BONHAMS COMMENCE EUROPEAN AUCTIONS WITH IMPRESSIVE GRAND PALAIS SALE

Bonhams begin the 2016 season of European motoring sales with an enviable selection of incredible motor cars from across the world’s greatest automotive marques. 

An impressive lineup of Ferraris led the sale, with the marque accounting for half of the top ten lots, headed by the 1966 275 GTB Berlinetta, achieving €2,070,000 (£1,559,331). The 275 GTB is considered a masterpiece of motor car design. Boasting a V12, 300 bhp engine, it was the successor to the 250 series, spearheaded by the legendary 250 GTO. Claiming further successes for the marque, a 2002 Ferrari 550 Barchetta Pininfarina sold for €451,667 (£340,240), a 2010 Ferrari 599 GTO sold for €425,500 (£320,529), and a 2002 Ferrari 575M Maranello coupé sold for a world record price of €345,000 (£259,888).

Philip Kantor, Bonhams European Head of Motoring, said: “Fifty per cent of the top ten lots from today’s sale were from Ferrari, with the remainder coming from Aston Martin, Bentley, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz and Rolls-Royce. We’re seeing a continued desire for models offered at respectable estimates. Bonhams motoring department now look to the Mercedes-Benz sale (Stuttgart, Germany, 19 March), and the Goodwood Members’ Meeting sale (Chichester, UK, 20 March) for further exciting auctions.”

Elsewhere, a generous donor offered his 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Convertible for sale, with proceeds to benefit a Parisien charity. The Fondation de l’Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP) is dedicated to supporting post-trauma research, and will receive €80,000 (£61,280) from the sale for their cause.

Further sale highlights include a 1961 Aston Martin DB4 Series IV, sold for €609,500 (£459,136), a 1951 Bentley Petersen 6½-Litre ‘Dartmoor’ coupé, sold for €483,000 (£363,843), and a 1964 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III Cabriolet sold for €425,500 (£320,529).

Motorcycles saw great results, with 80% of the world renowned MC Collection of 18 motorcycles sold, led by the 1976 Benelli 750 CM3 SEI, sold for €16,675. Further successes include a 1972 Honda CB500R 650CC Racing Motorcycle sold for €88,333 (£66,541), a 1999 MV Agusta 750 CM3 F4 ‘Series Oro’ (£19,058) sold for €25,300, a 1930 Excelsior 750 CM3 Super-X sold for €25,300 (£19,058), a 1996 Honda RVF750 R Type RC45 (£16,026), sold for €21,275 (£19,058), and a 1928 Indian 750 CM3 101 soared above estimate to achieve €25,300 (£19,058).

In 2016 Bonhams European motoring sales will include the recently announced Monaco Sale, taking place 13 May, and returning to France for the Chantilly sale, taking place 4 September.

For further information visit: https://www.bonhams.com/departments/MOT-CAR/

ONE OF THE GREAT FERRARI MASTERPIECES LEADS BONHAMS GRAND PALAIS SALE

Bonhams returns to Paris for the annual Grand Palais Sale on 4 February 2016, led by the magnificent 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB, estimated at €2,500,000-3,500,000 and offered without reserve.

Developed by marque founder, Enzo Ferrari, the 275 GTB is considered a masterpiece of motor car design. Boasting a V12, 300 bhp engine, it was the successor to the 250 series, spearheaded by the legendary 250 GTO (currently the most valuable motor car sold at auction, following Bonhams $38,115,000 sale of a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO), leading it to be met with great applause when it was introduced at the 1964 Paris Autosalon.

Sleek, muscular, and expertly proportioned, the front-engined, two-door Berlinetta is from the second series of the model’s production, which introduced the longer nosed variant, making it rarer, more aerodynamic, and considerably prettier. Chassis 8973 is one of the ultra desirable ‘torque tube’ models, featuring Pininfarina designed Scaglietti coachwork, complete with matching numbers and continuous history.

Further highlights from the Ferrari stable include a 1990 Ferrari F40 Berlinetta, estimated at €950,000-1,100,000. The F40 was the last model ever approved by founding father, Enzo Ferrari, and when it was launched, it was the most powerful model ever built by the marque – the perfect finale to Enzo Ferrari’s legacy.

