Bonhams Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach Golf Club, Amelia Island, Florida, March 12, 2015
Bonhams returned to Amelia Island in 2015 after a long absence, having previously stuck its toe in the water in 2000 with a sale under the Brooks Auctioneers banner at the Amelia Island Plantation.
After selling just nine lots for a total of $1.2 million, Brooks beat a strategic retreat but Bonhams will not have to reconsider Amelia for 2016, having secured an excellent location and put together an exceptionally successful first time sale. Two of the lots sold in 2015, the mouth watering Cord Front Drive L-29 Murphy Town Car and the American Underslung 50hp Runabout, each sold for one-third more than the total sale in 2000.
Remarkably, of Bonhams top ten sales six were of prewar automobiles. a performance that should be cited every time some skeptic holds forth that the prewar car market is in decline. Two of them, the 1908 American Underslung and a 1912 Peerless 60hp Runabout, were pre-WWI. [A brief ride in the Peerless, an 824 cubic inch six-cylinder torque monster, demonstrated just what an exhilarating experience a car like that can be.]
Bonhams location is highly visible, set on the grounds of the Fernandina Beach Golf Club directly across from the airport and on the main access road to the Ritz Carlton and Amelia Island Plantation. Unless you’re driving up from the Mayport ferry or along the beach on A1A Bonhams was the first sign of the Amelia Island week auto activities. Although parking was at the airport about a half mile away Bonhams kept up a steady stream of luxury shuttles that kept the wait down to five minutes or less; their air conditioning was a welcome relief from the North Florida heat and humidity, too.
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The undoubted star of the auction was the 1930 Cord Front Drive L-29 Town Car with coachwork by Murphy. Now definitively linked to movie star Dolores Del Rio, it had star quality presence and brought one of the most enthusiastic bidding contests of the week’s three auctions and a bottle of champagne for the eventual successful bidder. It also brought some tears to the eyes of the late seller’s daughter.
Andrew Newton contributed many of the on-site observations at this auction; the edits and comments are the responsibility of the editor.
Bonhams Amelia Island 2015 – Auction Report
Lot # 106 1959 Fiat 500 Jolly, Body by Ghia; S/N 110072952; Engine # 110000048893; Blue/Wicker; White, Blue striped canvas top; Estimate $70,000 – $90,000; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $57,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $62,700. 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 very clean and like new. New wicker seats. A very good driver’s car that has plenty of eyeball for most show fields. – Sold by Bonhams at Quail Lodge last August for $88,000 and no different now than it was then, showing just 17 more miles on its odometer. Sometimes a car just doesn’t work and it’s time to let it go, in this case to the advantage of the second buyer who got a pristine Jolly for a merely extravagant (but appropriate) price, saving $25,300 in the process.Lot # 107 1988 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet; S/N WP0EB0919JS171296; Engine # 64104750; Venetian Blue/White; Blue cloth top; Estimate $45,000 – $55,000; Unrestored original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $34,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $37,400. No Reserve – Fuchs wheels, Falken tires, snorkely brake light, power windows, VDO dash clock, climate control, cruise control, later Alpine stereo. – Good but slightly dull paint. Foggy headlight covers. Lightly worn top. Worn out upholstery, especially on the driver’s side. Showing 135,466 miles and certainly looks used, but more like a car with half that many miles. It’s an honest, mostly clean open 911. Presuming regular maintenance, the mileage shouldn’t be a huge concern, and as 911s in general soar upwards in price, those of us with finite disposable income will have to go with cars like this if we want the 911 experience. – Offered four months ago at Mecum’s Anaheim auction with a reported high bid of $32,000, the consignor didn’t make anything by waiting, the extra $2,000 on the hammer being dissipated in the entry fee and transportation.Lot # 108 1972 Jaguar XKE SIII V12 Convertible; S/N UC1S20294; Engine # 7S14906LB; British Racing Green/Tan leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $60,000 – $80,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $60,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $66,000. No Reserve – Chrome centerlock wire wheels, Vredestein Sprint Classic tires, leather-wrapped steering wheel, later CD stereo, dash clock. – Very good paint, chrome and interior. Some noticeable wear on the driver’s seat. Worn top with some small rips. Used but tidy engine bay. Found by the consignor in the mid-1990s with a Chevy V-8 under the hood, it was completely restored and finished in 1999. It’s been used regularly since, but the work was quality and it’s still very presentable. – To say the consignor was nervous in her first encounter with the collector car auction world would be a major understatement. Encountered later in the Ritz lobby bar, her relief at getting the low estimate for her beloved XKE was immense. Having seen before and after photos of the car, the effort she made to resurrect it, and her attention to detail with the restorer, was commendable and it promises to be a great car for the next owner.Lot # 110 1959 Jaguar Mark IX 4-Dr. Sedan; S/N 792045BW; Engine # NC58618; Black/Beige; Estimate $100,000 – $140,000; Recent restoration, 2- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $80,000. With Reserve – Automatic, black steel wheels with chrome hub caps, Coker Classic blackwall tires, Lucas driving lights, dual wing mirrors, rear fender skirts, dual fuel tanks, locking filler caps, sunroof, Radiomobile pushbutton radio, dash clock, wood dash and window trim, bench seats, wood fold out tables in the back of the front seats with clock in the center. – Very good paint and chrome overall but large paint sag next to the right headlamp. Very lightly worn interior. Fairly fresh, gorgeous example overall of the Mark IX, the first Jaguar with Dunlop disc brakes on all four wheels. – While this is an excellent example of the Mark IX, it’s still a Mark IX and expecting to get more than the reported high bid for it is seriously optimistic. The estimate range is Bentley S1 Saloon money.Lot # 111 1980 Ferrari 512 BB Berlinetta; S/N 34249; Engine # 00755; Red, Black sills/Tan leather, Black stripes; Estimate $100,000 – $150,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $327,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $359,700. No Reserve – 5-spoke alloy wheels, Michelin XWX tires, A/C, Pioneer cassette stereo, P/W. – Howard Keck owned since new. Flawed old paint, soiled and surface creased seats, sound original