Bonhams, Amelia Island, May 20, 2021

Amelia 2020 was the last pucker before things froze up for Covid and amazingly fourteen months later the delayed Amelia Concours and auctions from Bonhams and RM Sotheby’s signaled the beginning of the end of lockdowns, masks and social distancing.

Mecum Auctions was selling cars live, online and on television in Indianapolis this week but by any objective standard it was Amelia that marked the return of life more-or-less as we knew it before Covid.

It was more than human acquaintances, too, as 26 of the 106 lots at Bonhams had prior auction history.

The sale rate of 82.1% was excellent but a glance at the table below tells a more intriguing story: 51.7% of the cars were sold on hammer bids below estimate, a full 20 points better than Bonhams record for the prior three years. And 18.4% sold on hammer bids over the high estimate, 8 to 11 points above the previous three years.

Fifty-six lots were built before World War II and of them twenty-four were built before the U.S. entered the Great War in 1918. The sale rates of these old-timers were startling: 83.3% of the pre-WWI cars sold; 78.1% of the cars built between the two World Wars also found new owners.

The antiques’ results were helped by many lots being offered without reserve, but 15% of the antiques sold on hammer bids over the high estimate, including the antique star of the show, the 1913 Mercer Type 35K T-Head Runabout that brought $2,425,000, a hammer bid that was $700,000 over its high estimate.

Collectors had money sloshing around in their jeans and they were raising their hands, on the phone and bidding online with enthusiasm … and gratitude to be back in person with friends, acquaintances and cars. It was, to put it mildly, a “relief”.

Here are the numbers:

Year Cars Sold/ Offered Sale % Sold < Low Est Sold > High Est Average Sale Median Sale Total $
2021 87/106 82.1% 51.7% 18.4% $220,570 $95,200

[43.2%]

$19,189,610
2020 90/115 78.3% 77.5% 6.7% $238,171 $56,000

]23.5%]

$21,435,420
2019 92/108 85.2% 71.7% 7.6% $173,583 $78,400

[45.2%]

$15,969,620
2018 83/101 82.2% 71.6% 10.2% $161,679 $84,000

[52%]

$13,419,320

48 of the 106 lots are described here. They are sorted by lot number.


Lot # 101 1955 MG TF 1500 Roadster; S/N HDC468175; Engine # XPEG2028; Black/Green leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $30,000 – $50,000; Recent restoration 2+ condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $42,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $47,040. – 1,466/63hp, 4-speed, silver painted wire wheels, Nankang tires, badge bar, dual outside mirrors, halogen headlights. – Excellent paint with no flaws or chips. Sound but stretched upholstery. Vinyl wrapped steering wheel. Bright, clear gauges. Excellent top and tonneau cover. Spotless engine compartment and chassis. Better than it left the factory except the stretched leather. – It will be a long time before we see another T-series MG, let alone a “high performance” 63hp TF 1500, as good as this. It was lovingly restored by an informed MG enthusiast, David Shelburne, and has only show field miles since it was completed in 2016. This is a realistic result, but the TF 1500 is so good that it also could have brought a little more without being expensive.

Lot # 103 1965 Land Rover Series IA 88-inch Hardtop; S/N 24419706B; Red/Brown leatherette; Estimate $17,500 – $25,000; Unrestored original 4- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $18,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $20,160. – 2,286/77hp, 4-speed, adventure equipped with internal folding cots, etc. – Long owned by adventure traveler Alan Hogenauer, believed to have been driven from Perth, Australia to Edinburgh, Scotland on his 1965 honeymoon, then stored and as-used. Unrestored. Dull, scratched paint, worn duct tape patched seats, rusty chassis. Generally sound body with rust in the left door hinge post. Needs everything, or nothing. – The new Mrs. Hogenauer must have been a sturdy and understanding soul to undertake this adventure as well as putting up with her husband’s peripatetic obsession that drove him to visit 311 countries and possessions, among other destinations. The price of this Land Rover is more about the story than the vehicle.

Lot # 104 1963 Studebaker Avanti R2 Coupe; S/N 63R1060; Metallic Red/Black vinyl; Estimate $35,000 – $45,000; Unrestored original 4+ condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $29,000. – 289/289hp, 4-speed, wheel covers, pushbutton radio, power steering, power brakes. – Dull original paint, butt-polished original upholstery, torn driver’s seat cushion seam. Dirty, disorganized engine compartment. Needs everything but a good place to start. Bought by Glenn C. Gould, Jr.’s mother from the first owner circa 1966 and resident in the Wells Auto Museum since 1975. Glenn C. Gould, Jr. collection. – A restoration project despite the represented 46,852 miles from new and one that didn’t have much appeal despite its complete originality. Even our resident Avanti collector extraordinaire couldn’t see its potential.

Lot # 109 1970 Quasar SR-70 Sports Racer; S/N 003; Engine # EBS0206558; Orange/Black cloth; Estimate $15,000 – $25,000; Competition restoration 3- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $35,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $39,200. – 1,147/140hp Honda Civic engine, 6-speed Hewland Mk 8 gearbox, driver’s roll bar, wing, fuel cell, fire system, driver’s head fairing, Momo suede rim steering wheel, Chronos timing system, chrome alloy wheels, rear wheel skirts. – Developed and evolved many times over its 50-year history for small displacement sports car racing with power from a Suzuki motorcycle, a Ford Escort, a Lotus Twin Cam and finally the Honda Civic engine it has today driven by Bill Tannhaeuser to 6 wins and 4 more podiums in 11 races. Restored in the late 90’s, track tested and not used since. Good cosmetics but otherwise aged and neglected. Glenn C. Gould, Jr. Wells Auto Museum collection. – A long, successful and innovative history, clean and exceptionally orderly but dormant for years. The process of bringing this Fred Puhn designed and built small displacement sports-racer is not without complications although they are duly taken into account even in this over-estimate result.

Lot # 110 2001 Bentley Azure Convertible, Body by Pininfarina; S/N SCBZK11A51CX62572; Ivory White/Parchment leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $45,000 – $65,000; Unrestored original 3+ condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $34,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $38,080. – 6,750/385hp turbocharged V-8, automatic, chrome alloy wheels, Atlas tires, Pioneer CD stereo, all the mod cons. – Clean unblemished used car with moderate use. Interior wood capping is checking in places and discolored on the doors but otherwise in clean, babied condition with 33,946 miles. – Summer is coming and what better way to enjoy it than with this clean Bentley Azure. With 34,000 miles it’s barely broken in and these days it’s hard to find a Chevy or Ford with room for four for so little money.

Lot # 111 1980 Rolls-Royce Camargue Coupe, Body by Pininfarina; S/N JRL50745; Engine # 50745; Light Gold/Nuella Stone leather, Brown piping; Estimate $50,000 – $70,000; Unrestored original 3- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $41,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $45,920. – Panasonic CD stereo, power everything, hubcaps, trim rings, narrow whitewalls, Eagle GA tires. – Harvey Bailey suspension. US spec car. Sound and original used car with 45,681 miles. Front seats cracked and dry, otherwise clean and unblemished. Driver’s door bottom hangs out slightly. The paint is sound except for a small blister on the right c-pillar. Good chrome. – Sold by Bonhams at the RROC meet in Newport, Rhode Island in 2003 for $37,950 showing 44,264 miles, it has 45,681 today. Shipping documents on the seats during the preview indicate it’s been out of the country and if so the experience was good for its value.

