With a figure of just over 50% of the car lots reported sold by Coys at their Essen ‘Techno Classica’ auction last month, this could be interpreted as a fair reflection of the slow trading climate at this event; and perhaps in mainland Europe as a whole. Competition cars were a sub-theme and once again eligibility for the world’s top events, faultless provenance (and sensible reserve) governed their sale price.

A completely original 1967 Porsche 910, raced and hill-climbed in the 1969 - 71 season by Italian driver Ennio Bonomelli, achieved the highest price - €320,000 reflecting its eligibility for the Le Mans Classic as well as the Tour Auto. The 1955 Porsche 550 Spyder, expected to go for big money did not sell, while the 1956 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Veloce, an FIA race-car, went for double its estimate - €30,000. Very nice too and still an excellent purchase, ready to race and eligible for a lot of events.

Whether the 1965 Bizzarini 5300GT will be converted to a race car is not known. Perhaps it would be a shame as its catalogue photo shows it to be a fine example and road legal but at a hammer price of €180,000 it would give a potential Tour Auto entrant a SWB-eating machine at small-change money.

The 1992 Jaguar XJ220 did not sell, nor did any of the Ferraris entered. However some useful prices were achieved for American 1930s excess in the form of a 1937 Cord 812 (€80,000), a 1931 Auburn Speedster (€65,000) and a 1934 Packard 8 Cylinder Coupe (€53,000).

Finally the 1963 Simca Abarth 1300 GT Coupe, your author’s favourite, went for a very respectable € 52,243 – some €10,000 over top estimate.

For a full listing, see the Provisional Auction Results.

Story: Steve Wakefield