“Those were the days”.
Bonhams Paris auction is set in the best location, the Grand Palais which hosted automobile and aviation shows in the early 20th century when Paris was the center of the automotive world. Bonhams brings back relics of the age once again to luxuriate in the ambience of the Grand Palais, accented by shifting colors playing on its central oculus, glass roof and cast iron structure.
We were more concerned about potential terrorists, gilet jaunes protests and transport strikes than about spiky mutated bat virus.
Despite having fewer cars (which made it easier to look at them) this was Bonham’s biggest Paris auction in years. Both the mean and median transactions set records. It was, in spades, “Les Grandes Marques du Monde”: there were choice, rare, unusual, intriguing cars everywhere.
It was also my first chance to get to the Grand Palais mezzanine to shoot photos of the floor from above. I think those views are exceptional but you can judge for yourself as they’re spotted throughout this report. [Be sure to look for the clock mechanism.]
The sell-through rate was disappointing but a few exceptional cars brought big prices and propelled the average and overall total to records. Six lots were bid to 7-figure US$ amounts (despite the weak Euro) and three of them were sold.
Here are the numbers:
| Year | Cars Sold/ Offered | Sale % | Sold < Low Est | Sold > High Est | Average Sale | Median Sale | Total $ | Exchange Rate |
| 2020 | 64/100 | 64% | 75% | 1.6% | $332,497 | $141,410
[42.5%] |
$21,279,792 | $1.0979 |
| 2019 | 97/137 | 70.8% | 75.3% | 7.2% | $144,297 | $57,372
[39.8%] |
$13,996,818 | $1.13384 |
| 2018 | 102/135 | 75.6% | 62.8% | 13.7% | $180,365 | $97,109
[53.8%] |
$18,397,193 | $1.2238 |
| 2017 | 96/130 | 73.9% | 72.9% | 4.2% | $166,884 | $85,797
[51.4%] |
$16,020,893 | $1.0658 |
On site observations are by Rick Carey and Andrew Newton.
The report that follows is sorted by Lot Number.
[The little display in the background offered samples of an aromatic French artisanal gin.]
Lot # 203 1960 Austin-Healey Sprite Mk I Roadster; S/N AHSL44421; Red, White hardtop/Black vinyl; Estimate $27,448 – $38,427; Enthusiast restoration, 2- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $14,273 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $16,414. – 948/43hp, 4-speed, Minilite-style wheels, Dunlop tires, side curtains, dual mirrors, factory hardtop, leather-wrapped steering wheel, headlight guards. – Mildly race-prepped but still has stock suspension, drum brakes, original 948 engine and factory interior. Delaminating windshield. Lightly scratched grille but good blemish-free paint. The paint on the hardtop is good, but the rubber on the rear window is badly cracked. Tidy and restored underneath. Good, lightly worn interior. A lovely, fun, affordable and always charming event car. – The Sprite was meant to be a basic, affordable everyman sports car from the get-go. It still is for the most part, although the Bugeye (Frogeye in the UK) has a unique charm that makes them a little more valuable than the later, more powerful and better-equipped Sprites/Midgets. This price is right-on for a Bugeye in this condition, and it is more fun per dollar than just about anything at the Grand Palais this year.
Lot # 204 1985 Mercedes-Benz 280GE SWB Wagon 4×4; S/N WDB46023217063144; Red/Gray plaid cloth; Estimate $32,937 – $49,406; Unrestored original, 3+ condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $37,329 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $42,928. – Alloy wheels, All Terrain T/A tires, fog lights, rear-mounted spare, Blaupunkt radio, double rear doors. – A few chips and scratches on the front and below the windshield, and some rub through on the right front fender. Long, light scratch on the tail. Much of the paint has orange peel but it may have come from the factory that way. Very good interior with little discernible wear anywhere. Some dirt, grime and oxidation underneath but nothing serious. A charming, stock early G-wagen from back when these were capable off-road work horses rather than the overpriced fashion accessories they’re used as today. – This isn’t the G-wagen most will expect to see at a youth soccer game, but if it shows up at one it will turn all the kids on with its rugged, blunt aspect. The result may be a little generous but these G-wagens are an increasingly rare, even endangered, species, after being exploited for their utility and left for dead on some remote escarpment
Lot # 206 1960 Jaguar Mark II 3.8 4-Dr. Sedan; S/N 213489BW; British Racing Green/Green leather; Estimate $32,937 – $43,916; Older restoration, 3+ condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $28,545 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $32,827. – 3781/220hp, column shift Borg-Warner automatic, hub caps and trim rings, Michelin XVS tires, fender skirts, dual mirrors, original pushbutton radio. – Originally a U.S. market car, which explains the speedo in miles, and represented as matching numbers. Decent chrome other than light pitting and a scrape on the right side of the front bumper. Light but significant pitting on the door handles. Decent older paint with a small scrape on the trunk lid. Very good interior with clean wood and soft leather. Restored underneath and showing only light road dirt and age. A straightforward lightly driven older 1990s restoration in good colors. – Grace, space and pace for a reasonable price. This result is discounted fairly for the age of the restoration and the automatic.
Lot # 207 1969 Porsche 911E Targa; S/N 119210415; Polo Red/Black leatherette; Estimate $82,343 – $104,301; Recent restoration, 3+ condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $93,322 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $107,320. – Fuchs wheels, Yokohama tires, glass rear window, gold brightwork, modern Porsche stereo, books, tools and jack. – Represented as matching numbers and a 2015 restoration, but looks like it has been regularly driven since. Light scratches on the front bumper trim and mild scrapes on the left front wheel. Good older paint. Wavy Targa panel vinyl and light scratching on the roll hoop. Lightly worn switchgear but mostly very good interior. Older restored underneath. Better than an average driver. Not a show car. – For this price, though, it should be a show car. In the hierarchy of classic 2.0-liter 911s, the fuel-injected E (E for “Einspritzung,” German for injection) slots between the base-model T and the high-performance S, and Targas generally sell for a few grand less than the coupes. This E Targa is nothing to write home about yet was one of the strongest prices of the auction well within its estimate range.
Lot # 208 1973 Ferrari 365 GT4 Coupe 2+2, Body by Pininfarina; S/N 17217; Green/Tan leather; Estimate $76,853 – $87,832; Enthusiast restoration, 3- condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $63,678. – 4390/340hp, six Webers, 5-speed, Cromodora centerlock alloy wheels, Michelin XWX tires, Ansa exhaust, leather-wrapped steering wheel, power windows, air conditioning, Pioneer cassette stereo, owner’s manual. – Represented as a 2016 restoration but at a cost of Euros 12,734. That money doesn’t go very far in classic Ferrari land, and this car still has issues. Decent but unremarkable older paint. Rusty screws are holding on the front signal lenses, and the right lens is cracked. A few dings in the wheels. Lightly scratched window frames. Light pitting one the door handles. Faded original interior with light wear on the switchgear, and wavy wrinkled leather. The driver’s seat has a few small tears in it as well. Tidy and maintained underneath with undercoating but little other apparent work. These have been inexpensive Ferraris for many years, and this car has been treated like one even if it still a serviceable driver. – One of about 500 built, the 365 GT4 was the first in the series of unloved four-seater Ferraris that also includes the 400, 400i and 412. The looks are an acquired taste, but it’s one of the few ways left these days to get into a classic 12-cylinder Ferrari in your garage for under six figures. And in the case of an average driver like this, well under six figures. The reported high bid was a fair offer.
Lot # 210 1963 Lancia Flaminia GT 3C Coupe, Body by Zagato; S/N 824133741; Grey/Grey leather; Estimate $274,475 – $329,370; Older restoration, 3+ condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $236,049 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $271,456. – 2458cc/140hp 3x2bbl Weber, Ivory steel wheels with large hubcaps, Pirelli tires, floor shift, woodrim steering wheel. – Sound clearcoat repaint but with a few flaws that call preparation into question. Very good chrome and interior, wavy front bumper. Some window seals are new, but the door window pocket felts have rusty old backings. The chassis and underbody have been well-restored, then driven. – Unattractively presented with an aged and flawed old restoration, but it’s a Zagato and that makes all the difference. It’s easy to overlook flawed paint and reused old window felts when it’s wrapped in such a sweet shape. The bidders recognized this Lancia’s issues but also its Zagato body with a realistic price.
