Bonhams Bond Street Auction 2017 - Star cars sell better than new classics

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Created on December 3, 2017

Reading time 6min

Written by:

Bruno von Rotz

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Bonhams

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Bond Street Versteigerung von Bonhams am 2. Dezember 2017

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Bugatti 'Type 52' Replica Child's Car (2002) - als Lot 100 an der Bond Street Versteigerung von Bonhams am 2. Dezember 2017

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BSA 646CC Rocket Gold Star (1964) - als Lot 101 an der Bond Street Versteigerung von Bonhams am 2. Dezember 2017

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AJS 7R 350CC Racing Motorcycle (1950) - als Lot 102 an der Bond Street Versteigerung von Bonhams am 2. Dezember 2017

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Bristol 411 Series 1 Sports Saloon (1970) - als Lot 103 an der Bond Street Versteigerung von Bonhams am 2. Dezember 2017

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Vincent 998CC Black Shadow Series C (1949) - als Lot 104 an der Bond Street Versteigerung von Bonhams am 2. Dezember 2017

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Bentley 4.5-Litre 'Le Mans Replica' Tourer (1929) - als Lot 105 an der Bond Street Versteigerung von Bonhams am 2. Dezember 2017

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Porsche 911 GT3 RS Generation 2 Coupé (2010) - als Lot 106 an der Bond Street Versteigerung von Bonhams am 2. Dezember 2017

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Aston Martin DB5 Vantage Saloon (1965) - als Lot 107 an der Bond Street Versteigerung von Bonhams am 2. Dezember 2017

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Brough Superior 982CC SS80 Special (1936) - als Lot 108 an der Bond Street Versteigerung von Bonhams am 2. Dezember 2017

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Ferrari 330 GT 2+2 Coupé (1966) - als Lot 109 an der Bond Street Versteigerung von Bonhams am 2. Dezember 2017

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Jaguar XK150 3.4-Litre Drophead Coupé (1960) - als Lot 110 an der Bond Street Versteigerung von Bonhams am 2. Dezember 2017

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Bentley S2 Continental Flying Spur Sports Saloon (1960) - als Lot 111 an der Bond Street Versteigerung von Bonhams am 2. Dezember 2017

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Aston Martin DB6 4.2-Litre Sports Saloon (1966) - als Lot 112 an der Bond Street Versteigerung von Bonhams am 2. Dezember 2017

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Ferrari 550 Maranello Coupé (1999) - als Lot 114 an der Bond Street Versteigerung von Bonhams am 2. Dezember 2017

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Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud Drophead Coupé (1959) - als Lot 115 an der Bond Street Versteigerung von Bonhams am 2. Dezember 2017

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Jaguar XK150 3.8-Litre 'S' Coupé (1960) - als Lot 116 an der Bond Street Versteigerung von Bonhams am 2. Dezember 2017

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Ferrari 288 GTO Coupé (1985) - als Lot 117 an der Bond Street Versteigerung von Bonhams am 2. Dezember 2017

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Aston Martin DB4 Series 4 4.7-Litre Sports Saloon (1963) - als Lot 118 an der Bond Street Versteigerung von Bonhams am 2. Dezember 2017

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Bentley S1 Continental Sport Saloon Coachwork by HJ Mulliner (1959) - als Lot 119 an der Bond Street Versteigerung von Bonhams am 2. Dezember 2017

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MV Agusta 750S America (1977) - als Lot 120 an der Bond Street Versteigerung von Bonhams am 2. Dezember 2017

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Jaguar XK140 Roadster (1956) - als Lot 121 an der Bond Street Versteigerung von Bonhams am 2. Dezember 2017

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Ferrari 365 GTB/4 'Daytona Berlinetta (1972) - als Lot 122 an der Bond Street Versteigerung von Bonhams am 2. Dezember 2017

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Aston Martin Vantage 4.2-Litre Sports Saloon (1973) - als Lot 123 an der Bond Street Versteigerung von Bonhams am 2. Dezember 2017

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Lancia B24 Spider America (1955) - als Lot 124 an der Bond Street Versteigerung von Bonhams am 2. Dezember 2017

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Aston Martin DB4 Series IV 4.2-Litre Convertible (1962) - als Lot 125 an der Bond Street Versteigerung von Bonhams am 2. Dezember 2017

