Gooding & Company Amelia Island Auction 2011 – Report
Report and photos (unless noted) by Rick Carey, Auction Editor
Gooding & Company staged its Amelia Island Auction event on Friday, March 12, 2011. Last year Gooding debuted on Amelia Island at the Amelia Island Plantation, a site which Bonhams (then known as Brooks Auctioneers) tried in 2000 with little success.
RM Auctions, which had set up shop at the Ritz Carlton site of the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance thirteen years ago in 1999, repulsed Bonhams’ assault. RM enjoyed unchallenged sway over the North Florida market since.
Gooding’s appearance changed the Amelia Island dynamic, selling 58 of 71 lots offered (81.7%) with a total sale of $16,144,500 in 2010. Three lots, led by the wonderfully idiosyncratic Voisin C20 V-12 Mylord Demi Berline at $2,750,000, brought hammer bids of $1 million or more including the Porsche RS61 (s/n 718070) sold to Sir Stirling Moss for $1,550,000 hammer, $1,705,000 with commission.
The challenge escalated this year with Gooding bringing 85 lots (I’d say “cars” but there was a motorcycle in there) and selling 70 of them for a sell-through of 82.4% and a total of $17,879,550, up 0.7 points in sale rate and $1,735,050, 10.7%, from last year’s total. Four cars sold on hammer bids of $1 million or more, topped by the gorgeous Ferrari 212 Export Vignale Cabriolet (s/n 0106E) at $1,700,000 hammer, $1,870,000 with commission. It was closely followed by the fastidiously restored Lamborghini Miura SV prototype (s/n 4758) at an astounding price of $1,550,000, $1,705,000 with commission. The Miura had sold at Quail Lodge in 2000 in good but only cosmetically redone driver condition for $96,000!
As successful as it was, however, the process was labored, with the bidding dragging on through the afternoon and well into the evening. The sale rate through the first two hours was barely 15 cars an hour. Charlie Ross employed all his considerable skills on the block to chide, encourage and cajole the bidders, frequently achieving success at the cost of a protracted process. Distracted conversations spread through the marquee to fill the vacuum of progress on the block.
In the end Gooding achieved a sound success with successful bids exceeding low estimates on the sold lots by 3.4% (in Gooding’s Scottsdale sale the total successful bids were 1.2% below the low estimates; at Pebble Beach they were 0.3% below the low estimates.) Five transactions (7.25%) were concluded above the high estimate, also better than Arizona (6.6%) but not as good as Pebble Beach (8.9%).
Jonathan Sierakowski contributed many of the observations in this auction report, and even more of the photos. Gooding and Company Amelia Island Auction 2011 – Report Lot #2 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible; S/N VC55F224216; Black Onyx, Silver/Red, Beige vinyl; Estimate $50,000 - $70,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $47,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $51,700 – 265/162hp, Powerglide, whitewall tires, red steel wheels, wheel covers. AM radio, dash clock. Excellent frame-off restoration. Oxide Red underside. Panels straight and well aligned except for the trunk. Excellent chrome and interior upholstery. No Reserve. Not a fresh restoration but still a very nice '55 Bel Air. May have had some cosmetic freshening since being acquired by the vendor in 2006. The price should satisfy both the buyer and seller in today’s market even though it brought $59,400 at the Rupp auction in Ft. Lauderdale in 2006. Lot #6 1972 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Coupe; S/N 15729; Engine # B1996; Red/Saddle leather; Estimate $320,000 - $360,000; Older restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $295,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $324,500 – Chrome spoke Borranis, 215/70VR15 Michelin XWX blackwalls, Becker Mexico cassette, A/C, painted nose panel, popup lights. Little used, with 9,307 miles from new and once owned by Wall Street inside trader Ivan Boesky. Seats are lightly stretched, driver's door fit and outside latch handle are out of adjustment and underhood presentation is a little aged but otherwise impossible to fault. Paint and interior redone recently but otherwise an FCA Platinum judged unrestored car. The noted issues with door fit and latch operation may be auction-related handling problems. A very attractive Daytona with a reassuring history of successive thoughtful, informed owners, a good value at this price. Lot # 13 1956 Porsche 356A Speedster, Body by Reutter; S/N 82298; Engine # 61765; Ivory/Red leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $200,000 - $230,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Post-block sale at $163,636 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $180,000 – Body color steel wheels, blackwall tires, coupe seats, headlight stoneguards, bumper