Lot # 211 1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Veloce Sprint Speciale, Body by Bertone; S/N AR1012000551; Amaranto/White, Red leather with White piping; Estimate $76,853 – $109,790; Older restoration, 3 condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $82,343 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $94,694. – 1290/100hp, 5-speed, painted steel wheels with hub caps, Vredestein tires, woodrim steering wheel, Veglia gauges, power windows. – Orange peeled paint with a handful of scratches. Faded badges. Faded, pitted and scratched window trim. Wiper marks on the windshield. Tidy but used underneath. Clean restored interior. Some body filler in the doors. Restored years ago in Switzerland and presentable, but the body leaves a lot to be desired and the Sprint Speciale’s Bertone curves deserve better. – Described as the only Sprint Speciale with power windows and later 105-series door handles, possibly sold new to a member of the Bertone family, which only makes it more apparent that it deserved better treatment than it has had. The price it brought recognizes both its unusual features and its mediocre presentation.
Lot # 212 1959 Citroen DS19 Prestige 4-Dr. Sedan, Body by Chapron; S/N 61964; Black/Black vinyl in front, Gray cloth in back; Estimate $65,874 – $98,811; Visually maintained, largely original, 4+ condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $71,364 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $82,068. – Wheel covers, Michelin X tires, pushbutton radio, division window with clock in the back, fitted luggage. – Represented as the oldest known surviving DS Prestige and one of 60 left out of the 350 Prestiges originally built. Used as the French Military Attaché’s official car in Rome. Tired original paint and very dull, scraped chrome. Faded dash and switchgear. Surface rust on the wheels. Dirty and oxidized underneath. Tired cosmetically but complete and mechanically overhauled last year. Its layout is rare and it’s an impressive car that would a rewarding project or could be left as-is. – This is a pretty ratty old car despite its recent mechanical work, a desirable artifact only to Citroen/Chapron aficionados but who nevertheless stepped up with a meaningful bid here at the Grand Palais. It might be a lucrative movie car.
Lot # 214 1977 Ferrari 308 GTB Vetroresina Coupe, Body by Pininfarina-Scaglietti; S/N F106AB20795; Blu Sera/Beige leather, Black stripes; Estimate $153,706 – $186,643; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $122,965 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $141,410. – 2927/255hp, four Webers, 5-speed, Campagnolo wheels, Michelin XWX tires, Momo leather-wrapped steering wheel, original Larsen stereo, power windows, air conditioning. – Showing 80,760 believable km (50,182 miles). With the same owner for the past 33 years and just three owners total. Major suspension service in 2017 and consistently maintained, but otherwise original. Faded and chipped, partly original paint. Some mild cracks on the roof and engine cover as well. Slightly dirty engine bay. Lightly worn switchgear but decent original interior. Flatness and wrinkling on the driver’s seat as well as some wear on the outer bolster. Some chips and dings on the wheels. Showing 80,760 km. Inherently desirable given its early build date, Vetroresina (fiberglass) bodywork and generally presentable condition, but it’s a tired car and by Ferrari standards. – Ferrari’s first fiberglass production car, the 308 Vetroresina is far and away the most desirable member of the 308 family, with the premium for its lighter bodywork adding up to tens of thousands of dollars more than a nearly identical steel-bodied car. This price, for example, would ordinarily buy the nicest carbureted 308 GTB in the world, but for a used driver like this it’s perfectly reasonable number.
Lot # 217 1979 Ferrari 308 GTS Spider, Body by Pininfarina-Scaglietti; S/N 27889; Grey Metallic, Black roof panel/Red leather; Estimate $65,874 – $87,832; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $41,720 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $47,978. – 2927/255hp, four Webers, 5-speed, Cromodora alloy wheels, Vredestein tires, Momo leather-wrapped steering wheel, power windows, air conditioning, tool kit. – US market car. The speedo was replaced a t 43,000 miles with a metric one that now shows 4,275 km (2,656 miles). Also has Euro spec bumpers and grille. Recent servicing including timing belt and water pump, starter, brakes and alternator. Shiny repaint but there are a few chips in the headlight doors. The rear got crunched lightly at one point as well, with a cracked dent at the back of the engine cover, a small dent on the tail and a small scrape on the rear bumper. Cracked seats and worn switchgear. Tired wheels with light dings and scrapes. A rough car by Ferrari standards and even by 308 standards, but presentable and at least it has been recently serviced. – While not the kind of 308 you fall in love with, it sold reasonably well at no reserve despite its numerous issues and no definition of how “recent” the service was.
Lot # 218 1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Veloce Spider; S/N AR149510183; Gray/Red leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $54,895 – $76,853; Older restoration, 3 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $52,699 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $60,604. – 1290/90hp, dual Webers, 5-speed, painted steel wheels with hub caps, dual mirrors, modern seatbelts. – Stored in 1969 after an engine failure until a restoration about 10 years ago. Presentable but older chrome other than an odd, small wrinkled spot on the left front bumperette. The paint looks great from a distance but reveals prep issues up close. The left taillight is very cloudy but the right one is just fine. Mild road dirt underneath. Original steering wheel but the dash and gauges look quite good. The leather on the tops of the seats is frayed and chewed up and there are some smudges on the carpets. Plenty to nitpick, but for a driver or event car it’s just fine. – Far from the best in the world, but a Giulietta Veloce Spider in presentable and drivable condition for $60K is nothing but a sound buy.
Lot # 220 1967 BMW-Glas 3000 Prototype Coupe, Body by Frua; S/N V1471; Silver/Tan leather; Estimate $274,475 – $384,265; Older restoration, 3+ condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $199,818 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $229,790. – 3-liter/160hp V-8, 4-speed, painted steel wheels with hub caps, woodrim steering wheel, cassette stereo. – Good chrome. Shiny, well-done metallic paint but there are a few large cracks on the left rear fender and a gigantic one on the left side of the tail. Faded dash top with yellowing at the bottom of the windshield. Lightly worn switchgear and slightly cloudy gauges, especially the speedo, but very good leather and carpets. Restored underneath with light road wear. Not showable given the handful of major cosmetic flaws, but it will draw a crowd anywhere regardless. It’s gorgeous and it’s unique. You wouldn’t even know it was a BMW were it not for the handful of badges and the tiny kidney grilles. And underneath, it really isn’t a BMW anyway. It’s a Glas. – Also known for the Goggomobil microcars and the larger, sportier 1200 and 1700GT coupes as well as for pioneering timing belts on an overhead cam engine, Glas came under BMW ownership in 1966. Some of Glas’s existing model line continued with a BMW badge for a short time then quietly disappeared, including Glas’s range-topping Frua-penned 3000GT. This car, also penned by Frua, was to be the 3000GT’s replacement and was on the stand at the Frankfurt and Paris shows in 1967 and in Geneva in 1968, painted a different color each time. BMW went with its own E9 and killed off the Glas range for good, and this one-off went to private ownership in Spain before being restored about five years ago. RM also offered in in Villa Erba five years ago but it didn’t sell on a reported hammer bid of $275,825. Cosmetic issues aside, this price seems like a good value for a car so unique and gorgeous that would be a highlight in any BMW collection if not the star. As an alternative to a million dollar 507 with the same drivetrain this is a star.
Lot # 222 1958 Devin D Spyder; S/N DRF55519; Engine # P71493; Matte Silver/Blue leather; Estimate $87,832 – $131,748; Competition car, original as-raced, 3- condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $87,832 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $101,007. – 1.8/10hp, wide-5 wheels, finned brake drums, Dunlop SP Sport tires, Moto-Lita woodrim steering wheel, full width Plexiglas wind screen, rollbar, dual choke downdraft Weber carburetors, Essolube can repurposed as the crankcase breather catch tank. – Block stamped 616/16. Dull old paint, cracked leather seat liners (cushion doesn’t apply) with pulled seams. Good newer steering wheel and crisp Porsche gauges. Oil misted and dirty engine compartment. Most of the body panels are sound with only some cracks at the engine cover strap attachments. An enchanting old thing but without any period history (or any history, for that matter and built from irrelevant parts.) – Bill Devin did magical things with mundane bits, from svelte fiberglass bodies that fit on Triumph chassis to the lightweight Devin D that accommodated various powertrains from Panhard to Porsche. This is a cool thing but its lack of history is a challenge and the result here is all the consignor could have hoped for.
