Bonhams. Betting and deals in Brussels
25 May 2023 3 min read 8 images
Photo credit: Bonhams
On relatively uncharted territory - with only one attempt during the Covid era - Bonhams at Autoworld in Brussels decided to play it safe: nearly two-thirds of all the cars at the auction were offered without reserve, specifically 39 out of 60 (65%). Success came effortlessly, with 80% changing hands (48 cars) at 71.11% of the estimated pre-sale value (€4,942,286 out of €6,950,000). For the London-based auction house, the average price of €102,964 aligned perfectly with the other auctions across the continent.
As usual, let’s focus on the lots I consider the most interesting.
The top lot should have been a 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster, a timeless classic that “never disappoints”. This particular model, resplendent in silver with a striking red interior, was also equipped with original disc brakes and an aluminium engine. However, it’s worth noting that the engine was installed by an official dealer in the late ‘70s. With a recent servicing carried out by the esteemed HK Engineering - the best in the business - its estimated value was €1,150,000 to €1,400,000, perfectly positioned between a model with a cast iron engine and one with an original aluminium engine. Initially, it appeared that the lot had been sold, as the auction website prominently displayed the winning bid of €1,265,000. However, something happened, and the transaction was not recorded.
At this point, the top lot turned out to be a 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 Edition, likely originating from the Middle East. With just 138 kilometres on the clock, it required some attention and repairs. Being offered without reserve and estimated at a relatively low value of €300,000 - €500,000 due to the high import duties, it ignited a flurry of bidding activity. In the end, it sold for €770,500, perfectly in line with prices achieved for similar models.
One of the most interesting lots of the day was undoubtedly the 1967 Porsche 911 2.0S SWB Coupé, which had quite a tumultuous history. At first glance, the car appeared to be in excellent condition, with its pastel grey exterior and black interior looking splendid, and therefore it should have been worth somewhere between €200,000 and €300,000, but surprisingly, it was listed at just €70,000 to €90,000. This significant difference in price was due to its past, as the car had been destroyed in an accident and subsequently rebuilt with a new body and chassis number. Despite the matching numbers in all other aspects, collectors approached the sale with caution. As a result, it was sold for €86,250, a third of the value compared to an... authentic one?
The close proximity to France proved advantageous for a 1964 Facel-Vega Facel II. This marque epitomized French automotive prowess in the 1950s, and even now, this model consistently commands prices above €100,000. Despite this specific example having been dormant for a decade, lacking documentation, and burdened with a 6% import duty if it remained within Europe, the pre-sale estimate of between €80,000 and €140,000 seemed a little excessive. However, it ended up flying all the way to €161,000. Truly unexpected.
The sky, however, was somewhat cloudy for the Italian cars. An example of this was the 1995 Alfa Romeo 164 3.0 V6 Q4, which was sold for €19,550. The 1968 Lamborghini 400 GT 2+2, on the other hand, did not have any noteworthy features: red with a non-original tobacco interior, unknown history until 2014, and a non-original (though correct) engine. However, it had all the potential to astound the market: the original colour combination was Verde (Green) with Senape (Mustard) interior, which would have mesmerized any buyer. Furthermore, the matching engine was included in the sale, and with a little time, more about its history could have been discovered. The estimate of €270,000 to €350,000 was accurate, but an astute bidder took it home for just €223,925.
The sky, however, was somewhat cloudy for the Italian cars. An example of this was the 1995 Alfa Romeo 164 3.0 V6 Q4, which was sold for €19,550. The 1968 Lamborghini 400 GT 2+2, on the other hand, did not have any noteworthy features: red with a non-original tobacco interior, unknown history until 2014, and a non-original (though correct) engine. However, it had all the potential to astound the market: the original colour combination was Verde (Green) with Senape (Mustard) interior, which would have mesmerized any buyer. Furthermore, the matching engine was included in the sale, and with a little time, more about its history could have been discovered. The estimate of €270,000 to €350,000 was accurate, but an astute bidder took it home for just €223,925.
Thanks in no small part to the many “without reserve” lots, there was certainly no shortage of great deals at this auction. How about a 1955 De Soto Fireflite Convertible for €17,825? The car was particularly charming, with a recently rebuilt engine that had covered just 2,000 miles and an upgrade to disc brakes (although the drum brake system was included in the price). That’s why it was estimated at €45,000 to €65,000
On the other hand, what would you say to taking home a replica of a Cougar C02 Group C? Granted, it was a car with very limited use: as a Group C model, road use was excluded from the start. Moreover, it would be challenging to convince event organizers to accept a replica, leaving only track days and solo circuit runs. Considering these limitations, the estimate of between €40,000 to €60,000 was high, but acquiring a Le Mans car replica for €13,225 is a bargain in anyone’s books.
Photo credit: Bonhams
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