The final Ferrari 250 Europa GT topped the Bonhams silver
anniversary Quail Auction on Friday (August 19), selling for
more than $2 million. The 25th edition of the auction house’s
Monterey Week sale achieved over $30 million and sell-through
rate of 90%, with several seven-figure collector cars successfully
crossing the block.
The 1955 250 Europa GT Coupé, the very last example of the
landmark model regarded as the first of the iconic Ferrari GTs,
achieved $2,095,000. Styled and built by Pininfarina, this car
was first exhibited at the 1956 Brussels Motor Show and raced in
period at Spa Francorchamps.
A rival Italian, a 1969 Lamborghini P400S Miura, made a record price of $1,957,000. The stunning
matching-numbers example of the top-of-the-line landmark Miura had been the subject of a superb,
factory-correct specialist restoration, while retaining its original bodywork.
Other European classics to wow the Californian crowd today included a 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300SL
Gullwing Coupé, which achieved $1,737,500. This superbly restored Gullwing had been kept by one
family owner. Originally a daily driver for its first owner, Greek shipping magnate George C. Makris, the SL
was latterly stored in a climate-controlled environment and had covered under 22,000 miles from new.
Meanwhile, its convertible sibling, a 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster, also broke the million-dollar
barrier, selling for $1,039,000. Offered from 36 years’ single-family ownership, a previous custodian of this SL
was renowned racing driver Bob Akin.
Pre-war perfection was offered with two further seven-figure sales. A 1931 Stutz DV-32 Convertible Victoria,
with one-off coachwork by LeBaron, sold for $1,435,000. Having been meticulously restored, the Stutz
became one of the most awarded American Classics in modern Concours d'Elegance events, including at The
Quail.
A 1926 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost Piccadilly doubled its estimate to sell for $1.435 million. Recently
subjected to a recent ground-up restoration, this special Silver Ghost had been returned to its original
configuration with original chassis, engine, and body. Unshown until the Quail Auction, the Rolls was offered
from a major American collection.
A time capsule 1938 Bugatti Type 57C also found a home, selling for a significant figure at an undisclosed
sum. This supercharged art deco masterpiece, designed by Jean Bugatti with coachwork by fabled
Swiss/French coachbuilder Gangloff, was the supercar of the golden age, reaching a top speed of 120mph,
when most cars aimed for 50 mph.
“We are very pleased with the strong sell-through rate and results achieved for the many exciting lots we
offered,” commented Jakob Greisen Vice President and Head of Bonhams US Motoring Department.
“We are pleased to be entrusted with several cars that had over half a century ownership and honored to pass
these on to the next custodians.”
Ex-Steve McQueen 1971 Husqvarna motorcycle, sold at top estimate for $186,500. One of McQueen’s
favourite off-road bikes which he kept until his death in 1980. The lovingly preserved, authentic machine was
offered in “as last ridden by McQueen” condition.
Ex- Humphrey Bogart 1956 Ford Thunderbirdmade $105,000. Owned by the Casablanca star from new,
very well-preserved and in the original slate grey coachwork ordered by Bogie.
2022 Ferrari Testa Rossa J by The Little Car Company, sold for $148,000.Officially licensed by Ferrari,
the electric 75% -scale example of the legendary 250 Testa Rossa, finished to match Le Mans campaigner
‘Lucybell II’, raced past its pre-sale estimate of $100,000 with all profits going to the Pebble Beach Company
Foundation.
The Bonhams Collector Car team will be heading East for next month’s Goodwood Revival Sale on
September 17 in the United Kingdom, followed by the final US sale of the year, the Audrain Concours
Auction on September 30 in Newport, Rhode Island. Consignments of important collector cars are invited for
both.
