No spectators. No fancy manufacturer exhibits. No posh entertainment. Few period costumes.
This was not the usual Goodwood Revival. It was Goodwood for the participants, and it was a unique experience. Here’s what Chris Sharpe said:
“Goodwood without any crowds whatsoever was a privilege beyond words. The history of the circuit is one thing but there were only 30 or so journalists. This allowed me viewing time and access to some incomparable race cars.
“I also had a passenger ride for 5 laps in a 2017 Ford GT 770bhp driven by Richard Westbrook who won in a GT at Le Mans in 2016 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their 1966 GT40 win. The acceleration and braking were near F1 standards, my neck hurt for 3 days….”
Bonhams usual Goodwood fabric marquee was supplanted by pre-auction viewing in the reproduction Earls Court Motor Show building at Goodwood. The auction was live (and socially-distanced) in Bonhams Bond Street salerooms.
The numbers were disappointing with high bids on no-sale lots totaling something like twice the sale total including the buyer’s premium (15% of the first £500,000 and 12% over that.)
Many of the reported bids were reasonable, suggesting that consignors (and Bonhams with the estimates and reserves it accepted) are living in the past.
Reality is accepting the fact that an Invicta S-Type Low Chassis Tourer may not be worth what it was even six months ago, but so are other desirable cars that today’s realistic Invicta money could buy.
Here are the numbers:
| Cars Sold/ Offered | Sale % | Sold < Low Est | Sold > High Est | Average Sale | Median Sale | Total $ | Exchange Rate |
| 46/100 | 46% | 71.7% | 4.4% | $170,565 | $104,095
[61%] |
$7,845,981 | $1.2931 |
The on-site observations and photos are by Chris Sharpe.
Lot # 209 1939 Lagonda V12 Drophead Coupe, Body by Lagonda; S/N 14069; Green/Green leather; Black top; Estimate $258,620 – $387,930; Older restoration 2- condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $258,620 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $297,413. – 4,475/175hp V-12, 4-speed gearbox single driving light, dual sidemount spares with mirrors, landau bars, wood dash and door trim. – This car won 1st Prize in the Open European Classic class at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in 1997. Possessing immaculate paint and panel fit, it makes a great first impression. The bumpers and exterior trim have been recently rechromed to a good standard. The wheels have disc trims that are well painted but the center caps are slightly aged. Having a 4,475 cc 60 degree V12 engine designed by W. O. Bentley is a big plus. The black canvas top material is of a high quality and in good order with some crease lines. The interior is clearly recently renovated with a wonderful quality leather aroma. The seat leather has minor criss-cross patterns as it is maturing in nicely. A great presentation for a quality vehicle. – Sold by Christie’s at Pebble Beach fresh from restoration in 2003 for $222,000, then by RM at Amelia in 2007 for an eye-opening $451,000. The $410,000 successful hammer bid was $60,000 over the $350,000 high estimate, a result we called “exceptional” in 2007 and one that is still exceptional in light of this result thirteen years later. The quality of this restoration is apparent in how well it has stood up not only over time but with considerable use: it showed only 1,157 miles in 2007 but 7,787 miles here, 6,630 miles since 2007. It is a wonderful car for which a moderate but reasonable price was paid.
Lot # 210 1959 Aston Martin DB4 Coupe; S/N DB4148R; Engine # 370158; Pacific Blue/Blue Grey Connolly leather; Estimate $323,275 – $452,585; Recent restoration 3- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $310,344 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $356,896. – 3,670/240hp, 4-speed, wire wheels, Dunlop tires, pushbutton radio, woodrim steering wheel, tools. – Detailed ownership history with serious restoration work 30 years ago and more recent work this March that included new front and rear glass and a gearbox rebuild. This DB4 has older repainted coachwork with a marginally uneven finish. For example, there are ripples in the passenger’s side door. The exterior metalwork follows the pattern with the rechroming looking bumpy and not well prepared. The wire wheels have been hastily resprayed silver and the tires are aged. The seat leather is worn and the carpets are faded. A below average presentation. – Vintage Aston prices can vary depending on which side of the pond they’re on, but standard DB4s typically carry similar prices in the UK as they do in the States. One of the few lots to go at no reserve at this sale, this mediocre but usable DB flew way under the radar at a relative bargain, leaving the new owner plenty left to work with on addressing the car’s various issues.
Lot # 216 1990 Fichtel & Sachs BMW Group C3 Prototype; S/N C3ES902; Red, White/Black; Estimate $90,517 – $103,448; Older restoration 3- condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $58,190. – BMW S54 engine from a later M3, new Hewland DG300 gearbox, race seat, multi-point race harnesses, fire extinguisher, alloy wheels. – Represented as professionally restored in 2008 but looks anything but fresh. This bright looking race car has older paint work that up close is chipped and cracking around the hood scoop. The wheels are left with race use dust and dirt, and the Avon slick tires are clearly from a decade or two ago. The driver’s seat is layered with black duct tape and doesn’t look the least bit comfy or inviting. The OMP race harness red straps are soiled, old and perhaps dangerous. Certainly not a class winner in any category. Every component will need to inspected. – A one-off car built for German hillclimb champion Herbert Stenger by Fichtel & Sachs, which is better known for its clutches, flywheels and ball bearings than for building race cars. A disappointing car that brought an appropriately disappointing bid.