carpets, still has the factory clear plastic protective film on the door sill plates. Touched up Black side window frames. Original underbody appropriate to the 13,610 km on the odometer. Sound and usable but aged. – The paint has probably been redone, at least in part, but otherwise this is a well preserved, regularly driven Boxer serviced consistently by some of the best in the LA area including an engine-out timing belt replacement service at 12,903 km, but that was in 2008, seven years ago, making another belt service appropriate before it is driven much farther than on and off a transporter. The estimate reflects an older BB value standard. but is about as far off this car’s value as the price, double the high estimate, it brought. A home run for the seller’s estate but a bit anticipatory for the new owner.Lot # 114 1969 Ferrari 206 GT Dino; S/N 00336; Engine # 0005116; Red/Black vinyl; Estimate $480,000 – $520,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $450,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $495,000. With Reserve – Fusina woodrim steering wheel, Cromodora centerlock alloy wheels, Michelin XWX tires. – Good older repaint with some flaws and a crack just forward of the engine cover. Sound older interior. Good chrome. A little oil mist and road grime down deep in the engine compartment. Orderly, lightly dusty underbody. Good panels, flush fits, even gaps. Color changed from Bianco Luna Metallizzato with Black leather with White inserts. – This would be a spectacular car in its original color scheme but today it’s just a 206 GT in Rosso, which doesn’t do its story justice. Fortunately (?) the repaint isn’t very good so redoing it would not lose much and for an alloy bodied 206 GT this is not an unreasonable price.Lot # 116 1974 Alfa Romeo 2000 GTV Coupe; S/N AR3023250; Red/Black vinyl piped in Red; Estimate $55,000 – $65,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3 condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $40,000. With Reserve – Cromodora alloy wheels, Pirelli P400 tires, dual mirrors, sunroof, woodrim steering wheel, Kenwood cassette stereo, Simpson racing belts. – Decent paint with a quick, shoddy tape job on the nose stripes and several touch ups on the tail. Dirty wheels. Slightly grubby engine bay. Good, fairly worn interior. Uneven door fit. Alfas are eager cars that like to be driven hard, and this one has certainly gotten that treatment. – It should have been on its way to a new owner before reaching the reported high bid. It’s a $30K car.Lot # 117 1963 Jaguar XKE SI Roadster; S/N 880117; Engine # RA25679; Cream/Black leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $125,000 – $150,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $117,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $128,700. With Reserve – Chrome centerlock wire wheels, Vredestein Sprint Classic tires, woodrim steering wheel, Becker Europa AM/FM stereo. – Scratched, scuffed front and rear bumpers. Very good paint and lightly worn interior. An older restoration that’s been used lightly. With some new chrome, it would be a lot prettier. – At this price the new owner can afford to rechrome or buy new bumpers and not be outside the bounds of reason in today’s enthusiastic Series I XKE market.Lot # 118 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk II BT7 Roadster; S/N HBT7L18191; Engine # 29ERUH4325; Old English White/Red leather piped in White; Estimate $50,000 – $60,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $47,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $51,700. With Reserve – Overdrive, chrome centerlock wire wheels, Michelin tires, dual wing mirrors, Lucas driving lights, badge bar, banjo steering wheel. – Very good paint and chrome. Lightly worn but clean interior. The fit on the chrome grille is slightly off. A well done restoration that someone has enjoyed lightly and carefully. – Sold at Auburn Fall in 2002 for $28,620 and now showing only 358 more miles on the odometer, this restoration was old then and it’s older now but has been well maintained giving the new owner some confidence in its condition. At the price it is a sound value.Lot # 121 1960 Porsche 356B Cabriolet, Body by Reutter; S/N 154359; Engine # 804145; Ivory/Red leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $140,000 – $180,000; Recent restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $152,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $167,200. No Reserve – Engine uprated to Super 90 specs, chrome wheels, Firestone radial blackwall tires, Blaupunkt AM-FM. – Freshly restored with excellent paint, interior and top. Good major chrome but some thin trim rechromed over unfilled pits and some weak interior trim chrome. Immaculate engine compartment. Good panel fits on a generously filled body. Underbody freshly sprayed glossy black over whatever was there. A pretty car, but not as good as it first appears. – This is a pretty Porsche, but one skim-coated with filler and nearly non-magnetic, not that such a condition is so unusual on Porsches of this nature. The bidders bought the appearance and the up-rated S90 spec engine, not the car, and paid well more that they should.
Bonhams Amelia Island 2015 – Auction Report Page Two
Lot # 122 1995 Lotus Esprit S4s Turbo Coupe; S/N LN910950929051T; Green/Biscuit leather; Estimate $40,000 – $50,000; Unrestored original, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $47,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $52,250. No Reserve – Woodrim Momo steering wheel, OZ modular 17 inch wheels, Alpine CD stereo, Goodyear Eagle front tires, Dunlop SP Sport rear tires, liftoff sunroofs – Very good original paint and interior. Small touched up nose stone chips and driver’s seat bolster wear. – The mismatched tires are a concern unless some Lotus guru can explain them. With 300 turbocharged hp this is a supercar that matches closely with its counterparts from Italy yet brings far less money. For those willing to put up with Lotus assembly and [un]reliability it is a huge value but appropriately valued in the collector car market.Lot # 123 1975 Porsche 911 Carrera 2.7 Coupe; S/N 9115600414; Engine # 6650569; Lime Green Metallic, Black ‘Carrera’/Black leatherette; Estimate $280,000 – $340,000; Cosmetic restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $245,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $269,500. With Reserve – 2687/210hp mechanical fuel injection, 5-speed, P/W, Fuchs wheels, tinted glass, Euro model – Represented as the matching numbers engine. Cosmetically restored and color changed to Lime Green in 2012. Very good paint and older interior. Orderly but not fresh engine compartment. Underbody is done and very clean. A sound and attractive Porsche. – What is this? There is no history of how it came to the U.S., or how it evaded the smog-sniffers at EPA. With the described 210hp it is much faster than domestic 167hp Carreras, but it fits into some [apparently very expensive] niche in Porsche’s lineage.