Lot # 115 1959 Jaguar XK 150 Drophead Coupe; S/N S838005; Engine # V6265-8; Black/Dark Red leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $110,000 – $150,000; Older restoration 3+ condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $82,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $91,840. – 3,442/190hp, 4-speed, chrome wire wheels, Michelin X tires, woodrim steering wheel, fender mirrors, aluminum radiator, electric fan, JDHT certificate documented. – Represented as matching numbers. Good older repaint and better upholstery. Done to quality touring standards with some miles and several years since. Orderly but used engine compartment. Serviced last month with rebuilt carburetors, fuel system cleaning, new plugs and cosmetic detailing. More than good enough to be displayed with pride at the end of a day’s touring. – The extensively described recent work is indicative of several years of static storage and may (rightfully) have impeded bidders’ enthusiasm for an otherwise attractive and well-preserved older restoration. The result here even after adding the vigerish is conservative and leaves room for work that may rear its ugly head upon further inspection and experience.

Lot # 120 2019 Porsche 911 Speedster; S/N WP0CF2A99KS172412; Oslo Blue/Black leather; Estimate $300,000 – $350,000; Unrestored original 2 condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $370,000 plus commission of 11.35%; Final Price $412,000. – 3,996/502hp, matte Black alloy wheels, carbon ceramic brakes, yellow calipers, GT Sport 6-speed, carbon fiber seat shells and interior trim, big tank, front axle lift, light design package, fire extinguisher, Bose stereo, chrono package, LED headlights. – A heavily optioned, paint-to-sample car, one owner, completely as-new with 75 miles and not a blemish to be found. Number 1,306 of 1,948 built. – Exceptional specifications, negligible mileage, rare color and like-new condition make this a very special 991.2 series Porsche. It probably cost $300,000 off the dealer’s floor and clearly caught the attention of the Bonhams bidders bringing this over-estimate range and above retail price. The premium it brought is difficult to rationally appreciate and it is an expensive indulgence. It is perhaps even more significant that there is a substantial number of these on offer at Porsche stores around the country at prices in the mid-$300,000 range, although few of them with such low mileage.

Lot # 121 1964 Jaguar XKE SI Roadster; S/N 881576; Engine # RA69019; Black/Dark Red leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $120,000 – $160,000; Older restoration 2- condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $150,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $168,000. – 3,781/265hp, 4-speed, chrome wire wheels, bias ply whitewalls, Blaupunkt AM-FM. – Excellent older paint starting to show some age and flaws. Similarly, the chrome is bright but starting to fail on the bumpers. The upholstery is very good with only some scuffing on the driver’s seat back bolster and stretching on the cushion. The tight fitting top doesn’t seal with the door windows and the deck lid is askew. 2008 JCNA National Champion showing its restoration’s age. – This is clearly an exceptional XKE, but there are too many noted flaws for it to be worth this much. They’re little issues, but collectively they cast a shadow over its preservation and treatment following its initial show-winning tour.

Lot # 125 1953 RGS Atalanta Roadster; S/N UKL852; Engine # F1632-8; Dark Green, Yellow stripe/Green leather; No top; Estimate $300,000 – $500,000; Competition car, original as-raced 3- condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $255,000 plus commission of 11.96%; Final Price $285,500. – RHD. 3,442 Jaguar, triple SU carburetors, Warren Pearce manifold, trailing arm independent front suspension, deDion rear suspension, Koni shocks, cream wire wheels, Michelin X tires, full width Plexiglas windscreen. – Good recent paint and upholstery. The chassis is crudely brush painted and road dirty. The engine is orderly but old although with some recent attention. Stored for years and needs complete attention and modern safety equipment. – A handsome automobile with a low profile that belies the tall XK six under the bonnet. It needs everything before it is taken on the road, let alone the track but is a good example of the ingenuity of British specials builders in the early Fifties and is said to be capable of Jaguar C-Type performance. At this price it better be. Despite good exterior cosmetics everything else is aged and neglected and it will take a complete restoration to make it ready for road or track.

Lot # 127 1947 Allard K1 Roadster; S/N 71K250; Red/Black leather; Estimate $45,000 – $60,000; Competition restoration 3+ condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $68,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $76,160. – RHD. 276/200hp Mercury V8, dual Holley 2-bbl carburetors, Edelbrock intake, Offenhauser heads, 3-speed, alternator, silver steel wheels, side outlet exhaust, dual aeroscreens, driving lights, covered rear-mounted spare, woodrim steering wheel, Lincoln-Zephyr brakes. – Good paint, interior and chrome. A quality older restoration and better than usual vintage racer. Clean and tidy, showing just the right amount of use and attention. Trafficators missing from the cowl slots. – It would appear that the third time is the charm after no-sale bids of $45,000 at Bonhams Brookline in 2005 and a paltry $39,000 at the Simeone Museum last October. The hammer result here is nearly double what it attracted seven months ago. That was unduly cheap, but this is expensive even for a charming flathead Mercury powered Allard with delectable speed equipment.

Lot # 129 2006 Ford GT Heritage Edition Coupe; S/N 1FAFP90S66Y400284; Gulf Blue, Orange stripe/Black leather; Estimate $375,000 – $425,000; Unrestored original 2- condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $347,500 plus commission of 11.44%; Final Price $387,250. – 5,408/550hp supercharged dohc V-8, 6-speed, BBS alloy wheels, McIntosh stereo. – Driven ‘under 10,000’ miles, which may make this the highest mileage Heritage Edition out there, but meticulously maintained and still in nearly pristine original condition with a fresh chipguard coating on everything and new tires. – Even today most Heritage Edition Ford GTs have negligible mileage, and some are even still “in the wrapper” with essentially zero miles like the one offered this week at RM’s Amelia Island auction. It sold for $566,000 highlighting the almost $200,000 discount carried even by “under 10,000 miles” on this example but at least the new owner of 400284 can actually drive and enjoy it without taking a massive hit in the pocketbook.

Lot # 130 1966 Porsche 911 Coupe; S/N 303494; Engine # 903642; Gulf Blue/Red leather; Estimate $120,000 – $150,000; Older restoration 2- condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $102,500 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $114,800. – 1,991/130hp, 2×3 Solex carburetors, 5-speed, Blaupunkt AM-FM, chrome wheels, hubcaps, Vredestein tires, Porsche woodrim steering wheel, Porsche Production Specification certificate documented, tool kit, owner’s manual. – Represented as the original engine. Sound repaint with a smattering of flaws, bumps and orange peel. Orderly restored engine compartment. Good upholstery and chrome. Wheel wells are heavily undercoated. Better than a driver but not restored or maintained to the highest standards – A desirable early short wheelbase 911 that’s had a competent restoration and been enjoyed subsequently. The result of this transaction should be satisfying to both the seller and the buyer.

Lot # 131 1921 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost 40/50hp Touring Phaeton, Body by Stuarts of Calcutta; S/N 47AG; Metallic Green, Olive Green fenders and aprons/Dark Green leather; Faded Black cloth top; Estimate $175,000 – $200,000; Visually maintained, largely original 4+ condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $142,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $159,040. – RHD. Dual sidemounts, Grebel headlights, Grebel pedestal spotlight, folding windscreen, full weather equipment. – Tired, chipping old paint and nickel trim, cracking interior, solid body, chassis and engine largely original and grungy but with newer skirted fenders. Needs new cosmetics but is one handsome Ghost formerly owned by His Highness the Raja of Santosh and the Honorable Raja Sir Manmath Ray Chowdhary, Kt. of Santosh. Later skirted fenders. Ideal as a family tour and weekend event car. The coachwork is sound and practical. – Bonhams sold this Silver Ghost at Brookline in 2005 for $103,500 when it showed 1,369 miles and has only 1,584 miles here at Amelia. It has proved to be a good investment, and should continue to be one at this transaction’s amount.

