The "London-Brighton" race is one of the most historic events of its kind. Every year, hundreds of vintage classic cars set off from London to the south coast of England, a fascinating event for participants and spectators alike. All it takes is a historically accurate vehicle dating back to 1904, and Bonhams had a selection of these on offer on November 4, 2016, 14 in all.
Given the subdued mood in the market, it was natural to wonder in advance how well these quaint and often difficult-to-drive cars would sell in 2016.
Well, Bonhams was able to find new owners for almost three quarters of the petrol and steam cars on offer, with the realized selling price (including commission/surcharge) averaging just below the estimated value. For all cars together, £ 1'186'463 (EUR 1'335'982 or CHF 1'4439'387) was realized.
The star of the auction
A continental European paid the most to join the "London-Brighton Club", paying £ 272,540 (EUR 306,886, CHF 330,639) for a 1904 Renault Type N-B 14/20 HP four-cylinder Swing-Seat Tonneau, which was around the estimated value.
The veteran can look back on a history with few changes of ownership and impressed with its authentic bodywork.
Under steam
The Hart Steam Victoria Four-Seater Dos-à-Dos from 1897 (ca), a steam-powered vehicle of the oldest design, was also sold.
£ 60'800 (EUR 68'529 or CHF 73'834) was enough to take possession of it.
Already back at the start on Sunday
Some of the auctioned cars were already back on the starting grid on Sunday, November 6, 2016, including the Daimler 4HP with two-cylinder engine and Wagonette body from 1897, which was expected to be fourth on the grid. As is well known, the cars depart in the order of their vintages.
The new owner paid £ 236,700 (EUR 266,530, CHF 287,159) for the pleasure of being part of the British Daimler.
Surprise of the evening
The Decauville 8 1/2 HP Twin-Cylinder Four-Seat Rear-Entrance Tonneau from 1901, which sold for £ 149,340 (EUR 168,160 or CHF 181,176) instead of £ 100,000 to 120,000, provided the biggest upward swing compared to the estimated price.
De Dion Bouton without luck
Both De Dion Bouton on offer, a model from 1900 and one from 1903, did not find favor with the bidders. The bids were not sufficient for a knockdown. Their fate was shared by a Star 3 1/2 HP from 1899, a Raynaud 8 HP from 1896 and a Darracq 12 HP from 1903.
Bonhams, in the person of Malcolm Barber, was very pleased with the auction, with a packed auction room (on Bond Street) and enthusiastic bidders.
Vehicles on offer
The following table shows all vehicles offered with estimated prices in £ and sales prices in £, € and CHF. The %Est column compares the selling price (incl. surcharge/commission) with the median estimate. All information without guarantee.
| Lot | Vehicle | Year | £ Est from | £ Est to | £ VPrice | € VPrice | CHF VPrice | & Est |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 201 | Renault 3½hp Type C Single-cylinder Rear-entrance Tonneau | 1900 | 60000 | 80000 | 37083 | 41756 | 44988 | 0.53 |
| 202 | De Dion Bouton 3 1/2HP 'New York' Vis à Vis Motorette | 1900 | 50000 | 70000 | ||||
| 203 | Star 3½hp Single-cylinder Vis-à-Vis | 1899 | 110000 | 130000 | ||||
| 204 | Raynaud 8hp Twin-Cylinder Vis-a-vis | 1896 | 110000 | 125000 | ||||
| 205 | Renault Type N-B 14/20hp Four-cylinder Swing-seat Tonneau | 1904 | 250000 | 280000 | 272540 | 306886 | 330639 | 1.03 |
| 206 | Hart Steam Victoria Four-Seater Dos-à-Dos (Jg. Ca) | 1897 | 60000 | 80000 | 60860 | 68529 | 73834 | 0.87 |
| 207 | Renault Type N-C 10hp Two Cylinder Wagonette | 1903 | 110000 | 130000 | 124700 | 140415 | 151283 | 1.04 |
| 208 | Humberette 'Royal Beeston' 6½hp Doctor's Limousine | 1904 | 50000 | 60000 | 57500 | 64746 | 69757 | 1.05 |
| 209 | Daimler 4HP Twin-Cylinder Rougemont Wagonette | 1897 | 200000 | 220000 | 236700 | 266530 | 287159 | 1.13 |
| 210 | Aster 16/20 HP Four-Cylinder Four-Seat Rear-Entrance Tonnneau | 1904 | 230000 | 270000 | 210940 | 237523 | 255907 | 0.84 |
| 211 | Darracq 12hp Twin-cylinder Swing-seat Tonneau | 1903 | 100000 | 140000 | ||||
| 212 | Decauville 8 1/2 HP Twin-Cylinder Four-Seat Rear-Entrance Tonneau | 1901 | 100000 | 120000 | 149340 | 168160 | 181176 | 1.36 |
| 214 | Humber 2¾ HP Olympia Tandem Forecar | 1903 | 35000 | 40000 | 36800 | 41437 | 44644 | 0.98 |
| 215 | De Dion-Bouton 8hp Single-cylinder Rolling Chassis and Engine (Jg ca) | 1903 | 42000 | 46000 |
