On March 3, 2022, Bonhams auctioned a considerable selection of motorcycles and some automobilia in addition to 84 cars at the Amelia Island Concours d'Elégance in Fernandina Beach/Florida (USA).
The cars were valued at a total of USD 21.5 million, resulting in a mean estimate of USD 255,327 per car. 57 percent of the vehicles will be sold without a reserve price.
Large pre-war share
With an average age of over 71 years, it is clear from the first glance at the catalog that there must be a considerable selection of pre-war cars on offer. And indeed, 30 cars were built before 1940, i.e. more than a third.
In contrast, the proportion of young cars is very low, with only one youngtimer, a Porsche 993 from 1996, making it into the selection.
Bugatti 57C Stelvio Convertible as the most expensive pre-war car
The most valuable pre-war car comes from the French brand Bugatti.
The Type 57C as a Gangloff Stelvio Cacbriolet from 1938 was estimated at USD 1.3 to 1.7 million and comes with an extensive history and fully restored.
Only a 1929 Duesenberg Model J as a Convertible Victoria is the second car built before the Second World War to make it into the million-dollar league; it is expected to find a new owner for USD 900,000 to 1.2 million.
British brands dominate
With 36 vehicles, the British brands are at the top of the manufacturers' hit parade. Rolls-Royce alone accounts for 16 vehicles, a further 11 come from Jaguar, while Aston Martin is represented with three and Bentley with two vehicles.
Almost forgotten brands such as Riley, Daimler and Lea Francis also appear in the catalog.
However, three cars stand out clearly. One is the first series-produced Derby-Bentley, a 3 1/2 liter Sports Tourer from 1933 with Vanden Plas bodywork and chassis number B1AE.
The car was never fully restored and appeared in company literature and test reports at the time. It has not been shown in public since 1996 and is now expected to find a new enthusiast for USD 400,000 to 600,000.
The story of a Jaguar XK 120 SE from 1954 is at least as dazzling. After all, this is the only XK 120 that Carrozzeria Pinin Farina has ever fitted. And the result is impressive in terms of elegance and originality. The coupé was presented at the Geneva Motor Show in 1955.
The car was extensively restored and won a Concours Award at Pebble Beach in 2017. Now chassis 675360 is to find a new garage for USD 900,000 to 1.3 million.
And then there is the Riley 12/4 Sprite Two Seater Sports from 1937, which took 3rd place in its class at the 1937 Monte Carlo Rally with factory support. This car is also extensively documented and completely restored. USD 475,000 to 625,000 is the estimate for "CDU 63".
Many American vehicles
The second-largest national contingent at the Bonhams auction is neither Italian, French nor German.
It is the Americans who are represented with 27 cars. Packard alone is represented with nine cars, followed by Ford (7) and a whole range of other more or less well-known manufacturers, including GMC, Allard, Auburn, Continental and Lincoln.
One of the rarest and most valuable cars in this list is certainly the Allard J2X Two Seater Sports from 1952, which is looking for a new owner for USD 400,000 to 450,000.
The special Porsche 550
The 1955 Porsche 550 with chassis number 550-0036 is in a completely different league. The car was fitted by Wendler and entered in many competitions on the Nürburgring, the Avus and in Hockenheim.
Extensive photo material shows the car in many races. The first owner was Theo Helfrich from Frankfurt. The Spyder was extensively restored at the turn of the millennium and has been in the same ownership for 50 years.
USD 4.5 to 5.5 million is now to be transferred to buy the 550 Spyder.
Extensive SL selection
Five Mercedes-Benz of the SL series are vying for the favor of bidders at Bonhams in Amelia Island. The most eye-catching of the quintet is certainly a yellow Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster from 1960, which wants to be sold for as much as USD 1.9 to 2.3 million.
Surprisingly, in addition to the color applied at the time on special request, the wrong engine is under the hood. But this was also installed at the time after an engine failure and it was an aluminum engine, which certainly upgraded the car at the time. Then there's the previous royal ownership and the color.