overriders, tool roll, Porsche Certificate of Authenticity. Way better than new. Nearly impossibly tight body gaps. Restored in 2005 and reportedly driven subsequently, this Porsche shows absolutely no evidence of having been used. A phenomenal example of the Porsche restorer's art and obsessive care and attention to detail since, the transaction is a good value for the new owner who will be rightfully proud both of the car and of the price paid for it in today's hot Speedster market. Lot # 14 1959 Ford Galaxie 500 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N B9RS194896; Colonial White/Light Green vinyl, Black cloth; Estimate $35,000 - $50,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $20,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $22,000 – 332/255hp, automatic, wheel covers, whitewalls, chrome skirts and fender shields, rear antenna, Town & Country radio, dual outside mirrors, CB radio. 55,446 miles from new. Poor bodywork with visible filled areas, dull paint, dull chrome, pitted trim. Handsomely detailed, but not the car it could be. No Reserve. There's really nothing special about this Galaxie 500 except its survival and low miles. Both of those are adequately reflected in the price it brought. Lot # 16 1905 Queen Model E Light Touring; S/N 1385; Light Green, Green accent, Yellow-Green chassis/Black leather; Black leatherette top; Estimate $125,000 - $150,000; Older restoration, 1- condition; Hammered Sold at $95,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $104,500 – RHD. Acetylene headlights and Rushmore dashboard mounted searchlight, kerosene cowl lights, E&J acetylene generator, full elliptical leaf spring suspension, single chain drive, whitewall tires, 196 cubic inch opposed twin, 2-speed planetary transmission. An older restoration to show quality condition that has been cosmetically freshened and is quite handsome. No Reserve. Offered at Auburn Fall in 2009 where it was bid to $110,000 and unsold. The Gooding catalog speculates that this 1905 model Queen may have been built in 1904, offering it a shot at London-Brighton if a 1904 dating could be confirmed. In any event it is a handsome and well restored car in attractive colors that is well worth the price it brought here. Lot # 21 1974 De Tomaso Pantera ; S/N THPNNC06321; Orange/Black vinyl; Estimate $90,000 - $120,000; Unrestored original, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $72,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $79,200 – No radio. Excellent original paint, chrome and interior. 1,025 miles, two owners from new and in showroom condition. No Reserve. Despite the overly optimistic estimate this is a premium price for this Pantera's low miles, known history and exceptional presentation. Lot # 22 1957 Mercedes-Benz 220S Cabriolet; S/N 180030Z7512620; Engine # 180924Z7500870; Light Ivory, Tartan Red/Burgundy leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $130,000 - $160,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $130,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $143,000 – Wheel covers, whitewalls, Becker Mexico radio, 4-speed. Good repaint, bright chrome, good older interior, superb interior wood with elaborate grain. Underbody slathered with sound deadener. Restored in 1996 and was like new underhood but is now aged. Straight body, even gaps. Exceptionally well maintained and done to high standards that have stood up will with the passing 15 years, the bidders gave it an expensive vote of confidence. It will be a satisfying car to drive, but less satisfying to show and the new owner will be reluctant to talk about the price paid. Lot # 23 1964 Ferrari 250 GT/L Lusso Berlinetta; S/N 5529GT; Engine # 5529GT; Red/Black leather; Estimate $600,000 - $750,000; Older restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $575,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $632,500 – Chrome spoke Borrani wire wheels, 205/70VR15 blackwall Pirelli P5 tires. Excellent paint, chrome and interior. Chassis restoration is older and shows use. Engine and underhood is sharp and clean with a little staining down in the depths. Flat body surfaces, even gaps. Engine Internal #2050/62E. Restored in 1989, this Lusso has seen little use and exceptional care that have kept it in nearly freshly restored, pristine, condition. The price it brought reflects its history and condition. Lot # 24 1955 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible; S/N 556217851; Teal Blue/Butter leather; Estimate $100,000 - $125,000; Recent restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $67,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $73,700 – Overspray inside rear wheelwells. good upholstery and paint. Flawed chrome including pits under window sill molding rechrome. A redone old 1994 AACA National First Prize winning restoration, and not very good at that. Its history of recent museum display suggests it