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Champion Porsche Triumphs at Bonhams Quail Motorcar Auction ... Ultra-rare 718 RSK Spyder Top Lot in L.A.


 

Los Angeles, 18 August, 2020

An ultra-rare and champion racer 1959 Porsche 718 RSK Spyder took the chequered flag at Friday’s (August 14) Bonhams Quail Motorcar Auction, selling for $2,232,500, the top lot in the auction house’s live and online sale hosted in its Los Angeles saleroom.

One of only 34 built, this rarity was ordered new by noted New Jersey motorsport enthusiast, Bernie Vihl. It was extensively campaigned by legendary Porsche driver Bob Holbert at numerous SCCA and international events, securing multiple wins, including the 1959 Bahamas Speed Week, where the ‘Giant Killer’ – as it was known – stormed to first place in the debut Governors Trophy race.

The Spyder was offered in the sale following nearly 50 years in the possession of its third owner. It remains in the U.S. following a tense bidding battle at the Bonhams sale.

Joining the Porsche on the saleroom ‘podium’ was a classic of the future, a 2014 Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse, which sold for $1,750,000. An even rarer machine, which had only covered 400 miles since new, this was the only US-spec version of three ‘Meo Costantini’ special editions, honouring the head of the firm’s factory team and winner of the Targa Florio and paying homage to the fabled Type 35, with a unique livery and motifs on the bodywork and interior depicting the glory days of Bugatti racing.

The figurative third place step was taken by a beautifully restored 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 SC Roadster which achieved $951,000. This example of the most exclusive Mercedes of the post-war era, owned by Cary Grant and the Aga Khan, was the Best in Show at Santa Barbara following a total ‘nut and bolt’ restoration in the 1990s. The quality of the work has stood the test of time. 

European exotica from all eras completed the top ten lots, including a 1931 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 GTC ‘Coupe Royale’ by Carrozeria Touring, which sold for $582,500. One of very few surviving Touring 6Cs with original coachwork and matching numbers, the 6C was restored in the 1990s by Dino Cognolato and Gianni Trelli, second generation of Touring’s founding designer, and was a class winner at the Louis Vuitton Classic in Paris. 

Other Porsches enjoying success in the Bonhams saleroom were a 1957 356A 1500 Carerra GS which achieved $428,500 and a 1964 901 Coupe which realised $340,500

Rupert Banner, Bonhams auctioneer and Group Motoring Director, said: “Our live and online format is an innovative response to the global situation regarding Covid-19, and combines the best of both worlds. Interested clients previewed the majority of the cars at the Petersen Automotive Museum, as well as in New York and at other locations around the country. It led to a lot of interest and resulted in spirited domestic and international bidding, online and by telephone.”

Jakob Greisen, Bonhams Vice President and Head of US Motoring added: “This sale shows that the interest in collectors’ motorcars is as strong as ever and good examples of rare and pedigreed vehicles from all eras are attracting strong bids from passionate collectors around the world. 

“We are delighted to have played a part in the virtual Petersen Car Week and are grateful to the Petersen Automotive Museum for their support in facilitating our Los Angeles previews.”

“While we missed being in Monterey, we look forward to working with the team at Quail Lodge and Peninsula Signature Events next year.”

The final two Bonhams auctions in the U.S. Calendar will take place at the Simeone Foundation Auto Museum on October 4, and the Barber Motorsports Museum on October 10.

Consignments are still invited for these and for Bonhams’ forthcoming sales in the UK and Europe, including The Autoworld Autumn Sale on September 6, The Bonmont Sale on September 20, The Zoute Sale and The Goodwood Speedweek Sale on October 9 and 17 respectively.  