Lot # 124 1968 BMW 2000CS Coupe, Body by Karmann; S/N 1108807; Engine # 1108807; Blue/Black vinyl with Gray cloth inserts; Estimate $50,000 – $60,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $58,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $63,800. With Reserve – Euro headlights, silver painted steel wheels with chrome hub caps, Dunlop tires, single wing mirror, wood dash, wood shift knob, power windows, Panasonic cassette stereo. – Very good paint. Lightly scratched up front bumper. Interior wood is shabby and especially cracked on the shift knob. Lightly worn seat cloth. Restored in the 1980s in Europe, then made its way to a US BMW collection in 1999. A pretty car, but showing general wear throughout and in driver condition. – Sold here in Amelia last year at the Gooding auction for $46,200, this is an unusual BMW model with attractive very Sixties coachwork. It should be particularly fun to own and drive as well as attracting positive attention at BMWCCA gatherings. It better be, because it is expensive for its condition.Lot # 126 1959 Mercedes-Benz 190SL Roadster; S/N 121040109500421; Engine # 121921109500449; Grey/Fawn leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $250,000 – $300,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $225,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $247,500. With Reserve – Blaupunkt multiband radio, hubcaps, trim rings, radial whitewall tires, Solex carbs, occasional rear seat, fitted luggage – Freshly, accurately and thoroughly restored. Excellent clearcoat paint, attractive leather, sparkling chrome. Engine compartment is done like new. Every panel fits and lines up perfectly. The clearcoat is a little much, though. – Many 190SLs seen at auctions today are rushed to completion to get to market before the 190SL bubble deflates. This is not one of those. It is a thoroughly and correctly restored car with desirable accessories and presented in an attractive, subtle color that accents the 190SL’s body lines. It brought a reasonable price in the current market.Lot # 127 1922 Wills Sainte Claire A-68 Roadster; S/N 6336; Maroon, Black fenders/Black leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $110,000 – $140,000; Older restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $137,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $151,250. With Reserve – Sohc 265/67hp V-8, 3-speed, disc wheels, blackwall tires, single rear spare, rumble seat, opening windshield, wind wings, Westinghouse spring shackle dampers, running board courtesy light, golf club bag on left running board. – Drain plunger shift boot. Sound but dull and clipped old paint. Good upholstery. Dull nickel trim. Orderly but aged and oil misted engine compartment. Cam covers painted machinery grey. Sound and definitely usable as is but also a long time since its last trip to the shop for any kind of restoration. – Wills’ V-8 engine is a subtle masterpiece and the story of Child Harald Wills and his part in the design of the Ford Model T, and eventual manufacture of the meticulously designed Wills Ste. Claire is fascinating. Built to uncompromising standards and only rarely seen in the market [there are but 12 in my auction database, and five of them were in the late 60’s Harrah’s sales] so the opportunity to acquire one is not to be overlooked. The bidders at Bonhams Amelia rose to the occasion and bought a sound, if aged, example for a reasonable price that will return many rewards during ownership and hardly reflects the quality and refinement of the car.Lot # 129 1911 EMF 30 Two-Seat Racer; S/N 37361; Engine # 37361; Black/Black leather; Estimate $150,000 – $200,000; Competition restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $220,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $242,000. With Reserve – RHD. 226/30 ALAM hp L-head four, dual ignition, 3-speed, black wood spoke wheels, blackwall tires, single rear spare, friction shocks 2-seat body, no lights, cord-wrapped steering wheel. – Raced by EMF driven by Jack Tower in the light car Tiedeman Trophy at the 1911 Savannah GP, finishing third, documented with a period EMF brochure listing the Savannah cars’ chassis numbers (historians rejoice). Restored in the 1980’s and actively historic raced since including 14 times in the Mt. Washington hillclimb and Savannah GP re-creation where it was the only original participant. Re-restored in the mid-00’s with careful attention to authentic details and simply wonderful. Titled as a Studebaker, which absorbed EMF in 1912. – It’s no Mercer or Bearcat, but it’s a real, documented 1911 racing car with a real podium finish at Savannah in 1911. Few automobiles can claim that kind of provenance and it makes this EMF a seriously good buy even at 10% over the high estimate. Its event eligibility is almost unlimited, barred only from the Brighton Run due to its dating, but anything else is within its grasp.Lot # 130 1977 Ferrari 308 GTB, Body by Pininfarina-Scaglietti; S/N 23031; Engine # 23031; Red/Tan leather; Estimate $90,000 – $120,000; Unrestored original, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $105,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $115,500. With Reserve – A/C, Blaupunkt cassette stereo, Michelin XWX tires. – Cavallino Platinum Award winner with 39,870 miles from new. Very good paint and interior, both claimed to be and looking like they are original. Engine compartment is nearly like new. Old undercoat in the wheelwells. Very good panel fits and gaps. A clean, usable and presentable example. – This is an unusually well maintained, low mileage, 308 GTB and the bidders recognized it with a markedly superior price that places a great deal of emphasis on its preservation. It would have been expensive at Bonhams $90K low estimate; at a hammer bid 15% over the low estimate it is very expensive.Lot # 131 1961 Jaguar XKE SI Flat Floor Roadster; S/N 875323; Engine # RA35829; British Racing Green/Suede Green leather; Black top; Estimate $300,000 – $400,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $240,000. With Reserve – Welded louver, outside bonnet latch, flat floors, centerlock wire wheels, Michelin tires, black cloth top boot, woodrim steering wheel, Blaupunkt, AM/FM stereo. – Bad paint. Overbuffed on the hood revealing lighter green paint underneath. Numerous chips and dings on the whole nose. Long crack under the hood louvers on the left side. Dull chrome. Foggy headlight covers. Uneven panel fit. Tired top boot. Worn out interior. It’s the flat floor roadster that all the collectors want, but it’s in rough shape. – Even with the condition issues the consignor wasn’t wrong to decline the high bid. There is no more avid mania these days than for the early outside bonnet latch E-types (except perhaps for early 911s) and it is almost inevitable that someone will come along willing to pay the consignor’s price. Not that it makes economic sense, but economically-speaking no one needs an XKE, either, so price it entirely subjective.Lot # 135 1930 Cord Front Drive L-29 Town Car, Body by Murphy; S/N 2926823; Engine # FD2410; Black, Black padded roof/Black leatherette, Beige broadcloth; Estimate -; Unrestored original, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $1,600,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $1,760,000. With Reserve – Rollup division, electric intercom, rear compartment radio and vanity, full set of rear compartment pulldown shades, dual rear spares with leatherette covers. – About as original and preserved as it gets, the only short wheelbase Cord L-29 Murphy Town Car (3 were built on the 152 1/2 inch long wheelbase.) Purchased from Dolores Del Rio’s attorney in 1951 by Pierce Carlson and Fred Thorsen, sold to Jay Hyde in 1959 and owned by him until his recent death. Chauffeur’s compartment has replaced seat covering but the door panels are original (and torn.) Doors close like a vault. Paint and chrome are sound and presentable. Rear compartment window safety glass cement has turned orange. Rear upholstery is sound and shows no moth damage. Running but needs further attention, brakes and tires. – No one knew what this Cord would bring when it drove onto Bonhams auction block, its ex-Dolores Del Rio history having recently been confirmed in correspondence with, and photos from, its 1951 purchaser, Pierce Carlson. It started slowly, hanging up in mid-six figures, then took on a new life between two bidders in the tent, eventually advancing in $25K snippets at $1.5 million until the successful bidder gave it a double bump from $1.55 million to $1.6 million, effectively discouraging its Silicon Valley underbidder. It is a marvelous automobile not only for its originality and provenance but also for its dramatically raked windshield and sleek, low rear passenger’s compartment. It is the best possible car in which to arrive at the Oscars or the premier of ‘Citizen Kane’, and recalls animated cartoon cars that are so long they have to bend in the middle to negotiate corners. Expensive? Surely, but also worth every penny and the successful bidder was still euphoric on the Amelia Island Concours lawn Sunday morning.
