Lot # 108 1934 Lagonda M45 Tourer; S/N Z11226; Engine # 12670/2976; BRGreen/Maroon leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $142,551 - $190,068; Rebodied or re-created, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $126,712 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $141,917 – RHD. Overdrive, dual rear spares, black wire wheels, blackwall tires, banjo-spoke steering wheel, full weather equipment. A rolling chassis restored by Oaklands for its owner, Tony Longmate. Fabric-covered touring car body with helmet-style front fenders re-created during restoration replacing the original sedan. Correct style Meadows engine but not original to this car. Restoration completed in 2000 and subsequently freshened mechanically and cosmetically showing clear evidence of age and use. A poster car for the term ‘bitsa’ but also an attractive, adaptable, fast and usable car for tours, events and historic racing. At this price, even in dollars, this is a fair result for both the buyer and the seller.
Lot # 109 1964 Aston Martin DB5 Convertible; S/N DB5C/1285/R; Engine # 400/1472; Sierra Blue/Black leather; Black Everflex top; Estimate $506,848 - $593,963; Not evaluated; Not sold at Hammer bid of $467,251 – RHD. 5-speed, chrome wire wheels, blackwall tires, P/W, engine upgraded to 4.2 liters, stainless steel exhaust. Reported sold by Christie's at Donington in December 1988 for $230,966 (GBP126,500) and by Coys in London in February 1993 for $66,715 (GBP46,200). Significantly upgraded since with an exterior color change and bigger engine.
Lot # 110 1980 Rolls-Royce Corniche 2-Dr. Sedan, Body by Hooper; S/N CRX50264; Engine # 50264; Turquoise Metallic; Estimate $63,356 - $87,115; Unrestored original, 2+ condition; Post-block sale at $60,810 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $68,108 – RHD. Chrome wire wheels, rectangular fog lights, Harvey Bailey suspension, Silver Spirit nose and tail, chrome rocker panels, Howard Becker custom stereo system. Built by Hooper and retained by them from new with only about 15,000 miles. Aged and negligently maintained. Hooper Corporate Collection. A post-block sale at a negotiated price that reflects the competing attributes of condition and rarity.
Lot # 111 1886 Benz Patent Motorwagen Replica; S/N JB16597; Black/Black leather; Estimate $55,437 - $71,276; Facsimile restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $55,437 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $62,089 – John Bentley Engineering replica. As-built and little used. Hooper Corporate Collection. No Reserve. Always at home in any collection, this is the right money for a Bentley-built Benz Motorwagen
Lot # 112 1951 Willys M38 Military Jeep; S/N 36972; Olive Drab/Olive cloth; Estimate $12,671 - $15,839; Truck restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $23,759 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $26,610 – Korean War era USMC configured with period radio equipment, shovel, axe, exhibition .30 caliber pedestal mounted machine gun, Tommy gun, hand grenades. Worn and used but very original and accurate. Hooper Corporate Collection. No Reserve. Despite the estimate this is the real money for a well restored, if used and a little ragged, military Jeep.
Lot # 113 1920 Pierce-Arrow Model 48 2/3-Passenger Coupe; S/N 515435; Engine # 515435; 23-karat Gold, Nickel/Black leather; Estimate $110,873 - $158,390; Customized restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $126,712 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $141,917 – RHD. 23-karat gold plated body, nickel-plated fenders, gold leafed wood spoke wheels, silver plated interior fittings. Known history from new, restored between 1945 and 1973 and showing age and patina but little use. Amazing. Hooper Corporate Collection. No Reserve. There's no accounting for taste. This car was started two generations ago, when it was just a 25 year old car and curiosities like this were a way of life. It is undeniably fabulous, as is its price.
Lot # 114 1930 Rolls-Royce Phantom II LWB Open Tourer; S/N 77GY; Black, Red, Aluminum hood/Red leather; Estimate $118,793 - $158,390; Rebodied or re-created, 4+ condition; Hammered Sold at $75,235 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $84,263 – RHD. Red wire wheels, blackwall tires, dual sidemounts, folding dogleg windshield. Replica body with cutdown sides and elaborate accent curlicues of unknown origins but attributed to a design by Rippon Brothers. Formerly owned by Richard and Linda Kughn. Quickly repainted and reupholstered a long time ago and rough. Hooper Corporate Collection. No Reserve. Looks like a circus wagon, not the Maharajah body it was purportedly patterned after. Tired, aged and strange, this might be a chassis purchase with the strange body headed for the scrap heap. It would be no loss.
