to meet an Australian client's specifications. 143’ wheelbase. A spectacular exercise in excess, lavishly equipped. Largely original and showing age but still extraordinary. Hooper Corporate Collection. No Reserve. Dragged the bidders, kicking and whining, by 5's and 2 1/2's from GBP 25,000 to a final bid of GBP 60,000, a magnum opus by auctioneer Max Girardo and RM's team. With Mercedes-Benz 600 Landaulets, (even those not built in Sindelfingen) commanding twice this money this Rolls-Royce is unique, elegant and imposing. Its aged condition is fully recognized in this price. It's presence isn't. It's a good value, if this is what the buyer wants.

Lot # 121 1956 Facel Vega HK500 Coupe; S/N FV2B56114; Black/Fawn leather; Estimate $79,195 - $95,034; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $87,115 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $97,568 – Chrome wire wheels, A/C, P/W, automatic. Not used in a while, mostly original with typical wear and a mediocre old repaint. Recently given a rudimentary service after long display but needs more. Hooper Corporate Collection. No Reserve. This old, neglected car would not have been a good value at $80,000.

Lot # 122 1960 Mercedes-Benz 190SL Roadster; S/N 12104010016763; Red/Tan leather; Estimate $39,598 - $47,517; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $59,396 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $66,524 – Trim rings, hubcaps, blackwalls, Blaupunkt radio, Nardi woodrim steering wheel, hardtop only. Fair old repaint, sound but aged interior. Aged and original underhood. Hooper Corporate Collection. No Reserve. A nice driver, but nothing more. The price is a miracle for the seller.

Lot # 123 1922 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost 40/50hp ‘London-to-Edinburgh’ Tourer, Body by Wilkinson; S/N 35RG; Dark Green/Biscuit leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $475,170 - $586,043; Rebodied or re-created, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $158,390 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $177,397 – RHD. CAV bell headlights, boa constrictor horn, single sidemounted spare, black wire wheels, blackwall tires, nickel trim. Repro coachwork on a later chassis done some time ago and now with history and patina of its own. Needs paint and attention. Hooper Corporate Collection. No Reserve. The fact that this isn't what it appears to be is abundantly clear from the successful bid. A late Ghost with a reproduction London-Edinburgh body, it's still an attractive car although aged and used. These characteristics are abundantly recognized in the price it brought, a value appropriately discounted for its shortcomings.

Lot # 124 1961 Chrysler Imperial Crown Convertible; S/N 9214108743; Red/Red; Estimate $110,873 - $158,390; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $59,396 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $66,524 – Chrome wire wheels, whitewalls. Windows rattle in the doors, mediocre paint, pitted trim chrome. Unattractive. Hooper Corporate Collection. No Reserve. Disappointing barely describes this Imperial. The seller may have been disappointed by the price, but the buyer may be disappointed by the car.

Lot # 125 1992 Vector W8 Twin Turbo; S/N 1V9VW2623NW048007; Midnight Blue/Black leather; Estimate $237,585 - $285,102; Unrestored original, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $253,424 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $283,835 – Twin turbocharged 625hp 360 cubic inch V8, automatic, Recaro seats, cassette stereo. Low mileage, unrestored and original. Not used for years. Hooper Corporate Collection. A car known more for its legendary promise and Jerry Wegert's legendary promotion and resistance to his creditors which culminated in a standoff at the Vector shop. Fortunately it doesn't have to work to be fabulous and years of effort have made it actually run, if not work up to Wegert's claims. On appearances alone a Vector is radical, extreme and exotic. Is it worth this much? Today it was.

Lot # 126 1964 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III Drophead Coupe, Body by Hooper; S/N CCL65; Yellow, Grey/Black leather, Yellow piping; Black top; Estimate $237,585 – $285,102; Visually maintained, largely original, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $134,632 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $150,787 – RHD. Dual spotlights, driving lights, whitewalls. ‘Goldfinger’ presentation, over-the-top and showing age and use. Hooper Corporate Collection. No Reserve. ‘Taste’ is personal. London spoke with this price for a car that otherwise might have met the pre-sale estimate. (picture unavailable).

Lot # 127 1930 Packard Standard Eight Phaeton; S/N 515435; Metallic Olive, Dark Green fenders/Tan leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $134,632 - $174,229; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $75,235 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $84,263 – Trippe lights, black wire wheels, dual sidemounts with mirrors, whitewall tires, wind wings. Good older restoration showing some age after long display and recently mechanically recommissioned. Attractive but not impressive. Hooper Corporate Collection. No Reserve. A Standard Eight, bought for a modest price in London where the inherent style and elegance of the marque is not apparent. This is a good value even in today's weak dollars.

Lot # 128 1987 Buick Regal GNX 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 1G4GJ1178HP448983; Black/Black, Grey cloth; Estimate $79,195 - $126,712; Unrestored original, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $63,356 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $70,959 – 233 miles from new, never registered. Long displayed and minimally recommissioned before sale. Conventional wisdom would say that this GNX was eloquently valued by the bidders at RM London, but B-J got more than twice this much last January for one in Scottsdale. Call it generous ... at least in US$.

Lot # 129 1971 Duesenberg Replica SSJ Roadster; S/N 002; Silver, Rose/Burgundy leather; Estimate $118,793 - $158,390; Unrestored original, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $87,115 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $97,568 – 383/504hp Paxton supercharged Chrysler, automatic, Dodge truck frame and suspension, aluminum bodywork, wheel covers and trim rings on chrome wheels, outside exhaust headpipes, Pilot-Rays, rear-mounted spare. Used regularly but not extensively. Hooper Corporate Collection. No Reserve. Go figure. Couldn't these dollars (or pounds) be more productively deployed in other ways?

Lot # 130 1930 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Roadster, Body by Dick Brockman; S/N 130XJ; Engine # IY65; Polished Copper/Green leather; Estimate $237,585 - $285,102; Rebodied or re-created, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $162,350 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $181,832 – RHD. Long wheelbase, chrome wire wheels, wide whitewalls, single sidemount with mirror, vee windshield. Originally Barker Limousine deVille bodied, replaced at an unknown time with this highly polished all copper body. Engine rebuilt this year with new cylinder heads. Lightly creased seat coverings; chassis and engine show age and use but are orderly and tidy enough to cruise proudly. Hooper Corporate Collection. No Reserve. Why? The body and windshield proportions are erratic and not attractive. Copper is not light. The whole exercise is curious and pointless. The seller should be eternally grateful.

Lot # 131 1907 Itala Grand Prix-Style Two-Seater; S/N 2969; Red/Black leather; Estimate $158,390 - $237,585; Rebodied or re-created, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $87,115 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $97,568 – RHD. Reproduction coachwork probably built in Australia where it was discovered and restored in the early 90's. 4.5 liter T-head four cylinder of unknown (but not Itala) origin. Two bucket seats, twin spares in a box behind the seats, then a round bolster tank and a box for tools and spare parts. Ruggedly built, with decent paint, upholstery and brass. No Reserve. About the only thing ‘Itala’ is the script on the radiator. A lusty T-head four, it isn't much more significant than an old fire truck speedster. Cool and fun to drive, the price is a gift.

Lot # 132 1923 Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP Silver Ghost 'AX 201' Roi-de-Belges Recreation; S/N 30PK; Engine # R210; Silver/Black leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $554,365 - $633,560; Rebodied or re-created, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $237,585 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $266,095 – RHD. Re-creation of the original Silver Ghost Roi-des-Belges coachwork based on a Barker Cabriolet deVille at one point on chassis 1677. Silver-plated brightwork, boa constrictor horn, single sidemount. Show quality restoration with excellent paint, upholstery and brightwork. Hooper Corporate Collection. A gorgeous reproduction that leaves something on the table in terms of proportions and style, attributes that are reflected in the price it brought.