Bonhams Amelia Island 2015 – Auction Report Page Three
Lot # 137 1934 MG ND Magnette Roadster; S/N NA0484; Engine # 736AN; Red, Aluminum/Red leather; Estimate $125,000 – $150,000; Modified for competition during restoration 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $107,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $118,250. With Reserve – RHD. 1271/100hp supercharged six, 4-speed, banjo-spoke steering wheel, Austen aeroscreen, cycle front fenders, body color wire wheels, Avon 6.00-16 tires, headlight stoneguards, rear mounted spare. – Restored some time ago with more recent paint and upholstery. Driver’s seat scuffed by very old competition style belts. Chassis is orderly but aged. Sound and usable as is. – A highly competent, meticulously prepared, supercharged MG six with extraordinary performance that should prove to be as rewarding to its next owner as it has been to the seller, bought at a representative price for the quality of its preparation and its potential enjoyment.Lot # 138 1983 Lamborghini Countach LP500S Coupe, Body by Bertone; S/N ZA9C00500CLA12540; Red/Beige leather; Estimate $425,000 – $500,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 2- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $380,000. With Reserve – Gold telephone dial wheels, Pirelli P7 tires, Alpine CD stereo, tools, manuals. – Decent repaint with some masking oversights. Good original upholstery and carpets. Clean original underbody. Lightly used and showing only a little age, with 10,398km and four owners from new. – The description ‘telephone dial wheels’ risks being lost on today’s collectors who grew up with tone and electronic telephones and never experienced the ‘dialing’ experience, but there it is, along with carburetors, vacuum windshield wipers and stick shifts, a declining vernacular. This is an exceptional Countach, aside from its sketchy repaint, and would have been a reasonable value at the reported bid or even a little more.Lot # 139 1926 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost 40/50hp Piccadilly Roadster, Body by Brewster; S/N S335RL; Engine # 22355; Black, Grey sides/Black leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $350,000 – $400,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $325,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $357,500. With Reserve – Overdrive, dual sidemounts, whitewalls, Bausch & Lomb drum headlights, cowl lights and dual triple element taillights, trunk rack, Waltham clock, stainless steel exhaust. – Sound older repaint with emphasis on older. Good upholstery and brightwork. Orderly underhood. Ex-Bill Ruger, Sr., restored with new cylinder blocks by Frank Cooke, then driven on the 2003 European Alpine Tour. An attractive driver-quality car, but a Rolls-Royce driver. – Sold at Christie’s Pebble Beach auction in 2002 for $128,500 before its most recent refurb, then offered at Gooding’s Scottsdale sale a year ago and at the Rick Cole Monterey auction last August. This is a quality Rolls-Royce with significant Brewster coachwork that can hold its own wherever it appears and brought a realistic price.Lot # 140 ; S/N BN2L230966; Engine # 1B230966M; Red, Black/Red leather; Black leatherette top; Estimate $150,000 – $200,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $188,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $206,800. With Reserve – Silver painted wire wheels, 5.90-15 Dunlop Road Speed tires, heater. – Sound repaint, worn, surface cracked old upholstery with badly scuffed driver’s seatback. Orderly underhood and runs well. A presentable and highly original 100/M with 37,803 miles and two owners from new that is more than good enough to drive and not so good that it can’t be driven. – Often ‘original’ cars – as seen on several examples in the Amelia Island auctions – are decrepit, but not so this extremely well-maintained and preserved Healey 100/M Le Mans. It will show well anywhere, belying its age but buttressed by its modest mileage. It brought a responsible price here at Bonhams Amelia that both the buyer and the seller should be satisfied with.Lot # 141 1963 Morgan Plus 4 Super Sports Roadster; S/N 5322; Engine # TS39461E; White/Red vinyl; Estimate $150,000 – $180,000; Modified for competition during restoration 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $133,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $146,300. With Reserve – RHD. Silver painted wire wheels, Pirelli radial tires, rollbar, headlight stoneguards. – Morgan factory built Super Sports with Lawrence tuned engine, raced at Sebring in 1963 and 1964 (dnf both times.) Engine replaced in 1964. Good repaint and chrome. Old but sound upholstery. Orderly but aged underhood and under the car. An honest lowline Morgan Super Sports with Sebring history. – An exceptional factory Super Sports origin and period Sebring history makes this a rare and special Morgan which brought a rare and special price. The new owner bought every Morgan book he could find at Amelia (which means several of them) and was devouring his car’s history on Friday, as well he should. It is an historic car at an exceptional but not expensive price.Lot # 142 1964 Morgan Plus 4 Plus Coupe; S/N A5758; Engine # CT29261; Light Blue/Black vinyl; Estimate $130,000 – $160,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 4+ condition; Hammered Sold at $122,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $134,200. With Reserve – Silver painted wire wheels, 6.40-15 bias ply tires, Bluemel’s banjo spoke steering wheel, Lucas driving and fog lights. – Painted assembled and poorly masked over original Red paint (and much better looking for the color change.) Worn but sound original upholstery. Frayed driver’s side window welting. Almost treadless old tires with cracked sidewalls. Sound chrome. Passenger’s door drops badly. Carpets frayed and water damaged. Cracked door seals. An unusual car with abundant needs. – One of only 26 Plus 4 Plus coupes built and arguably the car that saved Morgan’s traditional British sports car history. So little was thought of its radical new design that Morgan loyalists flocked to order the traditional Plus 4 in preference. Although it is highly original and has had only four owners it is tired and marginally decrepit, with cosmetic and mechanical needs pretty much everywhere. It brought an appropriate price for its condition.Lot # 144 1957 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible; S/N E57S101560; Engine # F1116EL; Onyx Black, Inca Silver coves, Black hardtop/Red leather; No top; Estimate $125,000 – $150,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $115,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $126,500. With Reserve – 283/283hp fuel injection, 3-speed, spinner wheel covers, BF Goodrich Silvertown whitewalls, black hardtop, WonderBar radio, dash clock. – Represented as numbers matching. Older paint with numerous light scratches. Very good interior. Decent chrome. Used but tidy engine bay. Restored in 2000, NCRS Top Flight in 2000, Bloomington Gold in 2001, Bloomington Gold Special Collection in 2002. Now used enough to be a driver quality car today but holding up extremely well. A desirable Fuelie with a 3-speed. Ordered new with hard top but no soft top. This is a Corvette to own and drive proudly. – The early ’57s didn’t yet have a 