Bonhams, Bonmont Golf & Country Club, Cheserex, Switzerland, June 30, 2024

Bonhams returned to the picturesque Bonmont Golf & Country Club in Cheserex, Switzerland for its fifth auction at this location with no sale held in 2022 due to Covid 19.

No records were broken in this 54 car lot sale (plus 9 motorcycles and 2 child’s cars not described here) and while some lots brought reasonable results the four 7-figure lots – all model year 2008 or newer – failed to sell, continuing the weakness of late model supercars. Whether this will continue through Monterey remains to be seen although from all reports there will be plenty of that genre there to test the market in the U.S. where it has been at its strongest.

With the dollar relatively strong against the Euro and Pound Sterling, if not the mighty Swiss Franc, it should have been happy hunting ground for dollar-based buyers but they were not much in evidence. Bonhams flat 15% commission may have had some bearing on the lack of enthusiasm.

As with RM Sotheby’s Cliveden House auction in the UK June 12, curiosity got the better of me and I have described all 61 lots which are presented here in lot number order with photos from Bonhams website.

Here are the numbers:

Year Cars Sold/ Offered Sale % Sold < Low Est Sold > High Est Average Sale Median Sale Total $ Exchange Rate
2024 38/54 70.4% 52.6% 5.3% $244,129 $122,331

[60.1%]

$9,276,916 $1.1121
2023 53/59 89.8% $244,242 $102,874

[42.1%]

$12,944,815 $1.1182
2022 No auction
2021 43/47 91.5% $299,141 $149,758

[50.1%]

$12,863,054 $1.0852
2020 35/54 64.8% 82.9% 2.9% $238,648 $242,748

[101.7%]

$8,352,664 $1.0994

[Updated 7/12/24 with 2021, 2023 data]

 


Lot # 111 2011 Fiat-Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari 2-Dr. Sedan; S/N ZFAHA3204C0692662; Grigio Titanio/Anthracite, Natural leather; Estimate $27,803 – $50,045; Unrestored original 2- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $27,803 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $31,973. – 1,368/190hp turbo four, 5-speed paddle shift automatic, air conditioning, CD stereo, luggage. – One owner, 24,827 km from new, clean and well-maintained. – A hot hatchback with styling and interior details taken from Ferraris including high back seats.

Lot # 112 1992 Mercedes-Benz 500E 4-Dr. Sedan; S/N WDBEA36E1NB709246; Anthracite/Black leather; Estimate $38,924 – $61,166; Unrestored original 3 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $37,811 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $43,483. – 4,983/315hp V-8, automatic, CD stereo, power everything. – Exceptionally clean and well-maintained for a car showing 160,320 miles on its odometer – Luxurious and fast, but this is a healthy result for a thoroughly broken-in car, even an M-B.

Lot # 114 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Coupe “Pagoda”; S/N 11304412005579; Engine # 13098312003493; Silver/Black leather; Estimate $55,605 – $77,847; Unrestored original 3 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $62,278 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $71,619. – 2,778/180hp six, automatic, blackwall tires, Euro headlights, Hella fog lights, clumpy woodrim steering wheel, Becker cassette stereo. – Represented as all original and matching numbers. The odometer shows 9,904 km lacking a wheel for the sixth digit which is represented as being a “1”. The car is clean and well-maintained but showing its age, particularly under the hood. – Reassuring in its quality and the care it shows but it is 109K km (almost 70K miles) and this is a moderately generous price for it.

 

Lot # 115 1952 Jaguar XK 120 Fixed Head Coupe; S/N 679502; Engine # W4476-8; OE White/Red; Estimate $66,726 – $100,089; Visually maintained, largely original 3 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $55,605 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $63,946. – 3,442/160hp, 4-speed, steel wheels, spats, blackwall tires, 4-spoke woodrim steering wheel, 3-point belts. – Represented as the matching-numbers engine. Mediocre old repaint but attractive newer interior upholstery, trim and wood. The engine compartment is aged. A driver quality XK 120 that would benefit from a good quality repaint to bring the exterior up to the standards of the interior. – This is a representative result for this FHC’s mixed condition and there is room at this price to spend some time and money on the engine compartment and give it the paint job it deserves.

Lot # 116 2002 Aston Martin Vanquish Coupe; S/N SCFAC23362B500427; Black/Black, White leather; Estimate $77,847 – $111,210; Unrestored original 2- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $73,399 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $84,408. – 5,935/460hp V-12, 6-speed automanual, air conditioning, CD changer, books, tools, jack, Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires. – First owned by golfer Greg Norman and showing 26,881 believable miles. Aside from some stretching of the driver’s seat cushion it is uniformly clean and well-maintained. – Interesting ownership history including Greg Norman and Claude Nobs, founder of the Montreaux Jazz Festival. But more interesting in that it has apparently lived a good life and been attended to as it needed. That attention (and a little bit of celebrity provenance) was rewarded by this result. Apparently golf clubs (and not much else) fit in the trunk.

Lot # 117 2006 Ford GT Heritage Coupe; S/N 1FAFP90S06Y401723; Gulf Blue, Orange stripe/Black leather; Estimate $389,235 – $500,445; Unrestored original 2 condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $350,312 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $402,858. – 330/550hp, 6-speed, Gulf Heritage livery. – 10,820 miles, one owner from new with books and records. All original and impossible to fault. – Coming from Oman this Ford GT is subject to all sorts of EU or Swiss taxes, import documentation fees and VAT, a bump of over 25% of the hammer price, which goes a long way to explain why it was severely discounted from other Heritage Edition Ford GTs that aren’t subject to such onerous surcharges.