may have been gussied up for a less demanding audience. No Reserve. The bidders weren't fooled by the pretty paint and (mostly) glitzy chrome and bid this Eldo to an appropriate price. It will be a wonderful driver, but its show days are over and it will be hugely expensive to bring it back to show car condition. Lot # 25 1961 Aston Martin DB4 Series IV Coupe; S/N DB4/827/L; Engine # 370/863; Caribbean Pearl/Blue leather; Estimate $425,000 - $475,000; Unrestored original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $400,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $440,000 – Silver painted wire wheels, bullet mirrors. One family owned from new, 39,264 miles. Untouched original barn find in very sound but dirty condition. Good body. Upholstery can and should be saved. Engine, driveline, suspension and brakes need everything. In this case, the end justifies the means. When this car is resuscitated and running it will be admired by every British car fan and worshipped by Aston Martin collectors. It started that process today, attracting a price that is at least 50% more than a drivable DB4 Series IV would bring, a huge premium for its preservation and originality. Lot # 26 1991 Ferrari 348tb ; S/N ZFFRG35A2M0088479; Engine # F119G04025522; Black/Red leather; Estimate $90,000 - $120,000; Unrestored original, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $72,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $79,200 – 285 miles and all original, hardly used at all. Assembly #05299. No Reserve. This Ferrari has seen more miles in transporters than under its own power. It was first sold by RM at the New York Auto Salon sale in 2002 for $72,600 with 127 miles. At Gooding's Pebble Beach auction in 2008 it brought $82,500 with 170 miles. It sold again last August at Pebble Beach for $71,500. A relic destined to pass from hand to hand while getting more and more shopworn. Lot # 28 1955 MG TF 1500 Roadster; S/N 8122; Engine # 1981; Primrose/Dark Red leather; Estimate $35,000 - $45,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $22,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $24,200 – 5-speed gearbox, silver painted wire wheels, blackwall tires, Moto-Lita steering wheel with lace-on leather cover, left fender mirror, vinyl covered spare, Kenwood cassette stereo under dash. Fair old repaint, usable upholstery and presentable chrome. Dirty engine and chassis. A used driver. Original gearbox included. No Reserve. A fun driver, but not particularly appealing, this TF 1500 brought an appropriate price despite the inflated estimate range. Lot # 29 1951 Ferrari 212 Export Cabriolet, Body by Vignale; S/N 0106E; Engine # 0106E; Black/Dark Green leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $800,000 - $1,100,000; Cosmetic restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $1,700,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $1,870,000 – RHD. Chrome spoke Borranis, blackwall 185R15 radials. Owned from 1960 until 2002 by David Clarke, later owner of Graypaul Motors in the U.K. Excellent fresh paint, chrome, interior and glass by Stone Barn. Engine rebuilt by Chris Leydon in 2006. The rest of the car has been spiffed up to high standards but not nut-and-bolt restored but is in show-quality condition aside from that. Sold by Bonhams at Goodwood in 2002 from David Clarke's estate for $464,555 (GBP 298,500 at the time) prior to its recent US cosmetic restoration. The price here blew the roof off Gooding's usually optimistic estimate and set a new standard for a single carb Vignale cab. This is a wonderful Ferrari with beautiful coachwork and a charming provenance, but it also is huge money. Lot # 30 1914 Peugeot 145 Sport Torpedo Tourer; S/N 20644; Engine # KC20644; Eggplant, Bordeaux frame/Caramel leather; Beige cloth top; Older restoration, 2- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $140,000 – RHD. RHD. 4,536cc L-head 4-cylinder, single sidemount, rear view mirrors, running board mounted horn, cowl lights, wicker trunk and umbrella case. Upgraded with electric starter and better lighting for road use. Toured years ago by Dr. and Mrs. William Lannick including 1968 6,700 Transcontinental Tour. Restored by Alan Taylor and won Louis Vuitton (Hurlingham) class 2nd place. Modified for touring with electric lighting, turn signals and stop lights. Beautifully restored and preserved, body is probably original. Possibly the only surviving Peugeot 145S. An elegant old restoration, used and preserved but no longer show quality. Sold at Bonhams Quail Lodge sale in 2008 for $172,000 and at Branson Spring in 2009 for $243,000. This is a remarkably attractive old car in striking but attractive colors set off with more brass than a classic motorboat. It is better than the reported high bid and if it could be had for anything close to this bid would be a terrific value and a wonderful tour car. Lot # 31 1967 Jaguar XKE SI 4.2 