Lot # 133 1907 Locomobile Model H 35hp Touring Car; S/N 1578; Engine # 1291; Black, Red wood spoke wheels and chassis/Black leather; Natural cloth top; Estimate $160,000 – $200,000; Unrestored original 4+ condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $160,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $179,200. – RHD. 350/35hp ALAM T-head inline four, 3-speed, Rushmore acetylene headlights, Gray and Davis kerosene sidelights, Solar kerosene taillight, Rushmore acetylene searchlight, Stewart speedometer, Phinney Walker clock, dual right side spares with mirror, Bosch magneto, Rubes bulb horn, three element exhaust whistle. – Discovered by James Melton in Ambler, PA in 1946 with a wood pickup body, later passed on to Henry Austin Clark, Jr. In wonderfully complete and sound highly original condition. Not the original body but reportedly from the period. Believed to be the only surviving 1907 Model H. Runs, drives and tours. Has a delightful patina and begs to be driven. Comes with the refinished pickup

body in case it needs to be put back into commercial service or haul paint and lumber from Home Depot. Clem and Mary Lange Collection. – Preserved by two of the most prescient early collectors, James Melton and Henry Austin Clark, Jr., and the only known survivor of its year and model. The exhaust whistle is a delightful relic of early collecting, too. It perpetuates early automobile collecting history, is more than good enough to be driven and much too good to be confused by a restoration that would erase its history. Some cars deserve to be scruffy, and this is one of them. It wears its history proudly.

Lot # 134 1908 Simplex 50hp Speedcar, Body by after J.M. Quinby; S/N 850211; Maroon, Dark Red frame and accent/Black leather; Estimate $600,000 – $800,000; Rebodied or re-created 1- condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $550,000 plus commission of 10.91%; Final Price $610,000. – RHD. 597/50hp ALAM, 4-speed, Solar acetylene headlights, kerosene sidelights and Gray & Davis taillight, Black wood spoke wheels, 36 x 4 1/2 Silvertown tires, dual rear-mounted spares, rear-mounted oil and fuel tanks, dual chain drive, Warner Auto-Meter speedometer and clock, Condor bulb horn, radiator stoneguard, Prest-o-Lite acetylene tank – How this Simplex’s life began is a cipher and it was discovered in pieces in 1957. Restored in its present Speedcar configuration by Walter McCarthy with an engine acquired from Henry Austin Clark, Jr. in 1984. High quality paint, bright brass, good upholstery. An imposing, beautifully restored and maintained automobile. Clem and Mary Lange Collection. – This Speedcar could have been bodied as a limousine or imposing touring car when new but its present embodiment as a Speedcar accentuates its massive power and performance. It was reported sold at Mecum’s Monterey auction in 2014 for $2,014,000, a price that exceeds improbable and ventures into impossible. It’s still fabulous, however, with freeway-capable cruising speed and lazy, loafing touring capability. And it is impressive with every detonation of one of the 5 3/4 inch bore cylinders a massive report.

Lot # 135 1909 Knox Model R Raceabout; S/N Engine No. 2R9; Engine # 2R9; Red, Black accents/Black leather; no top; Estimate $80,000 – $120,000; Competition restoration 1- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $127,500 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $142,800. – RHD. 373/40hp ALAM overhead valve inline four, 3-speed, black cloth right side mudguard, Red wood spoke wheels, 34 x 4 1/2 tires, dual rear-mounted spares. – Unknown early history or coachwork but it fills the bill in the image of the factory-offered Model R Raceabout from 1909. Excellent paint, brass and upholstery. Restored in 2010 and aside from water spots on the radiator could have been done last year. Clem and Mary Lange Collection. – Watching the exposed overhead valve gear do its dance is worth the price all by itself but the bidders found more value in the rest of this Knox with its fire-snorting stub exhausts sticking out the side of the hood. The driver got the right side fabric mudguard, the mechanician got the left front wheel mud.

Lot # 136 1910 National Model 40 Speedway Roadster; S/N 3272; Engine # 7273; Blue/Brown leather; no top; Estimate $250,000 – $350,000; Older restoration 2- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $130,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $145,600. – RHD. 447/40hp ALAM T-head inline four, Mallory distributor, Linkert carburetor, 3-speed, dual bolster fuel and oil tanks, dual rear-mounted spares, wood spoke wheels, 36×5 rear, 34×4 front tires, radiator stoneguard, electric starter added. – Good older paint and upholstery. Brass and nickel are decent but could use attention. The frame and suspension are well-painted but over old rust pits. A quality old car that runs strongly. Clem and Mary Lange Collection. – OK, so this has to be taken for what it is, unsubstantiated oral history. Arthur Greiner entered a stripped down National 40 in the first races at the then-dirt Indianapolis Speedway, winning the best amateur trophy. His racer went back to National, got a Speedway Roadster body and was sold to the owner of the National Mining Company. It later went to a National mine in Calgary, Alberta. This National was discovered near Calgary in 1959 with several features (drilled cross members, raked steering column, short gear and brake levers, large fuel and oil tanks) that suggested racing origin. Later acquired by National proponent Jim Grundy, Jr., then restored by Don Meyer in its present configuration. Set fastest pre-1914 time at Goodwood in 2002. Is it the Greiner 1910 Indianapolis car? Probably not, but it’s a fun story and there’s no evidence to disprove it. Today it is handsome, powerful and sporty which substantiates its value here.

Lot # 137 1911 Locomobile Model 30 L Type Toy Tonneau; S/N 1122; Engine # 4167; Light Green, Olive Green accents and sides/Dark Brown leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $200,000 – $300,000; Older restoration 3+ condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $75,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $84,000. – RHD. 283/38.5hp ALAM T-head inline 4-cylinder, 4-speed, shaft drive, Locomobile-branded acetylene headlights, C.M Hall electric sidelights, Jones speedometer, Nonpareil bulb horn, electric Solar taillight, Beige cloth weatherfront. – Good older paint with expected edge chips. The brass is good but warrants attention soon. The upholstery is lightly creased and sound. The top is soiled. The engine and chassis are oily and the tires are worn. A lovely old thing ready for a new home. Clem and Mary Lange collection. – Built to the highest standards of New England craftsmanship and precision using the finest materials, Locomobiles were among the best automobiles of their day and even a “light” model like this Model 30 had ample performance. Longevity was a given as shown by this 110 year old example which has obviously lived a protected life after an ancient restoration. Ample performance and room for the whole family, it is a surprising value at this price even in its present condition.