Lot # 115 1935 Auburn 851 Supercharged Speedster; S/N 33177E; Engine # GH4430; Red/Off-White leather; Estimate $316,780 - $443,492; Rebodied or re-created, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $197,988 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $221,746 – Body color wire wheels, wide whitewalls. An older restoration from Montevideo, Uruguay with a replacement frame from a sedan. Hooper Corporate Collection. No Reserve. Unattractive and of mixed history, this is a usable tour car but of little significance in the hierarchy of Auburn boattails. The seller should be very happy with the price it brought, despite the generous estimate.
Lot # 116 1964 Rolls-Royce Phantom V Seven-Passenger Limousine 7-Passenger Limousine, Body by James Young; S/N 5LVA121; Dark Blue/Biscuit leather; Estimate $158,390 - $205,907; Older restoration, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $229,666 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $257,225 – Lefthand drive. Blackwall tires, driving lights, division window, rear armrest console, picnic tables, jump seats, occasional pillows, lavish walnut burl woodwork. Restored by Hooper in the late 80's. Possible at one time owned by Nelson Rockefeller. Excellent older paint, upholstery, chrome and beautiful walnut burl interior trim. A choice PV. Hooper Corporate Collection. No Reserve. A bookmark on the end of an era for Rolls-Royce and British bespoke coachwork, this lavishly appointed PV is one of the last emblems of empire. Lincolns, Cadillacs and even Mercedes-Benz shrink into insignificance in its presence.
Lot # 117 1956 Lincoln Continental Mark II; S/N C56C2316; Black/Red, White leather; Estimate $47,517 - $63,356; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $47,517 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $53,219 – Original and unrestored showing 93,000 miles on the odometer appropriate to its condition. Surface-cracked leather, aged but sound paint, worn out original carpets. Recently mechanically re-commissioned. Hooper Corporate Collection. No Reserve. Expensive to build and even more expensive to restore, this Continental needs pretty much everything. The paint, chrome and interior are beyond preservation; mechanically it runs but nothing more than that. This is a generous price for a project that will not see the surface for many years of inflation.
Lot # 118 1962 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III SCT100 Touring Limousine, Body by James Young; S/N CBL51; Oxblood, Black/Biscuit leather; Estimate $39,598 - $47,517; Unrestored original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $63,356 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $70,959 – RHD. Unrestored and original inside and out. Solid and respectable but used and aged. Hooper Corporate Collection. No Reserve. Elegant and rare, a relic of a bygone day, but not so choice or admirably presented that it deserves even this much money.
Lot # 119 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing; S/N 1970405500123; Silver-Grey/Red leather; Estimate $554,365 - $633,560; Visually maintained, largely original, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $593,963 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $665,238 – Chrome centerlock Rudge wheels, 4-point belts, no bumpers. Historic event prepared and a multiple Mille Miglia participant. Good paint and attractive original upholstery. Attractive and reassuring presentation. Hooper Corporate Collection. No Reserve. Rich in US$ for its condition, but honestly presented and apparently working well, the London bidders' judgment is definitive if more than a U.S. bidder would pay for a sound but unrestored Gullwing.
Lot # 120 1989 Rolls-Royce Spirit Emperor State Landaulet, Body by Hooper; S/N SCAZSOOA1KCH26441; Black, Regency Red/Grey leather, Grey velour; Black cloth top; Estimate $126,712 - $190,068; Visually maintained, largely original, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $95,034 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $106,438 – RHD. Division window, rear compartment stereo. Beautifully done throughout with excellent upholstery, paint and interior wood trim. Created long after Hooper ceased regular coachbuilding to meet an Australian client's specifications. 143’ wheelbase. A spectacular exercise in excess, lavishly equipped. Largely original and showing age but still extraordinary. Hooper Corporate Collection. No Reserve. Dragged the bidders, kicking and whining, by 5's and 2 1/2's from GBP 25,000 to a final bid of GBP 60,000, a magnum opus by auctioneer Max Girardo and RM's team. With Mercedes-Benz 600 Landaulets, (even those not built in Sindelfingen) commanding twice this money this Rolls-Royce is unique, elegant and imposing. Its aged condition is fully recognized in this price. It's presence isn't. It's a good value, if this is what the buyer wants.
