Bonhams has racked up world record auction prices the past two years in Monterey, first with a Mercedes Grand Prix car in 2013, and last summer with a Ferrari GTO. Their Scottsdale catalog has an impressive selection of cars. As in our previous two Scottsdale auction posts, we provide a small sampling to show breadth, but encourage you to visit Bonhams website and explore for yourself.
Ferrari 250 Europa
As one of just two Europa GT examples bodied with lightweight aluminum alloy coachwork, chassis no. 0389 GT claims an unusual degree of rarity. Also prepared with competition specifications generally unseen in the model, this car has been associated with some of the most respected names in the Ferrari niche.
According to a note typewritten on 0389 GT’s factory build sheets; “Per MM/55”, the car was originally prepared for the Mille Miglia, but it ultimately never ran the race, as it was not completed at Ferrari’s workshops in time for the start. The unusual build specifications combined elements of two different chassis types, the Type 508, which was the first of the ever-evolving 250 GT chassis, and the Type 513, which was only otherwise used on four 250 GT Speciale examples that were bodied in Super America-style coachwork. The chassis frame tubes and cross members of 0389 GT were laid out quite differently compared to the standard Europa GT chassis, and features a wider track front and rear, endowing the car with superior handling for road racing. The brakes fitted to 0389 GT were identical to the ones fitted to the 375 MM Spider and Berlinetta sports racing cars, offering the best available stopping power for the already light GT. The Type 112 motor no. 0389 GT (internal no. 333) was installed and tuned for competition, weight being kept to a minimum using a Type 102 magnesium gearbox casing, again similar to the componentry fitted on the 375 MM.
The beautiful lightweight body was executed to the builder’s handsome Europa GT Coupe design, and was configured with left-hand drive steering. Clearly, 0389 GT was built for a specific purpose and was a very special automobile from its inception, even by Ferrari standards.
This remarkably well-preserved Facel II has spent most of its life in Southern California and is being offered from single-family ownership that has spanned the last three decades. According to Facel factory production records kept by the Amicale Facel Holland, chassis number HK2 A141 was built in May 1962, per order of the Agent Savoye located in Toulon, a southern France military port city on the Mediterranean coast. Facel’s records indicate a Mr. Bazin as the first owner; however, no further details are given.
The Facel carried a production number of “042” that indicates it was the 42nd Facel II produced. It was delivered with a 383 cubic inch Chrysler wedge V8 (engine no. TY8-712- 165), a Torqueflite three-speed automatic transmission, Borrani wire wheels, and finished in Tudor Grey with black upholstery.
As standard equipment, the Facel II featured Dunlop disc brakes, a limited-slip differential, power steering, a single four-barrel Carter AFB carburetor, power windows, clear glass and HMV radio with automatic antenna.
While details of its early French history are sparse, by May 1970 the Facel made its way to Southern California where it was purchased from a Mr. Segal by Mr. Bill McKnight. During the 1970s, the car was driven daily by McKnight, and notes contained in the history file indicate that during this period, the engine was rebuilt and the car received a new transmission. It was also painted orange at some stage, and photos in the file record this color change. Presumably early in McKnight’s ownership, the Facel was registered on its California blue license plates “212 BBX,” which remain on the car to this day.
Facel was among many niche carmakers in Europe that purchased reliable American V8s to install in... [+]
1948 Auto Shippers Special
The 1948 Auto Shippers Special represents a milestone in the evolution of American open wheel race cars, the pinnacle of the upright sprint cars that raced everywhere, on dirt, pavement and bricks, from Indy’s 2.5-mile expanse to tight bullrings in the hands of drivers with legendary skills, courage, sensitivity and reactions. It embodies the talents of its driver, Bill Schindler, who could make a frog look like a prince, seizing the best from machinery, tracks and opportunities with modesty and good humor. It is a driver’s car, driven at Indianapolis by one of the best drivers of the era, Bill Schindler.
Kissel Gold Bug Speedster
This desirable late example of Kissel’s famous Gold Bug Speedster was previously part of a prominent New York collection for nearly 15 years. Prior to that, the Kissel resided in the notable collection of Stanford Block, who was well-known for collecting cars of this era and for having excellent examples.
The Kissel has been expertly restored to a level of authenticity rarely seen on these cars. These later cars are particularly sought after for their improved features over earlier models, most importantly four-wheel hydraulic brakes. Perhaps the most striking features of this example, however, are its extremely rare Wood-Lite headlights, something not available on the earlier models, as well as the rarely seen rear-mounted spare that gives the Kissel an even racier appearance than normal.
Even the smallest details have not been overlooked during restoration, and an examination of the engine compartment shows exceptional attention to detail and accuracy. In 2014, the Kissel was treated to a professional paintjob in the sporting yellow it wears today, with the fenders repainted black. Further work included a comprehensive tune-up and rebuild of the distributor.