Fixed Head Coupe; S/N 1E33739; Engine # 7E10893-9; Black/Cognac leather; Estimate $60,000 - $80,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $52,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $57,200 – Chrome wire wheels, Vredestein blackwalls, removable stereo. Good older repaint, chrome and original surface cracked upholstery. Four owners from new, preserved and documented. Orderly but used and aged underhood. Well preserved, highly original but not special. No Reserve. When the E-type first appeared it was the design of the coupe, not of the roadster, that riveted the attention of the automobile world with its dramatic, feline lines. That preference has shifted over subsequent years but the fixed head coupe remains a marvelous shape to contemplate, and the Series I 4.2 liter, with its bigger engine, synchromesh transmission and covered headlights, is the best of the best. That, and a long succession of sympathetic owners, makes this a strong but not unreasonable result when balanced against the car's aged but well-maintained condition. Lot # 32 1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Speciale, Body by Bertone; S/N AR1012000388; Engine # AR0012001548; Dark Blue/Grey leather, Red piping; Estimate $100,000 - $130,000; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $140,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $154,000 – 5-speed, chrome wheel covers, Nardi woodrim steering wheel. Excellent paint, chrome and interior. Restored like new with tool kit and owner's manual. If this isn't the best Sprint Speciale in the world anything better has to be spectacular. A stunning little car that was admired by everyone at the auction. It was admired by the bidders, too, who spoke with their paddles and wallets. The price is to all intents and purposes double the highest Sprint Speciale value ever seen at auction, an endorsement of this car's superb restoration and presentation. There is an increasing appreciation of the design quality of the Sprint Speciales, and that, too, is reflected in this transaction. None of which does much to ameliorate its impact on the market: it is to all intents and purposes double the value of any similar car at auction. Lot # 34 1971 Lamborghini Miura P400 SV Prototype Berlinetta, Body by Bertone; S/N 4758; Yellow, Silver sills/Black leather; Recent restoration, 1 condition; Hammered Sold at $1,550,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $1,705,000 – Silver alloy wheels, P/W. Believed to be the 1971 Geneva Motor Show display car. Restored in 2008 by Motion Products and Jeff Stephan and displayed at Pebble Beach after being driven on the Tour and award third in class bested only by the Miura Roadster and the 350GT prototype. Later tuned and developed for the road by Motion Products. Includes a restoration file, correspondence, factory guaranty certificate, copy of the production list identifying it as the ‘Prot.SV’, owner's manual, complete tool and jack kit and more. Pristine, meticulously and accurately restored to better than new condition. Brooks sold this car at Quail Lodge in 2000 in good driver condition for $96,000. A lot of water has passed over the dam since then, including the glorious, meticulous restoration that is unblemished and pristine today. The price is astounding, but it is one of one and an irreplaceable opportunity for a Miura enthusiast, of which there are more and more every day. The price is easily 50% more than a comparably restored ‘standard’ SV would bring, the price of singularity. Lot # 36 1949 Jaguar XK120 Alloy Roadster; S/N 670005; Engine # W1011-8; Blue Sheen/Dark Blue, Light Blue leather; Blue cloth top; Estimate $375,000 - $550,000; Concours restoration, 1 condition; Hammered Sold at $350,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $385,000 – Dark Blue cloth top, steel wheels, blackwall Dunlop Road Speed RS5 tires, skirts. The first XK 120 imported into the U.S., shown by Max Hoffman at Watkins Glen in 1949. Excellent restoration with better cosmetics than new. Shiny painted chassis. A multiple award winner including JCNA concours awards and setting the standing record in the JCNA Class B Slalom. Not bad for a 60-year old. This really isn't much, if any, premium for this car's unique history. Lot # 38 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N VC57A187179; Engine # 3731398; Gypsy Red/Red vinyl, Black cloth; Estimate $45,000 - $55,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $41,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $45,100 – 283/220hp, automatic, P/S, cassette stereo, spinner wheel covers, skirts, whitewalls, dual rear antennas, continental kit. Good paint, interior and chrome. A used but still usable older restoration. No Reserve. This Bel Air has a good feel to it and while it is nothing special it is attractively presented and is well maintained. The price is appropriate to its condition and