The Bonhams auction on May 20, 2021 will undoubtedly be unusual, firstly because it will take place live with an audience, and secondly because more than half of the 112 cars on offer (plus automobilia and horse-drawn carriages) are from the pre-war period. In total, the cars have been estimated at almost USD 27 million, so an average of around USD 238,000 per car is expected.
57 brands
The age of the vehicles also has to do with the variety of brands, with a total of 57 manufacturers whose cars are going under the hammer. Rolls-Royce has the largest contingent (11), followed by Aston Martin (7) and Ford (6).
All other brands are represented by a handful of cars at most, many with only one car. Among the brands there are many vanished American manufacturers such as American Underslung, Cord, Crane, Duesenberg, Hanyes, Hudson, Knox, Marmon, Maxwell, Mercedes, National, Pierce or Reo.
Average age 77 years
The high proportion of pre-war cars is accompanied by a high average age. In fact, young cars are only marginally represented, with just two youngtimers and five neoclassics (less than 20 years old) up for auction. The eighties are also only represented by three cars, the seventies by eight.
Some super classics from the fifties to the seventies
Those interested in super classics will not miss out. For example, a Mercedes-Benz 300b Cabrioelt D from 1955 will go under the hammer (no reserve price), as well as two Aston Martin DB4s and two Jaguar E-Type Series 1 3.8 liters.
There is also an early Porsche 911, as well as a VW Type 2 Samba from 1959 (USD 140,000 to 180,000).
The completely restored Maserati Ghibli 4.7 from 1967 and the BMW 2002 as a convertible and as a turbo version are certainly also of interest.
Incidentally, the cheapest vehicle in the auction is a Mercedes-Benz 450 SLC from 1974, which is being offered for USD 8,000 to 12,000 with no minimum price requirement, as is the case for 50 percent of all lots.
Pre-war collections
The high proportion of (primarily American) cars built before the Second World War can certainly be explained by the fact that several collections (or parts thereof) were consigned.
Among these pre-war rarities, there are also some very special and valuable vehicles, such as a very early Rolls-Royce 40/50hp Silver Ghost Open Drive Landaulette from 1909, which is expected to fetch USD 1.3 to 1.5 million.
A Mercer Type 35k Runabout from 1913 is also expected to exceed the million mark, as is a Mercedes-Benz 630 K from 1928 (USD 1.1 to 1.25 million).
The most expensive car on offer, however, is a Mercedes-Benz 500/540 K Special Roadster from 1934, which is expected to find a new owner for USD 4.5 to 5 million.
At USD 800,000 to 1.0 million, the Bugatti Type 57 with Franay convertible bodywork from 1934 seems almost cheap in comparison.
Among the very old cars, however, there are also many that are expected to cost only a few tens of thousands or even less, such as a Maxwell Model L Tourabout from 1905 (USD 25,000 to 35,000), a Stanley Steamer Runabout from 1901 (USD 30,000 to 50,000) or a Ford Model T Speedster from 1911 (USD 25,000 to 35,000).
Special exclusives
Two particularly sporty vehicles, the Godsal Sports Tourer from 1935 and the RGS Atalanta from 1953, are hardly ever seen.
There is an exciting story behind both of them and this should also explain why both cars are worth several hundred thousand.
A look at the extensively illustrated catalog or the Bonhams website, where a lot of knowledge and many pictures are bundled, is definitely worthwhile, even if you don't necessarily want to buy something.
Offered Vehicles
The following table lists all offered vehicles with estimated prices. The price conversion was made at the exchange rate valid at the time of publication. All information is provided without guarantee.
