Bonhams Quail, August 16, 2024

Some history:

In 2018 Bonhams, then led by Robert Brooks who had combined Brooks Auctioneers with Bonhams in 1999, was acquired by Epiris, a British private equity firm. Barely three years later, in August 2021, Robert Brooks died after “a long illness” suggesting the sale was an expedient resolution of an uncertain future.

Originally motor car focused, Bonhams & Brooks added a bevy of Sotheby’s motor car veterans. It acquired Phillips, a regional U.K. auction house in 2001, then U.S. West Coast auction house Butterfields from eBay in 2002. It was crowned by a new headquarters structure in London, famously endowed with a Michelin-starred restaurant, that opened in 2015.

In recent years Epiris-owned Bonhams acquired a number of regional auctioneers, giving it a worldwide footprint and some heft in terms of total transactions, but with an ever-smaller dedication to the motor cars from which it sprang.

Private equity has limited patience with its endeavors. A five-year time frame to build up and flip an investment is common. Patience is not. Epiris has owned Bonhams for going on seven years and it is widely shared that Bonhams is now itself on the enterprise sale block.

Epiris says on its website, “We do this [deliver outstanding returns for our investors] by resolving the complexities that hold businesses back, and unlocking their potential with fresh capital and thinking.” In the process of bean-counting Bonhams they have neutered the potential of the company’s origin in collector cars.

Nowhere is that more apparent than in the defections of Bonhams executives and specialists in the past year, many to RM Sotheby’s and some to Hagerty’s Broad Arrow and to Gooding & Company – which itself was recently sold to Christie’s putting David Gooding, who, along with Miles Morris, ran Christie’s Car Department after Robert Brooks decamped from Christie’s (with his Rolodex and backing from Evert Louwman) in 1989 just as the collector car market cratered, back in the Christie’s fold from which he exited in 2003 to join Rob Myers in establishing RM Auctions.

[It does get convoluted, doesn’t it.]

Enough history, except that this auction, despite a generous number of consignments and a good sell-through rate, was the lowest Bonhams Quail Lodge auction total since 2012. Six lots were bid to $1 million or more but only one sold, the Ferrari 812 Competizione for $1,511,000.

The last 38 lots were all from the Golden State Muscle Car Collection (34.9% of the entire docket), many of them valuable, but all showing the effects of years of static display and indifferent care.

Here are the numbers for Bonhams Quail:

Year Cars Sold/ Offered Sale % Sold < Low Est Sold > High Est Average Sale Median Sale Total $
2024 84/109 77.1% 43.9% 5.7% $139,373 $78,400

[56.3%]

$11,707,292
2023 80/109 73.4% 72.2% 5.1% $690,287 $134,400

[19.5%]

$55,222,940
One lot, Ferrari 412P (330 P3/P4) sold for $30,255,000
2022 120/137 87.6% 44.5% 11.7% $231,565 $106,400

[46%]

$27,787,790

34 of the 109 lots are described, with lots of help from Andrew Newton and Greg Ingold. They (the cars, not Rick, Andrew and Greg) are sorted in lot number order.


Lot # 102 1967 Lotus Elan S3 Coupe; S/N 366180; Red/Black vinyl; Estimate $25,000 – $35,000; Enthusiast restoration 3- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $16,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $17,920. – RHD. 1,588/125hp, dual Webers, updated with SE-spec valves and cams, 4-speed, centerlock wheels, Kumho tires, leather-wrapped steering wheel. – With the same owner for 40 years. “Reportedly” updated with a replacement backbone chassis by Spydercars, a popular upgrade. Visibility is limited on the ground, but it does indeed look newer. The top of the car does not, with faded and cracked (common on an Elan) paint. Wheels and tires look old, and the wheel wells are dirty. Engine is surprisingly clean. Dashboard is severely cracked, gauges are fading, and upholstery on the rear deck is loose. There is also a note on the dash that the tach reads high and the temp gauge reads low. This is a scruffy Elan with the steering wheel on the wrong side, but a Spyder chassis is a big plus and this car could be enjoyed while cosmetically restoring it and making the numerous fixes it needs. – The first car lot of the day at Bonhams, this little Elan sold for a price that’s about right for the condition, but with an expensive chassis upgrade already done and a tidy-looking engine, hopefully this car’s remaining big needs are all cosmetic and it will be a rewarding car for the new owner. On its appearance, however, this is a toad and needs all the attention a new owner can give it before giving up.