4-speed and although many a 3-speed was swapped for the bolt-in 4-speed when they became available it is reassuring to see the restorer’s attention to detail in retaining the transmission it was born with. None of the condition issues will be difficult to remedy, although it will be more rewarding just to drive it and enjoy the modest price it brought.Lot # 145 1968 Jaguar XKE SI 4.2 Convertible; S/N 1E17502; Engine # 7E168789; Old English White/Black leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $90,000 – $110,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $81,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $89,100. No Reserve – Chrome wire wheels, Vredestein blackwall tires. – Series 1 1/2 with open headlights. Good older paint, chrome and interior. Orderly engine compartment. Restored years ago and driven carefully since. – Sold by Bonhams at Monterey in 2000 for $31,900 freshly restored to good driving condition, its price today reflects the current XKE market and the age of its cosmetic and mechanical condition.Lot # 146 1968 Porsche 911L Soft Window Targa; S/N 11860117; Engine # 3080311; Red/Black; Estimate $100,000 – $125,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $88,000. With Reserve – 5-speed, Fuchs wheels, Sigma Regent tires, dual mirrors, plastic rear window, Kenwood CD stereo. – Very good paint and interior. Dull original gauges. Shabby weather stripping around the targa roof and quickly and haphazardly undercoated, but otherwise this car is in good shape and one of the more desirable early soft window Targas. – This Porsche today has just two more miles on its odometer than it did almost a year ago when it was offered at the Motostalgia auction in Houston. It hasn’t gotten any better for the passage of time and is more valued on account of its soft rear window configuration than for its condition. The reported high bid here should have been enough to see it separated from its consignor’s clutches. A desirable early 911, but no more desirable than the high bid.
Bonhams Amelia Island 2015 – Auction Report Page Four
Lot # 147 1952 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith Coupe, Body by Freestone & Webb; S/N WVH6; Engine # W6H; Black, Yellow/Tan leather; Estimate $150,000 – $200,000; Older restoration, 3 condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $115,000. With Reserve – RHD. Black steel wheels with body color hub caps, blackwall tires, rear fender skirts, dual wing mirrors, Spirit of Ecstasy radiator mascot, Lucas driving lights, glass rear license plate cover, wood dash and window trim, bench seats, wood pockets on the back of the front seats. – Several deep scratches on top of the front bumper. Slightly tired chrome. Good paint overall with some light scratches on the right front fender, crack above the passenger’s side window. Trunk fit is slightly off. Worn leather. Older but still presentable restoration of a beautiful and unusual Freestone & Webb coupe. It deserves a little bit better attention than it has received. – One of only two of this 2-door coupe body style built by Freestone & Webb, a style that is familiar from seeing many similar cars with four doors. Restored long ago, reputedly by Hooper, and freshened as needed but showing its age and some use, it is still a dramatic and has quite a flair. The Bonhams bidders placed rather more weight on condition than on presence, a prudent and reasonable approach that would have been a good value had it been accepted.Lot # 148 1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Coupe, Body by Pininfarina-Scaglietti; S/N 16393; Rosso Chiaro/Beige leather, Red stripes; Estimate $700,000 – $800,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $600,000. With Reserve – A/C, Becker Mexico cassette, 5-spoke Cromodora alloy wheels, Michelin XWX tires, Painted nose panel, popup lights, four Borrani wire wheels are included. – Good older paint, chrome and interior. Clean, orderly engine compartment. A tidy and lightly used older restoration. – Sold by Auctions America in Ft. Lauderdale a year ago for $605,000 with 175 fewer km showing on its odometer than it does today, it deserves to bring a little more than the reported high bid, but not much more.Lot # 149 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Roadster; S/N 11304410009469; White, Black hardtop/Black vinyl; Black top; Estimate $75,000 – $90,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $47,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $51,700. No Reserve – 4-speed, two tops, black steel wheels with body color hub caps, Toyo Premium Touring tires, wood center console, Becker Europa radio, VDO dash clock. – Decent paint with a small scratch on the right rear and many visible scuffs and scratches around the top and window trim. Excellent carpets, but worn seats with a rip in the driver’s side headrest. Desirable 4-speed and pretty colors but just a driver. – Was there a dead rat in the glove box? Did it catch fire on the block? This is a $65,000 280SL on its worst day and an exceptionally good value at the price it brought today.Lot # 150 1997 Porsche 911 Turbo Coupe; S/N WP0AC2993VS375997; Arena Red/Grey leather; Estimate $180,000 – $220,000; Unrestored original, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $191,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $210,100. With Reserve – 408 horsepower twin turbo, 6-speed, alloy wheels, Pirelli tires, sunroof, factory CD stereo, climate control, VDO dash clock, rear wiper, power windows. – Decent paint. Very lightly worn interior. A well cared for used car with just 15,923 actual miles and notable as one of the last air-cooled 911 Turbos. – Legendary performance and aggressive style make the 993 Turbo a car that still turns heads, if they can swivel fast enough to catch it going by. How expensive is it? This price is enough to buy two Ferrari 550 Maranellos with more than enough left over for a couple of Miatas for the kids. Even in such good condition with low miles and the arrest-me color this is a huge price.Lot # 151 1952 Alfa Romeo 1900C Sprint, Body by Touring; S/N AR1900C01227; Engine # AR130800218; Blue/Grey leather, cloth; Estimate $200,000 – $250,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $378,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $415,800. With Reserve – Silver painted wire wheels, Avon bias ply blackwall tires, Autovox radio, windshield washer, heater. – Restored in 2008 with very good paint, interior and major chrome. Pitted B-pillar chrome. Orderly old underbody. Flat, flush fitting bodywork. Restored to good and presentable driver standards. – This result is nothing if not impressive for an Alfa 1900C, particularly for one restored to European standards in a U.S. sale facing the headwinds of a weak Euro. Its eligibility for events like the Mille Miglia Storica add to its appeal, but even at that this is an epic value for a non-SS 1900C.Lot # 152 1908 American Underslung 50HP Roadster; S/N 1427; Engine # 1448; White, Burgundy frame and accents/Burgundy leather; No top; Estimate $1,100,000 – $1,200,000; Older restoration, 1- condition; Hammered Sold at $1,580,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $1,738,000. With Reserve – RHD. Dual rear spares, mother-in-law seat, Stewart speedometer, Solar acetylene headlights, (electric) Solar