Lot # 121 1956 Facel Vega HK500 Coupe; S/N FV2B56114; Black/Fawn leather; Estimate $79,195 - $95,034; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $87,115 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $97,568 – Chrome wire wheels, A/C, P/W, automatic. Not used in a while, mostly original with typical wear and a mediocre old repaint. Recently given a rudimentary service after long display but needs more. Hooper Corporate Collection. No Reserve. This old, neglected car would not have been a good value at $80,000.
Lot # 122 1960 Mercedes-Benz 190SL Roadster; S/N 12104010016763; Red/Tan leather; Estimate $39,598 - $47,517; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $59,396 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $66,524 – Trim rings, hubcaps, blackwalls, Blaupunkt radio, Nardi woodrim steering wheel, hardtop only. Fair old repaint, sound but aged interior. Aged and original underhood. Hooper Corporate Collection. No Reserve. A nice driver, but nothing more. The price is a miracle for the seller.
Lot # 123 1922 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost 40/50hp ‘London-to-Edinburgh’ Tourer, Body by Wilkinson; S/N 35RG; Dark Green/Biscuit leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $475,170 - $586,043; Rebodied or re-created, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $158,390 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $177,397 – RHD. CAV bell headlights, boa constrictor horn, single sidemounted spare, black wire wheels, blackwall tires, nickel trim. Repro coachwork on a later chassis done some time ago and now with history and patina of its own. Needs paint and attention. Hooper Corporate Collection. No Reserve. The fact that this isn't what it appears to be is abundantly clear from the successful bid. A late Ghost with a reproduction London-Edinburgh body, it's still an attractive car although aged and used. These characteristics are abundantly recognized in the price it brought, a value appropriately discounted for its shortcomings.
Lot # 124 1961 Chrysler Imperial Crown Convertible; S/N 9214108743; Red/Red; Estimate $110,873 - $158,390; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $59,396 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $66,524 – Chrome wire wheels, whitewalls. Windows rattle in the doors, mediocre paint, pitted trim chrome. Unattractive. Hooper Corporate Collection. No Reserve. Disappointing barely describes this Imperial. The seller may have been disappointed by the price, but the buyer may be disappointed by the car.
Lot # 125 1992 Vector W8 Twin Turbo; S/N 1V9VW2623NW048007; Midnight Blue/Black leather; Estimate $237,585 - $285,102; Unrestored original, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $253,424 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $283,835 – Twin turbocharged 625hp 360 cubic inch V8, automatic, Recaro seats, cassette stereo. Low mileage, unrestored and original. Not used for years. Hooper Corporate Collection. A car known more for its legendary promise and Jerry Wegert's legendary promotion and resistance to his creditors which culminated in a standoff at the Vector shop. Fortunately it doesn't have to work to be fabulous and years of effort have made it actually run, if not work up to Wegert's claims. On appearances alone a Vector is radical, extreme and exotic. Is it worth this much? Today it was.
Lot # 126 1964 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III Drophead Coupe, Body by Hooper; S/N CCL65; Yellow, Grey/Black leather, Yellow piping; Black top; Estimate $237,585 – $285,102; Visually maintained, largely original, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $134,632 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $150,787 – RHD. Dual spotlights, driving lights, whitewalls. ‘Goldfinger’ presentation, over-the-top and showing age and use. Hooper Corporate Collection. No Reserve. ‘Taste’ is personal. London spoke with this price for a car that otherwise might have met the pre-sale estimate. (picture unavailable).
Lot # 127 1930 Packard Standard Eight Phaeton; S/N 515435; Metallic Olive, Dark Green fenders/Tan leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $134,632 - $174,229; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $75,235 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $84,263 – Trippe lights, black wire wheels, dual sidemounts with mirrors, whitewall tires, wind wings. Good older restoration showing some age after long display and recently mechanically recommissioned. Attractive but not impressive. Hooper Corporate Collection. No Reserve. A Standard Eight, bought for a modest price in London where the inherent style and elegance of the marque is not apparent. This is a good value even in today's weak dollars.
Lot # 128 1987 Buick Regal GNX 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N 1G4GJ1178HP448983; Black/Black, Grey cloth; Estimate $79,195 - $126,712; Unrestored original, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $63,356 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $70,959 – 233 miles from new, never registered. Long displayed and minimally recommissioned before sale. Conventional wisdom would say that this GNX was eloquently valued by the bidders at RM London, but B-J got more than twice this much last January for one in Scottsdale. Call it generous ... at least in US$.