Lot # 118 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe; S/N 194377S111248; Engine # 7111248; Goodwood Green, White stinger/Green vinyl; Estimate $77,847 – $111,210; Recent restoration 2- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $100,089 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $115,102. – 427/390hp, 4-speed, air conditioning, alloy wheels, Cooper tires, side exhaust, AM-FM, woodrim steering wheel. – Very good paint, interior and chrome. Clean, orderly engine compartment. Progressively restored over the last decade so some details are older than others but overall this Corvette is better than a driver while not being up to NCRS standards of factory presentation. – This result is more than this 427/390hp Corvette coupe could expect to bring in the States, a curious anomaly for a sale in the Confoederatio Helvetica where Corvettes are not coveted. The result speaks to this car’s condition and desirable equipment, as well as its sound and raw, brutal power.

Lot # 119 1986 Porsche 911 Turbo 3.3 Coupe; S/N WP0ZZZ93ZGS001134; Engine # 67601175; Grand Prix White/Cream leather; Estimate $111,210 – $166,815; Unrestored original 3+ condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $144,573 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $166,259. – 3,299/300hp, 4-speed, air conditioning, Black center Fuchs wheels, Becker Mexico stereo, books, service history since 2003. – Represented as the matching-numbers engine. Appears to be original and unrestored consistent with the 77,856 km showing on the odometer. – While this might be a better Porsche Turbo than the price it brought here Bonhams specialists didn’t give it a rousing estimate which it handily surpassed in this transaction.

Lot # 120 2010 Aston Martin DBS Volante; S/N SCFFDCCDXAGE11871; Champagne Beige/Sand Storm leather; Beige top; Estimate $77,847 – $111,210; Unrestored original 2 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $122,331 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $140,681. – 5,935/510hp V-12, automatic, 20-inch alloy wheels, front wheel stone guards, black calipers, front and rear cameras. – 149 km and one owner from new, long displayed but recently recommissioned by specialists. – Subject to Swiss import duties, fees and various VAT to the tune of some 25% of the hammer bid with commission, but that didn’t deter the bidders who accepted the costs (or exported it to avoid the surcharges) at this result. It is a solid value in a mighty Aston Martin Volante even at well over Bonhams pre-sale high estimate.

Lot # 121 2013 Lexus LFA Coupe; S/N JTHHX8BH701000490; Whitest White/Red leather; Estimate $556,050 – $778,470; Unrestored original 2 condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $500,445 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $575,512. – 4,805/553hp V-10, 6-speed automanual, luggage, red calipers. – 493 of 500 built. While the odometer may display 27,660 km the car evidences no use at all, a pristine, showroom-ready supercar. – In collectors’ minds the standard LFA has been overshadowed by its Nürburgring variant which is slightly more powerful but has track-tuned suspension and a deserved reputation for mastering the Nordschliefe. This is a lot of car (even a Toyota) for the money.

Lot # 122 1954 Jaguar XK 120SE Roadster; S/N 674551; Engine # E1786-8; OE White/Suede Green; Green cloth top; Estimate $88,968 – $133,452; Older restoration 3 condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $77,847. – 3,442/180hp, 4-speed, chrome wire wheels, wide whitewalls, Bluemels 4-spoke steering wheel, bucket-style seat backs (original seat backs included), outside mirrors, spare, jack, wheel hammer, driving lights. – Represented as the matching-numbers engine block but a replacement cylinder head with the reported number. Indifferent quality older repaint but better and more recent upholstery and trim. Scratched steering wheel rim, peeling windshield post and thin taillight chrome. Scratched up paint inside the trunk. Aged but orderly engine compartment. A sound and usable driver that doesn’t need excuses for its age. – This is an entirely appropriate bid for this XK 120SE’s equipment, condition and presentation. It could have been sold with only minimal regret which would have been over $85,000 with commission had it closed here.

Lot # 123 1987 Porsche 911 Turbo Coupe Flat Nose; S/N WP0JB0939JS050168; Engine # 68J00225; Indian Red/Black; Estimate $133,452 – $189,057; Visually maintained, largely original 3 condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $152,914 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $175,851. – 3,299/300hp turbo, 4-speed, Blaupunkt cassette stereo, red center Fuchs wheels, Avon tires, air conditioning. – Oxidized engine compartment but with a shiny newer A/C compressor. Good repaint and probably original lightly stretched and creased upholstery. Bright, crisp gauges. Sound and attractive but old. – Cataloged with a 5-speed, the shift knob (and 930 Turbo specs history) reveals it is a 4-speed. According to the catalog its service history has a 10-year gap from 2013-2023, a concerning gap that makes this result generous.

Lot # 124 1970 Aston Martin DB6 Mk II Coupe; S/N DB6MK24268L; Engine # 4004632; Olive Green/Parchment leather; Estimate $194,618 – $250,223; Visually maintained, largely original 3- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $233,541 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $268,572. – 3,995/325hp, 5-speed, chrome wire wheels, multi-band radio, power windows. – Stored in the Middle East since it was acquired in 2007, looks to be sound and mostly original. Clean and orderly but aged engine compartment. Needs extensive recommissioning. – It seems as if half the Astons in the world were secreted in the Middle Eastern collection that Bonhams has been dribbling out into the market over the past 2+ years but most of them haven’t looked as good as this one. That accounts for its seriously generous price and leaves little or no headroom for unknown mysteries that may crop up as it is gone through to make up for almost two decades in storage. By the way, Bonhams cataloged this as a Vantage but it is not and has triple SUs, not Webers.