Philip Kantor, Bonhams European Head of Motoring, said: “Bonhams Grand Palais Sale returns with more than 150 rare and exciting lots of collectors’ motor cars, motorcycles and automobilia. With several rare and special cars already consigned, we expect another incredible sale at the magnificent Grand Palais.”

Elsewhere, a spectacular 2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Coupé is offered, estimated at €1,800,000-2,000,000. When Mercedes-Benz first unveiled its CLK GTR in 1998, it sold for an astonishing $1.5 million, making it the most expensive production car ever, a figure only recently exceeded by the Ferrari FXX. Supplied new to Switzerland, chassis number ‘23’ has covered a mere 3,285km, making one of the rarest and most desirable Mercedes-Benz models of modern times in effectively ‘as new’ condition.

Further early consignments to the Grand Palais Sale include a Porsche Carrera GT, estimated at €800,000-1,000,000, a highly original 1975 Lancia Stratos HF Stradale, estimated at €350,000-450,000, a 1989 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 Speedster with less than 950km from new, estimated at €250,000-350,000, and an ultra rare original left hand drive 1964 Rolls Royce Silver Cloud III Drophead Coupé, estimated at €380,000-540,000.

1972 Maserati Boomerang Video. Let’s take a ride…

Rare and unusual motor cars lead Bonhams inaugural sale at the Chantilly Arts & Elegance Concours d’Elegance, with the unique Maserati Boomerang sold for €3.3 million.

The only example of its kind, the Maserati Boomerang was the signature concept car of the 1970s. Designer Giorgetto Giugiaro used geometric shapes and ruler straight lines to create its angular appeal, ensuring the unusual Boomerang emerged from the decade to be one of the great style influences of the motoring industry. After intense bidding in the room and on the telephones, the Boomerang sold for €3,289,500. Elsewhere from Maserati, the 1968 Maserati Mexico 4.7-Litre Coupe sold for €646,300. Named in honour of Cooper-Maserati’s victory in the 1966 Mexican Grand Prix, the Maserati Mexico was unveiled at the 1966 Turin Motor Show to much fanfare.

The motor car offered however is no mere standard Mexico but a bespoke Frua creation, the most attractive of the three one-offs produced in the longstanding relationship between Maserati and car designer Pietro Frua. Retaining the general Mexico lines, but more sharply defined, the Frua Mexico in many ways recalls the Quattroporte. Restored to its initial light green paintwork, with original Bordeaux leather, the Mexico won the Best of Show award at the Maserati 100th Anniversary celebrations, and is the quintessential example of Maseratis Grand Touring excellence.

Further highlights include eight motor cars from the personal collection of French businessman and art collector, Alain Dominique Perrin. Most notable of the collection is a car steeped in French pop music history – the 1977 Mercedes 450 SEL 6.9 originally owned by famous French singer and composer, Claude François. Claude, or CloClo to his fans, was one of France’s biggest pop stars, with a legacy that remains today as he continues to be one of the country’s biggest-selling recording artists. Claude famously wrote and composed the original version of My Way, a song made internationally famous by Frank Sinatra. After intense bidding in the room, the 1977 Mercedes 450 SEL 6.9 sold for close on €100,000 to a private European buyer.

Philip Kantor, Bonhams European Head of Motor cars, said: “For a sale just in its first year, the Bonhams Chantilly Sale has achieved an excellent result, with a total €7.5 million achieved for the exclusive collection of just 28 cars. “Our first black-tie evening sale, the event was an elegant celebration of beautiful and rare motor cars, one that we hope to continue for years to come.”

James Knight, Bonhams Group Motoring Director added, “This auction is a welcome addition to our series of blue riband sales. We look forward to our sale at the Goodwood Revival next week and the very special single-owner sale in Denmark later this month.” Hosted in the grounds of Château de Chantilly, the Arts & Elegance event debuted in 2014, attracting a crowd of around 10,000 spectators, taking in the delights of the “Concours d’Elegance” competition for modern concept cars, and a superb “Concours d’Etat” for classic cars from around the world. The “Art & Elegance” event also plays host to fine art exhibitions, fashion shows, live music and various lifestyle exhibits, all on the grounds of the magnificent château”.