Lot # 129 1971 Duesenberg Replica SSJ Roadster; S/N 002; Silver, Rose/Burgundy leather; Estimate $118,793 - $158,390; Unrestored original, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $87,115 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $97,568 – 383/504hp Paxton supercharged Chrysler, automatic, Dodge truck frame and suspension, aluminum bodywork, wheel covers and trim rings on chrome wheels, outside exhaust headpipes, Pilot-Rays, rear-mounted spare. Used regularly but not extensively. Hooper Corporate Collection. No Reserve. Go figure. Couldn't these dollars (or pounds) be more productively deployed in other ways?
Lot # 130 1930 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Roadster, Body by Dick Brockman; S/N 130XJ; Engine # IY65; Polished Copper/Green leather; Estimate $237,585 - $285,102; Rebodied or re-created, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $162,350 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $181,832 – RHD. Long wheelbase, chrome wire wheels, wide whitewalls, single sidemount with mirror, vee windshield. Originally Barker Limousine deVille bodied, replaced at an unknown time with this highly polished all copper body. Engine rebuilt this year with new cylinder heads. Lightly creased seat coverings; chassis and engine show age and use but are orderly and tidy enough to cruise proudly. Hooper Corporate Collection. No Reserve. Why? The body and windshield proportions are erratic and not attractive. Copper is not light. The whole exercise is curious and pointless. The seller should be eternally grateful.
Lot # 131 1907 Itala Grand Prix-Style Two-Seater; S/N 2969; Red/Black leather; Estimate $158,390 - $237,585; Rebodied or re-created, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $87,115 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $97,568 – RHD. Reproduction coachwork probably built in Australia where it was discovered and restored in the early 90's. 4.5 liter T-head four cylinder of unknown (but not Itala) origin. Two bucket seats, twin spares in a box behind the seats, then a round bolster tank and a box for tools and spare parts. Ruggedly built, with decent paint, upholstery and brass. No Reserve. About the only thing ‘Itala’ is the script on the radiator. A lusty T-head four, it isn't much more significant than an old fire truck speedster. Cool and fun to drive, the price is a gift.
Lot # 132 1923 Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP Silver Ghost 'AX 201' Roi-de-Belges Recreation; S/N 30PK; Engine # R210; Silver/Black leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $554,365 - $633,560; Rebodied or re-created, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $237,585 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $266,095 – RHD. Re-creation of the original Silver Ghost Roi-des-Belges coachwork based on a Barker Cabriolet deVille at one point on chassis 1677. Silver-plated brightwork, boa constrictor horn, single sidemount. Show quality restoration with excellent paint, upholstery and brightwork. Hooper Corporate Collection. A gorgeous reproduction that leaves something on the table in terms of proportions and style, attributes that are reflected in the price it brought.
Lot # 133 1938 Bentley 4 1/4 Litre 4- Dr. Cabriolet, Body by Worblaufen; S/N B125LE; Two tone Grey/Maroon pigskin; Black cloth top; Estimate $269,263 - $348,458; Recent restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $209,867 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $235,051 – RHD. Polished wheel discs, dual enclosed sidemounts, 4-speed with overdrive, blackwall tires, fitted luggage. Restored in 2007 to show quality standards with a class third at Pebble Beach in 2007. The only known Worblaufen-bodied Derby Bentley. No longer fresh but still outstanding. Sold by Bonhams at the RROC auction in August 2003 for $126,000 (GBP 78,300) prior to its recent restoration by Chris Kidd's Tired Iron Works. Worblaufen won't win any awards for great coachwork. This Bentley is stiff and burdened by a lumpy top in its retracted position, execution that makes Sindelfingen's Cabriolets look almost graceful. The clunky design and rarity of the combination of Bentley and Worblaufen is effectively offset by the price it brought and the quality of the restoration. It was bought right, but its buyer got no bargain.
Lot # 134 1928 Bugatti Type 38 Tourer; S/N 38444; Aluminum, Green fenders/Dark Green leather; Estimate $190,068 – $269,263; Incomplete restoration, 4 condition; Hammered Sold at $197,988 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $221,746 – RHD. Incomplete restoration started by Carrosserie Tessier and ‘provisionally assembled’ for sale. Polished wheel discs, Marchal headlights, dual rear spares, folding vee windshield. Estate of John O’Quinn. This was a sound and well-maintained largely original car when it came into the O’Quinn collection. Leaving its new owner with plenty of money to spend, as well as the uncertainties of an incomplete restoration, it is richly priced. (picture unavailable).
