Bonhams, Westin Kierland, Scottsdale, Arizona, January 16, 2014
Report and photos by Rick Carey, Auction Editor
January 16, 2014 marked the third year since Bonhams joined the Arizona collector car auction week familiarly known as “Scottsdale.” The sale exploded in value and quality, nearly tripling the $6 million total of 2012’s first year sale and firmly setting Bonhams’ cat among the Arizona car collector auction pigeons.
Bonhams’ was an outstanding consignment, with enough 7-figure sales by themselves (five of them totaling $11.6 million) to nearly equal last year’s $13.5 million sale total and almost double the first year’s sale. Exceptional caliber cars ran from “The Tailor’s Car”, Ferrari 212 Export Touring Coupe, through a beautiful Alfa 6C 1750 Gran Sport Zagato Spider, to the car that may have been one of the best buys of the week, the Mercedes-Benz 500K Sports Phaeton, even at $1.4 million.
Scottsdale was ample proof that Bonhams has seriously upped its game, confirming the performance they gave at Monterey’s Quail Lodge in August. Their upcoming sale in Paris during Rétromobile promises to be another strong event.
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Andrew Newton and Paul Duchene contributed onsite observations, comments and photos to this auction report.
Bonhams Scottsdale 2014 – Auction Report
Lot # 101 1968 Ford Mustang Bullitt Fastback; S/N DRMVB0000157695MO; Green/Black; Estimate $80,000-$120,000; Unrestored original, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $80,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $88,000. Resto-Mod of “Bullitt” movie car, Roush 347 race motor, 5-speed, Vintage Air, properly braced engine compartment, RRS suspension, wide tires, mag wheels, 4-wheel disc brakes. Ex-Chad McQueen. – Fresh car by Gateway Classics, built for TV. Good paint and body fit. Glass, interior, and wood dash all excellent. Interior mirror fell off. – The McQueen factor – even if only Chad – added little but will help preserve the value of this resto-mod, which brought no more than a decent Eleanor replica without celebrity ownership. The new owner has the leeway to put a few miles on it, and the 5-speed will allow it to be shifted almost as many times as the soundtrack of the movie implies.Lot # 103 1941 Lincoln Continental Convertible; S/N H117749; Washington Blue/Red leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $50,000-$70,000; Older restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $65,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $71,500. 292/120hp, 3-speed, overdrive, hubcaps, trim rings, Denman wide whitewalls, skirts, column shifter, radio. – A 30 year old restoration with inconsistent gapping on most panels, numerous cracks and scratches in the paint, and worn weather stripping. Good interior with only light signs of use. Not pristine by any stretch of the imagination, but an older CCCA National First Prize restoration that’s been carefully maintained and recently serviced. – Well restored with some cosmetic and fit issues that should be dealt with efficiently, a quality old restoration that was recognized by the bidders and brought a superior price.Lot # 104 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III Phase 2 Convertible; S/N HBJ8L36843; British Racing Green/Black; Black top; Estimate $65,000-$75,000; Older restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $44,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $48,400. No Reserve. Correct painted wire wheels, heater, overdrive, weather equipment. – Accurate, documented 20-year-old restoration by Paul Tsukuris. Paint a little too light, good panel fit and chrome, cheap top, good wood, engine is like new – Sold for $66,000 at Barrett-Jackson in Palm Beach nine months ago, which is a more appropriate level for the presentation of its two decade old restoration. The price here is a surprise, and a very good value for the new owner.Lot # 105 1953 Jaguar XK 120 Roadster; S/N 672755; Engine # W5764-8; Black/Biscuit leather; Tan top; Estimate $120,000-$140,000; Older restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $87,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $95,700. 3442/160hp, 4-speed, represented as matching numbers documented with JDHT Heritage Certificate, disc wheels, Nankang tires, fender skirts, tribar headlights, Lucas driving lights, single stainless steel exhaust. – Very shiny with some paint flaws, bumpers good but uneven, rather bright leather interior, inaccurate repop grille. Upholstery and top replaced more recently. – Bid to $130,000 at Mecum’s Monterey auction in August, bought reasonably here, with money left over to fix the details without going underwater.Lot # 106 1915 Packard 1-35 Twin Six 7-Passenger Touring; S/N 86193; Engine # 86193; Black/Black leather; Black vinyl top; Estimate $170,000-$200,000; Unrestored original, 4+ condition; Hammered Sold at $131,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $144,100. 424/88hp, 3-speed, wood spoke wheels, whitewalls, Waltham clock, Warner speedometer, Delco ignition. – Preserved from the 1940s by Charles and Sue Bovey in their Virginia City, Montana museum until 2000. Highly original with cracked and crazed old paint, repainted matte black to preserve and hold it together. Some upholstery is original, most is an old replacement. Extensively and successfully toured since 2002, too good, and sound, to restore with 27,122 miles from new. An original car with all the right kinds of patina that was brought back to good mechanical order while, when possible, retaining its preserved and unspoiled character. Should be enjoyed as the time capsule that it is. – Bought advantageously for the inherent quality of the Twin Six and the rarity of its remarkable originality. The Twin Six’s quality is endorsed by the number of these cars that seem to survive in largely original and yet frequently used condition. Continued preservation and touring should be the objective of the new owner, it would a shame to restore this car.Lot # 107 1976 Ferrari 308 GTB Fiberglass Coupe; S/N 19579; Engine # 1770; Yellow/Tan leather; Estimate $75,000-$100,000; Unrestored original, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $104,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $114,400. A/C, P/W, AM-FM, Michelin XWX blackwall tires. – Good mostly original paint, many gel coat cracks. Sound lightly stretched driver’s seat cushion with no bolster wear. Clean underbody. Good dash top. Lifting wheel paint and some corrosion. – The early fiberglass 308 GTBs still attract a significant premium over their later steel bodied siblings, as this result indicates and despite the tender nature and wavy surfaces of their vetroresina body shells. Even their rarity and perceived value doesn’t support the price of this high original example. It is an expensive car.Lot # 108 1960 DeSoto Fireflite 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 7103110818; Yuma Yellow/Tan; Estimate $30,000-$40,000; Unrestored original, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $40,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $44,000. No Reserve. 