Lot # 133 1938 Bentley 4 1/4 Litre 4- Dr. Cabriolet, Body by Worblaufen; S/N B125LE; Two tone Grey/Maroon pigskin; Black cloth top; Estimate $269,263 - $348,458; Recent restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $209,867 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $235,051 – RHD. Polished wheel discs, dual enclosed sidemounts, 4-speed with overdrive, blackwall tires, fitted luggage. Restored in 2007 to show quality standards with a class third at Pebble Beach in 2007. The only known Worblaufen-bodied Derby Bentley. No longer fresh but still outstanding. Sold by Bonhams at the RROC auction in August 2003 for $126,000 (GBP 78,300) prior to its recent restoration by Chris Kidd's Tired Iron Works. Worblaufen won't win any awards for great coachwork. This Bentley is stiff and burdened by a lumpy top in its retracted position, execution that makes Sindelfingen's Cabriolets look almost graceful. The clunky design and rarity of the combination of Bentley and Worblaufen is effectively offset by the price it brought and the quality of the restoration. It was bought right, but its buyer got no bargain.

Lot # 134 1928 Bugatti Type 38 Tourer; S/N 38444; Aluminum, Green fenders/Dark Green leather; Estimate $190,068 – $269,263; Incomplete restoration, 4 condition; Hammered Sold at $197,988 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $221,746 – RHD. Incomplete restoration started by Carrosserie Tessier and ‘provisionally assembled’ for sale. Polished wheel discs, Marchal headlights, dual rear spares, folding vee windshield. Estate of John O’Quinn. This was a sound and well-maintained largely original car when it came into the O’Quinn collection. Leaving its new owner with plenty of money to spend, as well as the uncertainties of an incomplete restoration, it is richly priced. (picture unavailable).

Lot # 135 1902 Toledo Steam Runabout; S/N 505263834; Green, Varnished Cane/Black leather; Estimate $95,034 - $126,712; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $110,873 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $124,178 – Tiller steering, Green wood spoke wheels, full length leaf springs with perch rods, kerosene lights. 2-cylinder double-acting steam engine with poppet valves, chain drive. Once owned by Lenox Lohr and displayed at the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry. An older restoration with an LP-gas fired boiler last used in the Wisconsin New London-New Brighton run in 2006. Leather finish is erratic but can be resolved with professional attention. A great driver in veteran car tours. No Reserve. A sweet little car, restored and updated to make it a great ride for tours with a history of ownership by some of America's earliest exponents of car collecting back in the dim and distant days of the mid-20th century. It will be a mid-pack starter in the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run and is attractive and reliable. A sound value at the price.

Lot # 136 1949 Talbot-Lago Grand Sport Cabriolet, Body by Figoni & Falaschi; S/N 100047; Bare/None; Estimate $47,517 – $95,034; Incomplete restoration, 4- condition; Hammered Sold at $245,505 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $274,965 – RHD. Triple carb engine, Wilson pre-selector gearbox, chrome wire wheels, updated with air conditioning, power top, modern radio and alternator. Previously in Peter Kaus’ Rosso et Bianco Collection. Restoration started by Ateliers Tessier in France but essentially incomplete except for stripping the body and completing an assessment of the work needed. The project is a bit frightening to contemplate. Estate of John O’Quinn. No Reserve. Purchased for princely sum of $375,500 (GBP199,600 at the time) at Bonhams Quail Lodge auction in 2006 in parlous old restored condition. This is the peril in starting a restoration and having to sell before it’s done, a GBP 45,000 ($71,250) but $130,000 hit for the uncertainty of its cost to complete compared with the prospects of bringing it back to concours condition when it was offered earlier. Bitten by the triple combination of the incomplete restoration, the dollar’s swoon and coachwork that doesn’t measure among Figoni’s finest, this was a hard hit for the John O’Quinn estate but a win when measured against RM’s modest estimate. (picture unavailable).

Lot # 137 1904 DeDion-Bouton Model ADL Rear Entrance Tonneau; S/N N/A; Crimson, Black/Black leather; Estimate $593,963 - $712,755; Concours restoration, 1 condition; Post-block sale at $395,975 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $443,492 – RHD. 2,544cc inline 4-cylinder engine, automatic intake valves, 4-speed transaxle, deDion rear suspension with platform springs, white tires, wicker umbrella holder, dual-note bulb horn. Provenance includes D. Cameron Peck and Atwater Kent, Jr. Freshly re-restored by Chris Kidd's Tired Iron Works with replica coachwork styled after designs of Henri Binder. Class winner at Pebble Beach in 2008, VCC dated 1904 and participated in the 2000 London-Brighton. Beautifully done in all respects with superb paint, brilliant (and abundant) brass and excellent upholstery. Coachwork finish appears to be sprayed instead of coachpainted by brush in multiple coats of color and varnish but otherwise a superb automobile of the highest quality and exceptional performance for its age. Earlier (original?) wicker body comes with it. Offered at RM's Arizona auction in 2003 with the earlier wicker body and in rough and tired older restored condition. It was reported a no-sale at a high bid of $150,000 against an estimate of $175-225,000. A no-sale on the block at this price, it closed subsequently at the same amount and a wonderful buy in a freshly restored, lovely car. This is a 4-cylinder front-engined deDion for little more than RM got a few weeks ago for a 2-cylinder Packard of comparable condition and history in Hershey.

Lot # 138 1936 Bentley 4 1/4 Liter Drophead Coupe, Body by after Gurney Nutting; S/N B155HM; Metallic Grey, Bright Blue fenders/Blue leather; Dark Blue cloth top; Estimate $95,034 - $142,551; Older restoration, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $95,034 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $106,438 – RHD. Wire wheels, blackwall tires. Rebodied in Australia by Roger Fry with a Gurney Nutting design. A handsome but aged older restoration and rebody with aged, blistered paint. Solid and attractively bodied but let down by its garish colors. No Reserve. A repaint will overcome this car's major drawback, a reasonable prospect at this price. A reasonable price for a car with reasonable possibilities.

Lot # 139 1935 Aston Martin 1.5-Litre LWB MKII Tourer; S/N C5/562/L; Dark Blue/Dark Blue leather; Dark Blue top and Tonneau; Estimate $110,873 - $150,471; Older restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $158,390 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $177,397 – RHD. Chrome wire wheels, cycle fenders, flat folding windshield, Lucas King of the Road headlights with mesh stoneguards, side exhaust, rear-mounted spare. Attractively restored with good paint and interior but dull brightwork that detracts from its appeal along with its mediocre detailing and presentation. Solid history since the 50's. A healthy price for an inherently attractive but erratically presented Aston. The seller should be very satisfied with its reception here in London.

Lot # 140 1934 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental Sport Sedan, Body by Thrupp & Maberly; S/N 157RY; Black/Grey leather; Estimate $150,471 - $197,988; Older restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $142,551 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $159,657 – RHD. Short chassis, F-type steering, close coupled 4-door coachwork. Single sidemount on right, single driving light, sliding sunroof, polished wheel discs, blackwall tires. Good recent repaint, very nice original upholstery and refreshed brightwork. Long displayed at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago before its recent refreshing. Sold by Bonhams at Brookline, Mass. in 2008 for $99,450 before its recent work (GBP 56,100 at the time), this is a reasonable price for an unusually attractive PII on the Continental chassis in competently restored and presented condition with a reassuring ex- Museum of Science and Industry provenance.

Lot # 141 1924 Daimler 57hp Enclosed Limousine, Body by Hooper; S/N 21418; Engine # 43966; Green, Black fenders and roof/Black leather, Grey broadcloth; Estimate $197,988 – $293,022; Older restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $158,390 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $177,397 – RHD. Single sidemount, green centerlock wire wheels, blackwall tires, roof luggage fence, dual spotlights and many more luxurious appointments. Impressively restored with great paint, chrome, upholstery and interior wood. Show quality without being over-restored. Stiff and erect formal coachwork, but gloriously presented and elegant in show quality condition. Arrive in this and feel like a Prime Minister. It is nothing if not elegant, a relic of an era when high hats were everyday formal style. Its design is seriously formal, but its effect is profound and it is, largely on the strength of its outstanding restoration, a sound value at this price, particularly in pounds. (picture unavailable).

