Although Bonhams didn’t provide an overall sales total, the auction company did report that 91 percent of the lots offered at for its London to Brighton Run Sale were sold less than 48 hours before the start of the annual drive to the English coast for the earliest of motorcars.
“The results achieved at Bonhams today show that the appetite for these extraordinary veteran machines remains very story indeed,” James Knight, Bonhams motoring group chairman, was quoted in a news release.
“This was one of our largest ever London to Brighton sales and the range of vehicles on offer was remarkable. We look forward to seeing many of them at the run on Sunday.”
Several of the cars sold came with assured spots in the veteran car run which starts at 7 a.m. Sunday from Hyde Park.
Top 10, Bonhams’ London to Brighton sale, 2017
- 1903 Panhard et Levassor Model B rear-entrance tonneau, $428,230
- 1902 Westfield 13hp Model G, $376,362
- 1903 Darracq Model H 12-hp rear-entrance tonneau, $266,245
- 1898 Germain 8hp limousine, $225,500
- 1896 Salvesen steam cart, $207,516
- 1901 Schaudel 10hp rear-entrance tonneau, $192,834
- c. 1902 Ader V-twin, $117,221
- 1901 International Charette 6hp tonneau, $87,123
- 1901 Singer Motorwheel tricycle, $85,654
- 1901 Hurtu Type 4 rear-entrance tonneau, $82,718
(Prices include buyer’s fees.)
The 1901 Singer Motorwheel more than doubled its pre-sale estimated value.
The 1898 Germain and 1901 Hurtu came from the same collection, as did an 1899 Vivinus 3 1/2hp two-seat voiturette that sold for $76,845.
Bonhams next auction is scheduled for November 11 when it does the Bothwell Collection sale in Los Angeles.