361/295hp, push-button transmission, power steering, power brakes, whitewall tires, tri-tone vinyl upholstery, AM radio. – Three owner original car. Good paint with some dulling, straight trim and chrome, good glass, excellent grille and attractive interior. Every registration receipt since 1971. – Strong money based on rarity, but not overly so, especially for this car’s originality and known ownership history.Lot # 110 1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Ascot Tourer, Body by Brewster; S/N S178FR; Engine # 21788; Rouge Carmine, Amaranto fenders / Beige leather; Tan cloth top; Estimate $275,000-$350,000; Cosmetic restoration, 2- condition; Post-block sale at $231,818 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $255,000. 7668/113hp, 3-speed, dual sidemounts, black wire wheels, Lincoln blackwall tires, luggage rack, spotlights. – Excellent paint and interior. Good chrome. Largely original underneath, including the coachwork. Ex-Henry Wing and Paul Stern. Nearly continuous history under the stewardship of several prominent collectors, and beautifully recommissioned without succumbing to over-restoration. – Sold by Bonhams at Quail Lodge in 2010 for $172,000 before spending about GBP50,000 on mechanical and body work and paint. Offered here last year with a reported high bid of $280,000 and sold much more reasonably today. Sympathetically restored and maintained, a sound value at this post-block negotiated price.Lot # 111 1977 Porsche 911S Coupe; S/N 9117201892; Engine # 6273359; Silver/Black; Estimate $45,000-$55,000; Cosmetic restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $80,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $88,000. No Reserve. Fuchs wheels, 5-speed, power sunroof, sport steering wheel, air conditioning updated to R134, Blaupunkt AM-FM, Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, jack and tools. – Sat for years but now has rebuilt engine, clutch and brakes and a repaint in the original color. Reportedly 20,870 miles from new, with an appropriately good and largely unused original interior. Sits oddly high, like the springs haven’t settled. – Blew through estimate into 930 Turbo territory, proving the value of originality. Bid to only $55,000 at Mecum’s Monterey auction last August, the seller was rewarded for waiting and for accepting a modest estimate that drew in the bidders and resulted in this extraordinary result. The originality is not worth the premium it brought; the Porsche is expensive.
Bonhams Scottsdale 2014 – Auction Report Page Two
Lot # 112 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB/6C Coupe, Body by Scaglietti; S/N 08327; Engine # 08327; Celeste Blue/Black leather; Estimate $2,200,000-$2,600,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $2,400,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $2,640,000. Chrome spoke Borrani wire wheels, Michelin XWX blackwall tires. – Good paint, chrome and interior. Engine shows use, some oil residue and chips. Underbody given a new coat of sealer over old, partially peeled off undercoat. Ferrari Classiche inspected but apparently not certified. – Slotting nearly into the middle or Bonhams’ estimate range, this attractive and rare 6C continues the steep upward curve of the best V12 Ferraris.Lot # 115 1970 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet; S/N 11102712002505; Engine # 11698012002300; White/White leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $225,000-$275,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $225,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $247,500. Automatic, A/C, P/W, Becker Mexico cassette, fog lights, wheel covers, narrow whitewalls, Euro headlights. – Very good paint, chrome, interior and wood trim. Underbody has been covered in a recent coat of underseal. Orderly and correct underhood showing just a little road dust. Highly impressive and consistently presented. – Restored like new in most respects but troubling in its shiny new coat of underseal and failure to pay much attention to the engine compartment. The price paid pretty much takes into account the car’s issues.Lot # 116 1952 Jaguar XK 120 Fixed Head Coupe; S/N 680326; Engine # W6576-8; Dark Blue/Light Grey; Estimate $110,000-$130,000; Modified restoration, 3 condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $88,000 plus commission of; Final Price $88,000. Matching numbers but with upgraded performance, disc wheels, fender skirts, tri-bar headlights, Lucas fog lights, front disc brakes, non-original rear suspension, 12-volt electrics, dual exhaust usually seen on wire wheel cars. – Quality repaint, good interior, passenger door fit off, uneven bumpers, left headlight reflector dull, poor repop grill with odd spacing. Engine rebuilt by White Post Restorations. – This car was let down by details. Worldwide reported it sold at their Houston auction in May of last year for $63,250 and Mecum claimed a high bid of $105,000 at Monterey in August but the reported high bid here should have been enough to take this modified XK 120 FHC home.Lot # 118 1910 Simplex 50HP Toy Tonneau, Body by Holbrook; S/N 50010351; Red, Black accent / Dark Red leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $1,000,000-$1,250,000; Older restoration, 1- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $900,000 plus commission of; Final Price $900,000. RHD. Solarclipse acetylene headlights, Solar combination electric/kerosene sidelights, dual right side spares, Warner speedometer, electric starter, full weather equipment – Concours quality restored with some minor age but little use. An imposing, beautiful thing. Originally bodied as a Toy Tonneau by Holbrook, it is hard to imagine anything this large and imposing being called a Toy Tonneau. Owned by Rick Carroll, Dr. F.M. Brunemeier and Richard King. Restored in the 90’s by Stu Laidlaw and holding up well. – A 600 cubic inch 4-cylinder delivers a 150 cubic inch kick every time one of the cylinders fires, almost 2 1/2 liters. It is an epic ride and worth even the low estimate established by Bonhams although, if there was money at this bid the consignor and Bonhams should have been able to find a deal to take advantage of it.Lot # 119 1932 Marmon V-16 Victoria Coupe, Body by LeBaron; S/N 16143718; Engine # 16700; Grey, Black cloth roof / Burgundy leather; Estimate $200,000-$250,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $250,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $275,000. 