Lot # 222 1957 BMW 503 Cabriolet; S/N 69141; Light Blue Metallic/Red leather gray piping; Black top; Estimate $284,482 – $336,206; Older restoration 3+ condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $258,620 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $297,413. – 3,168/140hp V-8, floor shift 4-speed manual, drum brakes with vacuum assist, hub caps, original radio. – Represented as one of 138 BMW 503 Cabriolets built, one of three in right-hand drive and formerly owned by John Surtees. Restored while he owned it. The coachwork is well painted, smooth and consistent. There are no chips or marks to be seen. The awkwardly shaped headlight cowls are smoothly prepped and look right. The bumper iron chrome is lumpy and uneven. The four front grilles are not polished and show their age. The headlight lenses are darkish and dull. Under the hood the engine is very clean and smart, and there are old stickers giving a hint of originality. The interior seat coverings are good quality red leather with gray piping, an odd pairing but it works somehow. The carpets are very faded and soiled. A mid-range showing from an interesting and rare car. – Bonhams famously sold John Surtees’ BMW 507 for a record-breaking £3,809,500 (about $5.03M at the time) at the Festival of Speed sale two years ago. That car, though, was owned by Surtees in period, got a unique four-wheel disc brake setup from new, came with a hardtop and, well, it’s a 507, so it’s much more attractive and valuable than this 503. Still, some premium for this car’s rarity and Surtees history could have been expected but instead it brought a middle-of-the-road price.
Lot # 225 1938 Lagonda V12 Le Mans Style Tourer; S/N 16015; Light Green/Black leather; Estimate $245,689 – $310,344; Rebodied or re-created 3+ condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $232,758 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $267,672. – 4,475/175hp V-12, 4-speed gearbox, aero screens, painted wire wheels. – An old gent with new clothes, rebodied in the 90’s by Dick Brockman, wearing recent paint applied to a crisp and high standard. There are minor swirls and rub marks from the leather hood straps. The wheels and tires are well presented with good tread on the rubber. The engine is another story with oil and fuel leaks evident. Oil in the vee valley of the engine would create a sticky mess as it keeps cooking. The interior presents well, the seat leather is good with only slight creases. The steering wheel is particularly smart and fresh looking. Cosmetically good, but mechanical issues abound. – An intriguing project that has had little use since its long term (18 years) rebody and restoration was completed. The restoration’s duration is reflected in the erratic condition after sitting too long in the shop, not the sort of “shop worn” we usually talk about. The seller should be happy to get this much for it.
Lot # 226 1956 Bentley S1 Continental Coupe, Body by Park Ward; S/N BC44BG; Steel Blue/Beige leather; Estimate $252,155 – $381,465; Recent restoration 1- condition; With Reserve; Post-block sale at $223,949 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $257,542. – 4,887/178hp straight-six, automatic, narrow whitewalls, driving lights. – Shown at the 1956 Earls Court Motor Show. Restored in 2010. Superbly finished bright paint, genuinely excellent. The panel gaps are perfect. Great fresh chrome that is smooth and impressive. The wheels are in good order. The interior is wonderfully bright and airy. The beige leather is of a superb quality and lifts the car to a higher level. The leather has slight creases but that is perfectly acceptable. A fine car in every way. – Bid to £170,000 ($219,800) then reported sold post-block at a final price of $257,542, which is still on the light side for such a clean car with motor show history to its credit.
Lot # 230 1924 Vauxhall 30-98 OE Type Velox Tourer; S/N OE188; Engine # OE182; Green/Red leather; Black top; Estimate $258,620 – $323,275; Rebodied or re-created 3 condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $219,827. – 4,224/120hp OHV four, dual SU carburetors, 4-speed, painted wire wheels, split windshield, fender-mounted horn, dual sidemount spares, dished four-spoke black Bakelite steering wheel with center brass ignition timing adjustment ring, Griffin radiator cap mascot. – Delivered new to Australia, then lived a varied life including a new Velox body fitted in the 1970s. The folding hood panels are not painted and not polished for a long while either. The scuttle paint is of a very average finish and an unattractive color. The wheels have older paint that has road dust. The tires are aged but have good tread depth. The exterior trim continues the theme of no recent work, being dull and lifeless. The seat leather is worn through and the carpet trim is faded. A working steed that can be used and enjoyed but not shown. – It’s not surprising that, in a season flush with Vauxhall 30-98 OEs, the bidders were reluctant to step up for this newly bodied and well-used example. This is the third of the fall crop following Gooding’s Wensum Tourer that sold for over $1.6 million a month ago. Bonhams had another two weeks later in London that brought $336,000 (it’s the benefit of hindsight at work). Maybe bidders were keeping their options open in declining this one which would have been a good value at the reported high bid or even a bit more.