 

Lot # 103 1970 Alfa Romeo GT 1300 Junior Z Coupe, Body by Zagato; S/N AR1800256; Red/Black vinyl and cloth; Estimate $50,000 – $60,000; Cosmetic restoration 3 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $35,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $39,200. – 1,290/103hp, Weber carb, 5-speed, centerlock alloy wheels, Yokohama tires, red leather-wrapped Personal steering wheel, Jaeger gauges. – One of 1,100 built. Paint is a little tired. Clean wheels. A few scratches in the glass. Faded dash but mostly good interior. Tidy but unrestored underneath. A pretty solid and relatively rare little oddball Alfa, showing 12,742 believable km. – A bit odd but attractive in that classic Zagato way, these special-bodied 1300 Juniors, an Euro-only model known as the Junior Z, are desirable to Alfa folks, and Bonhams’ $50,000 – $60,000 estimate is where the market has been for them. It went for well under that here, though, as cars were for the most part selling under estimate at both top and bottom of the price spectrum in Monterey this year. There was a time when owning a European stored Junior Z was attractive for occasional trips on the Continent, but at these prices not so much any more.

Lot # 105 1958 BMW 502 2.6 4-Dr. Sedan; S/N 54989; Silver/Blue; Estimate $75,000 – $100,000; Older restoration 2- condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $85,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $95,200. – 2,580/100hp V8, column shift 4-speed, hub caps, Golde sliding canvas roof, Becker Mexico radio. – Restored in Germany in the 2000s. Bright, clean older paint and chrome. Lightly scratched grille and rocker trim. Good gaps. Lovely interior. Well restored a while ago, and a big `50s BMW like this is a very rare sight in the U.S. – Sold by Gooding at Amelia in 2014 for $121,000 with 70,717 km showing, but nine years later at RM Arizona for $64,400, the oddball BMW appeal may be experiencing a resurgence with this result. With only 45 more km on the odometer since 2004 this has been a garage queen, of little distinction except to a BMW dealer who wants to display it to show where the “ultimate driving machine” has come from.

Lot # 107 1969 Aston Martin DBS Coupe; S/N DBS5415LAC; White/Blue leather; Estimate $40,000 – $60,000; Visually maintained, largely original 4 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $26,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $29,120. – 3,995/280hp six, automatic, factory air conditioning, Webasto sunroof. – U.S. market car. Represented as matching numbers. The Webasto sunroof on this car is rare and noteworthy, but little else about this car is. The chrome and wheels are OK, but the grille is faded. The car wears an old, cheap respray that’s cracked in a few places and blistered near the front and rear glass. The weather stripping is disintegrating and the interior shows dirt and ripped upholstery. Scruffy but not visibly rotten underneath. A rough Aston, one of several here. – Bonhams has been bringing few scruffy vintage Astons, many of them from a giant collection in the Middle East, to each of its auctions for several years now, to the point that anyone in America looking for a project David Brown-era car has probably long since gotten theirs. The cars that are still coming struggle to find buyers, and will continue to do so. This one brought a rock-bottom price, but it’s no less than anyone could reasonably expect.

Lot # 108 1983 Mercedes-Benz 500SL AMG Roadster; S/N WDB10704612003569; Anthracite Grey Metallic/Creme Beige leather; Estimate $120,000 – $180,000; Unrestored original 3+ condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $130,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $145,600. – 4,973/276hp, close-ratio AMG 5-speed manual, 5-spoke AMG wheels, Pirelli P Zero Rosso tires, body kit, power Recaro seats, Becker Grand Prix radio, AMG speedo. – Represented as one of five original manual cars in the U.S. and imported here when new. Showing 120,120 km (74,639 miles). Scratched front bumper and window frames. There are a few blemishes on the wheels but they’re in good shape. Tidy engine and underbody. Faded plastic rear spoiler. Other than faded seat belt buckles, the interior looks great. – R107 SLs aren’t particularly “exciting” cars, but with all the AMG upgrades, including a close-ratio manual, this one looks like an absolute riot. And it’s rare, too. Given the big interest in early AMG cars lately, this price for it makes sense. Broad Arrow sold a standard but delivery-mile 560 SL the same week for a record $260,400, but I’d [Andrew] rather have this one every day of the week even if they were the same price, let alone the AMG for over $100K cheaper.

Lot # 112 1936 Riley Big Four Roadster; S/N 26A3791; Engine # B1418; Primrose Green/Beige cloth, aluminum; Estimate $150,000 – $200,000; Rebodied or re-created 3+ condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $67,500 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $75,600. – RHD. 2,443/140hp, dual SU carbs, 4-speed, driver’s head fairing, cycle fenders, racing seats with upholstered touring seats included, dual aeroscreens. – Built from the ground up by Blue Diamond Riley Services in the U.K. using a Riley Adelphi chassis and suspension and Riley engine. Sound cosmetics and careful race prep and maintenance. 5-time Colorado Grand participant. Long term ownership and care shows in its condition and preparation. – The Bonhams bidders failed to take notice of this Riley special or failed to appreciate its potential and as a result the new owner got a rare and interesting car with plenty of opportunities to use it as the builder intended while paying a truly nominal price.