500/200hp, 3-speed, body color wire wheels, Lincoln whitewalls, chrome dual horns, dual sidemounts with chrome rings and mirrors. – Strong repaint and retrimmed interior. Inconsistent gaps in the doors, cracked whitewalls, light pitting on the door handles. Represented as under the same ownership since 1969 and with only 37,547 miles. A well maintained and extremely rare car with only nine known to exist. Not a concours piece but a beautifully presented American classic nonetheless – Much more rare than a V-16 Cadillac, impeccably designed both mechanically and its LeBaron coachwork, both the seller and the new owner should be satisfied with this result.Lot # 122 1962 Jaguar Mk 2 3.8 4-Dr. Sedan; S/N P219390BW; Engine # LB8643; Olde English White/Burgundy leather; Estimate $50,000-$60,000; Cosmetic restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $56,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $61,600. No Reserve. Chrome wire wheels, woodrim steering wheel, aftermarket air conditioning, non-original tinted glass and rack-and-pinion steering, aluminum radiator, Cibie headlights, red line tires. – Excellent paint, leather, wood and chrome. Subtly upgraded for better handling, safety, reliability and comfort without affecting its handsome stock appearance. – For many years the Borg-Warner automatic was the kiss of death for Mk 2 Jaguars, but that is changing. This well-prepared car brought a healthy price that strongly hints its new owner appreciates the upgrades and will use it accordingly.Lot # 123 1933 Stutz SV-16 4-Dr. Sedan; S/N SV211538; Engine # 33249; Red, Black fenders, hood top and accent / Grey cloth; Estimate $85,000-$100,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $48,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $52,800. 322/115hp, 3-speed, chrome wire wheels, Lester whitewalls, Trippe Speedlights. – Strong chrome. Some light overspray between the red and black bits, flaws in interior wood, discolored white walls, tired undercarriage. A thoughtfully presented but imperfect Stutz that has the distinction of being one of the last cars built by the company. – The estimate range is optimistic by half for an older restored Stutz with standard Sedan coachwork. The bidders got it closer to right.Lot # 124 1990 Ferrari Testarossa Coupe; S/N ZFFSG17A1L0087096; Red/White leather; Estimate $70,000-$90,000; Unrestored original, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $81,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $89,100. No Reserve. – Good paint and interior showing almost no evidence of use appropriate to the 6,368 miles it has covered from new. – A clean, well maintained, original Testarossa that brought a premium price for its preservation and low miles. The result is a little optimistic, but not by enough to call it expensive.Lot # 126 1952 Jaguar XK 120 Fixed Head Coupe; S/N 679874; Engine # W5540-8; OE White/Tan leather; Estimate $70,000-$100,000; Older restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $56,364 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $62,000. Represented as matching numbers, disc wheels, fender skirts, period Goodyear blackwall tires, tools. – An older restoration with uneven bumpers, correct original grille but poor body fit, dent in driver’s door, crack in left rear roof. Color changed inside and out at some point. Odometer shows 43,670 believable miles. – Unsold on the block at $55,000 but later closed for $62,000 all-in. A driver quality Jag at best, best to drive it for now and at this price it can be enjoyed without undue concern for preservation.
Bonhams Scottsdale 2014 – Auction Report Page Three
Lot # 127 1932 Cadillac 452-B V-16 All Weather Phaeton, Body by Fisher; S/N 2458869; Engine # 1400092; Light Green, Grey fenders / Black leather; Tan cloth top; Estimate $225,000-$275,000; Unrestored original, 4+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $160,000 plus commission of; Final Price $160,000. 452/165hp, 3-speed, dual enclosed sidemounts with mirrors, Super Safe headlamps, dual chrome horns, luggage rack, wire wheels, whitewalls. – Cracked paint and interior wood, worn leather upholstery and cloth top. Unrestored, original, and honest car. A grand classic that wears its 82 years of age gracefully, it is not too far gone for sympathetic preservation, but could also do well with a fairly straightforward restoration. – Offered at Bonhams ‘Preserving the Automobile’ auction at the Simeone Museum in Philadelphia last October, it took another shot here. Despite being one of 13 All Weather Phaeton’s bodied by Fisher (not the same thing as similar coachwork by Fleetwood) this is a project car and the consignor should take a lesson from two failures. It’s time for it to go away.Lot # 128 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet; S/N 11102712003741; Tobacco Brown/Cognac leather; Brown cloth top; Estimate $140,000-$180,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $165,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $181,500. Column-shift automatic, Behr A/C, Sony stereo installed with original Becker Europa radio included, tinted glass. From Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson. – An original car with some scuffs to the original color repaint, even patina to interior, some cracked rubber, good chrome, well preserved wood. Sound canvas top, some windshield chips, clean underhood, 65,267 mileage is very likely correct. – A sound and usable car showing good maintenance by a celebrity couple that added significantly to the value.Lot # 130 1931 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 Gran Sport Spider, Body by Zagato; S/N 10814356; Engine # 10814356; Black/Green leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $2,400,000-$2,700,000; Recent restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $2,800,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $3,080,000. RHD. Black wire wheels, blackwall Michelin tires, Bosch headlights, radiator stoneguard, dual rear spares. – Thoroughly but not excessively restored to like new condition. Shows a little use but is still nearly like new with paint, chrome and soft trim better than left the factory. Original engine, driveline, chassis and body first owned by Baron Philippe de Gunzbourg. – Sold for $946,000 by Gooding at Pebble Beach in 2007 