Lot # 138 1911 Inter-State Fifty ‘Bulldog’ Indianapolis Re-creation; S/N 4330; Engine # 4167; Blue, Light Grey chassis/Black leather; Estimate $200,000 – $300,000; Rebodied or re-created 1- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $165,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $184,800. – RHD. 390/50hp ALAM T-head 4-cylinder, 3-speed, single rear-mounted spare, bolster fuel tank, body color wood spoke wheels, 33 x 4 Silvertown tires, no headlights or fenders. – Built up by Stu Laidlaw from a 1911 National chassis and correct 50hp engine with replica bodywork by Stan Francis. Excellent paint, brass and upholstery. 2010 Amelia Best in Class winner. Well-restored and maintained with only a little storage dirt that got overlooked during the auction preparation. Clem and Mary Lange collection. – It isn’t “real”, but it’s beautifully done and carefully preserved since the 90’s restoration which is enough to make the price reasonable. The fact that Bonhams specialists were giving rides in it and showing off its performance was a big help in demonstrating how good and enjoyable it is.

Lot # 139 1912 Stutz Bear Cat Roadster; S/N A163; Engine # A354; Red, Black fenders and aprons/Black leather; Estimate $650,000 – $850,000; Concours restoration 1- condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $580,000 plus commission of 10.86%; Final Price $643,000. – RHD. 389/60hp Wisconsin T-head inline 4-cylinder, 3-speed, Reliance tachometer, New Haven clock, Gray & Davis acetylene headlights, kerosene sidelights and taillight, single rear-mounted spare, Testaphone 4-trumpet bulb horn, Prest-o-Lite acetylene tank, Boyce Moto-Meter, leatherette covered trunk, monocle windshield. – Believed by the Stutz Club to be the earliest surviving Stutz and appropriately identified as a “Bear Cat”, not a “Bearcat”, the latter name coming into use only in 1913. Found by Judge Raymond L. Drake in the possession of Jack Wadsworth in 1960 but not acquired until 2001. Restored in 2008 and acquired by Clem and Mary Lange in 2009. Best of Show at Keels & Wheels in 2013. Excellent older paint, brass and upholstery. Spotless engine compartment and chassis. A little aged but superbly maintained. Clem and Mary Lange collection. – The oldest known Stutz and a Bear Cat at that, this is a seminal automobile from which so much later history flows. It is in wonderful condition and brought a price appropriate to its stature and performance.

Lot # 140 1912 Hudson Model 35 Mile-A-Minute Roadster; S/N 28074; Engine # KK13349; Red/Red leather; no top; Estimate $80,000 – $120,000; Older restoration 3- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $80,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $89,600. – RHD. 226/25.6hp ALAM L-head 4-cylinder, 3-speed, monocle windshield, oval bolster tank, rear-mounted spare with round tool box, Warner speedometer, folded bulb horn, red wood spoke wheels, 32×4 Firestone Non-Skid tires, New York Auto Lamp acetylene headlights, Solar kerosene sidelights, E&J kerosene taillight. – Discovered in the 1940’s by H. Pierson Mapes and restored for him by Joe Murchio, a restoration it still wears. Dull, chipping and scratched old paint. Faded but sound old upholstery, dull brass. Grimy, oily engine. An old but honest car that runs like a train and is too much fun to restore. Clem and Mary Lange collection. – Sold by Bonhams at Greenwich in 2009 for $106,470, it doesn’t have the reputation of a Stutz or Mercer but it does have comparable performance, an economical way to keep up with the Joneses, or the Vanderbilts. Joe Murchio’s restoration is almost as antique as the Hudson but is holding up well and the car is a sound value for the money in this transaction.

Lot # 141 1912 American Underslung Scout 22 Roadster; S/N X266; Engine # X278; Light Grey, Black accents/Red leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $150,000 – $200,000; Concours restoration 1- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $125,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $140,000. – RHD. 199/22.5hp ALAM L-head inline 4-cylinder, Rayfield carburetor, 3-speed, dual rear-mounted spares, Warner speedometer, Prest-o-Lite acetylene tank, bulb horn, Red wood spoke wheels, 36 x 3 1/2 tires, Gray & Davis acetylene headlights and electric sidelights. – Restored for the Clem and Mary Lange collection in 2012, shown at Pebble Beach the same year, at Amelia a year later and best in class at Ault Park in 2014. Excellent paint, brass, upholstery and top. Very much as-restored to high standards with only a little radiator seepage separating it from fresh. Clem and Mary Lange collection. – American Underslungs are startlingly difference automobiles for the period. The underslung chassis frame makes it far lower than contemporaries, accentuated by the tall 36-inch tires that put the blade front fenders above the hood top. In appearance it was almost a caricature but its center of gravity was so low it handled exceptionally well for the era. This is believed to be the sole surviving 1912 Scout and its condition is nearly impeccable. No matter where it appears it will attract favorable attention and it would not be at all surprising to see it back on a concours field again, it’s that good and worth every penny of the price it brought.

Lot # 142 1913 Mercer Type 35K Runabout; S/N 1186; Engine # 954; Light Yellow, Black accents/Black leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $1,000,000 – $1,500,000; Older restoration 2- condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $2,200,000 plus commission of 10.23%; Final Price $2,425,000. – RHD. 301/34hp ALAM (65 brake horsepower) T-head inline 4-cylinder, Flechter carburetor, external gearshift 4-speed, Rushmore headlights, C.M. Hall kerosene sidelights, electric Dietz Dainty Tail Light, body color wood spoke wheels, 32 x 4 Silvertown tires, electric horn, opening windshield, dual rear spares. – First identified in 1951 with Frank Miller in Glendale, Ohio and listed in the 1954, 1961 and 1968 Stutz Club rosters with the Runabout body (not much more than a Raceabout other than doors, top and windshield) and the current engine and chassis numbers. Good older paint, upholstery and brass except for water spotted radiator. Old interior trim panels. Well-restored, well-driven and well-maintained. Road used chassis. Clem and Mary Lange collection. – Sold by Bonhams in 2004 at Brookline, Massachusetts for $412,000 in not much different condition than it is today. The Brookline underbidder had a rare case of “underbidder’s remorse” and sought out the Langes who had bought it. They declined a generous offer, and today’s stupendous result shows the Langes were right. This is an heroic T-head Mercer, but one best appreciated by a slim sliver of collectors who appreciate its rare coachwork. This will be a difficult result to reprise, but the new owner likely doesn’t care and will enjoy a singular T-head Mercer Runabout.

Lot # 143 1933 Duesenberg Model J Dual Cowl Phaeton, Body by LaGrande; S/N 2355; Engine # J-281; Black, Red sweep panel/Rose leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $1,000,000 – $1,250,000; Concours restoration 1- condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $1,500,000 plus commission of 10.33%; Final Price $1,655,000. – 420/265hp dohc inline 8-cylinder, 3-speed, chrome wire wheels, dual side wide whitewalls, chrome-wrapped dual sidemounts, dual windshields, wind wings, luggage rack, black cloth covered trunk, Twilite headlights. – Engine swapped by the first owner J.H. Brewer from chassis 2302 replacing the original engine J-334. This body (#1007 from 2498/J-482) replaced the original Murphy Convertible Sedan by Russell Strauch in the 1950’s. Later owned by Richard Boeshore and Jerry J. Moore. ACD Category 1 certified in 2006. Displayed at Pebble Beach in 2008. An excellent concours quality older restoration that has been updated with paint, upholstery and top in the 00’s and since then maintained in concours condition. Barely any use or age at all. Clem and Mary Lange collection. – Sold at Barrett-Jackson WestWorld in 2008 for $1.1 million before the most recent cosmetic redo. LaGrande may have been Duesenberg’s euphemism for stock bodies from E.L. Cord’s Union City Body Company but they reflect the design talent of Gordon Buehrig and are among some of the most appreciated and sought Duesenbergs. A superb automobile with known history and ACD certification, this is a handsome price for a handsome automobile.