sidelights, Rubes bulb horn, Solar taillight. – Ex-Lindley Bothwell, D. Cameron Peck and Mr. Wallerich before ending up with the consignor, just four owners since the 1940’s. Very good older paint, brass and upholstery. Clean and orderly engine compartment. Not fresh but very well done. Chassis shows some use but also exceptional care. – One of the sensations of Bonhams Amelia Island auction, a truly impressive automobile with an impeccable provenance and beautifully restored and maintained to very high standards. The next time someone alludes to the demise of the antique car market point to this American, reference the price it brought, and remind them that it will keep up with freeway traffic and embarrass all but the most competent rally cars on the cart tracks it traversed in 1908.Lot # 153 1963 Jaguar XKE SI Convertible; S/N 879037; Engine # R98209; Blue, Black hardtop/Red leather; Black top; Estimate $100,000 – $125,000; Unrestored original, 4 condition; Hammered Sold at $92,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $101,200. With Reserve – Chrome wire wheels, Vredestein narrow whitewalls, pushbutton radio, two tops, grille and trunk guards. – Dead, dull old repaint, tattered original upholstery, dirty carpets, cracked, stiff body seals and soft top. Dirty and aged but complete and orderly (for its age and condition) underhood. A straightforward restoration project. – With dirt and grunge, let alone dry, stiff, torn upholstery, bringing superior prices this E-type represents an unusually good value for its ilk. Honestly represented and realistically estimated by Bonhams, the new owner has a sound basis for the restoration it so badly needs at a price that is not irrational.Lot # 154 1948 Pontiac Streamliner Station Wagon, Body by Ionia; S/N P8PB13617; Powder Blue, Wood/Burgundy vinyl, Beige cloth; Estimate $70,000 – $90,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $38,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $41,800. No Reserve – 249/103hp, automatic, black steel wheels with chrome hub caps, Firestone wide whitewalls, driving lights, GE fog light on driver’s side, windshield visor, dark blue vinyl roof, rear fender skirts, Super Deluxe radio, dash clock, bench seats. – Good paint and chrome, but some drips on the windshield visor. Small dent on the right rear fender. Excellent interior. Exterior wood is impressive but not perfect. There’s a big gouge out of the right rear, a long crack on the left rear and uneven gaps all over. Drip rails are pitted and rust is showing through. An impressive, loaded car, but not perfect. – Sold at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale in 2011 for $66,000 showing 52 more miles on the odometer now than it had then and in essentially exactly the same condition. Very rare, even among woodie wagons, and an excellent value at this price.Lot # 155 1994 Ferrari 348 Spider, Body by Pininfarina; S/N ZFFRG43A0R0097343; Red/Tan leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $45,000 – $60,000; Unrestored original, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $55,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $60,500. No Reserve – Alpine CD stereo, A/C, Bridgestone tires, books and tools. – A clean, original car in condition appropriate to the 27,907 miles on the odometer. Two major services reported, in 2000 and in 2013 at 24,579 miles. – This result is slightly generous, but at least the new owner won’t face a major service bill for a while.
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Lot # 156 1991 Aston Martin Virage Coupe; S/N SCFCAM2S5NBL50303; Engine # 8950303M; Red/Brown leather; Estimate $55,000 – $75,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $42,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $46,200. No Reserve – 5340/335hp, FI, Blaupunkt CD stereo, 5-speed, P/W, A/C, alloy wheels, Avon tires. – Good repaint, otherwise original showing age but only limited use. Dusty and aged engine compartment. Original undercoat in wheel well. An attractive driver that is original except for the repaint. – This Virage was sold by RM here in Amelia in 2009 for $42,000 and appears to have had little or nothing done to it since then. Its value similarly has experienced no change, which is not a bad thing for the consignor and offers the new owner some possibility other collectors well recognize its rarity, style and performance. If not, however, it simply offers some satisfying high speed motoring at less cost than an XKE.Lot # 157 1971 Ferrari 246 GT Dino, Body by Scaglietti; S/N 02972; Yellow/Black leather; Estimate $280,000 – $320,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $270,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $297,000. With Reserve – Cromodora 5-bolt wheels, Sumitomo blackwall tires, cassette stereo. – Good but somewhat erratically masked repaint. Good lightly surface creased upholstery. Leather grained dashtop. Underbody has been re-undercoated assembled. Engine has been out and done with just a little oil mist on it. Color changed from Verde Scuro. A pretty fly yellow Dino driver. – It would have brought more in the original color, even in its present marginal condition, but it is reasonably priced here for what it is.Lot # 158 1949 Triumph 2000 Roadster; S/N TRA1664; Engine # V6031; Black/Tan; Tan cloth top; Estimate $50,000 – $70,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $36,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $39,600. No Reserve – Black steel wheels with chrome hub caps, Garfield whitewalls, dual wing mirrors, dual chrome horns, Lucas driving lights, badge bar, Lucas King of the Road headlights, suicide doors, wood dash and window trim, roll up windows, leather upholstery. – Average older respray with some micro-blisters on the left front fender, numerous scratches and dings on the nose, and many chips around the panel edges. Tired chrome with some huge scratches on the left side of the radiator shell. Shabby windshield moulding. Good interior wood. Lightly worn upholstery. It’s not a bad car, but there are too many cosmetic flaws to ignore. This car was made before Triumph started making dedicated sports cars so it’s a bit of an oddball, but it has an attractive shape and is a lot rarer than a TR. – Reported sold at Motostalgia’s Austin auction during USGP weekend in 2013 for $57,200 in a post-block transaction after getting little if any interest on the block. Everyone loves the dickey seat hatch which has window panels in it and acts as a windshield when it is raised. It is a much better value at this price than it was in Austin, but is no bargain.Lot # 159 1957 Mercedes-Benz 190SL Roadster; S/N 1210402502940; Engine # 121921101021937; Silver/Black vinyl; Estimate $60,000 – $80,000; Modified for competition during restoration 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $82,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $90,200. No Reserve – Bucket seats, 5-point belts, braced rollbar, Hellebore woodrim steering wheel, later 14-inch M-B alloy wheels, hydraulic clutch, dual brake master cylinders, alternator, Weber 40DCOE carbs, no bumpers. – Good, clean, orderly 190SL race car. Sound paint, stripped interior. – Turn back the clock to a decade ago when 190SLs were just Teutonic T-birds and modifying one for historic racing or track days was a reasonable economic