Bonhams Automobiles d'Exception Auction Results
Auction Location: Bonhams Europe, Retromobile, Parc des Exposition, Porte de Versailles, Paris
Auction Date: Saturday 7 February 2009
Sale Statistics
The once owned by Earl Howe 1937 Bugatti Type 37S Atalante Coupe, acquired by a Newcastle Doctor in 1955 for £895, sold for a premium-inclusive 3,417,500 Euros (£2,997,807) during the Bonhams auction at Retromobile, reports Richard Hudson-Evans. Among other Bugattis to make strong prices at the drive past the rostrum sale in Paris, the ex-Roland Garros 1913 5-litre Type 18 known as ‘Black Bess’ sold for 2,427,500 Euros (£2,129,386), the London Motor Show exhibited 1934 Type 57 James Young Sports Coach for 306,700 Euros (£269,035) and a 1934 Type 57 Ventoux Coach for 166,750 Euros (£146,272).
A near showroom of Citroens, all fabulously restored by the Garage Du Lac at Saint-Blaise in Switzerland, sold well, too, led by one of only three DS23ie Chapron-produced Cabriolets from 1973, which made a stonking 337,500 Euros (£296,053). One of eight SM Operas with longer wheelbase and 4-doors of 1974 vintage raised 194,500 Euros (£170,614), a 1966 Chapron DS21 Palm Beach Cabriolet 172,500 Euros (£151,316) and a 1969 DS21 Majesty by Chapron 86,250 Euros (£75,658).
A 1955 Lancia Aurelia B24S Spider America with Nardi motor sold for a mighty 315,500 Euros (£276,754), whilst a 1958 Convertible version of the B24 with full height screen made 155,250 Euros (£136,184). Ferrari sellers included a 1966 275GTS at 288,000 Euros (£252,632) and the Bernard Consten 1972 365GTB/4 Daytona for 216,500 Euros (£189,912).
The latest price paid in public auction for a 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster was 370,500 Euros (£325,000)and a 1934 290 W18 Cabriolet A found 189,000 Euros (£165,789). Whilst 216,500 (£189,912) was forthcoming for a 1939 Jaguar SS100 Roadster reportedly Brooklands raced in period by Ian Appleyard.
Although there was some spirited competition from would-be owners from around the world, it was the bidders from the Eurozone mainland packing the auditorium who were victorious in the main. The percentage of lots sold held up well and the sale total was considerably higher than that achieved at the same auction last year.
Latest Auction Results
SEARCH auction results