| Lot | Car | Year | NoR | USD Est from | USD Est to | CHF Est from | CHF Est to | EUR Est from | EUR Est to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 101 | MG TF 1500 Roadster | 1955 | Yes | 30'000 | 50'000 | 27'000 | 45'000 | 24'600 | 41'000 |
| 102 | Mercedes-Benz 450 SLC | 1974 | Yes | 8000 | 12'000 | 7200 | 10'800 | 6560 | 9840 |
| 103 | Land Rover Series IIA 88'' Hardtop | 1965 | Yes | 17'500 | 25'000 | 15'750 | 22'500 | 14'350 | 20'500 |
| 104 | Studebaker Avanti R1 | 1963 | 35'000 | 45'000 | 31'500 | 40'500 | 28'700 | 36'900 | |
| 105 | DeLorean DMC12 | 1982 | Yes | 25'000 | 35'000 | 22'500 | 31'500 | 20'500 | 28'700 |
| 106 | Bombardier B-7 Seven Passenger Snowmobile (Jg. Ca.) | 1940 | 30'000 | 40'000 | 27'000 | 36'000 | 24'600 | 32'800 | |
| 107 | Chrysler Airflow Model CU Sedan | 1934 | 40'000 | 60'000 | 36'000 | 54'000 | 32'800 | 49'200 | |
| 108 | Dodge VC-1 ½ Ton 4X4 Command Reconnaissance Car | 1940 | 40'000 | 50'000 | 36'000 | 45'000 | 32'800 | 41'000 | |
| 109 | Quasar SR-70 SR-70 "D Sports Racer" | 1970 | Yes | 15'000 | 25'000 | 13'500 | 22'500 | 12'300 | 20'500 |
| 110 | Bentley Azure | 2001 | Yes | 45'000 | 65'000 | 40'500 | 58'500 | 36'900 | 53'300 |
| 111 | Rolls-Royce Camargue | 1980 | Yes | 50'000 | 70'000 | 45'000 | 63'000 | 41'000 | 57'400 |
| 112 | Volkswagen Type 2 Microbus Deluxe 'Samba' 23-Window | 1959 | 140'000 | 180'000 | 126'000 | 162'000 | 114'800 | 147'600 | |
| 113 | Chevrolet Corvette L71 427/435hp Convertible | 1968 | 100'000 | 130'000 | 90'000 | 117'000 | 82'000 | 106'600 | |
| 114 | Aston Martin DB4 Series 1 Saloon | 1959 | Yes | 280'000 | 340'000 | 252'000 | 306'000 | 229'600 | 278'800 |
| 115 | Jaguar XK150 3.4 Liter Drophead Coupe | 1959 | 110'000 | 150'000 | 99'000 | 135'000 | 90'200 | 122'999 | |
| 116 | Aston Martin DBS Saloon | 1969 | Yes | 60'000 | 90'000 | 54'000 | 81'000 | 49'200 | 73'800 |
| 117 | Land Rover Defender 90 NAS | 1994 | Yes | 65'000 | 85'000 | 58'500 | 76'500 | 53'300 | 69'700 |
| 118 | De Tomaso Pantera "Pulsante" | 1971 | 100'000 | 140'000 | 90'000 | 126'000 | 82'000 | 114'800 | |
| 119 | Aston Martin DB MkIII | 1958 | Yes | 120'000 | 160'000 | 108'000 | 144'000 | 98'400 | 131'200 |
| 120 | Porsche 911 Speedster | 2019 | 300'000 | 350'000 | 270'000 | 315'000 | 245'999 | 287'000 | |
| 121 | Jaguar E-Type Series I 3.8 Roadster | 1964 | 120'000 | 160'000 | 108'000 | 144'000 | 98'400 | 131'200 | |
| 122 | Chevrolet Corvette | 1957 | 55'000 | 65'000 | 49'500 | 58'500 | 45'100 | 53'300 | |
| 123 | Porsche 930 Turbo 3.3 Coupe | 1979 | 95'000 | 130'000 | 85'500 | 117'000 | 77'900 | 106'600 | |
| 124 | Rolls-Royce 40/50hp Silver Ghost Boat Tail Roadster | 1926 | Yes | 150'000 | 200'000 | 135'000 | 180'000 | 122'999 | 164'000 |
| 125 | RGS Atalanta | 1953 | 300'000 | 500'000 | 270'000 | 450'000 | 245'999 | 410'000 | |
| 126 | Maserati Ghibli 4.7 Coupe | 1967 | 250'000 | 325'000 | 225'000 | 292'500 | 205'000 | 266'500 | |
| 127 | Allard K1 | 1947 | Yes | 45'000 | 60'000 | 40'500 | 54'000 | 36'900 | 49'200 |
| 128 | Bentley S2 Continental Flying Spur | 1961 | Yes | 100'000 | 150'000 | 90'000 | 135'000 | 82'000 | 122'999 |
| 129 | Ford GT Heritage Edition | 2006 | 375'000 | 425'000 | 337'500 | 382'500 | 307'500 | 348'500 | |
