Trump Doesn’t Scare Bonhams: Ferraris, Stars and Surprises
19 April 2025 4 min read 10 images
Photo credit: Bonhams
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.
Two more “red stories” caught my eye: a 1979 Ferrari 512 BB and a 1975 Ferrari 365 GT4 BB. Starting with the newer car: a carbureted model presented at the Geneva Motor Show in the classic red/beige combo. It had four owners and only 21,529 km. Regularly maintained—last serviced in 2022 with a £8,280 bill covering belts, a full check-up, and new tires—it was estimated at £150,000–200,000 and sold for £172,500.
The 1975 Ferrari 365 GT4 BB once belonged to Eric Clapton and was on the cover of his famous Slowhand album. One of 58 right-hand-drive units, it was delivered on Christmas Eve 1974 to the musician in Argento Auteuil with black leather. After just 43 miles, it was involved in an accident and by November 1977, when the album was released, the car had a new owner, registration, and color. At the time, switching to red was typical for a nearly-new Ferrari. With just 14,900 miles on the clock today, it would be worth restoring the original color and certifying it — both with Ferrari Classiche and possibly Eric Clapton himself. The seller didn’t follow that route, and it sold for £178,250 against a £175,000–275,000 estimate. I wouldn’t be surprised if the new owner adds that celebrity bonus.
Speaking of celebrities and fascinating cars, a 1972 Mercedes-Benz 600 once owned by Jack Nicholson was also sold. A short-wheelbase model in brown with tobacco interior, the actor bought it new and later donated it to the Petersen Museum in Los Angeles. The museum auctioned it in 2022 for $154,000 (~£117,700), a 10% premium over the model average, thanks to the famous name. However, the market has changed: today, the average Mercedes 600 fetches $104,000 (£79,500). Bonhams’ estimate of £70,000–90,000 was reasonable, but uniqueness defies rules—it sold for £126,500, a 60% celebrity premium.
The second most expensive car in the sale was also the first Lamborghini Revuelto ever offered at auction. Unveiled last year, it is the first hybrid in the history of the Taurus with an impressive 1001bhp combined and 817 of these come from the V12. The example offered, registered in August 2024, had an endless list of accessories that sent the list price soaring to £564,627. Strangely, after just 600 miles the seller decided to dispose of it, accepting £333,500. Painful.
It didn’t stop there: the same seller tried to offload two Bentley 8 Litres (estimated at £500,000–700,000 each), but both had serious issues—engine swaps, multiple body transformations, and complex histories. The 1927 model, originally a saloon with a 3-litre engine, was passed over at £330,000.
The other, born for real as an 8 Litre Tourer, in addition to a less-than-glorious history, combined the problem of registration in a country other than England, therefore bound to pay duty. Stopped at £310,000 and sold out.
In great splendour, on the other hand, is the 1990 Renault 5 GT Turbo with a dark grey metallic and dark grey velour colour scheme typical of late 1980s hot hatchbacks. One owner but almost 70,000 miles and the need to get my hands on it again, both mechanically and on the bodywork, with the risk of spending £10,000-20,000 to get it back on the road with dignity. Being without an estimate I was already planning to put it down as ‘the car I'd want’ but it went for £26,450.
At that point the car I would take home was a 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite MkI Frogeye. Few people know that the Frogeye is the most replicated car in the world, and you only have to look at it to understand why: who wouldn't want this cute little spider? I too was on the lookout for one some time ago but if I had seen this one (and at this price) I might not be talking about it in the past tense now. Green with original interior it had been sitting in a barn since the mid-80s but in 2023 it was completely overhauled in terms of engine and gearbox, plus considering the photos it didn't look too bad in bodywork either. Perhaps the photos betrayed the condition or it just wasn't the right day for this car and, due to the lack of reserve, the £17,000-22,000 estimate turned into a £12,650 sale.
CLASSIC CAR MATCHER