Lot # 224 1958 Porsche 356A 1600 Super Speedster, Body by Reutter; S/N 84294; Ruby Red/Tan leather piped in Brown; Estimate $252,517 – $329,370; Recent restoration, 2- condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $230,559 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $265,143. – 1582/70hp, chromed wheels with hub caps, cloth boot cover, dual mirrors, gold brightwork. – Represented as a matching numbers car originally sold in the US, where most Speedsters went in the first place. Eventually imported to Switzerland and partially restored recently, including with brown leather Louis Vuitton patterned inserts on the seats, door panels and dashboard. Dull bumper and body trim as well as a few rough spots on the mirrors. Good but older paint. Very good interior. Tidy, lightly run engine bay. An attractive but lightly used Speedster. If there’s a cool story behind all this Louis Vuitton stuff, it would be good to hear it. – There wasn’t a cool story behind it, and it didn’t do the car any favors if this price is any indication. One would think that a 356 Speedster of any kind would be a hot commodity in Europe because it’s a relatively rare car there, but this was a middle-of-the-road number. The car itself is challenged by its glam restoration.
Lot # 227 1913 Bugatti Type 13 Sports; S/N 13506R; Engine # 155; Blue, Black fenders/Brown leather; Estimate $208,601 – $263,496; Rebodied or re-created, 3- condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $175,664 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $202,014. – RHD. Body color wire wheels, Excelsior tires, Aster kerosene headlights, Bondin kerosene taillight, bulb horn, Jaeger clock, semi-elliptic leaf springs all around, rear wheel brakes.. – Engine from 506, replica frame by Alan Wragg, replica body by Michel Blanchard. Dull old paint, tarnished brass, dirty chassis and engine compartment. Worn old upholstery with pulled driver’s seat seams. – A cute but ultimately “bitsa” Bugatti that brought a superior price reflecting its charm and the [largely] Molsheim origin of its parts. It’s not even very well presented or maintained and the seller should be highly satisfied with this result.
Lot # 228 1915 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost 40/50hp Limousine, Body by Barker; S/N 9AD; Lilac, Black fenders and accent/Black leather, Beige cloth rear; Estimate $274,475 – $384,265; Concours restoration, 3+ condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $241,538 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $277,769. – RHD. CAV electric bell-shaped headlights, drum sidelights, dual sidemounts, rooftop luggage rack, sliding division, pulldown shades, jump seats, pullup rear windows. – A showy older restoration now showing its age and less attention and care than it deserved. The paint is scuffed, the nickel is generally sound and shiny but the radiator is suffering neglect. The chassis has more road grime than a vehicle of this class and elegance should. The upholstery, interior trim and interior wood are sound, not impressive. It’s a lot of automobile, but it also deserves better care than it’s had. – Offered here two years ago in 2018 where it was no-saled at a reported bid of $465,044, but this is a spectacular Rolls-Royce, best seen from the photos from the Grand Palais mezzanine where its style and colors
are remarkable. Its formal coachwork is largely overlooked by today’s collectors, as this result shows, but it’s a magnificent Rolls-Royce and is a wonderful value at this price.
Lot # 229 1928 Lancia Lambda Long Chassis Phaeton; S/N 21286; Dark Blue, Black fenders/Beige leather; Beige cloth tonneau cover top; Estimate $98,811 – $153,706; Older restoration, 3- condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $101,007. – RHD. Black wire wheels, Michelin Confort Bibendum tires, 4-wheel brakes, Bosch headlights, dual rear-mounted spares. – Scratched old paint with major edge chips. Stiff old leather with an unconvincing dye job. Good newer tonneau cover. Mixed condition but readable gauges. Oily, road grimy chassis. rusty, discolored headlight reflectors. A seemingly sound but aged and well-used driver suitable for tours after it has been thoroughly prepared mechanically but is the very definition of patina elsewhere. – This is a surprising result where the reported bid in the room was Euros 2,000 more than the low estimate and it seemingly should have sold. Said to be mechanically restored in the past five years, it would have been a potent and charming entry for road tours and events.
Lot # 232 1931 Invicta 4 1/2 Litre S-type Tourer, Body by Carbodies; S/N S75; Engine # LG6451; Blue/Blue leather, cloth; Black cloth top; Estimate $1,317,480 – $1,646,850; Unrestored original, 4+ condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $1,537,060 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $1,767,619. – RHD. Single right side spare, spotlight-mirror, old fire extinguisher mounted on the right side of the body, steamboat cowl ventilators, radiator stoneguard, Lucas headlights, outside exhaust headpipes, folding windshield, competition specification Meadows engine installed with the original (#7478) is included. – The definition of patina. Scratched, chipped old paint. Worn, frayed upholstery, dull trim. Runs, at least according to the engine starting instructions on the seat and the catalog description. A gorgeous low-chassis (underslung to Americans). Doesn’t appear ever to have been apart and probably never should be. Complete, all there and known among Invicta owners as “Scout”. – A marvelous old car in wonderfully preserved condition, a combination of rarity (there are thought to be only 1,000 or so Invictas in total and only around 75 Low Chassis S-types), 95mph performance and breathtaking patina that brought a handsome premium for its history and presentation. The value of the patina was even more apparent a month later when Bonhams sold an older restored S-type at Amelia Island for about half as much.
Lot # 236 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 Coupe; S/N 9113600214; Bright Yellow, Black “Carrera”/Black vinyl, cloth; Estimate $603,845 – $713,635; Recent restoration, 2 condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $548,950. – 2687cc/210hp, 5-speed, Fuchs wheels, Pirelli P6000 tires, halogen headlights. – Excellent paint, brightwork and interior. The chassis and underbody are nearly like new. The rear window has several sanding abrasions. The opening panel fits are very good. Restored in 2010, then again after 2015 and essentially impeccable. – One of the most desirable of early 911s, a choice combination of light weight and reasonable power the only knock of this Carrera RS 2.7’s presentation are the scratches on the back window inflicted by some over-zealous oaf with a power sander. The reported high bid here is appropriate and the consignor may have cause to regret not taking it.
Lot # 238 1922 Bugatti Type 23 Phaeton, Body by Carrosserie Moderne; S/N 1573; Blue, Black fenders/Black leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $548,950 – $658,740; Visually maintained, largely original, 4 condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $494,055. – RHD. 16-valve engine, rear-mounted spare, Marchal headlights, boattail 3-seat bodywork. – Quick old repaint, better on the tonneau than the fenders which are cracking and have large chips peeling off. The upholstery looks original but clumsily dyed except for the front seat cushion which was recovered by a clumsy apprentice, The chassis is old and grimy, the engine is marginally better and generally oily. Intriguing, but a project. – While this Type 23 Bugatti has abundant appeal for preservation and originality it also is most definitely a project and the reported high bid of half a million dollars was generous for its condition. It may be “preserved”, but it’s also aged and neglected.
Lot # 239 1927 Bugatti Type 40 Grand Sport Roadster; S/N 40273; Engine # 217; Blue/Dark Grey leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $384,265 – $494,055; Rebodied or re-created, 3- condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $318,391 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $366,150. – RHD. 3-valve 1,496cc/45hp 4-cylinder, silver painted wire wheels, 4-wheel brakes, Otolynx headlights, single right side spare, cycle fenders. – Rebodied in the UK during a an old restoration. Dull old repaint with scrapes and chips. Worn, scraped older paint on the frame and chassis, with a little surface rust starting to show. Good newer upholstery. Weak chrome and nickel. Oily, grimy chassis and engine compartment. Aged but readable gauges. Probably works for (short) tours, but not much else and nowhere near a Preservation car. – Neither Preservation nor well-maintained/restored, this Bugatti occupies a middle place in collectors’ value continuum. The 3-valve engine provides 2 intake valves and one exhaust, an intriguing solution to the challenges of enhancing performance with minimal complication. This Type 40 has an intriguing history being sold first to Jerome Wagner who along with Baron Vizcaya was instrumental is setting up Bugatti’s Molsheim factory. The seller should be eminently satisfied with this price.
Lot # 240 1949 Bristol 402 Drophead Coupe; S/N 402706; Engine # 1556; Blue/Tan leather piped in Blue; Estimate $219,580 – $274,475; Concours restoration, 1- condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $175,664. – Hub caps, Michelin X tires, semaphores, cloth boot cover, floor shift 4-speed, Smiths gauges. – One of 26 built. Bought new by Thai Prince Varananda, who served in the RAF flying a Spitfire. Shown at Pebble Beach and did both the California Mille and the Quail Rally. Great paint and chrome. Very good interior with very cool beige-colored square gauges by Smiths. Fully restored underneath. A few paint chips in the painted parking brake handle but otherwise nothing to nitpick. An attractive, eye-catching car in any color and impossible to miss in this bright blue, although you’ll have to spend a lot of time explaining that this isn’t a BMW. – This is probably the best 402 Cabriolet in existence. It went to Gooding’s Scottsdale sale two years ago but hammered not sold at a $300,000 high bid against a $425,000 low estimate. The owner adjusted expectations for France if the much lower _200,000 estimate is any indication, but serious bidding still failed to materialize. Bonhams sold one in barn find condition in Beaulieu five years ago for not much less than this reported high bid, so such a well-presented and proven show car like this should get a stronger price.