in aged and partially restored but complete condition. Now completed in handsome colors that accent the Zagato coachwork and just back from last year’s Mille Miglia after being shown at Pebble Beach, Amelia Island and Villa d’Este. A little over Bonhams’ high estimate, but a wonderful automobile in great colors and perfect condition for touring.Lot # 135 1947 Bentley Mk VI Coupe, Body by Figoni et Falaschi; S/N B9AJ; Engine # B65A; Black/Tan leather; Estimate $500,000-$650,000; Older restoration, 1- condition; Hammered Sold at $550,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $605,000. RHD. Wheel covers, wide whitewalls, dip beam light, skirts. – The only Figoni et Falaschi bodied postwar Bentley. Meticulously restored some time ago and a Pebble Beach Best in Class winner in 1990. Freshly repainted with rich paint, bright chrome and inviting interior. Upholstery shows a little use. Underbody is nearly pristine. – Others may (and, apparently from the price, do) disagree but I find this coachwork so unattractive and badly proportioned it might have been designed by businessman Ovidio Falaschi to generate cash flow instead by Joseph Figoni. There is no surprise that it’s the only one like it. It’s amusing that all the catalog shots are taken from a low angle to minimize the bulk of the greenhouse. This result is $50,000 for the car and $500,000 for the coachwork.Lot # 136 1966 Sunbeam Tiger Mk I Convertible; S/N B382001478LRXFE; Engine # 6322B19KC; Polar Silver/Black leather; Estimate $50,000-$70,000; Older restoration, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $50,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $55,000. No Reserve. 260/165hp, 4-speed, hardtop only, Panasport alloy wheels, Koni shocks, rear stabilizer bar, woodrim steering wheel, – Old repaint with overspray and odd ventiports in hood. Newer dull leather interior, faded badges. Fair panel fit, uneven exhausts. San Francisco car and not promising underneath. – Tigers are fantastic fun and modifications are more the norm than not. Still, this car had some odd details that hinted at heavy (and spirited) use and questionable taste with the hood vents. The hardtop is a plus, but it would be better to have it combined with the soft top in case of inclement weather while the hardtop is hanging back in the garage. Having said all that the price is reasonable, a dramatic contrast with the exalted current values of 289 Cobras.Lot # 141 1958 Jaguar XK 150S 3.4 Roadster; S/N S830856DN; Engine # VS1205-9; Green/Biscuit leather; Tan cloth top; Estimate $170,000-$200,000; Concours restoration, 1 condition; Hammered Sold at $220,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $242,000. 3442/240hp, 4-speed, overdrive, chrome wire wheels, wide whitewalls, Radiomobile radio, fog lights. – Gorgeous paint, chrome and interior. Breathtaking underhood. A fifteen year JCNA National Champion to 2012. – It takes only a glimpse under the hood and a brief walkaround to realize that this is a benchmark in restored cars, magnificently restored, superbly maintained and literally without flaw. It is commonplace to say ‘buy the best you can afford’ and this S 3.4 Roadster is that car. The new owner paid dearly for the privilege of owning it, but got bragging rights that go a long way to justifying the price it brought. By any rational standard it is expensive, but this isn’t a rational restoration: it’s the best, proven again and again for a probably unprecedented string by the most informed and meticulous judges.Lot # 142 1935 Auburn 851 Supercharged Boattail Speedster; S/N 32069E; Engine # GH 4330; Yellow/Red leather; Yellow top; Estimate $300,000-$400,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 4 condition; Hammered Sold at $425,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $467,500. 280/150hp, 3-speed, wire wheels, 852 badge, Seiberling whitewalls. – Faded, cracked and chipped paint, light pitting on wheels, scuffed bumpers. An 851 that was restored in the 1950s to look like a rarer but mechanically identical 852. Untouched since 1962 when it was put away with a cracked cylinder head. In need of plenty, but overall it is a solid example of a very desirable car. – Auburn 851/852 supercharged Speedsters have had a strong following in recent years; even rebodied examples have fared well and this highly original car is a good example. This price reflects the bidders’ opinion of its originality and there’s a good chance it will be left in this condition. Even though restoration would be simple it would add nothing to the Speedster’s appeal, distinction or value, only adding it to the many other magnificently restored Auburn Speedsters and losing the characteristics of long term ownership and preservation that distinguish it.Lot # 143 1978 Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser Utility; S/N FJ40276697; Blue/Black leatherette; Black leatherette top; Estimate $35,000-$40,000; Recent restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $65,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $71,500. No Reserve. Late production example, hard top, soft top, roll bar, center-facing rear seats, hitch but no winch. – Body-off restored by a knowledgeable enthusiast owner to stock in one of the best colors. Clean and correct engine compartment, but some orange peel in the paint where it might have been overlooked. Good attention to detail throughout, though to a standard that is a shade less than professional. – A handful of FJs have hit around $100,000, but those sales are still the exception. Nonetheless, prices continue to increase. The color of this example significantly added to the value. Sadly it will probably never see dirt again even though the restoration isn’t to the highest cosmetic standards. Bought well enough in the current fad for FJ40s; every Scottsdale auction had at least one in wildly varying levels of accuracy and attention to details.Lot # 144 1966 Lotus Cortina Mk I 2-Dr. Sedan; S/N BA74FM59831; Ermine White, Sherwood Green accent / Black; Estimate $55,000-$75,000; Competition restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $50,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $55,000. 1594/190hp, two dual choke Webers, 4-speed close ratio gearbox, reskinned, roll cage, racing seats, live rear axle, Minilite wheels, Accusump, Tilton clutch, 4.7 limited slip, fuel cell. – A late Series I Cortina, developed and improved for years. Not run for some time and needing pre-race inspection but well sorted and potentially competitive. VIN inconsistent with road registration. – Be Jimmie Clark on a budget with this Cortina, a sound value at this price.