For further information on Bonhams motoring department, visit: https://www.bonhams.com/departments/MOT-CAR/

BONHAMS CHANTILLY SALE SEES RARE MASERATI BOOMERANG RETURN €3.3 MILLION

Rare and unusual motor cars lead Bonhams inaugural sale at the Chantilly Arts & Elegance Concours d’Elegance, with the unique Maserati Boomerang sold for €3.3 million.

The only example of its kind, the Maserati Boomerang was the signature concept car of the 1970s. Designer Giorgetto Giugiaro used geometric shapes and ruler straight lines to create its angular appeal, ensuring the unusual Boomerang emerged from the decade to be one of the great style influences of the motoring industry. After intense bidding in the room and on the telephones, the Boomerang sold for €3,289,500. Elsewhere from Maserati, the 1968 Maserati Mexico 4.7-Litre Coupe sold for €646,300. Named in honour of Cooper-Maserati’s victory in the 1966 Mexican Grand Prix, the Maserati Mexico was unveiled at the 1966 Turin Motor Show to much fanfare.

The motor car offered however is no mere standard Mexico but a bespoke Frua creation, the most attractive of the three one-offs produced in the longstanding relationship between Maserati and car designer Pietro Frua. Retaining the general Mexico lines, but more sharply defined, the Frua Mexico in many ways recalls the Quattroporte. Restored to its initial light green paintwork, with original Bordeaux leather, the Mexico won the Best of Show award at the Maserati 100th Anniversary celebrations, and is the quintessential example of Maseratis Grand Touring excellence.

Further highlights include eight motor cars from the personal collection of French businessman and art collector, Alain Dominique Perrin. Most notable of the collection is a car steeped in French pop music history – the 1977 Mercedes 450 SEL 6.9 originally owned by famous French singer and composer, Claude François. Claude, or CloClo to his fans, was one of France’s biggest pop stars, with a legacy that remains today as he continues to be one of the country’s biggest-selling recording artists. Claude famously wrote and composed the original version of My Way, a song made internationally famous by Frank Sinatra. After intense bidding in the room, the 1977 Mercedes 450 SEL 6.9 sold for close on €100,000 to a private European buyer.

Philip Kantor, Bonhams European Head of Motor cars, said: “For a sale just in its first year, the Bonhams Chantilly Sale has achieved an excellent result, with a total €7.5 million achieved for the exclusive collection of just 28 cars. “Our first black-tie evening sale, the event was an elegant celebration of beautiful and rare motor cars, one that we hope to continue for years to come.”

James Knight, Bonhams Group Motoring Director added, “This auction is a welcome addition to our series of blue riband sales. We look forward to our sale at the Goodwood Revival next week and the very special single-owner sale in Denmark later this month.” Hosted in the grounds of Château de Chantilly, the Arts & Elegance event debuted in 2014, attracting a crowd of around 10,000 spectators, taking in the delights of the “Concours d’Elegance” competition for modern concept cars, and a superb “Concours d’Etat” for classic cars from around the world. The “Art & Elegance” event also plays host to fine art exhibitions, fashion shows, live music and various lifestyle exhibits, all on the grounds of the magnificent château”.

 

For further information on Bonhams motoring department, visit: https://www.bonhams.com/departments/MOT-CAR/

Ten incredibly rare one-of-a-kind motor cars lead Bonhams’ inaugural Chantilly Sale

Lot 11 – 1972 Maserati Boomerang – estimate €3,000,000-4,000,000

Lot 11 – 1972 Maserati Boomerang – estimate €3,000,000-4,000,000

“Bonhams Chantilly sale offers a carefully curated selection of very special motor cars, several of which are unique, whilst others have been produced in very small numbers,” said Philip Kantor, Bonhams European Head of Motoring.

The selection includes a pair of rare Bugattis, one example is one of the last motor cars ever built by the marque, the 1954 Bugatti 101, estimated at €1,500,000-1,800,000. Bugatti originally intended to produce 50 cars, but in the end built only a handful, making it one of the manufacturer’s rarest models. With an asking price of 3.8 million francs in the 1950s, it’s not surprising that the car attracted only the connoisseur. Rarer still, the 101 features a bespoke body by celebrated coachbuilders Antem, making this motor car one-of-a-kind.

The 1938 Bugatti Type 57 Cabriolet is another rare example. Estimated at €1,300,000-1,600,000, the elegant two/three-seater model was once owned by famous French artist, and known Bugatti enthusiast, André Derain.