| 130 | Porsche 911 | 1966 | 120'000 | 150'000 | 108'000 | 135'000 | 98'400 | 122'999 | |
| 131 | Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP Silver Ghost Touring Phaeton | 1921 | 175'000 | 200'000 | 157'500 | 180'000 | 143'500 | 164'000 | |
| 132 | Pierce Model 8M Motorette | 1904 | 75'000 | 95'000 | 67'500 | 85'500 | 61'499 | 77'900 | |
| 133 | Locomobile Model H 35hp Touring Car | 1907 | Yes | 160'000 | 200'000 | 144'000 | 180'000 | 131'200 | 164'000 |
| 134 | Simplex 50hp "Speedcar" | 1908 | 600'000 | 800'000 | 540'000 | 720'000 | 491'999 | 656'000 | |
| 135 | Knox Model R "Raceabout" | 1909 | Yes | 80'000 | 120'000 | 72'000 | 108'000 | 65'600 | 98'400 |
| 136 | National Model 40 "Racer" | 1910 | Yes | 250'000 | 350'000 | 225'000 | 315'000 | 205'000 | 287'000 |
| 137 | Locomobile Model 30 L-Type Baby Tonneau | 1911 | Yes | 200'000 | 300'000 | 180'000 | 270'000 | 164'000 | 245'999 |
| 138 | Inter-State Fifty 'Bulldog' "Indianapolis Racer" | 1911 | Yes | 200'000 | 300'000 | 180'000 | 270'000 | 164'000 | 245'999 |
| 139 | Stutz Bearcat | 1912 | 650'000 | 850'000 | 585'000 | 765'000 | 533'000 | 697'000 | |
| 140 | Hudson Model 33 'Mile-A-Minute' Roadster | 1912 | Yes | 80'000 | 120'000 | 72'000 | 108'000 | 65'600 | 98'400 |
| 141 | American Underslung Model 22 Scout | 1912 | Yes | 150'000 | 200'000 | 135'000 | 180'000 | 122'999 | 164'000 |
| 142 | Mercer Type 35K Runabout | 1913 | 1'000'000 | 1'500'000 | 900'000 | 1'350'000 | 820'000 | 1'230'000 | |
| 143 | Duesenberg Model J 'Sweep Panel' Dual-Cowl Phaeton | 1933 | 1'000'000 | 1'250'000 | 900'000 | 1'125'000 | 820'000 | 1'024'999 | |
| 144 | Bugatti Type 57 Cabriolet | 1934 | 800'000 | 1'000'000 | 720'000 | 900'000 | 656'000 | 820'000 | |
| 145 | Auburn 851 Supercharged Boattail Speedster | 1935 | Yes | 600'000 | 800'000 | 540'000 | 720'000 | 491'999 | 656'000 |
| 146 | Godsal Sports Tourer | 1935 | 750'000 | 950'000 | 675'000 | 855'000 | 615'000 | 779'000 | |
| 147 | Locomobile 48 HP Tourer | 1915 | 65'000 | 85'000 | 58'500 | 76'500 | 53'300 | 69'700 | |
| 148 | Delahaye 135M Convertible | 1947 | 300'000 | 350'000 | 270'000 | 315'000 | 245'999 | 287'000 | |
| 149 | Bentley MK VI Saloon | 1949 | Yes | 45'000 | 65'000 | 40'500 | 58'500 | 36'900 | 53'300 |
| 150 | Radical SR8 | 2006 | 50'000 | 70'000 | 45'000 | 63'000 | 41'000 | 57'400 | |
| 151 | Sbarro Lola T70 MK III Spyder | 1967 | 40'000 | 50'000 | 36'000 | 45'000 | 32'800 | 41'000 | |
| 152 | Haynes Model 47 Special Speedster | 1921 | 75'000 | 100'000 | 67'500 | 90'000 | 61'499 | 82'000 | |
| 153 | Stanley 30HP "Vanderbilt" | 1906 | 225'000 | 275'000 | 202'500 | 247'500 | 184'500 | 225'500 | |
| 154 | Rolls-Royce 40/50hp Silver Ghost Open Drive Landaulette | 1909 | 1'300'000 | 1'500'000 | 1'170'000 | 1'350'000 | 1'066'000 | 1'230'000 | |
| 155 | Chrysler Model 75 Roadster | 1929 | 50'000 | 75'000 | 45'000 | 67'500 | 41'000 | 61'499 | |
| 156 | Buick Model 22-45 5-Passenger Tourer | 1922 | Yes | 24'000 | 34'000 | 21'600 | 30'600 | 19'680 | 27'880 |
| 157 | Stanley Steamer Runabout | 1901 | Yes | 30'000 | 50'000 | 27'000 | 45'000 | 24'600 | 41'000 |