Lot # 144 1934 Bugatti Type 57 Cabriolet, Body by Franay; S/N 57127; Engine # 57127; Dark Blue/Tan leather, natural ostrich inserts; Beige cloth top; Estimate $800,000 – $1,000,000; Concours restoration 1 condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $1,200,000 plus commission of 10.42%; Final Price $1,325,000. – RHD. Marchal headlights, dual Cicca horns, folding windshield, dual chrome wrapped rear-mounted spares, black wire wheels, Michelin tires, rumble seat. – The only Bugatti Type 57 bodied by Franay, sweeping fenders, dual rear spares with chrome housings and a very-Franay thin chrome accent sweeping down body’s break line. Ordered by German actress Hella Hartwich, then living in Paris with director Billy Wilder. After WWII owned by French moviemaker Jean Rouch and used by him in the film “Petit a Petit”. Restored for Clem and Mary Lange in 2012-2015, Best of Show at Keeneland in 2016. Original engine, cambox and transmission. Excellent paint and chrome. Inviting and unusual upholstery. Excellent engine compartment and chassis. Essentially flawless. Clem and Mary Lange collection. – Most Bugattis have stories, but few have as colorful stories as this. Its handsome Franay cabriolet body is sufficient to commend it to even the most jaded collectors. The hammer price is 20% over the high estimate but the car’s appeal is difficult, if not impossible, to quantify and leaves the result in the hands of the high bidder and the underbidders.

Lot # 145 1935 Auburn 851 Supercharged Boattail Speedster; S/N 33094E; Engine # GH43309; Cigarette Cream/Brown leather; Burgundy top; Estimate $600,000 – $800,000; Older restoration 2- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $410,000 plus commission of 11.22%; Final Price $456,000. – RHD. 280/150hp supercharged inline eight, 3-speed, blackwall tires, Columbia 2-speed axle, outside exhaust headpipes, wide hubcaps, trim rings, golf bag door. – ACD and CCCA winner, ACD certified Category 1. Older restoration to like new, now with some age, but still very fine. Excellent paint, upholstery, interior trim and chrome. There’s nothing like a real one. Clem and Mary Lange collection. – Offered by Gooding & Company at Pebble Beach in 2006 where it was in comparable condition as it is today and brought a realistic high bid of $320,000 but didn’t sell. It is an original righthand drive Auburn delivered new in London and as such particularly rare although that doesn’t necessarily translate into added value for a U.S. owner who wants to drive it in a lefthand drive environment. This result reflects some restraint on the part of the buyer and is a good value in an ACD Category 1 Boattail Speedster.

Lot # 147 1915 Locomobile Model 48 Touring Car; S/N 10263; Engine # 9385; Cream, Black fenders/Black leather; Black leatherette top; Estimate $65,000 – $85,000; Visually maintained, largely original 4+ condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $55,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $61,600. – 524/48hp ALAM T-head six, 4-speed, varnished wood spoke wheels 37×5 Goodrich tires, folding windshield, center-facing jump seats, Warner speedometer, Waltham clock, dual rear-mounted spares. – Discovered years ago by Harold Coker and restored to the standards of the time before seeing use in at least one Glidden Tour in the 1970’s then another in 2013 after being refreshed. Dull, cracking old body paint, the fenders and aprons appear to be more recent. Good recent upholstery and door trim. Dull brass. The top has been replaced some time ago. The engine compartment is well-used while the chassis is largely original. The tires are cracking and the wheel varnish begs for attention. Never fully restored and not very beautiful but very desirable. – A seriously wonderful old survivor from a time when Locomobile made one of the finest automobiles in the world. It needs nothing more than mechanical attention to be used and is eligible for a panoply of enjoyable events and it is a serious value at this price for someone with the time and affinity to bring it back to life and enjoy it on the road.

Lot # 148 1947 Delahaye 135M Drophead Coupe, Body by Chapron; S/N 800479; Engine # 800792; Black/Caramel leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $300,000 – $350,000; Visually maintained, largely original 3- condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $220,000. – RHD. 3,557/110hp overhead valve inline six, 4-speed Cotal pre-selector gearbox, polished wheel discs, Cotal transmission, semaphores, banjo spoke steering wheel, Marchal headlights. – The original 3-carburetor 135M engine (800479) was swapped a while ago for this single carburetor engine. Fair repaint but poor brightwork and sloppy masking. Good wood and interior. Edges cracked and chipped. Door close well but not flush. Chassis appears original and overall it looks sound and straight, just old and as if no one cared very much. – Coys reported this Delahaye sold at a London auction in 1997 for $48,556 (£28,700 at the time, this result is £155,100), then $63,537 (£40,000 at the time) in 1999. RM sold it for $77,000 here in 2002 and why anyone would estimate it at $300,000, let alone bid it to this impressive amount, is difficult to appreciate. If there was money anywhere in the world, let alone in the auction marquee, at the reported high bid it should have been on its way to a new (and optimistic) owner. It’s sexy but, rather like a Fifties’ movie siren, is far past its prime.

Lot # 150 2006 Radical SR8 Sports Racer; S/N SR800022; White/Black; Estimate $50,000 – $70,000; Competition car, original as-raced 2 condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $65,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $72,800. – RHD. 2.6 litre/360hp RPE Macroblock 72-degree dohc V-8, fuel injection. 6-speed sequential gearbox, hot climate cooling, diffuser, wing, 3-piece modular alloy wheels, braced roll hoop. – Less than 100 miles and like new. Build sheet documented and as delivered to George Barber. – There are multiple ways to enjoy a Radical sportscar including Radical’s one-marque series around the world. This SR8 is now outdated by at least two generations but still an exhilarating ride around Barber Motorsports Park with the flat crank V-8 entertaining the driver’s ears.

Lot # 151 1967 Sbarro Lola T70 MK III Spyder; S/N ACA0012; Red, White nose and stripe/No; Estimate $40,000 – $50,000; Competition Continuation 4+ condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $32,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $35,840. – RHD. Alloy wheels, brakes, old tires, driver’s belts, a rolling chassis, no engine or driveline. – The first Sbarro T70 was built for Lola’s Eric Broadley as a road car and proved to be popular enough that Franco Sbarro went on to build a dozen. This chassis number 12 is possibly the last built and was never engined. Good paint, clean, orderly and original but needs everything or an attractive display car as a stand-in for a much more expensive Lola-built T70. – Sold by Bonhams at the Goodwood Revival in 2007 for $35,945 (£17,825 at the time, this result is £25,300), it will give the new owner hours of enjoyment making it run, provide ample opportunity to dispense 5-figure blocks of money to a race shop to prepare it professionally or just let it sit and enjoy the T70’s gorgeous shape. Even as garage art it is a sound value.