The remaining four SLs are two Pagodas and two 107s.
Vehicles with a celebrity bonus?
Not only the aforementioned 300 SL Roadster can count on an interesting history, but also a Rolly-Royce Phantom I Avon Touring Sedan from 1929 with bodywork by Brewster.
The car was featured in the 1978 movie "The Betsy" and has retained much of its originality. However, it will not be possible to get away with it completely without work, which is also suggested by the estimate of USD 25,000 to 40,000 (no reserve).
And while we're on the subject of Rolls-Royce, we should also mention a 1953 Silver Wraith that was once owned by Yves Saint-Laurent's partner Pierre Bergé. The asking price here is USD 70,000 to 100,000.
Super classics non-stop
There is certainly no shortage of super classics from the 1950s and 1960s at Bonhams.
There is a 1958 Aston Martin DB4 to be restored, but also a 1956 Chevrolet Corvette C1.
A whole series of Jaguar XKs and E-Types are looking for new owners, while Porsche is going after bidders with a 356 A 1600 Speedster from 1957, a 911 2.0 Targa from 1967 and a 914 2.0.
From Maserati you can buy a Mexico as a 4.2-liter coupé from 1967, from Lamborghini a 400 GT 2+2 from 1968 and an Espada Series III from 1974.
The Facel Vega Facel II from 1964 is also worth a closer look, especially as it will go under the hammer like 47 other cars without a reserve price.
Further information, the electronic catalog and many pictures of the auction can be found on the Bonhams website.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 201 | Ford Model A Tudor Sedan | 1931 | Yes | 10'000 | 20'000 | 9200 | 18'400 | 8800 | 17'600 |
| 202 | Ford Super Deluxe Tudor Sedan | 1942 | Yes | 10'000 | 20'000 | 9200 | 18'400 | 8800 | 17'600 |
| 203 | Ford Model 40 V8 Coupe | 1933 | Yes | 20'000 | 40'000 | 18'400 | 36'800 | 17'600 | 35'200 |
| 204 | Packard Model 633 Standard Eight Sedan | 1929 | Yes | 20'000 | 40'000 | 18'400 | 36'800 | 17'600 | 35'200 |
| 205 | Packard Model 1101 Eight Club Sedan | 1934 | Yes | 70'000 | 90'000 | 64'400 | 82'800 | 61'600 | 79'200 |
| 206 | Ford Model A Coupe | 1931 | Yes | 10'000 | 20'000 | 9200 | 18'400 | 8800 | 17'600 |
| 207 | GMC T14 Up Pick Truck (Jg. Ca.) | 1937 | Yes | 20'000 | 30'000 | 18'400 | 27'600 | 17'600 | 26'400 |
| 208 | GMC AC 101 Panel Truck (Jg. Ca.) | 1940 | Yes | 15'000 | 25'000 | 13'800 | 23'000 | 13'200 | 22'000 |
| 209 | Ford Model 18 Deluxe V-8 Cabriolet | 1932 | 70'000 | 80'000 | 64'400 | 73'600 | 61'600 | 70'400 | |
| 210 | Mercedes-Benz 560 SL | 1989 | Yes | 55'000 | 75'000 | 50'600 | 69'000 | 48'400 | 66'000 |
| 211 | Facel Vega Facel II Coupe | 1964 | Yes | 150'000 | 200'000 | 138'000 | 184'000 | 132'000 | 176'000 |
| 212 | Citroën 2CV 'Dolly' | 1981 | Yes | 15'000 | 25'000 | 13'800 | 23'000 | 13'200 | 22'000 |
