While the docket ranges from a 1900 Benz Ideal 4.5 HP to several modern Bentleys, the “star car” for Bonhams’ Grande Marques du Monde collector car auction February 9 during the Retromobile celebration in Paris is a 1935 Aston Martin Ulster.
The Ulster is one of seven factory works cars and was driven by C.T. Thomas and M. Kenyon to 10th overall at Le Mans in 1935. While a Lagonda Rapide won the 24-hour race that year and an Alfa Romeo 8C was second, the Aston Martin Ulster works cars finished third, eighth, 10th, 11th, 12th and 15th overall in a strong team performance (the other car crashed on the 45th lap of the race).
The Ulster going to auction, CML 719, has participated since in concours and events such as the Mille Miglia. Bonhams has set a pre-sale estimated value on the car of $1.7 million to $1.9 million.
Other highlights of the Paris docket include:
- 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL “gullwing” coupe ($1.1 million to $1.3 million).
- 1957 Bentley S1 Continental drophead coupe with Park Ward coachwork, one of only 31 left-hand driven examples and originally owned by Greek shipping magnate George Embiricos ($1 million to $1.6 million).
- 1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Berlinetta ($650,000 to $710,000).
- 1934 Alfa Romeo 6C 2300 Pescara spider, a re-creation of a lost Zagato design and eligible for Mille Miglia ($570,000 to $780,000).
- 1959 Ferrari 250 GT Series I coupe, one of 353 produced ($470,000 to $570,000).
- 1958 Talbot-Lago V8 America coupe T14, one of 12 built around BMW’s 2.5-liter V8 engine ($470,000 to $570,000).
- 1923 Bugatti Type 27 Brescia Torpedo with coachwork believed to be by Lavocat et Marsaud ($400,000 to $560,000).
- 1985 Audi Sport quattro, one of 164 built for the road rather than rallying ($340,000 to $420,000).