Lot # 241 1935 Delage D8S Cabriolet Special, Body by Chapron; S/N 39332; Engine # 132; Black, Red/Red leather; Estimate $878,320 – $1,317,480; Older restoration, 2- condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $724,614. – RHD. 4,061cc/118hp inline 8, pre-selector 4-speed, wire wheels with Black discs, Marchal headlights, rear-mounted spare. – Good older paint, chrome and interior. The chassis is greasy but not dirty, implying attentive care and maintenance. The paint on the hood hinge is scraped off in places. The left windshield pillar top hold down is broken. Very attractive interior wood and gauges. Bashed centerlock nuts. Done to high standards some time ago and showing age. Believed to be the only D8S bodied by Chapron with this coachwork. Replacement engine. – Reported sold at The Auction in Las Vegas in 1992 for $52,500 where it was in tatty condition and powered by a Ford flathead V8. It was subsequently restored with this engine in the early 90’s. The coachwork is undoubtedly special, but there are a few notable flaws that kept it from equaling the consignor’s expectation and it either needs attention or an adjustment in those expectations.
Lot # 242 1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K Cabriolet A, Body by Sindelfingen; S/N 123779; Engine # 125779; Blue/Grey leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $1,646,850 – $2,195,800; Older restoration, 3+ condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $1,537,060 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $1,767,619. – Body color wire wheels, wide whitewalls, outside exhaust headpipes, Bosch headlights and dip beam light, cowl-mounted semaphore signals, dual rear-mounted spares, spotlight-mirror. – One of 31 Cab As on the 500K chassis, first sold to French actor Henri Garat. Good older paint, interior and top from a 2001-2007 restoration. Most of the chrome is good except the radiator which is scratched and rubbed through. The engine compartment is orderly but has some oil mist residue. The top has folding wrinkles. The gauges and interior wood are very good but the instrument panel overlay is cracking. Well-restored to show quality standards some time ago and showing age and miles since then. – This result is an intelligent compromise between the inherent quality, design and rarity of this car and the age of its restoration.
Lot # 243 1993 Volkswagen Golf Mk I Cabriolet; S/N WVWZZZ15ZPK011967; Dark Metallic Green/Black leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $27,448 – $38,427; Visually maintained, largely original, 4+ condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $11,528 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $13,257. – Alloy wheels, wood shift knob, Sony CD stereo, power windows, glass rear window. – German market, five-owner car. Charming and well equipped with the Classic Line trim, but showing 116,357 km (72,301 miles) and definitely a used car. In storage from 2004-19 and recently serviced. Scrapes on the wheels. Several chips and touch ups in the paint as well as a small dent on the hood, and in general the paint looks washed and towel-dried a few too many times. Dull exterior plastics. Deep wrinkles in the leather but no tears or cracks. There is a case to be made for old VW cabrios eventually registering on the nostalgia-meter and becoming collectible eventually if not already. This one is charming for what it is, but its mileage plus wear and tear prevent it from being a “collectible” modern VW. – Although that’s what Bonhams seems to have been counting on with this car’s crazy _25,000 estimate, the bidders were more reasonable in their assessment. That said, this still is expensive for a tired ’93 Volkswagen.
Lot # 246 1925 Bugatti Type 39 Grand Prix; S/N 4607; Engine # 7; Blue/Brown leather; Estimate $1,152,795 – $1,537,060; Competition restoration, 3+ condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $900,278. – RHD. Alloy wheels, Dunlop Cord tires, wire mesh windscreen, radiator stoneguard, Marchal headlights, single left side spare. – Fourth at Montlhéry in the Grand Prix de Tourisme in 1925 driven by Giulia Foresti for the Bugatti factory then seventh at Monza driven by Ferdinand de Vizcaya. Later sold to and raced in Australia including an overall win in the 1931 Australian GP with Carl Junker and Reg Nutt with further race entries including being competitive in Australia after WWII. Restored in the early 80’s with a variety of Molsheim parts too numerous to mention but described in sufficient detail in the catalog and recently refreshed in the U.K. Sound but aged and dulling old paint. Sound old upholstery. Dry, dull brightwork, oxidizing aluminum. A driver, not a show car and perfect for that purpose. The restoration now has charming patina of its own. – There are many aspects of this Bugatti Type 39 that detract from its appeal but it appears to be a complete and honest car maintained over many years with Molsheim parts and is wonderfully adaptable as a 2-seat GP car to the events that make owning a competition Bugatti desirable, like the Monaco GP Historique. The bidders’ decision to stop at this point is reasonable, but it would also be reasonable to bid a bit more to access its history and performance.
Lot # 247 1955 Alfa Romeo 1900 SSZ Coupe, Body by Zagato; S/N AR1900C02062; Engine # 130801045; Light Blue, Dark Blue sides and stripe/Dark Blue, Cream leather; Estimate $823,425 – $1,097,900; Visually maintained, largely original, 4+ condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $691,677 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $795,429. – Silver painted Borrani wire wheels, Michelin X tires, floor shift, 2×2 Solex downdraft carburetors, engine attributed to Conrero, Carello headlights, fog light and driving light. – Represented as the original engine tuned by Conrero, now with dual carburetors. Restored in the early 90’s in Italy, one of 38 believed bodied by Zagato in this style. Superficial recent repaint over old paint and chips. Sound but soiled older upholstery and carpets. Dirty, oily engine and chassis; the front carburetor stack interferes with the hood. The aluminum outside trim is dented, wavy and dull. The wheels are rusting at the spoke nipples and dirty. A wonderful old Alfa that has been driven and enjoyed for far too long without getting much more than mechanical attention. – A rare, beautiful and special car but scruffy. The Conrero-tuned engine is the sort of attribute that juices value, but it’s largely offset by the condition, something both the bidders at the Grand Palais and the consignor accepted with this transaction.
Lot # 248 2016 Maserati Mostro Zagato Coupe; S/N YA9VZ3S00F0169036; Red/Black cloth; Estimate $658,740 – $988,110; Unrestored original, 2 condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $603,845. – 4.2 litre/460hp V8, 6-speed automanual, 19-inch alloy wheels, Michelin Super Sport tires, Red caliper AP Racing brakes, Motec digital display, scissor doors, small triangular opening side window panels, carbon fiber wing. – A Maserati show car inspired by the 450S Costin coupe, one of 5 built. Less than 1,000 km. Beautiful paint, polished aluminum brightwork and interior. The equipment is rather sparse, but the effect of the swoopy bodywork more than makes up for any deficiencies in accoutrements. – The coachwork is beautifully presented and seductively designed and it succeeds in recalling the Costin/Zagato coupe with the same blend of voluptuous curves and form follows function design but updated to current motifs. Unique would be better than one of five, but it’s still a striking creation and a reasonable offer was made for it.
Lot # 249 1955 Elva Mk1/B Roadster; S/N 100B41; Willow Green/Dark Green leather; Estimate $98,811 – $131,748; Competition car, original as-raced, 3- condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $65,874. – RHD. Silver painted wire wheels, Blockley tires, full width windscreen, leather rim steering wheel, Tilton brake pedal assembly, two dual choke Weber carburetors. – OHV Ford powered but comes with an appropriate type 1,098cc Coventry Climax. Sound recent repaint, older upholstery and even older chassis with dirt and leaves in its corners. Headlight covers are missing. The engine and chassis are race-used, oily and road dirty. Run hard and given lipstick for the auction. – Without any history at other than being discovered in boxes and restored in 2010 selling this Elva was always going to be difficult, as it proved to be. A neglected old thing, if there was money for it anywhere in Paris it should be been taken with alacrity and gratitude.