Lot # 142 1963 Aston Martin DB4 Series V Vantage Coupe; S/N DB4/1155/R; Caribbean Blue/Grey leather; Estimate $237,585 - $285,102; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $364,297 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $408,013 – RHD. Chrome spoke Borrani wire wheels, blackwall tires, radio, heater, 4.2 liter engine, DB5 disc brakes, stainless steel exhaust system. Thoroughly restored on the basis of a sound original car but not flattered by its exterior color. A sound and usable driver quality restoration. The bidders liked this car a lot, a whole lot, seeing something in it which escaped others. Expensive in British pounds, it is nothing less than extravagant in US$.

Lot # 143 1962 Aston Martin DB4 Convertible; S/N DB4C/1065/R; Dubonnet/Fawn leather; Estimate $332,619 - $427,653; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $403,895 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $452,362 – RHD. Chrome wire wheels. Bright metallic paint with some flaws. Discolored but sound upholstery. Chassis, engine and interior superficially presented. Deserved more assiduous attention. Avidly sought by collectors on account of its rarity and attractive coachwork, this car sold on its inherent attributes and collectibility and not on its presentation. On a day when Astons were center-stage this car could have done better (as did the DB4 Vantage Coupe that sold for nearly as much immediately before it) had its consignor put more effort into its presentation. The buyer did well.

Lot # 144 1956 Austin-Healey 100/M BN2 'Le Mans' Roadster; S/N BN2L/229932; OEWhite/Red; Estimate $126,712 - $158,390; Older restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $71,276 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $79,829 – Lefthand drive. Chrome wire wheels, driving lights, blackwall tires. Attractively restored to healthy driver condition with some paint flaws, good upholstery and chrome but loose interior trim. BMIHT Heritage Certificate, tools, jack, manuals. No Reserve. A legitimate factory 100/M Le Mans documented by its BMIHT certificate, this Austin-Healey brought a reasonable price in today's weak US$ but is modest in pounds. The estimate must assume it is a freshly restored concours-ready car, which it is not.

Lot # 145 1900 DeDion-Bouton Perfecta Quadricycle; S/N 13586; Black/Black; Estimate $47,517 - $79,195; Recent restoration, 1 condition; Hammered Sold at $98,994 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $110,873 – Chrome spoke wheels, white tires, wheel steering. Impressively restored by Brian Joseph with later carburetor and oversize tires to Tiffany's window condition. Sharp and needs nothing. Estate of John O'Quinn. No Reserve. An early starter for Brighton and an unusually lucrative acknowledgment in the UK of a U.S.-style over-the-top restoration. Beyond reproach and generously rewarded for its presentation.

Lot # 146 1963 Dual-Ghia L6.4 Coupe; S/N 0313; Metallic Burgundy/Tan leather; Estimate $221,746 - $285,102; Cosmetic restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $205,907 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $230,616 – 383/335hp, automatic, A/C, chrome wire wheels, narrow whitewalls, P/W, P/B, P/W, pushbutton radio. Restored some years ago to attractive cosmetic condition and now showing some age and use as well as let down by black silicone windshield seal repairs. Sold by RM at the Wayne Davis collection auction in 2008 for $275,000, GBP 137,700 at the time making the US$ result here misleading. It brought GBP 130,000 hammer, 145,600 with commission on-site, a modest but nevertheless appropriate result in sale-to-sale direct comparison.

Lot # 147 1936 MG NB Magnette Airline Coupe; S/N NA0848; Red, Black/Red leather, Black piping; Estimate $229,666 - $277,183; Older restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $205,907 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $230,616 – RHD. 1,271cc 56hp sohc dual carburetor six. Chrome Borrani wire wheels, driving light, sliding sunroof, sliding door windows, trafficators in C-pillar, enclosed rear spare with wheel disc, Bluemels Brooklands steering wheel, fog lights. Show quality restoration with excellent cosmetics let down by only a few minor blemishes. Comes with polished Lamar wheel discs. Estate of John O'Quinn. Sold at RM's Gene Ponder Collection sale in 2007 for $398,750 (GBP 198,900 at the time) when it was represented as the only known survivor of this style on the NB Magnette, a qualification ameliorated here to one of four known. The '07 price was, even then and for John O'Quinn, a reach, at 45% over the pre-sale estimate. It is, however, a captivating and undeniably svelte and attractive car. This result (GBP 130,000 hammer and GBP 145,600 with commission) restores some balance between its attributes and its cost.

Lot # 148 1956 Maserati A6G/2000 Competition Berlinetta, Body by after Zagato; S/N 2137; Red/Beige leather; Estimate $934,501 - $1,029,535; Rebodied or re-created, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $989,938 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $1,108,730 – Silver painted Borrani wire wheels, blackwall tires. Raced in the Mille Miglia, Coppa Intereuropa and Targa Florio in 1957. Restored with a replica body five years ago. It's somewhat amusing that RM cataloged this rebodied A6G/2000 as ‘(o)ne of just 20 Zagato berlinettas, with no two completely alike.’ No kidding? Its history, style and rarity nevertheless make it somewhat appropriate at this price considering that Gooding sold 2105 with its original Zagato body at Pebble Beach in August of this year for $1,595,000. While that looks like a $487,000 discount for this rebody it is something different in the wake of the dollar's recent swoon, GBP 700,000 and Euros 800,400 here against GBP 1,023,700 and Euros 1,249,300 just a few months ago for 2105. It pays to take into account the exchange rates, whether buying or selling.

Lot # 149 1925 Bentley 3-4 1/2 Litre Le Mans Replica Tourer, Body by after Vanden Plas; S/N 911; Engine # RT909; BRGreen/Green leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $419,734 – $554,365; Rebodied or re-created, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $411,814 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $461,232 – RHD. Sidemounted spare, folding windshield with aeroscreens, radiator and headlight stoneguards. Delivered new as a 3-Liter to Australia with Freestone & Webb drophead coupe body. Vanden Plas replica coachwork built during a recent restoration after the original coachwork was judged ‘beyond repair’. Shortened chassis, later blower-spec block, Phoenix crank, needle bearing valve rockers, finned brake drums and more. Comes with its original 3-liter engine and some parts. Excellent condition throughout and attractively done. Needs nothing … except a history. Neither fish nor fowl, this is a great driver but otherwise of no consequence. Exactly how ugly the F&W drophead body must have been to be relegated to ‘beyond repair’ is a mystery that earns the conversion no points from preservationists. A driving enthusiast’s car in its present configuration, the price is nothing if not generous despite the money spent on its conversion. The seller should be relieved to get out from under it at this price. (picture unavailable).

Lot # 150 1971 Lamborghini Miura SVJ Coupe, Body by Bertone; S/N 4892; Engine # 30640; Rossa Granada, Gold sills/Tan leather; Estimate $1,267,120 - $1,742,290; Recent restoration, 1- condition; Hammered Sold at $1,029,535 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $1,153,079 – Gold wheels. Bobileff restoration with Le Belle Macchine d'Italia Best of Show and Best of Marque awards. Shows some evidence of use, but nothing more attentive detailing couldn't put back into show car condition. A gorgeous car Opened at GBP 200,000 and quickly run to 500,000 by 50's, for sale at GBP 625,000. Offered at Russo and Steele in Monterey in 2008, most records support this chassis as a factory-built SVJ, the pinnacle of the Miura's development and arguably not only the first but also the most desirable of the mid-engined Italian supercars of the 60's and 70's. Reasonably priced in GBP and Euros if pricey in US$.

