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| 1981-82 Ferrari 512 BB/LM Berlinetta Le Mans: 1,250,000 - 1,450,000 euros |
As the only top house conducting a sale in the Principalité this May, it falls to Bonhams to provide the jet-set with suitable material to buy at auction while in Monaco for Grand Prix week.
So, a quick look down the lotlist reveals some perennial favourites of the Côte d'Azur set that include: ex-Agnelli family, 1959 Fiat 600 Jolly Beach Car (25,000 - 35,000 euros); 1965 Ferrari 275 GTS (400,000 - 500,000 euros); Mercedes-Benz 300 SLs (a 1958 Roadster for 350,000 - 450,000 and a 1955 ‘Gullwing’ at 475,000 - 575,000 euros); and 1982 Rolls-Royce Corniche Convertible (25,000 - 35,000 euros).
But, beyond the sunny stereotypes, Bonhams’ 20 May sale has some depth, with quite a few entries that will appeal to historic racing enthusiasts (although there are no Monaco Historics this year) as well as collectors looking for some ‘left field’ subjects; makes and models hitherto away from the spotlight.
The former will appreciate the ex-N.A.R.T., ex-Le Mans (1981 and ’82) Ferrari 512 BB/LM, a car which comes with an engine and a spare, one being described as "a seriously sorted unit" by its former mechanic, producing 560bhp at 7900rpm.
The big Ferrari is estimated at 1,250,000 - 1,450,000 euros; just the job for next year’s Le Mans Classic.
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| 1956 Ferrari 250GT Berlinetta by Boano: 450,000 - 550,000 euros |
Also on the sporting front is the ex-Rob Walker, 1958 2-litre Cooper-Climax Type 45 Formula 1 Racing ‘Interim’ (150,000 - 200,000 euros). This is the very car which (appropriately, given the location) won the 1958 Monaco GP when driven by Maurice Trintignant. In addition to the blue/white Cooper, there's also the 1972 Alpine A110 1600S built to 'Group IV Specification’ (50,000 - 60,000 euros) and the 1977-78 Ensign-Cosworth N177 Formula 1 car (245,000 - 275,000 euros).
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| 1982 Rolls-Royce Corniche Convertible: 25,000 - 35,000 euros | 1970 Maserati Indy 4.1-Litre Coupé: 30,000 - 40,000 euros |
Looking at some of the dustier corners of the catalogue, how about the 1970 Maserati Indy 4.1-litre? Equipped with the desirable 5-speed transmission, finished in vibrant 1970s metallic green and just emerging from a comprehensive restoration by its German owner, 30,000 - 40,000 euros will buy someone a very attractive, underrated car.
In the same theme, there’s a 1971 Citroën SM (20,000 - 30,000 euros), a 1960 Mercedes-Benz 220SE 'Ponton' Cabriolet (30,000 - 40,000 euros) and a 1967 Ferrari 330GT Series 2 for 65,000 - 80,000 euros. Yes, a hand-built, 12-cylinder Ferrari from the Enzo era, with a 5-speed gearbox, 2+2 practicality and the rarity of a DB5 for Audi A8 money - go on!
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| 1960 Mercedes-Benz 220SE 'Ponton' Cabriolet: 30,000 - 40,000 euros | 1956 Aston Martin DB2/4 MkII: 155,000 - 185,000 euros |
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| 1964 AC Shelby Cobra Competition Roadster: 450,000 - 650,000 euros | 1966 Lancia Flaminia Zagato Super Sport: 160,000 - 180,000 euros |
Moving back to more headline fare, there’s a 1956 Ferrari 250GT Berlinetta by Boano (450,000 - 550,000 euros, delivered in silver-grey but now restored in black), a 1966 Lancia Flaminia Zagato Super Sport (160,000 - 180,000 euros and sensational in grey with red leather), and a 1956 Bentley S1 Continental Fastback (275,000 - 325,000 euros, RHD and “described by the vendor as in generally very good condition”, as Bonhams puts it).
Two Porsche Speedsters (both 1600cc 356As, a 1957 for 115,000 - 135,000 euros and a 1956 at 135,000 - 155,000) are in the sale and are accompanied by another car from the Stuttgart manufacturer, the now quite modish 1985 911 Turbo for 35,000 - 55,000.
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| 1948 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith Shooting Brake: 80,000 - 100,000 euros | 1965 Ferrari 275 GTS Spyder: 400,000 - 500,000 euros |
Aston Martin is represented by four cars: two DB2s and two DB6s. One DB6 is the ex-Paris Motor Show, LHD 1966 coupé at 120,000 - 160,000 and the RHD, two-tone 1956 Aston Martin DB2/4 MkII carries the attractive – yet rare – fixed-head coupé bodywork. It’s estimated at 155,000 - 185,000 euros – a very nice car.
Prior to the motor cars, Bonhams will offer 31 lots of mainly Ferrari- or Monaco-related automobilia.
To see a complete lot list, please CLICK HERE.
Text: Steve Wakefield
Photos: Bonhams
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