Bonhams Scottsdale 2014 – Auction Report Page Four
Lot # 145 1935 Lincoln Model K 304-B Non-Collapsible Cabriolet, Body by Brunn & Co.; S/N K4280; Engine # K4280; Black/Black leather; Black vinyl top; Estimate $165,000-$195,000; Concours restoration, 1- condition; Hammered Sold at $155,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $170,500. 414/150hp, 3-speed, dual enclosed sidemounts with mirrors, landau bars, chrome wire wheels, Firestone wide whitewalls, luggage rack, wind up division window. – Excellent paint, interior and chrome showing only a little age since it was completed in 2012. One of only 13 ever built. A top-notch restoration that is concours-ready and has already been judged as a 100-point car multiple times including Amelia Island and Keels and Wheels best in class. – Brunn built some magnificent Lincolns, and this is an excellent example. Arrive at the opera in this and even the impresario will know it contains the cream of society. Beautifully restored without going overboard, it brought a reasonable price for a Lincoln that is a solid value compared with similar quality, elegant cars from Duesenberg and Cadillac.Lot # 148 1968 Jaguar XKE SII Roadster; S/N J691R7088; Engine # 7R1208-9; Primrose Yellow/Black leather; Estimate $80,000-$100,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $68,000 plus commission of; Final Price $68,000. 4235/265hp, 4-speed, represented as matching numbers, Euro-spec with three SU carburetors, open headlights, rocker switches, original taillights, chrome wire wheels, Pioneer stereo. – Fair paint, modern dull leather, scratches on windshield, wavy bumpers, worn knock-offs, scruffy under the hood. A compromised Series II E-type that is only marginally rescued by the triple SU carbs and 4-speed. – Just a used car and bid accordingly, the money was generous for the car’s configuration and presentation.Lot # 149 1965 Porsche 911 Coupe; S/N 302226; Engine # 902350; Irish Green/Beige leatherette; Estimate $55,000-$75,000; Unrestored original, 4- condition; Hammered Sold at $106,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $116,600. No Reserve. 1991/130hp, 2×2 Solex, 5-speed. – Rust gaps down both sides, the catalog states ‘no major rust or previous rust repairs have been found’ because they’re all too obviously going to be needed. Runs and drives, but needs everything. – At this price the new owner can’t touch this car without going further underwater, a completely silly number that conflates ‘barn find’ with ‘desirable.’ Wrong. This is a $40,000 car that will easily cost a hundred grand to be presentable and usable, and be worth no more than $200,000 even with egregious inflation factored it. Ratty barn finds were the hot item in Scottsdale this year. Everyone had them, and everyone got restored car money for them. It makes no sense. (photo: Bonhams)Lot # 152 1964 Fiat 2300S Coupe, Body by Ghia; S/N 114BS129460; Engine # 114B006; Silver/Red leather; Estimate $20,000 – $30,000; Unrestored original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $15,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $16,500. No Reserve. 2279/154hp, dual Webers, steel wheels, blackwall tires, woodrim steering wheel, passenger footrest, no radio. – Tired original example with good leather interior. Engine bay is tidy but worn. Straight body and good chrome, but rust bubbles in the steel body do not bode well for its continued preservation. – A certain conversation piece, that brought modest money for such an idiosyncratic and unusual Fiat. This is musty MGA money for a rare, coachbuilt Fiat with 154 horsepower. Kept warm and dry the typical rot of the Russian steel in Italian cars of this period will progress slowly, putting off for many happy miles the need for cosmetic and structural attention, just don’t bring it to New England.Lot # 153 1950 Jaguar XK 120 Roadster, Body by; S/N 670405; Engine #; Silver Blue/Red leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $70,000 – $100,000; Unrestored original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $66,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $72,600. Canadian car, represented as matching numbers but with a replacement cylinder head installed in period, rare period Glasspar hardtop, disc wheels, fender skirts. – Remarkably solid survivor with dull original paint, patinated interior and top with three owners from new. Said to run very well and stunningly authentic. – A Jag that is much too sound to restore, a rare survivor that brought a highly reasonable price for its condition and originality.Lot # 154 1967 Porsche 911 Coupe, Body by; S/N 306528; Engine # 909869; Light Ivory/Black leatherette; Estimate $120,000 – $160,000; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $105,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $115,500. 1991/130hp, 5-speed, dated wheels, crested hubcaps, Bosch headlights, fog lights, rear wiper, jack and tool roll, no radio, Porsche Certificate of Authenticity. – Accurate and thorough restoration of a solid early 911 believed always in California. The devil’s in the details and this car presented extremely well. – Even at less than the low estimate, the price paid here was strong. Of course, early 911s are currently some of the quickest cars in the market and this result may be an anticipatory acquisition that will surface from slightly underwater in a year.Lot # 157 2010 Ferrari 599XX Coupe; S/N ZFF69PXX000170902; Red, White / Black; Estimate $1,200,000-$1,500,000; Competition car, original as-raced, 2 condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $920,000 plus commission of; Final Price $920,000. Track spares, wheels and tires, manuals, documents. – Like new, with no apparent track time. Serviced and run ‘periodically’ while on display only from new. – Is this the sign the bloom is off the 599XX rose after some exceptional sales? Only time will tell.Lot # 158 1967 Intermeccanica Omega Coupe; S/N S1C101128; Red/Tan leather; Estimate $50,000-$70,000; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $67,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $73,700. No Reserve. 289/271hp Ford, 4-speed, Edelbrock carburetor. 4-wheel disc brakes, Shelby wheels, Jaeger gauges, tilt steering column, wood-rim steering wheel. – One of 33 steel Intermeccanica coupes assembled by Holman Moody. Recently and fully restored. Very basic, very fast, and undoubtedly noisy and hot. Beautifully finished inside and out, excellent underhood. Hard to fault. – One of the most beautiful cars to come out of the Euro-American generation of the Sixties, Frank Reisner’s Italias and Intermeccanicas exude aggression and have the performance to back up their appearance. Bought for a fraction of Facels, Ghias or Cobras but with comparable performance and looks that are hard to beat. Now for some Vintage Air, a modification that wouldn’t detract at all from the Omega’s configuration and add immensely to its usability. An astute purchase of a car that had the car guys at Bonhams salivating.Lot # 160 1929 Stutz Model M 4-Dr. Sedan Monte Carlo, Body by Weymann; S/N M854CD223; Engine # 32523; Burgundy, Black fenders / Brown cloth; Estimate $450,000-$550,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $240,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $264,000. No Reserve. 322/113hp, 4-speed, red wire wheels, Lester wide whitewall tires, dual sidemounts with mirrors, hydraulic brakes. – Some paint flaws on the trim pieces, inconsistent gaps on the fabric bits, light cracks in the interior wood. A beautiful car with an unusual body and sporting appearance with its low roofline, it has held up fairly well after a restoration that’s two decades old. – Fitted with lightweight, squeak-free, Weymann coachwork with a sinister, low roofline, this is the American equivalent of Bentley’s Continentals, a car that will wring out long distances in record times when it’s let loose. Bought for barely half of Bonhams low estimate, it represents great CCCA Full Classic ™ value, an overlooked grand routiere bought for an astute price.
