10:00AM, March 7th 2019

Fernandina Beach Golf Club
3990 Amelia Island Parkway
Fernandina Beach FL 32034

Bonhams became the third major auction house to offer an auction in conjunction with the Amelia Island concours and in effect made the Amelia Island auction week a real thing. From the very beginning, Bonhams began to offer the very best in pre and post war collectors cars with a Preservation class Cord L-29 and a unique Bugatti Type 57SC Vanden Plas Tourer. 2016s results were boosted by the $9.7 million Bugatti and 2017s sale was something of a dip with only a rather weak Talbot-Lago and the 1955 Ferrari 250GT Europa on offer, Bonhams having reasonable success on the way to a $10.7 million gross. Bonhams had an average sale in 2018 with the 2015 McLaren P1 selling for $1.71 million and the total gross hitting $13.2 million.

Date – sold/offered/% – Gross Total (US$) – High sale (US$)

2015 64/84 (76%) $13,796,200 $1,760,000 1930 Cord L-29
2016 65/95 (68%) $27,461,250 $9,735,000 1937 Bugatti Type 57S Vanden Plas DHC
2017 74/86 (86%) $10,716,600 $2,227,500 1955 Ferrari 250GT Europa
2018 88/104 (84%) $13,177,679 $1,710,000 2015 McLaren P1

2019 90/107 (84%) $15,702,260 $1,187,500 1930 Cadillac V16

Bonhams highlights are an eclectic bunch and span various periods and types of motor vehicle. Leading the way is the 1930 Cadillac Series 452A Fleetwood Roadster which is estimated at $1.25 – 1.5 mil. The V16 Cadillac was initially produced in large quantities although the stockmarket crash of 1929 soon slowed sales somewhat, the V16 became known as one of America’s greatest cars. Fleetwood was the in house coachbuilder for Cadillac and offered a range of standard coachwork for every model including the Roadster which was the most sporty option available. Just ten of these Fleetwood Roadsters are known to survive and this one is offered in superb condition, restored over the past decade, as such this Caddy is well worth the $1.25 – 1.5 milllion estimate.

The second marquee lot is completely different, a 1968 Brabham BT26 at $1.1 – 1.4 mil. This is Rindts 1968 works car that was entirely unsuccessful although Ickx used it in 1969 on the way to finish 2nd in the WDC. Developed by Ron Tauranac and powered by the powerful but weak Repco engine, it truly took a lot of mastering to ensure it finished. That said this was successful enough and certainly very rare since it was used and conserved in the USA and later restored to its original form. Valuing Formula 1 cars is difficult and prices are prone to extreme fluctuation since they have little utility value and require plenty of maintenance for any sort of use. The very best late 1960s Formula 1 cars, such as the Lotus 49s or Ken Tyrrels Matras are around the $1.5 million mark, as such a relatively unsuccessful Brabham should be valued a little lower, perhaps around the million mark, worth a low ball bid.

Little needs to be said about the 1964 Shelby Cobra 289 and Bonhams are offering their example at $900k – 1.1 mil. This example is a typical American delivery and passed through various ownerships, its first restoration coming in the mid to late 1970s. More recently, in the 2010, this Cobra was restored to original condition and still presents with matching numbers. As an honestly great example of an iconic sportscar, this example is offered at what must be termed market correct. The final marquee lot is a 1913 Mercer Model 35J Raceabout at $800k – 1.0 mil. Mercer was established by the Roebling family who were most famous for building the Brooklyn Bridge. While something of a footnote in automotive history, Mercer did have one major achievement, the Finlay Porter designed Model 35. Combining an underslung chassis with a powerful engine and sporty coachwork, the Type 35 was the first modern sportscar. It is understood that just 17 – 18 genuine raceabouts exist and it was unsurprising that Don Boulton, a leading collector of brass era cars would want to have one. Having sourced various Type 35 components from Roger Ellis, they were restored by Stu Laidlaw into an actual Type 35J Racebout although they almost certainly weren’t born in that configuration. Original examples of the Model 35J Raceabouts are $2.5 – 3.5 million, maybe more but as a honest replica based on genuine Mercer parts, a valuation of roughly 60 – 70% seems reasonable.

Pre-war highlights are:

• 1904 Peerless Type 8 Style K 24HP Quinby – Est. $400 – 480k.  A proper genuine Peerless that was formerly owned by George Waterman. London to Brighton eligible, restored 40 years ago and still looking good. One of the best examples of an early Brass car. Easily the oldest Peerless offered at auction. Market correct.
• 1904 Thomas Model 22 Flyer Rear Entrance Tonneau – Est. $400 – 500k. Thomas-Flyer was another of the great early American brands. This example is the sole surviving Type 22, restored decades ago, this is a fully acceptable Brass car, ideal for the London to Edinburgh. Market correct.
• 1907 Tincher Model H 60HP 7 Pass Touring – Est. $500 – 700k. Restored since joining the Boulton collection, all correct and original, one of a handful of Tinchers built, potentially the only survivor, big HP for the era and an unrepeatable opportunity. Market correct
• 1907 Austin Model LX-T 60HP 7 pass Touring – Est. $400 – 500k. A big HP American Austin, one of just four known to survive. Elderly restoration, now with a lovely patina.
• 1911 Pope-Hartford Model W Portola style Runabout – Est. $300 – 400k. A replica Portola Roadster, based on an original Model W chassis and engine, value at the low estimate.
• 1911 Pierce-Arrow Model 48 Kimball Surburban – Est. $250 – 350k. Piece-Arrow were another of the great early American brands. This one was fitted with Kimball formal limousine coachwork. Market correct for a beautiful brass era car.
• 1913 Stutz Bearcat Series A Roadster – Est. $250 – 350k. A project car built up by Paul Freehill from a partly original chassis, value at the low estimate.
• 1913 Renault Type DP 22/24HP Renaudin et Besson Coupe Chauffeur – Est. $200 – 300k. One owner from new and totally original condition. Very high quality construction and deserving of a loving restoration. Cheap for what it is.
• 1914 Simplex 50HP Speedcar – Est. $600 – 800k. Simplex were devised by the former Mercedes importer and followed their design. Built without regards to cost, they were among the premiere cars in the period. Formerly part of the Ulmann and Paine collections, the Speedcar body is a later addition. A beautiful big power car of great style, one of my favourite cars of the sale. Market correct.
• 1926 Minerva Type AF Paul Ostruk Coupe de Ville – Est. $150 – 200k. A formal Minerva with Ostruck coachwork. Very rare and high quality. Cheap for what it is.
• 1936 Bentley 4.25 litre Vanden Plas Tourer – Est. $600 – 800k. 1 of 12 Vande Plas Tourers on the 4.25 chassis. Raced in the early 1950s, restored in the 1990s and still gorgeous condition. Market correct.
• 1939 Delage D6-70 Figoni et Falaschi DHC – Est. $500 – 600k. A full custom Figoni Delage is a wonderful thing. Restored in the mid 1970s, now with a lovely patina. Perhaps $100k too expensive.
  

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