Concept cars as popular collector's items, or not?
07/05/2012
Last weekend, Bonhams auctioned off three Lotus concept cars at Goodwood.
The highlight was certainly the Lotus Etna V8 from 1984, a functional study from the hand of Giorgetto Giugiaro. In contrast to some studies, the Etna V8 was largely drivable. At the time, it was built on an extended Esprit platform. The engine, however, is unique: it is a prototype engine with eight cylinders and four overhead camshafts. The unit is said to have developed around 335 hp. Although Lotus had big plans for the Etna, which would probably have become a very forward-looking sports car, financial difficulties and ultimately the lack of interest on the part of Lotus buyer GM forced the project to be abandoned.
Bonhams had estimated the Lotus at £ 90,000 to £ 130,000, or € 110,000 to € 160,000, but this was obviously too much for the public, who were certainly not averse to money. Compared to the well over € 1 million that was paid for the Bertone Lamborghini Marzal last year ...
or the € 600,000 demanded for the Lancia Stratos Zero in Como in 2011, ...
however, the amounts demanded for the Etna seem more than humane, especially because it has been extensively restored and completed. A missed opportunity!
The second prototype, a Lotus M200 Speedster, which graced the Lotus stand at the IAA in 1991, also failed to find a buyer.
£ 80,000 to 120,000, or € 100,000 to 150,000, does not seem low compared to the Etna, even though the Speedster was described as fully drivable thanks to its proximity to the front-wheel drive Elan of the time.
We have published a comprehensive auction report on the Bonhams auction at the Goodwood Festival of Speed .