Lot # 250 1976 Lancia Stratos HF Coupe; S/N 829ARO001611; Blue/Gold cloth; Estimate $439,160 – $548,950; Visually maintained, largely original, 3- condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $395,244. – 2419cc/190hp, gold painted Campagnolo alloy wheels, Yokohama tires, Halda Twinmaster, dash mounted stopwatch. – Fresh repaint over old paint and flawed bodywork. Someone forgot to wet sand the headlight doors. Duct tape repairs under the roof spoiler buttresses. The driver’s door drops seriously and there are major cracks on the engine cover. Worn pedals. The engine and suspension are, what can be seen, orderly. Dressed up for the auction but its neglect is palpable. – This was a realistic offer for a neglected and disappointingly treated Stratos. Calling it “visually maintained, largely original” and rating it a 3- are both gifts to the reputation of the Stratos, not to this example.
Lot # 251 1988 Lancia Delta S4 Stradale Hatchback; S/N ZLA038ARO00000026; Metallic Red/Buckskin; Estimate $603,845 – $713,635; Unrestored original, 2- condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $516,013. – Leather rim steering wheel, air conditioning, power windows, Speedline alloy wheels, Avon tires, braced rollbar. – Good original paint and interior. unblemished nose and tail. Minor chips on the rear spoiler and two chips on the right rear sail panel. Very good upholstery, dashboard, gauges and switches appropriate to the 3,161 km showing and represented as all it has covered. Clean, tidy chassis and underbody. – Almost unimaginably complicated with both a supercharger for low rpm and a turbo for all-out power, each with its own generous intercooler, This one is practically new with only a few cosmetic chips but there’s no record of any recent service and the reported high bid is reasonable for it.
Lot # 252 1988 Lancia Delta HF Integrale 8V Group A Rally Car; S/N ZLA831AB000417884; White, Red, Blue “Martini”/Black cloth; Estimate $307,412 – $351,328; Competition car, original as-raced, 3- condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $219,580. – Speedline alloy wheels, Pirelli P7 tires, four Carello driving lights, OMP seats, roll cage, full rally equipment, fire system. – Repainted at least once, otherwise rally used until at least 2016 to judge from the stickers. Serviceable but hard used. The 1988 Rally Costa Smeralda winner driven by Markku Alen, later driven by Miki Biasion and used as a test and development car by Michelin and Abarth. – Rally cars weren’t on many shopping lists at the Grand Palais and this Delta HF didn’t do any better than most of its counterparts here and came up short of finding a compromise in value between the seller’s expectations and the bidders’ willingness.
Lot # 253 1966 Ferrari Dino 206S/SP Race Car; S/N 022; Engine # 022; Red/Black vinyl; Estimate on request; Competition restoration, 3+ condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $3,129,015. – RHD. Yellow painted alloy centerlock wheels, Dunlop Racing tires, leather rim steering wheel. – Raced when new with Drogo coachwork by Clemente Ravetto with some success, later to Pietro Lo Piccolo who won the Italian Championship with it in 1970. Updated with this lightweight hillclimb coachwork in 1969, Lo Piccolo with co-driver Salvator Calascibetta finished 11th overall and 2nd in class in the 1970 Targa Florio. Later owned (twice) by Pierre Bardinon and Jack Setton, the consignor here. Fresh paint on the bodywork and wheels. Older upholstery with paint loss on interior panels. Older chassis and suspension paint and engine preparation. An honest old girl who’s had some lipstick for the auction. – Rightfully so, this was the co-star of the show at the Grand Palais, a car with significant competition history and a seductively styled Montagna body. $3.1 million is a lot of money, but this is a lot of Ferrari and the bid wasn’t enough to satisfy the consignor, although maybe it should have been.
Lot # 262 1958 Aston Martin DB Mk III Coupe, Body by Tickford; S/N AM30031566; Metallic Gunmetal/Oxblood leather; Estimate $301,923 – $356,818; Older restoration, 2- condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $241,538 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $277,769. – RHD. 2,992cc/195hp “DBB” specification engine with three 2-barrel Weber carburetors, chrome wire wheels, old-style Michelin tires, fire system, Marchal headlights, Lucas driving and fog lights, grille shroud, front disc brakes. – Good clearcoat repaint but erratic chrome, some of it very thin and weak. The underbody is fully restored and shows minimal use. The upholstery is lightly creased and sound. The gauges are crisp and clear. – The uprated engine sets this DB Mk III apart from most of its counterparts. Combined with the generally good condition it is a sound value at this price.
Lot # 263 1952 Delahaye 235 Cabriolet, Body by Antem; S/N 818022; Engine # 818022; White/Blue leather; Estimate $230,559 – $285,454; Recent restoration, 2- condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $197,622 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $227,265. – RHD. 3,557cc/152hp inline six, triple carburetors, painted wire wheels, Firestone blackwall tires, dual mirrors, leather boot cover, woodrim steering wheel, pre-selector gearbox. – Displayed on the Antem stand at the 1952 Paris Motor Show. Was in France its whole life until 2018, mostly with designer Philippe Charbonneaux and his daughter. Fully restored in 2013-14 but done to touring, not show, standards. Dull chrome with two chips in the front bumpers. Good paint with a few chips and cracks at the back of the doors. Very good, lightly worn interior. Tidy underneath. Attractive but not flamboyant coachwork on this postwar Delahaye, which presents quite well but wouldn’t make it on a concours field. – Philippe Charbonneaux created the first concept for the Delahaye 235 in 1951 so his choice of this Antem-bodied Cabriolet is a sincere compliment to its style and concept. One of three Delahaye 235s in his collection of over 150 automobiles, Charbonneaux was a prolific designer of everything from toothbrushes to televisions and is, while working at GM design, credited with contributing to the earliest concepts for what became the Corvette. It all contributes to an impressive provenance for this Delahaye, a hidden value that is not reflected in the modest price it brought here.
Lot # 264 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet; S/N 11102712004473; Medium Blue/Blue leather; Blue cloth top; Estimate $329,370 – $384,265; Visually maintained, largely original, 3+ condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $285,454 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $328,272. – 3499cc/230hp, floor shift automatic, Becker Grand Prix multiband radio, wheel covers, narrow whitewalls, halogen headlights, Bosch fog lights. – Good door and trunk fits but the hood stands high when closed. The upholstery is original with deeply cracked front seat cushions and worn windowsill leather covering. Good gauges and dashtop wood molding. A sound, usable but aged car. – This result reflects European collectors’ preference for preservation over restoration and value the deeply cracked and fragile original upholstery that have limited appeal in North America. That preference is reflected in the rather generous price this 280 SE 3.5 brought, despite the even more generous pre-sale estimate. It is a result that would be difficult, if not impossible, to recreate on the Atlantic’s western shores.
Lot # 265 1966 Porsche 911 Coupe; S/N 303509; Aga Blue/Black with houndstooth cloth inserts; Estimate $142,727 – $175,664; Recent restoration, 2- condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $142,727 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $164,136. – 1,991/130hp, 5-speed, painted steel wheels with hub caps, Vredestein tires, gold badges, wood dash, woodrim steering wheel, Blaupunkt pushbutton radio, heater. – Restored from 2012-16 in the Netherlands and represented as the matching numbers engine and gearbox. Good but not show-quality paint and chrome. Much of the gold color has faded out of the rear badges, and they’re scratched. Tidy, lightly run engine bay. Lightly scratched rear glass. Very good interior that looks restored other than the steering wheel and gauges. Restored but a little dirty underneath. A charming, well fitted and understated early 911 with a few things to criticize but not enough to worry about. – Coys reported this car sold in 2016 fresh from restoration for _244,679 (about $271,100 at the time), a staggeringly high price even for an excellent early 911. This result is still on the expensive side, but it’s not over the top.
Lot # 266 1955 Alfa Romeo 1900C SS Coupe, Body by Touring; S/N 1900C10481; Azzurro Verde Oceano, Dark Green roof/Green leather; Estimate $197,622 – $219,580; Recent restoration, 2- condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $153,706. – 1975cc/115hp, aluminum body, chrome spoke Borrani wire wheels, Michelin X tires, Nardi woodrim steering wheel, no bumpers. – One of 854 Super Sprints built. Delivered new to Switzerland. Body-off restored from 2005-18. Tiny dent in the hood but otherwise straight bodywork and very good older paint. Light scratches in the rear glass. Clean wheels with fresh rubber. Clean and restored underneath. Gorgeous interior with negligible wrinkling on the driver’s seat. Unusual but lovely colors on a lovely car. – It’s no surprise this beautiful alloy bodied 1900C SS didn’t sell at the reported high bid, a car that should have brought much closer to $200,000.