Lot # 125 2004 Ferrari 612 Scaglietti Coupe, Body by Pininfarina-Scaglietti; S/N ZFFAY54B000137219; Engine # 82820; Tour de France Blue/Beige leather; Estimate $244,662 – $333,630; Unrestored original 3+ condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $211,299. – 5,748/532hp, 6-speed, 599 Challenge wheels, PZero tires, SF shields, red calipers, fitted luggage, books and service invoices. – The first of only 43 612 Scagliettis built with 6-speed manual transmission. Represented as the original engine. Showing 51,627 believable miles, clean and well-maintained with little wear showing on the upholstery or elsewhere. – An F1 paddle shifted 612 Scaglietti in this well-equipped and well-maintained condition should be worth around $100K and there’s no doubt the 6-speed manual makes it worth a lot more although the consignor’s decision to turn down this premium bid is questionable. It had to have been a near thing at the reported high bid.

Lot # 126 2015 McLaren P1 Coupe; S/N SBM12ABBXFW000099; Mauvine Metallic/Tan leather; Papaya leather top; Estimate $778,470 – $1,334,520; Unrestored original 2 condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $934,164 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $1,074,289. – Hybrid 3,799cc V-8 with 727 engine hp plus 176hp from the electric motor for a total on 903hp available with a full charge, 7-speed dual clutch transmission, loaded with options. – One of only two P1s delivered in this jelly bean color. In the Middle East its whole life with 13,947 km from new. Lavished with leather and carbon fiber and showing no overt evidence of being used at all aside from the odometer and service records. – Subject to over 25% duties, taxes, fees and VAT if it stays in Switzerland, at this price there is little doubt that it did not, even though the all-in price is somewhat less than what it cost new.

Lot # 127 2021 McLaren Elva Speedster; S/N SBM26ACB0MW815108; British Racing Green, White accents/Atacama Yellow synthetic leather; Estimate $778,470 – $1,334,520; Unrestored original 2 condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $889,680 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $1,023,132. – 3,994/804hp twin turbo V-8, 7-speed automanual, PZero Corsa tires, air conditioning, CD stereo, options galore. – Although no mileage is stated this is to all intents and purposes a brand new car that cost over $1.7 million new. It is spotless and includes the helmets, covers, goggles and battery maintainer. If it stays in Switzerland it will incur about 25% in duties, taxes, fees and VAT in addition to the hammer price and commission. – An intriguing development of the Senna but without the hybrid boost or a roof, McLaren initially limited the build to 399, then cut it back to 249 and finally only 149 were built; this is number 108. The limited practicality of the roofless body is being recognized by declining prices.

Lot # 128 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupe; S/N WDDRJ7HA6BA000176; White/Red leather; Estimate $166,815 – $222,420; Unrestored original 2- condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $161,255 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $185,443. – 6,208/563hp V-8, 7-speed automanual, 10-spoke alloy wheels, grey calipers, Bridgestone tires, air conditioning. – Two owners from new, showing 23,273 km. Clean and like new with only limited use showing on the driver’s seat. – Both Bonhams pre-sale estimate and this result are modest for this car’s condition. It is a good value in this transaction.

Lot # 129 2011 Aston Martin Rapide 4-Dr. Sedan; S/N SCFHDDAJ3BAF00001; Fire Red/Chancellor Red leather; Estimate $44,484 – $66,726; Unrestored original 2 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $52,825 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $60,748. – 5,935/470hp V-12, automatic, rear vision camera, illuminated sills, Tamo Ash trim, red calipers, 10-spoke alloy wheels, Bridgestone tires, power everything, air conditioning. – One owner, 166km from new. Impeccable and particularly attractively liveried with the later refined and appropriate interior installed by Aston. The first of its series. Displayed from new, recently recommissioned and purportedly ready to use. – Aston has been a leader in building luxurious, bespoke, limited edition high performance 4-dr. sedans over decades. They haven’t always hit the mark (the doorstop shaped Lagonda of the 80’s for instance) but they always have been exciting and intriguing. Apparently no one cares, however, and thus this like new example has become even at this mid-estimate price a startling value. It is subject to confiscatory duties, taxes, fees and VAT in Switzerland but even with the Swiss vigerish it is a rare and remarkable car and a sound value.

Lot # 130 2005 Aston Martin Vanquish S Coupe; S/N SCFAC24355B501894; Engine #;/Black leather; Estimate $111,210 – $166,815; Unrestored original 2 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $72,287 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $83,129. – 5,935/514hp, 6-speed automanual, car phone, satnav, aftermarket Xenon headlights, tools and books. – Two owners and 12,712 km from new. Stretched driver’s seat upholstery, otherwise essentially like new. – This transaction may be the poster child for disastrous late model Aston Martin values. Offered without reserve, it fell on its face in this auction, a 514hp supercar with insignificant miles that brought Honda money. Not observed in the metal/carbon it’s hard to see how the Bonmont bidders faulted this Vanquish S, but they surely did. A new Ford F150 pickup could easily cost this much and it is impossible not to call this a serious value even if it’s been neglected since its last transaction in 2014.

Lot # 131 2008 Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 Versace Roadster; S/N ZHWBE47S08LA03283; Bianco Isis/Black, Ivory leather; Estimate $333,630 – $444,840; Unrestored original 2 condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $255,783. – 6,496/640hp V-12, 6-speed automanual. – Number 1 of the Gianni Versace-designed Murcielago Roadsters. 8,609 km and like new. Pristine interior and engine compartment. – There is no “Versace premium” in this offer which is far below even Bonhams pre-sale estimate. It might get attention at a Lambo gathering but on the streets of Monterey in August it will be just another show-off Lambo upstaged by jelly bean colored McLarens with their wings erected like penises to attract cuties. It’s missed its moment.