Bonhams Scottsdale 2014 – Auction Report Page Five
Lot # 162 1968 Ferrari 330 GTC Coupe, Body by Pininfarina; S/N 11247; Engine # 11247; Rosso Chiaro/Tan leather; Estimate $675,000-$750,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $730,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $803,000. Chrome spoke Borrani wire wheels, Michelin XWX tires, Becker Europa II AM-FM, P/W, Ferrari Classiche certified. – Excellent paint and chrome. Underbody shows some dust from road use, but the rest of the car is beautiful with slight wear and light creasing of the upholstery. FCA Platinum in 1999, 2006, 2009 and 2013. – Not quite fresh any more but still an outstanding exemplar of one of Ferrari’s and Pininfarina’s most beautiful and satisfying automobiles, the price here represents a leveling-off of ever-expanding 330 GTC values, a good thing.Lot # 163 1926 Kissel 6-55 Gold Bug Speedster; S/N 55-13294; Red, Black fenders / Black leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $250,000-$325,000; Older restoration, 1- condition; Hammered Sold at $190,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $209,000. No Reserve. 265/61hp inline six, 3-speed, Woodlite headlights, Dietz pedestal spotlight, rumble seat, cloth covered rear spare, wind wings, hydraulic brakes. – Excellent paint, chrome, glass and interior. Underbody is aged and shows road use. An excellent, sporty tour car that will show proudly at the end of the day. – Nearly show quality and more than enough satisfaction to drive, the new owner got bragging rights for an astute price. On tour or on the show field this Gold Bug will make a positive statement.Lot # 165 1967 Chevrolet Camaro RS/SS Convertible; S/N 124677L121246; Engine # V1019MT; Bolero Red, White nose band / Red vinyl; Estimate $60,000-$80,000; Older restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $63,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $69,300. 350/295hp with California AIR, 4-speed, P/S, P/B, A/C, Rally wheels with trim rings and Radial T/A tires. – Dazzling package in red and white, superbly restored with all the right options, and ready for summer. – Bought right at a venue where American Pony Cars might be expected to be overlooked, the Bonhams bidders recognized this as an exceptional example of the first generation Camaro and stepped up to take it home.Lot # 167 1936 Mercedes-Benz 500K Sports Phaeton, Body by Sindelfingen; S/N 209421; Engine # 123724; Black/Brown leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $1,500,000-$2,000,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $1,300,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $1,430,000. 5018/100-160hp supercharged inline eight, 4-speed, outside exhaust headpipes, blackwall tires on steel spoke wheels, luggage trunk, 2-door close coupled Cabriolet A coachwork, dual sidemounts with mirrors, driver’s spotlight. – Quick old paint, worn, cracked upholstery, dull chrome. Handsome close-coupled two-door body with immense metal trunk. Discovered in Europe in 1951 by Dr. Ralph W.E. Cox, displayed at Winthrop Rockefeller’s museum at Petit Jean Mountain, Arkansas recently. A car that needs nothing, or everything, and has potential either way. – In a world fascinated with 500K and 540K Sports Roadsters this Cabriolet A body by Sindelfingen really stands out. The giant luggage trunk is a distraction from the clean lines of the Cab A body, but characteristic of the style of the time and its loss in search of more refined lines would detract from the period appearance. The new owner got a singular, different M-B in remarkably original and unmolested condition at a highly reasonable price that encourages its mechanical freshening and spirited driving. This is a real prize.Lot # 173 1951 Ferrari 212 Export Coupe, Body by Touring; S/N 0088E; Engine # 0088E; Dark Red/Beige; Estimate $3,000,000-$4,000,000; Competition restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $2,900,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $3,190,000. RHD. Chrome spoke Borrani wire wheels, Blockley blackwall tires, Jaeger dash-mounted chronometer. – First owned by Augusto Caraceni, scion of the first family of Italian men’s tailors, described as ‘The Tailor’s Car’. Five Italian owners well documented before coming to the US in the early 60’s, owned since 1969 by the consignor. Freshly restored by marque experts including Charles Betz and Fred Peters, with excellent paint, chrome, interior and engine. Better than new. – A part of the foundation of the Ferrari legend, raced when new and impressively restored without ruining its history or appeal. Its early Italian racing history assures it of serious consideration for the most desirable historic events, it may not keep up with a TdF or 250 GT SWB but it will make serious pace and is a choice classic Ferrari, bought appropriately, and maybe even a little economically. A sound value.Lot # 176 1967 Ferrari 330 GTC Coupe; S/N 09983; Engine # 09983; Verde Chiaro/Black leather; Estimate $550,000-$700,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $600,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $660,000. Centerlock Campagnolo alloy wheels, Michelin X blackwalls, P/W, Sony cassette stereo, Ferrari Classiche certified. – Good paint and chrome but worn old upholstery with seams pulled on driver’s cushion. Underbody has old undercoat and a fenderwell-fender tab is rusted away. A pretty, but shaky, driver cosmetically restored in Italy in 2010. – Generously price for its condition and the erratic cosmetic restoration. The buyer got a modestly priced 330 GTC, but not a good 330 GTC for the money. This car has no good surprises.Lot # 179 1963 Ford Galaxie 500 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 3N66R144637; Corinthian White/Red vinyl; Estimate $140,000-$180,000; Unrestored original, 2- condition; Post-block sale at $110,909 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $122,000. 427/425hp, 4-speed, Falcon bucket seats, no radio, heater or console, hubcaps, blackwall tires, correct but not original engine and lightweight T-10 transmission, fiberglass hood and fenders, aluminum bumpers, Kelsey-Hayes Interceptor steel wheels. 1963 1/2 half model year. – Good but dull old repaint and chrome. Underbody is orderly and original. A surprisingly good car. – Bid to $110,000 on the block and closed post block with this result, a good value in a rare and highly original car, even with the replacement engine and transmission.Lot # 180 1937 Cord 812 Phaeton; S/N 1821H; Engine # FB2457; Cigarette Cream/Black; Black cloth top; Estimate $65,000-$85,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $77,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $84,700. 289/125hp, 4-speed, Gillette Super-Ribbed tires. – Solid interior. Several paint flaws and small dings in the body, dinged up chrome, poor gaps, tired frame and undercarriage. Quite noticeable overspray has somehow made it onto the tires as well as some outer bits of the interior. While displayed in a museum, it was maintained but unused. Looks fine from far away but reveals plenty of flaws up close and is likely in need of mechanical sorting. – A neglected and superficially cosmetically fluffed up Cord, this is more money than automobile. It needs attention pretty much everywhere and will challenge its new owner to keep it from being submerged in deferred maintenance costs. It would not have been a good value at the low estimate.Lot # 183 1979 Volkswagen Super Beetle Convertible; S/N 1592032334; Engine # AJ141332; White/White; White top; Estimate $16,000-$20,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $46,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $50,600. No Reserve. Last year production of VW Beetle convertible, full carpets, woodgrain dashboard, drum brakes, VW hubcaps, removable radio faceplate. – Very well cared for and appears to have had superior repaint. Light wear to interior, cracked dash, clean and correct engine compartment, excellent chrome. Believed one of about 2000 in this color combination. Offered by Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson. – Celebrity ownership by Rita Wilson – wife of Tom Hanks – was perhaps the final touch for this car to sell for more than double its estimate. This is crazy money for an ordinary, and not very good, Beetle convertible. It won’t get the new owner a walk-on role in Hanks’ next movie, and that’s the only thing that could justify this much money, easily double its non-celebrity value.