Lot # 151 1965 Ferrari 275 GTB Berlinetta, Body by Pinin-Scaglietti; S/N 07743; Engine # 07743; Blue Azzuro/Dark Grey leather; Estimate $791,950 - $950,340; Cosmetic restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $760,272 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $851,505 – Chrome spoke Borranis. Shown at Frankfurt in 1965. Later modified to long nose in the U.S. Restored by Hietbrink in 2008 to original short nose configuration and exterior color with grey leather upholstery. Sharp, fresh and better than new outside but not up to the exterior standards under the hood. Bid to GBP 475,000 on the block and announced sold four lots later at this price. A choice example but inconsistently presented and generously priced even a little under RM's pre-sale estimate.

Lot # 152 1968 Chevrolet Corvette L89 Coupe; S/N 194678S404229; Red/; Estimate $158,390 - $221,746; Competition restoration, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $71,276 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $79,829 – Originally supplied with an L89 427/435hp with aluminum heads. Raced in the 70's by Rhoddy Harvey-Bailey in the UK in the 'Mod Sports' series with six wins and three seconds in 1972. Restored to historic racing condition but not yet completed. 1967 Dick Guldstrand-supplied 427 V-8 with L89 heads rebuilt and dynoed at 543hp and 510 lb-ft torque at only 5,000 rpm, original Muncie M21 gearbox, 8-spoke (real) Minilite wheels. Documented with tank sticker. Needs completion and thorough checking but probably little attention. No Reserve. Sold by RM in Monterey in 2005 for $110,000 (GBP 61,300) in comparable condition. Hammered sold here for GBP 45,000, GBP 50,400 with commission which is something of a bargain in a documented semi-L88 with a real race history. Selling Corvettes in the UK, even with 'Mod Sports' history, is not a good idea. At Laguna Seca, or even Le Mans, this is a potential winner as well as a crowd-pleaser.

**Lot # 153 1952 Jaguar C-Type Sports Racer; S/N XKC 015; Ivory/Suede Green; Estimate $3,009,410 - $3,801,361; Competition restoration, 3 condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $2,771,825** – RHD. Silver painted wire wheels, dual windscreens. Successfully raced by Masten Gregory in U.S. SCCA events, tested by Road & Track magazine, then crashed at Floyd Bennett Field and burned. Repaired by Sherwood Johnson and Lindy Hansen and set fastest time at the Mt. Washington Hillclimb (without bodywork). Restored by Mark Daniels using parts from XKC 034. Extensively campaigned in historic events by Tom Candlish in the UK with growing patina. Mechanically gone through in 2008. FIA HTP. Needs nothing. Opened at GBP 1,000,000, next to 1.25, 1.4, 1.5, 1.55, 1.6, 1.65, 1.7 but stalled at 1.75 million. This is a better car than might appear from the catalog, which forthrightly makes note of its history but fails to make it clear it is the original chassis and suspension, original engine and much of the original body even after the fire. XKC 034 was a real mess and was used (apparently) only for selected parts. C-type prices have been escalating rapidly in recent years and if, as it would appear, there was money at the reported bid the seller and RM should have found a way to make this deal work. What's a quarter million pounds between friends?

Lot # 154 1954 Bentley R-Type Countryman, Body by Radford; S/N B82XF; Two tone Green/Beige leather; Estimate $47,517 – $63,356; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $35,638 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $39,914 – RHD. Hatchback conversion with built in picnic set including stool and bar, folding seatback tables, glasses concealed in rear seat armrest compartments, driving light, fender mirrors, wheel trim rings, hubcaps, blackwall tires, automatic folding rear seats with room for gear or dogs. Decent paint, erratic brightwork, erratic panel fit, decent interior but better than most Radfords. No Reserve. Pretty cool, and reasonably priced, too. (picture unavailable).

Lot # 155 1955 Austin-Healey 100/4 BN2 Roadster; S/N BN2L/228210; Engine # 1B/228210; White, Black/Black; Estimate $79,195 - $95,034; Modified restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $60,188 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $67,411 – Wide rim chrome wire wheels, blackwall tires, driving lights, no bumpers, hood strap, louvered hood, front disc brakes, rally timers, map light, full weather equipment, heater. 100/M Le Mans modified in restoration. U.S. delivered originally. Restored in Holland some time ago with limited subsequent use. A sound and presentable driver with some minor paint flaws but nothing that requires remediation to be a great driver and historic rally car. No Reserve. Modestly priced, even in today's weak dollars and something of a bargain in pounds.

Lot # 156 1951 Aston Martin DB2 Coupe; S/N LML/50/88; Engine # LB6B/50/532; Blue Haze/Blue leather, White piping; Estimate $142,551 - $205,907; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $277,183 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $310,444 – RHD. Wire wheels, blackwall tires, Vantage spec engine (uprated in 1953 and rebuilt with ported head and light flywheel during restoration). First owned by Lord Brabazon, Great Britain's first licensed aircraft pilot and registered 'FLY 1'. Restored in the early 90's. Very nice, but no longer fresh and noted with rather abruptly colored interior but with good panel fit for a DB2. For sale at 90,000 then quickly to 140,000, duking it out between a left bid and a telephone to this exceptional result, a huge price that may only be attributed to its singular UK history. A price that should not be attributed even to similarly well restored DB2s.

Lot # 157 1974 Jaguar XKE SIII V12 Commemorative Edition Roadster; S/N 1S2827; Black/Tan leather; Estimate $118,793 - $142,551; Non-factory replica, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $142,551 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $159,657 – RHD. 4-speed, two tops, chrome wire wheels, one of the last 50 E-types built, restored in the late 80's, then displayed for many years in the Doune Museum in Scotland. the restoration displays its quality with its continuing quality with excellent paint, chrome and interior. Sold by RM here in 2008 for $107,189 (GBP 68,800 at the time.) Two telephone bidders on the car and sold for GBP 90,000 hammer, GBP 100,800 with commission, a Series III benchmark.

Lot # 158 1938 Rolls-Royce Phantom III 4-Dr. Sedan, Body by H.J. Mulliner; S/N 3CM177; Black/Beige Pigskin; Estimate $126,712 - $158,390; Cosmetic restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $110,873 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $124,178 – RHD. Division, wheel discs, blackwall tires, single sidemount, driving light. Original upholstery, restored interior woodwork, older repaint. Attractively bodied with low roofline and tapered tail. Toured recently. Tired older repaint but inviting upholstery with attractive patina, sound chrome. An attractive and aggressively styled and elegant automobile with great presence. This price is mostly about the coachwork, less about the PIII's V-12 power and not much for its presentation. A great driver and tour car, this is all the money for it.

Lot # 159 1989 Honda CR500 Motorcycle; S/N HMKPL02200502; Estimate $47,517 – $63,356; Not evaluated; Not sold at Hammer bid of $35,638 – Eddie Kidd collection, proceeds to the Eddie Kidd Foundation. No Reserve. (picture unavailable).

Lot # 160 1985 Honda XR500 Motorcycle; S/N PEO/6102449; /; Estimate $23,759 – $31,678; Not evaluated; Hammered Sold at $9,503 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $10,644 – Eddie Kidd collection, proceeds to the Eddie Kidd Foundation. No Reserve. (picture unavailable).

Lot # 161 1955 AC Ace Bristol Roadster; S/N AE70; Engine # 100D21136; Silver-Grey/Red leather; Estimate $166,310 - $213,827; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $182,149 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $204,006 – RHD. Silver painted wire wheels, side outlet exhaust, tonneau cover, full weather equipment. Restored in Germany to very presentable driver condition with later seats, some subsequent use and age. The D2 engine is a later addition. There's no assurance this Ace started life with Bristol power, and certainly not with its current D2. Its price is generous in pounds and Euros and is breathtaking in dollars for its condition.

