Gooding & Company Pebble Beach 2011 – Auction Report
Gooding & Company, Pebble Beach, August 20-21, 2011
Report by Rick Carey, Auction Editor
The 2011 Gooding & Company Pebble Beach Auction was a milestone in car collecting, let alone one in collector car auctions.
In two evenings Gooding recorded $78 million in sales, 84.25% sold and set the two most important auction records:
The record for an automobile at auction with the sale of 1958 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa s/n 0666 TR for $14.9 million hammer, $16,390,000 with commission; and
The record for an American car at auction with the sale of 1932 Duesenberg Model J Long Wheelbase Coupe by Murphy chassis #2478, engine # J-460, for $9.4 million hammer, $10,340,000 with commission.
The result achieved by Gooding for the Testa Rossa is a great achievement, especially since the reserve was met at a $12 million bid and the contest between an anonymous bidder outside the tent concealed from the curious gazes of onlookers and represented in the person of Gooding’s Specialist Jakob Greisen and a telephone bidder speaking through Fiona Spence continued in $100,000 increments until the on-site (but out-of-sight) bidder declined to take the step to $15 million.
In terms of the record, however, adjustment for inflation and exchange rates still rates the famed sale by Christie’s of the Bugatti Type 41 Royale Kellner Coupe at the top of the pile.
The Bugatti brought £5,500,000 with commission at Royal Albert Hall on November 19, 1987. The U.S. Consumer Price Index (less food and energy) has grown from 120.4 in 1987 to 225.46 in 2011, an increase of 87.7%. The little table below shows that, no matter how it’s figured, the Royale still rules, and by a margin large enough to add another very nice Ferrari to a collection.
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So, no matter which way it’s calculated, the 2011 price of Ferrari Testa Rossa 0666 TR is at least $691,873 less expensive ($17,081,873 – $16,390,000) in current purchasing power than the Bugatti Royale.
That is something of a quibble in a momentous transaction, however, and a wonderful Pebble Beach Auction, but a meaningful quibble during a time when the word “investment” keeps creeping into the vocabularies of collectors, dealers, brokers and auctioneers.
Twelve cars sold for hammer bids over $1 million. The benchmark sale of the Testa Rossa firmly establishes Ferrari as the preeminent marque in collectors’ hierarchy, as significantly so does the sale of the Duesenberg ‘Whittell Coupe’ move Duesenberg into the stratosphere of collector car values.
By every measure Gooding & Company’s Pebble Beach Auction was a landmark event during a whirlwind weekend full of transactions that enhanced collectors’ expectations and measures of value.
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Gooding & Company Pebble Beach 2011 – Auction Report
Lot # 1 1930 Ford Model A Open Cab Pickup; S/N Not Specified; Engine # 4411834; Maroon, Black fenders and accent/Brown leatherette; Beige cloth top; Estimate $25,000 – $35,000; Recent restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $39,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $42,900 — Quail radiator cap, red wire wheels with whitewall tires, dual sidemounts with chrome rings, flower etched wind wings, oak bed floor and sideboards. Very well done throughout aside from door fits that are a bit high on the left and low on the right… maybe it’s the ground it’s sitting on. No Reserve. Professionally restored and little used, this Ford will be a handsome driver or utilitarian runabout. Always popular with hot rodders, its survival without being chopped, channeled and overpowered with an early Hemi or Chevy is remarkable in itself. It brought a healthy but not unreasonable price.Lot # 3 1967 Ferrari 330 GTC, Body by Pininfarina; S/N 10801; Engine # 10801; Red/Black leather; Estimate $275,000 – $350,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $315,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $346,500 — Chrome spoke Borranis, A/C, P/W, Becker Europa AM-FM. Repainted, new chrome and glass. Chassis squirted with matte black. Very poorly masked with gaps around the rear window. Frayed window felts. Only (believed to be) 47,519 miles but many owners and presented in auction car condition despite its 2008 FCA Platinum award. I was pretty impressed with this GTC until I noticed the gap in the repaint above the (new) rear window gasket and the chipped old paint that it revealed. The chassis wasn’t particularly sparkling, either. It would not have been a particularly attractive buy at the low estimate, let alone 15% over it.Lot # 5 1909 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost 40/50hp Roi des Belges, Body after Barker; S/N 1203; Engine # 1203; Silver/Dark Green leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $800,000 – $1,300,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $750,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $825,000 — RHD. German silver trim, Boa Constrictor horn, Bleriot “bullseye” acetylene headlights, Lucas side lights, dual windshields, Elliott speedometer, Smith clock, Chadburn’s barometer, single sidemount, dual windshields, Rudge-Whitworth wire wheels. An excellent older restoration that still presents very well but is beginning to age visibly. Coachwork believed built by Willis about 1972 after it was found on Cow Roast scrapyard near Tring in 1946. One of few surviving pre-1910 “parallel bonnet” Ghosts. Owners include Jimmy Skinner, Rick Carroll, Bill Lassiter and Richard Solove. Bought for $332,500 at Christie’s Lassiter sale in 1999, then re-restored by Jonathan Harley and sold for $626,504 (364,500 UK pounds) by Bonhams in London in December 2003, this Silver Ghost sold here from the Richard Solove Collection in 2007 for a very generous $1,485,000. It appears to be actively neglected since then. It has won a slew of awards over the years and is an honored example of early Silver Ghost and Rolls-Royce history that is a sound value at this price. The 2007 result was an auction enthusiasm anomaly.Lot # 8 1965 Porsche 911 Coupe; S/N 302461; Engine # 902496; Polo Red/Black vinyl; Estimate $125,000 – $150,000; Unrestored original, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $125,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $137,500 — Chrome wheels, blackwall Dunlop SP Sport tires, woodrim steering wheel, AM-FM. Impressively detailed and serviced after three decades in dry