Bonhams offered a collection of exceptional early automobiles formerly on exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago on October 4th at its annual Vintage New England sale at the Larz Andersen Auto Museum in Brookline, MA.

Very early motorcars culled from the Museum drew the day’s top lot prices at $196,200 for the Ex- D. Cameron Peck 1913 National Series V Roadster, and $194,000 for the 1936 Cadillac Series 90 V-16 Convertible Sedan. 

“These Museum quality offerings were very enthusiastically received here in Brookline,” said Malcolm Barber, Bonhams CEO and Chief Auctioneer, after the auction. ”Their scarcity, provenance and place in history are well understood, and we’re pleased to, once again, bring this caliber of offerings to such an appreciative audience. We’ve developed a loyal following for this annual event, and it was great to see our old friends, meet new clients, and focus the interest of collectors from around the world on the Larz Anderson Auto Museum.” 

Bonhams’ 7th annual Vintage New England auction included 15 cars from the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry, many with exceptional provenance and several formerly owned by pioneers of the old car movement. All told, Bonhams offered 47 automobiles for sale, with 39 finding a new owner, reflecting an 83% sales rate. The total sales volume was $2,855,731, inclusive of buyer’s premiums.

Auction highlights include:

1913 National Series V, Type N3 Model 40 Semi-Racing Type Roadster – Sold for $196,200 versus an estimate of $150,000 - $200,000. The Indianapolis-built National is a great example of an early American sports car. It was sold to the museum in 1949 by car collecting hobby pioneer D. Cameron Peck.

1936 Cadillac Series 90 V-16 Convertible Sedan – Sold for $194,000 versus an estimate of $300,000 - $500,000. Just six of these were built in 1936, it’s believed only four remain today.  This car was bequeathed to the Chicago museum in 1949 by a wealthy Minneapolis industrialist when it was just 13 years old – its 17,000 miles on the odometer are all that it has ever covered. What are we missing here? Perhaps a sign of a quickly trending market, this was seemingly very well bought.

1908 Isotta Fraschini Tipo FENC Semi Racer – Sold for $166,500.

1929 Ford Model A Mailtruck – Sold for $46,800 versus an estimate of $45,000 - $65,000. One of approximately 20 remaining examples, the unique Model A Mailtruck has been in the Museum’s collection since 1972.

1918 Locomobile Model 48-2 Sportif Touring Car – Sold for $161,000 versus an estimate of $175,000 - $225,000. This Locomobile was built specifically for ex-General of the Armies John Joseph “Black Jack” Pershing. It has been part of the Larz Anderson Auto Museum collection for over 30 years.

1950 Jaguar Mk V Drop Head Coupe – Sold for $152,200 versus an estimate of $140,000 - $160,000. This 3.5 liter Mk V was the subject of a comprehensive nut and bolt restoration to the highest standards. It won multiple awards at the Greenwich Concours and it was displayed in the lobby of the Jaguar national headquarter as part of the marque’s 60th anniversary celebration. This set a new auction world record for a Jaguar Mk V.

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