Lot # 267 1973 Maserati Bora 4.9L Coupe; S/N AM117556; Rame (Copper) Metallizzato/Tan; Estimate $164,685 – $241,538; Recent restoration, 2- condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $132,861 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $152,790. – 4.9L/330hp, four Webers, Campagnolo alloy wheels with hub caps, Michelin XWX tires, Ansa exhaust, power windows, air conditioning, cassette stereo. – Represented as matching numbers and sold new in the US, then restored in 2016 and converted to euro specs. Light oxidation on the front grilles. Good chrome on the front but the rear bumper is scratched. Very good repaint other than a handful of tiny chips on the front of the car. Light scratches on the stainless steel roof. They might come out with a professional detailing, but there’s a small dent on the roof that won’t. Delaminating windshield at the top and bottom. Very good, mostly original interior. Looks partially restored underneath with a mix of newer and older components. A solid restored car in the best specs and in a rare color, but far from like-new. – Compared to the equivalent Ferraris and Lamborghinis, these mid-engine Maseratis are a little bit less striking to look at, a little slower and they don’t come with a V12 soundtrack. They offer nearly as much car, though, and are cheaper enough to represent a tempting value among vintage exotics. The combination of the chassis number and purported US-delivery to 4.9 specs is troubling, however. The chassis number convention at the time would include “49” and “US”, e.g., AM11749US556. The sequence number is appropriate to the 4.9 specifications, however, and consistency in chassis stampings never troubled Maserati. This one sold post-block at an appropriate price, which is still 100 grand off from an equivalent Ferrari 512 BB and low enough that the presence of a leftover 4.7 in the engine compartment is reasonably hedged.
Lot # 268 1931 Bugatti Type 55 Roadster, Body by Figoni; S/N 55221; Engine # 26; Dark Blue, Yellow sweep panel/Black leather; Estimate $4,391,600 – $7,685,301; Older restoration, 3 condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $4,391,600 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $5,050,340. – 2262cc/130hp, supercharged, Scintilla headlights, folding windshield, alloy wheels with integral brake drums, rear-mounted spare, Dunlop Racing tires, rollup windows, semaphore signals behind the doors. – Raced when new by Count Guy Bouriat/Louis Chiron for the Bugatti factory at Le Mans in 1932 with the required 4-seat tourer coachwork. Ran out of fuel in the third hour and retired. Rebodied by Joseph Figoni for the next owner, Jacques Dupuy, who won the Paris-Nice Rally with it in 1933. Eventually sold to Geoffrey St. John in the U.K. in 1963 by whom it was restored with the current engine (from 55223.) Repaired after an accident in the mid-90’s with the original frame and coachwork. One of only 38 Type 55s of which 27 are known to survive. Oily but orderly and clean engine compartment. Sound but chipped old paint. Worn old upholstery. Said to run and drive superbly in a December 2019 feature in Classic & Sportscar by Mick Walsh and the Duke of Richmond & Gordon. – Type 55s are unanimously acclaimed for their Jean Bugatti cutdown door roadster bodies, easily one of the most attractive and sporting bodies ever put on any car, let alone a Bugatti, but 55221’s Figoni Roadster is also attractive, sporting and even more practical, as well as more rare. The accident and extensive repair history is an impediment to maximizing value but the car itself is thoroughly inspected and documented and it deterred the Grand Palais bidders but little, if any, helped along by the Le Mans history.
Lot # 270 1996 Ferrari F355 Spider; S/N ZFFXR48A3V0106427; Rosso Corsa/Tan leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $65,874 – $87,832; Unrestored original, 2- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $49,406 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $56,816. – 6-speed, clear bra on the nose, Michelin tires. – A three-owner car sold new in Kentucky of all places. Imported to the UK in 2018. Showing a reassuringly low 13,466 miles and represented with a service history. Tiny dent in the hood but very good original paint. Light wear on the top. Mostly excellent interior other than light wear on the driver’s seat. Lightly used and mostly pampered. – That open gate shifter between the seats can add a 20 percent premium over a paddle shift car despite the 6-speed being standard in the 355 and the brand new F1 gearbox an expensive option, but this seemingly very good 355 sold for a surprisingly modest number. It sold for a similarly low $60,500 in Kissimmee two years ago as well.
Lot # 272 1970 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Coupe; S/N 11102610000849; Silver/Blue leather; Estimate $65,874 – $98,811; Unrestored original, 4+ condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $43,916 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $50,503. – 3,499cc/230hp V8, 4-speed, alloy wheels, power windows, air conditioning, dash clock, Sony CD stereo with modern speakers in the back, fog lights. – Bought new in Germany to European specs but immediately brought to New York. Old, possibly original paint that retains its shine but has numerous small chips throughout as well as a large one on the roof and more on the door edges. Small dent on the trunk lid. Dirty, curb-scraped wheels. Tired original interior with cracks in the leather and tired wood. Maintained but dirty underneath, and the NY State inspection from 2003 still on the windshield isn’t reassuring. A 3.5 with a 4-speed is an inherently interesting and desirable vintage Mercedes, but this one is rough. – The 280SE is a handsome, comfortable and well-built car and the 3.5, while outwardly similar to the six-cylinder car, can be worth twice as much money in some cases. You’d feel a little self-conscious driving one with this much wear and tear, however, and this reasonable result takes into account the work and money it will take to get this one right. There is no originality premium in this result.
Lot # 273 1961 Jaguar XKE SI Flat Floor Roadster; S/N 876469; Red/Black leather; Estimate $153,706 – $175,664; Recent restoration, 3 condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $131,748 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $151,510. – Wire wheels, Dunlop SP Sport tires, cloth boot cover, wood shift knob, woodrim steering wheel, later digital radio. – Originally an Opalescent Dark Blue car, and sold new in Canada. Restoration work from 2016-18 in the UK, but plenty of stones (mostly cosmetic ones) were left unturned. Tired, faded chrome with light pitting on the front bumperettes. Dirt behind the headlight covers. Older detail scratched paint with prep issues, particles in it, small blisters in spots and orange peel in several areas. Good restored interior with lightly worn seats and dirt in the creases. Water spots on the wheels. Inherently collectible as a flat floor car, but it’s a driver. – The presentation of this E-type leaves much to be desired, issues that will be expensive to remedy and generally neglected such that its care is called into question. All that is adequately and appropriately taken into account in the modest price it brought. It’s good enough to be driven as is, appreciated from a distance of 20 feet, or as the basis for attention to the awful paint on the way to being a $300,000 Flat Floor E-type.
Lot # 274 2019 MAT New Stratos Coupe; S/N ZFFKZ64B000166472; White, Green, Yellow “Alitalia”/Black Alcantara, cloth; Estimate $768,530 – $988,110; Unrestored original, 2 condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $658,740 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $757,551. – 4,308cc/540hp, paddle shift 6-speed, carbon fiber interior trim, Yellow alloy wheels, Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, carbon fiber housing for four driving lights across the nose, vinyl Alitalia graphics. – A modern evocation of the Stratos with barely any use or age. Based on a 2009 Ferrari 430 Scuderia with an original design by Chris Hirable refined by Pininfarina. Wheelbase shortened 20cm to emulate the original Stratos. Done to very high standards of fit and finish, said to run and drive well. The first in a planned series of 25. – An arresting vision of a modern Stratos with proven driveline and suspension, this should be an exciting (if potentially twitchy) ride that will never fail to attract attention. It seems currently to be one of one and if this is what the Grand Palais bidders thought it was worth their judgment is definitive even though it is $55,000 (hammer bid) more than the Maserati Mostro could attract a few lots earlier.
Lot # 275 1962 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II Drophead Coupe, Body by HJ Mulliner; S/N LSAE499; Silver/Red leather; Estimate $384,265 – $494,055; Older restoration, 2- condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $307,412. – Wheel covers, narrow whitewalls, Lucas driving lights, dual mirrors, leather boot cover, badge bar, original radio, column shift. – Sold new in Montreal and made its way to Europe in 2006. Some light scratches on the front bumper and mild delaminating on the windshield. High quality paint that is near perfect aside from a tiny chip on the driver’s door. Cracks in the right taillight. Very good interior with mildly wrinkled seats and excellent wood. Older-looking tires and light road wear underneath. More tour car than show queen, but there’s nothing wrong with that and it’s still gorgeous. – It would have been a great buy at the reported high bid, which is why it didn’t sell at that parsimonious offer. Its low estimate of Euros 350,000 (US$384,000) is not unreasonable and recognizes its condition issues.