storage, original family owned until 2010 and 49,371 miles from new. Chassis re-undercoated crudely over old undercoat. Frayed window channels. Good original paint, chrome and interior. Comes with its original purchase agreement, registrations through 1971, owner’s manual and tool kit. No Reserve. This price is half for the car and half for its originality and sympathetic re-commissioning, both of which are entirely appropriate. Finds like this are increasingly rare and appreciated.Lot # 9 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster; S/N 19804210002898; Engine # 19898010002959; Anthracite Grey/Red leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $700,000 – $850,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $775,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $852,500 — Two tops, Becker Mexico AM-FM, chrome wheels, Euro headlights, fitted luggage. Excellent paint, chrome and upholstery. Better than new. California black plate car, freshly and meticulously restored after many years in storage, disassembled for a restoration that never got started. Show-stopping presentation in dramatic colors helped this 300SL Roadster bring a deserved premium price. The new owner can be proud of the car and not unhappy with the price paid for it.Lot # 11 1921 Bentley 3-Liter 2-seater; S/N 3; Engine # 4; Aluminum, Black fenders/Green leather; Estimate $1,000,000 – ; Unrestored original, 4 condition; Hammered Sold at $875,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $962,500 — RHD. White rubber tires on black wire wheels. Brass headlights, radiator and panel beading. Beat up but very complete and charismatic. Believed to be the oldest production Bentley surviving and the first Bentley delivered to a customer, with its original chassis, engine, rear axle, gearbox and most of the body. Front axle from chassis 261. Sympathetically restored in 1999 and extensively documented in the catalog with a continuous ownership history in the UK and US. This is a real, choice, wonderfully presented piece of automotive history. Its price is what it is. Its history is irreplaceable and its survival is a tribute to the enduring appeal of the Bentley marque and history.Lot # 12 1948 Chrysler Town & Country Convertible; S/N 7405374; Engine # C3949666; Catalina Tan/Dark Red leather, Taupe cloth; Taupe cloth to; Estimate $140,000 – $180,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $130,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $143,000 — Fluid Drive, pushbutton radio, remote spotlight, wide wheel trim rings, whitewalls, fog lights. Well restored to nearly like new condition with very good paint, chrome, interior and top. No Reserve. Sold by Gooding at Scottsdale in 2009 for $125,000, today’s price is indicative of the market’s relative stability in the past two and one-half years.Lot # 13 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider, Body by Pinin Farina; S/N 1215GT; Engine # 1215GT; Yellow/Black leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $3,000,000 – $4,000,000; Recent restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $3,050,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $3,355,000 — Chrome spoke Borrani wire wheels, blackwall tires, fog lights in grille. Known history from new, repeatedly maintained and restored by the best shops. No longer fresh but could be if the chassis had been cleaned up. Sold by Gooding in Scottsdale in 2008 for $3,300,000 and showing just over 500 more miles on the odometer since then. The restoration’s age is beginning to show but more significantly it wasn’t very well detailed for the auction. This is a reasonable price for a quality California Spider. Among all the headline cars at Gooding’s this week this California Spider was almost an afterthought, a statement of the weekend’s automotive abundance.Lot # 18 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa Sports Racer, Body by Scaglietti; S/N 0666TR; Engine # 0666TR; Red; White, Blue stripes/Beige cloth; Estimate $13,000,000 -; Competition restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $14,900,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $16,390,000 — Silver painted Borrani wire wheels. The first 250 TR. Raced by Ferrari in the 1000km of the Nürburgring, the Swedish GP, then rebodied in the current pontoon fender style and shipped to Venezuela for the Caracas GP where Von Trips and Seidel finished 3rd. It was 2nd in Buenos Aires with Von Trips, Gendebien and Musso, then a dnf after being crashed by Seidel in the Targa Florio. Raced at Le Mans for NART by Gurney and Bruce Kessler where it crashed and burned. Rebodied again it was sold to Rod Carveth and raced at Sebring and Le Mans. Later burned again in an insurance scam. Freshly restored in 2008 by Dennison International, Ferrari Classiche certified. Excellent paint and interior. Restored like new with some road grime from use and less than assiduous pre-sale detailing. The highest price ever paid for a collector car at auction accompanied by unusual auction theater as Gooding’s Jakob Greisen represented a bidder standing outside the tent hidden from view. Reserve was met at $12 million, but the bidding went on between “the man behind the curtain” and a phone bidder in $100K bumps. This result is patently huge, nearly 25% over the reserve, which itself would have been a generous price for a car, even a race car, with 0666 TR’s history of crashes, fires, repairs, rebodies, no significant wins and only two significant finishes. Do not expect to see this combination of exuberance recur any time soon.Lot # 20 1975 Ferrari 365 GT4 BB, Body by Pininfarina; S/N 18553; Engine # 87; Silver-Grey/Beige leather, Black stripes; Estimate $180,000 – $210,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $192,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $211,750 — Panasonic CD stereo, A/C, alloy centerlock 15″ wheels with BFG T/A tires, removable roof panel. Sound but erratically detailed paint, good original upholstery. Wheels repainted over chips. Clean chassis and underbody. A presentable driver in attractive colors formerly owned by Clint Eastwood. Offered at Barrett-Jackson in 1999 where it was a $125,000 no sale, its condition is if anything better than it was then, a factor recognized by the bidders in the price they paid here, but not much appreciation in twelve years . Collectors just haven’t tumbled to the charms of the 365 GT4 BB.Lot # 26 1950 Ferrari 195 Inter Coupe, Body by Touring; S/N 0081S; Engine # 0081S; Light Gold/Brown vinyl, Camel broadcloth; Estimate $900,000 – $1,200,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $900,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $990,000 — RHD. Chrome spoke Borrani wire wheels, tinted glass sun visors. 