Lot # 132 2018 Porsche 991 GT2 RS Weissach Coupe; S/N WP0ZZZ99ZJS181573; Racing Yellow, Black carbon fiber accents/Black leather, Alcantara inserts; Estimate $278,025 – $389,235; Unrestored original 2- condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $253,003 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $290,953. – 3,746/691hp twin turbo, 7-speed automanual, 90-liter tank, front axle lift, reversing camera, Bose surround stereo, dimming mirrors, rain sensor, Chrono package, LED headlights, Arabic labels and mirror warnings, yellow calipers, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. – Delivered in Oman with one owner from new and 16,713 km. Light interior wear. – The fact that this Porsche is six years old really doesn’t detract from the fact that it is amazingly fast and competent, not to mention posh and luxurious. It is a Porsche perfected formula and, particularly compared with more fabulous marques’ supercars, a tremendous performance value that was endorsed by the modest result in this transaction.

Lot # 133P 2008 Lamborghini Reventon Coupe; S/N ZHWBE77S08LA03516; Grigio Reventon/Nero Perseus, Olivia; Estimate $1,556,940 – $1,890,570; Unrestored original 2 condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $1,334,520. – 6,496/650hp V-12, 6-speed automanual, all-wheel drive. – Two owners and 4,864 km from new. A rolling stealth fighter loaded with F-22 Raptor inspired details, one of only 20 built. – There may be only 20 Reventons in the world, but there were two of them in this auction. Fortunately both of them were bid to exactly the same price with neither selling, a faithful indication of what collectors think they’re worth.

Lot # 134 2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage; S/N SCFBF03CX9GC12426; Estimate $44,484 – $66,726; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $50,045 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $57,551. – No result posted by Bonhams although reported sold at this price by HammerPrice and viewed on the video sold to bidder #230 in the room.

Lot # 135 2011 Ferrari 599 GTO Berlinetta, Body by Pininfarina-Scaglietti; S/N ZFF70RDB000178310; Grigio Titanio, Black roof/Nero Opaco leather, ventilated inserts; Estimate $889,680 – $1,000,890; Unrestored original 2 condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $767,349. – 5,999/671hp, 6-speed automanual, air conditioning, CD stereo, books, tools, yellow calipers, Ferrari Classiche Red Book certified. – Three owners and 10,013 km from new. – At the reported high bid it is not surprising that this 599 GTO went back home with its owner. It’s a $900K car, but a $210K discount is hard to comprehend, but only a day before at the Artcurial auction in Saint-Tropez a similar one was bid to only $750,260 (Euros 700,000 and attracted no bidding interest at all.) There is a message in these bottles.

Lot # 136 1994 Jaguar XJ 220 Coupe; S/N SAJJEAEXBAX220718; Silver/Grey leather; Estimate $444,840 – $667,260; Unrestored original 2- condition; With Reserve; Post-block sale at $357,806 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $411,477. – 3,498/542hp twin turbo V-6, 5-speed, Alpine cassette stereo, air conditioning, glass roof panel. – One owner, 7,422 km. Lightly creased driver’s seat, fastidious engine compartment and nearly like new. – Bid to and sold on the block for Euros 391,000 all-in according to Bonhams post-sale results list, this lot is now reported by Bonhams at this price, a sale obviously concluded post-block at a negotiated price when something went sideways. This is the least expensive XJ 220 in a long time, and there is no overt reason for it to be so.

Lot # 137 2000 Lamborghini Diablo VT Roadster; S/N ZA9RE31AOXLA12425; Black/Red leather; Estimate $389,235 – $500,445; Unrestored original condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $266,904 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $306,940. – 5,707/485hp, 5-speed, Becker Indianapolis stereo, climate control, modular alloy wheels, PZero tires. – Thoroughly stretched and burnished seats but otherwise barely used and thoughtfully maintained despite the 65,154 km. Reupholstered in red from the original beige leather, a prudent and attractive choice. – Based on its specifications, performance and rarity this is an undervalued Lambo with style and panache that still resonates. It will upstage McLarens on the streets of Monterey during Car Week. “No Reserve” was a risky consignment, and it didn’t pay off.

Lot # 138 2018 Ford GT Coupe; S/N 2FAGP9CW4JH100037; Black, Orange stripes/Black leather; Estimate $750,668 – $973,088; Unrestored original 2 condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $706,184 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $812,111. – 2134/647hp twin turbo V-6, 7-speed automanual. – 102 km and one owner from new, a new car in impeccable condition. – Fading interest is reflected in this result for an essentially brand new and attractively liveried Ford GT. Hammered sold well under the low estimate, it does not bode well for the most recent generation of Ford GT’s values.

Lot # 139P 2010 Lamborghini Reventon Roadster; S/N ZHWBE91N8ALA03991; Grigio Reventon/Black leather; Estimate $1,779,360 – $2,224,200; Unrestored original 2 condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $1,334,520. – 6,496/650hp, 6-speed automanual. – 4.033 km and two owners from new. – The second Reventon in this auction, it was bid to the same no-sale as the earlier one, confirming what collectors think of its value.

Lot # 140 1995 Aston Martin Virage Volante; S/N SCFDAM1C2PBL60045; Prune/Prune leather; Prune top; Estimate $66,726 – $100,089; Unrestored original 3+ condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $65,614 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $75,456. – 5,341/330hp V-8, automatic, Sony CD stereo. – Another of Bonhams continuing stream of long-stored Astons but at least recommissioned last year in Switzerland and with modest mileage from new. – A very ordinary C8 Corvette convertible would cost more than this and although the Corvette has much better performance most cars like this never come close to their performance potential. With its automatic this is a superb boulevardier and bought for a cruiser price.