Lot # 121P 2022 Ferrari 812 Competizione Berlinetta; S/N ZFF03TLAXN0283626; Blu Elettrico, Fly Yellow stripe/Blue leather, Yellow accents; Estimate $1,650,000 – $1,950,000; Unrestored original 2 condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $1,460,000 plus commission of 10.34%; Final Price $1,611,000. – 6,496/819hp, 7-speed automanual, yellow calipers, carbon brakes, SF shields, exterior and interior carbon fiber, yellow stripe Pirelli PZero Corsa tires, yellow tach face, climate control, manettino steering wheel. – Like new, 597 miles. – This is a modern conundrum. But, then again not. It was (before dealer markup and options) a $700,000 car. Why is it worth here more than double that price? It doesn’t get the new owner into the queue at his Ferrari dealer for the next limited production Ferrari, it’s second-hand. It isn’t easily identifiable as a bespoke Ferrari 812. It is just an expensive demonstration of…what? This was Bonhams top sale where a bidder may have drifted across from the Concorso Italiano field to try to secure a car to show next year.

Lot # 122 1963 Huffaker Genie Mk 8 Roadster; S/N 03; Blue/Black; Estimate $175,000 – $250,000; Competition restoration 3+ condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $110,000. – 302/450hp Ford V8, quadruple Webers, Hewland LG500 4-speed, Genie wheels, Dunlop Racing tires, LeCarra, Stewart Warner gauges. – Ex-Pedro Rodriguez and Dan Gurney driving for Kjell Qvale’s British Motorcar Distributors team. Won an SCCA championship with Ed Lowther in 1964. Restored by the Huffakers to 1964 condition in 2009. In race car condition with some chips and scratches but it mostly looks solid. Good history. The wheels stamped with “GENIE” on all four spokes are awesome. – This is an historic race car that is eligible, by virtue of its drivers and success, for pretty much any event an owner could want to attend. Mechanically it should be very good, having been restored by the original builders and little used since then. It would have been a great deal at the reported bid, but is clearly worth more based on its condition, history and performance.

Lot # 123 1967 Alfa Romeo Giulia Duetto Spider Convertible, Body by Pininfarina; S/N AR665741; Engine # AR0053618683; Ivory/Black; Black cloth top; Estimate $45,000 – $65,000; Visually maintained, largely original 3 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $32,500 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $36,400. – 1,570/109hp, Weber carburetors, 5-speed, four-spoke American Mag wheels, Pirelli Cinturato tires, aftermarket side mirror, Motorola pushbutton radio, books, manuals, original window sticker documented. – One family owned from new and represented as the original engine. Sold new in Oregon. The 43,823 miles showing are represented as actual. 2021 engine overhaul. Scratched, slightly yellowed headlight covers. Chips in the side mirror but mostly good older paint. Tidy engine with some grime on top of the carbs. Good older top. Sound original interior with worn carpets, some dirt on the seats, and wear to the steering wheel. An honest Duetto. – A better car than the price it brought, especially as a one-owner Alfa, but it wasn’t stolen, either. A good, sound, highly original car at a moderate price.

Lot # 136 1953 Porsche 356 1500 Super Coupe, Body by Reutter; S/N 50194; Engine # P40194; Palm Green/Beige leather, cloth; Estimate $240,000 – $300,000; Unrestored original 4- condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $220,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $246,400. – 1,498/70hp, 4-speed, red wheels with hub caps, Telefunken radio. – Recently pulled out of a warehouse in Munich and in total barn find condition, but complete and an enticing project. The paint is original Palm Green. Front bumperettes are rusty. Side mirror is missing. Engine looks to have been cleaned up recently. Underbody looks scruffy but solid. Interior is rough with frayed coverings and water stained door panels. There’s a hole in the dash that look like it once housed a group of gauges or rally timers, the upholstery is cracking, the steering wheel rim is cracked and the radio hole is empty. There can’t be many solid Pre-A 356 barn finds out there, so this is an exciting one. – The bidders certainly thought so. Restored 356s of this vintage have sold for similar money. Barn find mystique and barn find premiums definitely still happen. As a ’53 356 1500 Super Coupe this is an expensive car, as a completely original survivor it is a realistic price that will excite every early Porsche fan.