1951 Turin Auto Show car, one of three bodied in this style. Stored many years and recently restored in original colors and materials by Terry Scarborough Racing, Original engine, body, gearbox, rear axle. Freshly restored to very high standards and better than new. Multiple concours awards including Platinum at Cavallino in 2009. Sold by RM at Monterey in 2007 for $429,000 after its discovery in a Sudbury, Massachusetts garage. The completeness of the car after some three decades and the accuracy of its cosmetic presentation are important pluses for this Ferrari and account for its healthy price.Lot # 27 1927 Rolls-Royce Phantom I 4-Dr. Sedan Kenilworth, Body by Brewster; S/N S329FM; Engine # 20297; Black/Beige cloth; Estimate $100,000 – $140,000; Unrestored original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $65,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $71,500 — Dual sidemounts, rollup division, rear window shade, drum headlights, whitewalls, varnished wood luggage trunk, bamboo side window blinds. Originally owned by Mary Ford, wife of movie director John Ford. Stored by the second owner. All there and sound but in need of comprehensive attention. Much nickel trim is down to the brass. Front seats have been replaced but rear is original. Sound interior wood with curdled varnish. Repaint peeling badly. No Reserve. Elegant and well preserved, the new owner got a fine example of Brewster coachwork on the Springfield Rolls-Royce PI chassis for a modest price. It will be rewarding to drive and show as-is for a while and will be lovely when ultimately it is restored.Lot # 28 1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Speciale, Body by Bertone; S/N AR1012000533; Silver/Blue leather; Estimate $180,000 – $220,000; Unrestored original, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $190,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $209,000 — Motorola underdash radio, door windwings. All original and in exceptional condition, as delivered at Bertone’s request to Briggs Cunningham. Driver’s seatback stitching pulled but the leather is intact. Original, dirty, underbody. Dull but sound original paint polished through in places. Left rear fender repaired. Good chrome. 2010 Pebble Beach Preservation class entrant. Includes the original tool kit, owner’s manual signed by Briggs Cunningham and warranty card. 27,275 miles from new. Sprint Speciales are a hot commodity these days and this one has not only the innate appeal of the SSs but also Briggs Cunningham’s ownership and impressive preservation and originality. The new owner paid a full but fully justified price to obtain that rare combination of attributes.Lot # 34 1964 Porsche 904 Carrera GTS ; S/N 904-026; Engine # 99099; Silver/Blue cloth; Estimate $1,000,000 – $1,300,000; Competition restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $1,100,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $1,210,000 — Freshly restored to historic racing specs. Unusual bare aluminum finish on the two-piece wheels. Fire system. Hillclimbed when new by Fritz Leinenweber with many first is class and overall, then by Michael Weber with similar success. Correct period type 587/3 4-cam engine and gearbox. Never wrecked. Looks sharp, but it’s not the smoothest running 904 on the planet. Not all that long ago a good 904 was a half million dollars. Those days are gone forever, although this result is at the forefront of 904 values, a benchmark for other 904s to aspire to emulate.Lot # 38 1948 Ferrari 166 Spider Corsa, Body by Scaglietti; S/N 014I; Red/Brown snakeskin; Estimate $1,500,000 -; Competition car, original as-raced, 3 condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $1,300,000 — RHD. Short wheelbase, underslung rear frame, believed raced by Ferrari, then sold to Giampiero Bianchetti and raced through 1952. Rebodied by Scaglietti with this 500 Testa Rossa-style body in 1956 and acquired by Nico Gianella in Switzerland in 1957 who brought it to the U.S. when he acquired a Mobil gas station in Santa Barbara. Sold to Michael Peake in 1962, then to Norman Blank in 1969 who owned it until he died in 2003. Crudely repainted, otherwise aged and as-found but mechanically refreshed by Patrick Ottis with subsequent use in the Monterey Historics and Colorado Grand. Sold here in 2007 for $1,045,000 in as-found condition with no small amount spent on its engine and running gear since then, the bid on this car was surprisingly modest and not surprisingly declined by the seller. It would have been a good value for the money at Gooding’s low estimate.Lot # 39 1985 Ferrari 288 GTO, Body by Pininfarina; S/N ZFFPA16B000054247; Red/Black leather; Estimate $700,000 – $850,000; Unrestored original, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $680,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $748,000 — A/C, P/W, Alpine cassette, Speedline modular wheels. Very clean and lightly used. 22,909 km from new. Ferrari Classiche certified, FCA Platinum, Coppa Bella Macchina, Alla Vettura Pronta per il Salone and Coppa GT awards in 2008 then another Platinum in 2009. Includes tool roll, books, service records, federalization paperwork and sales records. No Reserve. This is proven to be one of the best 288 GTOs in the U.S., and the bidders paid for every trophy and judging sheet. This transaction, even though it hammered sold below the low estimate, is at the leading edge of steadily growing 288 GTO values.Lot # 41 1955 Austin-Healey 100/4 BN1 “Le Mans” Roadster; S/N BN1L225762; Engine # 1B225762M; Black, White/Red leather; Estimate $90,000 – $120,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $84,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $92,400 — Silver painted wire wheels, Dunlop SP 165SR15 tires, stopwatch mounted on transmission cover, large Lucas driving and fog lights. An older restoration to like new condition with use since. Upgraded to Le Mans specs, not delivered that way. Now getting its own patina. No Reserve. Wait. Was it clear this car wasn’t build to Le Mans specs? Apparently not to the buyer, who paid Le Mans spec money for a BN1 with some louvers punched in the hood and a hundred dollar stopwatch mounted on the floor. It made more sense back in 2007 when this car was sold for $55,000 by Christie’s.