Lot # 162 1989 Aston Martin V8 Volante, Body by Zagato; S/N SCFCV81Z6JTL30026; Red/Beige leather; Beige top; Estimate $118,793 - $150,471; Unrestored original, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $134,632 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $150,787 – Lefthand drive. automatic, covered headlights. 4,800 miles from new and two owners. New top. A choice, largely original, example criticized only for some slight delamination of the windshield. One of only 37 built of which only 12 were lefthand drive like this, Bonhams sold a similar (automatic) example in 2004 for GBP 69,700 ($124,360 at the time) with just 30 original km on it. I find the design particularly attractive and very 80's and consider this result a good value for a rare and attractive drop-top Aston.

**Lot # 163 1928 DeSoto Indy Car; S/N N/A; Light Yellow/Red; Estimate $55,437 - $71,276; Competition restoration, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $41,181 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $46,123** – Red wire wheels, blackwall tires, DeSoto flathead six with two Zenith downdraft carbs, in/out gearbox, rear wheel brakes, Miller-style nose. Restored some time ago and not used in years. Fading cosmetics, cracked old tires, generally aged and marginal. Runs well after recent recommissioning. No Reserve. A 'junk formula' Indy car with no history, this is more than enough money, in pounds, dollars, yen, yuan or renminbi. The seller should be overjoyed to get out of it for any money at all.

Lot # 164 1934 MG PA/B Le Mans Works Racing Car; S/N 1711; BRGreen/Green leather; Estimate $174,229 - $253,424; Competition restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $110,873 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $124,178 – RHD. folding windshield, single aeroscreen, silver painted wire wheels, driving light, single rear-mounted spare. Driven by Joan Richmond and Barbara Simpson at Le Mans in 1935, finishing 24th, the first of the three car-team of Eyston's Dancing Daughters and the only survivor of the team. Later fitted with a Marshall blower for hillclimbs. Restored in 1995 to like new condition and still very clean, sharp and fresh. Enthusiastically presented on-site. Announced, but not cataloged. No Reserve. Cheap, cheap, cheap. This is an amazing bargain. People pay this much for K3 replicas. This is a real, honest (aside from the blower) LeMans race car driven by one of Britain's famed teams. Its condition is above reproach, matched by its history. Buyers were asleep, except for the one who ponied up a decidedly modest price for this prize. Amazing, particularly in London. Miracles happen at auction and the buyer of this MG benefited from one, holding his (or her) breath until the hammer fell.

**Lot # 165 1961 Ferguson-Climax P99 Four-Wheel-Drive Formula 1; S/N P9901; Dark Blue/Black; Estimate $752,353 - $910,743; Competition restoration, 3 condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $649,399** – 2,465cc Coventry Climax 4-cylinder, dual Weber 58DCOE carbs, 5-speed, 4-wheel drive, independent suspension, Dunlop disc brakes. Driven by Stirling Moss to win the rainy September 1961 Oulton Park Grand Prix, the only GP win by a 4-wheel drive car. Later won the British hillclimb championship in 1964 with Peter Westbury. Long term displayed at Donington. Restored for the Ferguson Family Museum retaining its original bodywork and paint. Reportedly ready to race and, after the Maserati 250F, Moss's favorite GP car. Genuinely fabulous with the gigantic 58 DCOE Webers denoting its purpose. Attractive patina and like new aside from some later gauges. A fabulous piece of history. One of the legends of F1 history – back before ingenuity, imagination and creativity were trumped by Bernie's notion of 'the show' and creativity-crushing cost containment rules. Historic F1 racers shy away from wet race tracks but if they didn't this would be a winner on damp tracks and a regular people's choice in the paddock. It's worth at least this much.

Lot # 166 1954 Tojeiro-Bristol Sports Racer; S/N TAD2-55; Engine # 100D21155; Light Green/Brown; Estimate $253,424 - $356,378; Competition restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $182,149 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $204,006 – RHD. Short early racing history in the UK with Jim Fiander, then owned by several historic racers in the U.S. with three appearances on the Colorado Grand. Beautifully restored for Harvey Siegel by Automotive Restorations in Stratford, Connecticut with only two shakedown runs since completion. Modern safety equipment including a braced rollbar. Pristine and better than new. Race or show ready. No Reserve. While the in-period racing history isn't much the sleek lines and meticulous restoration of this 2-litre bullet are sure to appeal to both the new owner and spectators. It's a good value at this price, which is probably only a little more than was spent at Kent Bain's shop on the fresh restoration.

Lot # 167 1972 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Berlinetta, Body by Pininfarina; S/N 14795; Blue/Blue leather; Estimate $245,505 - $308,861; Visually maintained, largely original, 4+ condition; Hammered Sold at $182,149 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $204,006 – RHD. Borrani wire wheels, popup headlights, painted nose panel, underdash A/C. Aged car with little preparation other than a fresh auction-car repaint. Scuffed driver's seat, poorly presented underhood. No Reserve. Opened at GBP 50,000, then right to 100K, 105, 110 and the hammer fell. This is an unattractive car with scant attention paid to it over the years, a purchase that fully deserves description as having ‘no good surprises’ awaiting its new owner. The catalog description ('... is now offered from a prominent private collection and presents very well' is all they had to say about it) is as sketchy as the car. It might be a reasonable risk in pounds but in today's weak dollars it is an expensive, risky proposition with no upside.

Lot # 168 1931 Bentley 8-Litre Tourer; S/N YR5086; Engine # YR5086; Green/Green leather; Estimate $657,319 - $863,226; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $522,687 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $585,410 – RHD. Body color wire wheels, dual sidemounts, pedestal-mounted spotlight, driving lights, dual aeroscreens for the rear passengers mounted on a raising cowl built by Wallis in the mid-60's. Recently serviced and mechanically rebuilt by Brian Joseph. Good older cosmetics and ready to be driven. Offered by RM in Monterey in 2008 where it was reported bid to $850,000 but not sold, then sold by Gooding at Amelia Island in March of this year for $605,000 (GBP 398,300 at the time). At GBP 330,000 hammer, 369,600 with commission, the UK market has spoken eloquently of the history and potential of this Bentley. Imposingly bodied (but with uninspiring matching paint and interior colors) and mechanically sorted, it is best used enthusiastically on long distance tours and events where its power and torque will make up for its spotty history and rebody.

Lot # 169 1952 Aston Martin DB2 Vantage Drophead Coupe; S/N LML/50/223; Light Green/Tan leather; Tan cloth top; Estimate $277,183 - $316,780; Older restoration, 2+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $245,505 – RHD. Upgraded to Vantage specs by the factory in 1953. Chrome wire wheels. Restored in Australia some years ago and in nearly like new condition. The color is described as 'Kermit Green' by an eye witness, not calculated to inspire great enthusiasm.

Lot # 170 1957 Ferrari 250 GT Coupe, Body by Ellena; S/N 0785GT; Silver-Grey Metallic, Dark Grey roof/Tan leather; Estimate $364,297 - $411,814; Older restoration, 3 condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $316,780 – Lefthand drive. Restamped replacement block. Borrani wire wheels, driving lights, bumpers. Cosmetically restored some time ago and still presentable but not show quality. Engine, suspension, brakes and gearbox reportedly rebuilt in 2006. Front bumper dented with dull chrome. A good tour car. Sold by RM in Monterey in 2009 for $220,000 (GBP 133,100 at the time.) The reported bid here in London, even in pounds, should have been sufficient to see this Ellena change hands.

Lot # 171 1961 Aston Martin DB4 Series III Coupe; S/N DB4/672/R; Engine # 370/678; Snow Down Silver/Red leather; Estimate $197,988 - $237,585; Unrestored original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $201,947 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $226,181 – RHD. Chrome wire wheels, 4-speed, overdrive, 4-point belts. Cosmetically and mechanically redone as needed over the years but never restored. Sound and presentable paint, chrome and upholstery. Engine is aged but orderly. Dented front valence and some paint flaws but more than nice enough to be toured. Sold by Coys at Silverstone in 1996 for $54,940, a comment that is essentially irrelevant except to put inflation in perspective. It is a sound and usable car with attractive patina that probably needs nothing and is a sound value at this price, even in dollars, without the James Bond hype.