Best known as a member of the Fauvist group of painters, André Derain (1880-1954) was one of Bugatti’s best customers and an aficionado of fine sporting cars. He is said to have owned around 14 Bugattis, the Type 57 offered being his last. As the choice of an artist who selected only the very best Bugattis for his collection of mechanical artworks, the Type 57 is highly desirable.

Named later in honour of Cooper-Maserati’s victory in the 1966 Mexican Grand Prix, the Maserati Mexico was unveiled at the 1966 Turin Motor Show. Effectively replacing the six-cylinder four-seater Sebring model, the Mexico was intended for customers who wanted a luxurious four-seater but preferred something more sporting than the larger Quattroporte saloon.

The motorcar offered here however is no mere standard Mexico but a bespoke Frua creation, the most attractive of the three one-offs produced in the longstanding relationship between Maserati and car designer Pietro Frua.

Retaining the general Mexico lines, but more sharply defined, the Frua Mexico in many ways recalls the Quattroporte. Restored to its initial light green paintwork, with original Bordeaux leather, the Mexico won the Best of Show award at the Maserati 100th Anniversary celebrations, and is the quintessential example of Maseratis Grand Touring excellence.

Further rare and one-of-a-kind highlights at Bonhams Chantilly sale include:

• Lot 23 – 1954 Bugatti 101 by Antem – estimate €1,500,000-1,800,000
• Lot 11 – 1972 Maserati Boomerang – estimate €3,000,000-4,000,000
• Lot 17 – 1938 Bugatti Type 57 Cabriolet by A. D’leteren – estimate €1,300,000-1,600,000
• Lot 16 – 1968 Maserati Mexico 4.7 litres coupé by Frua – estimate €550,000-750,000
• Lot 20 – 1951 Lancia Aurelia B52 coupé by Bertone – estimate €175,000-245,000
• Lot 10 – 1961 OSCA 1600 GT coupé by Touring – estimate €380,000-460,000
• Lot 19 – 1937 Bentley 4¼-Litre ‘Aerofoil’ Sports Saloon by Gurney Nutting – estimate €300,000-400,000
• Lot 22 – 1937 Bentley 4¼-Litre Drophead Coupé by James Young – estimate €275,000-350,000
• Lot 6 – 1959 Alfa Romeo 1900 C Super Sprint Coupé Carrosserie Ghia, Aigle – estimate €160,000-220,000
• Lot 26 – 1996 Aston Martin Sportsman Shooting Brake – estimate €350,000-550,000

For further information, visit Bonhams website: http://www.bonhams.com/auctions/23127/

A Porsche 959 Coupè for sale at Bonhams Spa Classic Sale on 24 may

La Bonhams Spa Classic Sale presenterà più di 40 fantastiche automobili e 14 lotti di automobilia accuratamente selezionati. L’evento si svolge il prossimo 24 maggio presso il famoso circuito di Spa Francorchamps, in Belgio.

La Porsche 959 vanta una velocità massima di 195 mph (314 km/h), il che al rendeva la più veloce vettura di serie al mondo negli anni ‘80. Alla Bonhams Spa Classic uno splendida Porsche 959 Coupé del 1988, stimata € 700,000-900,000.

Philip Kantor, Bonhams responsabile europeo del reparto Motoring: “La vettura in questione è rimasta sempre al proprietario originale e quest’anno la 959 festeggia il suo 30° anniversario. Sembra proprio che sia il momento giusto per acquistare una macchina fantastica. Con otto Porsche in vendita alla prossima Spa Classic Sale, si prepara un evento davvero appetitoso per ogni collezionista”.

Concepita nei primi anni ‘80 come una quattro ruote motrici per concorrere al Gruppo B, fu presentata come concept car al Salone di Francoforte del 1983, e nonostante la successiva non partecipazione agli eventi per i quali era stata destinata, entrò in produzione limitata nel 1987.

La macchina era più veloce di qualsiasi altra concorrente ma tuttavia, come nella tradizione Porsche, era comoda, pratica e affidabile. In effetti, con i suoi vetri e specchietti elettrici, climatizzatore, sedili riscaldati e il superbo impianto stereo, la 959 rivaleggiava anche tra le berline di lusso.

