A red 1965 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 4.2-Litre Roadster that belonged to Sir Elton John is one of the highlights of the Collectors’ Motor Cars and Automobilia sale, taking place at Bonhams Oxford on March 3rd 2012.
Estimated to sell for £50,000-70,000 the car was bought by Sir Elton in 1987. According to his fleet manager, Sir Elton and his staff referred to the E-Type as ‘OK Elton’ due to its number plate OKE 1, which was worn throughout his ownership and is sold with the car.
An icon of the 1960s, few cars have had such universal appeal as the Jaguar E-Type, and in many people’s eyes, the Series 1 4.2-litre is the best E-Type of all.
A 1961 Ferrari 250GTE 2+2 ‘Series 1’ Coupé that belonged to the Oscar winning Italian producer Agostino De Laurentiis, who produced over 150 films including Barbarella, King Kong and Manhunter will also be offered in the sale.
With coachwork by Pininfarina, the ‘barn find’ 250GTE 2+2 is estimated to sell for £40,000 – 60,000. It was bought new by an Italian resident who imported it from Rome and subsequently passed to the famous Italian movie producer, Agostino ‘Dino’ De Laurentiis. Having had only a few owners, the 250 GTE is being offered by the family of the late owner who bought the car in 1967. It appears that he only used the car for eight or nine years following its acquisition, as it still carries the last tax disc (expired 1976).
Rob Hubbard, Senior Specialist at Bonhams comments “this well-preserved ‘barn find’ represents a wonderful opportunity to acquire an original and untouched early Ferrari 250GTE, ripe for sympathetic restoration by a fortunate new owner.”
An exceptional 1961 Morgan Plus 4 Supersports High Line will also be offered in the Bonhams sale, estimated to sell for £55,000 – 65,000. The Line has been owned from new by the Vought Family, renowned for their pioneering work and engineering in the aviation industry and of Vought Corsair fame. It has undergone a £100,000 restoration and is now finished in the Corsair livery of Blue and Yellow.
Estimated to sell for £36,000 – 42,000, a 1966 Citroën DS21 Décapotable has been in current ownership for 68 years and is one of only 50 right-hand drive examples delivered to the UK between 1962 and 1966.
In 1968 it was bought by the current owner, Joe Judt, who has been an active member of the Citroën Car Club since the 1950s, served as the Chairman and is now the Club’s honorary President. Well known in the UK and abroad, Joe’s Décapotable is featured in many English language books on the history of Citroën cars. Now in his early nineties, Joe has reluctantly decided to pass this remarkable car on to a new owner in order to ensure its continued use and enjoyment.
Further highlights include a 1956 Jaguar XK140SE Drophead Coupé that is estimated to sell for £50,000 – 70,000. All proceeds of the sale will be donated to the charity “3Ts – Turn The Tide Of Suicide”.
Fourteen of the motorcars in the auction are eligible to use in a wealth of Vintage Sports-Car Club events including a 1935 Talbot AU65 Tourer (est. £25,000 – 30,000), a 1937 Bentley 4¼-Litre Drophead Coupé (est. £25,000 – 30,000) and a 1935 Bentley 3½-Litre Sports Saloon (est. £45,000 – 55,000). Located ten miles away from Bonhams Oxford sale room, the Club organises five race meetings a year at Silverstone, Oulton Park, Cadwell, Mallory and Donington as well as hill climbs at Wiscombe, Shelsley Walsh, Prescott and Loton Park. There are also sprint events, driving tests, navigational rallies and tours.