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Jaguar XK140 Drophead Coupé (1955) - als Lot 126 an der Bond Street Versteigerung von Bonhams am 2. Dezember 2017

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Aston Martin DB7 Zagato Coupé (2004) - als Lot 127 an der Bond Street Versteigerung von Bonhams am 2. Dezember 2017

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Ford RS200 Evolution Group B Rally Coupé (1986) - als Lot 128 an der Bond Street Versteigerung von Bonhams am 2. Dezember 2017

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Aston Martin DB4 'Series V' Sports Saloon (1962) - als Lot 129 an der Bond Street Versteigerung von Bonhams am 2. Dezember 2017

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Ferrari 575M Maranello Coupé (2002) - als Lot 130 an der Bond Street Versteigerung von Bonhams am 2. Dezember 2017

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Alvis 4.3-Litre 'Short Chassis' Tourer (1937) - als Lot 131 an der Bond Street Versteigerung von Bonhams am 2. Dezember 2017

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Aston Martin DB5 (1964) - als Lot 132 an der Bond Street Versteigerung von Bonhams am 2. Dezember 2017

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Aston Martin DB5 (1964) - ex Paul McCartney (Beatles) - als Lot 132 an der Bond Street Versteigerung von Bonhams am 2. Dezember 2017

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Jaguar E-Type 'Series 1' 4.2-Litre Coupé (1967) - als Lot 133 an der Bond Street Versteigerung von Bonhams am 2. Dezember 2017

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Ferrari Enzo (2001) - als Lot 134 an der Bond Street Versteigerung von Bonhams am 2. Dezember 2017

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Porsche 911 'SWB' Coupé (1965) - als Lot 135 an der Bond Street Versteigerung von Bonhams am 2. Dezember 2017

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Morris Mini Cooper 'S' Radford Conversion (1966) - als Lot 136 an der Bond Street Versteigerung von Bonhams am 2. Dezember 2017

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The Christmas spirit was palpable, and consequently it was a children's car that made the biggest impression at the Bonhams auction on Bond Street on Saturday afternoon, December 2, 2017. The (presumably gift-happy) buyer of the miniature Bugatti Type 52 paid 44 percent more than the median estimate.

Bild Bugatti 'Type 52' Replica Child's Car (2002) - als Lot 100 an der Bond Street Versteigerung von Bonhams am 2. Dezember 2017

Only 36 lots went under the hammer at Bonhams' prestigious headquarters. However, with an average price of almost half a million euros, it was an exclusive selection, especially as several motorcycles and the aforementioned children's Bugatti were also included.

The cars of the pop stars

Two Bentleys that were once owned by Sir Elton John were called up. Lot 111 was the four-door Bentley S2 Continental Flying Spur Sports Saloon from 1960, in which Elton John traveled a great deal. At £ 180,700 (EUR 205,375, CHF 240,269), it was sold just above the estimate.

Bild Bentley S2 Continental Flying Spur Sports Saloon (1960) - als Lot 111 an der Bond Street Versteigerung von Bonhams am 2. Dezember 2017

A few lots later came a two-door Bentley S1 Continental Sport Saloon from 1956, which Elton John bought in 1976 and had restored because he thought it was the most beautiful car of all time. It left the collection in 2001 to pass back into new hands. Since then, it has changed hands two more times and now it came under the hammer for £400,000 to £500,000, including the accessories installed by Elton John - power steering, air conditioning and a modern music system. Auctioneer James Knight announced before the first bid that it was actually a 1956 (the catalog still said 1959), then the bidding started at £280,000.

Bild Bentley S1 Continental Sport Saloon Coachwork by HJ Mulliner (1956) - als Lot 119 an der Bond Street Versteigerung von Bonhams am 2. Dezember 2017

At £370,000 it was over, "not quite there" muttered James Knight. But in the renegotiations, an agreement was apparently reached and the S1 was sold for £ 366,666 (EUR 416,737, CHF 487,541).

A little later, ex-Beatle Paul McCartney's car, a 1964 Aston Martin DB5 with chassis DB5/1653/R, went for a higher price. The car came from a new restoration and has only covered 2600 miles since then. Paul McCartney owned the car from 1964 to 1970 and paid £3800 and 10 shillings for it at the time.

Bild Aston Martin DB5 (1964) - ex Paul McCartney (Beatles) - als Lot 132 an der Bond Street Versteigerung von Bonhams am 2. Dezember 2017

Now it was going to be a little more expensive, with an estimate of £1.25 to £1.5 million. The many interested parties quickly bid up from £700,000 to £1.2 million, which was sufficient for the sale. £1.35 million (EUR 1.5 million or CHF 1.79 million) is a proud price for an early DB5, there was a lot of "music" in it.

Bild Morris Mini Cooper 'S' Radford Conversion (1966) - als Lot 136 an der Bond Street Versteigerung von Bonhams am 2. Dezember 2017

However, an ex-Beatles car could also be had a little more cheaply, although in this case we are not talking about an Aston but a Mini that was once driven by Ringo Starr, the band's drummer, and which was built specifically for his needs at the time. The Mini, which was equipped to transport an entire drum kit, was expected to cost £90,000 to £120,000; a lady ultimately paid £102,300 (EUR 116,269, CHF 136,024) for the car.

Ferrari sports cars were not convincing

As many as six Ferrari sports cars were auctioned in the overall British-dominated offer, only one of which, a Ferrari 575M Maranello Coupé from 2002, found a new owner. The others were left standing, although the bids in all cases came close to the estimated price.

Bild Ferrari 288 GTO Coupé (1985) - als Lot 117 an der Bond Street Versteigerung von Bonhams am 2. Dezember 2017

The Ferrari 288 GTO from 1985 stopped at £ 1.8 million (EUR 1.98 million, CHF 2.34 million), which was obviously not enough for the consignor.

Bild Ferrari Enzo (2001) - als Lot 134 an der Bond Street Versteigerung von Bonhams am 2. Dezember 2017

The 2004 Ferrari Enzo fared similarly, stopping at £1.6 million. Even a right-hand drive 365 GTB/4 Daytona from 1972 failed to find a buyer (highest bid £ 470,000) and the 330 GT 2+2 from 1966 also fell short of expectations (£ 185,000).

Bild Ferrari 365 GTB/4 'Daytona Berlinetta (1972) - als Lot 122 an der Bond Street Versteigerung von Bonhams am 2. Dezember 2017

It was not a Ferrari day.

XK150 before XK140

Bonhams was able to offer four Jaguar XK140/150 models.

Bild Jaguar XK150 3.8-Litre 'S' Coupé (1960) - als Lot 116 an der Bond Street Versteigerung von Bonhams am 2. Dezember 2017

While a 1960 XK150 S coupé even sold above its estimate, the two XK 140s were left with bids around 20% below the median estimate. For example, £ 140,000 for a 1956 XK 140 Roadster was not enough for the consignor.

Super classics disappointed

Several super classics on offer did not reach the limit.

Bild Lancia B24 Spider America (1955) - als Lot 124 an der Bond Street Versteigerung von Bonhams am 2. Dezember 2017

The 1955 Lancia B24 Spider America at £650,000 sold just as little as the 1959 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud DHC at £500,000.

Bild Aston Martin DB4 Series IV 4.2-Litre Convertible (1962) - als Lot 125 an der Bond Street Versteigerung von Bonhams am 2. Dezember 2017

And the 1962 Aston Martin DB4 Convertible at £840,000 also failed to find a new garage. A 1953 DB4 Saloon and a 1966 DB6 shared its fate, while the 2004 DB7 Zagato could be knocked down to the lower estimate level.

The coveted Ford RS200

One of the best results was achieved by a 1986 Ford RS 200, one of 24 evolution models with around 600 hp! This obviously appealed to the bidders. From an opening bid of £100,000, the next bidder jumped straight to £190,000, but was immediately outbid by £200,000, prompting James Knight to ask: "What do you say, next offer 300,000?". It didn't go that high, at £ 250'000 it was over, which still meant £ 281'500 (EUR 319'940 or CHF 374'298).

Bild Ford RS200 Evolution Group B Rally Coupé (1986) - als Lot 128 an der Bond Street Versteigerung von Bonhams am 2. Dezember 2017

It was an entertaining (and short) auction and when Knight asked where the drum roll was at the final lot 136, the Ringo Starr Mini, and there was only silence, he immediately added another line: "The jokes don't get any better than this ...".
But the good mood alone is not enough, with a sales rate of 53 percent, the Bonhams managers are probably not entirely satisfied.