Lot # 234 1984 Jaguar XJ13 Replica Race Car, Body by Shapecraft; S/N SAJJNACC7CC116203; Green/Black with red harnesses; Estimate $387,930 – $517,240; Non-factory replica 2+ condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $349,137. – 5,999/360hp Jaguar V-12electronic fuel injection system with a Syvec S8 ECU, Audi 6-speed manual transmission, all alloy body, red racing harnesses, coilover springs and dampers, 5-spoke alloy racing wheels. – Built in 2012-19 by TWR Replicas using a 1984 XJS as a donor car. This impressive recreation has great paint and panel fit. A lot of hours have clearly been put in here. The paint has no chips or marks at all. The wheels are as new, mint with no marks on the knock ons at all, a good sign. The rebuilt 6.0-litre Jaguar V12 engine features an electronic fuel injection system with a Syvec S8 ECU looks spot on with new paint on every surface and new pipes and clips. The leather seat covers are top quality, the passenger’s seat looks unused, and the driver’s seat has just the slightest signs of use. The real notable flaw is messy sealant around the windshield. The real, one-off XJ13 is in Jaguar’s collection and can’t be bought at any price. This is a fantastic substitute. – We’ve seen similar cars (in this case by Tempero) sell for nearly a half-million dollars (at RM Monterey in 2019) so it’s not a surprise that the consignor was holding out for a little more although in today’s environment that may prove to be optimistic.
Lot # 243 1936 Bentley 4 1/4 Liter Sports Tourer, Body by Vanden Plas; S/N B52GA; Green/Green leather; Black top; Estimate $413,792 – $452,585; Older restoration 3 condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $323,275. – 4,398/110hp, 4-speed with overdrive, single driving light, painted wire wheels, metal covered rear-mounted spare, folding windshield, Flying B mascot. – Owned by one family since 1951, restored (again) in 2011. Wearing a coat of faded old paint with fine swirl marks. The look continues with old chrome work and minor pitting. The wheels and tires are better with good tread. The leather seat bases have been renewed at some point but they did not renew the seat backs which are very worn through and cracked. The carpets look better in black. The steering wheel is covered in black electrical tape perhaps to hide damage to the original Bakelite. A down at the heel old gent lacking the necessary sartorial style to cut it in this company. – There is no shortage of Bentley’s “Silent Sports Car”, we’ve seen fourteen of them since Amelia 2019 including two here. The provenance of this example is excellent but it’s hard to imagine it being worth much if any more than this result and the family declined this offer at their peril.
Lot # 249 1952 Frazer-Nash Le Mans Replica Mk II Sports; S/N 421200FN176A; Green/Black leather; Estimate $387,930 – $517,240; Rebodied or re-created 3- condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $362,068. – RHD. 1,999cc Bristol BS1 engine, three-speed ultra close-ratio gearbox, lightweight Marston radiator and oil cooler, Alfin brake drums with lightened back plates and lightened bolt-on Austin wheels, cycle fenders, driver’s Plexiglas windscreen, paperclip rollbar. – Represented as ex-Stirling Moss, Tony Brooks, Roy Salvadori and Ken Wharton, but a very checkered history precedes this car. Built on a new chassis in the 1970s with a non-works Crosthwaite version and more outfit changes than a pantomime dame. Presented with scratched, chipped and marked old paint this Frazer Nash doesn’t introduce itself well. The wheels are freshly painted to a good standard and the tires have good tread. The external exhaust pipes have surface rust that has simply been rattle can sprayed matte black, not a good sign. Willans race harness safety belts look out of place in an old car but are strong. The seat leather is worn but serviceable. There no obvious mechanical issues but only a thorough inspection would suffice. Adding chassis plates and title registration to a non-original chassis, body and engined cars is stretching it a bit too far. – It’s a nifty thing but Denis Jenkinson would have had a field day with its provenance and having original chassis plates and a history is not the same as acquiring the history of a recognized chassis. Bidders were attracted by its potential and recent history racing history, but not enough to persuade the consignor to part with it.
Lot # 250 1965 Attila Chevrolet Mk 3 Sports Racer; S/N 320C; Light Blue/Black; Estimate $116,379 – $142,241; Older restoration 3- condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $90,517. – RHD. 5.0-liter short-stroke Chevrolet V-8 engine, four downdraft Webers, Hewland LG500 gearbox, race seat, Momo steering wheel, fire extinguisher system, alloy wheels and treaded tires, FIA HTP papers. – One of only a handful of Attilas built in 1964 and 1965. Raced in period in the UK and restored in the 1990s. Bubbled and stone chipped nose like an old boxer. The mini aeroscreen windshield is aged and overdue replacement. The race alloy wheels are not polished and have road and brake dust. The treaded Dunlop tires look old but still have good tread. The seat is worn through and soiled which is normal on a used racer. The chassis and roll cage are fresh painted and look strong. The engine looks period and with all the visual warning flags of overdue maintenance. A used race car but very honest. – It’s not a McLaren nor even a Lola and the reported high bid is appropriate for it. It’s an enjoyable weekend historic racer, but has no history of any moment, and that counts a lot.