Lot # 141 1974 Lamborghini Urraco P300 Coupe, Body by Bertone; S/N 20024; Black/Beige leather; Estimate $133,452 – $177,936; Older restoration 2- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $73,399 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $84,408. – 2,996/265hp, 5-speed, Blaupunkt Frankfurt stereo, Campagnolo alloy wheels, Michelin tires, driving lights, air conditioning. – New paint and interior trim is 2015, still presents well and shows little use since then, technically inspected and passed this year. – An unusual Lambo of which only some 205 are reported built. 265hp promises modest performance but in style and handling this is likely to be an enjoyable car for tours or weekend drives. Why Bonhams would estimate it at CHF 120,000 ($133,452) is likely explained by its no-reserve status and an attempt to draw bidders into paying over concours condition money for a very good but far from concours car. They weren’t fooled and this is realistic money for this Lambo.

Lot # 142P 2011 Ferrari 599 SA Aperta Spider, Body by Pininfarina-Scaglietti; S/N ZFF72RDB000183444; Engine # 177167; Nero Daytona/Black Buffalo leather; Black top; Estimate $1,890,570 – $2,224,200; Unrestored original 2 condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $1,556,940. – 5,999/661hp V-12, 6-speed automanual, yellow calipers, interior carbon fiber trim, yellow tach face, SF shields, air conditioning, books. – Two owners and 4,253km from new. Still impeccable with no wear or stretching visible on the buffalo leather seats. – How such an exhilarating Ferrari can add only 4.253 miles in thirteen years (327 miles per year) is a mystery that only its owners can resolve. It would have been a decent value at the reported hammer bid but unfortunately the seller thought it was worth (a lot) more and no one will have a chance to experience it until it comes back around again at another auction or in Ferrari Market Letter. More reasonably priced, and that means something like $1,200,000, it will be exciting.

Lot # 143 1961 Ferrari 250 GTE Coupe 2+2, Body by Pininfarina; S/N 2371GT; Engine # 2371GT; Ascot Blue/Beige leather; Estimate $444,840 – $667,260; Older restoration 2- condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $444,840 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $511,566. – 2,953/240hp, 4-speed, Blaupunkt multi-band radio. tools, chrome spoke Borrani wire wheels, Pirelli tires, Marchal fog lights and headlights, Ferrari Classiche Red Book certified. – Switzerland restored 2017-18/ Good older repaint, some thin chrome trim, clean engine compartment. Overall a satisfying 250 GTE with little evident use or wear except for the two front seats which are stretched and burnished mostly on the driver’s side. – 250 GTEs have been on a roll in recent years, ramping up to half-million dollar prices as other 250GTs have elevated consistently into seven figures. As difficult as it is to accept that 250 GTEs that once were sacrificed to make Testa Rossa replicas, it’s not hard to understand. It’s the Ferrari 250 GT 12-cylinder experience with room in the back for kids. In this environment the result here is right on the money for this car’s condition, history and authentication.

Lot # 144 1955 Porsche 356 ‘Pre-A’ 1600 Speedster; S/N 80926; Engine # P60004; White/Black; Black cloth top; Estimate $389,235 – $500,445; Older restoration 2- condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $355,872. – 1,571/70hp, dual Solexes, 4-speed, chrome wheels, hubcaps, wraparound windshield. – Represented as the matching numbers engine and original colors. Stored for years until it was restored in Belgium in 2012-14 and subsequently a Porsche event and concours winner. Stored since 2016 in Switzerland and still exceptional. – But here’s the rub: Bonhams sold this car to the present owner at Zoute in 2016 for Euros 586,500 all-in. This no-sale result is Euros 332,200 all-in. It is hard to fathom how valuations of a rare Pre-A 1600 Speedster have changed so dramatically in eight years.

Lot # 144B 1969 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Berlinetta, Body by Pininfarina-Scaglietti; S/N 12637; Engine # 12637; Blu Scuro Dino/Beige leather, Black bars; Estimate $667,260 – $889,680; Older restoration 2- condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $611,655. – 4,390/352hp, 5-speed, Plexiglas nose, alloy wheels, Michelin XWX tires, power windows, Veglia air conditioning, Ferrari Classiche Red Book certified – Represented as matching-numbers. Good paint and erratic chrome in fuzzy iPhone photos. Good lightly stretched upholstery. Tidy engine compartment. A good driver example. – A good Daytona, but it could have been sold at the reported high bid without conferring a bargain upon the new owner.

Lot # 145 1956 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk II Coupe, Body by Tickford; S/N AM3001182; Engine # VB6J810; Imperial Crimson/Black leather; Estimate $166,815 – $222,420; Older restoration 2- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $177,936 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $204,626. – 2,992/140hp, 4-speed, badge bar, driving lights, chrome spoke wire wheels, Avon tires, Terratrip rally odometer, books, tools. – Restored in 2013. Represented as the matching numbers engine. Sound and lightly creased upholstery, very good interior wood trim, clean and fully equipped engine compartment. Good older paint and chrome. Most of the panels fit flush and smooth except the passenger’s door which fits slightly low when closed. Some interior chrome is thin. – This is a reassuring Aston that evidences professional and accurate restoration and good care in the eleven years since it was completed. The bidders endorsed that view with a hammer price slightly over the low estimate but only by enough to recognize its quality.

Lot # 146 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster; S/N WMX1974771A009578; White/Black leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $155,694 – $200,178; Unrestored original 2 condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $152,914 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $175,851. – 6,208/563hp, 7-speed automanual. – Swiss delivered, second owner, 10,195 km from new and impeccably maintained with a spotless engine compartment and pristine upholstery. Last serviced a year ago. – This is an exceptional car that will make a positive impression wherever it appears, yet it is – for its performance and charismatic appearance – not expensive and this result is appropriate to its condition.