Lot # 172 1972 Lamborghini Miura SV , Body by Bertone; S/N 4818; Engine # 30734; Yellow, Silver sills/Dark Blue leather; Estimate $791,950 - $886,984; Older restoration, 2- condition; Post-block sale at $989,938 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $1,108,730 – RHD. A/C, split sump lubrication. First owned by Rod Stewart. Restored by Lamborghini in 2004 and essentially unused since. Reported sold by Bonhams at Goodwood in September 2002 for $122,169 (GBP78,200 at the time) before its Euros 160,000 restoration. An impressive car in the right configuration without the 'Jota' modifications baggage, but this is an eye-popping price. RM sold Miura SV 4942 at Monterey, an even more freshly restored example, just a few months ago for $825,000 with commission, GBP 529,500 at the time. A hundred thousand pounds and almost $300,000 more is a premium to inspire Miura owners worldwide.

Lot # 173 1975 Lamborghini Countach LP400 'Periscopo', Body by Bertone; S/N 1120026; Engine # 1120026; Yellow/Tan leather; Estimate $300,941 - $380,136; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $277,183 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $310,444 – RHD. Five owners, 28,500 km from new. Cosmetically restored in 2006; mechanically restored more recently. Better than new, but might be even better in its original and very Seventies orange over white leather. Idiosyncratic, but beloved for its quirkiness and the first RHD Countach built, this result is a very good value in pounds and more car than money even in weak dollars. Well bought.

Lot # 174 1968 Aston Martin DB6 Mark I Volante; S/N DBVC/3709/R; Engine # 400/3979; Dark Blue/Red leather; Estimate $348,458 - $443,492; Modified restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $419,734 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $470,102 – RHD. ZF 5-speed, chrome wire wheels, Motorola multi-band radio plus a hidden CD stereo. Converted from its original automatic transmission (included), also has been converted to unleaded fuel valve seats, uprated cams, tube rear shocks, stiffer anti-roll bar and an alternator. Upholstery and paint redone in 1989. Very clean, sharp and in very attractive condition aside from some stretch on the seat cushions. Sold by Coys in London in December 1996 for $77,870 (GBP 46,800 at the time) before the 5-speed was installed and other mechanical and suspension upgrades were done. It brought full retail here but is a rare and extremely attractive Aston, one of just 102 built in this series and body, as well as thoughtfully and thoroughly maintained and upgraded for superior performance.

Lot # 175 1970 Aston Martin DB6 Mk II Vantage Coupe; S/N DB6MK2/4111/R; Engine # 400/4305VC; Silver-Grey/Navy Blue leather; Estimate $118,793 - $150,471; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $245,505 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $274,965 – RHD. Chrome wire wheels, 5-speed, Harvey-Bailey suspension, unleaded head, factory-built Vantage engine, Koni shocks. Restored in the 1990's by the Aston Workshop. Comes with fire extinguisher, jack, wheel nut hammer, tool roll and owner's manual. An AMOC concours winner in the 90's, now showing some age and careful use but looking like it did when it was under a year old. It wouldn't have been a surprise to see this car bring a little more than this, even in dollars. The estimate is hard to fathom, but the London bidders got it right.

Lot # 176 1948 Delahaye 175S Coupe de Ville Aerodynamic Body, Body by Figoni & Falaschi; S/N 815001; Primer/Light Grey leather; Estimate $126,712 – $190,068; Incomplete restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $190,068 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $212,876 – Chrome wire wheels, fog lights, skirts. 1948 Paris Salon show car, one of ten lefthand drive Delahayes built. Transparent removable panel over the front seats, blind rear quarters, skirted rear wheels, notchback roofline. Restoration begun but far from completion. Body in primer, engine checked over but not restored and supplied disassembled. Reassembled by Atelier Tessier for the auction. Estate of John O’Quinn. No Reserve. Reported sold at the Kruse auction in Phoenix from the Auto Collection Expo display for $540,000, GBP 288,200 at the time. Its design is lost on some … including me … but its rarity and distinction is nevertheless clear. O’Quinn dropped a bundle to acquire this car and again on the aborted restoration. The new owner has a proud and distinctive automobile … and a big project. (picture unavailable).

Lot # 177 1971 Aston Martin DBS V8 Coupe; S/N DBSV8/10086/R; Engine # V/540/112; Midnight Blue/Navy Blue leather; Estimate $134,632 - $197,988; Original, with major mechanical repairs, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $130,672 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $146,352 – RHD. Alloy wheels, ZF 5-speed, fuel injection, electronic ignition. Early quad-headlight design restored in 2008 and equipped with jack, tools and owner's manual. Better than new. Well bought and a lot of car for the money.

Lot # 178 2010 Pagani Zonda R; S/N 05; Engine # AMG297P08007Z21846905; Black/; Estimate $2,059,070 - $2,217,460; Unrestored original, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $1,140,408 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $1,277,257 – New car offered by the Pagani factory and subject to 17.5% VAT. 750hp AMG Mercedes-Benz CLK-R V-12, 6-speed sequential gearbox. No Reserve. Distress sale? Huge performance but also hugely expensive. 'Pagani' just doesn't have the same cachet as 'Ferrari', 'Mercedes-Benz' or 'Jaguar'. While it will (and one did) outrun a Ferrari 599 XX around the Nordschleife its usefulness to ordinary mortals, even those with extraordinary driving skills, is limited to track days and unpatrolled stretches of Siberian or Montana highways. An expensive thrill ride that doesn't have the level of support of a McLaren F1.

Lot # 179 1960 Bentley S2 Continental Coupe, Body by H.J. Mulliner; S/N BC115AR; Maroon/Tan leather; Estimate $134,632 - $174,229; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $118,793 – RHD. Narrow whitewalls, fender mirrors, fog lights, sliding sunroof. A tidy, clean, patinated used car with attractive and rare notchback coupe coachwork but otherwise little evidence of care or attention. Notwithstanding its good points it is hardly reasonable to expect it to bring much if any more than the reported high bid.

Lot # 180 1989 Ferrari F40; S/N ZFFGJ34B000080693; Red/Red cloth; Estimate $459,331 - $522,687; Unrestored original, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $447,452 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $501,146 – Early production without catalytic converters or adjustable suspension originally delivered through Auto Becker in Dusseldorf. Belt serviced in 2008. 9,862 km from new and essentially like new. An appropriate result in Britain but requires the exchange of too many of today's dollars to be a reasonable price for a U.S. buyer.

Lot # 182 1957 Aston Martin DB Mark III Coupe; S/N AM300/3/1310; Engine # DBA/928; Silver Birch/Red leather; Estimate $182,149 - $229,666; Recent restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $293,022 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $328,184 – Lefthand drive, front disc brakes, triple Weber 35DCO carbs, 4-speed, painted wire wheels, fog lights. Uprated to DBB competition engine in 1958 with the original engine number. Restored in 2008. Better than new.

Lot # 183 1960 Bentley S2 Continental Drophead Coupe, Body by Park Ward; S/N BC111AR; Burgundy/White leather; White top; Estimate $95,034 - $118,793; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $59,396 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $66,524 – RHD. Automatic, driving lights, body color steel wheels, trim rings, hubcaps, blackwall tires. Older partial repaint, good original interior. Mediocre preservation and presentation with sketchy history. No Reserve. Generally uninteresting, aside from its open coachwork, an impression reinforced by its mediocre reception from the London bidders.

