Trump Doesn’t Scare Bonhams: Ferraris, Stars and Surprises

It would have been reasonable to wonder how an auction landing in the middle of uncertainty caused by Trump’s tariff threats — like Bonhams’ sale on April 13 at the Goodwood Members’ Meeting—would be received. The result leaves no doubt: in the specific context of the event, fear was not invited, and everything went smoothly. The no-reserve cars were fewer than last year (dropping from 26.48% to 22.62%), but the sell-through rate was higher (from 65.69% in 2024 to 70.24% this year). Even though the number of cars offered was lower — 84 compared to 102 — the estimated value rose to £7,689,000 compared to £7,404,000 in 2024. The total realized was £4,835,175 with the average price increasing from £73,717 to £81,952.
With this ID card in hand, let’s take a look at the top lot: a 1967 Ferrari 330 GTC. Originally delivered in Italy in Marrone with beige Connolly leather, it crossed the Atlantic twice and was restored between 2013 and 2016 by a UK specialist in the configuration seen today: metallic dark blue with grey leather. Despite the color change, the restoration was of notable quality (it cost over £150,000), and since it retained matching numbers, it earned Ferrari Classiche certification upon completion. Blue seems to suit this car — six of the last seven examples sold were this color. All were within a tight range between £376,000 and £503,000, making Bonhams’ estimate of £400,000–500,000 more than fair. It sold for £402,500. My advice? Enjoy it for a few years, and (since the restoration is already a decade old), return it to its original configuration.