Lot # 135 1902 Toledo Steam Runabout; S/N 505263834; Green, Varnished Cane/Black leather; Estimate $95,034 - $126,712; Older restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $110,873 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $124,178 – Tiller steering, Green wood spoke wheels, full length leaf springs with perch rods, kerosene lights. 2-cylinder double-acting steam engine with poppet valves, chain drive. Once owned by Lenox Lohr and displayed at the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry. An older restoration with an LP-gas fired boiler last used in the Wisconsin New London-New Brighton run in 2006. Leather finish is erratic but can be resolved with professional attention. A great driver in veteran car tours. No Reserve. A sweet little car, restored and updated to make it a great ride for tours with a history of ownership by some of America's earliest exponents of car collecting back in the dim and distant days of the mid-20th century. It will be a mid-pack starter in the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run and is attractive and reliable. A sound value at the price.
Lot # 136 1949 Talbot-Lago Grand Sport Cabriolet, Body by Figoni & Falaschi; S/N 100047; Bare/None; Estimate $47,517 – $95,034; Incomplete restoration, 4- condition; Hammered Sold at $245,505 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $274,965 – RHD. Triple carb engine, Wilson pre-selector gearbox, chrome wire wheels, updated with air conditioning, power top, modern radio and alternator. Previously in Peter Kaus’ Rosso et Bianco Collection. Restoration started by Ateliers Tessier in France but essentially incomplete except for stripping the body and completing an assessment of the work needed. The project is a bit frightening to contemplate. Estate of John O’Quinn. No Reserve. Purchased for princely sum of $375,500 (GBP199,600 at the time) at Bonhams Quail Lodge auction in 2006 in parlous old restored condition. This is the peril in starting a restoration and having to sell before it’s done, a GBP 45,000 ($71,250) but $130,000 hit for the uncertainty of its cost to complete compared with the prospects of bringing it back to concours condition when it was offered earlier. Bitten by the triple combination of the incomplete restoration, the dollar’s swoon and coachwork that doesn’t measure among Figoni’s finest, this was a hard hit for the John O’Quinn estate but a win when measured against RM’s modest estimate. (picture unavailable).
Lot # 137 1904 DeDion-Bouton Model ADL Rear Entrance Tonneau; S/N N/A; Crimson, Black/Black leather; Estimate $593,963 - $712,755; Concours restoration, 1 condition; Post-block sale at $395,975 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $443,492 – RHD. 2,544cc inline 4-cylinder engine, automatic intake valves, 4-speed transaxle, deDion rear suspension with platform springs, white tires, wicker umbrella holder, dual-note bulb horn. Provenance includes D. Cameron Peck and Atwater Kent, Jr. Freshly re-restored by Chris Kidd's Tired Iron Works with replica coachwork styled after designs of Henri Binder. Class winner at Pebble Beach in 2008, VCC dated 1904 and participated in the 2000 London-Brighton. Beautifully done in all respects with superb paint, brilliant (and abundant) brass and excellent upholstery. Coachwork finish appears to be sprayed instead of coachpainted by brush in multiple coats of color and varnish but otherwise a superb automobile of the highest quality and exceptional performance for its age. Earlier (original?) wicker body comes with it. Offered at RM's Arizona auction in 2003 with the earlier wicker body and in rough and tired older restored condition. It was reported a no-sale at a high bid of $150,000 against an estimate of $175-225,000. A no-sale on the block at this price, it closed subsequently at the same amount and a wonderful buy in a freshly restored, lovely car. This is a 4-cylinder front-engined deDion for little more than RM got a few weeks ago for a 2-cylinder Packard of comparable condition and history in Hershey.
Lot # 138 1936 Bentley 4 1/4 Liter Drophead Coupe, Body by after Gurney Nutting; S/N B155HM; Metallic Grey, Bright Blue fenders/Blue leather; Dark Blue cloth top; Estimate $95,034 - $142,551; Older restoration, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $95,034 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $106,438 – RHD. Wire wheels, blackwall tires. Rebodied in Australia by Roger Fry with a Gurney Nutting design. A handsome but aged older restoration and rebody with aged, blistered paint. Solid and attractively bodied but let down by its garish colors. No Reserve. A repaint will overcome this car's major drawback, a reasonable prospect at this price. A reasonable price for a car with reasonable possibilities.