 

Lot

Description

S/N

Estimates

Result

010

2018 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Cabriolet

WDDWK8GB0JF
622015

$50,000 - 60,000
(NR)

$45,920 €38,872

011

1965 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet

157657748

$18,000 - 24,000
(NR)

$15,680 €13,273

012

1969 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL

113.044.12.
004824

$70,000 - 90,000
(NR)

$45,920 €38,872

013

1936 Rolls-Royce 25/30 Sedanca Coupe

GRM 7

$100,000 - 130,000

Not Sold

014

1973 Triumph GT6 MK III

KF22951U

$25,000 - 35,000
(NR)

$12,880 €10,903

015

1955 Sunbeam - Talbot Alpine MK III Roadster

A3501351/ODLRX

$75,000 - 95,000
(NR)

$69,440 €58,782

016

1957 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Veloce Double Bubble Coupe

4458

$300,000 - 400,000

Not Sold

017

1953 Alfa Romeo 1900CS Berlinetta

AR1900C.01534

$275,000 - 350,000

$285,500 €241,682

018

2018 Mercedes-Benz E63 - S AMG Wagon

WDDZH8KB0JA
375692

$75,000 - 90,000
(NR)

$110,880 €93,862

019

2017 Ferrari GTC4 Lusso

224081

$175,000 - 225,000
(NR)

$176,400 €149,327

020

2018 Bugatti Chiron

 

$2,500,000 - 2,800,000

Not Sold

021

2008 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster

WDDAK76F58M
001531

$200,000 - 250,000

$263,200 €222,805

022

1961 Jaguar E-Type Series I 3.8 Roadster

875524

$90,000 - 130,000

$87,360 €73,952

023

1936 Cord 810 Westchester

2140A

$50,000 - 70,000
(NR)

$34,720 €29,391

024

2001 Rolls - Royce Park Ward

SCALD61E11CX
07565

$60,000 - 80,000
(NR)

$57,120 €48,353

025

1986 Aston Martin V8 Volante

SCFCV81C2GTL
15429

$175,000 - 225,000

Not Sold

026

1929 Mercedes-Benz Model 630 K Town Car

36278

$1,000,000 - 1,400,000

Not Sold

027

1965 Porsche 356SC 1600 Cabriolet

162151

$110,000 - 140,000
(NR)

$95,200 €80,589

028

1966 Chevrolet Corvette 427/425HP Roadster

194676S125374

$120,000 - 150,000

Not Sold

029

1926 Mercedes-Benz 24/100/140 Sports Phaeton

36010

$1,000,000 - 1,400,000

Not Sold

030

1948 Lincoln Continental Convertible

8H181841

$24,000 - 28,000
(NR)

$24,640 €20,858

031

1967 Siata Spring

0959721

$8,500 - 15,000
(NR)

$6,720 €5,688

032

1959  Stanguellini  Formula Jr. Monoposto

CS 00154

$125,000 - 150,000

$106,400 €90,070

033

1936 Mercedes-Benz 500K Offener Tourenwagen

209421

$2,000,000 - 2,500,000

Not Sold

034

1992 Dodge Viper RT/10 Roadster

1B3BR65E6NV
100119

$80,000 - 120,000
(NR)

$39,200 €33,183

035

1957 BMW Isetta 300

500153

$20,000 - 30,000
(NR)

$29,120 €24,650

036

1969 M - 505 Adams Brothers Probe 16

AB/3

$150,000 - 250,000

$184,800 €156,437

037

1935 Aston Martin Ulster

B5/551/U

$1,200,000 - 1,400,000

Not Sold

038

1956 Austin-Healey 100M BN2 Le Mans Specification

BN2 - L/230571

$70,000 - 90,000
(NR)

$52,640 €44,561

039

1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 SC Roadster

188.015.65.
00069

$900,000 - 1,100,000

$951,000 €805,045

040

1948 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith Drophead Coupé

WFC4

$280,000 - 340,000

Not Sold

041

1949 Riley RMC 2½ - Liter Roadster

59SS4033

$40,000 - 50,000

$39,200 €33,183

042

1979 Mercedes-Benz SLC 5.0 Lightweight Homologation Coupe

107.026.12.
01107

$30,000 - 40,000

$24,640 €20,858

043

1960 Aston Martin DB4 Series II Sports Saloon

DB4/305/R

$400,000 - 500,000

Not Sold

044

1964 Jaguar E - Type Semi -  Lightweight

1E10022

$175,000 - 225,000

Not Sold

045

1971 Lotus - Ford Type 69 Formula 2/B/Atlantic

71/69/F3/FB

$70,000 - 100,000

Not Sold

046

2018 Rolls-Royce Dawn Drophead Coupe

SCA666D57JU
107579

$225,000 - 275,000
(NR)

