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Bonhams ‘Les Grandes Marques à Monaco’ – 30 April 2010 – Preview



1954-56-type 2.5-Litre Maserati 250F Tipo 1 Historic Grand Prix Racing Single-Seater by Cameron Millar - 350,000 - 450,000 euros

This will be the 21st consecutive Grandes Marques à Monaco sale and, as usual, there’s quite an Italian flavour to proceedings – from the 1949 Ferrari Tipo 166/195 Inter Cabriolet, chassis 0051S (estimate 1m - 1.2m euros), through to the Fiat 500 Jolly without which no Monaco sale would be complete. This time it’s an original cabriolet, in pink (estimate 20,000 - 30,000 euros).

But first let’s look at the fourth of Cameron Millar’s well-known reproduction Maserati 250Fs, chassis ‘CM4’. While emotions run high when it comes to reproductions, Millar is generally exempt from the furore: first, because Millar never portrayed his projects as anything other than reproductions, and secondly because of the sheer quality of these outstanding machines.

The Cameron Millar Maseratis have long been recognised by the FIA as eligible to receive FIA paperwork (and can probably boast a higher degree of genuine components than many ‘original’ cars with FIA papers). If that still leaves you in doubt, consider the fact that ‘CM3’ was bought by Juan Manuel Fangio himself, for his Museum in Balcarce, Argentina. The Bonhams estimate for CM4, which is said to be in full working order bar a ‘weak’ 1st gear synchro, is 350,000 - 450,000 euros.



1964 Aston Martin DB5 Sports Saloon - 150,000 - 200,000 euros

And now for something completely different. The 1964 Aston Martin DB5 Sports Saloon is in need of total restoration, hence the estimate of 150,000 - 200,000 euros. Delivered new to the USA, this is an original left-hand drive car which, according to Bonhams, ‘seems very complete’ – even down to the original DB5 instruction book.

Meanwhile, the 1975 BMW 3.0 CSL ‘Batmobile’ (estimate 90,000 - 100,000 euros) is the 44th of the 57 ultimate, second-series examples built, of which no more than a third are believed to survive. Not only is it rare but, with a rear wing that’s even more theatrical than those on the first-series Batmobiles, it will make a dramatic addition to any collection. If, however, your tastes are along more restrained, pre-War lines, how about the 1938 Welsh Rally-winning 3½-litre Jaguar SS 100? Driven in period by Mrs Hetherington, it will be on offer in the Principality with an estimate of 240,000 - 260,000 euros.



The 44th of only 57 examples built, 1975 BMW 3.0 CSL 'Batmobile' - 90,000 - 130,000 euros


The 1938 Welsh Rally-winning, 1938 SS100 Jaguar 3½-Litre Roadster - 240,000 - 260,000 euros

A later rally car comes in the form of the 1972 San Remo Rally-winning, 1971 Lancia Fulvia HF1600 Group 4 Works car (estimate 135,000 - 165,000). Driven to victory in San Remo by Amilcare Ballestrieri/Arnoldo Bernacchini, chassis 2268 made a valuable contribution towards Lancia’s success in the 1972 World Championship for Makes. Said to be ‘well restored without losing its authenticity’, 2268 has been finished in Lancia Italia colours of red with a black bonnet, and is ready to take part in such events such as the Monte Carlo Historique.



The 1972 San Remo Rally-winning, 1971 Lancia Fulvia HF1600 Group 4 Works Rally Car - 135,000 - 165,000 euros


1964 Mercedes-Benz 230SL Convertible - 30,000 - 40,000 euros


1964 Porsche 356C Coupé Chassis - 20,000 - 30,000 euros


1961 Ferrari 250GTE 2+2 Series I/II Coupé - 85,000 - 110,000 euros

What else? Well, for elegant but affordable open-air motoring, there are two 1960s Mercedes drop-tops, both commanding an estimate of 30,000 – 40,000 euros: a 1967 250SL Convertible and a US-specification 1964 230SL Convertible, with its distinctive ‘pagoda’ top.

And to end on a rather special note, we can’t fail to be impressed by the 1966 Ferrari 275GTB ‘Alloy’ Berlinetta (estimate 680,000 - 840,000 euros). One of approximately 60 factory alloy-bodied ‘long nose’ 275GTBs, chassis number 8255 left the factory finished in grigio argento (silver grey), but was repainted red by a previous owner. Bonhams recommends this ‘matching numbers 275 berlinetta, which could be mildly prepared for competition use in events such as the Tour Auto or Le Mans Classic’. Hear, hear.



1966 Ferrari 275GTB Alloy Berlinetta - 680,000 - 840,000 euros


1968 Lancia Flaminia Super Sport 'Double Bubble' Coupé - 120,000 - 150,000 euros

To see a complete lot list, please CLICK HERE.

Text: Charis Whitcombe
Photos: Bonhams


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