Lot # 152 1923 Haynes Model 77 Blue Ribbon Speedster; S/N Engine No. 39799; Engine # 39799; Light Yellow, Black fenders and aprons/Black leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $75,000 – $100,000; Older restoration 2- condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $65,000. – 299/70hp L-head six, 3-speed, red wire wheels, whitewalls, dual sidemounts, MacBeth-Evans headlights, wind wings, nickel brightwork, golf bag door, Motometer. – Later downdraft carburetor and electric fuel pump. Sound older paint, pitted aluminum windshield frame, good nickel and stretched upholstery. The engine and chassis have oily residue and some road grime. Good top. An older restoration with some use but good care and attention. – This is a very attractive little Speedster but it also marked the last gasp of Elwood P. Haynes’ automobiles as the company went into receivership in 1924, a shame, really, as they were good, soundly engineered and constructed automobiles that began in 1894 as the Haynes-Apperson. This Haynes Blue Ribbon Speedster’s indifferent condition didn’t help it any and it could have been sold with some satisfaction for the reported high bid.

Lot # 153 1906 Stanley 30hp Steam Vanderbilt Racer Re-creation; S/N; Black/Brass; Estimate $225,000 – $275,000; Competition Continuation 3+ condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $170,000. – RHD. 34-inch boiler, double-acting 2-cylinder engine, chain drive, black wire wheels, 875 x 105 tires, Rushmore acetylene headlights, E&J kerosene taillight. – A replica built by Robert J. “Bud” Boudeman in 1994, dyno tested with 1,000 ft-lb torque and nearly 300hp. 30hp Stanley axles, new boiler. One of about 11 Vanderbilt replicas of which three are 30hp specification. Sound but chipped old paint, sound upholstery. Good slightly dull brass. Done to high standards but now aged. – A great way to utilize Stanley bits and pieces and capable of alarming performance, particularly in hill climbs but it takes a special collector to appreciate and utilize such a beast. The necessary buyer attributes were not present today, or at least not in sufficient enthusiasm and expertise to rise to the seller’s expectations.

Lot # 154 1909 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost 40/50hp Open Drive Landaulette, Body by Barker; S/N 1120; Engine # 1120; Green, Dark Green accents/Black leather; Black leather top; Estimate $1,300,000 – $1,500,000; Visually maintained, largely original 3- condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $980,000. – RHD. 7,428/50hp RAC six, 3-speed, CAV electric lights, Lucas taillight, S. Smith & Son speedometer, dropdown division and side windows, jump seats, speaking tube, pulldown window shades. – Original coachwork, the third-oldest Silver Ghost with its original body. Originally delivered to Mr. Cawthra Elliot in Toronto, Canada, acquired from her family by D. Cameron Peck in the late 30’s. Sold to Atwater Kent in 1952, then to Millard Newman in 1996 who passed it to the present owner the same year. Tired and aged with old paint, upholstery and thin nickel trim. Road grimy chassis and engine. Never restored, just kept up as needed. Marvelous. – The bidders missed a rare opportunity with this cherished parallel-bonnet Silver Ghost that proudly carries its originality and succession of informed and sympathetic owners up front and everywhere. It might not win concours awards but its preservation speaks to its history and significance, not to mention its quality. It should have sold for much more than the reported high bid here.

Lot # 159 1912 Crane Model 3 4-passenger Sport Landau, Body by Fred’k R. Wood & Sons; S/N 25; Burgundy, Maroon fenders and aprons/Rose cloth; Black leatherette top; Estimate $275,000 – $325,000; Concours restoration 1- condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $240,000. – RHD. 563/110hp L-head six, 4-speed, overdrive and disc front brakes added, varnished wood spoke wheels, 37×5 whitewalls, electric headlights, C.M. Hall kerosene sidelights and electric taillight, Klaxon electric horn, windshield sun visor, brass step plates, dual rear-mounted spares, black leather covered luggage trunk, stop light with turn signals – Owned for many years by Duesenberg historian Fred Roe, first delivered to Helen Hartley Jenkins, one of only two Cranes known to exist. Excellent paint, brass and interior. Despite the front disc brakes there is scant evidence of touring use and it is quite spectacular. Howard Fafard collection. – The more familiar Crane is from the subsequent period when a Crane design was built by Simplex, known as the Simplex-Crane, but this is the pure Crane, full of delicious design details and built of the finest materials to the highest standards with coachwork by an eminent New York coachbuilder. Its appeal to Fred Roe, who was steeped in the engineering and construction standards of Duesenberg, is ample endorsement of the Crane’s quality. For a rare and elegant vehicle with solid provenance and a concours-quality restoration the bid amount is surprisingly modest, but formal bodied automobiles are a heavy lift, even ones as good as this with a landau-style folding top. A missed opportunity.

Lot # 160 1934 Mercedes-Benz 500/540K Spezial Roadster, Body by Sindelfingen; S/N 105136; Engine # 105136; Red/Cream leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $4,500,000 – $5,000,000; Older restoration 2- condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $4,450,000 plus commission of 10.11%; Final Price $4,900,000. – 5,401/100-160hp inline supercharged 8-cylinder, 4-speed, chrome wire wheels, Excelsior tires, Bosch headlights, dual spotlights, dual rear-mounted spares, rumble seat, semaphores, “waterfall” grille molding. – Built for Berlin attorney, Dr. Alfons Sack, with numerous special features. Extensively researched by Jan Melin. Factory upgraded with 540K engine and hood sides for Sack in 1938, stamped with the original 500K engine number. Discovered near Poznan, Poland by Alf Johansson and Birger J. Nillsen in the 1970’s, restored in Sweden for Ingemar Bengtsson in the early 90’s. Excellent older cosmetics. Doors close solidly. The chassis is done pretty much like new and not overdone. There are a few small chips and a paint flaw on the left cowl. The engine compartment is clean and orderly but old, oxidizing and a little oily. – Sold by Bonhams at Mercedes-Benz in 2014 from Bengtsson for $4,222,179 (Euros 3,105,000 at the time, this result is Euros 4,008,000) and little used since. It was originally “Speedgray” with green accents and silver leather, had partial rear wheel spats and chrome-wrapped rear-mounted spares and would look great in that livery. A magnificent automobile with a documented history of only a few owners and as expensive as it deserves to be.

Lot # 161 1928 Mercedes-Benz 630K Torpedo Transformable “La Baule”, Body by Saoutchik; S/N 38513; Engine # 60793; Midnight Blue, Light Blue/Dark Red leather, moiré cloth; Estimate $1,100,000 – $1,250,000; Concours restoration 1- condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $850,000. – 6,240/100/140hp sohc supercharged inline 6, 4-speed, chrome wire wheels, wide whitewall tires, copper brake drums, vee windshield, dual sidemounts, intricate 3-position disappearing top. retractable rear vee windshield, Kommission no. 40926. – Owned by Pacific Auto Rentals during WWII where it appeared in at least one movie, from them to M.L. “Bud” Cohn, then to the Craven Foundation and the Blackhawk Collection for which it was restored. Acquired by Howard Fafard in 2016. Excellent older paint, chrome, upholstery and interior trim. Beautiful interior cloth with a moiré pattern like an art book’s end papers and intricate woodwork. Restored to concours standards and still presents well although the convertible top mechanism has been removed. Clean, orderly engine compartment and chassis with some age and storage dust. Howard Fafard collection. – Sold by Bonhams at Scottsdale in 2016 for $973,500 (cataloged as chassis no. 35813) and if anything in better condition today than it was then so it’s no surprise that this offer was not accepted.

