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Weekly Auction Update by RICHARD HUDSON-EVANS

21.05.12

Historically early 850 Mini project with rust-riddled floor pans is taken on for world record £40K in North London where 86% of Bonhams catalogue sells for £1.91m

It was a severely rust-eaten Austin Mini Seven De Luxe Saloon, the 8th production 850 Mini made at Longbridge in 1959 no less, that inspired applause when sold by Bonhams to a Mini enthusiast in the RAF Museum with a simply staggering winning bid of £35,000, £40,250 with premium and more than £25,000 above the guide price. There was also much international competition to secure an ex-Keith Richards and extremely period looking 1950 Pontiac Chieftan ‘Silver Streak’ Convertible for £39,950, £16,000 more than forecast - and there were also buyers for both top Bentleys in the sale, a 1957 S Series Continental by H J Mulliner making £191,900 and a 1924 3-Litre Speed Model Tourer £163,900, both within their pre-sale estimate bands. A previously restored AC 428 with fixed head bodywork by Frua raised a more than top estimate £77,660 when hammered away by auctioneer Sholto Gilbertson and a 1957 Lancia Aurelia B20GT Series IV £46,000, £16,000 more than forecast. The left-hand drive 1958 Austin-Healey 100/6 in BN6 2-seater form, but on steel wheels with hubcaps and without overdrive that sold for £44,275 was absolutely stunning following January completed restoration. A 23,000 miles by one owner from new in 1976 Maserati Khamsin with wedge-shaped GT bodywork by Bertone cost £43,700. Having been in receipt of major restoration in 2003 and still cosmetically sharp, a 1970 Jensen FF MkII with fairly original interior raised £39,100. A well restored 1966 Volvo P1800S Coupe with detailed engine bay made £21,850 - and the same money bought a 1961 Daimler SP250 with cracked screen and hardtop in livid green that was far too bright for most.  There were three Bristol prices to log, a 1954 403 with bills for £38k from 2006/10 sold for £42,550, a 1973 411 with tow bar in need of the next makeover £14,950 and a 1961 Beaufighter Convertible £5980. By the end of the Monday afternoon in North London, 86% of the 80 cars and one aircraft in the catalogue had changed hands, the 70 lots changing hands for £1.91m with premium.

Source: Classic Cars for Sale