Lot # 184 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet; S/N 11102722003617; Ivory/Saddle leather; Black top; Estimate $126,712 - $158,390; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $126,712 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $141,917 – RHD. Automatic, cassette stereo, P/W. 58,500 miles, largely original, rusty fenders under the hood. Sound interior. A mediocre driver brought to auction with little attention paid to it. An uninspiring car that was generously received by the London bidders, particularly when the pound bid was converted to today's oversized pile of dollars.

Lot # 185 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster; S/N 1980427500690; Engine # 7500718; Ivory/Burgundy leather; Estimate $514,768 - $593,963; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $514,768 – Front disc brakes added during restoration. Restored like new in 2004 with few miles since. This bid should have been sufficient to see this 300SL on its way to a new home.

Lot # 186 1965 Ferrari 500 Superfast Coupe, Body by Pininfarina; S/N 6661SF; Engine # 6661SF; Dark Blue/Beige leather; Estimate $791,950 - $918,662; Older restoration, 2- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $712,755 – RHD. Chrome spoke Borrani wire wheels, 5-speed, matching internal numbers engine but stamped with a non-matching chassis number. Originally ordered by Jack Durlacher but rejected for poor paint. Restored by Terry Hoyle in the late 80's. Still sharp, crisp and fresh with good paint and interior and a like new engine. One of eight RHD Superfasts.

Lot # 187 1938 Talbot-Lago T23 Coupe, Body by Figoni & Falaschi; S/N 93064; Engine # 80572; Lago Blue/Red leather; Estimate $1,742,290 - $2,217,460; Recent restoration, 1 condition; Hammered Sold at $2,534,240 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $2,838,349 – RHD. Fog lights, body color wire wheels, skirted rear fenders. The only F&F Teardrop Coupe on the T23 4-liter chassis. Restored by Henri Chapron in the early 70's and later won the Elegance in Motion award at Pebble Beach. Now freshly re-restored in France as it was in the late 30's. Estate of John O'Quinn. Sold by RM at Amelia Island in 2006 in aged and cosmetically restored condition for $2,145,000 (GBP 1,242,000 at the time) and impressively re-restored here, a refined, chrome-free example of Figoni & Falaschi's vision. Bidding opened at GBP 400,000 and the hammer dropped at GBP 1.6 million, 1,792,000 with commission, which is just about enough to cover the cost of the new restoration and leave the O'Quinn estate whole.

Lot # 188 1965 Ferrari 275 GTB/6C Berlinetta, Body by Pininfarina; S/N 07699; Engine # 07699; Metallic Grey (Grigio Fumo)/Black leather; Estimate $752,353 - $910,743; Older restoration, 3- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $712,755 – RHD. Borrani wire wheels, long nose added for first owner Hugh McNeil in Australia in 1966. Later owned by David Cottingham in the UK and toured on several events. Freshly restored in the original colors, upholstery shows some wear and use, orderly but not fresh underhood. Not surprisingly the owner declined to be separated from the car at the reported high bid.

**Lot # 189 2004 Ferrari Enzo; S/N ZFFCZ56B000137339; Engine # 83278; Red/Black leather; Estimate $1,013,696 - $1,140,408; Not evaluated; Not sold at Hammer bid of $910,743** – Used car with 9,000 miles and two owners.

Lot # 190 1931 Bentley 8 Liter Open Tourer, Body by Harrison; S/N YR5076; Engine # YR1576; Velvet Green/Green leather; Estimate $1,219,603 - $1,583,900; Older restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $1,069,133 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $1,197,429 – RHD. The original coachwork and engine on this chassis. Blackwall tires, dual windshields, dual sidemounts, integrated luggage trunk with full tool tray. Known history nearly from new and one of only sixteen of the one hundred 8 Liter Bentleys originally bodied with open coachwork, of which twelve survive. Sympathetically and beautifully restored in the U.K. for Richard Procter and still in nearly show quality condition. Estate of John O'Quinn. Offered by Christie's at Pebble Beach in 1990 in largely original condition where it was reported bid to $800,000 against an estimate of $1,100,000-$1,300,000. Sold by RM at Amelia Island in 2008 for $2,200,000 (GBP 1,093,000 at the time.) For sale at GBP 600,000 and bought reasonably enough at a hammer bid of GBP 675,000. With its original body and an impressive provenance in important collections, this is one of the best of the 8 Liter Bentleys, a car that will always be received with appreciation at important and enjoyable venues.

Lot # 191 1911 Daimler 6-23 Phaeton; S/N 8701; Black, Green fenders and accent/Green leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $87,115 - $118,793; Older restoration, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $122,752 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $137,483 – RHD. single sidemount spare, brass bell headlights and cowl lights, bulb horn, wooden windshield frame. Restored to concours condition in the early 90's, won the Lord Montagu of Beaulieu Award at Pebble Beach. Estate of John O'Quinn. No Reserve. Offered by Christie's at Pebble Beach in 1999 and bid to $65,000 but not sold. Largely unappreciated by collectors, this is more car than the money, even at a bump over the high estimate.

Lot # 192 1979 Aston Martin V8 Vantage ‘Oscar India’; S/N V8VOR12186; Engine # V540/2186/V; Jubilee Silver/Silver-Grey leather; Estimate $79,195 - $95,034; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $71,276 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $79,829 – Alloy wheels, driving lights, 5-speed. Tested on ‘Top Gear’ in 1999. 71,656 miles from new, updated cylinder heads for unleaded fuel. Good older paint and upholstery still in attractive and usable condition. A sound example bought for an appropriate price.

Lot # 193 1966 Ferrari 365 California Spyder, Body by Pininfarina; S/N 08347; Engine # 08347; Dark Blue/Buckskin leather; Estimate $871,145 - $1,077,052; Cosmetic restoration, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $1,045,374 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $1,170,819 – Chrome spoke Borrani wire wheels, P/W, covered headlights, popup driving lights. The 365 California prototype, displayed at Geneva in 1966. Repainted and reupholstered in the 70's in its present colors but otherwise a clean, orderly and largely original car. Ferrari Classiche certified. Considering its stature as the 365 California Spyder prototype and its responsibly maintained and preserved condition this car brought a reasonable price in pounds, although on the generous side in US$.

Lot # 194 1969 Lamborghini Islero GTS; S/N 6432; Silver/Burgundy leather; Estimate $150,471 - $213,827; Older restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $150,471 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $168,527 – RHD. Alloy wheels, Sprint engine, 5-speed, A/C, Blaupunkt radio, adjustable shocks. Featured in the 1970 Roger Moore movie 'The Man Who Haunted Himself'. Restored in 1986 and little used until 2007, then featured in the July 2008 Classic and Sports Car. Like new. Sun visor and owner's manual autographed by Roger Moore. Restoration documentation. A reasonable price in pounds and not excessive in US$.

Lot # 195 1998 Jaguar XKR James Bond Special Effects Car Convertible; S/N SAJDA42POYP00598; Green, Grey/Charcoal leather; Estimate $39,598 - $55,437; Unrestored original, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $79,195 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $88,698 – Special effects car with four wheel drive and Ford 302 V-8 power with automatic. Used in the 'Die Another Day' movie ice chase scene and on display since. Offered by Jaguar Heritage on a bill of sale only. No Reserve. Rather unusual, to say the least. The price is what it is and may be judged fully valued during today's runup to the James Bond DB5.

Lot # 196 1956 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith Empress Limousine, Body by Hooper; S/N ELW60; Black, Yellow/Silver-Grey leather, Silver-Grey cloth; Estimate $79,195 – $118,793; Cosmetic restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $71,276 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $79,829 – RHD. Small Lucas driving lights, rollup divider, Kool Temp A/C, skirts, Pioneer stereo, wood tables, badge bar, vanity, wide whitewalls. Impressively upgraded with modern amenities like A/C and a wonderful, inviting interior. Lavishly appointed and distinctively designed and executed in traditional coachbuilding materials and techniques. Cosmetically restored some time ago with very good paint, upholstery, chrome and wood, work that has not extended to the chassis, underbody or engine. Sold by RM at Meadow Brook in 2006 for $118,250 (GBP 61,900 at the time) to John O’Quinn then from his estate at Amelia Island in 2010 for $93,500 (GBP 61,600 at the time). It brought only GBP 45,000 hammer here (50,400 with commission), more a factor of its mediocre condition than its elegance and rarity. (picture unavailable).