equipment. Lot # 39 1916 Pierce-Arrow 38 C-4 Five-Passenger Touring; S/N 36793; Engine # 2402; Red, Black fenders/Tan leather; Black cloth top, Red piping; Estimate $175,000 - $225,000; Competition restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $165,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $181,500 – RHD. Red wheels with blackwall tires and dual driver's side-mounted spares. Westinghouse air spring shackles, 8-day clock. Straight body work with excellent paint. Some chips in the wheels and wear around door and bonnet edges. Nickel plating has plenty of polish marks. Restored in the mid to late 80's to show standards but not today's Pebble Beach standards. The Pierce-Arrow sixes are coveted tourers. This car has known history, a correct, quality older restoration and is a lot of car for the money. Lot # 40 1959 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Veloce Spider; S/N AR1495F07600; Engine # AR131532968; Black/Red leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $85,000 - $115,000; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $90,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $99,000 – 5-speed, steel wheels, blackwall tires. Good paint, chrome and interior. Chassis undercoated over skimpy preparation. Orderly engine compartment. A soundly and accurately restored car that is done, without being overdone. 2010 Alfa Romeo Owners Club gold certificate winner. Comes with its original DCO3 carburetors, owner's manual, tool roll and jack. No Reserve. The prices these cars are bringing is close to amazing. The cars are amazing, too, but their value growth in the past few years has been rapid. This is top money, even for a meticulously and accurately restored Veloce Spider.
Lot # 41 1953 Siata 208CS Berlinetta, Body by Balbo; S/N CS073; Engine # 000026; Silver/Black cloth; Estimate $650,000 - $850,000; Competition restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $550,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $605,000 – Silver, painted wire wheels, Michelin X blackwall tires, rollbar. One of 23 built and nine with Balbo coachwork. Restored by David Tourlotte with appropriate but not original engine, gearbox and rear axle, completed in 2009 but unused since then. Excellent paint, chrome and interior. Flush door and hood fit, even gaps. Restored like new, fresh and untouched. This result is a severe discount from the price a 208CS with its original drivetrain would bring, a largely unnecessary hedge by the bidders considering the rarity of any of these remarkable automobiles. It is a very good value at this price. Lot # 42 1958 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible; S/N J58S100494; Engine # FT023CQ; Snowcrest White, Silver coves/Black; White top; Estimate $75,000 - $90,000; Older restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $61,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $67,100 – 283/230hp, 3-speed, whitewall tires with full hubcaps, seat belts, factory AM radio, factory hardtop. Concours quality chrome, excellent paint but panel fit is variable. Correct factory stamps in engine bay and underside. Interior very lightly worn. Correct but starting to show its age. No Reserve. The estimate was high but the money paid was market correct for this attractively presented but unexceptional Corvette. Lot # 47 1946 Lincoln Continental Cabriolet; S/N H147325; Engine # 810237; Monsoon Maroon/Tan leather, Tan cloth top; Estimate $70,000 - $90,000; Concours restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $51,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $56,100 – Body color wheels with Lincoln script caps and beauty rings wearing wide whitewalls. Clock and AM radio. Restored circa 2000 and an LCOC winner in 2001 and 2004. Deep mirror chrome, excellent body work, paint, and top fit. Interior very lightly worn on driver's side. Fastidiously maintained and lightly driven as evidenced by light road wear. No Reserve. The quality of this restoration is evident in the way it has survived still nearly in concours condition. It is not, however, fresh and the bidders were conservative, taking it home with plenty of headroom for any unanticipated contingencies that might develop. A sound value, and the seller should not be disappointed. Lot # 49 1958 Aston Martin DB Mark III Coupe, Body by Tickford; S/N AM300/3/1727; Engine # DBA1335; Pacific Blue/Grey leather; Estimate $180,000 - $220,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $195,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $214,500 – Chrome wire wheels, blackwall tires. Excellent show-quality restoration to like new condition but the door-hood fit is off. Chrome is very high quality but with some polish marks. Interior is like new with no sign of wear but shows some road wear on the underside. This car was consistently presented to high standards throughout, attention to detail and quality