Greenwich Roundup: 05/26/08 Greenwich Concours has brought together enthusiasts and collectors for two days of friendly competition in a garden party atmosphere

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

05/26/08 Greenwich Concours has brought together enthusiasts and collectors for two days of friendly competition in a garden party atmosphere

Bonhams’ First Motorcar Auction at Greenwich Concours d’Elegance

Racers from McLaren & Maserati, Grand Tourers from Bugatti & Rolls-Royce, 1950s & ‘60s American Classics at Auction

World-renowned auctioneers Bonhams have amassed an exceptional collection of rare motorcars to go on auction Sunday, June 8th, at 10:30 am, as part of its first offering at the annual Greenwich Concours d’Elegance. This important sale of motorcars features rare marques with impressive racing history, classically elegant Rolls-Royce and touring cars, and American classics such as a turquoise ’54 Buick Skylark, in addition to a notable array of automobilia.

“Bonhams is delighted to be working with Bruce and Genia Wennerstrom, organizers of the Greenwich Concours, and enhancing our US auction schedule with a presence at one of the foremost events in the country,” says Rupert Banner, Bonhams V.P. of Business Development.

“The quality of this offering is excellent,” Mark Osborne Motoring Department Director, from the San Francisco gallery expounded. “A nice selection of extremely rare pre-war marques, with distinguished history and pedigree, combined with a selection of nearly 50 important motorcars, makes this a ‘must-see’ event for collectors world-wide.”

Since 1995 the Greenwich Concours has brought together enthusiasts and collectors for two days of friendly competition in a garden party atmosphere at the Roger Sherman Baldwin Park, overlooking Greenwich Harbor in Connecticut. In addition to being an important date in the concours circuit for more than a decade, the early summer event has become known for its collector car auction that has seen millions of dollars change hands. This year the auction is being conducted by Bonhams, the world’s largest all-encompassing auctioneer to hold scheduled sales of motorcars, motorcycles and related automobilia.

Highlights featured in this inaugural sale include:

The Ex-A.J. Lees circa 1931 Maserati Tipo 8C-2800 Two-Seat Sports/Formula Competition Car, a glorious-looking, exceptionally well-crafted replacement Maserati based upon the legendary Bologna-based family company’s original 8C-2800 model. (est. $600,000/850,000).

Racing aficionados will also be thrilled to see The ex-Ralph Salyer 'Cro-Sal' Special 1965 McLaren-Elva M1A Sports Racer, renowned for its period race history and accomplishments (est. $250,000/300,000).

The 1934 Bugatti Type 57 Double Cabriolet Stelvio, with coachwork by Gangloff, a rare example of a largely unrestored Bugatti Type 57, emblematic of the very earliest series conceived and styled by Jean Bugatti, estimated in the $250,000/350,000 range. A 1928 Vauxhall 20/60 Hurlingham Speedster, a sixty-horsepower model, formerly from the famed Abba Kogan Collection, refurbished with new paint and fresh leather interior and thorough engine detailing, an uncommon offering, and anticipated to fetch $160,000/200,000.

The first internal combustion engine automobile that performed with any degree of success, was Karl Benz’s Patent Motorwagen. Since the centenary of his invention, replicas of this historic car have been built and Bonhams offers one such car for sale. The Ex-Jacqueline de Rothschild and the late John Webb de Campi 1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Convertible Sedan, with coachwork by Hibbard & Darrin, restored in 1998, with an enviable concours record including “Most Elegant Car” awards, and “Judges Choice” at several premier events, is anticipated to draw bidding in the $300,000/400,000 range.

American classics, including the 1956 Ford Thunderbird Convertible with hardtop, turquoise in color, with the 312 cubic inch Thunderbird Special engine, automatic transmission and power steering, seat and windows (est. $50,000/60,000), and the 1954 Buick Skylark Convertible, the rarest 1954 Buick, with only 836 built, estimated at $125,000/175,000 are well represented at the sale, along with a 1931 Ford Model A Roadster Pick-Up (est. $35,000/45,000), and several other examples.

Over 180 lots of Automobilia will open the sale, beginning at 10:30 EST, on June 8th, featuring vintage racing posters, sculpture, hood ornaments, books, motoring-themed movie posters, catalogs and publications. Top lots of Automobilia include: 'Le Petit Poucet' by Max Blondat, French, 1920, signed bronze, cire perdue cast by Valsuani, depicting a running boy with huge boots jumping over a ball, mounted on a turned marble base (est. $15/17,000). This rare mascot is believed to be the first example appearing at auction for 40-years. Max Blondat was a noted French sculptor, born at Crain, France on 30th November 1872. Several glass mascots by René Lalique are on offer, as well, a signed, watercolor and gouache on board, mounted, framed and glazed by artist Peter Helck (1893-1988) titled 1952 Le Mans, twenty-four hours: The Cunningham Challenge, estimated at $15/17,000.

Previews for the Greenwich sale are open to the public on Saturday, June 7th, at 10:00 am, under the great white tent, located at the Roger Sherman Baldwin Park, 100 Arch Street, Greenwich, CT 06830. The illustrated catalog for the Greenwich sale is online for review and purchase at www.bonhams.com/us . Catalog purchase ($35.00) admits two to both the Concours and the auction events. For information on the Greenwich Concours event, visit:www.greenwichconcours.com. For more information on the sale, please contact Mark Osborne at 415-391-4000, or Rupert Banner in New York at 212- 461-6515.

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