Lot # 139 1935 Aston Martin 1.5-Litre LWB MKII Tourer; S/N C5/562/L; Dark Blue/Dark Blue leather; Dark Blue top and Tonneau; Estimate $110,873 - $150,471; Older restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $158,390 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $177,397 – RHD. Chrome wire wheels, cycle fenders, flat folding windshield, Lucas King of the Road headlights with mesh stoneguards, side exhaust, rear-mounted spare. Attractively restored with good paint and interior but dull brightwork that detracts from its appeal along with its mediocre detailing and presentation. Solid history since the 50's. A healthy price for an inherently attractive but erratically presented Aston. The seller should be very satisfied with its reception here in London.
Lot # 140 1934 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental Sport Sedan, Body by Thrupp & Maberly; S/N 157RY; Black/Grey leather; Estimate $150,471 - $197,988; Older restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $142,551 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $159,657 – RHD. Short chassis, F-type steering, close coupled 4-door coachwork. Single sidemount on right, single driving light, sliding sunroof, polished wheel discs, blackwall tires. Good recent repaint, very nice original upholstery and refreshed brightwork. Long displayed at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago before its recent refreshing. Sold by Bonhams at Brookline, Mass. in 2008 for $99,450 before its recent work (GBP 56,100 at the time), this is a reasonable price for an unusually attractive PII on the Continental chassis in competently restored and presented condition with a reassuring ex- Museum of Science and Industry provenance.
Lot # 141 1924 Daimler 57hp Enclosed Limousine, Body by Hooper; S/N 21418; Engine # 43966; Green, Black fenders and roof/Black leather, Grey broadcloth; Estimate $197,988 – $293,022; Older restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $158,390 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $177,397 – RHD. Single sidemount, green centerlock wire wheels, blackwall tires, roof luggage fence, dual spotlights and many more luxurious appointments. Impressively restored with great paint, chrome, upholstery and interior wood. Show quality without being over-restored. Stiff and erect formal coachwork, but gloriously presented and elegant in show quality condition. Arrive in this and feel like a Prime Minister. It is nothing if not elegant, a relic of an era when high hats were everyday formal style. Its design is seriously formal, but its effect is profound and it is, largely on the strength of its outstanding restoration, a sound value at this price, particularly in pounds. (picture unavailable).
Lot # 142 1963 Aston Martin DB4 Series V Vantage Coupe; S/N DB4/1155/R; Caribbean Blue/Grey leather; Estimate $237,585 - $285,102; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $364,297 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $408,013 – RHD. Chrome spoke Borrani wire wheels, blackwall tires, radio, heater, 4.2 liter engine, DB5 disc brakes, stainless steel exhaust system. Thoroughly restored on the basis of a sound original car but not flattered by its exterior color. A sound and usable driver quality restoration. The bidders liked this car a lot, a whole lot, seeing something in it which escaped others. Expensive in British pounds, it is nothing less than extravagant in US$.
Lot # 143 1962 Aston Martin DB4 Convertible; S/N DB4C/1065/R; Dubonnet/Fawn leather; Estimate $332,619 - $427,653; Visually maintained, largely original, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $403,895 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $452,362 – RHD. Chrome wire wheels. Bright metallic paint with some flaws. Discolored but sound upholstery. Chassis, engine and interior superficially presented. Deserved more assiduous attention. Avidly sought by collectors on account of its rarity and attractive coachwork, this car sold on its inherent attributes and collectibility and not on its presentation. On a day when Astons were center-stage this car could have done better (as did the DB4 Vantage Coupe that sold for nearly as much immediately before it) had its consignor put more effort into its presentation. The buyer did well.
Lot # 144 1956 Austin-Healey 100/M BN2 'Le Mans' Roadster; S/N BN2L/229932; OEWhite/Red; Estimate $126,712 - $158,390; Older restoration, 3 condition; Hammered Sold at $71,276 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $79,829 – Lefthand drive. Chrome wire wheels, driving lights, blackwall tires. Attractively restored to healthy driver condition with some paint flaws, good upholstery and chrome but loose interior trim. BMIHT Heritage Certificate, tools, jack, manuals. No Reserve. A legitimate factory 100/M Le Mans documented by its BMIHT certificate, this Austin-Healey brought a reasonable price in today's weak US$ but is modest in pounds. The estimate must assume it is a freshly restored concours-ready car, which it is not.