Lot # 252 1926 Hispano-Suiza H6B Coupe, Body by Park Ward; S/N 11608; Green, Black fenders, Black vinyl roof/Green leather; Estimate $452,585 – $517,240; Older restoration 2- condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $271,551. – RHD. 6,597/135hp straight-six, 3-speed, sunroof, ivory instrument panel, dual sidemounts, landau bars, wheel discs, fender mirrors, spotlight, Marchal headlights. – A “Spanish Swiss” is a rare bird. First impression is a very handsome carriage. Rebodied with this period Park Ward coachwork from a 6 1/2 liter Bentley replacing the original Hooper coupe. Restored in 2010, the very shiny fender paint leads to a slightly lesser standard main body paint, the fenders clearly being more recently resprayed. The tires look old but still have good tread, I’d trust them up to 40mph. The exterior chrome is not new but of a good grade with minor marks. The seats, carpets and dashboard look mellowed and aged. A very elegant and sophisticated carriage. – Sold at The Auction in Las Vegas in 1992 for $147,000 with an ex-Barbara Hutton Brewster coach-type landau body complete with seats for footmen reportedly fitted by C.W.P. Hampton. Make no mistake, it is much more attractive today than it was with that bizarre body. A stately and majestic coupe that flaunts the Hisso’s power and performance and the reported high bid recognizes its quality and performance but also its checkered history.
Lot # 253 1939 Bentley 4 1/4 Liter Sports Tourer, Body by James E. Pearce; S/N B137MX; Light Blue Metallic/Dark Blue leather; Estimate $284,482 – $310,344; Rebodied or re-created 3 condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $187,500 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $215,624. – 4,257cc straight-six, 4-speed with overdrive, painted wire wheels, dual chrome horns, wind wings, suicide doors, metal enclosed rear-mounted spare. – Repro coachwork by James E. Pearce about 10 years ago, this brightly colored Bentley has excellent paint finish and panel gaps to match. There are only a few stone chips to the frontal area. The wheels have average preparation and paint but the tires are good and fairly recent. The chrome work has been plated to an excellent standard some time ago and has minor fine polishing lines but is smooth with great depth of shine. A skilled retrimmer has been at work on the new interior carpets of a good grade that fit well. The bold blue seat leather is superb with only creases in the seat bases. A very good display from an attractive if slightly garish car. – Undeniably handsome, but it’s arguable that all the expense and bother of creating the new Vanden Plas-style coachwork added no value to what was an honest old Park Ward Sports Saloon with an enviable history of enthusiastic use. It could have been a Preservation class star. Instead it’s an overlooked rebody at a modest price..
Lot # 256 1932 Richard Bolster Special Monoposto; S/N RB1; Red/Black; Estimate $181,034 – $219,827; Older restoration 3 condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $155,172. – Methanol-powered 1,318cc supercharged MG straight-six engine, 4-speed chain drive transmission, internal modern safety fuel cell, wire wheels, friction dampers, drum brakes. – Based on a Frazer Nash chassis. First powered by a JAP V-twin, then a supercharged MG six that soon threw a rod, then four Rudge single-cylinder engines, then a Hudson straight-six. Crashed in the 1960s, then mildly restored in the 1980s and fitted with an MG engine. This homemade special racer looks the part but has an oily chassis. The radiator is well polished and has an exposed supercharger at the bottom between the chassis rails. The paint finish is dull with no attempts made to buff it up. The wheels have new paint but the dinted old knock-ons contrast badly. The driver’s seat looks very old and uninviting. The cabin flooring looks like oil has been wiped across it. This is an honest racer that would be great fun to own but is let down by the old paint and lack of attention. – This is an epic testimony to ingenuity and creativity, but perhaps not much more than that and even the reported high bid gives it credit for its history and condition. Chasing another ten per-cent or so in hammer bids in uncertain times is chasing a value will-o-the-wisp and if there’s real money here or there for an off-center car like the Bolster Special it’s not a bad idea to take it.
Lot # 259 1969 Cooper-Chevrolet T90 F5000; S/N F1C369; Orange/Black seat; Estimate $109,914 – $148,707; Older restoration 3+ condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $87,931. – 5.0-liter Chevrolet V-8, quadruple Webers with induction trumpets, coil over dampers and wishbones, high rear wing, roll bar, alloy wheels, Avon tires. Comes with original wheels. – The very last single-seater competition car ever to be built by the legendary Cooper Car Company and one of just three T90 Formula A/5000 cars. Won in period at Lime Rock and Bryar as well as the SCCA Run-Offs at Daytona. Later restored and used infrequently. This racer is orange in color and orange peeled in its paint finish. The Cooper badge on the nose has not been restored and is scratched. The mechanicals look better with all the suspension arms and bushes looking recently refurbished. There are new brake discs. The engine is on view and smartly presented with visible leaks. The carburetors look older and could do with new pipes and gaskets. The race alloy wheels are smartly polished but the Avon tires look old. It will probably need some sorting as many old race cars for sale do, but it’s a neat piece of Cooper history and very fast. – Bonhams offered this impressive and historic F5000 Cooper at its Bond Street auction two years ago where it attracted bids up to $108,562 (£85,000) but did not sell. The consignor set a low estimate of the same £85,000 here and the bidders came up short again with a reported high bid of £68,000. While the Cooper isn’t getting any better with age and isn’t being driven, it has a sound period racing history and a quality older restoration. It deserves more than the reported high bid.
