Bonhams, firmly established as a leader of the collectors’ motor car market having raised 10 million euros at Rétromobile in 2008 and 11,480,000 euros in 2009, once again has an impressive selection in Paris. The 35th Rétromobile exhibition will take place at Porte de Versailles from the 22nd – 31st January 2010, during which Bonhams will offer 99 motor cars and 50 fine items of automobilia for sale by auction on 23rd January 2010.
Private Collections
A prestigious 28-car collection belonging to an Andalusian industrialist is the centerpiece of the sale. It includes five Hispano-Suiza cars with elegant coach-built bodies and the most impressive engines of the time. Several Bentleys are also up for auction, as well as a Lagonda, a Horch (853A) and a Cadillac (V16 Double Phaeton) convertible, while the must-have of the collection is a 1932 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Monza estimated at more than a million euros.
A Dutch collection includes an unusual Mercedes 600 which was delivered new to a Swiss luxury hotel in 1967 with a roof specifically adapted to accommodate wealthy clients’ skis (70,000 – 90,000€).
Other Highlights
A 1930 Alfa Romeo 6C-1750 two-seat roadster, an icon of the 1930s car industry and fit for the most prestigious events, is offered with a pre-sale estimate of 550,000 – 650,000 euros.
A Roaring Twenties Grand Prix race car is also grabbing attention – the 1926 Talbot-Darracq 1.5-litre supercharged GP is one of the most impressive racing cars of the period (400,000 – 600,000€).
Another highlight is a 1962 Ferrari 400 Superamerica Series I coupé, created when Enzo Ferrari and Battista Pininfarina combined their skills and produced what is now considered a 20th century masterpiece. The car was widely appreciated by aristocratic clients, leading to its nickname, “King’s Ferrari” (800,000 – 1,000,000€).
In 1971, the Elysée palace commissioned Henri Chapron to build two Presidential models, still owned by the Elysée Palace. A passionate collector has decided to have a third one made, built under Chapron’s licence. After five years of work and a cost of 500,000 euros, Bonhams is now offering this unique car with an estimate of 150,000 – 250,000 euros.
Bugatti Brescia
The 1925 Bugatti Brescia has been in the depths (53 metres deep to be precise) of Lake Maggiore for 73 years. Its incredible story makes this car a one-off acquisition. It was pulled out from the lake on 12th July 2009 and will be sold in aid of a charity against youth violence – Fondazione Damiano Tamagni (70,000 – 90,000 euros).
Matthieu Lamoure, Bonhams France Director comments: “This auction is exemplary for its variety: cars from many periods are offered for sale, many of them without a reserve, and will suit all pockets.”
www.bonhams.com/retromobile
Image: Lot No: 268 1926 Talbot-Darracq 1.5-Litre GP Chassis no. 3 Engine no. 3 Estimate: €400,000 – 600,000
