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12/04/2012
Bonhams at Hendon RAF Museum, 30 April 2012: Preview

1976 Maserati Khamsin: £38,000 - 43,000

Don’t assume you’ll be bidding on a Lancaster or Spitfire at Bonhams’ forthcoming auction. No, the priceless exhibits at the RAF Museum are staying put – although there is one aeroplane listed in an interesting catalogue comprising some 80 motor car lots and much automobilia.

The 1977 Piper Aztec - registered G-XSF7 - is not airworthy, though, having last flown in January 2009. It’s estimated at £9,000 - 13,000 and, with a lick of paint here and there and a bit of bolt-tightening, it could be ready to fly you into the British Grand Prix this July.

Back on earth, a careful examination of the catalogue reveals a fund of “what about one of those?” entries - surely the sign of a good auction. Cars such as the 1981 Bristol Beaufighter Convertible. For £5,000 - 7,000, it will require some work. But what an interesting car to smoke around in this summer.

1985 Aston Martin V8 Series 1 7.0-Litre Volante: £100,000 - 120,000

And there are two Alfa Romeo Montreals (LHD c.1972 and RHD 1975, both at £15,000 - 20,000), as well as the consecutive-lot 1968 Aston Martin DBS (£24,000 - 28,000) and 1976 Maserati Khamsin (£38,000 - 43,000).

Plus the 1969 AC 428 Coupé; at £55,000 - 65,000, I’m in danger of mentioning the mythical ‘Classic Driver garage’ at this point.

1981 Bristol Beaufighter Convertible: £5,000 - 7,000

On a more serious note, elsewhere in the catalogue there’s an impressive 1985 Aston Martin V8 Series 1 7.0-Litre Volante for £100,000 - 120,000, a 1957 Lancia Aurelia B20GT Series VI Coupé (£25,000 - 30,000, very blue, but also good value) and, among a plethora of Bentleys, a 1957 S-Type Continental at £180,000 - 220,000.

It’s all good stuff; who needs an SWB when you can have the ex-Keith Richards, used during the making of 'Exile On Main St', 1950 Pontiac Chieftain 'Silver Streak' Convertible for £18,000 - 22,000, or an even more affordable Bristol, the 1973 411 Sports Saloon, for just £4,000 - 6,000?

Prior to the motor cars (and 'plane), Bonhams will sell a selection of automobilia that includes books, paintings, models, trophies and other collectors' items.

The 2012 Bonhams Hendon Sale will take place on Monday, 30 April at the RAF Museum, Hendon, Grahame Park Way, London NW9 5LL. Motor cars will commence at 14:00.

1969 AC 428 Coupé: £55,000 - 65,000


1924 Bentley 3-Litre Speed Model Tourer: £150,000 - 180,000	1975 Alfa Romeo Montreal 2.6-Litre: £15,000 - 20,000

To see the complete lotlist please click HERE.

Text - Steve Wakefield
Photos - Bonhams

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