decision. That was then, this is now, and this is a sound 190SL begging to get its road touring equipment back and lose the go-fast stuff. The price leaves it as a realistic project.Lot # 160 1925 Bentley 3-Liter Speed Model 4-Seat Touring, Body by Vanden Plas; S/N 1009; Engine # 1007; Black, Black leatherette body/Red leather; Black leatherette top; Estimate $475,000 – $575,000; Older restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $420,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $462,000. With Reserve – RHD. Single rear spare, folding windshield, electric Klaxon horn, Lucas tribar bulls eye headlights. – Original body, engine and transmission. A good but extensively toured older restoration done in the U.K. in the 1970’s. Known and documented history from new. Stone starred fenders, dull brightwork, surface creased upholstery, good leatherette body looks newer than the paint. – Unlike so many Bentleys of this vintage the 3-Liter hasn’t been bodged or made up from bits, the only departure from the original apparently being the front axle. It offers great performance and inimitable appearance and is no less than a sound value at the price it brought.Lot # 161 1937 MG VA Tourer, Body by Charlesworth; S/N VA0549T; Engine # TPBG788; Black/Green leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $30,000 – $50,000; Older restoration, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $29,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $31,900. With Reserve – RHD. 1548cc/58hp, dual SU carbs, 4-speed, painted wire wheels, Firestone blackwall tires, Lucas King of the Road headlamps, badge bar, rear-mounted spare wheel, folding windscreen, rear seats, wood dash, suicide doors. – One family owned since it was a year old. Restored some 25 years ago, the older paint is showing its age. Chips around the hood. Shabby top frame. Worn out upholstery in front. An older restoration well past its prime, but still a neat prewar MG that’s a lot more fascinating than a T-Series car. – Bought for only a little more than a TC in comparable condition, this VA Tourer offers several advantages including a little more performance, rarity and room in the back for the kids. It brought a reasonable price for its condition and history.Lot # 165 1992 Ferrari F40 Coupe, Body by Pininfarina; S/N ZFFMN34A1N0093627; Engine # 31130; Red/Red cloth; Estimate $1,200,000 – $1,400,000; Unrestored original, 2- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $1,050,000. With Reserve – A/C, modular 5-spoke wheels, Michelin tires. – One of 213 U.S. spec F40s, belt serviced in 2010 at 9,228 miles with only 9,664 miles on the odometer today. Nearly like new, without even the usual driver’s seat bolster wear. (because the seats have been replaced.) Ferrari Classiche certified. – Sold for $326,500 at Christie’s Monterey auction in 2004, the consignor can be understood for not accepting this bid. It is a very good F40 with a benign history and would be realistically valued at Bonhams low estimate.Lot # 167 1903 Thomas 18 Rear Entrance Tonneau; S/N Engine; Engine # 635; Grey, Black fenders/Black leather; No top; Estimate $225,000 – $275,000; Concours restoration, 2+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $190,000. With Reserve – RHD. Single Solar acetylene headlight, dual. Dietz kerosene sidelights and Dainty Tail Light, wicker side baskets, white tires, dual trumpet bulb horn. – Very good paint, brass and upholstery. A quality older show restoration showing only a little age. – Even under the pre-sale estimate and in such uniformly good restored condition, the reported high bid is generous for a single-cylinder Brighton Run eligible car.Lot # 168 1912 Peerless Model 60 Runabout; S/N Engine 12970; Engine # 12970; Gray/Red; Estimate $250,000 – $350,000; Modified restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $400,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $440,000. With Reserve – RHD. Red wood spoke wheels, whitewall tires, monocle windshield, electric starting, shortened wheelbase, overdrive, copper cylinder bolster gas tank, dual rear spares, Jones speedometer, Rushmore acetylene headlights, New Haven clock. – A built up runabout but possessed of the largest engine ever for an American production car with prodigious power and torque that makes the gearbox almost superfluous. Very good older paint, brass and upholstery showing a little age but careful preservation. – As prodigious an automobile as its 824 cubic inch T-head six cylinder engine with thundering performance and rakish style. No, it isn’t as built, but it is seriously exciting and that more than supports the over-estimate price it brought.
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Lot # 170 1930 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Transformal Phaeton, Body by Hibbard & Darrin; S/N S317KP; Engine # 20178; Green, Black fenders and accent/Black leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $700,000 – $1,000,000; Concours restoration, 1 condition; Hammered Sold at $675,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $742,500. With Reserve – Lefthand Drive. Green paint flecked with Gold, Gold coachline, body color wheel discs, whitewalls. – Gorgeous paint, chrome, upholstery and interior wood. Concours restored and still Concours. Given to Marlene Dietrich by Paramount Studios and Otto von Sternberg in 1930. A car fit for a screen star, restored to the same standards. Acquired by John O’Quinn in 2007 and restored with the same gold-flecked paint that distinguished it in Marlene Dietrich’s ownership. Never shown and ready for Pebble Beach. – Sold by Bonhams at Scottsdale in 2012 for $524,000 and no less spectacular today than it was then, just $200,000 more expensive.Lot # 171 1957 Jaguar XK 140MC Drophead Coupe; S/N S818689BW; Engine # G83548S; Red/Beige leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $80,000 – $120,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $72,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $79,200. No Reserve – Chrome wire wheels, Michelin blackwall tires, automatic, multiband radio, fender mirrors, Lucas driving lights. – Sound older paint, chrome and interior. Failing interior wood trim varnish, aged instruments and dash knobs. Neat but aged underhood. A usable driver after some attention to the interior wood. – Sold by RM at Monterey in 2010 for $85,250, this Jag is neither fully restored nor particularly desirable with its slushbox transmission. The interior details are seriously disappointing and it will take some meaningful dollars to bring it back to where it can be enjoyed with some pride and confidence. Its price is no more than it deserved.Lot # 172 1932 Stutz DV-32 Super Bearcat Convertible, Body by Weymann; S/N DVSB1486; Engine # DV33194; Blue, Black fenders/Beige leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $850,000 – $1,200,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $920,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $1,012,000. With Reserve – Leatherette covered body, black wire wheels, Firestone blackwall tires, dual sidemounts with strap on mirrors. – Previously owned by Dr. Fred Simeone and Bill Ruger, Sr. Sound paint, original fabric body, chrome and interior. A quality older cosmetic restoration retaining original details and still in highly presentable