Bonhams Grandes Marques du Monde Sale

Knotty Nawadhinsukh Words by Knotty Nawadhinsukh

On February 9th, Bonhams will be hosting their first sales auction of this year at Le Grand Palais. Of the 132 or so cars in the list, here are the highlights of notable examples that they will be putting on the block in Paris.

1934 ALFA ROMEO 6C 2300 PESCARA SPIDER

A matching number recreation of a pre-war Zagato design in which the original does not exist anymore, but is fully certified by Zagato. This Alfa is eligible for Mille Miglia. (Estimate: €550,000-750,000)

1957 BENTLEY S1 CONTINENTAL DROPHEAD Coupé

One of just 31 left-hand drive drophead coupés made for shipping magnate and Bentley Connoisseur George A. Embiricos. A three-owner grand tourer that is in immaculate condition with genuine owners’ manual and extensive documentation. (Estimate: €1,000,000-1,500,000)

1964 CITROEN DS 19 Décapotable

Restored in 2008 by highly respected specialist Fabrizio Libera, this is a very rare drophead DS that is in excellent condition. (Estimate: £150,000-180,000).

1958 FACEL VEGA FV3B Coupé

Believed to be the last one produced. The car carries the provenance of belonging to 1950’s racing driver, Maurice Trintignant, the Frenchman who won both the 1954 Le Mans 24 Hours and the 1955 Monaco Grand Prix. (Estimate: €190,000-240,000)

1962 JAGUAR 3.8-LITRE SEMI-LIGHTWEIGHT COMPETITION Coupé HARDTOP E-TYPE

A recreation built by Classic Restoration Services completed in 2016 and is immaculately presented to FIA specification with period correct magnesium peg-drive wheel. (Estimate: €250,000-350,000)

1974 LANCIA STRATOS GROUP 4 RALLY CAR

Owned by the present owner since 1998, this Stratos has been restored back to original specification in iconic Alitalia livery; with the engine rebuild done 4,000 kilometers ago. Extensively campaigned in period and amazingly never crashed. (Estimate: €350,000-450,000)

1970 PORSCHE 914/6GT

 Built by the famous German Kremer Racing Team to race in the International German Hill Climb Championship. The Porsche is eligible for entering the Tour Auto. It comes completed with built-in roll cage, a spare gearbox and two differentials. (Estimate: €180,000-240,000)

1983 RENAULT 5 TURBO GROUP B ‘Tour de Corse’

This is one of only 20 works car built as a mid-engine for Group B rallying, with a claimed top speed of 260km/h. This is a known ownership history from new car. With the exception of the gearbox (which is included in the sale), it still retains its originality (Estimate: £180,000 – 260,000)

1962 ROLLS-ROYCE SILVER CLOUD Cabriolet SERIES II

A concours condition Rolls-Royce that was delivered new to Bill Todman of The Price is Right, What’s My Line game show fame. The car has remained in the family as it was passed to his son on his death. Beautiful Mulliner coachwork that came complete with picnic tables! (Estimate: €335,000-395,000) 

1965 ROLLS-ROYCE SILVER CLOUD Cabriolet SERIES III

One of the stars at the Concorso d’Eleganza at Villa d’Este, this Rolls-Royce was delivered new to Mme la Comtesse Lucrece de Stephanos. The car is inclusive of original documentation—including a letter of complaint from the Countess that it was delivered without an ashtray! (Estimate: €380,000-420,000)