101 vehicles (including a few motorcycles, a boat and engines) were offered by Bonhams at the Greenwich Concours d'Elégance on June 2, 2019.
Diverse offer
There was no lack of diversity in Greenwich. The average age was just under 60 years, but there was still a difference of 100 years between the oldest and youngest vehicles. From future classics to pre-war cars, everything was on offer.
According to Bonhams, the vehicles were worth a total of USD 10.4 million. However, as only 72 percent of the vehicles were sold, the total turnover was ultimately only USD 4.4 million, especially as many cars were sold for less than their estimated value.
On average, 66 percent of the median estimate was offered, and here, too, there were large swings.
American-influenced portfolio
Ford (15 cars) supplied the largest contingent, but Chevrolet (7) and other brands were also well represented.
However, 10 Jaguar, 5 Mercedes-Benz, 5 Bentley and 4 Porsche were also on offer.
Alfa Romeo 6C in new hands
The most expensive car at the auction was a 1949 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Super Sport Cabriolet, which found new hands for USD 417,500 (EUR 373,663).
A Bentley S2 Continental Coupé from 1961 provided a positive surprise, selling above its estimate for USD 246,400 (EUR 220,528).
Muscle cars with a poor result
59 percent of the vehicles were auctioned without a reserve price, and bidders took advantage of this to make some certainly good buys.
American muscle cars in particular had to be sold well below the estimated values in some cases, such as a 1966 Ford Galaxie 7-liter Q-Code 2-Door Hardtop (USD 22,400 instead of USD 75,000 to 100,000) or a 1966 Ford Galaxie 500 R-Code 2-Door Hardtop (USD 32,480 instead of USD 75,000 to 100,000.
But European cars were also caught out. A Mercedes-Benz 450 SLC from 1978 sold for just USD 7280, around two thirds below the estimated value.
Shelby pair gets new owners
Two almost identical Shelby GT350s from 1968 with an interesting history did not live up to expectations.
Instead of USD 100,000 to 125,000 each as estimated, they were auctioned for USD 60,480 and 68,320.
Solid results too
However, the bidding was not consistently low. A 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE Coupé sold above its estimate.
A 1965 Ford Mustang Convertible also sold for more than expected and bidders were so interested in the Porsche 550 Spyder replica by Beck that it found new hands for USD 25,200 instead of the expected USD 15,000 to 20,000.
A relatively young 2003 Audi TT Roadster also sold comparatively well, worth USD 13,440 to its new owner.
A Nissan Skyline, on the other hand, was sold at a surprisingly low price.
The USD 123,200 for a very early left-hand drive Jaguar E-Type from 1961 and the USD 19,600 for a 1953 MG TD also seemed reasonable.
Offered and Sold Vehicles
The following table lists all offered and sold vehicles with estimated prices, highest bids, and sale prices. The price conversion was made at the exchange rate valid on the auction day. All information is provided without guarantee.
| Lot | Car | Year | USD Est from | USD Est to | USD HP | USD SP | CHF SP | EUR SP | % Est | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 101 | Sears Allstate Puch 250 | 1964 | 2500 | 4500 | N | |||||
| 102 | Bianchi Gardena 75 | 1962 | 2000 | 3000 | 950 | 1064 | 1064 | 952 | -57.44%
|
V |
| 103 | Triumph TR3A Convertible | 1960 | 30'000 | 35'000 | 23'000 | 25'760 | 25'760 | 23'055 | -20.74%
|
V |
| 104 | MG TD | 1953 | 20'000 | 25'000 | 17'500 | 19'600 | 19'600 | 17'542 | -12.89%
|
V |
| 105 | Lincoln Zephyr Cabriolet | 1948 | 35'000 | 45'000 | 18'000 | 20'160 | 20'160 | 18'043 | -49.6%
|
V |
| 106 | Ford Thunderbird Coupe | 1964 | 20'000 | 30'000 | 8500 | 9520 | 9520 | 8520 | -61.92%
|
V |
| 107 | Bentley Brooklands Long Wheelbase | 1993 | 25'000 | 35'000 | 16'500 | 18'480 | 18'480 | 16'539 | -38.4%
|
V |
All information is provided without guarantee.
Legend: Column S = Status (V = Sold, N = Not sold, Z = Withdrawn, U = Under reserve)
Est = Estimate, HP = Hammer Price, SP = Sale Price