Lot # 137P 1957 BMW 507 SII Roadster; S/N 70082; Engine # 40073; White, White hardtop/Red leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $1,800,000 – $2,500,000; Older restoration 2- condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $1,500,000. – 3,168/150hp, 4-speed, Rudge wheels, hardtop, Becker Le Mans radio, Rheims short-wave, two tops. – Represented as matching numbers and with two owners from new. Delivered new to Venezuela. Refurbished in the 1980s. A little dirt under the hood and an ancient-looking radiator but nothing bad. Very good older repaint in the original color and chrome. Clean wheels and tires. Some light scratches in the windows on the hardtop. Very good interior with little noticeable use. A solid, documented 507 in desirable Series II configuration with desirable options. – Not the best 507 around by a wide margin but an honest car with a good 2-owner history and attention as it has been needed. The Rudge wheels and hardtop are major value adds and it would, taking these into account, not have been a bad buy even at the pre-sale low estimate. The reported high bid here is just too conservative.

Lot # 138 1961 Aston Martin DB4 Vantage Coupe; S/N DB4646R; Engine # 370654; Caribbean Pearl/Parchment leather; Estimate $325,000 – $375,000; Older restoration 3+ condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $247,500 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $277,200. – RHD. 3,670/266hp Vantage-spec engine, 4-speed with overdrive, wire wheels, Avon Turbospeed tires, woodrim steering wheel, pushbutton radio. – Sold new to an Asian businessman headquartered in Amsterdam. Later returned to the factory and upgraded to triple-carb Vantage specs. Cosmetically restored in the 2000s including the current repaint in the unusual original color. Sound chrome, but the paint shows sizable chips on the nose, hood, and one on the roof. There is also a large blister on the left front fender and a few more small ones on the driver’s door. The lobes on the wheel nuts all show serious hammer marks. Lightly wrinkled leather and cracked steering wheel cap but mostly good interior. A well-equipped and usable DB4, but little better than driver condition. – This DB4’s desirable specs and right-hand drive had much better luck selling on the other side of the pond when, at Bonhams’ Goodwood Festival of Speed sale last year, it sold for £264,500 (about $347K). This result is £214,800. Vintage Aston prices are soft in general lately, but this is a big dropoff from its previous result and was way under estimate. An advantageous purchase for the new owner.

Lot # 142 1957 Abarth 750 Zagato SII Coupe, Body by Zagato; S/N 100430930; Engine # 100000693328; Red/Brown; Estimate $100,000 – $150,000; Older restoration 3+ condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $70,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $78,400. – 767/48hp, single Weber, 4-speed, four-wheel disc brakes, centerlock Abarth wheels, Marchal fog lights, woodrim steering wheel, Jaeger gauges. – U.S. car from new. Restored in the 2000s. Replacement Mille Miglia-spec engine. Shown at the Quail in 2015. Older paint, aged wheels, scratched rear glass and faded marker lenses, but everything is presentable. Excellent interior. Tidy and lightly used underneath. In clean, event car condition but noted as having a head gasket leak. – These pocket rockets pack so much character into a tiny package, and they’re eligible to do the modern running of the Mille Miglia. Yet this one somehow flew under the radar on the auction block. Considering the charm, the rarity, the Zagato cachet and all the things you could do with it, it’s a great value at this price, even with the uncertainty of the head gasket.

Lot # 142P 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder Weissach Convertible; S/N WP0CA2A16FS800652; Oryx White, Martini graphics/Black leather; Estimate $2,600,000 – $3,100,000; Unrestored original 2- condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $2,150,000. – 4,593/608hp, acid Green calipers, 887 all-in hybrid horsepower, 7-speed dual clutch paddle shift transmission, front axle lift, low-glare interior, climate control, Homelink, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, window sticker documented. – Still nearly like new but now relieved of its matte black wrap showing its paint-to-sample original Oryx White and reliveried with Martini vinyl graphics. 1,319 miles and nearly like new. – Sold by RM at New York in2017 for $1,732,000, then at the Petersen Museum in 2018 for $1,534,000 and at Gooding Pebble Beach in 2021 for $1,682,500 all being wrapped in matte black that has now been stripped to reveal the pristine Oryx White it was originally painted by Porsche but now fluffed up by Martini stripes. This is a generous result for this car and it should have been loose and selling well below this bid. The pre-sale estimate is a pipe dream.

Lot # 143 1962 Maserati 5000GT SII Coupe, Body by Allemano; S/N AM103028; Engine # Unnumbered; Black/Red leather; Estimate $600,000 – $700,000; Older restoration 3+ condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $550,000. – 4,941/325hp, Lucas injection, ZF 4-speed, Borrani wire wheels, Avon tires except for the front left, which is a Bridgestone, woodrim steering wheel, Blaupunkt radio, Jaeger gauges. – Unnumbered engine block. One of 32 built. Delivered new to Monaco. Aged but presentable paint. Lightly worn leather. Surface rust at the edges of the wheel spokes. Looks older restored underneath. Allemano’s take on the 5000GT wasn’t the prettiest, but all of these cars are striking. This one appears solid, but could use some cosmetic work to bring it up a few notches. – Sold by Bonhams here in 2004 for $225,000 nearly fresh from restoration, then at Amelia in 2023 for $417,500 in condition described at the time as “Its neglect is a sad fact and the consignor should be happy to get this much for a car that will keep a specialist shop in high cotton for months trying to bring it back to life.” That has now been accomplished and while it will never be a show car without a brand new and expensive restoration it is now presentable and a thrilling ride on open roads. It would not have been irrational for the consignor to accept the high bid on the auction block.

Lot # 144 1960 Maserati 3500 GT Spider, Body by Vignale; S/N AM101975; Engine # 101975; Blu Scuro/Creme Beige leather; Estimate $700,000 – $900,000; Older restoration 2 condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $520,000. – 3,485/220hp, 3×2 Webers, ZF 5-speed, hub caps and trim rings, Pirelli Cinturato tires, leather boot cover, original pushbutton radio, power windows. – One of 242 Vignale Spiders built. The engine number pad is not stamped. Originally delivered to the wife of the Norwegian Consul and Olympic Attaché in Rome. Very good paint and chrome. Small blemish in the right taillight bezel. Beautiful interior with light wear on the steering wheel. Clean wheels and tires. Very clean engine and underbody. Concours award winner in 2017 and again in 2023. It is a beautiful car in any condition, and this one is very good. – Offered at Gooding’s Pebble Beach auction last year where it failed to sell at a reported high bid of $650,000 against a pre-sale estimate of $750-900,000. The bid here is disappointing based both on this Maserati’s condition and its innate beauty, a tribute to the design sensibilities of Vignale, but the buyers aren’t getting in a line to own it, not helped by the Saleroom Notice that the engine is unstamped.

Lot # 147 1992 Lancia Delta HF Evoluzione I Hatchback; S/N ZLA831AB000562644; White, Martini graphics/Black with Red stitching; Estimate $165,000 – $200,000; Unrestored original 2- condition; With Reserve; Post-block sale at $156,250 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $175,000. – 1,995/210hp, 5-speed, white wheels, Vredestein tires, Clarion CD, books, tools, jack, fitted Martini car cover. – One of 400 Martini 5 editions built, commemorating Lancia’s 5th consecutive WRC title. Sold new in Austria. Recently serviced. Showing 5,493 km. Some dirt and chipped paint under the hood and a few very small rock chips in the windshield, but this is a mostly very well-preserved Group A rally special. – Even in this country, the Delta HF Integrale is one of the most famous and most desirable road-going rally cars, largely thanks to video games and YouTube. Bid to $140,000 on the block, reported sold later at this all-in result but not shown in Bonhams results online in mid-September.

Lot # 148 1971 Porsche 911 S/T Coupe; S/N 9111301251; Engine # 6311707; Conda Green, Black Porsche script on the body sides/Black; Estimate $900,000 – $1,200,000; Competition restoration 3+ condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $780,000. – 2,247/230hp, 5-speed, Fuchs wheels, Michelin Racing tires, roll bar, Sabelt harnesses, fire bottle, leather-wrapped steering wheel, factory lightweight glass and body panels, 100 litre fuel tank, roll bar. – Won the 1972 Jochen Rindt Trophy race at Hockenheim. Original engine, upgraded to 2.3-liter Group 4 specs. A few chips on the nose but the paint finish is mostly very good. Dirty wheels and brakes, and rusty lug nuts. Scratched window frames. Clean dash and gauges. Worn window winders. Dry, cracked seat upholstery. A high-spec 911 race car with good equipment, colors, and history. – One of many little known Porsches with lightweight competition construction by the factory that excite Porsche fans. It has a decent early competition history in Germany. But it is such a rare configuration that it fits into a barely defined niche among Porsches and the people who appreciate it were either not here or were not aligned with the consignor’s expectations

Lot # 149 2021 Ford GT MKII Coupe; S/N FPMMMKII044; Blue, White/Black; Estimate $1,000,000 – $1,500,000; Unrestored original 2 condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $950,000. – 3,496/700hp twin turbo V-6, 7-speed AutoManual, carbon ceramic brakes, air jacks, Motec data logger, cool suit system, Sparco seats, 6-point belts, FIA roll cage, intercom, two seats. – 40 miles, a new car. It is a track day car, sold on a bill of sale and not registrable for street use. – After ascending to near and above 7-figure prices in the scramble to be part of the GT’s owner base even if Ford wouldn’t sell you one these cars, the track day Mk IIs have settled back and this bid is, if not up to expectations, at least realistic.

Lot # 154 1967 Ferrari 330 GTC Coupe, Body by Pininfarina; S/N 10007; Engine # 10007; Celeste Chiaro Metallizzato/Beige leather; Estimate $650,000 – $850,000; Older restoration 2- condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $625,000 plus commission of 10.80%; Final Price $692,500. – 3,967/300hp, 5-speed, alloy wheels, Michelin XWX tires, power windows, Becker Europa II radio, build sheets, tools, jack, books, Massini documented, – Restored in 2014, used and freshened by experts last year. Ferrari Classiche certified but awaiting the Red Book. Very good paint, barely used upholstery, carpets and trim. Clean engine compartment. Wipers park on the cowl and the doors close with a slight but noticeable gap. The rest of the body panels are smooth and beautifully fitted. – Sold by RM at Amelia in 2013 for $506,000 before restoration, a sound but used GTC with older paint. Sold by Bonhams at Quail after restoration for $1,017,500. One of only two GTCs in this color and very attractive but the seller and Bonhams were reasonable with their pre-sale estimate and this result is a third less than it sold for ten years ago even though it has added only 383 miles to the odometer in that time. It may be, as Bonhams touted it, “One of Ferrari’s finest driver’s cars of the Enzo era”, but it has had no opportunity to impart that impression in the past decade.

Lot # 160 1970 Porsche 914/6 GT Targa; S/N 9140430181; Yellow, White, Red stripe/Black; Estimate $900,000 – $1,200,000; Competition restoration 3+ condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $780,000. – 1,991/210hp, 5-speed, Fuchs wheels up front, Minilites in the back, Michelin racing tires all around, roll bar, Sabelt harnesses, fire bottle, leather-wrapped Prototipo steering wheel. – One of about 14-16 factory-built GTs. Sold new to Swiss privateer Ernst Seller. Won its class at the 1971 Monza 1000km. Long scratch on the front bumper, a small crack near the fuel filler door, another one on the tail and a few chips on the flared fenders. All forgivable stuff on a race car, and the finish itself is high quality. Scratched rear window frame. Excellent interior. A fast, historically significant and mostly very clean example of the ultimate 914. – The 914/6 GT, with its steel fender flares, wider alloy wheels, multiple fiberglass body panels, Plexiglas windows, extra oil cooler, long range fuel tank, antiroll bars at both ends, 911S brakes and higher-output engine make it king among 914s, which are typically pretty attainable classics. The Daytona class-winning car sold for $995K back in 2020 and nobody has ever paid more for a 914. And, other than that, nobody has ever paid more than this reported high bid for a 914, so it probably could have sold at this number.

Lot # 165 1965 Ford Mustang Convertible; S/N 5F08D143605; Rangoon Red, White side stripes/Red and White vinyl; White top; Estimate $25,000 – $35,000; Older restoration 3+ condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $200,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $224,000. – 289/210hp, automatic, narrow whitewalls, vinyl boot cover, pony interior, Kenwood cassette. – Reportedly bought by Tom Petty 20 years ago. Aged but presentable paint and chrome. Very clean wheels. Light discoloration on the boot cover and driver’s seat but mostly good interior. Clean underneath. Tom Petty is obviously a famous name, but not as a car guy, and he owned/used this car for an unspecified period long after his heyday. – It’s unclear if any of the bidders was an American Girl, but two of them Wouldn’t Back Down until there was no more Room at the Top, and by the time it was Mary Jane’s Last Dance and the hammer fell, the winning offer was $200K ($224K with fees). The price is beyond what a Refugee could afford. Petty mostly Handled it with Care, but this Mustang wasn’t perfect (#3+ condition) and its #1 value is $66,700. Celebrity ownership doesn’t always guarantee a car will be more valuable, but sometimes star power can send people’s rationality Freefallin’. This car brought some of the most exciting bidding action all week.

Lot # 169 1941 Chevrolet Model AK Pickup; S/N KCA91921; Engine # EBM260033; Red, Black fenders/Black vinyl; Estimate $30,000 – $40,000; Older restoration 3+ condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $36,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $40,320. – 217/90hp six, 3-speed manual, hub caps and trim rings, whitewalls, alternator. From the Golden State Muscle Car Collection. – The paint is in good shape overall, however there is noticeable paint chipping on the center hinge piece for the hood. The wood bed presents well without sign of use. The engine compartment is clean, but there is paint deterioration to the engine itself. The underbody is very clean and fully restored. The interior is very good and the new upholstery looks unused. A reasonably well presented Chevy pickup. – This old Chevy stovebolt six pickup will delight visitors to a vineyard, orchard or thrift store and it has the benefit of being of actual use (although that will inevitably scar up to pristine bed wood.) It is reasonably bought and sold in this transaction and both parties should be satisfied.

Photo courtesy Bonhams

Lot # 178 1968 Chevrolet Impala SS 427 Convertible; S/N 164678T147625; White/White vinyl; White vinyl top; Estimate $40,000 – $60,000; Enthusiast restoration 3- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $40,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $44,800. – 427/385hp, 4-speed, Rallye wheels with trim rings and Mastercraft A/S IV tires, bucket seats, center console, AM/FM radio, from the Golden State Muscle Car Collection. – Old faded paint with dull and pitted brightwork. The top is old and soiled. Under the hood has been cleaned up and a new coat of paint on the engine block so thick the block suffix code is barely legible. Underneath, the frame rails have paint scraped off as if it has been bottomed out and the interior is old and soiled. A really scruffy example of a rarely seen Impala SS 427 convertible. – A typical museum car, fluffed up to look reasonably good from outside the velvet ropes and doomed to sit on static display for years as it slowly deteriorates into a state of benign neglect. The result here accurately reflects the 427/385hp engine and 4-speed, as well as the neglected condition.

Lot # 180 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 Convertible; S/N 136670B212805; Cranberry Red, Black stripes/Black vinyl; Black vinyl top; Estimate $150,000 – $200,000; Older restoration 3- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $184,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $206,080. – LS6 454/450hp, M22 4-speed, power brakes and power steering, SS wheels with Goodyear Polyglas tires, bucket seats, center console, AM/FM radio, from the Golden State Muscle Car Collection. – The paint is heavily scratched and dulled. There is a large chip on the passenger’s side quarter panel. The brightwork is dull and tarnished. The top fits well and doesn’t appear to be terribly old. The engine compartment is clean and shows some aging, however it does present well. The underbody has some dirt and cobwebs forms sitting and the interior is aged and worn in, but nothing appears worn out. An aged example that needs loads of attention to the cosmetics. – An LS6 454/450hp 4-speed convertible ranks right at the top of muscle car collectors’ wish lists. Most have meticulous, show-winning restorations which makes finding one like this that has been neglected for years in an unimportant collection a find for ambitious muscle car collectors. It has the potential to be a half-million dollar car after an informed restoration and that can be accomplished even at the price this Chevelle brought here. Credit Bonhams for accurately and sensitively estimating this Chevelle, and the bidders for not getting carried away.

 

Lot # 184 1966 Dodge Coronet 440 Hemi 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N WH23H67255396; Black/Black vinyl; Estimate $60,000 – $80,000; Older restoration 2- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $64,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $71,680. – 426/425hp Hemi, column shift automatic, heater, body color wheels with hubcaps and blue streak tires, bench seat, AM radio, from the Golden State Muscle Car Collection. – The black paint is decent overall, however the finish is somewhat hazy and in need of a buffing. The bumpers are shiny and bright, but the side badges and belt line trim are dulled and pot metal pieces have pitting. The engine compartment shows very well and is detailed and the interior presents well with minimal use. A very basic Hemi equipped car that appears to have had a restoration some time ago. A cool sleeper. – “Hemi” allure was strong when this car crossed the block and it brought a superior price despite its column shift automatic transmission.

Lot # 186 1969 Mercury Cougar XR-7 Convertible; S/N 9F94Q582682; Dark Ivy Green/White vinyl; White vinyl top; Estimate $80,000 – $100,000; Older restoration 3 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $57,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $63,840. – 428/335hp Cobra Jet, automatic, power steering and brakes, BF Goodrich Radial T/A tires, AM/FM radio, power windows and top, added auxiliary gauges, from the Golden State Muscle Car Collection. – The paint has noticeable swirling. The door alignment is bad and they do not appear fully closed even when latched. The top is old and wrinkled. The engine compartment does present well and is clean, but the interior is aged and the seat covers are blemished and stretched. A scruffy old example of what is otherwise a rare and interesting Cougar. – This is a full, but not excessive, price based on this Cougar Convertible’s specs and its neglected “museum car” condition. A lot of work and elbow grease will make it worth more.

Lot # 189 1970 Ford Torino GT Convertible; S/N 0H37C116333; Ivy Green Metallic/Ginger; White vinyl top; Estimate $60,000 – $80,000; Cosmetic restoration 3 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $44,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $49,280. – 429/375hp Cobra Jet Ram Air, column shift automatic, power steering and brakes, bench seat, AM radio. From the Golden State Muscle Car Collection. – Old, swirled paint throughout. The belt line trim has some dings under the driver door handle. The top has wrinkles and is dingy. The engine compartment has some light aging but still presents well. Underneath, the exhaust has been partially replaced and the interior shows some minor wear. It’s aged but still looks decent. An older cosmetic restoration that is showing its age. – Another Golden State Muscle Car Collection neglected museum car that is inherently desirable but has been left on display for too long with too little attention paid to it. The Bonhams techs must have had their week filled with making these aged studs actually run and drive. Every one of the Golden State Muscle Car Collection cars needs to go straight to a competent mechanic to be thoroughly gone through. On the other hand, at these prices that level of attention is attainable without going (too far) over the top.

Lot # 194 1971 Ford Torino GT Convertible; S/N 1H37C176053; Black/Black vinyl; Black vinyl top; Estimate $60,000 – $80,000; Older restoration 3- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $55,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $61,600. – 429/370hp Cobra Jet, 4-speed, power steering and brakes, air conditioning, bench seat, AM radio. From the Golden State Muscle Car Collection. – The black paint shows off a ton of swirls. The beltline trim is dull, as are the bumpers. The convertible top fits well but is dirty. The engine compartment is clean and well sorted, and the underbody presents very well. The interior indicates little use since restoration. An old restoration in desperate need of a detailing. – This is a depressing series of consignments from the Golden State Muscle Car Collection. The best thing that can be said is that this is a “3-” condition Torino GT Convertible that brought “3+” condition money. There is a lot of hope in this pricing; a single major problem could sink this Torino underwater in a heartbeat.

Lot # 195 1968 Oldsmobile 4-4-2 Hurst Coupe; S/N 344878M392646; Peruvian Silver, Black/Black vinyl; Estimate $40,000 – $50,000; Older restoration 3 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $46,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $51,520. – 455/390hp, automatic, power steering and brakes, SSII wheels with Goodyear Polyglas tires, bucket seats, AM radio, from the Golden State Muscle Car Collection. – The paint finish has imperfections such as inconsistent finish on the roof appearing splotchy under the right light. The black trunk lid shows off noticeable swirling. The doors do not close smoothly, indicating they’re out of adjustment. The engine compartment is clean but appears to have been redone long ago. The underbody is clean and fully restored. The interior appears to have been redone some time ago but is not excessively worn. An old restoration that presents well enough from 10 feet, but that’s it. – This is a disappointing Olds, even though it brought an optimistic price.

Lot # 200 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T Hemi Hardtop Coupe; S/N JS23R08349300; Hemi Orange, Black side stripes, Black vinyl roof/Black; Estimate $200,000 – $300,000; Older restoration 4+ condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $295,000 plus commission of 11.69%; Final Price $329,500. – 426/425hp Hemi, 4-speed with pistol grip shifter, Super Track Pak with 4.10 axle, power steering and brakes, shaker hood scoop, Go Wing, rear window slats, Rallye wheels with Goodyear Polyglas GT tires, AM/FM radio, Rallye gauge pack, includes broadcast sheet, from the Golden State Muscle Car Collection. – Represented as one of just 237 1970 Hemi Challengers and about a dozen with 4-speed and shaker hood. The paint is extremely dull and damaged, there are large chips on the hood and the tops of the fenders have paint worn down to the primer. The bumpers are dull and pitted, and the vinyl roof is old and faded but not cracked. The engine compartment is aged but not neglected. The radiator support appears replaced and the radiator is slightly tweaked as if there is prior accident damage. The underside is aged and a bit dusty. The interior is aged but not abused or neglected, just old. An aged older restoration of a highly optioned and desirable bit of Mopar muscle. – This is a shabby car condition-wise, but it ticks so many boxes and was definitely the king of this muscle car collection that crossed the block at Bonhams. This price is also surprisingly strong given that the car has needs and its condition can’t be excused by originality. The words “Hemi”, “4-speed”, and “R/T” pulled a lot of weight here and brought a result that can only be described as excessive.

Lot # 203 1971 Plymouth Road Runner Hemi 2-Dr. Hardtop; S/N RM23R1R114725; Black, White/Black vinyl; Estimate $150,000 – $200,000; Older restoration 3 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $175,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $196,000. – 426/425hp Hemi, 4-speed with pistol grip shifter, air grabber scoop, power steering and brakes, Rallye wheels with BF Goodrich Radial T/A tires, bucket seats, AM/FM radio, from the Golden State muscle car collection. – The paint is very dull and swirled. There are noticeable chips on the back edge of both B-pillars. The bumpers and shiny. The engine compartment is detailed and presents very well. The underbody is restored and shows little deterioration. The interior is aged and shows some wear. A moderately scruffy example of a final year Hemi Road Runner. – The 1971 model year was the last for the Hemi. It was also the first of a full redesign of the Belvedere/Satellite/Road Runner series with its handsome “Coke Bottle” fuselage theme with loop-shaped front bumper and high trunk. Hemis naturally sit at the top of the heap, and 4-speeds command a decent premium. This one sold about right for its equipment and condition.

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