Nel 1986 René Metge e Dominique Lemoyne vinsero la massacrante Parigi-Dakar con la loro 959 Rothmans e anche la versione da pista arrivò settima a Le Mans di quell’anno, vincendo la classe GT2 IMSA.

Splendide prestazioni per una vettura prodotta solamente in meno di 300 esemplari.

Ecco una carrellata di alcune delle vetture in asta.

Bonhams Spa Classic takes place on 24 May in Spa Francorchamps, Belgium. For more information visit https://www.bonhams.com/departments/MOT-CAR/

Meridianae.com – Manuel Galvez & Andrea Foffi

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Bonhams annual Spa Classic Sale will showcase more than 40 fantastic motor cars and 14 lots of carefully selected automobilia. The sale takes place 24 May at the famous Circuit at Spa Francorchamps, Belgium.

Upon introduction, the Porsche 959 boasted a top speed of 195 mph (314 km/h), making it the world’s fastest street-legal production car. Bonhams Spa Classic sale features an excellent example of this iconic model, a 1988 Porsche 959 Coupé, estimated at €700,000-900,000.

Philip Kantor, Bonhams European Head of Motoring, said: “This is an extremely original example, having remained with its first registered owner from new. This 1980s supercar is the rarest and most revolutionary Porsche, and this year it celebrates its 30th anniversary so it’s the perfect time to acquire such a fantastic car. With eight exciting Porsche offered at the upcoming Spa Classic Sale, it’s a wonderful event for any collector.”

The 959 represented the ultimate in automobile design, successfully adapting state-of-the art racing technology for road use, and even today its specification remains unmatched.

Conceived in the early 1980s as a four-wheel-drive Group B competitor, it was first displayed in ‘concept car’ form at the 1983 Frankfurt Motor Show, and despite the subsequent abandonment of the events for which it had been intended, it entered limited production in 1987.

The car was faster than just about anything else on the road, and yet, in the Porsche tradition, was comfortable, practical and reliable. Indeed, with its electric windows and mirrors, climate control, electric heated seats and superb stereo system, the 959 rivalled many a limousine for luxury.

Although its Group B raison d-être had ceased to exist, the Porsche 959 did achieve one major competition victory. In 1986 René Metge and Dominique Lemoyne won the gruelling Paris-Dakar Rally in their works 959 with similar cars in second and seventh places. The race-developed variant finished seventh at Le Mans that year, winning the IMSA GT2 class. In total, fewer than 300 of these exclusive supercars were made.

Bonhams Spa Classic takes place on 24 May in Spa Francorchamps, Belgium. For more information visit https://www.bonhams.com/departments/MOT-CAR/

Meridianae.com – Manuel Galvez & Andrea Foffi

www.meridianae.com – info@meridianae.com

www.oredelmondo.com – info@oredelmondo.com

 

Bonhams breaks previous Mercedes-Benz Auction total with €13 million sale

Solo al suo secondo anno, l’asta Bonhams Mercedes-Benz, in collaborazione con il Museo Mercedes-Benz, ha raggiunto un totale di € 13 milioni (£ 9.500.000) per il 92.9 % dei lotti venduti superando il record dello scorso anno.

La splendida 540 K Cabriolet A del 1938 era il top lot dell’asta. Per la prima volta in pubblico questo esemplare, tra il clamore e le aspettative degli ospiti sia in sala che on-line, è stata aggiudicata a € 2.760.000 (2.034.396 £) per un acquirente tedesco.

Una di soli 18 esemplari prodotti, la 770 “Grosser Mercedes” Cabriolet D del 1931 originariamente di proprietà dell’attore, produttore e regista tedesco, Erik Charell è stata venduta per € 2.311.500 (1.703.806 £ ).

Un quartetto di iconiche 300SL, sia Coupé, Gullwing che Roadster, hanno raggiunto ottimi risultati. Top lot della serie è stata la Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster del 1960 precedentemente di proprietà dall’industriale tedesco Alfried Krupp. Offerta in asta dopo 35 anni di ininterrotta proprietà privata, ha realizzato la ragguardevole cifra di € 1.121.250 (826.473 £). La 300SL roadster del 1961 ha raggiunto € 1.092.500 (805.281 £) e la roadster 300SL del 1957 hardtop, € 1.058.000 (779.851 £). A chiusura del quartetto, la Gullwing Coupé del 1957, è stata venduta per € 1.046.500 (771.375 £).