Lot # 276 1963 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster; S/N 19804210003245; Silver, Silver hardtop/Red leather; Blue cloth top; Estimate $1,427,270 – $1,646,850; Older restoration, 2- condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $986,519 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $1,134,496. – 2996cc/250hp, Bosch FI, 4-speed, late production with disc brakes and aluminum engine, chrome wheels, Dunlop tires, Ivory steering wheel and shift knob, antenna but no radio, two tops, Euro headlights. – Good 20-year old clearcoat repaint with a flaw surrounding the windshield washer nozzle. Excellent chrome and interior. The engine compartment and chassis are restored nearly like with more storage dust than miles. The top frame is older and the top lining is somewhat discolored. – Closed post-block at a negotiated price, this is a sound and usable 300SL with the late disc brakes and aluminum engine at a discount price.
Lot # 277 1954 Jaguar XK 120 Drophead Coupe; S/N 677447; British Racing Green/Biscuit leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $109,790 – $131,748; Older restoration, 3+ condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $79,049. – Hub caps and trim rings, Dunlop tires, fender skirts, dual wing mirrors, Lucas driving lights, cloth boot cover, reproduction fitted luggage, period correct jack and spare. – Delivered new in the US, as so many XK 120s were, and formerly owned by a JCNA concours judge. Aged but sound chrome. Old, detail scratched paint. The tires look a little old and dry and the panel gaps are uneven but not terrible. Smudges on the boot cover. Good, lightly worn interior with clean wood. Clean underneath. It received a high quality restoration, but that was many years ago and it is now in just driver condition. It’s still ideal for tours and events. – Jaguar introduced a Drophead Coupe version of the XK 120 in 1953. Distinguished by its roll-up windows and more comprehensive top, it’s the rarest of the XK 120 family with fewer than 1,800 built. Freshly restored ones can be six-figure cars, but this isn’t a freshly restored 120 and the reported high bid was a fair one. Bonhams sold it at Quail Lodge a dozen years ago for $95,940, a generous price at the time and something the consignor shouldn’t expect to match today.
Lot # 278 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SEL 3.5 Limousine; S/N 10805810006511; Silver/Red; Estimate $65,874 – $98,811; Unrestored original, 3+ condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $52,699. – 3499cc/200hp V8, 4-speed, wheel covers, air conditioning, cassette stereo, wood dash. – Ex-Luciano Pavarotti, who kept it in Modena, where it has remained through subsequent ownership. Dull but presentable chrome and brightwork. Severely scratched window frames. Scratched wheel covers. Good, likely original paint. Clean underneath. Tidy interior with clean wood and good upholstery. The manual is noteworthy and the celebrity ownership adds some cachet. Add in the mostly very strong level of preservation, and it’s arguably too good to restore. – While there may be some celebrity cachet to this car, Pavarotti is no Steve McQueen and this car is arguably more desirable for its rare drivetrain and body style combination than it is for its time with everybody’s favorite tenor. It could have gone to a new home at this reported high bid.
Lot # 279 1939 Bugatti Type 57C Stelvio Cabriolet, Body by Gangloff; S/N 57836; Engine # 57836C93; Ivory/Beige Pigskin; Black cloth top; Estimate $1,482,165 – $1,811,535; Cosmetic restoration, 3 condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $1,097,900. – RHD. 3,257cc/135hp supercharged inline eight, chrome wire wheels, Michelin XC tires, cowl-mounted semaphore signals, White faced Jaeger Chronoflight clock, Cibie headlights with LED bulbs, Marchal fog lights. – Sound older repaint by Andre Lecoq in the original color. Worn and creased original upholstery, good top. Clear gauges. Worn revarnished steering wheel rim. Oily, dirty engine compartment with some frayed wiring. The wire wheels are fairly recent but should be cleaned. A solid old Bugatti with a surprisingly attractive old cosmetic restoration. – With a pleasing combination of originality and known history this is a valuable, fast, comfortable and distinctive open Bugatti but the Grand Palais bidders didn’t give it as much credit as it deserved and if failed to find a home.
Lot # 280 1952 Pegaso Z-102 Roadster; S/N 1021530171; Blue/Red leatherette; Estimate $878,320 – $1,317,480; Visually maintained, largely original, 4+ condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $680,698 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $782,803. – RHD. 2,475cc/165hp 4-cam V8, 5-speed, chrome centerlock wheels, Michelin Pilote X tires, represented to be the prototype Z-102 Cabriolet. – Represented as three owners from new including Enrique Coma Cros, a Pegaso authority. Recently repainted with leatherette upholstery and new carpets, otherwise crusty, oily and neglected. Despicable pitted and dull brightwork, cracked windshield seal. Decent gauges and appears to be sound but nowhere near as good as it should be. Interesting coachwork by ENASA, the Spanish truck maker that built the Pegasos, with three front fender vents, suicide doors, a small rear brake scoop and raised highlights over and stretching behind the wheel arches. – Designed by Wilfredo Ricart with a 4-cam V8, 5-speed gearbox (with no synchros), torsion bar springs, independent front and De Dion rear suspension, one of the most advanced design specifications of the early 50’s. Aside from suffering from an indifferent quality cosmetic redo this Z-102 prototype evidences years of neglect and is reasonably bought in this transaction for its history, prototype stature and disappointing level of care and attention. Now it’s ready for the concours restoration it deserves and which can be undertaken at this price.
Lot # 281 1938 Bugatti Type 57C Atalante Coupe, Body by Gangloff; S/N 57633; Black, Lilac sweep panel/Black ostrich leather; Estimate $1,646,850 – $1,976,220; Concours restoration, 1- condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $1,427,270. – RHD. Centerlock wire wheels with body color discs, Marchal headlights, hydraulic brakes, stiffened frame, rubber engine mounts, enclosed rear-mounted spare. – Restored in the U.S. in the early naughts by Brian Joseph’s Classic & Exotic Service. Although it is a Type 57C, there is no supercharger under the hood. Excellent paint, bright chrome, barely stretched upholstery. The left front bumper chrome has four small blisters. Spectacularly restored and impeccable. Known history from new, with uniquely tapered rear fenders and delicate two-piece bumpers. – Sold by Gooding & Company at Pebble Beach in 2006 for $682,000 fresh from restoration, the quality of which is evident in how good and fresh is still is today, nearly fifteen years later. Coupled with its unique coachwork features it is an outstanding example of the Type 57 and the seller was realistically unwilling to part with it at the reported hammer bid.
Lot # 282 1965 Alvis TE21 Drophead Coupe, Body by Park Ward; S/N 27321; Burgundy/Blue leather; Blue top; Estimate $104,301 – $131,748; Older restoration, 3 condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $98,811 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $113,633. – 2993/136hp six, ZF 5-speed, wire wheels, Blockley tires, Lucas driving lights, dual mirrors, bucket seats, woodrim steering wheel, cloth boot cover, original radio, wood dash and door trim. – Presentable but old paint with orange peel below the windshield and at the tops of the doors. Big chip out of the chrome at the top of each door, but the brightwork is mostly good. Sound leather but it shows significant wear. The wood is mostly good, but there is a small crack in the steering wheel and the center cap is cracked. A little road dirt underneath but mostly good. A driver, but a good one. – Built from 1963-66, the TE21 is a distinct, elegant and rare car. The soft tops are quite rare, and they have nearly as much style and sophistication as the equivalent Rolls-Royce/Bentleys, just in a smaller, sportier package and with a more obscure badge on the nose. This one sold for a lot of money considering its condition, but someone who has his or her heart set on a TE21 soft top with a manual will be waiting quite some time for another one to come along.
Lot # 283 1991 Porsche 911 Carrera RS Coupe; S/N WP0ZZZ96ZNS490908; Red/Black, Gray leather; Estimate $153,706 – $197,622; Unrestored original, 3+ condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $131,748. – 17-inch Cup wheels, Bridgestone tires, black calipers, racing bucket seats, Kenwood CD stereo. – Sold new in the Netherlands. Showing 67,749 believable km (42,097 miles). Large, gloppy touch up on the nose and the hood looks like it was cheaply repainted at some point. Otherwise decent paint. Fresh tires. Good interior, but both seats are flat and a little wrinkled. A Carrera RS actually used for its intended purpose, hard driving. – The 964 Carrera RS was like a road-legal version of the 911 Cup car and sold only in Europe. In the US they’re a much rarer sight and RM Sotheby’s even sold one in Amelia Island last year for $252,000, but the reported high bid here takes into account the car’s age and mileage as well as the location of the sale. It could have gone to a new home at this number.