$257,600 €218,064

047

1992 Bentley Continental R

SCBZB03D2NCX
42019

$50,000 - 75,000
(NR)

$29,120 €24,650

048

2017 Lamborghini Centenario Coupe

 

$2,000,000 - 2,300,000

Not Sold

049

1958 Ferrari 250 GT Coupe

1007GT

$475,000 - 575,000

$456,000 €386,015

050

1962 Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle Cabriolet

4619937

$20,000 - 30,000
(NR)

$16,800 €14,221

051

1963 Studebaker Avanti 63R

63R2552

$60,000 - 90,000

Not Sold

052

1986 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 'M491' Cabriolet

WP0ZZZ91ZGS
151064

$80,000 - 120,000
(NR)

$58,800 €49,775

053

1959 Porsche 718 RSK Spyder

718 - 031

$2,800,000 - 3,200,000

$2,232,500 €1,889,867

054

1956 Porsche 356A 'OUTLAW' Coupe

56306

$90,000 - 120,000

$142,800 €120,883

055

1959 Alfa Romeo 2000 Spider

AR10204.00079

$120,000 - 140,000

Not Sold

056

1968 Porsche 912 Coupe Competition Rally Car

12801307

$110,000 - 135,000

Not Sold

057

1966 Jaguar E - Type Series I 4.2 Fixed Head Coupe

1E33710

$135,000 - 175,000

$137,200 €116,143

058

1949 Bentley Mark VI Shooting Brake

B91FU

$140,000 - 160,000

Not Sold

059

1973 Jaguar E - Type Series III V12 Roadster

UE1S23571

$45,000 - 65,000
(NR)

$35,840 €30,339

060

1986 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 Cabriolet

WP0EB091XGS
171915

$45,000 - 55,000
(NR)

$31,360 €26,547

061

1934 Alfa Romeo  8C 2300 Cabriolet Décapotable

2311239

$6,500,000 - 7,500,000

Not Sold

062

1959 Jaguar XK150 3.4 Drophead Coupe

S838310DN

$90,000 - 110,000
(NR)

$72,800 €61,627

063

ca. 1964  Shelby Cobra 289 FIA Comp Continuation

CSX7027

$225,000 - 275,000

Not Sold

064

2009 Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione Spider

ZARJA28169
0050320

$270,000 - 320,000

$296,500 €250,994

065

1957 Austin - Healey 100 - 6 BN4

BN4 - LO/38413

$40,000 - 50,000
(NR)

$24,640 €20,858

066

1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 SEC AMG

WDBCA45D2GA
201009

$30,000 - 60,000
(NR)

$30,240 €25,598

067

1951 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Super Sport Cabriolet

915922

$450,000 - 600,000

Not Sold

068

1964 Porsche 901 Coupe

300024

$250,000 - 350,000

$340,500 €288,241

069

1955 Mercedes - Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe

198.040.55.
00099

$1,200,000 - 1,350,000

Not Sold

070

1989  Porsche  930 3.3 Turbo Coupe

WP0JB093XKS
050505

$145,000 - 175,000

Not Sold

071

2014 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Coupe

2G1FZ1EP8E
9801194

$30,000 - 40,000
(NR)

$34,720 €29,391

072

1967 Mercedes-Benz 250 SE Coupe

111.021.10.
083646

$35,000 - 45,000
(NR)

$29,120 €24,650

073

1973 Alfa Romeo 2000 GT Veloce

AR3022370

$55,000 - 85,000

$54,880 €46,457

074

1914 Benz 18/45 Four Passenger Runabout

22009

$250,000 - 350,000

Not Sold

075

1964 Lotus 23B Sports - Racer

23 - S - 103

$90,000 - 120,000

$92,400 €78,218

076

ca. 1920 Mason Tourist King Convertible Camping/Touring Car

561 - 7R  -  54480

$175,000 - 250,000

$201,600 €170,659

077

2014 Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse 'Meo Costantini'