Lot # 197 1964 Aston Martin DB5 James Bond; S/N DB5/1486/R; Engine # 400/1469/V; Silver Birch/Grey leather; Estimate -; Unrestored original, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $4,118,141 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $4,612,317 – The James Bond 'Goldfinger' and 'Thunderball' car, the only surviving car used on screen and complete with its roster of Q's offensive and defensive gadgets, most of them freshly returned to working condition. Bought by the present owner, Jerry Lee, from the factory in 1969 for $12,000, rarely seen since, never restored and recently recommissioned by RM Auto Restorations to running, driving condition as well as assuring the function of Q's gadgetry. Opened at GBP 2,500,000. Announced for sale at GBP 2.6 million and sold there to Harry Yeaggy, who has been adding an impressive assortment of headline cars to his collection in recent years. The price is what it is. The car deserves the adjective 'iconic.'

Lot # 200 1965 Aston Martin DB5 Vantage Coupe; S/N DB5/2007/R; BRGreen/Tan leather; Estimate $237,585 - $300,941; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $316,780 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $354,794 – RHD. Chrome wire wheels, replacement block 4.2 liter engine modified for unleaded fuel, stainless steel exhaust. Good repaint, surface creased original upholstery. A driver quality DB5 mostly notable for the '007' in its chassis number. The consolation prize after the James Bond DB5 sold for $4.6 million, and the placement worked, bringing a handsome result for the seller.

**Lot # 201 1960 Hiller UH-12 E4 Helicopter; S/N N5372V; White/; Estimate $316,780 - $633,560; Not evaluated; Not sold at Hammer bid of $253,424** – The helicopter flown by 'Pussy Galore' in 'Goldfinger', with 2,900 hours. Airworthy, licensed and ready to go.

Lot # 202 1967 Toyota 2000GT Targa; S/N MF1010125; White/Black vinyl; Estimate $356,378 - $435,573; Customized restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $253,424 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $283,835 – Alloy wheels, fender mirrors, radio, rally clocks, dealer-installed A/C. Converted to the Targa design created by Toyota for, but not used in, the movie 'You Only Live Twice' by Weatherby Motor Car in Carson, California. Under 30,000 miles from new. Fresh repaint and new interior. Underhood is clean and orderly but not showroom. This result is on the money for a Toyota 2000GT in this condition, a price that give no value at all to the Targa conversion and the James Bond connection on this James Bond day at RM London. It's a good value at the price even though it might offend 2000GT purists.

**Lot # 204 1974 Jaguar XKE SIII V12 Convertible; S/N IS1887; Dark Blue/Black leather; Estimate $79,195 - $102,954; Not evaluated; Not sold at Hammer bid of $71,276** – RHD. Steel wheels, 4-speed, European bumpers.

Lot # 205 1956 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk II Fixed Head Coupe ‘Notchback’, Body by Tickford; S/N AM300/1241; Engine # VB6J/862; Ice Blue; Peacock Blue roof/Blue-Grey leather; Estimate $150,471 - $174,229; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $146,511 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $164,092 – RHD. Silver painted wire wheels, driving lights. Cosmetically restored some time ago in the original colors, a sound and presentable driver. An attractively maintained Aston for which an appropriate price was paid.

Lot # 206 1954 Lagonda 3-Litre 3-pos. Drophead Coupe; S/N LB/290/1/96; Circassian Blue/Light Blue leather; Light Blue leatherette to; Estimate $79,195 - $95,034; Visually maintained, largely original, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $110,873 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $124,178 – RHD. Steel wheels with hubcaps and trim rings, blackwall tires, heater, radio, 4-spoke woodrim steering wheel, fender mirrors. An older cosmetic restoration recently recommissioned and detailed. No Reserve. Unusual hardly describes this 3-Litre Lagonda 4-passenger drophead coupe and its rarity is backed up by decent performance. The London bidders singled it out and the bidding closed just over the high pre-sale estimate, despite its placement just before the end of the auction.

Lot # 207 1972 BMW 3.0 CSL Coupe; S/N 2275133; Engine # 2275133; Ceylon metallic (Gold)/Black cloth; Estimate $55,437 - $71,276; Older restoration, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $69,692 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $78,055 – 'Batmobile' aero package, Comfort seats, Alpina alloy wheels, P/W, Blaupunkt cassette. Restored in the late 80's. Comes with its original Scheel sport seats and rear seat. Shows use since the restoration but still very presentable and driven to the auction from Sweden. A striking car sure to clear traffic from its path with its dramatic, aggressive, purposeful aero package, this result is a reasonable compromise between the value of a CS and a factory CSL.

[Source: Rick Carey; photo credit: courtesy of RM Auctions]

7 Comments

Michael Martin says:

November 16, 2010 at 1:50 pm

As thorough of an auction report as I’ve ever seen. Took me quite a few minutes to read, and that typically doesn’t happen on the net. Excellent coverage of this highly successful sale.

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Rick Carey says:

November 17, 2010 at 6:29 pm

Michael,
You have no idea how pleased I am to read your comment.

I try to make these reports not only informative — in a quantitative sense — but also enjoyable in a qualitative sense. My goal is to achieve exactly what happened to you: suck you in with photos, descriptions and written imagery and get you to feel the sale and the ebb and flow of the market.

Thanks,

Rick

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Nick Challacombe says:

November 18, 2010 at 8:32 am

Thank you, I echo what Michael Martin says, I found as much to read in this as any classic car magazine. The history of some of the cars fascinating and the reasons given for the sale or lack of very incisive. On the whole the cars seemed overvalued by the austioneer but as you say one or two bargins still to be had. Well done

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Frank Voso says:

November 18, 2010 at 10:02 am

Throughly enjoyed this knowledgeable and enthusiastic description. The writing displayed a reverence for the English language, as rare these days as some of the cars auctioned.

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David Stinson says:

November 18, 2010 at 1:06 pm

Excellent report and price analysis. Interesting to see the DB2/3s – so lovely. Remarkable price (it seems to me) for the black Series III E-type, particularly when compared to the Islero.

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Ronald Sieber says:

November 21, 2010 at 6:32 pm

Am I reading something wrong here, or does it seems that the classic Bentleys are settling in price, even declining. If so, is there a reason for this?

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CD says:

December 2, 2010 at 1:38 pm

Nicely done, informative coverage. Thanks!

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Automobiles of London 2010 Auction Report – RM Auctions

FOR SALE: 2008 Ferrari 430 GTC F131 Evo

FOR SALE: 1990 Spice SE90C C1 Group C

FOR SALE: 2005 Porsche 996 GT3 RSR

FOR SALE: 1972 BMW CSL 3.5 Liter Group 2

FOR SALE: 1972 De Tomaso Pantera Group 4

FOR SALE: 1959 ex-Works Lister Jaguar Costin

Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ To Be Auctioned By Bonhams

This Rare 1967 Corvette L88 Is Expected To Fetch More Than $3 Million At Auction

RM Sotheby’s To Auction A McLaren P1 And Porsche 918 Spyder Both Finished In Blue

RM Sotheby’s To Auction A Collection Of 56 Porsches Finished In White

A Pair Of Mercedes-Benz CLK GTRs Is Heading To RM Sotheby’s Las Vegas Auction

Ferrari F50 Owned By Rod Stewart Is Up For Grabs

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Automobiles of London 2010 Auction Report – RM Auctions

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