Lot # 260 1982 Ferrari 512 BBi Berlinetta; S/N ZFFJA09C000040331; Rosso Corsa/Beige leather; Estimate $258,620 – $323,275; Competition restoration 3+ condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $200,431. – RHD. 4,943/360hp, 5-speed, alloy wheels, electric windows, air-conditioning, leather-wrapped Nardi steering wheel, Pioneer ARC radio cassette player. Ferrari Classiche Red Book certified. – One of 1,007 BB 512i models produced. The first right-hand drive model imported to the UK and was the demonstrator and press car for Maranello Concessionaires. Road tested by Car Magazine. This Boxer looks great from afar but up close reveals poorly masked repaint around the windshield and other areas. The yellow nose light lenses are full of bugs. The wheels are good with only tiny, minor marks. The tires are older but with good tread. The seat leather looks original and slightly aged but is of a good quality. Showing just 17,129 miles and mechanically refurbished about eight years ago. It could be better given the miles and the history. – The bidders were prudent and conservative on this one, as this Boxer could have unseen issues and big bills in its future. The reported high bid, while light, isn’t insulting and should have at least been considered.
Lot # 273 2013 RUF CTR3 Clubsport Coupe; S/N WO9BM0382DPR06019; Silver/Black leather; Estimate $775,860 – $1,163,790; Unrestored original 2 condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $711,205. – 3746/777hp twin-turbo, 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, cross-drilled carbon-ceramic brakes, carbon-fiber detailing options including mirrors, rear wing and sports seats. – Of the 30 Ruf CTR3s produced and only seven sold in Clubsport specification. There are absolutely no marks or imperfections on the paintwork anywhere, nor should there be given the 47 miles it has covered. The tires are from 2012 so getting old and need to be replaced soon if they are to be used in anger. There’s only the slightest wear on the driver’s seat bolster to notice. The pedals and controls are all in perfect condition. With such low use and having been dry stored from delivery it is immaculate throughout. – It may look like a souped up 911 and indeed it does use plenty of Porsche parts, but the RUF CTR3 has its own chassis, a mid-engine layout and Kevlar body panels, not to mention that 700-plus horsepower engine. Even though only 30 were built, we’ve seen a few at auction before and this one has the lowest mileage of all. A 1,600-mile car finished in Chroma Flash matte paint sold for $650,000 at Bonhams Quail Lodge two years ago, and a Guards Red car with 4,600 miles sold for $808,000 at Gooding’s Amelia Island sale this year, but nothing is likely to challenge the $1,323,573 that RM got for one at Monaco in 2018. In theory this one could command more given its odometer reading, but the reported high bid wasn’t unrealistic especially when it’s taken into account that 20% VAT will be due on the full purchase price if it stays in the EU.
Lot # 276 1926 Bentley 6 1/2-8 Liter Le Mans Tourer, Body after Vanden Plas; S/N WB2565; Engine # WB2562; British Racing Green/Green leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $775,860 – $1,034,480; Older restoration 3 condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $691,809. – 7999cc straight six 61/2 lite block enlarged to 7999cc producing a claimed 240bhp at 4,550rpm and 334lb/ft of torque at 2,950 rpm, 3 SU carburetors, 4-speed, wire wheels, dual sidemount spares, race fuel filler, cycle fenders, folding windshield, wind wings, headlight stoneguards, modern touring upgrades. – Originally bodied as a Saloon by Surbiton Bodies, rebodied in this Le Mans Tourer style in 1972. Restored in 1988. A large puddle of coolant has leaked onto the auction room floor. Older respray to a high standard has deteriorated with blisters starting on the hood edges. The metalwork is not chromed but polished nickel. The chassis has road dust on all surfaces but is painted with some areas chipped. The wheel hubs look aged and dusty. The main canvas body is peeling back at the edges. The seat leather is well used and worn through at the corners. There’s a front mounted badge from the RAC Club of Jordan that explains some of the ageing process along with an extensive list of touring events over the past decade. A working Bentley that would be great on trials and grand tours without too much worry about the bumps and knocks of good use. – Estimated at £600,000-800,000 the reported bid here is £535,000, almost £600,000 had the hammer fallen and commission been added. It has proven its durability and desirability multiple times but that use has taken a toll on its condition. It takes just the right sort of buyers to appreciate this Bentley for its performance and adaptability and they seem to have been in short supply at Goodwood this weekend.
Lot # 277 1953 Bentley R-Type Continental 4.6L Sports Saloon, Body by H.J. Mulliner; S/N BC27C; Black/Beige leather; Estimate $1,034,480 – $1,293,100; Older restoration 2- condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $931,032. – RHD. 4,556cc straight-six cylinder Rolls-Royce engine, uprated to an estimated 226bhp, 3 SU carburetors, 4-speed, up-rated dampers, higher poundage front and rear springs, larger diameter front and rear anti-roll bars, steering modification, Dunlop Racing wheels and tires and Alfin ventilated brakes with competition linings, air-conditioning, electric power steering, fog lights, Halda Twinmaster rally odometer – Rebuilt and rally-prepped about 20 years ago, hence all the modifications. One of only 208 produced, this Bentley greets you with old paint and dints around the edge of the hood. The chromework is scratched and aged. The wheels are silver painted to a good standard were fitted for European rallies but look wrong. No obvious mechanical maladies or leaks. The seat leather and carpets are good and help to lift the car. A new set of wheels or hub caps would also lift the car up a notch or two. – Like the modified 6 1/2-Liter than came before it, the updates and modifications may improve this Continental’s suitability for tours, rallies and events, but detract from its collector appeal. This result would have been well over $1 million with the BP and that would have been a reasonable amount to pay for it.