| 213 | Packard 110 Deluxe Station Wagon | 1941 | 50'000 | 70'000 | 46'000 | 64'400 | 44'000 | 61'600 | |
| 214 | Porsche 911 2.0 'Soft Window' Targa | 1967 | 100'000 | 130'000 | 92'000 | 119'600 | 88'000 | 114'400 | |
| 215 | Jaguar XK140 SE Fixed Head Coupe | 1957 | Yes | 40'000 | 60'000 | 36'800 | 55'200 | 35'200 | 52'800 |
| 216 | Daimler SP250 Roadster | 1963 | Yes | 40'000 | 60'000 | 36'800 | 55'200 | 35'200 | 52'800 |
| 217 | Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet | 1971 | 300'000 | 350'000 | 276'000 | 322'000 | 264'000 | 308'000 | |
| 218 | Bentley S2 Continental Drophead Coupe | 1961 | Yes | 110'000 | 150'000 | 101'200 | 138'000 | 96'800 | 132'000 |
| 219 | Lea Francis 2½ Liter Sports | 1950 | Yes | 60'000 | 80'000 | 55'200 | 73'600 | 52'800 | 70'400 |
| 220 | Chevrolet Corvette Roadster | 1956 | Yes | 55'000 | 75'000 | 50'600 | 69'000 | 48'400 | 66'000 |
| 221 | Porsche 356A 1600 Speedster | 1957 | 280'000 | 340'000 | 257'600 | 312'800 | 246'400 | 299'200 | |
| 222 | Lamborghini 400 GT 2+2 Coupe | 1968 | Yes | 250'000 | 300'000 | 230'000 | 276'000 | 220'000 | 264'000 |
| 223 | Jaguar E-Type Series I 3.8 'Flat Floor' Roadster | 1961 | Yes | 130'000 | 160'000 | 119'600 | 147'200 | 114'400 | 140'800 |
| 224 | Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster | 1960 | 1'900'000 | 2'300'000 | 1'748'000 | 2'116'000 | 1'672'000 | 2'024'000 | |
| 225 | Mercedes-Benz 280 SL | 1969 | Yes | 65'000 | 85'000 | 59'800 | 78'200 | 57'200 | 74'800 |
| 226 | Austin-Healey "100S Prototype" 'NOJ 391' Recreation | 1954 | 225'000 | 275'000 | 207'000 | 253'000 | 198'000 | 242'000 | |
| 227 | Aston Martin V8 Series 3 Sports Saloon | 1977 | Yes | 70'000 | 100'000 | 64'400 | 92'000 | 61'600 | 88'000 |
| 228 | Continental Mark II Coupe | 1956 | Yes | 45'000 | 55'000 | 41'400 | 50'600 | 39'600 | 48'400 |
| 229 | Ferrari 365 GTC/4 | 1972 | 275'000 | 325'000 | 253'000 | 299'000 | 242'000 | 286'000 | |
| 230 | Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner | 1957 | Yes | 55'000 | 75'000 | 50'600 | 69'000 | 48'400 | 66'000 |
| 231 | Packard Caribbean Converible | 1956 | Yes | 70'000 | 85'000 | 64'400 | 78'200 | 61'600 | 74'800 |
| 232 | Bugatti Type 57C Stelvio Convertible | 1938 | 1'300'000 | 1'700'000 | 1'196'000 | 1'564'000 | 1'144'000 | 1'496'000 | |
| 233 | Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III Continental Coupe | 1964 | Yes | 80'000 | 120'000 | 73'600 | 110'400 | 70'400 | 105'600 |
| 234 | Jaguar E-Type Convertible | 1966 | 190'000 | 230'000 | 174'800 | 211'600 | 167'200 | 202'400 | |
| 235 | Maserati Mexico 4.2 Liter Coupe | 1967 | Yes | 50'000 | 80'000 | 46'000 | 73'600 | 44'000 | 70'400 |
| 236 | Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith Limousine | 1953 | Yes | 70'000 | 100'000 | 64'400 | 92'000 | 61'600 | 88'000 |