Gooding & Company Pebble Beach 2011 – Auction Report Page Two
Lot # 45 1972 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Spider; S/N 16223; Engine # B2136; Red/Black leather; Estimate $1,100,000 – $1,300,000; Cosmetic restoration, 2- condition; Post-block sale at $931,818 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $1,025,000 — A/C, Becker Mexico cassette, chrome spoke Borrani wire wheels, Michelin XWX tires. Cosmetically restored in the late 80’s to nearly like new with very good paint, chrome, glass and original interior, showing little age or use. A very nice Ferrari that hasn’t been over-restored but is good enough to have two FCA Platinum awards. Sold here in 2006 for $748,000 in essentially the same sympathetically restored condition it is today and obsessively maintained since, with only 110 more miles on the odometer. It is if anything better today than it was then and represents good value for money at this price.Lot # 47 1953 Ferrari 375 America Coupe, Body by Vignale; S/N 0337AL; Engine # GP070150; Light Yellow, Ivory roof/Green leather; Estimate $2,000,000 – $2,400,000; Recent restoration, 1 condition; Hammered Sold at $2,000,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $2,200,000 — Clayton heater, outside laced Borrani wire wheels, 6.50-15 Engelbert tires, Marchal headlights and single fog light. A spectacular automobile restored to standards of appearance appropriate to its quality. Exquisite exterior and particularly interior trim details. Right door sits a few mm low at the back but other than that it is gorgeous. 1954 Turin Auto Show Ferrari display car, then sold to John Shakespeare. Ferrari-sourced replacement engine installed during the recent restoration. Includes fitted luggage, full tool roll and copies of original documentation. FCA National Concours Platinum award in 2009, then Pebble Beach first in class and Enzo Ferrari Trophy. Visually distinctive and incorporating a plethora of coachwork details that make it a real delight to examine, this unique Ferrari brought a healthy but fully deserved price. It’s amusing to note the catalog’s gratuitous embellishments to the Cavallino cover story upon which it is based, like adding “period-correct,” to the article’s “water-based lacquer and clear coat”, apparently a couple of early breakthroughs in Italian coatings technology. (photo credit: Mathieu Heurtault)Lot # 49 1980 Ferrari 512 BB LM Silhouette ; S/N 29511; Engine # F102B000034; Blue/Black cloth; Estimate $800,000 – $1,200,000; Competition restoration, 3+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $750,000 — Chipped quick old paint, but a very clean, tidy and orderly chassis and engine. Bet it runs better than it looks. Spare engine and gearbox installed, originals (007 and 010 respectively) included along with original body panels. Raced in period with little note, historic race prepared in the early 00’s by Dennison International. Comes with original paperwork, build sheets and a spares package. Appears to be race-ready. This car’s appearance is less than sparkling on the surface even though under the skin it shows serious, professional attention to race prep. Its race history is insignificant. While 512 BB LMs are sought by historic racing competitors this one could have been loose and selling well before the reported high bid without regret.Lot # 51 1959 Fiat Tipo 682/RN-2 Transporter, Body by Bartoletti; S/N 001461; Engine # 024568; Red/Red, Grey vinyl; Estimate $850,000 – $1,000,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $900,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $990,000 — The newer of two self-contained transporters used by Ferrari in the 50’s and 60’s, this one equipped with sleeping quarters and an on-board workshop with two-level racks for three cars. Sold by Ferrari to Zanon’s circus then stored until the early 90’s. Restored along with its sibling at S.I.L.M.A. Bus in Modena in the late 90’s, this one in like new condition while the other (a 1953 Tipo 643) was mechanically restored but preserved in largely original cosmetic condition. Sold to Pat Hart in 2000 and used in historic racing, displayed at Pebble Beach in 2002. Recently freshened and now in nearly like new condition with excellent cosmetics and a wealth of period details. The 1953 Fiat 643 was sold here in 2007 for $297,000. Both of them are important pieces of the Ferrari legend, often arriving at races with their racks full of prototypes and GP cars. This one looks better (and is better) and brought a thrilling price that establishes a milestone in the history of truck values. Like the Testa Rossa (the most expensive automobile in auction history) and the Duesenberg Whittell Coupe (the most expensive American automobile) this is probably the most expensive truck in auction history.Lot # 55 1963 Shelby Cobra 289 Roadster; S/N CSX 2129; Red/Black leather; Estimate $2,400,000 – $2,800,000; Competition restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $2,350,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $2,585,000 — Black braced paperclip rollbar, side exit exhausts, quick fill fuel cap, quick jack pickups, carbon fiber front brake cooling ducts, Halibrand centerlock mag wheels, Weber carbs. Excellent paint, good stock 2-seat interior. Restored to high cosmetic standards and little used. Sebring-spec car with rack and pinion steering, rear fender flares. Factory raced in the USRRC and SCCA and in FIA GT at Bridgehampton. Then sold to Graham Shaw and back to Shelby who displayed it at the 1964 NY World’s Fair. Restored in the late 90’s and fastidiously maintained since. Replacement engine block. Certainly one of the most important Cobras, with a rare record of intense factory race team competition and no significant accidents. It will be proudly owned, driven, toured and hopefully raced to continue to enhance the Cobra’s history and reputation. (photo credit: Pawel Litwinski)Lot # 57 1955 Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta, Body by Pinin Farina; S/N 0429GT; Engine # 0429GT; Silver-Grey, Red roof/Black leather; Estimate $650,000 – $800,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $650,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $715,000 — Chrome spoke Borranis, Engelbert 6.00×16 tires. The first Pinin Farina 250 GT berlinetta, Pinin Farina’s 1956 Geneva Motor Show car and the prototype for the Boano and Ellena series. Good older paint, chrome and interior, repainted in its 1956 livery. Ferrari Classiche certified, multiple Mille Miglia Storica participant and FCA Platinum award recipient. This is an important milestone in Ferrari’s history and in the evolution of Pinin Farina’s Ferrari coachwork. Attractively and sympathetically maintained and progressively restored over many years, it is a significant Ferrari for an appropriate price.Lot # 60 1969 Ferrari 365 GTC, Body by Pininfarina; S/N 12271; Engine # 12271; Metallic Green/Beige leather; Estimate $350,000 – $400,000; Recent restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $340,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $374,000 — Becker Mexico cassette, P/W, alloy centerlock wheels, A/C added. Excellent recent paint, chrome and interior. Chassis is older but still better than most drivers. Sold here last year in Red over Tan for $266,750, the repaint enhances the GTC’s body lines but still isn’t as intriguing as it would have been