These later Gold Bugs have a clean, refined look more akin to the Classic era, and certainly, in 1926 few other cars as sporty as this were on America’s roads. Not until 1928, with the introduction of the Stutz Blackhawk and the Auburn Speedster, did America have such sports-oriented models. Few early American cars attract more attention and turn more heads than a Kissel Gold Bug Speedster. With stunning looks, good road manners and the potential for many winner’s laurels on the show circuit, they represent great value as one of America’s first true sports cars. Estimated to hammer for $250,000-350,000.
Ferrari 275 GTB 4 Competizione
A three-time participant in the GT Class at the world’s greatest endurance race, and boasting the 1967 GT Class win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, as well as Imola and Spa, chassis 09079 offers impressive race provenance, rarity, and specialty of construction. It is the second-to-last GT car ever built by Ferrari’s factory competition department, the culmination of a long line of important models dating to the 340 Mexico and 166 MM.
An indelible component of the famous Scuderia Filipinetti, one of Ferrari’s four factory- preferred privateer teams, this Competizione GTB is certified by Ferrari Classiche and accompanied by an original factory build card, promising to draw major consideration at world-class Concours d’Elegance and prestigious Ferrari events. It is has been celebrated by Ferrari North America as one of the most important cars in Ferrari’s storied history, and now offers an unparalleled opportunity to acquire a verifiable motoring legend. Estimated to hammer for $250,000-350,000.
Ferrari Lusso
Built on a short-wheelbase chassis similar to that of the 250 GT SWB and 250 GTO, the Lusso was powered by Colombo’s light and compact 3.0-liter V12. Breathing through three twin-choke Weber carburetors, the all-aluminum, two-cam unit produced 250hp at 7,500 rpm, giving the Lusso a top speed of 150mph (240km/h) and a useful 0-100 mph (0-160km/h) acceleration time of 19.5 seconds.
Testing the 250GT Lusso five years after its introduction, Road & Track magazine acknowledged that the design had already achieved classic status. “Although there were many variations on the basic Ferrari 250 GT since 1956 when this 3-liter series was first offered, the 1963-64 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso has come to be identifiable by that single word, Lusso. The design of the body was at once elegant and exciting and no other road Ferrari before or since has earned the same degree of enduring admiration for its aesthetics.”
Steve McQueen had one, and the master designer himself, Battista Pininfarina, selected this model as his personal car. The 250 GT Lusso remains one of the greatest achievements of automotive design and engineering. With breathtaking looks and exhilarating performance, these cars remain some of the most collectible Ferraris ever produced.
Aston DB2/4 Drophead
This wonderful example of Aston Martin’s rare DB2/4 Drophead Coupe was completed at Newport Pagnell, England, in May of 1955. A left-hand-drive car from new, the Drophead Coupe was fitted with the larger and more powerful 3.0-liter Vantage-spec engine, which had already been well proven by propelling the factory’s contemporary DB3 sports racing cars. The Aston was finished in a Blue Haze exterior color over a red interior, and fitted with a beige convertible top.
The LHD DB2/4 Drophead Coupe was soon after exported to the U.S., where its lucky first owner is recorded as Mr. R.W. Cooper of Washington, D.C. The car’s subsequent history remains vague; however, the Aston Martin is believed to have had just three owners until being purchased by its most recent owner.
Mazda Cosmo
This Series II Cosmo was first registered in the Hiroshima Prefecture, where Mazda is based, in 1970. Only produced in right-hand-drive configuration, Cosmos were primarily home market cars given their diminutive size (less than half a foot longer than a new Miata) and unique looks—only six were dispatched new to the U.S. To this day few have left their home country. Finished in white over black vinyl with houndstooth cloth inserts, it is easy to see the appeal in these rare cars given their spaceship-like appearance and novel rotary powertrain.
Passing through several owners in Japan, this Cosmo received some mechanical refurbishment in 2011, including a restoration of its Zenith carburetor, new spark plugs, a cleaning of the gas tank, new front headlight and rear taillight lens frames, a new battery, and a thorough exterior and engine detailing. Outside of routine maintenance and mechanical refurbishment, however, the car is substantially original. Among the features that have been added later are the wood-rimmed steering wheel and a set of very rare Hayashi Racing wheels.
Leaving Japan for the first time to come here to Arizona, this is a rare opportunity to acquire one of the most desirable Japanese sports cars ever produced. With Toyota 2000GTs now solidly in the rarified air of blue-chip collector cars and a younger generation of collectors with a boundless enthusiasm for cars from the Land of the Rising Sun, it is of little surprise that these early rotory-powered Mazda sports cars have become so fashionable and sought after. The car will likely hammer for somewhere between $140,000 and $180,000.