Lot # 162 1933 Chrysler CL Imperial Dual Cowl Phaeton, Body by LeBaron; S/N 7803639; Engine # CL1345; Light Grey, Maroon fenders and accent/Dark Red leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $550,000 – $675,000; Concours restoration 1- condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $480,000. – 385/125hp, 4-speed, chrome wire wheels, wide whitewalls, dual sidemounts with mirrors, vee windshield, rear folding windshield, Flex Beam headlights, luggage trunk. – Built for Marjorie Merryweather Post and would look right at home at her Palm Beach mansion, Mar-a-Lago. The body comes from her 1931 Imperial CG. Excellent older paint starting to show some flaws but no chips or abuse. The engine is clean and dry but the chassis has storage dust. The interior is excellent with minimal stretch on the front seat. Gauges are crisp and clear. Delaminating driver’s windshield. Still very close to concours condition. Howard Fafard collection. – Offered by Bonhams here in 2016 where it was reported bid to $580,000, this is an exceptionally handsome car with a colorful history and the decision that it’s worth more than this bid is understandable.

Lot # 167 1927 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Transformal Phaeton, Body by Hibbard & Darrin; S/N S355FM; Engine # 20557; Dark Green, Black fenders, Olive accent/Dark Green leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $450,000 – $550,000; Older restoration 2- condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $380,000. – 7,672/108hp ohv six, 3-speed, dark green wire wheels, Denman tires, dual sidemounts, Bausch & Lomb drum headlights and sidelights, dual windshields. – Restored for Knox Kershaw, its fifth owner, Lucius Beebe Trophy winner at Pebble Beach in 1989. AACA National First Prize, CCCA Senior and Premier number 1507. Excellent older paint holding up very well. The upholstery, interior trim and woodwork are similarly holding up very well. The major brightwork is good but some of the cast aluminum trim shows age. Gauges are good. The engine is oily but orderly and the chassis has road miles. Rare style and reassuringly maintained. Knox Kershaw collection. – Solid, reliable and practical with coachwork particularly adapted to touring with family or friends and with the advantage of being built in Springfield with many U.S. origin components and lefthand drive. It’s worth a bit more.

Lot # 170 1933 Rolls-Royce Phantom II All-Weather Tourer, Body by Hooper; S/N 110MY; Engine # JC75; Dark Olive Green/Parchment leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $180,000 – $230,000; Older restoration 3+ condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $160,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $179,200. – RHD. 7,668/120hp, 4-speed, polished wheel discs, Michelin tires, dual sidemounts, Auster-style rear windshield. – Restored in the early 90’s. Cracking old paint with many nicks, chips and areas starting to rust. The upholstery is sound but well-used. Good chrome. It may once have been a proud show car but now has been toured and the restoration’s age shows. Knox Kershaw collection. – Attractive coachwork contributes to the appeal of this U.S.-ordered Phantom II which is an ideal tour car with full top and rollup windows. It’s been offered twice before, by Gooding at Scottsdale in 2009 and by RM at Arizona in 2017, attracting unsuccessful bids of $220,000 and $170,000 respectively. It was finally time for it to move on and the result here should be satisfying for both the seller and the buyer.

Lot # 171 1937 Packard 1507 Twelve Convertible Victoria; S/N 906571; Metallic Regatta Blue, White coachlines/Light Grey leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $175,000 – $225,000; Older restoration 3+ condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $155,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $173,600. – 462/175hp V-12, 3-speed, dual enclosed sidemounts with mirrors, body color wheels with hubcaps and trim rings, wide whitewalls, power steering, 12-volt electrics, CD stereo, turn signals, air conditioning, Sony CD stereo, luggage rack. – Restored by “Dee” Howard in the 80’s, CCCA National First Prize number 1369 and Senior. Very good older paint, chrome, interior and top. The top looks newer and has some storage dust and bird droppings on it. There are some edge chips around the hood and the hood side vents have fluid residue likely from overheating. Delaminating windshield edges. The engine is orderly but aged and with some fluid residue. A superb touring Packard. Knox Kershaw collection. – This is a top rank classic car with distinctive coachwork and a bundle of enhancements that make it perfect for touring, especially at this price.

Lot # 179 1930 Cord Front Drive L-29 Cabriolet; S/N 2929384; Engine # FDA2093A; Yellow, Ivory accents/Tan leather; Ivory cloth top; Estimate $125,000 – $175,000; Rebodied or re-created 3- condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $155,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $173,600. – 298/125hp, 1×1, 3-speed, chrome wire wheels, wide whitewalls, Denman tires, dual sidemounts with mirrors, Twilite headlights, rumble seat, body color metal luggage trunk. – Reproduction factory-style coachwork by Evans, ACD Category 2 certified. Sound and usable old restoration with odd features like chromed shock absorber castings. The paint is flawed with some cracks and discoloration. The upholstery and interior trim are aged and used but usable. Weak headlight chrome. The chassis is uniformly painted flat chassis black. A modestly presentable tour car. – The pre-sale estimate range was pessimistic about the effect of the reproduction coachwork but the bidders put a reasonable discount on the car which other than the body is all L-29 and is a cost-effective way to join ACD events and enjoy a stylish tour or weekend drive.

Lot # 184 1975 BMW 2002 Turbo 2-Dr. Sedan; S/N 4291515; Engine # 4291515; White, M graphics/Black leatherette; Estimate $110,000 – $140,000; Unrestored original 3+ condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $125,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $140,000. – 1990/170hp, Kugelfischer fuel injection, single turbo, VDO dash clock and boost gauge, Pioneer cassette stereo, air dam, fender flares, alloy wheels, BFG Traction T/A tires, no front bumper. – Built in 1975 but titled as a 1973. Represented as numbers matching and mostly original. Several big cracks in the bottom of the air dam. Crack in the front edge of the driver’s side door. Light scratches on the windshield frames. Light but long scratch on the driver’s door. Paint looks original and is otherwise very good. Original interior is very good with wear corresponding to the 16,531 km showing. Light road wear underneath and a little dirt in the engine bay but all looks good. A solid preserved example with enough miles to enjoy guilt-free, but few enough that it looks only a few years old. – Sold here by Bonhams four years ago in 2017 for $112,200 and today showing only 138 more kilometers on its odometer than it did then, that it brought a little more money today is a good indication of its appeal and rarity. It struggled a bit on the block before the bidding picked up to this level, culminating in this strong result with a material premium for originality and preservation.

Lot # 188 1966 Alfa Romeo Giulia Spider Duetto, Body by Pininfarina; S/N AR661927; Engine # AR0053610700; Dolce Crema/Burgundy leatherette; Black cloth top; Estimate $25,000 – $35,000; Cosmetic restoration 3- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $44,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $49,280. – 1,570/104hp, 5-speed, silver steel wheels, hubcaps, Dunlop tires, Carello headlight covers, Pininfarina radio blank plate, woodrim steering wheel, jack, tool roll. – Sound repaint, interior and chrome. Broken hood release. Undercoated wheel wells and chassis. Good panel gaps and flat fits. A sound and attractive roundtail Giulia Spider. – This is a generous, over high estimate, price for a driver level Duetto. This much money should have bought a Duetto with a functional hood latch.

Lot # 189 1978 Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser Hardtop; S/N FJ40293604; Olive, White roof/Grey vinyl; Estimate $40,000 – $60,000; Older restoration 3+ condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $39,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $43,680. – 4,230/125hp six, 4-speed, heater, Warn front hubs, white outside mirrors, roll bar, barn-style rear door, rear spare tire mount. – Radio is missing and the front wheel hubs are dirty and oxidizing. Upholstery and carpets are new. Paint and chassis are clean and like new. Too good to take off road. – Offered by Mecum at Anaheim in 2013 where it was reported bid to $43,000 without selling. The FJ market has been up and down since then and this is a reasonable result for it today.

