Held in the sweltering heat of 2003’s extraordinary European weather, Bonhams annual sale at the historic race meeting at the Nurburgring, the Oldtimer Grand Prix, sold many of the highlighted lots including the one owner from new Ferrari Daytona GTS and the ex-press 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR 7.3 litre. The latter going for €827,500 including buyer’s premium.

The 1972 Ferrari 365GTS/4 'Daytona' Spyder was of course a feature lot of the auction having achieved celebrity due to its almost unique history of single ownership from new. In the traditional colours of Rosso Corsa/ Black interior the car was pretty much on-estimate at €365,500 including premium.

Much racing machinery was in evidence at the sale and the 1980 Alfa Romeo 179C Grand Prix Single Seater went for €153,750, a good figure for an important car, but also one that requires a semi-professional operation to run on the track. Perhaps a sign that the last of the pre all-computer F1 cars are now realising their true worth. Another competition car sold was the 1966 Porsche 906 "Carrera" 6 Endurance Racing Coupé - €156,500. Ideally suited for the Classic Le Mans as well as some of the more ‘road’ oriented events, the car certainly catalogued well and will provide someone with a good basis for future historic competition.

Non-sellers included the 1928 Bugatti Type 37A and 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster but Bonhams must be complimented on selling the ex-King Farouk 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Seville Custom, a fabulous motor-car but perhaps appealing to a limited market, for a near on estimate €79,500.

Bonhams next European Sale is at the Goodwood Revival meeting on Friday 5th September - full preview and lotlist to come on Classic Driver.

Text - Steve Wakefield