The Bonhams Simeone Museum 2016 auction was held Monday, October 3rd at the Simeone Automotive Museum in Philadelphia, resulting in total sales of $1,781,125 and a 96 percent sell-through rate.
With a selection of cars representing nearly every era and style of motoring from the 20th century, it was an antique ‘barn find’ condition pioneer that was the star of the fifth annual ‘Preserving the Automobile’ sale at the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum.
The rare 1901 Locomobile Style 5 “Locosurrey” sold for double its estimate against bidding in the audience, online and on the telephones. Achieving $121,000, the steam-powered motorcoach is the most original of its kind known to exist. Another model from the old Connecticut-based marque, a 1907 Locomobile Model E “project car,” proved popular with collectors and was bid to far above its estimate when it sold to a South American enthusiast for $67,100.
Auction director Eric Minoff of Bonhams Motoring Department said, “The results achieved by the unrestored cars reflect the continued and growing interest and importance collectors are placing on the most original automobiles. Instead of a trend, it’s confirmation of what matters most in historic motoring – documented provenance and authenticity, two attributes that can never be contrived or replicated.”
Another pre-war American car that brought respectable results was the 1926 Packard Eight 243 7-Passenger Touring. Having spent most of its life in Spain where it was well stewarded, the convertible made $93,500 when it was purchased by a US collector.
From the Richard Hopeman Collection, which was 100% sold, it was the two Lincolns that brought the most attention. The 1931 Lincoln Model K Convertible Coupe by LeBaron and the 1930 Lincoln Model L 7-Passenger Touring brought $79,200 and $72,600, respectively.
Worth mentioning is that all the lots from the Los Angeles Natural History Museum and the Museum of Science & Industry of Chicago were completely sold, with the aero engines from the latter collection garnering the most interest from buyers.
Other highlights included sporting cars that sold well above or at their high estimates, such as the 1950 Jaguar XK120 Competition Roadster with Australia race history, and the 1963 Volvo P1800S Sports Coupe, both of which were the subject of bidding battles.
The 1936 Rolls-Royce Phantom III 40/50 Sunroof Landaulet also sold well above estimate, whereas the 1932 Willys 6-90 Silver Streak Rumble Seat Roadster — sold to benefit the Heritage Museums & Gardens — made double its estimate.
For a complete list of results from the Bonhams Simeone 2016 auction, visit Bonhams.com/Simeone. To learn more about Bonhams’ upcoming Las Vegas Motorcycle Auction and Scottsdale Collector Car Auction, both in January, go to Bonhams.com/Motoring.
[Source: Bonhams]
