The 10 most expensive cars at the Bonhams FOS sale | GRR
Just like that, the Bonhams sale at the 2021 Festival of Speed has come and gone. There were some truly stunning automobiles up for grabs this year, and sadly we can’t talk about them all. But we can take a look at the 10 most expensive cars that found new homes.
1928 Maserati Tipo 26B
£967,000 inc. premium
It’s no surprise that this absolute gem took joint top spot this weekend. It may be old, but my goodness it’s a beauty. Said to be a riot to drive, with looks to rival any of 2021’s modern debuts, this Maserati supercharged straight-eight Tipo 26B was once owned and raced with success by an eccentric Argentinian rancher of Scottish decent named, rather wonderfully, Juan Augusto Malcolm. Fully restored and ready to rip in historic race events once again, it was understandably very popular with bidders.
Ferrari Dino 246/60
£967,000 inc. premium
Believed to be on the original Dino F2 prototype chassis from 1957 powered by a highly original four-cam V6 engine and transmission, this ex-Corrado Cupellini owned Dino 246/60 has raced extensively at Monaco, the Nürburgring, Monza and Imola. Said to have extremely competitive potential within historic F1 racing categories at the hands of the right driver, it has also spent time on display in first the Colline de l'Automobile exhibition at Puteaux, France, and later the Enzo Ferrari family museum in Modena. it is of course a handsome machine, and one we hope to see more of in the future.
1990 Ferrari F40 Berlinetta
£883,000 inc. premium
As the first production car to hit 200mph and the last Ferrari to be signed off by Enzo Ferrari before his death in 1988, this F40 understandably was up there with the most anticipated of the weekend. Around 1,300 of these icons were built but only 78 were official UK-spec, only 20, including this one, were the favoured non-catalyst versions.
1958 Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta
£514,166 inc. premium
As one of only 50 Ellena-bodied 250 GTs ever built, and later fully restored by DK Engineering, this 1958 250 GT Berlinetta is a real corker. And a car that historically represented a significant sea change for Ferrari. It was a model where they started to take both driver and passenger comfort seriously for the first time. Luxurious interiors, larger seating, and efforts to soundproof the cabin. It remains a forefather to the class of modern GTs we all know and love.
2005 Ferrari 575M Superamerica Convertible
£379,500 inc. premium
One of only five UK-supplied right hand drive manual transmission models, this 575M Superamerica Convertible is a rare beast indeed. And with only 22,086 miles from new and a full service history, it’s likely to be one of the best examples of the 559 in the world. Developing into one of the most highly coveted Ferraris of recent times, this V12 roadster is aging with real grace.
1962 Aston Martin DB4 ‘Series IV’ Vantage Sports Saloon
£327,750 inc. premium
The DB4 was the first production car capable of accelerating from a standing start to 100mph and back to rest again in under 30 seconds. In an era when new family saloons were large and lumbering, incapable of exceeding 70mph and fitted with inconsistent drum brakes, this DB4 announced itself as the new gold standard. It has remained an icon ever since. This particular lot was a highly original example and was offered for sale from a long-term single-family ownership.
2007 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 Edition Coupe
£287,500 inc. premium
Reminding us of a much-missed Sir Stirling Moss this year was this SLR 722 Edition Coupe, a car that was originally launched to commemorate that historic 1955 Mille Miglia victory. Taking its obvious design cues from the original Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR that Moss and Jenkinson knew so well, this 2007 supercar adds luxury and comfort without compromising on the race-inspired performance or aesthetics. With only 4,998 miles on the clock, it was presented in near mint condition and sailed into the top ten.
1970 Aston Martin DB6 Mk2 Vantage Sports Saloon
£258,750 inc. premium
The final incarnation of the 'DB4' family, this DB6 Mk2 is one of only 240 Mk2s to be manufactured. As an AMOC Stanway Concours Volz Trophy winner in 1987, the Aston remains a gorgeous thing in excellent show-stopping condition some 30 years later. As with all Mk2 Vantages, this car came with the highest 329PS (242kW) 'C' engine tune, while offering modern comforts such as power-assisted steering as standard. Production was short lived from July 1969 to November 1970, making this a real time capsule.
1936 Riley 1.5-litre TT Sprite Competition Sports
£207,000 inc. premium
With pre-war competition history at Le Mans, the French Grand Prix and RAC Tourist Trophies, this 1936 Riley with its four-cylinder engine is of significant historical importance. Driven by Sebilleau, Von Der Becke, Lapchin, Forestier and Pierre Ferry, the car was sold with a spare Pierre Ferry body and FIA papers lasting until 2029. It all made for a juicy ownership opportunity for those with a taste for competing in prestigious historic racing events.
1920 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost Alpine Eagle Skiff Torpedo
£189,750 inc. premium
Equipped with a 7,036cc (later 7,428cc) side valve six-cylinder engine, the Silver Ghost was one of the most formidable cars of its time. But despite its meaty performance, as with modern Rolls-Royce cars, this model was focused on luxury, not motorsport. With 6,173 rolling off the Manchester and Derby factories before production came to an end in 1925, this particular model was once owned by Marcel Boussac. Regarded as the wealthiest man in France at the time. Which may help to explain patriotic deep-buttoned light grey leather upholstery, blue carpets, and blue livery. All exceptionally re-trimmed in 2011.
Images courtesy of Bonhams