touring condition. – The Super Bearcat’s 156 horsepower didn’t compare well with the Duesenberg Model J’s claimed 265hp but on the road the Super Bearcat’s light weight and superior balance more than made up for the difference. It was the elite supercar of the period and here is an example that is highly original and well maintained, a combination that amply supports the superior price it brought.Lot # 174 1925 Hispano-Suiza H6B Convertible Sedan, Body by Belvallette; S/N 11093; Engine # 301111; Black, Red accent, Orange coachlines/Burgundy leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $350,000 – $450,000; Older restoration, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $290,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $319,000. With Reserve – RHD. Wheel discs, blackwall tires, dual sidemounts, Bleriot PII headlights, dual windshields, leather covered trunk, small spotlight, radiator stoneguard. – Restored in the early 90’s by Andre LeCoq and now with aged but sound paint, brightwork and interior. Later owned by Arturo Keller. Fascinating transformable coachwork with abundant details. Still good enough to tour, but no longer ready to show. – An intriguing car with erect, stiff coachwork conceived to appeal to an owner accustomed to comfort and security, its appearance is its least attractive feature and that accounts for its modest price.Lot # 175 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe; S/N 194377S109438; Engine # 7109438 …HR; Marina Blue/Bright Blue vinyl; Estimate $70,000 – $80,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $50,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $55,000. With Reserve – 327/300 hp, Powerglide, Positraction, AM-FM, P/W, woodgrain steering wheel, alloy wheels, red line tires, P/S, P/B, A/C. – Good older paint, chrome and interior. A few details under the hood are not done to factory conditions, with added wires and a misaligned alternator. Nose shows evidence of being repaired. Big crack in the steering wheel rim. Orderly underbody shows road use. Three owners from new and thoroughly documented from new. – An attractive Corvette, but a 327/300hp Powerglide car that even the profuse comfort and convenience options can’t overcome. The seller should be extremely happy to get this much for it without the Bloomington Gold and NCRS endorsements it deserves.Lot # 176 1966 Jaguar XKE SI 4.2 Convertible; S/N 1E13415; Engine # 7E13415; Opalescent Red/Biscuit leather; Tan cloth top; Estimate $175,000 – $225,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $150,000. With Reserve – Chrome wire wheels, blackwall tires, Blaupunkt multiband radio, tools, manuals. – Excellent (color changed from Opalescent Dark Green) paint, chrome and inviting upholstery. Sharp, crisp gauges. Thin windshield header chrome. Rusted bonnet latches, soiled top boot cover. Restored in 2005 and upgraded with electronic ignition, electric fans and stainless steel exhaust. JDHT Certificate documented original engine and head. Not pristine but very good. – It could have been sold at the reported high bid without regret.Lot # 177 1940 Buick Special 46-C Convertible; S/N 13671295; Engine # 69365104; Sequoia Cream/Black; Black cloth top; Estimate $55,000 – $65,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $42,000. With Reserve – Body color steel wheels with chrome hub caps and trim rings, Firestone wide whitewalls, dual enclosed sidemount spares, bench seats, dash clock, Sonomatic pushbutton radio. – Restored in the 1970s and fitted with an appropriate but non-original engine, then driven a bit and then stored for many years until just last year. It reportedly runs, drives and stops well after recent mechanical awakening. It’s an ancient restoration but presents like just an older one. – This is a Special, not a Roadmaster, and with a restoration that is as old as some of the Bonhams bidders. It would not have been anything but a sound value if it had sold at the reported high bid.Lot # 181 1932 Lincoln KA 4-Dr. Sedan, Body by Murray; S/N KA48641; Blue/Grey broadcloth; Estimate $60,000 – $80,000; Unrestored original, 3+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $50,000. With Reserve – Black wire wheels, Lester wide whitewalls, dual sidemount spares with oilcloth covers and mirrors, greyhound radiator mascot, single chrome horn, Depress Beam headlamps, suicide rear doors, rear luggage rack, bench seats, dome interior courtesy lights, robe rail, rear window curtains, wood dash and window trim. – Showing 10,592 miles, which is said to be original. Bought new in Wisconsin and kept under the care of collectors for almost all of its life. It is all original and shows the level of wear you’d normally associate with a car that’s about 20 years old, not 80. Very good paint, chrome, interior and trim. The original, factory-supplied, spares are still wrapped in their factory oilcloth. A sure preservation class contender anywhere it goes. – The sad commentary on this miraculously preserved Lincoln is that it isn’t grungy enough to get barn-find bidders excited about it. It’s a really good, lovingly preserved, old car that would appeal to current barn-find buyers if it were filthy. Bonhams usually astute bidders missed a rare opportunity with this Lincoln.Lot # 182 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Coupe; S/N WDDAJ76F45M000157; Engine # 15598060000131; Crystal Laurite Silver/Semi-Aniline Black leather; Estimate $170,000 – $200,000; Unrestored original, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $174,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $191,400. No Reserve – 5,439cc/617hp supercharged V-8, 5-speed ‘Speedshift’ gearbox, Michelin Pilot Sport tires, air conditioning, power windows. – Very good paint and interior. Clean engine bay. Looks, feels and smells new with 7,400 miles. Thoroughly documented service history from Mercedes-Benz, CarFax. An all but new car with a reassuring service history. – Bought at a serious discount from its $450K MSRP, and more than good enough to still attract positive attention from onlookers and fast enough to attract attention from the police. The pointy nose is a matter of individual style, but the car is a lot of automobile for the money.Lot # 183 1934 Mercedes-Benz 500K 4-Passenger Tourer, Body by Mayfair; S/N 123689; Engine # 123689; Red/Beige leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $1,250,000 – $1,500,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $800,000. With Reserve – RHD. Stainless steel spoke wire wheels, blackwall tires, dual rear spares, Raydyot dual spotlights, dip beam light. – Kommission #207792. Fresh paint, chrome and interior. Underbody is older with small undercoat chips. Good interior wood. Done to very good touring standards. – Sold from Bill Lassiter’s collection by Christie’s in 1999 for $266,500, then by RM at Monterey last August for $825,000 so it’s no surprise the consignor declined to accept less than that after addressing some of its shortcomings in the last few months. The problem is that the 4-seat tourer Mayfair body looks like an Alvis or a 3 1/4 Liter Bentley, not like a regal Sindelfingen M-B. It is rare. It is not desirable.
“Purchased by Dolores del Rio’s attorney”… Now that’s provenance. Thank you for another superb report. They always appear when I’m on deadline at work.