that was reflected in the bidders' willingness to pay a healthy price for it. The seller couldn't have asked for any more. Lot # 51 1925 Bentley 3-Liter Tourer, Body by Gurney Nutting; S/N 930; Engine # 914; Green, polished aluminum hood/Tan leather; Estimate $250,000 - $325,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $215,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $236,500 – RHD. Silver wire wheels, dual side-mounted spares, Auster rear windshield. Represented as matching numbers with its original coachwork, SU carbs and an electric fan added. Paint worn and chipped especially around the doors. Interior worn and lightly soiled. Underside very worn from driving. Known history and perfect for participation in Bentley Driver's Club events. This is a lot of car for the money especially for a Bentley with no stories on the engine or body origin. It brought $253,000 at Gooding's Scottsdale auction in 2010 and is very well bought with plenty of room to spare here. Lot # 52 1934 LaSalle Series 50 Convertible Coupe, Body by Fleetwood; S/N BodyNo541; Engine # 2105993; Burgundy/Black leather, Black cloth top; Estimate $125,000 - $150,000; Older restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $115,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $126,500 – Red steel wheels with whitewall tires, combination side-view mirror-spotlight and Jaeger clock. Deep paint and chrome with polish marks. Vent window glass beginning to delaminate. Driver's side of the front seat lightly worn. Straight body, good gaps and excellent paint finish. The design of this LaSalle is absolutely striking. The restoration was very respectable and has resulted in a car that its new owner will be proud to show or drive today. Considering LaSalle's stature in the automotive lineup and the prices of comparable and better vehicles the high bidder could have paid more and still not overpaid. Lot # 56 1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Spyder; S/N 16987; Engine # B2794; Yellow/Tan leather, Black stripes, Black cloth top; Estimate $1,000,000 - $1,300,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $1,200,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $1,320,000 – Chrome spoke Borranis, blackwall Michelin XWX tires, Becker Mexico cassette. Painted nose panel, popup lights. Good paint, chrome and top. Chassis is older. Engine is nicely done and like new. Upholstery shows some age and light use. This is a 2008 price, and maybe even a little more for the age and extent of its restoration. Lot # 58 1955 Austin-Healey 100/S Roadster; S/N AHS3707; Engine # 1B222731; OE White, Lobelia Blue/Blue leather; Estimate $600,000 -; Competition restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $575,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $632,500 – RHD. Ivory painted wire wheels, blackwall tires, no bumpers, quick-fill steering wheel, Moto-Lita style woodrim steering wheel, full width Plexiglas windscreen. A late 80's restoration to like new condition with better cosmetics. It is still fresh, sharp and pristine. The longevity of this restoration attests to the care and skill with which it was done and to the sympathy of its subsequent owners. It was offered by RM at Monterey in 2005 where its reported high bid was only $150,000 against a $175-225,000 estimate. How times have changed, and this is a reasonable price for a correct 100/S in 2011 in this exceptional condition. Unfortunately, it's probably too good to race. Lot # 63 1957 AC Ace Bristol Roadster; S/N BEX404; Engine # 100D760; Ice Blue/Red leather; Estimate $250,000 - $275,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $235,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $258,500 – Chrome wire wheels, blackwall tires, triple carbs. Excellent paint, chrome and interior. Restored a few years ago and no longer fresh but done to high standards and still very attractive. This is exactly the same price this car brought at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale in 2008. While the overall market may be down from the pre-financial crisis peak this car has held its own nicely. It's also held up nicely and is a sound value at this price. Lot # 64 1955 Bentley R-Type Continental Fastback, Body by H.J. Mulliner; S/N BC16LD; Engine # BCD15; Shell Grey/Gray leather, Burgundy piping; Unrestored original, 4+ condition; Hammered Sold at $700,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $770,000 – 4.9 liter, lefthand drive, center shift, lightweight seats, manual windows, no rear skirts. Two long term owners from new, stored for some time and dusty, dirty, mildewed and oxidized but sound and all there. Comes complete with its Bentley Continental Touring Spares Kit specific to BC16LD. One old repaint, aged and peeling. Original interior is sound and can be reclaimed with careful attention. The body is remarkably well preserved and straight. Reversing the