The cover car from Bonhams’ weighty catalogue is the Ex-Autodelta/Racing Team VDS, 1966 Alfa Romeo TZ2 Berlinetta Competizone. ‘Refer Dept.’ for the price, but this jewel of a ‘mini-GTO’ is one of the author’s favourite cars and as only 10 were believed to have been built, is actually rarer than a GTO or Aston Zagato.
Also on the racing front, Bonhams have the famous Ex-John Greenwood 'Spirit of Sebring '75',1974 -1975 Greenwood Chevrolet Corvette IMSA Road-Racing GT at $700,000 - 1,000,000. The first ‘Batmobile’ car, and the all-American racer that gave BMW and Porsche something to think about with their super-sophisticated and lightweight Trans-Am racing cars of the period.
Somewhat more subdued are two pre-war cars with past owners from the highest level of American society - and fantastic wealth. The 1930 Rolls-Royce Springfield Phantom I Newport Towncar delivered new to none other than Joseph Patrick Kennedy of Boston - father of the 35th US President John F. Kennedy - is expected to fetch $250,000 - 275,000, while the 1910 40hp Mercedes that was bought new by Colonel John Jacob Astor IV (a member of what was, at the time, America's richest family. Astor lost his life in the sinking of RMS Titanic) is estimated at $270,000 - 320,000.
1964 Shelby Cobra
Of the ‘regular’ entries there’s a nice street 1964 Shelby Cobra, $220,000 - 260,000, an ex-Innes Ireland, Lancia Fulvia HF for $50,000 - 70,000, and several Porsche 356s, six of which in the ‘Speedster Collection’ (to be sold as one lot, and including the 1954 Prototype). And of the ‘really, really regular’ entries my eyes were attracted to the 1971 Mercedes Benz 280SE 3.5 Coupé, $20,000 - 25,000, a ‘No Reserve’ car in apparently fine fettle, and the little 1967 Fiat 500 Giardiniera Station Wagon, at $10,000 - 15,000 slightly more than your author paid for his first car in 1976.
 ex-Innes Ireland Lancia Fulvia HF |
 1971 Mercedes Benz 280SE 3.5 Coupé |
Prior to the Motor Cars (at 16.00) there will be an extensive sale of Automobilia (12.00) and Jewellery and Timepieces (13.00). Included in these sections will be the ‘Barney Oldfield Collection’, photographs, medals and memorabilia associated with the great American pioneer racing motorist and record breaker.
Please click HERE to see a full Motor Cars lotlist.
For more information, visit www.bonhams.com.
Text: Steve Wakefield
Photos: Bonhams
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