Santa Monica, Calif., 21st July, 2022 |
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1937 Bugatti Type 57SC Atalante Estimate: $10,000,000 – $12,000,000 |
1930 Bentley 4 1/2 Litre Supercharged 'Blower' Sports Tourer Estimate: $7,000,000 – $9,000,000 |
Production of the supercharged Bentley “Blower” began in June of 1929 in a push to elevate the marque’s
success at important European racing events and compete with contemporaries such as Alfa Romeo,
Bugatti, and Mercedes-Benz on the track. Over a two-year period, the English automaker built a total of 50
production “Blowers,” including this Bentley, chassis number SM3913. This genuine example of the 4 1/2
Litre Supercharged model was built in July 1930, and came equipped with an original “smooth case”
Amherst Villiers Mk IV supercharger. Once the chassis was completed, SM3913 was sent to Vanden Plas
in Kingsbury, UK, where it was fitted with their definitive four-seater fabric-covered Sports body style, and
then finished in blue livery. |
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1931 Bugatti Type 51 Grand Prix Estimate: $2,750,000 – $3,250,000 |
As the first new Bugatti Grand Prix car since the Type 35, the Type 51 remains one of the most
unmistakable and visually beautiful race cars ever conceived. Between 1931 and 1935, just 40 examples
were built in all, and today, approximately only 20 remain. Rare and fabulous, the 1931 Bugatti Type 51
Grand Prix presented here, chassis 51154, is presented with a thoroughly documented history and
provenance, compiled by renowned Bugatti historians David Swell and Mark Morris. A competition machine
with an illustrious story from the very start, 51154 was entered in various hill climbs and events by its early
owners, and was even driven by famous French Grand Prix racer Robert Benoist at Montlhéry in 1934.
Since then, this Type 51 has been owned by a succession of elite collectors, including the likes of His
Royal Highness Prince Bertil of Sweden, Spanish racer Genaro Leoz, American architect Donald B.
Parkinson, Los Angeles playboy Tommy Lee, and fashion magnate Ralph Lauren. In 1989, Mr. Lauren
commissioned UK Bugatti experts Crosthwaite & Gardiner to meticulously restore 51154, and since then,
this extremely rare, well maintained, and exceptionally documented Type 51 has retained its glory, actively
campaigning in prestigious events such as the Goodwood Revival Meeting and Monaco Historic Races. |
1930 Cadillac Series 452 V-16 Roadster Estimate: $1,500,000 – $2,000,000 |
1914 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost Tourer Estimate: $1,200,000 – $1,500,000 |
1937 Bugatti Type 57C Ventoux Estimate: $1,000,000 – $1,500,000, Without Reserve |
Pebble Beach Auctions |
1942 Crocker Big-Tank Twin Estimate: $900,000 – $1,000,000 |
1935 Miller-Ford Indy Car Estimate: $750,000 – $1,000,000 |
In 1935, engineering wiz Harry Miller, alongside Preston Tucker, entered a joint venture with Henry Ford to
produce an Indianapolis racer powered by the Ford flathead V-8 engine. On May 12, 1935, the first car was
delivered to Indianapolis Motor Speedway, proving to be a work of art among the finest of the two-man “junk
formula” cars that ran at the venue from 1930 to 1937. The advanced front-drive chassis design utilizing
double-wishbone suspension was a pure Miller innovation, and the Emil Diedt-crafted bodies were perfectly
svelte and shapely. Unfortunately, the Miller-Fords lacked testing opportunities, and dropped out of the Indy
500. Henry Ford ordered all 10 cars be sent to Dearborn, Michigan, where they were locked away, then
slowly sold off to close contacts over the ensuing years. This example, chassis number 5, was upgraded
with a 270 cid Offenhauser four-cylinder engine, and purchased in 1948 by legendary race team owner Andy
Granatelli after switching hands a few times prior. The car would eventually make its way to the Tony
Hulman collection, where it remained in company with some of the world’s most significant racing cars for
over 40 years. In 1998, it was sold to the owner of the famous Zakira’s Garage, Dean Butler, who
sympathetically restored it while retaining its magical patina. Since its restoration, the Miller-Ford has been
seen at numerous shows, driven at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway at 140 mph, and prominently
displayed in the Speedway Hall of Fame Museum in an exhibit honoring Andy Granatelli. Among the most
desirable examples of the unprecedented Miller-Ford collaboration, this example comes to public sale for
the very first time this August. |