The October auction at the Oldtimer Galerie in Toffen is as much a part of autumn as the falling leaves and shorter days. On October 14, 2023, the time has come again and 82 cars and nine motorcycles/scooters will go under the hammer in the large hall at Gürbestrasse 1.
The vehicles are worth around CHF 3.4 million in total, with each car expected to fetch an average of around CHF 37,000 and each two-wheeler just under CHF 9,900.
Half a century old
The vehicles on offer, 40 percent of which will be auctioned without a reserve price, are on average around 54 years old; the cars are slightly younger (53 years) than the motorcycles, which are on average 59 years old.
There are as many as eight pre-war cars on offer, if you count the 1941 Cadillac. A real exotic among these early vehicles is certainly the White Type A from 1916 as a post bus, which can also be used to take larger groups of friends on a trip. However, you would have to pay between CHF 50,000 and 100,000 for it.
The 1934 Alvis Speed Twenty SC Drophead, which is on offer for CHF 75,000 to 85,000, looks elegant.
The 3.5-liter Bentleys from Derby were very expensive in the 1930s, but today you can buy a restored car at auction for as little as CHF 80,000.
The MG TA from 1937 and the Singer Nine Le Mans from 1933 belong in the same class. Both roadsters are a joy to drive, but you should be prepared to lay out around CHF 30,000.
The range of youngtimers is relatively clear with seven cars, including a BMW 540i, a Porsche Boxster and two BMW Z models as well as a Porsche 996.
The youngest car is a Citroën C6 from 2006.
German manufacturers most numerous
With eight Mercedes-Benz, seven BMW (not including the one motorcycle), seven Porsche, two Volkswagen and one Opel, the German car manufacturers are particularly well represented, which is not atypical for a Swiss auction.
Jaguar (6 cars), MG (5), Fiat, Ford and Rolls-Royce (4 each) are also strongly represented.
Exotic brands will also be on show in Toffen, including Bond and Reliant.
Super classics, ...
Around a third of the range can be assigned to the super classics segment, although it is more likely to be on the cheaper side.
These include two Alfa Romeos, a GT 1600 Junior from 1973 and a Spider Veloce 2000 from 1974.
English fans might be interested in the Austin-Healey 3000 from 1965, a Jaguar E-Type from 1968, a handful of MGs from the A to the B to the C, three Triumph roadsters of the types TR3A, TR4 and Spitfire as well as a Jensen Intercepter II.
In addition to the Alfas, there is also a Fiat 124 Spider from 1968, a Maserati Indy from 1970, a somewhat dusty Lamborghini Espada from 1973 and a Lancia Flaminia 2500 GT Touring from 1961 from Italy, but no Ferrari.
For friends of German automobile construction, the Opel GT, the two VW Beetles as saloon and convertible as well as the various Mercedes-Benz and Porsche would certainly be an option.
Toffen also has something to offer Citroën fans, e.g. an 11 BL from 1948 or an SM from 1971.
American fans will probably take a closer look at the 1965 Chevrolet Corvette C2 coupé, the 1955 Ford Thunderbird or the 1973 Dodge Charger.
... former bread-and-butter cars ....
The range of former everyday cars is also always well endowed in Toffen.
Whether it's one of the few remaining Alfasud 1.2 from 1976, a Fiat 500 C Topolino from 1949, an Innocenti Mini De Tomaso from 1978, a Lancia Ardea from 1949, a Morris Marina from 1973, a Peugeot 504 GL from 1973 or a Ford Zephyr Six from 1954, these cars all guarantee a trip back in time and are typically available for less than 20,000 francs (or just a little more).
... and exotics ...
Of course, there will also be plenty of real exotics in Toffen that you don't come across every day.
Examples include the Bond Equipe 2-Litre GT convertible from 1969, a Ford Hot Rod built in 1934, a Reliant Scimitar GTE SE5 from 1971 or a Volvo TP 21 "Sugga" from 1954. None of these cars are likely to be seen too often outside of the club scene.
... for every day
Vintage cars that can be used in everyday life are also popular.
This certainly includes the cars with the star, such as the 300 SE from 1991, the 560 SEC from 1991 or the 280E from 1979. The 300 TE from 1988 is probably even more practical than these, as it has a rear estate.
A BMW Z3 Coupé from 1998 also has everyday qualities, as does a BMW 540i from 1994.
And the Jaguar XJ6 3.2 Executive from 1997 is certainly also suitable for long-distance driving.
With 91 vehicles in Toffen on October 14, 2023, there is a good chance that you will find an interesting car or motorcycle among them. You can preview the vehicles beforehand, so there's nothing to stop you from bidding on Saturday afternoon. And with 40% "no reserve" lots, there is a good chance of finding a bargain.
You can bid on site in the hall in Toffen, in writing by pre-bid (request a form for this), by telephone (also request registration for this) or directly online (follow the instructions on the Oldtimer Galerie website).
More information and pictures of the individual cars and motorcycles can be found in the Oldtimer Galerie Toffen auction catalog and on the auction house's website.