Lot # 145 1900 DeDion-Bouton Perfecta Quadricycle; S/N 13586; Black/Black; Estimate $47,517 - $79,195; Recent restoration, 1 condition; Hammered Sold at $98,994 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $110,873 – Chrome spoke wheels, white tires, wheel steering. Impressively restored by Brian Joseph with later carburetor and oversize tires to Tiffany's window condition. Sharp and needs nothing. Estate of John O'Quinn. No Reserve. An early starter for Brighton and an unusually lucrative acknowledgment in the UK of a U.S.-style over-the-top restoration. Beyond reproach and generously rewarded for its presentation.
Lot # 146 1963 Dual-Ghia L6.4 Coupe; S/N 0313; Metallic Burgundy/Tan leather; Estimate $221,746 - $285,102; Cosmetic restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $205,907 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $230,616 – 383/335hp, automatic, A/C, chrome wire wheels, narrow whitewalls, P/W, P/B, P/W, pushbutton radio. Restored some years ago to attractive cosmetic condition and now showing some age and use as well as let down by black silicone windshield seal repairs. Sold by RM at the Wayne Davis collection auction in 2008 for $275,000, GBP 137,700 at the time making the US$ result here misleading. It brought GBP 130,000 hammer, 145,600 with commission on-site, a modest but nevertheless appropriate result in sale-to-sale direct comparison.
Lot # 147 1936 MG NB Magnette Airline Coupe; S/N NA0848; Red, Black/Red leather, Black piping; Estimate $229,666 - $277,183; Older restoration, 2+ condition; Hammered Sold at $205,907 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $230,616 – RHD. 1,271cc 56hp sohc dual carburetor six. Chrome Borrani wire wheels, driving light, sliding sunroof, sliding door windows, trafficators in C-pillar, enclosed rear spare with wheel disc, Bluemels Brooklands steering wheel, fog lights. Show quality restoration with excellent cosmetics let down by only a few minor blemishes. Comes with polished Lamar wheel discs. Estate of John O'Quinn. Sold at RM's Gene Ponder Collection sale in 2007 for $398,750 (GBP 198,900 at the time) when it was represented as the only known survivor of this style on the NB Magnette, a qualification ameliorated here to one of four known. The '07 price was, even then and for John O'Quinn, a reach, at 45% over the pre-sale estimate. It is, however, a captivating and undeniably svelte and attractive car. This result (GBP 130,000 hammer and GBP 145,600 with commission) restores some balance between its attributes and its cost.
Lot # 148 1956 Maserati A6G/2000 Competition Berlinetta, Body by after Zagato; S/N 2137; Red/Beige leather; Estimate $934,501 - $1,029,535; Rebodied or re-created, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $989,938 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $1,108,730 – Silver painted Borrani wire wheels, blackwall tires. Raced in the Mille Miglia, Coppa Intereuropa and Targa Florio in 1957. Restored with a replica body five years ago. It's somewhat amusing that RM cataloged this rebodied A6G/2000 as ‘(o)ne of just 20 Zagato berlinettas, with no two completely alike.’ No kidding? Its history, style and rarity nevertheless make it somewhat appropriate at this price considering that Gooding sold 2105 with its original Zagato body at Pebble Beach in August of this year for $1,595,000. While that looks like a $487,000 discount for this rebody it is something different in the wake of the dollar's recent swoon, GBP 700,000 and Euros 800,400 here against GBP 1,023,700 and Euros 1,249,300 just a few months ago for 2105. It pays to take into account the exchange rates, whether buying or selling.
Lot # 149 1925 Bentley 3-4 1/2 Litre Le Mans Replica Tourer, Body by after Vanden Plas; S/N 911; Engine # RT909; BRGreen/Green leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $419,734 – $554,365; Rebodied or re-created, 2 condition; Hammered Sold at $411,814 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $461,232 – RHD. Sidemounted spare, folding windshield with aeroscreens, radiator and headlight stoneguards. Delivered new as a 3-Liter to Australia with Freestone & Webb drophead coupe body. Vanden Plas replica coachwork built during a recent restoration after the original coachwork was judged ‘beyond repair’. Shortened chassis, later blower-spec block, Phoenix crank, needle bearing valve rockers, finned brake drums and more. Comes with its original 3-liter engine and some parts. Excellent condition throughout and attractively done. Needs nothing … except a history. Neither fish nor fowl, this is a great driver but otherwise of no consequence. Exactly how ugly the F&W drophead body must have been to be relegated to ‘beyond repair’ is a mystery that earns the conversion no points from preservationists. A driving enthusiast’s car in its present configuration, the price is nothing if not generous despite the money spent on its conversion. The seller should be relieved to get out from under it at this price. (picture unavailable).