| 158 | Marmon Model 34B Four-Passenger Speedster | 1922 | 70'000 | 90'000 | 63'000 | 81'000 | 57'400 | 73'800 | |
| 159 | Crane Model 3 Four Passenger Sport Landau | 1912 | 275'000 | 325'000 | 247'500 | 292'500 | 225'500 | 266'500 | |
| 160 | Mercedes-Benz 500/540K (Factory Upgrade) Spezial Roadster | 1934 | 4'500'000 | 5'000'000 | 4'050'000 | 4'500'000 | 3'690'000 | 4'099'999 | |
| 161 | Mercedes-Benz 630 K 'La Baule' Torpedo Transformable | 1928 | 1'100'000 | 1'250'000 | 990'000 | 1'125'000 | 902'000 | 1'024'999 | |
| 162 | Ford Model AA Stakebed Truck | 1930 | Yes | 10'000 | 12'000 | 9000 | 10'800 | 8200 | 9840 |
| 162 | Chrysler Imperial Model CL Dual Cowl Phaeton | 1933 | 550'000 | 675'000 | 495'000 | 607'500 | 451'000 | 553'500 | |
| 163 | Jaguar E-TYPE Series I 3.8 Coupe | 1963 | 160'000 | 210'000 | 144'000 | 189'000 | 131'200 | 172'200 | |
| 164 | Aston Martin DB6 Saloon | 1968 | Yes | 150'000 | 200'000 | 135'000 | 180'000 | 122'999 | 164'000 |
| 165 | Marmon Model 34B Seven-Passenger Touring | 1920 | Yes | 20'000 | 40'000 | 18'000 | 36'000 | 16'400 | 32'800 |
| 166 | Aston Martin V12 Vantage S | 2017 | 150'000 | 200'000 | 135'000 | 180'000 | 122'999 | 164'000 | |
| 167 | Rolls-Royce Phantom I Transformal Phaeton | 1927 | 450'000 | 550'000 | 405'000 | 495'000 | 369'000 | 451'000 | |
| 168 | Pierce-Arrow Model 1247 Convertible Sedan | 1933 | 350'000 | 450'000 | 315'000 | 405'000 | 287'000 | 369'000 | |
| 169 | Ford Model 18 V-8 Drophead Coupe | 1932 | 100'000 | 150'000 | 90'000 | 135'000 | 82'000 | 122'999 | |
| 170 | Rolls-Royce Phantom II All-Weather Tourer | 1933 | 180'000 | 230'000 | 162'000 | 207'000 | 147'600 | 188'600 | |
| 171 | Packard 1507 Twelve Convertible Victoria | 1937 | 175'000 | 225'000 | 157'500 | 202'500 | 143'500 | 184'500 | |
| 172 | Cadillac Fleetwood Seventy-Five Limousine | 1959 | Yes | 40'000 | 60'000 | 36'000 | 54'000 | 32'800 | 49'200 |
| 173 | Aston Martin DB4 Series 1 Saloon | 1959 | Yes | 280'000 | 340'000 | 252'000 | 306'000 | 229'600 | 278'800 |
| 174 | Jaguar F-Type Project 7 Roadster | 2016 | 150'000 | 200'000 | 135'000 | 180'000 | 122'999 | 164'000 | |
| 175 | Bentley Mk VI Drophead Coupe | 1950 | Yes | 80'000 | 100'000 | 72'000 | 90'000 | 65'600 | 82'000 |
| 176 | Rolls-Royce 'EX' Series Phantom Recreation (Jg. Ca.) | 1928 | 125'000 | 175'000 | 112'500 | 157'500 | 102'500 | 143'500 | |
| 177 | Aston Martin V8 Saloon | 1976 | Yes | 70'000 | 90'000 | 63'000 | 81'000 | 57'400 | 73'800 |
| 178 | Bentley Mk VI Fixed Head Coupe | 1951 | Yes | 120'000 | 160'000 | 108'000 | 144'000 | 98'400 | 131'200 |
| 179 | Cord L-29 Cabriolet | 1930 | 125'000 | 150'000 | 112'500 | 135'000 | 102'500 | 122'999 | |
| 180 | Rolls-Royce Phantom I Towncar | 1927 | Yes | 125'000 | 150'000 | 112'500 | 135'000 | 102'500 | 122'999 |
| 181 | Cadillac 341-A V-8 Tourer | 1927 | 125'000 | 150'000 | 112'500 | 135'000 | 102'500 | 122'999 | |
| 182 | Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith Long Wheelbase Touring Car | 1956 | Yes | 80'000 | 100'000 | 72'000 | 90'000 | 65'600 | 82'000 |
| 183 | Rolls-Royce Phantom V Limousine | 1963 | Yes | 70'000 | 90'000 | 63'000 | 81'000 | 57'400 | 73'800 |
| 184 | BMW 2002 Turbo | 1975 | 110'000 | 140'000 | 99'000 | 126'000 | 90'200 | 114'800 | |