Michael Bock, responsabile per la Mercedes-Benz Classic ha commentato “L’asta è stata un grande successo. Questo grande evento rappresenta un ulteriore consolidamento del rapporto tra Mercedes-Benz Classic e Bonhams, che è stato siglato per due decadi”.

“Abbiamo avuto un altro meraviglioso risultato qui all’interno delle mura del prestigioso museo Mercedes-Benz e non vediamo l’ora di tornare a Stoccarda il prossimo anno per la terza edizione di questo asta di successo in collaborazione con Mercedes-Benz Classic”, ha commentato Philip Kantor, Bonhams European Head per la divisione Motorcars.

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In only its second year, Bonhams Mercedes-Benz auction, in association with the Mercedes-Benz Museum, achieved an over-all sale total of €13 million (£9.5 million), exceeding the previous years’ results, and seeing a total 92.9% of lots sold by value.

A spectacular 1938 540 K Cabriolet A was the top lot in the sale. The days auction was the first time the 540 K had been publicly offered, building the excitement for bidders both in the room and online, with the hammer finally falling at €2,760,000 (£2,034,396) to a private German buyer.

One of only 18 produced, a 1931 770 “Grosser Mercedes” Cabriolet D was an additional rare and opulent highlight of the sale. Originally the property of German actor, producer and director, Erik Charell (noted for the 1930 resurrection of the play The White Horse Inn (Im weißen Rössl)), the “Grosser Mercedes” sold to an auction room bidder for €2,311,500 (£1,703,806).

Elsewhere, a quartet of iconic 300SL motor cars, both Gullwing coupés and roadsters, achieved excellent prices. Top lot of the series was the 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster previously owned by German industrialist Alfried Krupp, being offered for sale after 35 years of continuous private ownership, selling for €1,121,250 (£826,473). Also attracting spirited bidding, having remained for 48 years in one family, the 1961 300SL disc brake roadster achieved €1,092,500 (£805,281); and the 1957 300SL roadster with factory hardtop sold for €1,058,000 (£779,851). Completing the four, the 1957 Gullwing Coupé, sold for €1,046,500 (£771,375).

Additional highlights include the 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 Sc Coupé, sold for €572,700 (£422,137); a 115-year-old Benz Ideal 4½ Vis-à-Vis sold for €212,750 (£156,818); and after fierce bidding on the 1931 Mercedes-Benz 15/75 PS Mannheim 370 S roadster, the gavel finally fell at €552,000 (£406,879).

Malcolm Barber, Bonhams Co-Chairman and auctioneer for the day, said: “With a full sale room, active internet bidding, and international bidders both in the room and on the telephone, we saw spectacular prices for cars in exemplary condition and with great provenance. Bonhams holds the auction world record for any Mercedes-Benz, achieving £19,601,500 for the 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196R Formula 1 single-seater in 2013 – a world record that demonstrates the perfect relationship between Bonhams and Mercedes-Benz.”

“I’m delighted that the Bonhams international motoring team were our partners at the Mercedes-Benz Museum once again in 2015,” says Michael Bock, head of Mercedes-Benz Classic and Customer Centers. “The auction was a great success. This high level event represents a further consolidation of the excellent relationship between Mercedes-Benz Classic and Bonhams which has been established for two decades.”

“We’ve had another wonderful result here within the walls of the prestigious Mercedes-Benz museum and look forward to returning to Stuttgart next year for the third edition of this successful sale in partnership with Mercedes Classic,” said Philip Kantor, Bonhams European Head of Motorcars.

For further information on Bonhams motoring department, visit: https://www.bonhams.com/departments/MOT-CAR/

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Bonhams returns to Stuttgart for the single-marque Mercedes-Benz sale on 28 March 2015

Torna a il 28 marzo 2015 Stoccarda l’asta monomarca Mercedes-Benz, in coincidenza con la settimana Retro Classics di Stoccarda, la più grande mostra annuale di auto d’epoca nel sud della Germania.