Bonhams Scottsdale 2014 – Auction Report Page Six
Lot # 185 1954 Bentley R-Type Continental Coupe, Body by Franay; S/N BC51LC; Engine # BCC50; Black/Biscuit leather; Estimate $1,500,000-$1,750,000; Older restoration, 1- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $1,200,000 plus commission of; Final Price $1,200,000. One of five Bentley Continental R models bodied by Franay, but the only LHD fastback, central 4-speed gearshift, burl walnut interior trim, S1 cylinder head and larger carbs. Tools and jack. – With $85,000 recently spent on freshening this grand routier, the overall condition was spectacular inside and out. Paint, chrome and panel fit are flawless; upholstery and marquetry dashboard were stunningly elegant; spotless engine compartment. Once owned by golf legend Gene Littler, later by the Blackhawk Collection. – Offered $1.2M against an estimate of $1.5-$1.75M, the owner demurred. Good call, as it would likely do much better in Paris even though the Franay coachwork doesn’t seem to offer any distinction, other than some sill trim chrome, from Mulliner’s Continental Fastback. The gap between the bidders and the consignor’s expectation is material. Maybe it will do better in Paris at Retromobile.Lot # 186 1960 Fiat-Abarth Sestriere Coupe, Body by Zagato; S/N 757464; Engine # 100000812848; Silver/Black; Estimate $60,000-$80,000; Unrestored original, 4 condition; Hammered Sold at $49,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $53,900. California barn find, Zagato-bodied Fiat-Abarth Sestriere, complete and believed to have 750cc engine. Said to have run in 2010, but not now. Steel wheels. – Longtime California car that needs everything, including, possibly, a correct engine. On the other hand, go find another. Surface rust on bumpers and rust bubbles at door sills hint at the work that lurks ahead. Donald (‘Mr. Little Italian Car’, successor to Raymond Milo) Osborne went nuts over this Zagato’s details. ‘It’s all here,’ he gushed, ‘even the interior door trim and hardware.’ It’s also rusting into a puddle. – Considering that Gooding sold a similar, but rather more sexy, “double-bubble” 750cc Zagato for $134,750 in nice shape, the buyer has plenty of room to do the job properly. Bought below low estimate, the new owner has room to do it right, that is, if anyone other than Donald Osborne knows why. For those, however, who grew up gaping at Roosevelt Motors’ array of fast little Fiat-Abarth Zagatos in the Fifties this is deja vu, and deja vu is impulsive. Call it a sound value.Lot # 187 1957 Porsche 356A 1600 Super Speedster, Body by Reutter; S/N 84142; Engine # 4095142; Silver/Burgundy leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $230,000-$260,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $230,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $253,000. 912 engine, 1582/90hp reportedly original engine is included, chrome wheels, turn signals, Michelin XZX blackwall tires. – Paint #702. Cosmetically redone with very good fresh paint over a uniformly filled body. Fresh leather upholstery and interior trim, very good chrome. Underbody is old, if not original, and dirty. Engine is aged and oily. Not an attractive Porsche. – The bidders didn’t look closely at this Speedster and paid generously for a superficially presented car with all manner of questions. It would have been a reasonable buy at a lot less than the price paid or the low estimate, but the new owner got a skim coat of Bondo in the bargain, a drywall contractor’s car.Lot # 191 1988 Ferrari 328 GTB Coupe, Body by Pininfarina; S/N ZFFXA19A9J0078714; Engine # 14889; Red/Tan leather; Estimate $65,000-$75,000; Unrestored original, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $75,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $82,500. A/C, P/W, cassette stereo, Bridgestone tires. – Good original paint and interior appropriate to the 7,133 miles on the odometer and claimed to be from new – Sold at Russo and Steele in Scottsdale in 2011 for $31,350, Originality aside, there is little to support more than doubling the price in the intervening three years.Lot # 192 1930 Cadillac 452 V-16 All Weather Phaeton, Body by Fleetwood; S/N; Engine # 702723; Dark Blue, Light Blue fenders / Grey cloth; Tan top; Estimate $275,000-$325,000; Older restoration, 3 condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $220,000 plus commission of; Final Price $220,000. 452/165hp, 3-speed, dual sidemounts, Tiltray headlamps, mesh radiator stone guard, matching luggage trunk, wire wheels, whitewalls. – Good paint with a few small cracks, a couple of light dings in the body and light overspray in a few spots. Wheels are showing age. Very good interior. Tired chrome on window trim. An older restoration by a marque expert. A very desirable car that is finished in a superb color combination and wearing only a few noticeable flaws but is no longer show quality. – It would, however, make a great tour car and the consignor’s decision to hold on to it for a bit more money is entirely understandable. In many ways this V-16 is the pinnacle of classic era design and performance and even at the low estimate would be good value for a new owner’s money.Lot # 193 1963 Jaguar Mk 2 3.8 4-Dr. Sedan; S/N P219796BW; Engine # LB9192-9; Opalescent Dark Green/White; Estimate $65,000-$75,000; Recent restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $40,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $44,000. No Reserve. Disc wheels, original Blaupunkt AM/FM radio, leather upholstery, stainless steel exhaust, aluminum radiator, Jaguar-Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate. – Two owners from new, documented full restoration by Classic Showcase. Handsome color. Hard to fault inside and out but hurt by disc wheels and automatic transmission, from an enthusiast’s standpoint. – Compared favorably with similar lot 