Vehicles offered and sold

The following table lists all vehicles on offer with estimated prices in GBP, as well as sales prices (incl. surcharge/commission) in GBP, EUR and CHF. The column "% Est" compares the realized sales price (incl. surcharge/commission) with the average estimated value. The results are as of December 3, 2017 08:00. Several results were modified and subsequently submitted in the subsequent negotiations. All information without guarantee.

The list can be sorted as desired by clicking on the column headings.

Lot	Vehicle	Year	£ Est from	£ Est to	£ VP	€ VP	CHF VP VP	% Est
100	Bugatti 'Type 52 Baby Bugatti' replica child's car (Jg. Ca)	2002	8000	12000	14375	16338	19113	1.44
101	BSA 646cc Rocket Gold Star	1964	20000	25000	24725	28101	32875	1.1
102	AJS 7R 350cc Racing Motorcycle	1950	20000	25000
103	Bristol 411 Series 1 Sports Saloon	1970	60000	70000
104	Vincent 998cc Black Shadow Series C	1949	80000	120000	119100	135363	158362	1.19
105	Bentley 4½-Litre 'Le Mans Replica' Tourer	1929	500000	600000	561500	638176	746603	1.02
106	Porsche 911 GT3 RS	2010	250000	300000
107	Aston Martin DB5 Vantage Saloon	1965	600000	800000	830300	943683	1104015	1.19
108	Brough Superior 982cc SS80 Special	1936	65000	85000	82140	93356	109218	1.1
109	Ferrari 330 GT 2+2 Coupé	1966	220000	280000
110	Jaguar XK150 3.4-liter Drophead Coupé	1960	130000	150000	141500	160822	188146	1.01
111	Bentley S2 Continental Flying Spur Sports Saloon	1960	160000	190000	180700	205375	240269	1.03
112	Aston Martin DB6 4.2-Litre Sports Saloon	1966	230000	270000
114	Ferrari 550 Maranello Coupé	1999	110000	130000
115	Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud Drophead Coupé	1959	600000	800000
116	Jaguar XK150 3.8-Litre 'S' Coupé	1960	130000	160000	186300	211740	247715	1.28
117	Ferrari 288 GTO Coupé	1985	2000000	2500000
118	Aston Martin DB4 Series 4 4.7-Litre Sports Saloon	1963	350000	400000
119	Bentley S1 Continental Sport Saloon	1956	400000	500000	366666	416737	487541	0.81
120	MV Agusta 750S America	1977	55000	65000	63100	71716	83901	1.05
121	Jaguar XK140 Roadster	1956	150000	180000
122	Ferrari 365 GTB/4 'Daytona' Berlinetta	1972	500000	600000
123	Aston Martin Vantage 4.2-Litre Sports Saloon	1973	100000	120000
124	Lancia B24 Spider America	1955	750000	950000
125	Aston Martin DB4 Series IV 4.2-Litre Convertible	1962	900000	1100000
126	Jaguar XK140 Drophead Coupé	1955	100000	120000
127	Aston Martin DB7 Zagato Coupé	2004	320000	360000	359900	409046	478544	1.06
128	Ford RS200 Evolution Group B Rally Coupé	1986	180000	240000	281500	319940	374298	1.34
129	Aston Martin DB4 'Series V' Sports Saloon	1962	450000	550000	516700	587259	687034	1.03
130	Ferrari 575M Maranello Coupé	2002	150000	200000	158300	179917	210484	0.9
131	Alvis 4.3-Litre 'Short Chassis' Tourer	1937	450000	550000	505500	574529	672142	1.01
132	Aston Martin DB5	1964	1250000	1500000	1345500	1529237	1789055	0.98
133	Jaguar E-Type 'Series 1' 4.2-Litre Coupé	1967	90000	120000	87500	99448	116345	0.83
134	Ferrari Enzo Berlinetta	2004	1800000	2200000
135	Porsche 911 'SWB' Coupé	1965	170000	200000
136	Mini Cooper 'S' Radford Conversion	1966	90000	120000	102300	116269	136024	0.97