Tra tutte spiccano una Kompressor 540 Cabriolet A del 1938, stima a € 2,000,000 – 2,500,000 (£ 1,500,000-1,900,000) e una 300SL Roadster del 1960 offerta con una stima tra € 900,000-1,200,000 (£ 700,000-940,000).

La due posti 540 K è una variante molto più leggera della 500 K. Sviluppata a metà degli anni ’30, è stata una delle vetture più importanti della sua epoca e oggi rimane decisamente tra le più rare.

La 300SL Roadster, esemplare conservato in condizioni originali appartenuto all’industriale tedesco Alfried Krupp (1907-1967) della dinastia Krupp (dinastia tedesca con oltre 400 anni di storia che divenne famosa per la produzione di acciaio e per le fabbriche di munizioni e armi), era la Mercedes di produzione più veloce in circolazione.

Philip Kantor, capo della Motorcars europee, ha commentato: “Bonhams ha aperto la strada delle vendite monomarca ed è lieta di organizzare questo tipo di eventi con Mercedes-Benz. L’asta dello scorso anno (vedi post) ha attratto molti collezionisti da tutto il mondo, raggiungendo un risultato totale 12 milioni di euro. Un grande traguardo raggiunto nel suo primo anno”.

Tenuta nel Museo Mercedes-Benz di Stoccarda, l’asta Bonhams presenterà una totale di circa 40 auto d’epoca.

L’originalità svolge un ruolo importante nella nostra filosofia, spiega Michael Bock, responsabile Mercedes-Benz Classic. Dopo il successo dello scorso anno i collezionisti di auto d’epoca e visitatori del museo avranno ancora una volta l’occasione di presenziare ad un evento veramente emozionante.

Il Museo Benz Mercedes espone tutta la storia del più antico costruttore automobilistico del mondo. Sono esposti un totale di 1.500 pezzi unici tra cui 160 veicoli.

info on www.bomnhams.com

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Bonhams returns to Stuttgart for the single-marque Mercedes-Benz sale on 28 March 2015, coinciding with Retro Classics Stuttgart week

A 1938 540 Kompressor Cabriolet A heads the sale. Fresh to the market, the 540 K is estimated at €2,000,000-2,500,000 (£1,500,000-1,900,000).

A 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster is offered at an estimated  €900,000-1,200,000 (£700,000-940,000).

Bonhams single-marque Mercedes-Benz sale will return to Stuttgart on 28 March, coinciding with Retro Classics Stuttgart week, the largest annual exhibition of classic cars in Southern Germany. A spectacular 1938 540 K Cabriolet (complete with covered spare wheel) heads the sale. The Mercedes-Benz auction is the first time the 540 K has been publicly offered, available at an estimated €2,000,000-2,500,000 (£1,500,000-1,900,000).

Restored to Concours condition, the two-seater 540 K is a significantly lighter variant of the original 500 K design. Developed in the mid-1930s, it was one of the most impressive cars available at the time, and today remains distinctly rare.

A 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster is an additional early consignment, estimated at €900,000-1,200,000 (£700,000-940,000). An extremely original example, the roadster has been in current ownership since 1980, and at its peak was the fastest production Mercedes around.

The 300SL was previously owned by German industrialist, Alfried Krupp von Bohlen und Halbach (1907-1967), of the Krupp dynasty.

Philip Kantor, Head of European Motorcars, said: “Bonhams is the pioneer for single-marque sales, and is delighted to continue this newly established sale with Mercedes-Benz. Last year’s sale (see post) attracted many bidders from around the world, achieving a total £9.4 million (€12 million) – a wonderful result for a sale only in its first year. We look forward to similar success at this years’ auction.”

Held in the Mercedes-Benz Museum, Bonhams auction will showcase a variety of some 40 classic motor cars from across the German marque’s century long history. “Unique and authentic vehicles – that is the idea we share, both Mercedes-Benz and Bonhams. Originality plays an important role in our philosophy,” explains Michael Bock, Head of Mercedes-Benz Classic and Customer Centre. “After the successful auction last year we will once more offer an appropriate stage for Bonhams. Classic car collectors and visitors of the museum will once again be given a taste of exciting auctions.”

The Mercedes-Benz Museum charts the entire history of the world’s oldest car manufacturer. A total of 1,500 unique exhibits are featured in the museum, including 160 vehicles.

info on www.bomnhams.com