in the original Maroone Colorado. It’s also traded its Borranis for alloy wheels and covered 363 miles. The price today is indicative of the 330 GTC market, which is fast-approaching Daytona values.Lot # 62 1963 Ferrari 400 Superamerica Coupe Aerodinamico, Body by Pininfarina; S/N 5021SA; Engine # 5021SA; Red/Black leather; Estimate $1,200,000 – $1,500,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $1,100,000 — Chrome spoke Borranis with burnished rims, 215/70VR15 Michelin XWX tires, cassette stereo. Pininfarina’s 1963 Turin Auto Show display car but in Silver-Grey then. Good older repaint, upholstery and chrome. Chassis and underbody show age and use. This is a driving Ferrari, not a showing Ferrari. The reported high bid is at the low range for anyone’s 400 Superamerica values. It won’t grace the lawn at Pebble Beach or find favor at Cavallino or FCA events in its present condition but offers unusual value as a super front-engined V-12 Ferrari that can be driven enthusiastically without concern for its cosmetics. The seller’s decision to keep it reflects the allure of its performance and rare style and design. (photo credit: Pawel Litwinski)Lot # 103 1972 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Coupe, Body by Pininfarina; S/N 15747; Hazelnut/Saddle leather; Estimate $350,000 – $425,000; Unrestored original, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $357,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $393,250 — A/C, P/W, Becker Mexico cassette, chrome spoke Borrani wire wheels with 215/70VR15 Michelin XWX tires, popup lights, painted nose panel. Good mostly original paint and chrome. Original seats are surface creased but sound. Clean, orderly and largely original underhood. Very impressively detailed and maintained with 9,351 miles from new, good enough to be FCA Gold in 2001 and Platinum in 2003. Bought with a modest and entirely appropriate premium for its originality and low miles. Will clicking over 10K detract from its value if it’s as well maintained by its new owner as it has been by the previous ones? Probably not, and that’s a good thing that should encourage it to be driven and kept fresh and flexible. It would be a shame to turn it into a garage queen.Lot # 104 1957 Dual-Ghia Convertible, Body by Ghia; S/N 135; Engine # D5008336; Metallic Red/Dark Red, White leather; White cloth top; Estimate $230,000 – $260,000; Visually maintained, largely original, 4+ condition; Post-block sale at $181,818 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $200,000 — Automatic, Town & Country radio, wheel covers. Cracking, shrinking old paint. Worn, surface cracked original leather, P/W. Original chassis and underbody. Filled driver’s door Needs everything. Four times a prize-winner at Pebble Beach, in 1957, 61, 64 and 70 when new cars were part of the show, when owned by Clyde and Evelyn Young. The new owner is faced with the serious decision of continuing to preserve this Dual-Ghia or giving it a full restoration that will cost more than the price paid here for the car. This result is 2/3 car and 1/3 originality, making preservation the reasonable choice.Lot # 105 1972 Alfa Romeo 2000 GTV Sprint, Body by Bertone; S/N AR3020174; Midnight Blue/Tan leather; Estimate $25,000 – $35,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $38,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $41,800 — Cromodora aluminum wheels, Spica fuel injection, lowered. Paint application is very good but the body is wavy with a few stress cracks in the front panels. The bumpers have been redone but the rest of the chrome is lightly to moderately worn. The underside was recently sprayed black and the interior is older and moderately worn. The engine bay is clean and reasonably presentable. The catalog states that the work was completed in 2004 and that the car has original sales records and restoration invoices. No Reserve. Hammered for $3,000 over high estimate plus buyer’s premium. The car presented well as a respectable driver, bringing a premium price for a car that looks good, probably drives well and has paperwork to back up its claims. By any objective standard it is expensive.Lot # 106 1958 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I Drophead Coupe, Body by H.J. Mulliner; S/N LSFE451; Engine # SE225; Metallic Olive/Dark Red leather; Black Everflex top; Estimate $400,000 – $550,000; Older restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $410,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $451,000 — Lefthand drive, Radiomobile AM-SW radio, wheel covers, whitewalls, fog lights, fitted luggage, full tool roll. A quality restoration to like new condition. Excellent paint, chrome, interior. Excellent interior wood. underbody looks as good as the top of the car. Seats are lightly stretched in about the only sign of use or age. Multiple award winner since it was completed in 1981 and still looks fresh, clean and sharp. A car that has impressed RROC judges, and spectators, for nearly a generation, this Mulliner Drophead has a special history that adds to its recognition and value. The new owner paid dearly, but intelligently, for its stature.Lot # 110 1932 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 Series V Gran Sport Spider, Body by Zagato; S/N 10814400; Engine # 10814400; Dark Red/Brown leather; Estimate $1,500,000 – $2,200,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $1,400,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $1,540,000 — RHD. Black wire wheels, folding windshield, dual rear spares. Late body design with many 8C design elements including a fully disappearing top. A handsome and thoughtful older restoration by Fran Roxas with some use and miles. Oily chassis. Excellent paint, interior and chrome. Engine clean and detailed. New, shiny floors, engine recently rebuilt by Jim Stokes and dynoed at 100 bhp at 4,500 rpm through an SU carburetor (original Memini, rebuilt and tuned, is included.) Well done and professionally maintained. This Alfa showed 1,338 km on its odometer when it sold at Gooding’s Scottsdale auction in 2008 and has 7,052 today, an enjoyable 3,550 miles as well as receiving some much-needed attention and detailing. Its price in Scottsdale was exactly the same as it brought here generating no return except enjoyment from the roughly $200,000 spent on the mechanical work and subtle upgrades for touring. A sound value in a notably sound and especially attractive 6C 1750.Lot # 111 1932 Ford Highboy Roadster; S/N R1845482M; Black/Dark Brown leather; Estimate $125,000 – $175,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $140,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $154,000 — Red wheels with 1946 Ford hubcaps and trim rings, banjo style steering wheel, steel body, chrome suspension. Engine accessorized with repro Ardun heads, Stromberg 97 carburetors with a Tricksters intake and a SCOT supercharger. Originally built in the 50’s, finished in this configuration in the 90’s. Excellent body and paint with orange peel on the cowl vent. The driver’s seat is lightly worn in. An awesome period hot rod with nice patina. No Reserve. This hot rod has a lot of great nostalgic appeal and speaks to onlookers who aren’t necessarily modified enthusiasts. Unique and certainly worth every penny to the buyer.Lot # 113 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB Alloy Long Nose Berlinetta, Body by Pininfarina; S/N 