Lot # 278 1931 Invicta 4 1/2-Litre S-Type Low Chassis Tourer, Body by Carbodies; S/N S90; Engine # 7348; Black/Dark Red; Estimate $1,293,100 – $1,551,720; Older restoration 2- condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $1,137,928. – RHD. 4,467/100 straight-six, 4-speed, fold-down windshield plus twin aero screens, black painted wire wheels, dual sidemount spares, twin driving lights, quick release Le Mans style fuel filler, suicide door (passenger side only), carpeted rear shelf, black cloth top boot 4-spoke banjo steering wheel with wrapped rim. – Invicta chassis number S90 is claimed to have a colorful history, like other Invicta S-Types it has a nickname, derived from the Alpine Simplon Pass. Described as lapping Brooklands at over 100mph and then being sold to Hollywood star Tyrone Power. At least three engine changes and many upgraded parts fitted from its original factory specification. It has wonderfully low slung aspect to the chassis which passes under the rear axle, not a first but very new and daring for Europe. Possessing superb black paint finish with only slight ripples around the hood rivets. The chrome plating is recent and very impressive, to the best possible standard. Only the radiator surround is slightly aged. The wheels are dusty but the tires are good. The interior is superb with only the slightest of creases in the leather. The chassis plate rivets are definitely new and concerning, they do not look original. A very good display, especially when considered in light of some 70 events in which it has participated in the past two decades. – This is the third Invicta S-Type Low Chassis Tourer offered since the beginning of the year, an unprecedented bounty of seriously attractive and rare cars and a rare opportunity for collectors to experience a model that typically change hands only after decades of long term ownership, like this one which the consignor has owned since 2001. Bonhams sold the deliciously patinaed and unrestored S75 at the Grand Palais in February for $1,767,619 (£1,366,500) and S102 from the Dean Edmonds, Jr. collection at Amelia Island in March for $852,000 (£658,500.) This result is £880,000 and, considering the many reworks and replaced engine, it really could have been sold without regret.
Lot # 282 1961 Emeryson Climax 1.5 Liter Formula 1; S/N 1004; Yellow/Black; Estimate $193,965 – $258,620; Competition restoration 2- condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $181,034 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $208,189. – 1498cc 1.5 Coventry Climax, dual Webers, Colotti gearbox. – Driven by Mike Spence and Jack Fairman and raced in period at Goodwood, Aintree, Silverstone, Crystal Palace, Oulton Park and Monza. First restored in the 1990s then rebuilt in 2017. Eligible for Goodwood and the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique. Good fresh paint with only minor ripples. The chassis and roll bar are smartly painted gray gloss and the look of newness inspires confidence in the strength of the car. All new suspension which is very well presented. There are two Talbot racing rear view mirrors that look brand new. The wheels and tires are perfect and look new. The leather on the steering wheel is very worn and would need replacement for efficient use. The Weber carburetors look aged but the fuel lines look newer. The engine is otherwise very clean. Competed at the 2018 Monaco GP Historique, unused since and invited to the 2021 event. A good presentation with time spent on the right things. – A handsomely presented single-seater eligible for all sorts of events and with a guaranteed entry to the Monaco GP Historique next year, it has a reasonable history in period and is a sound value at this price for both its condition and its Monaco invitation.
Lot # 285 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLR-McLaren Coupe; S/N WDD 1993761M000524; Black/Red leather; Estimate $284,482 – $362,068; Unrestored original 2 condition; With Reserve; Post-block sale at $244,565 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $281,249. – 5439/617hp supercharged V-8, turbine wheels. – Represented with 2,880 miles from new. Fine swirls but no chips in the paint. The wheels and brake calipers look clean and fresh. No signs of use to the driver’s seat or controls though. A detailed fine polish would raise the presentation of this car but it’s mostly excellent. – Bid to £200,000 ($258,620) on the block and reported sold post-block at this amount. McLaren SLR prices have languished at similar levels even as other halo exotics from the early 2000s have shot up. Although this is a fairly strong result, it’s still well under what it would have cost the seller when they bought it 15 years and fewer than 3,000 miles ago.
Lot # 288 1974 Ferrari 246 GTS Dino Spider, Body by Pininfarina-Scaglietti; S/N 07362; White/Black leather; Black roof panel top; Estimate $387,930 – $452,585; Recent restoration 1 condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $337,330 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $387,930. – RHD. 2,419/195hp, 5-speed, Campagnolo magnesium alloy wheels, flared wheel arches (added in the 1970’s by the first owner) and Daytona seats (“chairs and flairs”) – First owned by rally driver Mike Cornwell. Restored from 2017-20. The paint is immaculate and shining on every panel, and the exterior trim and chrome are perfect. None of the usual ding marks where the targa panel locates, either. The interior keeps up the high standard, with only slight creases on top quality black leather seats. The engine is immaculate, too, resplendent in crackle and matt black finish paint. The wheels disappoint but they are NOS Ferrari mags, not aluminum repops. Otherwise gorgeous, right-hand drive and a chairs and flares model, although it didn’t leave the factory with the flairs. – Bid to £285,000 on the block then reported sold for this result which is £300,000 all-in, equivalent to a hammer bid of £260,870 when discounted for the stated buyer’s premium and indicative of a bit of compromise among the buyer, auction house and seller. It also comes with a single-digit UK registration, UAX 1, in itself a valuable attribute. The restoration is beyond perfect, and beyond the way it issued forth from Ferrari back in 1974. It is expensive but in a good way that recognizes its impeccable quality, and it deserves to be.
