Bonhams: The Amelia Island Auction 2017

Knotty Nawadhinsukh Words by Knotty Nawadhinsukh
All Photos Courtesy of Bonhams

The 9th of March will see the next major auction hosted by Bonhams, this time during the famous Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance week in North Florida. Here is a preview of  some of the many fine cars that are going to be on offer that day which took our fancy.

1962 ALFA ROMEO GIULIA 1600 NORMALE SPIDER

Originally delivered to New Jersey in Sky Blue with Red interior before moving over to the West Coast. Once owned by Martin Lodge, a California specialist who undertook a three-year full ground-up restoration before selling the spider off to its current owner in 2013. (Estimate: US$80,000-100,000)

1954 ARNOLT-BRISTOL ROADSTER PROTOTYPE

American tycoon Stanley “Wacky” Arnolt’s first collaboration with the British Bristol cars was this prototype designed by Bertone (which Arnolt also part-owned). The roadster had a roller coaster history, having gone through a series of ownerships, competitions and paint jobs (including being fitted with a Chevy engine at one time). It was left as a barn find before being meticulously rebuilt that took quite a number of years, including the engine from original parts, in order to return back to how it began. (Estimate: US$400,000-500,000)

1955 FERRARI 250 EUROPA GT ALLOY

One of only two Europa GTs intended for competition made with aluminium alloy. Also different from a “standard” Europa GT is a wider track, racing brakes from a 375 MM Spider and a more powerful race-tuned V12. Despite all of these modifications though, the car was never raced in period (it was supposed to enter the ’55 Mille Miglia but was not completed on time). Ownerships of the car had been numerous, criss-crossing the Altantic several times and comes complete with original factory documents. (Estimate: US$2,300,000-2,600,000)

1964 JAGUAR E-TYPE SERIES 1 3.8-LITRE Coupé

Total ground-up restoration for 10 years in order to return to its original condition by the current owner who had the car since 1989. This New York E-Type is finished in Carmen Red with black interior. (Estimate: US$115,000-135,000)

1968 LAMBORGHINI 400GT ISLERO 2+2

Finished in Argento with Tobacco interior, the Lamborghini grand tourer was originally delivered in Milan then moved on to the UK. Now in the U.S., it had a major rebuild done about five years ago, although the paintwork is starting to show some signs of age. (Estimate: US$250,000-300,000)

1986 LAMBORGHINI COUNTACH 5000S QUATTROVALVOLE

This last of the carbureted Lamborghinis was originally a Swiss car. Apart from minor works done, the Countach still remained very much in its original condition of Rosso Siviglia and Bianco leather finish, with a little over 35,000 kilometers on the clock. (Estimate: US$340,000-380,000)

 

1955 MERCEDES-BENZ 300S Coupé

The sleek and well-appointed Mercedes had a restoration done about ten years ago,  including installing a power-steering system by the current owner (though the original steering column will some with the car, if sold). All the wood and interior trims have been refurbished and includes matching luggage, original manuals, parts book, tool set,  jack, build sheet and all the files & receipts. (Estimate: US$400,000-550,000)

 

1971 MERCEDES-BENZ 280SE 3.5 CABRIOLET

A prized Mercedes drop-top that had a comprehensive overhaul just toward the end of last year with Silver Grey metallic and Navy Blue interior. Originally from Italy, the car has been residing in New York for twenty years. (Estimate: US$275,000-325,000)

1997 PORSCHE 993 TURBO S

One of only 183 Turbo S destined for the American market which came fully-loaded such as black leather interior, infrared security system, lumbar support, carbon/leather steering wheel, self-dimming mirrors, and rain sensors. (Estimate: US$300,000-400,000)

1977 ROLLS-ROYCE CAMARGUE Ex-Sammy Davis Jr.

This Mulliner Park Ward-bodied Rolls was delivered new to Las Vegas for “Rat Pack” member Sammy Davis Jr. along with a similar one for the “Chairman of the Board” himself, Mr. Frank Sinatra. Originally came as a two-tone Red and Black car, it currently sports an all black paintwork and darkened windows after it was rumoured that Sammy later sold it on to a prominent member of a New York crime family! (Estimate: US$38,000-46,000)

1938 TALBOT-LAGO T150C “Lago Spéciale” CABRIOLET

With stylish coachwork by Figoni, the “Lago Spéciale”  is one of only 51 produced with stellar ownership history ranging from famed American sportsman Briggs Cunningham, well-known collector Peter Mullin to hotel mogul Bill Marriott. This cabriolet spent the last four years in restoration by the current owner, including re-paint, engine rebuild and elegant soft leather interior upholstery with matching luggage set, as per original specification. (Estimate: US$1,200,000-1,500,000)