08163; Engine # 08163; Silver/Dark Blue leather; Estimate $900,000 – $1,300,000; Unrestored original, 4+ condition; Hammered Sold at $1,400,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $1,540,000 — Centerlock alloy wheels, Pirelli Cinturato CN75 tires. Bam find dirty. Runs and drives well, good compression, seat seams pulled. Transmission rebuilt years ago but not used since. All there and very appealing. Flawless this car isn’t, but original it is, right down to the old Pirellis with the grimy marks from sitting flat for years. Another of Tom Shaughnessy’s barn find gems, but better than most with the long nose alloy body. The bidding reflected the enthusiasm for this car, quickly exceeding the low estimate and then leaving the $1.3 million high estimate behind. This is a lot even for this car’s specifications, but another one like it isn’t likely to surface soon and it will get more than its share of attention wherever it appears.Lot # 119 1927 Mercedes-Benz S-Type 26/180 Sportwagen; S/N 35218; Engine # 60424; Red/Black leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $5,500,000 – $6,500,000; Recent restoration, 1- condition; Post-block sale at $4,581,818 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $5,040,000 — Lefthand drive. Outside exhaust pipes, folding windshield, radiator stoneguard, Concours restored a while ago with little evidence of use or age. Original engine and body restored in the original colors. Known history from new. 2004 Pebble Beach second in class. Excellent paint, nickel and upholstery lightly stretched on the driver’s seatback. Cracked brake light lens. Otherwise above reproach. Unsold on the block but closed during the auction at this negotiated price, the buyer got one of the finest early Mercedes-Benz automobiles with an impeccable history for a sensible price.Lot # 120 1941 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible Coupe; S/N 8362735; Black/Red leather; Black cloth top with red piping; Estimate $125,000 – $140,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $100,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $110,000 — Red rims, wide whitewalls with hubcaps and trim rings. Radio, fender skirts, tool kit and aftermarket seat belts. Old chrome polished through in places but not pitted or rusted. New top and lightly worn seats. The dash presentation is beautiful though the coating on the steering wheel is coming off. Excellent paint but lots of small waves on hood and body. Engine bay correct and presentable but not detailed for show. No Reserve. It’s a stylish model but the restoration was touted as being much nicer than it actually was. The light seat wear and rubbed chrome isn’t so much as an issue, but with a body that wavy it can’t pass as more than a nice driver. The price paid recognizes most, but not all, of its shortcomings but is more appropriate than the $126,500 it brought at RM here in Monterey in 2006.Lot # 121 1953 Siata 208S Spider, Body by Motto; S/N BS514; Engine # BS071; Red/Tan leather; Tan cloth top; Estimate $1,000,000 – $1,250,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $1,425,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $1,567,500 — Freshly restored by Epifani with excellent paint, chrome and interior. Better than new. Original engine. A stunning automobile with a class win at Pebble Beach in 2008. One of the prettiest little sports cars ever to come out of Italy, and that’s saying a lot, with a nifty little 90 degree V-8 engine. This result reflects the meticulous restoration but is a long stretch in 208S values and expensive by any standard. It would have been fully valued at Gooding’s low estimate.
Gooding & Company Pebble Beach 2011 – Auction Report Page Three
Lot # 123 1931 Duesenberg Model J Coupe, Body by Murphy; S/N 2478; Engine # J-460; Black/Black patent leather; Estimate $7,000,000 -; Concours restoration, 1 condition; Hammered Sold at $9,400,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $10,340,000 — The Captain George Whittell, Jr. Coupe, a unique body by Murphy on the long wheelbase Model J chassis. Polished stainless steel fuel tank, chrome wire wheels, brushed aluminum roof with the details of a convertible. Concours restored and impeccable. The top price ever paid for an American car at auction, based partly on the colorful history of its first owner, partly on its magnificent restoration and partly upon its extravagant proportions. Captain George had to be somebody to drive a car like this in the Thirties. The price is breathtaking, more than 50% over its reserve and likely to stand for years as the pinnacle of American automobile values.Lot # 124 1960 Renault 4CV Resort Special; S/N 603607781; Ivory/Wicker; White leatherette top; Estimate $35,000 – $55,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $52,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $57,200 — Red vinyl and black rubber floor mats, blackwall tires. Competently cosmetically restored a while ago. Clean and orderly but not restored engine. Old undercoat on underbody. Sound paint, good wicker and fringed surrey top. No Reserve. Sold just after the $9.4 million Duesenberg J Whittell Coupe this 4CV similarly established a new value standard for these stylish little vehicles, particularly since in 2000 is brought just $26,450 at Bonhams Quail Lodge auction in somewhat less attractive condition.Lot # 126 1964 Porsche 356C Cabriolet; S/N 159464; Engine # 711016; Black/Red leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $100,000 – $130,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $112,500 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $123,750 — Chrome wheels, Becker Stereo, Nardi steering wheel. Newer interior lightly worn. Recent respray with lots of orange peel. Older chrome worn and scratched. Underside has seen plenty of street use. It’s an older restoration that’s been freshened and presents as a nice driver. No Reserve. Sold for just below mid-estimate. Although not the best in the world, it’s correct and respectable enough to bring decent money although this price is generous in the extreme. It would not have been a good value at Gooding’s low estimate.Lot # 127 1953 Fiat 8V Elaborata, Body by Zagato; S/N 106000022; Engine # 104000000043; Metallic Green/Taupe leather, Green piping; Estimate $1,000,000 – $1,400,000; Recent restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $1,025,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $1,127,500 — Chrome spoke wire wheels, grille-mounted driving lights, double bubble roof, numbers-matching original engine, impressively artistic main gauge cluster. ‘Elaborata’ coachwork modified by Zagato. Raced and hillclimbed when new by Anna Maria Peduzzi and later by Jean-Claude Arifon in France. Sharp, fresh paint, chrome and interior restored by Tillack in 2002, second in class at Pebble Beach, subsequently driven on two Colorado Grands. One of four known survivors with this body style. Exceptionally handsome and rare coachwork coupled with Fiat’s gutsy little 2-liter V-8 and early competition history combine to make this Zagato-bodied Fiat eligible for just about anything and sure to be one of the most intriguing cars at any event or show. Why it should bring nearly double the price of 0061 sold by Gooding here a year ago for $682,000 (with two in-period Mille Miglia entries to its credit) is a question only the bidders can