Bonhams in Monaco. A shy success

Bonhams’ auction in Monte Carlo got off on entirely the wrong foot. Firstly, France’s slow vaccine roll out meant that Monte Carlo is still under curfew at 8 p.m. As a result, all attendants had to be back in their hotels in time for dinner, which left the organisers little choice but to start the event at the decidedly abnormal time of 2pm, reducing the participation of many American collectors for the time zone difference. In addition to this, the Grand Prix Historique had many other limitations, which also limited the presence of collectors. It is no coincidence that Historics has shifted its focus to Ascotwhile RM has abandoned its plans for this year.