Lot # 147 2005 Ferrari 575 Superamerica Convertible, Body by Pininfarina-Scaglietti; S/N ZFFGT61B000143098; Rosso Corsa/Beige leather; Black roof panel top; Estimate $289,146 – $389,235; Unrestored original 2 condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $278,025 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $319,729. – 5,748/540hp, 6-speed automanual, yellow calipers, yellow tach face, 5-spoke modular alloy wheels, Bridgestone tires, CD changer stereo, climate control, books, tools, Assembly No. 60543. – Characteristically attractive in Rosso Corsa Ferrari, a color that does not harmonize with the pale flesh-colored upholstery. The 13,815 km showing on the odometer are likely all it has covered from new and it has been consistently maintained in between its infrequent road outings. It still presents like a showroom fresh car. – While the all-in result for this Superamerica is representative of its current market acceptance its hammer price is modest and more appropriate for a 3-condition Superamerica than this exceptionally maintained and little used example.

Lot # 148P 2017 Lamborghini Centenario LP770-4 Roadster; S/N ZHWEZ5ZD6HLA06873; Matte Grey, Orange accents/Black Alcantara; Estimate $2,780,250 – $3,336,300; Unrestored original 2 condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $2,446,620. – 6,498/770hp V-12, 7-speed automanual, all-wheel drive, climate control, orange calipers. – 505 km from new and one of only 20 Centenario Roadsters built. Like new but subject to 25%+ import duties and fees if it remains in Switzerland. – At $2.5 million (CHF 2.2 million) that 25% import bill is a serious impediment to optimistic bidding. Like the earlier Lamborghini Reventons in this auction this is a striking example of Lambo’s “aerospace” design ethic, but it seems to have missed the mark.

Lot # 149 1929 Bugatti Type 43 Roadster; S/N 43264; Blue-Grey/Blue-Grey leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $556,050 – $889,680; Rebodied or re-created 3 condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $439,280 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $505,171. – RHD. 2,262/120hp supercharged inline eight, 4-speed, rear-mounted spare, cycle front fenders, Marchal headlights, right hand throttle pedal. – Frame No. 122, gearbox and Type 43 type rear axle are pretty much all that remains of the original car which was awarded to Juan Zanelli, the winner of the one-marque Bugatti Grand Prix at Le Mans in 1929. He then traded it for a Type 35B. Later traded by Bugatti along with three other Type 43s to Leon Duray for his two dual overhead camshaft Miller 91s, which became the inspiration for Bugatti’s adoption of dohc in the 1930’s (an innovation pioneered by Peugeot in 1914 but overlooked by Le Patron.) Duray brought it to the U.S. where it was rebodied as a coupe by Derham.

Later modified in California with a Ford engine and running gear. Later powered by a Ford six for actor Donald O’Connor. Then disappeared until the early 1980’s and remained in derelict condition until 2008. New engine built by Jarrot Engines, rebodied with this coachwork (an earlier replica of a Figoni design). Bugatti parts procured from various sources. Generally used and edge chipped body, nicely patinaed upholstery, faded bright trim. Reconstructed from few original parts but blessed with a BOC ID number and attractively used appropriate to its history and purpose. – This is a classic Bugatti bitsa, built from bitsa this and that Bugatti and other period parts. Its history is surprising, considering it was derelict for decades, its survival as a recognizable chassis frame to continue the history of the entity is remarkable and its authentic style restoration is a tribute to the appeal of Bugatti. It is probably more fun to own and drive than the price it brought here and telling its story will be a repetitive pleasure and challenge. Still, this is a lot to pay for what amounts to an entity based upon a chassis frame.

Lot # 150 1939 Lancia Astura Series IV Convertible Sedan, Body by Pinin Farina; S/N 413313; Engine # 41064; Grey, Indigo fenders and hood/Grey leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $311,388 – $444,840; Older restoration 3 condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $266,904. – RHD. 2,972/82hp 19-degree V-8, 4-speed, polished wheel discs, fog lights, Carello headlights, wide whitewalls, dual outside mirrors, cowl-mounted semaphores, Lancia Classiche certified. – Surprisingly for Pinin Farina coachwork the side windows don’t retract all the way below the window sills. The rear deck could have been copied from a ’38 Buick (including the taillight). Sound but used older paint, chrome and lightly stretched upholstery. Tired instruments and panel. Good interior wood trim and gauges. Used and chipped restored engine compartment. An older restoration to the standards of the day but still an unusual Lancia. – Sold by RM at London in 2007 for $261,493 (Euros 181,200 at the time) then offered by Gooding in a June 2021 online auction after its most recent cosmetic attention and bid to a nearly unfathomable $442,144 (Euros 372,400 at the time. This non-sale is Euros 240,000 and looking at the online photos it is easy to see why the bidders were not excited about it.

Lot # 151 1946 Delahaye 135MS Cabriolet, Body by Walter Kong; S/N 800391; Ivory/Beige leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $244,662 – $311,388; Visually maintained, largely original 3- condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $166,815. – RHD. 3,557/125hp, three Solex carburetors, 4-speed Cotal pre-selector, Marchal headlights and fog lights, ivory painted wire wheels, Michelin tires. – The only known Walter Kong-bodied Delahaye once owned by Rothlisberger & Sohn, appropriately Swiss in Emmental, a cheese box factory. Worn, stretched, creased upholstery, aged gauges particularly the OS tach which is faded and has yellowed graduations. Discolored dashboard covering. Used engine compartment with patina (i.e., age.) Never messed up by a cheap restoration, but that is its best attribute. – This may be more car than money, but every detail cries out, “Restored me.” The unique Walter Kong body on this Delahaye is attractive, but nothing special and has little to distinguish it from Chapron coachwork of the period. It was realistically passed by both bidders and the seller at this bid.