| 185 | Packard Standard Eight Model 236 Roadster | 1926 | 80'000 | 110'000 | 72'000 | 99'000 | 65'600 | 90'200 | |
| 186 | Packard Super Eight Coupe Roadster | 1933 | 150'000 | 175'000 | 135'000 | 157'500 | 122'999 | 143'500 | |
| 187 | Sunbeam-Talbot Alpine Roadster | 1954 | 60'000 | 80'000 | 54'000 | 72'000 | 49'200 | 65'600 | |
| 188 | Alfa Romeo 1600 Duetto Spider | 1966 | Yes | 25'000 | 35'000 | 22'500 | 31'500 | 20'500 | 28'700 |
| 189 | Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 | 1978 | Yes | 40'000 | 60'000 | 36'000 | 54'000 | 32'800 | 49'200 |
| 190 | Mercedes-Benz 560SL | 1988 | Yes | 45'000 | 65'000 | 40'500 | 58'500 | 36'900 | 53'300 |
| 191 | Oldsmobile Model R Curved Dash Runabout | 1901 | 50'000 | 60'000 | 45'000 | 54'000 | 41'000 | 49'200 | |
| 192 | Packard Twelve 1708 Dual cowl Sport Phaeton | 1936 | 200'000 | 250'000 | 180'000 | 225'000 | 164'000 | 205'000 | |
| 193 | Dodge 330 Hemi Lightweight | 1964 | 150'000 | 200'000 | 135'000 | 180'000 | 122'999 | 164'000 | |
| 194 | Stevens-Duryea D-Six Tourer | 1915 | 85'000 | 115'000 | 76'500 | 103'500 | 69'700 | 94'300 | |
| 195 | Reo 8HP Model B Two/Four Seater Runabout | 1907 | Yes | 20'000 | 30'000 | 18'000 | 27'000 | 16'400 | 24'600 |
| 196 | Reo Model ST 5 'The Fifth' Five Passenger Touring | 1915 | Yes | 12'000 | 15'000 | 10'800 | 13'500 | 9840 | 12'300 |
| 197 | MG TF | 1954 | Yes | 20'000 | 30'000 | 18'000 | 27'000 | 16'400 | 24'600 |
| 198 | BMW 2002 Cabriolet | 1973 | Yes | 25'000 | 35'000 | 22'500 | 31'500 | 20'500 | 28'700 |
| 199 | Mercedes-Benz 300b Cabriolet D | 1955 | Yes | 175'000 | 225'000 | 157'500 | 202'500 | 143'500 | 184'500 |
| 200 | Rolls-Royce Phantom III Limousine with Division | 1939 | Yes | 50'000 | 60'000 | 45'000 | 54'000 | 41'000 | 49'200 |
| 201 | Ford E-Code Thunderbird | 1957 | Yes | 25'000 | 35'000 | 22'500 | 31'500 | 20'500 | 28'700 |
| 202 | Chevrolet Bel Air Resto-Mod | 1957 | Yes | 35'000 | 45'000 | 31'500 | 40'500 | 28'700 | 36'900 |
| 203 | Lincoln Continental Resto-Mod | 1941 | Yes | 45'000 | 60'000 | 40'500 | 54'000 | 36'900 | 49'200 |
| 204 | Auburn 8-100A Phaeton Sedan | 1932 | Yes | 50'000 | 75'000 | 45'000 | 67'500 | 41'000 | 61'499 |
| 205 | Maxwell Model L Tourabout | 1905 | Yes | 25'000 | 35'000 | 22'500 | 31'500 | 20'500 | 28'700 |
| 206 | Hudson Greater Eight Boattail Roadster | 1931 | Yes | 75'000 | 100'000 | 67'500 | 90'000 | 61'499 | 82'000 |
| 207 | Auburn 8-98A Cabriolet | 1931 | Yes | 70'000 | 90'000 | 63'000 | 81'000 | 57'400 | 73'800 |
| 208 | Packard Model 640 Custom Eight Roadster | 1929 | Yes | 80'000 | 120'000 | 72'000 | 108'000 | 65'600 | 98'400 |
| 209 | Ford Model T C-Cab Calliope Truck | 1915 | Yes | 25'000 | 35'000 | 22'500 | 31'500 | 20'500 | 28'700 |
| 210 | Ford Model T Speedster | 1911 | Yes | 25'000 | 35'000 | 22'500 | 31'500 | 20'500 | 28'700 |
| 211 | Queen Model E Light Touring | 1905 | Yes | 75'000 | 100'000 | 67'500 | 90'000 | 61'499 | 82'000 |
All information is provided without guarantee.
Legend: Column NoR = No Reserve (no minimum price), Column S = Status (V = Sold, N = Not sold, Z = Withdrawn, U = Under reserve)
Est = Estimate, HP = Hammer Price, SP = Sale Price