122, which was also an automatic, but had air conditioning. What’s that worth? In this market about $17,000 apparently. Let’s hope it’s going north, where it can be driven in the summer.Lot # 194 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing; S/N 1980405500594; Engine # 1989805500621; Silver-Grey/Dark Blue leather; Estimate $1,100,000-$1,400,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $980,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $1,078,000. Matching numbers, steel wheels, leather upholstery, Talbot mirror, full provenance, tools. No luggage. – Presented in reverse of its original colors, with silver paint and blue seats, but beautifully clean and correct. Clear evidence of careful husbandry, a consistently maintained and refurbished as needed Gullwing that has never had, or needed, a full restoration while being ministered to by recognized experts. – A Gullwing for under a million? A miracle, but one thoroughly deserved by this consistently maintained by never fully restored example. It’s a good car, and in many ways a better Gullwing than fastidiously over-restored examples costing 20-40% more, not to mention derelict hulks that seem to incite bidders into frenzies of exaggerated visions of restorations. It’s a curious phenomenon, but in the present market this Gullwing is appropriately priced.Lot # 197 1970 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Convertible, Body by Karmann; S/N 1402956336; Engine # H5474075; Blue/Dark Blue; Black top; Estimate $25,000-$35,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $30,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $33,000. No Reserve. Chrome wheels, blackwall radial tires, Sapphire pushbutton AM radio, bumper overriders. – Restoration completed in 2007. It’s hard to see past the spectacular colors to notice some pitted chrome and faded turn signals, but perhaps that’s OK. Very clean and correct with light wear to the interior and a clean, nearly like new, engine. – Sold at Gooding’s Amelia Island auction two years ago in 2012 for $25,300 in essentially the same condition with 360 fewer miles showing on the odometer, this result is a little over mid-market, but the turquoise color attracts attention.Lot # 199 1961 Porsche 356B 1600 Super Coupe; S/N 113267; Engine # P87483; Heron Grey/Blue leatherette; Estimate $100,000-$120,000; Recent restoration, 2- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $85,000 plus commission of; Final Price $85,000. 1582/75hp, power sunroof, Blaupunkt Koln multi-band radio, chrome wheels, luggage rack, Michelin XZX blackwall tires, Weber carbs, seatback head restraints, underbumper fog lights. – Paint 6007. Excellent paint over a very magnetic body. Good chrome and excellent new leather interior. Sharp, crisp gauges. Engine is like new and represented as matching numbers. Underbody has a little road dust residue in hard to clean places. – Reported sold at Worldwide’s Auburn auction last August for $91,300, it’s not hard to see why the consignor decided to hold on for a more attractive offer, although $93,500 with commission in this case should be all the money for this car. Maybe it’s time to take the money and run.
I always appreciate and enjoy your detailed auction reports, including your candid descriptions, appraisals and assessments. I’d love it if more of your auction reports could be up to this level of thoroughness — not just a quick overall summary with a link to the auction house website.
Doubleclutch,
Thanks for noticing. There are two kinds of auction reports on SCD, the early-responders that are developed from the auction companies’ post-sale releases and the on-line summary of results, and the later, more comprehensive reports that describe the cars we actually look at in greater detail.
The detailed auction reports take a while to produce, especially as at some sales (e.g., Scottsdale) we have several people wandering around writing up cars and taking their photos. They have to edit their own work, then I meld their work product into the final report, with more editing to bring the descriptions and opinions into the SCD form and substance.
I’ll be working on Scottsdale auction reports for the next two weeks … and Mecum Kissimmee, and Retromobile, too. I hope that the loss of timeliness is offset by the reports’ quality and thoroughness.
Keep watching.
I agree with Doubleclutch great work Rick ! , One question , Lot 153 the 1950 XK 120 Jaguar the discription states ” Matching numbers ” but with a replacement cylinder head , surely the head would have a different number stamped than the engine block , so it would be non matching ?
Oops, my mistake.
In integrating and editing the work of another auction observer I missed three consecutive cars, Lots 152, 153 and 154.
I’ve sent updated entries to SCD to replace the originals.
Thanks for bringing this to my attention. It’s gratifying actually to be read, even if it only helps catch a mistake, oversight or contest an opinion or conclusion.
I’ll be wandering around Paris next week at Retromobile, RM, Bonhams and Artcurial, so if you see the old guy with the beard, vest and slate computer taking notes and photos, please take a moment to say hello.
Rick
We’ve updated the reports on Lots 152, 153 and 154.
I have to agree with the other commenters — what a joy it is to read Rick Carey’s witty and honest bons mots on the auction circus. Is the “flight from cash” blowing another bubble? Who knows (or in my current circumstances cares)? It’s simply fun to watch, and there’s no need to shill for the sellers or the House when there are so many buyers jetting in to bid. It takes me back to the early days of a monthly I no longer buy, when calling out the “Fright Pigs” gave the reader as much pleasure as celebrating the one or two cars which might have been “well bought.”
By the way, it’s “Jimmy” Clark. “Jimmie” only turns left…