The most expensive car sold at Bonhams FOS auction | GRR
The big hitting seller at the Bonhams Goodwood Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard sale is, perhaps appropriately, a BMW, though it predates the existence of BMW M by about 35 years. It’s a 1937 Frazer Nash-BMW 328 Roadster, which crossed the block for a healthy £636,600 including premium.
This car was first owned by gentleman racer Denis Flather following its construction on the 20th of October, 1937. Among other things, Denis went on to be a founder of the British Trials and Rally Drivers’ Association (BTDA) after the war and became chairman of BRM during its formative years. On his retirement in 1974, he was part of the triumvirate that bought what remained of Aston Martin out of receivership.
During his 12 years owning this 328, he raced it extensively, only passing it on in 1949. It passed through the hands of a number of owners, before falling to the seller of it this weekend, in 1950. Yes, this Frazer-Nash BMW has been in the same hands for 72 years.
In that time the car has competed in numerous hillclimbs, trials and more, with the car having a slew of plaques, cups and badges to its name. The car’s also seen extensive road use, having been driven to Le Mans, Reims and even daily driven as a commuter from 1952 to 1970 – it’s basically seen every kind of a use a car can.
In most recent decades it’s been off the road and out of commission but the car underwent an extensive no-expense-spared restoration by Thornley Kelham Ltd, of Aurelia outlaw fame. With expert guidance the car came together over the course of two years and was completed in 2017. The six-cylinder engine received what was effectively a complete rebuild, while the electrics were sympathetically modernised. The car is now described as "100 per cent immaculate" by the seller.
We expect the new owner will be absolutely delighted with their purchase, with which they’ll be eligible to take part in the Le Mans Classic, Mille Miglia, Nürburgring Old-timer GP and more. We hope to see the car out and about.
Images courtesy of Bonhams.