Bonhams & Goodman 16 November 2008- Auction wrap

The old adage about having quality over quantity rang true as Robert Glover and his team at Bonhams presented a small but stunning array of 25 historic automobiles to the world at their headquarters in Waterloo.

Of course the star attractions were the smattering of highly significant Grand Prix Lotus vehicles once owned by John Dawson-Damer. Standing out among these was the ex-Jim Clark 1963 Championship winning Lotus 25. On an estimate of $1.1-1.8 million it was hammered down at $1,350,000. The other championship model, an ex-Andretti and Reutemann 79, sold for $510,000 (est: $480-620,000). However the best Lotus performer was an immaculate example of a 1957 Eleven Le Mans Series 1. Pre-sale figures suggested a range of $90-110,000 but the hammer dropped at $120,000, indicating continued strong interest in the more usable and just as significant Le Mans Sports sector.

Indeed of the 8 Lotus racers put up for sale, 7 sold and all on estimate or better. An ex-Gregory and Bonnier 1961 18 was sole Lotus unsold.

Of the more sedate road going offerings, some value was realised by one enthusiastic punter who picked up a ‘diamond in the rough’- 1913 Sunbeam 12/16hp Tourer chassis, with other parts in pieces and a replica torpedo body frame all supplied for $15,250 (est: $20-30,000). Another below estimate deal, albeit in a different price range, was completed when a 1961 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud 2 with desirable Mulliner Park Ward convertible coachwork and a wonderfully plush red leather interior found its bidding stall at $145,000 against an estimate of $160-200,000.

Arguably the brightest light on the night for Bonhams was the 1951 Alta GP car, resplendent in red and selling for $40,000 above its top estimate, capturing a cool $200,000. This could prove an astute purchase for the new owner given the cars undeniable rarity (only 2 two-stage engines of this type were ever built) and the historic racing world’s constant fascination with early post-war GP cars.

Another red racer, the ex-Lex Davison Alfa Romeo 6C 1500 went for $345,000.

Back to road cars and the Pre-sale star was the 1967 Aston Martin DB6 Vantage Volante. In Aquamarine, and one of only 29 to this spec, it realised $430,000 ($400-500,000).

Of the 25 lots Bonhams & Goodman listed, 20 were sold, an 80% success rate. Only 6 of these were below estimate. Overall it was a reasonable result for their slick production. It is difficult, however, to ascertain the current condition of our Australian classic market as a whole. The small sample size and the fact that the majority of lots were heavily marketed to an international audience meant the more bread and butter type cars you generally see at Australian auctions were not consigned. Hopefully a more accurate measure of our classic industry will be demonstrated at Shannons on the 24th November. L’autista will be there to bring you the news straight from the floor.

Figures quoted are exclusive of Buyer’s premium. Bonhams & Goodman’s current premium is 11.5% of the purchase price.

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