Lot # 152 1929 Chrysler 75 Roadster; S/N CS630Y; Engine # 263924; Black, Burgundy accent/Black; Beige cloth top; Estimate $111,210 – $166,815; Older restoration 2- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $88,968 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $102,313. – 249/75hp, 3-speed, Mitchell overdrive, chrome wire wheels, Trippe lights, Lucas tires, dual sidemounts with mirrors, wind wings, top-hinged folding windshield, luggage trunk, rumble seat, – 1997 AACA National First Price winner 18B0622. Titled by its body number. Good paint, upholstery, chrome and top. The engine compartment is orderly but not overdone and shows some use at least appropriate to its competition participation and the 2,812 miles on the odometer. Mille Miglia Storica finisher in 2023. Seemingly needs nothing. – Sold at Mecum Monterey in 2011 for $71,020, then at Bonhams Amelia ten years later in 2021 for $76,160 after being prepared for historic rallies. Chrysler 75s finished 3rd and 4th at the Le Mans 24 Hours in 1928 and have continued to be recognized for their reliability and performance at the Le Mans Historics and Mille Miglia. This may be less than Bonhams estimated it, but it a meaningful increment over what it brought three years ago.

Lot # 153 1978 Monteverdi Safari Utility, Body by Fissore; S/N A4679; Silver/Black cloth; Estimate $100,089 – $122,331; Unrestored original 3+ condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $66,726. – 345/168hp V-8, automatic, 4-wheel drive, air conditioning, power windows. – Based on the International Scout with its 5.7 liter V-8, Monteverdi gussied it with coachwork by Fissore and more luxurious internal features but still with basic cloth upholstery. Original owner until 2021. The odometer shows 19,806 km and nothing about the Monteverdi suggests it has covered any more klicks let alone miles – This is curiously Swiss creation built in Basel and resident in Switzerland from new. Its condition reflects its benign history but there is a massive disconnect between the estimate and the hammer bid. In the U.S. there are sometimes massive prices for fancy (not to mention Kustom) Broncos and Chevy Blazers but attempting to attribute Mecum Kissimmee or B-J Scottsdale results for them to a low production, luxury, rebodied Scout in Switzerland is an incorrect algorithm. This Safari could have been sold for the reported high bid without regret.

Lot # 154 1986 Aston Martin V8 Volante; S/N SCFCV81CXHTL15499; Engine # V5955499LFA; Suffolk Red/Natural leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $111,210 – $166,815; Unrestored original 2- condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $111,210 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $127,892. – 5,341/315hp, automatic, power windows, steering and top, basket-style alloy wheels, Avon tires. – Freshened before the sale including hoses and belts, radiator overhaul, new front shocks at a cost of about CHF 20,000, about $22,000. Very good paint, barely worn upholstery, tight-fitting top, unusually clean and nearly like new engine compartment. A car that is hard to fault, particularly with the odometer reading 21,801 miles. – This is a remarkably moderate price for a seemingly well-maintained and low mileage V8 Volante. It’s not unreasonable (as the consignor’s willingness to accept it shows), but it is a sound value.

Lot # 155 2007 Bentley Azure Convertible Coupe; S/N SCBDC47L37CX12482; Engine # 200546; White/Blue, White leather; Blue top; Estimate $111,210 – $166,815; Unrestored original 2 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $91,748 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $105,510. – 6,761,450hp, twin turbocharged, 6-speed automatic, chrome 7-spoke wheels, Bridgestone tires, all the fixin’s. – A U.S. model Azure, it has been used for some time to transport artists at the Montreux Jazz Festival from performances to their lodgings and back. Very good cosmetics including the nearly like new interior, interior wood trim and chrome inside and out. Impossible to fault in any meaningful way. – Drive up to valet parking at the Casino de Monte-Carlo and this Bentley stands a good chance of getting pride of place parking, it is that impressive. At a hammer bid CHF 12,000 under the low estimate it also is an impressive value based only upon the impression it creates.

Lot # 156 1963 Lancia Flaminia Sport 3C Coupe, Body by Zagato; S/N 824133797; Engine # 831014047; Silver-Grey/Black leather; Estimate $244,662 – $278,025; Older restoration 3+ condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $177,936. – 2,775/150hp, triple Weber carburetors, 4-speed transaxle, books, jack, tools, manual, Lancia Classiche certificate. – Represented as the original engine. Restored in 1998 and given regular attention since then. Not pristine, but well-maintained since restoration. – Offered by Bonhams at Paris in 2019 where it was reported bid to $277,790 (Euros 245,000 at the time.) This no-sale result is Euros 160,000. It is aged but still an historic Zagato double bubble design. The reported high bid is far below its actual value and even the low pre-sale estimate would have been a good value.

Lot # 157 2006 Ferrari F430 Coupe, Body by Pininfarina-Scaglietti; S/N ZFFEZ58B000160660; Rosso Corsa/Beige leather; Estimate $111,210 – $166,815; Unrestored original 3 condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $72,287. – 4,308/490hp, 6-speed automanual, tools, books, SF shields, red calipers, carbon discs, 5-spoke alloy wheels, Michelin Pilot Sport tires, climate control, CD stereo, yellow tach face, Capristo exhaust, Assembly No. 77754. – Lightly used with good and apparently unblemished paint. The upholstery shows some age and light discoloration from soiling. The engine compartment is clean and nearly like new. Represented with 59,410 km from new and looks like it. – Late model cars were not doing well as the Bonmont auction drew to a close, a trend illustrated by this entirely usable and presentable F430 that fell woefully short of its value, not to mention its pre-sale estimate.