| 237 | Jaguar XK120 Roadster | 1954 | 110'000 | 140'000 | 101'200 | 128'800 | 96'800 | 123'200 | |
| 238 | Mercedes-Benz 300 Sc Coupe | 1957 | 550'000 | 650'000 | 506'000 | 598'000 | 484'000 | 572'000 | |
| 239 | Packard Model I-35 Seven Passenger Touring | 1916 | 80'000 | 100'000 | 73'600 | 92'000 | 70'400 | 88'000 | |
| 240 | Jaguar E-Type Series I 4.2 Roadster | 1967 | 120'000 | 140'000 | 110'400 | 128'800 | 105'600 | 123'200 | |
| 241 | Jaguar XK120 SE Coupé | 1954 | 900'000 | 1'300'000 | 828'000 | 1'196'000 | 792'000 | 1'144'000 | |
| 242 | Rolls-Royce Phantom II Town Car | 1931 | Yes | 40'000 | 60'000 | 36'800 | 55'200 | 35'200 | 52'800 |
| 243 | Mercedes-Benz 450 SL | 1978 | Yes | 45'000 | 65'000 | 41'400 | 59'800 | 39'600 | 57'200 |
| 244 | Mercedes-Benz 280 SL | 1970 | 110'000 | 140'000 | 101'200 | 128'800 | 96'800 | 123'200 | |
| 245 | Rolls-Royce Phantom V Limousine | 1964 | Yes | 70'000 | 100'000 | 64'400 | 92'000 | 61'600 | 88'000 |
| 246 | Lamborghini Espada Series III Coupe | 1974 | Yes | 50'000 | 80'000 | 46'000 | 73'600 | 44'000 | 70'400 |
| 247 | Allard J2X Two Seater Sports | 1952 | 400'000 | 450'000 | 368'000 | 414'000 | 352'000 | 396'000 | |
| 248 | Porsche 914 2.0 | 1974 | Yes | 50'000 | 70'000 | 46'000 | 64'400 | 44'000 | 61'600 |
| 249 | Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II Long Wheelbase | 1960 | Yes | 40'000 | 60'000 | 36'800 | 55'200 | 35'200 | 52'800 |
| 250 | Porsche 550 Spyder | 1955 | 4'500'000 | 5'500'000 | 4'140'000 | 5'060'000 | 3'960'000 | 4'840'000 | |
| 251 | Rolls-Royce Phantom II Open Two-Seater | 1935 | 175'000 | 225'000 | 161'000 | 207'000 | 154'000 | 198'000 | |
| 252 | Rolls-Royce Phantom II Newport Town Car | 1931 | 100'000 | 130'000 | 92'000 | 119'600 | 88'000 | 114'400 | |
| 253 | Packard Model 30 Toy Tonneau | 1912 | 250'000 | 300'000 | 230'000 | 276'000 | 220'000 | 264'000 | |
| 254 | Pierce-Arrow Model 42 Touring Phaeton | 1931 | 115'000 | 130'000 | 105'800 | 119'600 | 101'200 | 114'400 | |
| 255 | Duesenberg Model J Convertible Victoria | 1929 | 900'000 | 1'200'000 | 828'000 | 1'104'000 | 792'000 | 1'056'000 | |
| 256 | Aston Martin V8 Sports Saloon | 1976 | Yes | 60'000 | 80'000 | 55'200 | 73'600 | 52'800 | 70'400 |
| 257 | Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II Long Wheelbase Limousine | 1959 | Yes | 40'000 | 60'000 | 36'800 | 55'200 | 35'200 | 52'800 |
| 258 | Jaguar XK120 Fixed Head Coupe | 1952 | 95'000 | 120'000 | 87'400 | 110'400 | 83'600 | 105'600 | |
| 259 | Porsche 911 'Type 993' Carrera | 1996 | 80'000 | 110'000 | 73'600 | 101'200 | 70'400 | 96'800 | |
| 260 | Ferrari Testarossa | 1991 | Yes | 60'000 | 90'000 | 55'200 | 82'800 | 52'800 | 79'200 |
| 261 | Riley Sprite Two Seater Sports | 1937 | 475'000 | 625'000 | 437'000 | 575'000 | 418'000 | 550'000 | |