 

$1,800,000 - 2,100,000

$1,750,000 €1,481,418

078

1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Drophead Coupe

LML/1003

$300,000 - 400,000

$335,000 €283,585

079

2019 Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato Shooting Brake

SCFNMCUZ9KGJ
54531

$575,000 - 700,000

Not Sold

080

1966 Lola T70 MK II Sports - Racing Spyder

SL71/28

$175,000 - 225,000

Not Sold

081

1999 Lamborghini Diablo VT 'Millennium' Roadster

ZA9RU31B6XLA
12376

$200,000 - 250,000

Not Sold

082

1998 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S

WP0AA2996WS
321164

$90,000 - 110,000

$95,200 €80,589

083

1967 Alfa Romeo 'Duetto' 1600 Spider

AR664374

$50,000 - 75,000

$44,800 €37,924

084

1912 Flanders  Model 20 Runabout

203367

$15,000 - 25,000
(NR)

Not Sold

085

2005 Ford  GT

1FAFP90S65Y
401420

$300,000 - 350,000

wdn

086

1966 Aston Martin DB6 Vantage Shooting Brake

DB6/SB/2272/LC

$1,000,000 - 1,200,000

Not Sold

087

1972 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona

15573

$425,000 - 475,000

$434,000 €367,391

088

1962 Devin D Sports - Racer

DD9  - 17

$75,000 - 95,000

$95,200 €80,589

089

2017 Lamborghini Aventador LP750 - 4 Superveloce Coupe

ZHWUF3ZD9HLA
05886

$450,000 - 500,000

$417,500 €353,424

090

1931 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 GTC

101014832

$525,000 - 575,000

$582,500 €493,100

091

1939 Ford Convertible Coupe Hot Rod

185189434

$100,000 - 150,000

Not Sold

092

1971 Plymouth Hemi Cuda Coupe

BS23R1B
388308

$300,000 - 350,000

Not Sold

093

1974 Porsche 911 Carrera 2.7 MFI Coupe

9114600945

$170,000 - 210,000

Not Sold

094

2016 Jaguar F - Type Project 7 Roadster

SAJWA7A8XGMK
27480

$225,000 - 325,000

Not Sold

095

1986 Ferrari Testarossa

66531

$160,000 - 200,000

Not Sold

096

1973 Porsche 911T 2.4 Targa

9113111847

$85,000 - 115,000

Not Sold

097

1940 Packard 110 Club Coupe Peking - Paris Rally

535965

$60,000 - 90,000

Not Sold

098

1984 Grid Group C Race Car 

LFC001/B

$275,000 - 325,000

Not Sold

099

1983 Volvo 242 Coupe

YVIAX4727D
2235725

$20,000 - 25,000
(NR)

$8,400 €7,110

100

2018 Ferrari  812 Superfast

233155

$300,000 - 375,000
(NR)

$310,250 €262,634

101

1920 Vauxhall D - Type Tourer

D3392

$90,000 - 120,000

Not Sold

102

1963 Morris Minor 1000 Deluxe Traveller

MAW5D 1015064

$10,000 - 20,000
(NR)

Not Sold

103

1965 Volkswagen Karman - Ghia Coupe

145632659

$18,000 - 24,000
(NR)

$14,560 €12,325

104

2017 Bentley Mulsanne Speed

SCBBG7ZH2HC
002996

$150,000 - 200,000
(NR)

$162,400 €137,475

105

1973 Austin 1300 Princess Vanden Plas

AA4DA27195B

$12,000 - 18,000
(NR)

$6,160 €5,214

106

2017 Mercedes - Maybach S550

WDDUX8FB2HA
294601

$90,000 - 110,000
(NR)

$88,480 €74,900

107

2015 Mercedes - Benz GL63 AMG

4JGDF7EE4FA
464162

$30,000 - 50,000
(NR)

$39,200 €33,183

 

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