Lot # 284 1995 Porsche 911 Carrera RS Coupe; S/N WP0ZZZ99ZTS390135; Red/Black, Gray; Estimate $252,517 – $329,370; Unrestored original, 3+ condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $219,580. – 3.8/300hp, 6-speed, modular wheels, red calipers, Bridgestone tires, sport seats, air conditioning, power windows. – Sold new in Andorra (a microstate in the Pyrenees). One of only about 1,000 built. Showing 44,244 believable km (27,492 miles). Original paint with wear that corresponds with the mileage, plus numerous small stone chips on the nose, possibly from time on the track. The wheels are a little dirty. Light dirt and use in the engine bay. Tidy interior with wear that corresponds with the mileage as well. The rear bumper guard stickers are a little dull. A 993 Carrera RS that was actually used as intended, something of a rare sight among high-performance 911s at auctions like this. – The 993 Carrera RS over at RM Sotheby’s had higher mileage but presented a little bit better, and it appropriately got a higher but still unsuccessful high bid. It’s the never-driven, pampered examples of even track-oriented Porsches that command top dollar, while used ones like this seem bound to struggle.
Lot # 285 2006 Ferrari Superamerica Convertible; S/N ZFFGT61B000146669; Rosso Corsa/Tan leather; Estimate $241,538 – $329,370; Unrestored original, 2- condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $233,304 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $268,299. – Handling GTC package, modular wheels, red calipers, Potenza tires, Daytona-style seats, Becker CD stereo. – Sold new in Spain and represented as a one-owner car with 26,843 km (16,679 miles). A few small chips on the nose. A few light scuffs on the driver’s seat outer bolster. Tidy but lightly used underneath. A lot of these got treated as collectible from new and were never driven. This one isn’t quite up to that standard, although it’s still a good car. – Reported sold at Bonhams Spa Classic auction in 2017 for $328,147 (Euros 255,000 at the time, the all-in result here is Euros 244,375.) It has added about 6,500km to the odometer since then while taking a lot off the value.
Lot # 286 1987 Alfa Romeo 75 Turbo Evoluzione Group A/IMSA; S/N 33275601AR026; Engine #;, /; Estimate $131,748 – $197,622; Competition car, original as-raced, 4+ condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $98,811. – 1,779cc/155hp turbocharged inline 4-cylinder, Technomagnesio alloy centerlock wheels, Brembo brakes, Plexiglas side windows, Sparco seat, Alcantara rim Momo steering wheel, Yokohama tires, remote reservoir shocks. – Race used, beat up old repaint. Dirty wheels. Worn and raced hard, first by Bob van der Sluis in both FIA Group A and enhanced performance IMSA specs. Not raced actively since 2005 aside from a run at the Vernasca Silver Flag hill climb in 2016 and with a stern warning in the catalog about requiring “a thorough check of the mechanicals”. – A true factory Alfa Corse built Alfa 75 with turbocharged engine and all manner of race car tweaks. Although it has run at Zandvoort, Zolder, Spa and the Nürburgring, no racing laurels are noted for it and the offer here is more than appropriate considering all the work it will need to return to its intended purpose.
Lot # 287 2008 Toyota TF108 Formula 1; S/N TF10805; White, Red/Black; Estimate $65,874 – $87,832; Competition car, original as-raced, 3 condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $79,049 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $90,906. – No engine. Bridgestone tires, wheel discs, carbon fiber suspension. – Ex-Timo Glock and Jarno Trulli. A display car with good cosmetics. – Expensive garage art and probably destined for a main Toyota dealer somewhere.
Lot # 297 1993 BMW 850CSi Coupe; S/N WBSEG91020CC00537; Blue/White leather; Estimate $71,364 – $93,322; Unrestored original, 2- condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $60,385. – 5576cc/372hp V12, 6-speed, alloy wheels, Michelin tires, sunroof, 6-speed, cassette stereo, power windows, air conditioning. – Represented with 102,114 km (63,451 miles) and a service history. Two large chips in the clear coat on the nose and two small cracks in the hood, but otherwise good original paint. Clean wheels. Some dirt on the underbody and in the engine bay. Very good interior. Used, but lightly used. The colors are great and it’s top spec. – A proper M8 never made it past the prototype stage, so the 850 CSi is the closest thing we got to an all-out performance 8-Series. But with stiffer suspension, a lower ride height, tighter steering, four-wheel steering and 50 more horsepower than the regular 850, it’s still a serious car, and BMW built just 1,510 of them. It’s also worth significantly more than a regular 850. A couple have sold at auction for in the neighborhood of $200,000, but they were both low-mile collector-grade examples whereas this is a used car that will be expensive to maintain. The bidders kept money in reserve for just that purpose.
Lot # 298 1960 Steyr-Puch 500D TR II Berline Sport; S/N 5116384; Red/Black vinyl with cloth inserts; Estimate $21,958 – $26,350; Modified restoration, 3 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $16,469 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $18,939. – 660cc engine, Weber carburetor, dual exhaust, alloy wheels with hub caps, Hankook tires in front, Falkens in back, retractable sunroof, racing steering wheel, Porsche 914 seats, modern VDO gauges. – Puch chassis but the body is from a Fiat. Tired but presentable brightwork. Average quality respray. Lightly scratched rear window. Clean engine bay. Ripped seat vinyl, and the rest of the interior is stripped other than floor mats and door cards. Incorrect gauges. Casually restored to good enough standards for what it is (and what it’s worth), plus it’s inherently more interesting than a regular old Cinquecento given the Steyr-Puch badges on the nose. – With all the performance upgrades this is going to be a fun ride. The only trouble is going to be deciding whether to take it to Austrian car events or Italian car events. It’s probably more significant as an early step along Steyr-Daimler-Puch’s evolution to the manufacturing powerhouse that its successor Magna-Steyr is today. In any event it is modestly priced, as it should be.
Lot # 299 1967 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Cabriolet; S/N 147474750; Black/Black vinyl; Black top; Estimate $32,937 – $43,916; Enthusiast restoration, 3 condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $23,056. – Firestone tires, cloth boot cover, modern Nardi woodrim steering wheel, original pushbutton radio. – Sold new in Japan and got restoration work in Belgium from 2010-11. Dull chrome with some light surface rust at the back of the front bumper. Scratched windshield frame. Decent older respray. Old wheels with rusty lug nuts and chipped paint. Surface rust on the brake drums. Dull gauges, cracked paint on the parking brake handle and a loose shifter boot, but clean seats and carpets. A decent 20-footer. – While never a performance car, the Karmann Ghia came with a sexy shape and good equipment for the period, and for a time it was the most expensive car Volkswagen offered. Values for good ones have been on the rise for a while, but the owner of this unimpressive car set expectations a bit ahead of the curve.
Lot # 301 1983 Alfa Romeo GTV 2000 Coupe; S/N ZAR11636000063252; Argento/Black vinyl, cloth; Estimate $13,175 – $19,762; Unrestored original, 3 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $12,077 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $13,888. – Alloy wheels, Michelin X tires, 5-speed, woodrim steering wheel and shift knob, power windows, air conditioning. – Represented with an engine overhaul 500 km, and the odometer shows a believable 81,299 km (50,517 miles). Good original paint with a handful of light scratches and small chips scattered throughout. The exterior plastic is a little dull, and so are the wheels. Very good interior. Faded seat belt buckles and slightly dry vinyl are the only real signs of age in there, and the seats looks great. Light road wear and oxidation underneath but mostly tidy. No major rust visible, and that’s quite the feat for an old Alfetta. Never restored because it never needed to be and isn’t worth enough to restore anyway, but a commendably well cared for GTV with the reliable Alfa four-cylinder. – More commonly seen on our side of the pond with a bulge in the hood, a V6 engine and “GTV 6” badges, Alfetta GTV is a sporty four-seat fastback built on the platform of the Alfetta sedan. Nowhere near as cherished as the Giulia-based GTV of the ’60s, these 1980s versions are one of the most affordable ways to get into a classic Alfa. This one, despite being the third to last lot of the auction, impressed with its overall solid presentation and lack of rust, and sold at a spot-on price.
Or, you could kick back and watch time stand still on the non-functional Grand Palais clock with visible works:
Not to mention having a snack in the food court (which doesn’t have American auction staples like deep fried turkey legs) and look at the cars reflected in the glass roof panels among the fabulous cast iron structure:
With credit to the constructor of the Grand Palais.
Bonhams Les Grandes Marques du Monde at the Paris Grand Palais is one heck of a place to have a car auction.