| 262 | Rolls-Royce Phantom II Tourer | 1933 | 300'000 | 400'000 | 276'000 | 368'000 | 264'000 | 352'000 | |
| 263 | Jaguar Mark V Drophead Coupe | 1951 | Yes | 50'000 | 80'000 | 46'000 | 73'600 | 44'000 | 70'400 |
| 264 | Jaguar XK150 3.4 Fixed Head Coupe | 1960 | Yes | 40'000 | 60'000 | 36'800 | 55'200 | 35'200 | 52'800 |
| 265 | Winton 17b Five-Passenger Touring | 1911 | 215'000 | 275'000 | 197'800 | 253'000 | 189'200 | 242'000 | |
| 266 | Lincoln Model KB Dual Cowl Phaeton | 1933 | 200'000 | 250'000 | 184'000 | 230'000 | 176'000 | 220'000 | |
| 267 | Bentley 3½ Liter Sports Tourer | 1933 | 400'000 | 600'000 | 368'000 | 552'000 | 352'000 | 528'000 | |
| 268 | De Dion-Bouton Type AU 8 HP Two Seater | 1907 | Yes | 20'000 | 30'000 | 18'400 | 27'600 | 17'600 | 26'400 |
| 269 | Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III | 1965 | Yes | 50'000 | 80'000 | 46'000 | 73'600 | 44'000 | 70'400 |
| 270 | Packard Model 30 Seven Passenger Touring | 1911 | 200'000 | 300'000 | 184'000 | 276'000 | 176'000 | 264'000 | |
| 271 | Auburn 8-98A Boattail Speedster | 1931 | 275'000 | 325'000 | 253'000 | 299'000 | 242'000 | 286'000 | |
| 272 | Rolls-Royce Phantom II Sedanca De Ville | 1933 | Yes | 60'000 | 80'000 | 55'200 | 73'600 | 52'800 | 70'400 |
| 273 | Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost | 1914 | 475'000 | 575'000 | 437'000 | 529'000 | 418'000 | 506'000 | |
| 274 | Pierce-Arrow Eight Model 54 Convertible Sedan | 1932 | 125'000 | 150'000 | 115'000 | 138'000 | 110'000 | 132'000 | |
| 275 | Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith Long Wheelbase Limousine | 1956 | Yes | 40'000 | 60'000 | 36'800 | 55'200 | 35'200 | 52'800 |
| 276 | Jaguar E-Type Series III V12 Roadster | 1974 | Yes | 30'000 | 40'000 | 27'600 | 36'800 | 26'400 | 35'200 |
| 277 | Packard Eight Model 1401 Coupe Roadster | 1936 | Yes | 50'000 | 70'000 | 46'000 | 64'400 | 44'000 | 61'600 |
| 278 | Rolls-Royce Phantom I Avon Touring Sedan | 1929 | Yes | 25'000 | 40'000 | 23'000 | 36'800 | 22'000 | 35'200 |
| 279 | Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn | 1954 | Yes | 40'000 | 60'000 | 36'800 | 55'200 | 35'200 | 52'800 |
| 280 | Rolls-Royce Camargue Coupe | 1980 | Yes | 40'000 | 60'000 | 36'800 | 55'200 | 35'200 | 52'800 |
| 281 | Ford Model-T Touring | 1908 | 180'000 | 260'000 | 165'600 | 239'200 | 158'400 | 228'800 | |
| 282 | Packard Twin-Six 2-25 Seven Passenger Touring | 1917 | 140'000 | 160'000 | 128'800 | 147'200 | 123'200 | 140'800 | |
| 283 | Aston Martin DB4 Series I Project | 1958 | Yes | 160'000 | 180'000 | 147'200 | 165'600 | 140'800 | 158'400 |
| 284 | Jaguar E-Type Series II Fixed Head Coupe | 1969 | Yes | 25'000 | 35'000 | 23'000 | 32'200 | 22'000 | 30'800 |
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