Lot # 289 1991 Ferrari F40 Berlinetta, Body by Pininfarina; S/N ZFFGJ34B000088446; Rosso Corsa/Red cloth and carbon fiber; Estimate $1,163,790 – $1,681,030; Recent restoration 2- condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $1,047,411. – 2,936/471hp, twin turbo V8, 5-speed, air conditioning, glass side windows, fixed suspension, original manuals and tool kit included, has a non-catalytic converter exhaust system. – A European spec model with claimed and believable 17,537 kms from new. Has Ferrari Classiche Certification. Perfect, faultless paint and no carbon weave showing through, so either a later car built after customers complained or resprayed. Most recently got major service in 2018 with belt service and fuel tank bladders in 2017. The headlight sealant is bumpy and uneven. The wheels are in great condition with only the centerlock nuts having slight use marks. The engine looks slightly aged. The red seat cloth is ever so slightly sun faded but otherwise superb. Lightly used and likable, although there are better examples out there and comes with an appropriate UK registration, F4 ODN. – A well cared for F40 can be a seven-figure car whether it’s in USD or GBP, but the money wasn’t there on this one.
Lot # 290 1969 Aston Martin DB6 Mk I Volante; S/N DBVC3734R; Amethyst/Black leather, Amethyst carpets; Black cloth top; Estimate $711,205 – $840,515; Recent restoration 2 condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $659,481. – RHD. 3,995/282hp, triple SU carburetors, Borg-Warner 3-speed automatic, chromed wire wheels, 3-lobe knock-ons, Blaupunkt radio, woodrim steering wheel, power steering, tonneau cover. – An Amethyst metallic DB6 Volante, not an often-said sentence, believed to be the only Mk I Volante in this color. That beautiful body shape looks completely wrong in this color but is to a very high standard of finish nonetheless. There’s plastic Armorfend sheet over the nose area so no chips to the paint. The exterior trim and chrome are polished and plated. The engine looks clean and well kept, the cam covers are painted hammerite green. The headers are sprayed with white heat paint. The chrome wire wheels are clean and good condition but the tires look older, although with good tread. The three passengers seats are in perfect unused leather but the bachelor driver’s seat is mildly dinted, the Amethyst carpets are awful. Wrong color, wrong gearbox but still a wind in the hair stylish Aston with minor niggles that take little away from a fresh and gorgeous car. – The automatic is a big knock to value on these cars, and it seems the rare paint color failed to seriously charm any bidders, so unfortunately it didn’t get the attention it arguably deserves. The color is a matter of personal choice, but it’s understandable why this is the only DB6 Volante delivered in Amethyst and a case of one man’s meat being another’s poison.
[The Condition Notes for this car were inadvertently confused with those of another Aston, Lot #301. This is the correct description, updated December 23, 2020.]
Lot # 291 1967 Ferrari 330 GTS Spider, Body by Pininfarina; S/N 10113; Rosso/Beige leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $1,551,720 – $1,939,650; Cosmetic restoration 2- condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $1,448,272 plus commission of 13.34%; Final Price $1,641,461. – 3,967/300hp, triple Webers, 5-speed transaxle, power windows, inertia reel seatbelts, air-conditioning, radio, Borrani wire wheels. – A well-travelled Ferrari, originally finished in Blu Chiaro over Rosso leather. Delivered new to Milan, Italy then exported to the US around 1975, then imported to the UK in 2004. Same UK owner since 2005. No mention of engine overhauls or rebuilds but the gearbox and back axle were attended to in 2004. New coil over springs and dampers were fitted in 2005. The paintwork is very good with no chips or marks but is uneven on the hood. The bumpers have been rechromed recently but are bumpy and ill-prepared. The top boot cover is slightly soiled. The headlamp rims are older but presentable. The exterior trim has been refitted after polishing and plating. The wheels are not polished and look their age. The tires have good tread. The engine bay is clean. The interior is not original, having been refurbished a while ago to a good standard and looks very smart. A mostly good showing in a Ferrari not too good to be driven and good enough to be parked with pride at the end of a day’s jaunt. – Back in 2003 this Ferrari was at the Kruse Auburn Fall auction where it was presented in the same colors and showed 15,943 miles (there are 23,461 on the odometer today) and was bid to $220,000 without selling. It is a sound transaction, fair to the buyer, seller and auction.
Lot # 296 1972 Ferrari 246 GT Dino Berlinetta; S/N 03478; Black/Black vinyl; Estimate $323,275 – $387,930; Older restoration 2- condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $297,413. – RHD. 2,419/195hp, 5-speed, alloy wheels, open headlights – Good repaint from Bianco a few years ago with only minor swirls. The bumper iron chrome is good but the rubber inserts have been poorly refitted and look disturbed. The wheels have been repainted and only have a bit of road dust. The door exterior trim is dinted and imperfect, particularly the driver’s side kick plate. The windshield is delaminating at the corners. The Michelin tires are good, not new but have good tread condition. The seats are unmarked and covered in a quality grainy vinyl. Older restoration work (other than more recent paint) but for the most part it’s holding up well. From the Chester Collection. – Sold for £281,500 ($372,059 at the time) at Bonhams Festival of Speed sale in 2016, when it was finished in Bianco Polo. The unsuccessful hammer bid here was £230,000, almost £270,000 with buyer’s premium if it had sold. The 2016 sale was seriously expensive and the high bid here mirrors the 246 GT Dino market’s decline since there. It may have been a serious loss, but it should have been taken rather than prolonging the agony.