effects of time and rather rough storage will not be inexpensive but it can be done sympathetically and thoroughly and still be in the money with this extremely well preserved and sound Continental. It is a sound value at this price, even in this condition. Lot # 66 1962 Lotus 23B Sports Racer; S/N 23S80; BRGreen/Red leather; Estimate $175,000 - $225,000; Competition restoration, 1 condition; Hammered Sold at $185,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $203,500 – RHD. Lotus Ford twin cam, Weber carbs, yellow wobbly wheels, Avon race tires, braced rollbar. Beautifully, freshly restored to much better than new standards of fit and finish for Ed Henning's widow and sold with only two hours on the rebuilt engine. Formerly owned by Ed Rahal. It's hard to imagine a competition car restored to better standards of fit, finish and function that this. It is gorgeous, and it brought an appropriate price both for its history and its presentation. Lot # 67 1969 Aston Martin DB6 Mark II Vantage Coupe; S/N DB6MK2/4125/L; Engine # 400/4355/VC; Silver Birch/Black leather; Estimate $300,000 - $350,000; Older restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $295,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $324,500 – Lefthand drive, 5-speed, chrome wire wheels, cassette stereo, woodrim steering wheel with black spokes, Weber carbs. Restored to showroom condition with good paint and interior. Good major chrome but thin window frame chrome. One of only nine lefthand drive Vantage DB6s built, making this a rare and desirable example. That and its handsome restoration make this a sound and astute buy at this price. Lot # 70 1969 Ferrari 365 GTC , Body by Pininfarina; S/N 12407; Engine # 12407; Dark Blue/Beige leather; Estimate $275,000 - $325,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $310,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $341,000 – Alpine cassette, P/W, chrome spoke Borranis wire wheels, Michelin XWX blackwalls, A/C. Excellent paint and chrome. Chassis has been recently slathered with undercoat. A handsome and little used older restoration with fresh mechanicals including brakes, suspension, engine and transaxle in 2010 The bidders like this 330 GTC a lot, perhaps a bit more than the current market for similar cars can support. It would have been better at $285-295,000 all in. Lot # 72 1957 Ford Thunderbird Convertible; S/N D7FH172519; Black/White, Black cloth; Estimate $60,000 - $80,000; Older restoration, 1- condition; Hammered Sold at $60,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $66,000 – 312/245hp, automatic, power seat, P/B, Kelsey-Hayes chrome wire wheels with wide whitewalls. Restored in the 70's and still spectacular. Concours quality deep chrome with polish marks and straight body and paint with polish marks. Top and interior look new and top fits very well. Underside meticulously presented with every surface spotless. Four owners from new. No Reserve. This T-Bird looks extremely fresh for a 1970's-era restoration. It has not been driven much since the work was completed and is well cared for and has certainly been freshened at some point. Regardless of the age it sold at the higher end of the T-Bird market. Lot # 73 1990 Ferrari F40, Body by Pininfarina; S/N ZFFMN34A5L0085575; Red/Red cloth; Estimate $525,000 - $575,000; Unrestored original, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $475,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $522,500 – A/C. U.S. delivery model. Fresh belt service. 5,612 miles and nearly like new aside from the usual driver's seat wear from the belts. There should be no quarrel with this result, either from the seller or the buyer. Lot # 74 1950 Allard K1 Roadster; S/N 91K1703; Engine # 1738891; Silver/Dark Grey leather; Estimate $150,000 - $200,000; Recent restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $150,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $165,000 – Lefthand drive. 295 cubic inch Mercury flathead with triple carbs on an Edelbrock intake, Edelbrock heads, Isky cam, Bluemel's Brooklands steering wheel, folding windshield, hubcaps, blackwall tires, enclosed rear spare, electric windshield wiper, full weather equipment, trafficators. Good paint, chrome and interior. Clean, orderly engine. Oily, greasy chassis, but not old, just used. This Allard is unusually sweet, particularly to those who appreciate the sound of the 3/4 race flathead. It has been thoroughly restored and is lefthand drive, an ideal tour car and its presentation provides strong evidence that it has been used in that capacity. Although it has a K body and is cataloged as a K1, its date and chassis number identify it as a later K2 for which this is an appropriate price. Lot # 75 1936 Ford Model 68 Deluxe Phaeton; S/N 182124899; Black/Brown leatherette; Tan cloth top; Estimate $70,000 - $90,000; Older restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $36,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $39,600 – Hubcaps, trim rings, whitewalls, wind wings, no radio or heater. An older restoration and still a presentable tour car. Steering needs to be tightened up. Sound and presentable paint, interior and major chrome. Weak door handle chrome. No Reserve. Sold for $41,340 at the Spring Branson auction in 2004 in somewhat better condition that it was today, this is handsome and highly usable example of one of Ford's more desirable body styles. The price here is modest, even though the estimate is more appropriate to a freshly restored car in better than showroom condition. Lot # 76 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 Berlinetta; S/N 10147; Engine # 10147; Red/Black leather; Estimate $1,200,000 - $1,400,000; Older restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $1,050,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $1,155,000 – Chrome spoke Borranis, Michelin XWX blackwalls. A 1985 restoration to like new condition by John Hadjuk with excellent paint, chrome and interior. Done like new underhood. Engine rebuilt by Patrick Ottis in 1997 with further work to the suspension and brakes. Still looks fresh, clean, sharp and better than new. Includes a set of Campagnolo alloy wheels, books and tools. An outstanding example This result is right on the money for this 4-cam's condition and history. Lot # 78 1959 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet, Body by Karmann; S/N 5557478; Mango Green/Tan vinyl; Tan cloth top; Estimate $30,000 - $40,000; Concours restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $32,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $35,750 – Body colored steel wheels with red accent stripe and whitewall tires. Fog lights, bumper guards front and rear, two-spoke steering wheel, pushbutton AM radio. Excellent cosmetics from paint, body and chrome to the nicely restored, correct interior but the underside is not as presentable. No Reserve. A very nicely presented Beetle and the seller should be pleased with this strong result. Lot # 81 1995 Ferrari F50 ; S/N ZFFTA46B000103499; Red/Black leather, Red Alcantara inserts; Estimate $700,000 - $900,000; Unrestored original, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $600,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $660,000 – A/C. Number 34 of 349. Grey market car adapted by G&K Automotive Conversion. Original factory hardtop included. Like new with 7,700 miles. It's somewhat surprising that the F50, most of which have yet to turn five digits on their odometers, is now fifteen years old. It's still futuristic, technically advanced and frighteningly powerful. This is modest price for an example that is so well documented and maintained, but one that is appropriate to its grey market status in the U.S. Lot # 82 1947 Chrysler New Yorker Town and Country Convertible; S/N 7403734; Engine # C3930711; Newport Blue/Blue leather, Beige cloth; Beige cloth top; Estimate $150,000 - $200,000; Older restoration, 1- condition; Hammered Sold at $145,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $159,500 – Dual remote spotlights, hubcaps, sombrero discs, Fluid Drive, wide whitewalls, radio, heater, turn signals, fog lights. High quality restoration that didn't correct for some water stained joints in the original wood. Leather is lightly creased. Paint and chrome are excellent. Underbody is choice. A very nice car. The whole wood thing is an impossible compromise. It would be nice to replace the water stained pieces, but the mellow color of the old timber is nearly impossible to duplicate, let alone the appeal of having a largely original woodie. This car's restorer did it thoughtfully and thoroughly. Completed in the early oughts, this restoration has held up much better than most Town & Countrys and brought a price that intelligently reflects its appeal and condition. Lot # 85 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing; S/N 1980405500303; Engine # 1989805500317; Silver/Dark Blue vinyl; Estimate $375,000 - $450,000; Unrestored original, 4+ condition; Hammered Sold at $440,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $484,000 – Underdash cassette stereo, hinged steering wheel. Sound paint, musty interior, dirty original underhood. Barn find, but complete and sound. From the estate of Ron VanKregten, put away in 1977 (based on the last sticker on the California plates). Needs much, but also highly original, very complete and pretty sweet. No Reserve. With the recent eruption in Gullwing values this car is nothing if not a good buy with plenty of headroom to give it the sympathetic recommissioning it deserves and turn it into a wonderful, well preserved, sensitively treated tribute to the ingenuity and skill of Mercedes-Benz in the Fifties. The buyer is to be commended for thinking outside the box and seeing the real value in this Gullwing.
[Source: Rick Carey]