Lot # 150 1971 Lamborghini Miura SVJ Coupe, Body by Bertone; S/N 4892; Engine # 30640; Rossa Granada, Gold sills/Tan leather; Estimate $1,267,120 - $1,742,290; Recent restoration, 1- condition; Hammered Sold at $1,029,535 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $1,153,079 – Gold wheels. Bobileff restoration with Le Belle Macchine d'Italia Best of Show and Best of Marque awards. Shows some evidence of use, but nothing more attentive detailing couldn't put back into show car condition. A gorgeous car Opened at GBP 200,000 and quickly run to 500,000 by 50's, for sale at GBP 625,000. Offered at Russo and Steele in Monterey in 2008, most records support this chassis as a factory-built SVJ, the pinnacle of the Miura's development and arguably not only the first but also the most desirable of the mid-engined Italian supercars of the 60's and 70's. Reasonably priced in GBP and Euros if pricey in US$.
Lot # 151 1965 Ferrari 275 GTB Berlinetta, Body by Pinin-Scaglietti; S/N 07743; Engine # 07743; Blue Azzuro/Dark Grey leather; Estimate $791,950 - $950,340; Cosmetic restoration, 2- condition; Hammered Sold at $760,272 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $851,505 – Chrome spoke Borranis. Shown at Frankfurt in 1965. Later modified to long nose in the U.S. Restored by Hietbrink in 2008 to original short nose configuration and exterior color with grey leather upholstery. Sharp, fresh and better than new outside but not up to the exterior standards under the hood. Bid to GBP 475,000 on the block and announced sold four lots later at this price. A choice example but inconsistently presented and generously priced even a little under RM's pre-sale estimate.
Lot # 152 1968 Chevrolet Corvette L89 Coupe; S/N 194678S404229; Red/; Estimate $158,390 - $221,746; Competition restoration, 3- condition; Hammered Sold at $71,276 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $79,829 – Originally supplied with an L89 427/435hp with aluminum heads. Raced in the 70's by Rhoddy Harvey-Bailey in the UK in the 'Mod Sports' series with six wins and three seconds in 1972. Restored to historic racing condition but not yet completed. 1967 Dick Guldstrand-supplied 427 V-8 with L89 heads rebuilt and dynoed at 543hp and 510 lb-ft torque at only 5,000 rpm, original Muncie M21 gearbox, 8-spoke (real) Minilite wheels. Documented with tank sticker. Needs completion and thorough checking but probably little attention. No Reserve. Sold by RM in Monterey in 2005 for $110,000 (GBP 61,300) in comparable condition. Hammered sold here for GBP 45,000, GBP 50,400 with commission which is something of a bargain in a documented semi-L88 with a real race history. Selling Corvettes in the UK, even with 'Mod Sports' history, is not a good idea. At Laguna Seca, or even Le Mans, this is a potential winner as well as a crowd-pleaser.
About Rick Carey
As thorough of an auction report as I’ve ever seen. Took me quite a few minutes to read, and that typically doesn’t happen on the net. Excellent coverage of this highly successful sale.
Michael,
You have no idea how pleased I am to read your comment.
I try to make these reports not only informative — in a quantitative sense — but also enjoyable in a qualitative sense. My goal is to achieve exactly what happened to you: suck you in with photos, descriptions and written imagery and get you to feel the sale and the ebb and flow of the market.
Thanks,
Rick
Thank you, I echo what Michael Martin says, I found as much to read in this as any classic car magazine. The history of some of the cars fascinating and the reasons given for the sale or lack of very incisive. On the whole the cars seemed overvalued by the austioneer but as you say one or two bargins still to be had. Well done
Throughly enjoyed this knowledgeable and enthusiastic description. The writing displayed a reverence for the English language, as rare these days as some of the cars auctioned.
Excellent report and price analysis. Interesting to see the DB2/3s – so lovely. Remarkable price (it seems to me) for the black Series III E-type, particularly when compared to the Islero.
Am I reading something wrong here, or does it seems that the classic Bentleys are settling in price, even declining. If so, is there a reason for this?
Nicely done, informative coverage. Thanks!