Lot # 297 1966 Aston Martin DB6 Mk II Coupe; S/N DB62450R; Silver/Black leather; Estimate $297,413 – $336,206; Recent restoration 2 condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $265,086. – RHD. 3,995/282hp, triple SU carburetors, 5-speed ZF gearbox, chrome wire wheels, Blaupunkt radio, woodrim steering wheel. – In storage from 1982 until 2015, then got a restoration completed in 2018 which involved replacing the original automatic transmission with the present ZF 5-speed. Generally good paint but there is evidence of filler and work around the hood scoop. The chrome is good with only minor fine lines. The trim is good and has been refitted carefully after a respray. The panel fit is the best of the Astons here, the doors and trunk are aligned superbly, not an easy task on an DB Aston. The leather is perfection and the carpets look fresh. A great showing, in the top one or two of this sale. From the Chester Collection. – A light bid for such a freshly done car (and over £100,000 were spent restoring it). It deserved another few bids.
Lot # 299 1969 Ferrari 365 GTC Coupe, Body by Pininfarina; S/N 12747; Grey Metallic/Nero Connolly leather; Estimate $646,550 – $775,860; Recent restoration 3+ condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $597,412 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $687,024. – RHD. 4,390/320hp, triple Webers, 5-speed transaxle, Ansa exhaust, Borrani wire wheels, woodrim steering wheel, air conditioning added. – One of only 22 right hand drive examples, this GTC has had a gray metallic paint but the body shop didn’t get the panel fit right first. The hood particularly looks wrong. The paint is of a good standard generally but they did not remove the rear windshield for some reason and the edge masking is poor. The chrome has fine swirls marks from polishing. The hood vents are poorly painted. The windshield glass has lots of fine scratches. The wheels look oldish but are polished, and the tires are old Michelins. The new Nero Connolly hide seat leather is very soft and has a wonderful aroma but never quite as hard wearing as original. A middling showing and should be seen eyes on by any buyer. From the Chester Collection. – The hammer bid is generous for this 330 GTC’s condition and the lack of any representation that the engine is original or any photos of the engine number in the online documentation. The inviting fresh upholstery is a strong attraction, but the final result including commission is expensive even for a rare original righthand drive example on sale in the righthand drive environment.
Lot # 300 1972 Maserati Ghibli SS Coupe, Body by Ghia; S/N AM115492472; Black/Black leather; Estimate $258,620 – $323,275; Recent restoration 2- condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $226,293. – RHD. 4,930/355hp V-8, quadruple Webers, 5-speed ZF manual transmission, leather seats, electric windows, alloy wheels, Pirelli P4000 tires, power steering, factory air conditioning, woodrim steering wheel. – Desirable RHD 4.9 SS, represented as one of just eight built. Originally painted in Rosso Fuoco. Restored in the 1990s and repainted black under the current ownership. Very good recent paint with only minor swirls. The panel fit is very good for such big doors and hood. The exterior chrome follows suit with minor polishing lines. The passenger’s sill trim is clearly dinted. The wheels are good but the paint is slightly dull. Good leather with forgivable age creases. The interior retains some smell from petrol fumes. A hard-to-find configuration and only minor age on this lovely Maserati. – The repaint to suit the Chester Collection’s preference for neutral colors adds nothing to the value of this Ghibli SS and the bidders reasonably hedged their bets while contemplating the cost of returning it to the original Rosso Fuoco. On the other hand, it is a delightfully sinister car in Nero, but that doesn’t make rejecting this reasonable offer a good decision.
Lot # 301 1964 Aston Martin DB5 Coupe; S/N DB51436R; Silver Birch/Black leather; Estimate $905,170 – $1,034,480; Recent restoration 2- condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $853,446. – RHD. 3,995/282hp, 5-speed ZF gearbox, chromed wire wheels, front seat belts, pushbutton radio, woodrim steering wheel, fog lights. – Originally finished in Aegean Blue over white gold leather. Represented with six owners from new. 1,200 hours and cost £60,000 of restoration between 2016 and 2018 and a further astonishing bill from Pugsley & Lewis, who carried out a comprehensive mechanical restoration and interior refresh costing £135,999. Clearly fresh paint but even in this poor light there are bondo filler lines visible. The front grille has been polished but still has slight dints from stone hits. The exterior chrome is very good and refitted well. The chrome wire wheels are good and clean but the tires are old. New light lenses look a little less than right. The interior is fresh and superb with new seat leather with minor creases. The engine is as immaculate as you will find. A very good showing with only minor negative points. From the Chester Collection. – Like so many cars in Bonhams Goodwood Speed Week auction the declined high bid on this attractive but not pristine DB5 was reasonable and the seller’s expectations were exalted beyond a recognition of today’s environment. $853,000 is not the $905,000 low estimate, but it is tantalizingly close and should have been given more consideration that it got.