Lot # 158 1990 Aston Martin Lagonda Series 4 4-Dr. Sedan; S/N SCFDL01S0LTL13627; Engine # V5853627LFA; Black/Cream leather; Estimate $122,331 – $155,694; Unrestored original 3+ condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $88,968. – 5,341/309hp FI, automatic, Blaupunkt CD changer stereo, air conditioning, power windows, alloy wheels, Avon Turbospeed tires, all bells and whistles, sunroof, jack, spare. – Represented as the matching numbers engine and showing 87,761 km. Recently serviced. Sound original paint, clean upholstery and good engine compartment. – While it doesn’t look so extreme today, in 1990 it was a fantastic doorstop design that was, amazingly, signed by the tech who built the engine. In New Hampshire, where I first spied one (parked at the Dinnerhorn) it was a revelation, a sighting from outer space brought to us mortals by one of the guys at Wheelabrator Frye. Anyway, this Lagonda could have been sold at the reported high bid and would have been seriously expensive at the pre-sale low estimate.

Lot # 159 2016 Porsche 911 GT3 RS Coupe; S/N WP0ZZZ99ZGS190241; Blue Mexico/Black leather, Alcantara inserts; Estimate $189,057 – $244,662; Unrestored original 2- condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $155,694 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $179,048. – 3,996/500hp, 7-speed automanual, CD stereo, climate control, 4-point driver’s belts, braced roll bar, grey alloy wheels, carbon discs, yellow calipers, PZero tires, all bells and whistles. – It may display 39,204 km but they were carefully built up and equally carefully cleaned up after being used. The upholstery and paint show little use, the engine compartment is nearly like new. A nearly pristine GT3 RS in a dramatic color. – It is impossible to argue with this result and it represents appropriate value for money.

Lot # 160 2007 Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe; S/N SCA2D68038UX14091; Metropolican Blue Metallic, Silver hood/Cream leather; Dark Blue top; Estimate $166,815 – $222,420; Unrestored original 2- condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $139,013 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $159,864. – 6,749/453hp V-12, 6-speed automatic, all mod-cons. – Lightly used, even at 52,702 km, and ostentatiously ostentatious including the wood decking over the top boot not to mention the two-tone paint job that emulates (with little relevance) the polished aluminum bonnets of the original Phantoms. There is nothing subtle about this car, as it should be for a Rolls-Royce Phantom although with 453hp even dealing with three tons of mass it leaves many ordinary cars in its wake. Despite some stretching of the front seats’ upholstery and the use indicated on the odometer it is in nearly impeccable and showroom condition. – Under its new owners BMW Rolls-Royce was in for a rethought and the Phantom was first out of the box. Powered by a mighty 6.8 litre V-12 and finished with traditional R-R excellence it made its mark, but sold for well over $333,000 off the showroom floor. Depreciation applies even to Rolls-Royces and this result reflects the reality of its aging style and mileage.

Lot # 161 2010 Aston Martin DB9 Coupe; S/N SCFFDAAE7AGA12514; Champagne Beige/Sahara Sand, Sandstorm leather; Estimate $44,484 – $66,726; Unrestored original 2- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $53,381 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $61,388. – 5,935/470hp V-12, 6-speed automanual, Tamo Ash wood trim, 19-inch alloy wheels, silver calipers. – One owner and 170 km from new, recently recommissioned after being dormant for years. Mostly like new, but subject to some 25% Swiss import fees, taxes and VAT. The upholstery is surprisingly stretched considering the stated mileage. – This Aston’s low odometer reading is not an advantage. It has been put away for more than a decade without being used and even a recent “recommissioning” by the specialists at Stratton Motor Company does little to assuage doubts about its condition. This is old Corvette money for a V-12 DB9, and it deserves to be.

Lot # 162 2004 Ferrari 612 Scaglietti Coupe; S/N ZFFAY54B000135546; Tour d France Blue/Beige leather; Estimate $77,847 – $111,210; Unrestored original 2 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $94,529 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $108,708. – 5,748/540hp V-12, 7-speed automanual, climate control, CD changer stereo. – Showing 7,107 km on the odometer and on the car with excellent original paint, pristine upholstery and showroom engine compartment. – Scored on an mighty early investment in Nvidia? This is only a few shares and a Tour de France Blue statement with room for kids that will be respected even in the exotic car haven of Silicon Valley. It is a sound value even at this mid-estimate hammer bid.

Lot # 163 2008 Aston Martin DB9 Volante; S/N SCFAD02E19GB11344; Nugget Yellow/Yellow leather; Red cloth top; Estimate $55,605 – $88,968; Unrestored original 2 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $61,166 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $70,340. – 5,935/540hp V-12, 6-speed automatic, custom paint and interior, stone guards, red calipers. – One owner and 406 km from new. Lightly stretched driver’s seat, otherwise like new and pristine. Very Yellow. Pristine engine compartment. About as close to new as could be asked. – Depreciation looms large in this result, an essentially like new Aston DB 9 Volante bought for a scintilla of its MSRP of $213,250. Even after its recent recommissioning by Stratton Motor Company (which must be enjoying its choice by Bonhams to make Bonhams succession of neglected Astons run and drive) there are no assurances this is a trouble free acquisition, but this is a whole lot of car for this price, if you like yellow.

Lot # 164 1951 Lagonda 2.6L 4-Dr. Sedan; S/N LAG50364; Engine # LB6A50478; Moonbeam Grey/Blue leather, Light Blue trim; Estimate $22,242 – $33,363; Visually maintained, largely original 3 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $33,919 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $39,007. – RHD. 2,580/105hp, column shift 4-speed, Lucas headlights, fog lights, sunroof, hubcaps, blackwall tires. – Represented as only three owners from new and unrestored although the paint suggests an older repaint. The upholstery has an appealing patina and is sound. The interior wood is exceptional for its age. The engine compartment is neat and clean, not disguising its age but showing consistent care and attention. An all-around appealing old Lagonda. – There is a consistent significant but fully deserved preservation premium in the price for this Lagonda, a part of Aston Martin history that is often overlooked.

Previous Post
Next Post

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *