It felt good to get back to the verdant lawns, marquees and luxury Port-a-Potties in front of the Westin Kierland for Bonhams Scottsdale auction. The ’21 event was live previewed but with socially-distanced bidding largely on line and by phone. ’22 was all here, live, populated and up close and personal.
Why were there only 89 lots after 108 in 2020 and 120 in 2019? There was no shortage of potential consignments, as other auctions have demonstrated. Quality consignments are another matter. But the advent of Bonhams “affordable classics” MPH auctions in the UK and the growing and continuous presence of their The Market online sales have taken pressure off Bonhams traditional live auctions to put up big consignment counts under their ownership by private equity fund Epiris. Bean counters think in units, not quality, and it appears that Bonhams management has been able to impress the difference upon Epiris.
“Quality” was not universal at Bonhams Scottsdale, but neither was it at most of the other Scottsdale auctions. What it did feature was the oldest car in the Scottsdale auctions, a few of the best cars in the Valley of the Sun, a row of Aston Martins, the “Rain Man” Buick and the prettiest Devin Super Sport on the planet.
It was a refreshing return to live action in the Valley of the Sun with strong average and median transactions and the best sell-through rate Bonhams has ever had at this venue.
Here are the numbers:
| Year | Cars Sold/ Offered | Sale % | Sold < Low Est | Sold > High Est | Average Sale | Median Sale | Total $ |
| 2022 | 85/89 | 95.5% | 29.2% | 22.5% | $134,122 | $95,200
[71%] |
$11,400,360 |
| 2021 | 29/37 | 78.4% | 67.9% | 7.1% | $203,324 | $89,600
[44.1%] |
$5,896,400 |
| 2020 | 88/108 | 81.5% | 78.4% | 3.4% | $95,872 | $45,920
[47.9%] |
$8,436,720 |
| 2019 | 108/120 | 90% | 75.9% | 3.7% | $149,068 | $72,800
[48.8%] |
$16,099,320 |
33 of the 89 lots offered are reported here. This report has been updated with additional lots.
Lots are arranged in lot number order.
Lot # 3 1902 Darracq 9hp 2-Seater Voiturette; S/N 3292; Engine # 3292; White, Green fenders/Black leather; Estimate $55,000 – $65,000; Visually maintained, largely original 4- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $90,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $100,800. – RHD. 1,290/9 RAC hp, 3-speed, wheel steering, green wood spoke wheels, Dunlop motorcycle tires, Ducellier kerosene sidelights. – Ex-Harrah’s collection, largely unrestored. Cracked, peeling old paint. Tattered upholstery. Dirty engine and chassis. All there but beyond being simply aged. Not RAC dated for LBVCR eligibility. Invited to the Audrain Tour in March in Rhode Island. – Sold in the 1986 Harrah’s disposition sale for $15,000 where it was described as a Model B-1 6hp, “Partially restored in fair overall condition… Paint poor, chipped and cracking.” It is pretty much the same today except that it is 36 years older but it is a promising car for the Brighton Run and other Veteran events even if it is only mechanically refreshed for operation and reliability. The price it brought is eye-opening, however.
Lot # 4 1972 Citroen SM Coupe; S/N 01SB0019; Engine # 250230; Light Green Metallic/Tobacco Brown leather; Estimate $50,000 – $70,000; Visually maintained, largely original 3+ condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $40,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $44,800. – 2,670/170hp Maserati V-6, 5-speed, Euro headlights, air conditioning, disc brakes, Weber carbs, Continental-Edison radio. – Paint in good condition, appears to be somewhat recent. Minor chips around the hood by the windshield. Glass in good condition but the power windows are not working. Chrome and brightwork fair with some scratches on the stainless trim. Paint chipped on steel wheels. Interior shows wear on both front seats and there is a tear in the upper driver’s seat. A futuristic classic, what more can be said? – This is full-Citroen version with hydro-pneumatic suspension and button brake pedal, a system not known for its reliability. People approach an SM with reticence, as they did this one, disregarding many of its positive features like the Webers, 5-speed and air conditioning in favor of hedging in anticipation of expensive work that might be required. A reasonable price for an SM that looks like it’s had a good home.
Lot # 5 1998 Bentley Continental T Mulliner RSE Edition Coupe; S/N SCBZU25C3WCX67023; Blue Sequin Mica/Sandstone leather; Estimate $100,000 – $130,000; Unrestored original 2 condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $87,500 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $98,000. – 6,753/420hp turbocharged V-8, automatic, RSE options including 18″ rims, stainless steel headlight surrounds, body colored bumper trays, sport seats with Alcantara inserts, body colored shifter, chrome ringed gauges. Other options include aftermarket Pioneer stereo (original included in the sale) – In original condition with minor paint flaws including stone chips on mirrors and around headlights, factory blemish on rear driver’s side pillar. The interior, specifically the driver’s area is dirty and in need of a thorough detail. The tires appear to be original or older and are dirty. Engine bay factory. All glass good. A personal favorite of mine at this auction; love the color! A neat car for the realized price. One of 182 Mulliners and one of only 14 North American RSE models. Includes books, tools, service records and represented as 35,300 miles. – A level of luxury, comfort and performance not often seen or achieved even at a cost of almost $370,000 when new. Now depreciated to the cost of a new Corvette, this is a rare car and, aside from being frightfully expensive to service, a wonderful long-legged beast that still looks contemporary, a sound value.
Lot # 9 1968 Chevrolet Corvette 427/390hp Roadster; S/N 194678S404381; Le Mans Blue/Black vinyl; White vinyl top; Estimate $55,000 – $75,000; Modified restoration 3- condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $61,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $68,320. – 427/390hp, 4-speed, Edelbrock Torker II intake manifold, Rally wheels with trim rings, Goodyear Speedway F70-15 narrow whitewall tires, aftermarket cassette stereo, power windows. – No engine number. Decent paint, chrome and interior. Messy wiring under the hood. Dirty chassis. Oil puddle on the intake manifold. Just a car. – Unstamped modified engine, messy wiring, dirty chassis? This should have been a $41,000 Corvette, not $61,000.
Lot # 12 1970 Chevrolet Nova LT/1 ‘Yenko Deuce’ 2-Dr. Sedan; S/N 114270W350058; Fathom Blue, White side stripes/Black vinyl; Estimate $135,000 – $165,000; Recent restoration 2 condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $137,500 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $154,000. – 350/360hp, single 4-barrel, 4-speed, Hurst shifter, sport steering wheel, pushbutton radio, heater, Spyder Motion 5-spoke alloy wheels, Wide Oval tires, hood mounted tach, bench seat, power brakes, COPO 9737 and 9010. – Restored to high standards with excellent paint, chrome, interior and gauges. The engine compartment is like new. – Sold by Mecum at Kissimmee in 2016 for $176,000 and showing just 39 more miles today than it did then. That was a representative result at the time, but times change and this is a representative result today. Some prices were high this January but results like this show that not all the January bidders had taken leave of their senses.
Lot # 17 1965 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III LWB Touring Limousine; S/N LCEL83; Engine # CL41E; Pine Green/Tan leather; Estimate $60,000 – $100,000; Older restoration 3 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $94,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $105,280. – 6,230/220hp, automatic, full refrigeration, power windows, intercom, wide whitewall tires, Lucas fog lights. – An older Vantage Motorworks restoration but still presents nicely. Paint is good with little to no blemish. Door seals are dry and cracking. Interior in great condition with only slight wear on the driver’s seat. Chrome in great condition. Slight splintering of the tail lights. Great older restoration that with a little work could be brought back to full glory. R-R build sheets documented. – This is a well-kept high quality old restoration that is holding up well cosmetically but it has been on static display since about 2009 and it will take no small amount of work and expense to go through it mechanically before it can be used. The bidders didn’t seem to care and it is an extraordinary car even for this much money.
Lot # 18 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560SL Convertible; S/N WDBBA48D3GA051726; Signal Red, Signal Red hardtop/Parchment; Estimate $50,000 – $70,000; Unrestored original 3+ condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $36,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $40,320. – 5,549/225hp, automatic, air conditioning, factory hardtop (and soft top), aftermarket CD stereo. – Nice original car with minor exterior wear and small scratches on rear bumper guard appropriate to the 60,004 miles it has covered. Some fading of the black rubber on the door handles. Small dent in the top of the rear bumper. The interior is good with wear on the driver’s side seat bottom and slight peel of the artificial chrome on the driver’s door. The engine is in factory condition. While 560SLs continue to be all the rage this nice example is refreshing in what has become a sea of used cars. Original keys, data card, tools, owner’s manual and original CA plates. – There is a material but not obnoxious originality premium in this car’s result. The new owner should be happy with the car and its price.
Lot # 22 1978 Ferrari 308 GTS Spider, Body by Pininfarina-Scaglietti; S/N 25129; Engine # 03291; Fly Yellow, Black roof panel/Black leather; Estimate $70,000 – $90,000; Visually maintained, largely original 3 condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $75,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $84,000. – 2,927/255hp, four Weber carburetors, 5-speed, Borletti air conditioning, power windows, Concord stereo, alloy wheels, Michelin Pilot Sport All Season tires, tools, jack. – Decent repaint with a crack under the driver’s outside door handle and small masking misses under the windshield and along the top of the driver’s door. The interior is sound and fresh. The roof panel corners are chipped. Clean, dry engine compartment. A sound and well-maintained driver. – The carbureted 308s have a bit more power than their later FI descendants and a cachet resulting from their place at the culmination of carbureted Ferraris long and storied history. This is a reassuring example in the ever-popular Fly Yellow and it brought a reassuring price in this transaction.
Lot # 27 1970 Maserati Ghibli 4.7 Coupe, Body by Ghia; S/N AM1151568; Engine # AM1151568; Blue Sera/Beige leather; Estimate $150,000 – $180,000; Visually maintained, largely original 3+ condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $175,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $196,000. – 4,719/300hp, ZF 5-speed, 2-piece Campagnolo alloy wheels, Michelin XWX tires, Becker Europa AM-FM, power steering and brakes, power windows. – Represented as the matching numbers engine and the original color. Decent paint, chrome and interior. A sound and well-maintained driver quality Ghibli with the desirable ZF 5-speed. – Sold by Auctions America at Burbank in 2013 for $104,500, then by Bonhams at Quail Lodge last year for $179,200. The odometer has added just under 1,000 miles since 2013. The successful hammer bid today is $15,000 more than it was five months ago, a material increase but not out of line.
Lot # 29 1992 Ferrari 512 TR ‘Prototype’ Berlinetta, Body by Pininfarina-Scaglietti; S/N ZFFLG40A9N0086815; Engine # 00011; Rosso Corsa/Black leather; Estimate $275,000 – $325,000; Unrestored original 3+ condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $265,000 plus commission of 11.89%; Final Price $296,500. – 4,942/428hp, 5-speed, power windows, air conditioning, power mirrors, alloy wheels, Michelin tires, SF shields, Schedoni luggage, books, tools. – Described as one of two “prototype” cars built to U.S. specifications. Lots of paint loss and oily mist residue in the engine compartment. Good paint and lightly worn upholstery. Looks like what it claims to be including the 20,647 miles on its odometer. – Reported sold by Russo and Steele at Monterey in 2017 for $214,500 and preserved since then although beginning to show its age. This result is a reasonable one for its early build status (which might have been characterized in American terminology as a “pilot line” car, meaning one put together to finalize the production process). It is a healthy premium over a standard 512 TR, however.
Lot # 33 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe; S/N 30837S104664; Engine # 3108005F0121RE; Red/Black leather; Estimate $90,000 – $130,000; Modified restoration 3 condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $100,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $112,000. – 327/340hp, Tremec 5-speed, AM-FM, 17-inch alloy wheels, Wilwood disc brakes, Noken tires, manual brakes, side exhaust, aftermarket stereo – Not the original engine, just the correct type and year. 5-speed, Global West coil over suspension, Wilwood disc brakes added. Good paint, interior and chrome. Uneven door fit, clean but not restored engine compartment. – Not quite a Restomod and (aside from the wheels) retaining its original appearance this Corvette should draw attention and be a highly enjoyable around town driver and tour car. It won’t win any NCRS prizes but the price reflects both its utility and its modifications.
Lot # 37 2012 McLaren MP4-12C Coupe; S/N SBM11AAA7LW000813; Papaya Orange/Black leather; Estimate $110,000 – $130,000; Unrestored original 2- condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $117,500 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $131,600. – 3,799/562hp twin turbo V-8, 7-speed sequential transmission, carbon fiber accents, orange brake calipers, matte grey alloy wheels, PZero tires, original window sticker. – An excellent original car with little to no signs of wear internally or externally and represented with 6,797 miles. Slight curb rash on the passenger side wheel rims. Delamination/splintering of plastic covering headlights. Sure to grab attention anywhere it is driven. With repair of the headlights it will be back to new condition. Factory manuals with leather pouch, factory battery charger, original window sticker, copies of service records, McLaren car cover and extra keys. – Ever notice how modern supercars with wind tunnel refined aerodynamics are all starting to look alike? This McLaren is a good example of the phenomenon but at least stands out with “look at me” Papaya Orange paint and “stealth” alloy wheels. It may be ten years old but it still makes a statement and does so at a reasonable cost.
Lot # 34 1961 Jaguar XKE SI flat floor EBL Roadster; S/N 875180; Engine # R1270-9; Green/Tan leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $380,000 – $480,000; Older restoration 2- condition; With Reserve; Reported sold but not confirmed $0 plus commission of; Final Price. – 3,781/265hp, 4-speed, flat floor car with outside bonnet latches and welded louvers, chrome wire wheels, Vredestein tires, woodrim steering wheel, Blaupunkt pushbutton radio. – Restored by Classic Showcase in the late 2000s. Clean, lightly used engine bay with some fluid residue on the block and on suspension joints. Polished cam covers and carburetor dashpots. Good but older paint and chrome. Very good, very lightly worn interior. – Sold by Gooding here in Scottsdale in 2020 for $268,800 and now with only 74 more miles on the odometer. Hammerprice shows this lot sold for $401,000 all-in. If that’s the case, or even hammered sold at the low estimate, this is an exceptionally strong result for this car’s condition.
Lot # 41 1965 Buick Riviera Gran Sport Coupe; S/N 494475H916972; Engine # 5H916972; Primrose/Saddle Tan; Estimate $65,000 – $85,000; Visually maintained, largely original 3+ condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $71,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $79,520. – 425/360hp, dual quads, automatic, factory alloy wheels, Hankook tires, original window sticker and Protect-o-Plate documented. – Good repaint and original chrome. Sound original upholstery and interior trim. A mostly original car with only three owners from new with the second owner keeping it for almost half a century. – A solid car with the kind of history and confidence only long term caring ownership can confer, this result includes a meaningful but appropriate premium for preservation and history.
Lot # 42 1989 Lamborghini Countach ’25th Anniversary’ Coupe, Body by Bertone; S/N ZA9CA05A3KLA12651; Rosso Seviglia/Beige leather, Red piping; Estimate $300,000 – $350,000; Unrestored original 3+ condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $400,000 plus commission of 11.25%; Final Price $445,000. – 5,167/449hp, 5-speed, Pirelli tires, OZ modular wheels. – Paint looks good with no swirl marks but some light cracking near body panel edges. The rubber trim looks good. The engine bay is a bit dusty. The leather is lightly worn and the driver’s seat foam looks flat. Discoloration and scuffing on carpet and leather as well. Represented with extensive service years ago, and a new clutch in 2009. Described as US spec but has speedometer in km. – Sold by Mecum at Kissimmee in 2015 for $378,000. It then began an arduous search for a new owner (and a higher price) through six Mecum auction in 2017 before it finally sold at Monterey for $286,000. Its fortunes were revived here in Scottsdale with this generous result. The odometer reading is just 10,678 km, consistent with what it has showed since 2015 and is probably all it has covered since new. The Kierland bidders valued it highly and optimistically for originality.
Lot # 44 1958 AC Ace Roadster; S/N AEX221; Engine # CL2334; Silver/Dark Blue leather; Dark Blue cloth top; Estimate $325,000 – $375,000; Recent restoration 2+ condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $465,000 plus commission of 11.08%; Final Price $516,500. – 1,991/102hp, three SU carburetors, 4-speed, chrome wire wheels, Michelin X tires. – $400,000 restoration completed in 2018 and still like new. Best in Class and Best in Show runner up at the 2018 Trump Charlotte Concours, shown at Amelia in 2019 and Hilton Head in 2021. Gorgeous body lines and panel fits. Impeccable paint. – After spending a fortune on the restoration no realistic seller would expect to recoup the cost and, based on the pre-sale estimate, this consignor didn’t. He was thus no doubt happily surprised when the bidders in Scottsdale swarmed on this gorgeous AC Ace, eventually committing to a hammer bid 24% over the high estimate. And it is impossible to argue with their enthusiasm. In terms of quality and presentation it was one of the best cars in the Scottsdale auctions.
Lot # 45 1965 Jaguar XKE SI 4.2 Coupe; S/N 1E30738; Engine # 7E2280-9; Black/Black leather; Estimate $225,000 – $275,000; Recent restoration 2- condition; With Reserve; Reported sold but not confirmed $0 plus commission of; Final Price. – 4,235/265hp, 4-speed, chrome wire wheels, JDHT Certificate documented. – Outstanding paint, brilliant chrome, fresh, inviting interior. The engine compartment features polished cam covers and carburetor dashpots. It has been detailed for the auction but there is some grimy residue in corners and crevices. Represented as the original engine, gearbox and rear axle. – Sold by Bonhams here in 2016 before restoration for just $53,350. The restoration’s quality is reassuring but the final transaction value is unknown.
Lot # 48 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Roadster; S/N 11304412009120; Engine # 13098312005788; Midnight Blue, Midnight Blue hardtop/Parchment leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $175,000 – $225,000; Recent restoration 2+ condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $170,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $190,400. – 2,778/160hp, automatic, two tops, Frigiking air conditioning, wheel covers, narrow whitewalls, Becker Europa AM-FM. – Freshly restored and spotless. A/C blows cold. Eve panel gaps and flush fits. Impossible to find any meaningful fault. – It’s impossible to find any meaningful fault with the transaction result, either, which might even be a little light with insufficient allowance made for the two tops and cold air conditioning.
Lot # 49 1983 Ferrari 512 BBi Berlinetta, Body by Pininfarina; S/N ZFFJA09B000046663; Engine # O582; Rosso Corsa, Black lower body/Black leather, Grey cloth inserts; Estimate $230,000 – $260,000; Visually maintained, largely original 3+ condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $200,000. – 4,942/340hp, fuel injection, 5-speed, Borletti air conditioning, power windows, Pioneer cassette stereo, centerlock alloy wheels, TRX tires, keys, manuals. – Sound at least partially original paint with minor places buffed through. Good original upholstery. Tidy chassis and underbody. Not pristine but well-preserved and said to run and drive well. The odometer shows 21,712 miles, a reading that is consistent with the car’s presentation. – Reported sold by Russo and Steele at Monterey in 2018 for $231,000, the reported high bid here is realistic but also realistically declined by the seller who had good reason to expect more than this for this car’s preservation and condition.
Lot # 50 2009 Maybach 62 Limousine with Partition; S/N WDBVG78J09A002540; Caspian Black/Black leather; Estimate $60,000 – $80,000; Unrestored original 2 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $210,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $235,200. – 5,513/543hp twin turbo V-12, automatic, heated and ventilated seats, sunroof with electrochromic glass, window curtains, a total of 39 options. – 3,704 miles and like new with a $465,540 MSRP. Not used in a while and will require (very expensive) mechanical recommissioning. – Bonhams, and everyone else, missed the boat on this Maybach’s pre-sale estimate range. It was a rather wondrous thing, sitting off in a corner. The bidders rose to the occasion with this result that recognizes its luxury, performance and exclusivity.
Lot # 52 1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S Roadster; S/N 1880120016753; Engine # 1880120016753; Light Blue/Light Grey leather; Faded Beige cloth top; Estimate $375,000 – $450,000; Unrestored original 4 condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $425,000 plus commission of 11.18%; Final Price $472,500. – 2,996/150hp, triple carburetors, column shift 4-speed, Becker Nurburg radio, hubcaps and trim rings, Bosch fog lights. – One of 114 built and completely original having been stored since at least the 1970’s. Dirty, dusty barn find but solid and mostly complete. Repainted and reupholstered long ago. Too far gone to preserve, but a straightforward restoration project with almost nothing missing. – It’s all about the potential. Some unrestored cars lend themselves to mechanical attention and then driving. Others, where the mechanicals are too far gone to be resuscitated for anything less than a fortune, don’t lend themselves to that expedient and might just as well launch directly into a nut and bolt restoration. I think that’s where this 300S is headed and by embarking on that path the new owner will be betting on values vastly inflating during the restoration because when its done and done right the total investment will make present day restored 300S Roadster values look like a pittance.
Lot # 57 1977 Ferrari 308 GTB Berlinetta, Body by Pininfarina-Scaglietti; S/N 22273; Engine # 02610; Red/Black leather; Estimate $80,000 – $100,000; Visually maintained, largely original 3+ condition; With Reserve; Reported sold but not confirmed $0 plus commission of; Final Price. – 2,927/255hp, 5-speed, Borletti air conditioning, power windows, alloy wheels, Toyo tires. – The driver’s outside door handle is loose and has scuffed the paint.The engine compartment is clean and dry, as is the underbody. Good upholstery. Clear, crisp gauges. The odometer shows 43,302 miles, a reading that is appropriate to the car’s condition. – Reported sold by Bonhams but at an undisclosed price. It was sold at Quail Lodge in 2021 for $78,400.
Lot # 62 1995 Ferrari F355 Spider, Body by Pininfarina-Scaglietti; S/N ZFFPR48A3S0104074; Nero Ferrari/Beige leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $130,000 – $160,000; Unrestored original 2- condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $200,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $224,000. – 3,496/380hp, 6-speed, Sony stereo, 18-inch alloy wheels, PZero tires, SF shields, carbon fiber door sills. Assembly number 21012. – 898 miles and nearly like new except for a little more driver’s seat wear than expected for the miles and an oil misted and somewhat grimy engine compartment. “Recent” belt service. – Another home run in Scottsdale for a low miles, 6-speed Ferrari, but it is hard to imagine another example with this few miles. The belt service is encouraging, but the precise, or even approximate, definition of “recent” is missing and the oily engine compartment is not an indication of a job done with care and pride.
Lot # 69 1949 Buick Roadmaster Convertible ‘Rain Man’; S/N 54218527; Light Yellow/Burgundy leatherette; Beige cloth top; Estimate $150,000 – $250,000; Visually maintained, largely original 4+ condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $300,000 plus commission of 11.67%; Final Price $335,000. – 320/150hp inline eight, Dynaflow, wheel covers, whitewalls, pushbutton radio, heater, power windows, skirts. – One of the stars of the movie “Rainman”, offered by Dustin Hoffman. Chipped, dull old paint, pimpled trim chrome, good upholstery. Grungy engine compartment and chassis. A typical movie car. – While any reasonable buyer would walk away from this Roadmaster’s condition at $50,000 its role in “Rainman”, legendary feel good movie, and Dustin Hoffman history just kept paddles in the air. Even for a prominent movie car, however, this is a serious premium. There is another ’49 Roadmaster out there also used in the movie, although without Dustin Hoffman ownership history, and it’s a good bet that it is going to turn up soon, lured out of obscurity by this result.
Lot # 75 1959 Austin-Healey Sprite Mark I Roadster Race Car; S/N OR38449; Yellow, Blue stripe/Black leatherette; Estimate $15,000 – $25,000; Modified for competition during restoration 3 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $16,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $17,920. – 1,293/90hp, dual SU carburetors, 4-speed, 8-spoke Minilite style alloy wheels, Hoosier tires, Momo steering wheel, fire system, driver’s paperclip roll bar, single seat, dual aeroscreens. – Race-used but clean and presentable. SCCA logbook documented. Sold with an Oregon salvage title. – An astute buyer would pay this much for a stock-equipped Bugeye in comparable condition. The race preparation is free. The wide angle “Wink” rear view mirror is useful for keeping track of all the fast cars coming up behind.
Lot # 76 1961 Devin Super Sport Roadster; S/N SSECH001; Red/Beige leatherette; Estimate $100,000 – $130,000; Competition car, original as-raced 2 condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $85,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $95,200. – 350 Chevy, Holley 4-barrel on a Devin aluminum intake manifold, Mallory distributor, headers, T-10 4-speed, Hurst shifter, side exhaust, AutoMeter gauges, quick release outside fuel filler, chrome wire wheels, Dunlop Racing tires, Moto-Lita woodrim steering wheel, 1961 Jaguar XKE 4-wheel independent suspension, Dunlop 4-wheel disc brakes – Good cosmetics matched by the quality of the construction and components. It is equipped with road registration-standard lights and mirrors. – For anyone who dreamed over Bill Devin’s ads in the back of Road & Track and Sports Car Graphic in the Sixties this Chevy-powered Super Sport is what populated their fantasies. Being an SS it also has a robust Devin tube frame rather than a repurposed TR3 or ’52 Chevy that is under most front engine Devin bodies. It has all the right stuff, even a low profile Devin intake manifold. In this transaction it is sublimely inexpensive.
Lot # 78 1962 Jaguar Mk II 3.8 4-Dr. Sedan; S/N P216725DN; Engine # LB6575-11; Opalescent Silver-Blue/Beige leather; Estimate $75,000 – $105,000; Modified restoration 3+ condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $70,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $78,400. – RHD. 3,781/220+hp, fuel injection, 5-speed, chrome wire wheels, upgraded disc brakes, stainless steel brake lines, Koni shocks, Wilton wool carpets, aftermarket Sony CD stereo, 4-spoke woodrim steering wheel. – Appears to have been somewhat cosmetically restored recently. The paint is good overall with little to no blemish. The interior is in excellent condition and is well done. The chrome is average with no pitting. The door seals appear dry though and there is some cracking. The engine bay is tidy and exhibits the upgrades to the engine including new aftermarket radiator. Great color combination on a classic Jaguar. This car is the full package; great colors plus performance upgrades. – The engine in this Mk II is awe-inspiring and the “-11” on the cylinder head number implies that premium fuel is required with horsepower that is more like 300 and the stock 220. It should be an exhilarating road car with performance at least as good as a 2022 Toyota TRD. Enthusiasm for it and a willingness to pay a lot more than the $46,200 it brought at Kissimmee a year ago is amply justified.
Lot # 80 1958 Imperial Crown Limousine, Body by Ghia; S/N LY11001; Engine # CE5732438; Black/Black leather, Grey broadcloth rear; Estimate $90,000 – $130,000; Visually maintained, largely original 3 condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $70,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $78,400. – 392/345hp, pushbutton automatic, wide whitewall tires, jump seats, electric windows, rear clock, powered glass partition, rear air conditioning, power brakes and steering. – Older restoration that shows some age with paint in fair condition and blemishes throughout. Wear on driver’s seat but other upholstery good. Chrome edgy overall with pitting on door handles. Vinyl roof in fair condition. A classic rare limo that needs some love from an end user. One of just 31 Ghia built limos, sold new in Canada to the T. Eaton Co. Limited department store chain. – Sold at Auburn Fall in 2019 for $81,400, an extravagant, luxurious, exclusive limousine for a powerful Canadian family. It is a sound value at this result.
Lot # 83 1937 Cord 812 Supercharged Phaeton; S/N 81231415H; Engine # FC2944; Geneva Blue/Tan leather; Tan cloth top; Estimate $100,000 – $130,000; Older restoration 3 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $180,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $201,600. – 289/170hp, supercharged, 4-speed pre-selector, radio, new wide whitewall tires. – An older restoration with paint in fair condition with some age blemishes including cracking paint on top of the cowl. The interior is good with wear on front seat and soiled front carpets. Driver’s side door handle droops. Glass is good. Chrome good with minor scratches on the windshield frame. Top slightly wrinkled from long term storage folded. A driver quality Cord with an ACD Category 1 Certification of well-known history even if the chassis number was arbitrarily selected from a list of missing examples. – This is a sound but tired older restored Phaeton and it should have been sold for much less than this price. This isn’t a record price, but it probably is, even with the ACD Certification, for this car’s condition and the bogus chassis number. It was a no-sale at Bonhams Quail Lodge three years ago at a much more reasonable bid of $85,000.
Lot # 86 1953 Nash-Healey Le Mans Roadster, Body by Pinin Farina; S/N 3072; Engine # 1295; Black/Terracotta; Estimate $75,000 – $125,000; Cosmetic restoration 3 condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $74,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $82,880. – 252/140hp, 3-speed, overdrive, chrome wire wheels, factory radio, wide whitewall tires. – An older restoration showing age which is likely with black paint. Lots of surface scratching in the clearcoat. Seals on the doors appeared dry and cracking. Driver quality chrome. Passenger window delaminating and the rear window is scratched. License plate light broken. Chrome on wheels pitted. Fun little car but needs some love. – Sold by Mecum at Arlington, Illinois in 1997 for $20,370, then given some attention before being sold by RM at Monterey in 2008 for $126,500. In 2010 RM sold it at Monterey again for $77,500. It has never been a good car, just a driver and the seller should be more than happy with the price it brought here.
Lot # 87 1935 Riley MPH/Sprite Supercharged Two Seater Special/Recreation; S/N 26F2361; Engine # T1221; Red/Tan leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $75,000 – $125,000; Rebodied or re-created 3 condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $68,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $76,160. – RHD. 1,496/80hp, supercharger, pre-selector 4-speed, folding windshield, dual Brooklands aero screens, Riley badged Lucas headlights with LED bulbs, silver painted wire wheels, Excelsior tires. – Built in the UK by a number of specialists based on the running gear of a 1935 Riley Falcon saloon in a newly built chassis frame. Good older paint and chrome. Good interior showing age and wear. Driven but maintained. – Since it is, in fact, a 1935 Riley, even though it is a Special it is eligible for age-specific events where it should surprise a few of the half-million dollar cars with which it might find itself competing. It has been driven, but is clean and well-maintained. Repair parts, however, may be of the finest unobtanium. Even taking that, and arguments with historic event organizers about eligibility, it is a good value in this transaction.
Lot # 88 1973 Volvo 1800ES Sport Wagon; S/N 18363004405; Red/Black leather; Estimate $35,000 – $45,000; Older restoration 3 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $37,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $41,440. – 1,986/112hp, automatic, Bosch fuel injection, 4 wheel disc brakes, aftermarket cassette radio, sport steering wheel. – An older restoration. The glass is good with exception of delamination in the windshield corners. The paint also is good with some surface scratching and early signs of rust in bubbling of paint of top of the passenger fender. Interior shows signs of wear with creases in front seats and a crack on lower dash. Chrome and brightwork are fair with pitting on the door upper trim and vent window trim. The engine shows use and age. A fun little wagon on the 1800. It needs some love but can be driven and enjoyed as is. – This isn’t as good at the Gooding & Company 1800ES that sold for $67,000, but it’s a lot less and still a presentable driver-quality example. This result was, however, all the money for this Volvo’s condition.
Lot # 90 1951 Hudson Hornet Club Coupe; S/N 121460; Engine # 5325000; Metallic Burgundy, Burgundy cloth roof/Burgundy leatherette, cloth; Estimate $40,000 – $60,000; Modified restoration 3- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $28,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $31,360. – 308/180hp inline six, Twin H-Power, possibly a 7X high performance engine from a later Hudson, automatic, JVC cassette stereo, chrome wire wheels, narrow whitewalls, skirts, heater. – Mediocre old repaint. Sound but gaudy interior and the Burgundy cloth roof covering is a bit over the top. The chrome and stainless are erratic but sound. The chassis is aged but has at least been cleaned and repainted. A showy car but ultimately in driver condition. – If this is, in fact, a 7X engine it was hand-assembled in Hudson’s race shop and available only over the counter from Hudson dealers. According to online sources the 7X delivered 220-240hp, 40-60hp more than the standard Twin H. Considering the effort that went into restoring this Hornet it is somewhat possible this is a real 7X although the cast iron cylinder head is inconsistent. Either way, it’s a charismatic Hudson and worth every penny of the price it brought here in Scottsdale.