Supercars and Star Cars are Bonhams’ Aces in Monaco

Monaco, 9th May, 2022

A rare Porsche 959 supercar; an iconic Mercedes-Benz 300 SL and a Jaguar E-Type sprinkled with McQueen stardust are just a few of Bonhams’ trump cards when the auction house stages the 30th anniversary edition of its prestigious Monaco Sale: Les Grandes Marques à Monaco on Friday (13 May) during the weekend of the 13th Monaco Historic Grand Prix.

More than 40 collectors’ cars will be offered in this keenly anticipated auction at the Fairmont Monte Carlo, from pre-war Bugattis and Formula One racers to classic convertibles and contemporary supercars, perfect for displaying in Casino Square or cruising along the Corniche.

Leading the Bonhams' car catwalk is the 1988 Porsche 959, the fastest street-legal production car of its day. With its Le Mans-derived 493bhp 2.5-litre engine, it could reach a top speed of more than 314kmh (195mph). Off-road, the 959 won the gruelling Paris-Dakar Rally in 1986. This more refined Komfort-spec example, offering limousine-level luxury, was delivered new to Middle Eastern royalty, and has covered only 26,000 kms in 34 years. The 959 has an estimate of €1,400,000 - €1,600,000.

1970 US-spec Jaguar E-Type Series II 4.2 litre Roadster delivered new to the SOLAR Movie Productions set of Le Mans, estimate €250,000 – 350,000, No Reserve. The E-Type is offered direct from the movie’s on-set Swiss chef Fredy Zurbrügg who, according to the 2017 book Our Le Mans, was given the E-Type by the film’s leading actor Steve McQueen.

Zurbrügg, who had a friendly relationship with McQueen on set, creating a special dish - the ‘Steve Steak’ - in his honour, said that the actor asked him to choose from the famous petrolhead’s personal fleet in Le Mans. Zurbrügg selected the E-Type, even though the young chef could not drive at that time.

Having subsequently secured his licence in October 1970, Zurbrügg drove the sportscar back to Switzerland where he has kept it for the past 52 years. The US-spec E-Type is offered in totally original condition, having been used sparingly to cover fewer than 46,000 miles.

Ex-Hugh Hefner 1954 Arnolt-Bristol Bolide Deluxe Roadster, estimate €300,000 – 400,000. An ultra-rare, American-inspired, Anglo-Italian sports car, which made its mark in sports car racing in the USA. One of 142 produced, this more expensive Bolide Deluxe model was delivered new to Playboy magazine founder, Hugh Hefner – reportedly, a gift from founder Wacky Arnolt who was friends with Hefner.

The Wildcard

1966 Batmobile Recreation Original design by George Barris, estimate €100,00 – 150,000. This faithful recreation of the original Batmobile, as featured in the 1960s television series, is based on a 1959 Lincoln chassis - much like the original cars. Its hand-built body is finished in the classic livery of black with the red highlight lines and Batman symbols on the doors. The open cockpit is decorated with round windshields, a Batphone mounted to the dash and custom steering wheel.

With the backdrop of the 13th Monaco Historic Grand Prix, the Bonhams sale also recognises the principality’s motorsport heritage, offering a 1927 Bugatti Type 35B, estimate €2,000,000 - €3,000,000, a rare example of the car that won the first ever Monaco Grand Prix, as well as a 1929 Bugatti Type 37, estimate €800,000 - 1,000,000 ; a 1962 Brabham 1 1/2-litre Brabham-Climax BT3 Formula 1 Racing Single Seater (estimate €450,000 - €650,000 - no reserve), the first Formula 1 car constructed by its driver, Sir Jack Brabham, to take a Formula 1 chequered flag.

A supercar from another era – which would have been a familiar sight in Monaco in arguably the principality’s golden age – is a 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster, estimate €950,000 - €1,200,000. Derived from the famous racing 300SL which dominated 1950s motorsport, winning the Mille Miglia, Le Mans 24 Hours and the Carrera Pan-Americana, the Roadster was one of the fastest convertibles of its time, with a top speed of 219kmh (130mph), and was beloved of the era’s ‘jet set’.

First delivered new to the US and latterly owned by UK and European collectors, this example has recently been recommissioned, including new paintwork in period metallic blue, but retains its original matching numbers engine.

Other highlights include:

The Bonhams Monaco Sale, Les Grandes Marques à Monaco, will be staged in the principality as a live auctionon 13 May at 17.00 CEST at theFairmont Monte-Carlo overlooking the famous hairpin bend of the Monaco Grand Prix circuit, which will host the Monaco Historic Grand Prix over the same weekend.

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