A firm fixture in the auction calendar, Bonhams' sale on the Friday of the this year’s Festival features nearly 70 motor car entries, one of the most attractive being the 1965 AC Cobra Roadster estimated at £150,000 - 180,000.
We’ve all become rather used to wide-bodied 427-clones with drainpipe exhausts and scaffolding roll-cages, but underneath all that is a very elegant car based on the last incarnation of the AC Ace. Bonhams' Cobra is one of only 44 RHD examples made for the UK market and is presented in what the catalogue describes as “excellent condition”. A nice car for a road event or two and too good to make into a racing car.
Other 1960s classics that have seen dramatic increases in prices included in the sale are the 1966 Lamborghini Miura P400 Coupé, £95,000 - 115,000, and the 1964 Aston Martin DB5 Saloon at £140,000 - 160,000. The latter has been restored to full ‘007’ spec and looks immaculate from the catalogue photos. How much the market can take of the abundance of Silver Birch DBs we have yet to see, but Bonhams are riding on the crest of a wave after the successful marque sale at Newport Pagnell in May.
 1937 Bentley 4 ¼ litre Drophead Coupé - £35,000 - 40,000 |
 1993 Ferrari 456GT Coupé - £30,000 - 35,000 |
There are some nice pre-war cars entered, elegant open tourers like the 1937 Bentley 4 ¼ litre Drophead Coupé at £35,000 - 40,000, the 1934 Lagonda Rapier 1,100cc Four Seat Tourer, £30,000 - 35,000, and the 1937 Lagonda LG6 Drophead Coupé at £60,000 - 70,000.
Historic racing fans will like the ex-Ed Leslie/Jack Dalton, Sebring 12 Hours,1964 MG Lightweight Competition Roadster at £38,000 - 42,000 and the 1969 Porsche 911 2.4-Litre Rally Car, £15,000 - 17,000 while we’d have the 1964 Ford Falcon Rally Sprint Sedan for £30,000 - 40,000, a car that’s been rebuilt to FIA spec and just asking to do some Top Hat races.
 1972 Riva Olympic - £30,000 - 35,000 |
 1955 Alfa Romeo 1900 Super Sprint Coupé - £28,000 - 30,000 |
 ex-Lord Dunleath/Ulster Racing Partnership,c.1958 ‘HWM - Aston Martin’ Special - £30,000 - 40,000 |
 1966 Lamborghini Miura P400 Coupé - £95,000 - 115,000 |
And if the world of motoring loses its appeal on today’s over-regulated roads than why not take to the water? Bonhams has three sporting wooden speedboats for sale including two Rivas and a rather nice 1952 Chris-Craft Sedan. At £17,000 - 22,000 it’s one of the rarest classic boats being a seven-seat, mini commuter-style craft - just the thing for dropping the kids off at school on the other side of the lake.
Prior to the Motor Car Sale, Bonhams will auction nearly 500 lots of Automobilia including 'A Bullitt film poster, 1968, French Grande, Folded' depicting McQueen and the famous car chase at £500 - 550.
Please CLICK HERE to see the full lotlist.
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Bonhams Motor Cars Dept.
101 New Bond Street London W1S 1SR UK Tel: +44 (0)20 7468 5801 Fax: +44 (0)20 7468 5802 Email: [email protected] |
Text - Steve Wakefield
Photos - Bonhams
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