answer, but it sure looks expensive from the outside. photo credit: Pawel Litwinski)Lot # 129 1952 Ferrari 225 S Tuboscocca Berlinetta, Body by Vignale; S/N 0168ED; Red/Tan leather; Estimate $850,000 – $1,100,000; Competition restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $800,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $880,000 — RHD. Driving lights, no bumpers, silver painted Borrani wire wheels. Eighth overall and second in class at Sebring and fourth overall at Bridgehampton in 1953 driven by Peter and Robert Yung. Later raced in Cuba by Santiago Gonzales, winning the 1955 Cuban Sports Car Grand Prix outright. Class winner at Pebble Beach in 1979. Engine combines a 250 block and crank with 225 heads and ancillaries. Restored to good driving condition in the late 70’s with noticeable flaws and shortcuts, mechanically redone in the early 00’s. Sold by RM here in Monterey in 2009 for $710,000 hammer, $781,000 with commission with the engine rebuilt since and 876 more km showing on the odometer, a poor return for the seller but a good buy for the new owner.Lot # 131 1950 Jaguar XK 120 Roadster Alloy; S/N 670146; Engine # W12887; Black/Brown, Tan leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $325,000 – $400,000; Older restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $290,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $319,000 — Steel wheels, wide whitewalls, rear wheel skirts, fog lights, Tribar headlights. Quality old restoration still in very good condition. AACA Senior award winner, 2002 Greenwich and Meadow Brook Concours Best in Class, JCNA twice national champion. In 2001 this was a freshly restored gorgeous car in concours over-restored condition when it sold at Barrett-Jackson for $172,800. It’s a little aged since then, not quite the crisp, sharp car that would go on to multiple awards, but still impressive and ready for close scrutiny. Its price, however, is at the top of the heap, even selling under Gooding’s low estimate.Lot # 135 1957 Ferrari 410 Superamerica Series II Coupe, Body by Pinin Farina; S/N 0715SA; Engine # 0715SA; Black/Tan leather; Estimate $2,500,000 -; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $2,700,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $2,970,000 — Chrome spoke Borrani wire wheels, Marchal headlights and driving lights, Clayton heater., Englebert blackwall tires. 1957 Paris Auto Show display car, later owned by H.L. Hunt and single family owned since 1969. Cracking old paint at least partially repainted over old paint. Worn, surface cracked, dyed original interior. Clean and orderly underhood, even the hood blanket (aside from some tears.) Very nice as is, with real character and a slew of FCA and other awards. Known history from new and almost completely and perfectly preserved with 18,810 miles on its odometer. An important and desirable Ferrari from any vantage point, but particularly with its excellent and consistent preservation. It’s unfortunate the original paint hasn’t survived better. Its condition almost certainly requires a repaint, which then makes the upholstery look bad, which … and soon the originality is gone. (photo credit: Pawel Litwinski)Lot # 138 1962 Ferrari 250 GT Series II Cabriolet, Body by Pininfarina; S/N 3807 GT; Engine # 3807; Maroon/Beige leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $550,000 – $650,000; Cosmetic restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $645,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $709,500 — Chrome spoke Borrani wire wheels, blackwall tires, no radio. Cosmetically restored a while ago with good paint, chrome and interior. Chassis and underbody repainted over old undercoat. Cosmetically restored in the early 90’s with subsequent engine rebuild. Cavallino Platinum in 2002. Little used since apparently and in good but not exceptional condition. The same cannot be said of the price it brought, a premium result for a Series II 250 GT Pininfarina Cabriolet in this condition although these remain one of the better values in drop top Ferraris.Lot # 142 1962 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta; S/N 3409GT; Engine # 3409GT (re-stamp); Silver-Grey/Dark Green leather; Estimate $3,500,000 – $4,500,000; Recent restoration, 2- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $2,200,000 — Chrome spoke Borrani wire wheels, 185/80R15 XAS tires, bucket-style seats, Marchal headlights and fog lights. Re-stamped engine. Restored several times, first by Paul Russell and most recently by Bob Smith with some historic racing preparation and events in between. Good paint and chrome. Older interior wearing through its old dye job. Underbody sprayed with chassis black over old undercoat. Sufficiently better than a driver restoration to earn Platinum and La Bella Macchina at Cavallino in 2010. Excellent bodywork with flush panels and precise gaps. The confused history of restoration, historic racing preparation, re-stamped engine and re-restoration may have put the bidders off this car. Its bodywork is a joy to see and the color is the perfect choice to show off the SWB’s lines.Lot # 143 1938 Lincoln Model K Convertible Victoria, Body by Brunn; S/N K9002; Engine # K9002; Blue/Blue cloth and leather; Blue cloth top; Estimate $300,000 – $350,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $230,000 — Blue stamped wheels, new wide whitewalls, dual sidemounts with full metal covers and mirrors, fender skirts, teardrop cast aluminum running boards. The seat cloth and top are new but the door panels are older and soiled. The underside has been nicely detailed. Good older paint with touchups and good older chrome with light polishing marks and wear. Coachbuilt Model K’s are beautiful cars but the market doesn’t recognize them in the same category as coachbuilt Packards and Cadillacs, especially when they sport older restorations with what can be called strategic freshening. Sold by RM in Monterey in 2008 for $192,500, the expectations for this car today are excessive and the reported high bid could have been accepted without regret.Lot # 145 1913 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost 40/50hp Torpedo Tourer, Body by Harley; S/N 2517; Engine # 17P; Green with Black fenders/Tan leather; Tan cloth top; Estimate $900,000 – $1,300,000; Rebodied or re-created, 3- condition; No bidding interest shown $700,000 plus commission of ; Final Price $700,000 — RHD. Chrome wire wheels with Dunlop tires and single sidemounted spare. Replica of the original H.J. Mulliner coachwork for the Maharaja of Patiala. The varnished toolbox and battery box have some scratches. The paint is in intact but the fenders have some very large cracks and the body has light scratches and cracks. The interior is heavily worn and soiled but fully intact and the underside has been nicely clean detailed. According to the catalog the original coachwork was not salvageable and was recreated in the 1970’s. Coachwork on a car like this is everything and without being original it falls into the steeply discounted category of any other rebodied grand classic. $18,700,000 was paid at Pebble Beach in 2007 when it was sold from the Richard Solove collection but last year it brought a bid of only $800,000 at RM Monterey. No money was apparent even at this modest bid even with the catalog’s gratuitous re-characterization of Bhupinder Singh as a ruler “who worked tirelessly for