Dutch Ford museum sale exceeds $7 million

The contents of the Den Hartogh Museum, the largest collection of Ford vehicles in the world, sold Saturday at a Bonhams auction in the Netherlands for more than $7.18 million. All of the 323 lots offered were sold, Bonhams reported.

“We were bowled over by today’s result,” Rupert Banner, Bonhams group motoring director, was quoted in the auction house’s news release. “A 100 percent sold auction is a rare occurrence, especially one with such a vast quantity of lots. 

“It was a pleasure to be able to find new owners for vehicles that had been treasured for so long. The result shows that the enthusiasm for veteran and vintage vehicles remains strong and that the Ford and Lincoln marques still have a global appeal.”

More than 500 bidders from around the world registered for the sale, Bonhams added. Among those making purchasers were those bidding from New Zealand and the United States. The sale ran for 10 hours and Bonhams went through four auctioneers as it worked its way along the docket.

The top seller was a 1905 Ford Model B side-entrance tonneau. The car formerly was part of the Harrah and Imperial Palace collections and, after a long bidding exchange, sold for $488,924, more than seven times its pre-auction estimated value.

A 1906 Ford Model K open tourer went for $401,856 and a 1903 Model A open tourer brought $167,440, more than double its pre-sale estimate.

Another highlight, Bonhams said, was the sale of a 1930 Ford Model A “snowmobile,” a Model A with tank-style rear treads and skis under its front wheels, for $101,803.

Top 10 sales, Bonhams at Den Hartogh Museum 2018

1. 1905 Ford Model B side-entrance tonneau, $488,924
2. 1906 Ford Model K open tourer, $401,856
3. 1903 Ford Model A open tourer, $167,440
4. 1930 Ford Model A ‘snowmobile,’ $101,803
5. 1930 Lincoln Model L 7-passenger touring, $93,766
6. 1930 Lincoln Model L type 179 Victoria coupe, $80,371
7. circa 1912 Ford Model T Landaulette, $80,371
8. 1932 Ford Model 18 V8 type 40 roadster, $73,673
9. 1932 Ford B400 convertible sedan, $72,334
10. 1937 Lincoln Zephyr coupe, $72,334
11. 1935 Ford Model 48 760 cabriolet, $72,334

(Prices include buyer’s fee.)

The next auction for Bonhams motor cars division is scheduled for July 13 at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in England, followed by its annual sale, this year on August 24, at the Quail Lodge in northern California.