Lot # 191 1901 Oldsmobile Model R Curved Dash Runabout; S/N Engine No. 6269; Engine # 6269; Black/Black; Estimate $55,000 – $65,000; Older restoration 4 condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $56,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $62,720. – 95/7hp single, chrome wire wheels, white tires, National kerosene sidelights, Solar kerosene headlight, wicker basket, warning bell on the steering tiller. – VCCA dated in 1983, which to judge from its condition may approximate the last time it had much attention. Cracked, chipped old paint everywhere. Old upholstery, dirty chassis and engine. VCC dated 1901, last did the Brighton Run in 2011 and probably can be rejuvenated mechanically to do it again but it’s likely a candidate for a full restoration. – An early starting place on the LBVCR is an advantage that translates into value on the auction block and is seen in this result for this tired but complete Curved Dash buggy.

Lot # 197 1954 MG TF Roadster; S/N HDP465454; Engine # XPAGTF35436; Old English White/Tan leatherette; Natural cloth top; Estimate $20,000 – $30,000; Older restoration 3 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $28,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $31,360. – 1,250/58hp, 4-speed, chrome wire wheels, Michelin ZX tires, dual outside mirrors, wind wings, badge bar. – Good older paint, well-used upholstery, good chrome. Badly cracked steering wheel rim with a well-used lace-on leather cover. The engine is orderly but also used. Stone chipped nose and rear fenders. A sound driver with an abundance of event plaques under the hood. – Bonhams opened this auction with a superb TF 1500 that sold for a deserved premium price of $47,040. This TF 1250 isn’t close to as good condition and was offered nearly at the end of the sale but brought a rich price that should have bought a better car, either in condition or with the bigger engine.

Lot # 204 1932 Auburn 8-100A Phaeton Sedan; S/N 8100A7590H; Engine # GU65529; Green, Light Yellow-Green fenders and aprons/Metallic Green leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $50,000 – $75,000; Older restoration 2- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $80,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $89,600. – 269/100hp, 3-speed, Depress Beam headlights, junior Pilot-Rays, dual sidemounts with mirrors, folding windshield, fender color metal luggage trunk. – Very good older paint, chrome, upholstery and top. The engine has some fluid leakage but no road grime, a characteristic shared by the chassis. The restoration shows some age but little use, and careful preservation. Estate of Robert L. Byers. – There was some enthusiasm for this Auburn showing appreciation for the sleek body design, performance and adaptability of the rollup window coachwork. The seller should be happy with the price realized, the buyer should be happy with the car.

Lot # 207 1931 Auburn Model C 8-98A Cabriolet; S/N 898A13046F; Engine # GU51926; Silver Grey, Black fenders, Orange accent/Black leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $70,000 – $90,000; Older restoration 2- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $100,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $112,000. – 269/98hp inline eight, 3-speed, Phinney Walker clock, Orange wire wheels, wide whitewalls, dual sidemounts with mirrors, folding windshield, Depress Beam headlights, Trippe lights, black metal luggage trunk, rumble seat. – Very good older paint and chrome. Good upholstery and top. Orderly but oily engine compartment. Crisp gauges. The older restored chassis is storage dusty but not road grimy. Estate of Robert L. Byers. – The orange cockpit accent is a little inconsistent with the red wire wheels, a detail that is easily rectified but other than that the livery is attractive, if dated to an 80’s restoration. The restoration’s preservation is impressive and substantiates a quality job using premium materials. A CCCA Full Classic®, it promises to be a rewarding car for tours and for showing at the end of a day’s run.

Lot # 211 1905 Queen Model E Tonneau Touring; S/N 1385; Light Green, Green accent, Yellow-Green chassis/Black leather; Black leatherette top; Estimate $75,000 – $100,000; Older restoration 1- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $72,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $80,640. – RHD. Acetylene headlights and Rushmore dashboard mounted searchlight, kerosene cowl lights, E&J acetylene generator, full elliptical leaf spring suspension, single chain drive, whitewall tires, key wind New Haven clock, 196 cubic inch opposed twin, 16 bhp, 2-speed planetary transmission. – An older restoration to show quality condition that has been cosmetically freshened and is quite handsome. The only known surviving Queen Model E. Robert Byers Estate collection. – Sold by Gooding & Company here in 2011 for $104,500 (where this photo was taken.) Little used since then and maintained in show-quality condition. The elegant coachwork and bright colors instantly draw attention to it and combined with its rarity make it a sound value in this transaction.

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Comments

  1. Reply

    Rick, thanks as always for a great auction review. The overall strong sales result of the pre-war cars brings up an interesting discussion point. I’m a typical Baby Boomer, born mid-50s, and have been in the ‘old car’ hobby for 40+ years. I’ve watched how each generation has embraced the cars of its youth, and correspondingly, as generations literally die off, their cars of interest have fallen in value. Yet we seem to have reached a tipping point. There is no one alive today who remembers a 1905 anything when it was new; yet collectors are stepping up and spending the bucks for these 100+ year-old vehicles. Have the truly old cars become collectible as fine art and antique furniture have been collectible? In other words, are these cars now more appreciated for their place in history than they are as transportation devices?
    Best regards, Richard

      • rickcarey1
      • June 6, 2021
      Reply

      Richard,
      Really good question and eloquently stated.
      This is an issue that has concerned me for many years. Being a 40’s baby and cutting my old car teeth at Henry Austin Clark, Jr’s Long Island Automotive Museum in the 50’s I’ve always appreciated the Old Crocks for their originality of concept, design, function and approach.
      But I keep hearing them cut down by observers who obsess on demographics.
      The answer for the Old Crocks’ persistence may be just those factors that make them intriguing: originality of concept, design, execution, function and approach.
      It’s hard to get really excited about a collection of ’55-’57 Chevys, a fascination that wears out eventually trying to find ever-diminishing differences between essentially similar vehicles.
      But if someone is still interested in history and the automobile’s evolution there’s a whole new world of cars, manufacturers and concepts waiting before the two World Wars.
      I think a cadre of collectors realizes there is that world, along with new events, acquaintances and knowledge out there.
      The economic performance of these cars bears this out, along with anecdotal evidence from conversations with collectors and restorers who have young (well, 50’s) clients who cherish the tours and events that are vehicle age-restricted.
      I don’t think these old cars are cherished as art or furniture, but rather as an entree to new relationships and events and a chance to see how things were done when, as in the internet and software today, there was no “one right way” to achieve the desired result of self-propelled independent transportation.
      The histories of these cars and the collectors like Henry Austin Clark, Jr., D. Cameron Peck, George Waterman & Kirk Gibson, James Melton and others who bought them out of salvage yards and preserved them is a story in itself. It is being perpetuated today with cars like we saw bring big money in Amelia.
      I’ll get off my soapbox now, but thanks for asking.
      Rick

      1. Reply

        Thanks Rick, for your insight on this topic, it is appreciated.

    • Ivan
    • August 31, 2021
    Reply

    Lot # 204 1932 Auburn 8-100A Phaeton Sedan

    Does anyone know if this was the Auburn in the Joel Naive collection in the early 90s?

      • rickcarey1
      • September 4, 2021
      Reply

      Ivan,
      That’s not mentioned in the catalog description.

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