the betterment of his subjects”. He was an infamous rake and narcissist with multiple wives, concubines and myriad children.Lot # 146 1965 Aston Martin DB5 Coupe; S/N DB5/1990/L; Engine # 400/1099; Sage Green/Tan leather; Estimate $675,000 – $775,000; Cosmetic restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $625,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $687,500 — Chrome wire wheels, fog lights. Deep chrome with fine scratches and moderately worn seats with light soiling. Excellent dash and newer Green carpeting. The underside is not crisp but presentable. Straight body and excellent paint with decent gaps except for the trunk lid. Thoroughly cosmetically restored in the early 00’s and unusually well presented and attractive today. The attention to detail during the restoration of this Aston is evident in its quality presentation. Given the slightly aged but quality workmanship this was on the generous side of a fair price.Lot # 149 1939 Steyr 55 2-Dr. Sedan; S/N IV2528; White/Green leather; Estimate $25,000 – $35,000; Unrestored original, 4- condition; Hammered Sold at $25,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $27,500 — 25hp 1,158cc flat four. Rusty disc wheels and sliding sunroof. The bumpers are more rust than chrome and the rear bumper is barely hanging on. The interior is heavily cracked and worn. The underside has heavy surface rust and the door bottoms are rusted through. Not running and in need of everything, but highly unusual. No Reserve. If there were more Steyr 55s out there this might be a parts car but since there aren’t it’s probably the basis for an intriguing restoration project. At this price the project makes sense if only for the unique factor.Lot # 152 1927 Minerva AFS Roadster, Body by d’Ieteren Frères; S/N 55979; Engine # 56047; Black with Red accent/Brown leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $485,000 – $585,000; Unrestored original, 3- condition; Not sold at Hammer bid of $450,000 — RHD. Black wire wheel, radiator and headlight stone guards, dual sidemounted spares, passenger sidemount mirror, driver’s side spotlight, raked windshield, rumble seat, rear trunk. New brown carpeting, tattered original interior. The paint is old and worn and looks original although it was done only a few decades ago. The underside is heavily worn and the paint is coming off. Needs a lot. What a magnificent car with tons of character. Most Minervas seen are big formal conveyances and this completely stands out with its shorter wheelbase and sporting open coachwork. Given that this is a rare car and that originality is bringing a premium, it’s easy to side with the seller in deciding not to let this car go although its originality is a bit overworn and tired.Lot # 153 1955 Jaguar XK 140 Fixed Head Coupe; S/N S814865; Engine # G53288S; Red/Burgundy leather; Estimate $90,000 – $120,000; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $85,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $93,500 — Chrome wire wheels, fog lights, fender mirrors. Excellent deep chrome. The bodywork has lots of finger-sized waves and variable gaps but nice paint application. The underside has been nicely refinished, the interior upholstery is lightly worn and the wood trim is excellent. A respectable older restoration that’s been nicely detailed for auction. No Reserve. Nothing wrong with the price paid here — a decent car that should be a blast to drive as well as a beautiful piece of Jaguar history.Lot # 154 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster; S/N 19804210002509; Engine # 19898010002552; Blue-Grey; Grey hardtop/Tan leather; Tan cloth top; Estimate $700,000 – $900,000; Unrestored original, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $875,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $962,500 — Stamped wheels with Mercedes star hubcaps, AM radio, hardtop. 1960 Copenhagen Motor Show display car. Stored thirty-some years with 15,009 miles. Original paint well preserved under a solid layer of dirt and soiling. The interior is heavily worn, soiled and surface cracked. The underside has a nice amount of dirt and cobwebs. Not recommissioned and needs a wealthy of sympathetic attention. The sales result goes to show the continued emphasis placed on originality of important cars. The seller did very well and now the buyer has a tough choice of whether to preserve the great patina of this car or be the first to have a hand at making it look like all the other restored examples of the 300SL roadster. This is huge money and anything more spent on it is down the drain.Lot # 155 1953 Kurtis-Kraft 500S Roadster; S/N 500S022; Engine # C53815990; Maroon/Red; Estimate $275,000 – $350,000; Competition restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $185,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $203,500 — 365 cubic inch Chrysler Hemi, Weiand intake with dual Holley 4-barrels, 4-speed, quick-change axle, bolt-on Halibrand wheels, paperclip rollbar, bucket-style seats, full width Plexiglas windshield. Originally DeSoto Hemi powered, later fitted with the Chrysler still in the car by Kurtis. Restored in 2005 with original aluminum bodywork. Shows a little age and use but is nearly show quality. No Reserve. As this result indicates, Kurtis 500s are still trying to find their market. A big guy’s car with big performance, it’s more car than money.Lot # 157 1928 Bentley 4 1/2 Liter Tourer, Body after Vanden Plas; S/N PM3252; Engine # PM3256; BRGreen/Green leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $600,000 – $800,000; Concours restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $700,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $770,000 — RHD. Black wire wheels, cycle fenders, Zeiss headlights, folding windshield, dual aeroscreens. Originally coupe bodied, fitted with this Vanden Plas Le Mans replica coachwork by James Pearce and Roger Wing during 1999 restoration which also added overdrive and disc clutch. Concours restored with stone chips and nicks from use appropriate to the 5,052 miles on the odometer. A charismatic, beautifully restored and prepared old car bought for a premium price.
SUPERB report on the Gooding auction. Rick Carey’s insights are always much appreciated. I’m hopeful the 250 TR went to the same buyer of the Fiat Transporter – that would be something to see.
Its Ironic. The seller of the 250TR was the buyer of the Fiat 642 Transporter(Jon Shirley)! The 250TR is believed to have gone to a mystery buyer in Argentina, whom also bought&overpaid for the $2.2M steel bodied 300SL Gullwing,overpaid for that producers 250GT LWB California for $5.7M,and finally was the same guy who dished out the $880K for that lime green Ghibli 4.9SS Spyder!
Shirley now has two Fiat Transporters?? I’m pretty sure he already had his Fiat transporter before this auction – in fact, I would border on certain because I saw it years ago in his incredible shop.
What on earth is the Argentinian thinking on those trades? I need his bank account….!
A great report on the outcome of the Auction. Gooding put on an auction event that was both exciting and valuable for both sellers and buyers. I still think there was something in the Kettlecorn they were sending out to the hungry crowd that got everyone in the bidding frenzy but it may have just been the hammering of some beautifu classics. Looking forward to Scottsdale next year.