'Best motor car in the world' at Bonhams Golden Age of Motoring Sale

 

 

‘BEST MOTOR CAR IN THE WORLD’ AT

 

BONHAMS GOLDEN AGE OF MOTORING SALE

Link to catalogue: https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/26120/

 

 

 

 

 

 

1911 Rolls-Royce 40/50hp Silver Ghost Semi-Open Drive Limousine estimate £1,000,000 – 1,300,000

 

 

 

A 1911 Rolls-Royce 40/50hp Silver Ghost Semi-Open Drive Limousine,the epitome of Edwardian engineering and coachbuilding excellence, will be one of the star attractions at the Bonhams Golden Age of Motoring Sale at New Bond Street on Friday 30 October. It has an estimate of £1,000,000 – 1,300,000.

The Silver Ghost, so-called due to the silver paintwork on the 1906 Motor Show display car, was the flagship of Rolls-Royce, with a reputation as the ‘best car in the world’ - not least due to the factory demonstrator setting a new world record in the 15,000-mile Scottish Reliability Run. 

At the heart of the Silver Ghost was a magnificent 7-litre engine which was mated to a three-speed gearbox, not only offering reliability and superlative performance, but also a civilised driving experience that was smooth and ‘ghostly’ quiet compared with that of its rivals. 

The Silver Ghost’s engineering excellence was more than matched by its elegant style which is beautifully represented by the example on offer. Its coachwork was fashioned by Joseph A Lawton & Co of Liverpool, who designed its tulip-backed limousine body to the specification of its first owner, Mrs Benger of the Benger’s Foods company, a neighbour of Henry Royce.

 

 

 

 

Superbly finished in deep red with black wings and fine coachlines, the Silver Ghost’s fittings are all of brass, including the spectacular French opera lamps. 

The separate chauffeur’s compartment is traditionally trimmed with deep-buttoned black leather upholstery, while the driver’s instruments include a speedometer, dashboard-mounted fuel pressure gauge. Also featured are an electric klaxon and a speaking tube to communicate with passengers. 

 

The rear compartment is sumptuously fitted out with silk blinds and curtains, bevelled glass rear windows and outstanding burr walnut door panelling and headlining. Other opulent features include a courtesy lamp, cocktail cabinet, full-width vanity tray with scent bottles and flower vase, and rear clock. A luggage rack is provided for the long-distance motor tour. 

Little wonder that this magnificent machine has been showcased in several Rolls-Royce books and has been owned by the most discerning of enthusiasts and collectors. 

Tim Schofield, Head of Department, Bonhams Motor Cars UK, said: “This Rolls-Royce is an outstanding example of its type, truly the crème de la crème, and will be a very special highlight of the sale.”

The Golden Age Sale will present the finest and rarest veteran, vintage and post-vintage vehicles. Other notable motor cars include: 

 

                                        

 

1903 Thornycroft 20hp Four-Cyclinder Double Phaeton, estimate £340,000 – 360,000

 

 

 

 

 

A rare survivor from the British manufacturer, owned until 1957 by company founder, Tom Thornycroft, one of its four loyal custodians. Offered in concours condition, the Thornycroft has successfully completed all the London to Brighton Veteran Car Runs it has entered – on many occasions carrying six people.

 

 

 

 

 

1929 Bugatti Type 40 Grand Sport Open Tourer, estimate £270,000 – 330,000

 

 

Produced in the heyday of Bugatti’s Grand Prix success, the Type 40 offered exceptional handling, braking and performance, with a top speed of 75mph. A remarkably original example, one of fewer than 200 known surviving Grand Sports, this is offered by the family of Anthony Clark, and has been in its current ownership since 1957. 

 

 

1924 Vauxhall 30-98 OE-Velox Tourer, estimate £250,000 – 300,000 

 

Considered the finest British sporting Vintage car, the 30-98 was more than a match for its rival Bentley. The first model set a new record at the Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb and the later OE versions, powered by a 110hp 4.2-litre engines, enjoyed success at the Brooklands motor circuit. This original bodied example, with full matching numbers, has been owned by its vendor since 1968. 

 

 

1901 Panhard-Levassor Type A2 7hp Twin-Cylinder Rear-Entrance Tonneau, estimate £225,000-275,000

 

 

 

 

One of a mere handful of survivors of these transitional 7hp Daimler-Phoenix-engined Panhards which were delivered in 1901, the best known of which is ‘Le Papillon Bleu’ notably sold by Bonhams a year ago in New Bond Street.

 

 

 

This is a rare example of the first ‘modern motor car’ which had a front-mounted engine, a three-speed manual transmission albeit with chain drive, piano style pedals and a steering-wheel in place of a tiller, known as the ‘système Panhard’.

 

 

 

At one time, this motor car formed part of the renowned Schlumpf Collection, belonging to the textile magnate brothers in Mulhouse, and then was owned by the Mercedes-Benz Museum Collection until 2010.

 

 

 

Extensively restored by noted specialists and age-verified by the Veteran Car Club of Great Britain, this Panhard has the benefit of an early start time entry in the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run. 

 

 

 

1902 Arrol-Johnston 10/12hp Dogcart, estimate £80,000 – 120,000

 

 

 

 

One of the earliest British motor cars, the Arrol-Johnston featured a distinctive dogcart body, with the driver’s seat in the second row. This example was found derelict in a quarry in the 1960s and has since been restored twice. Owned by the same family since 1991, this motor car has completed many London to Brighton Veteran Car Runs. 

 

                                                                                                                                    

The Bonhams Golden Age of Motoring Sale Arrangements

Viewing 

 

All lots will be available to view in person, at Bonhams New Bond Street on Wednesday 28, Thursday 29 (all day) and Friday 30 October from 9am. 

 

 

 

The Sale

 

The sale will be a traditional live auction on Friday 30 October, with the automobilia sale starting at 1pm and motor cars at 5pm, with an auctioneer at the rostrum and a limited number of bidders in the Bonhams New Bond Street saleroom (respecting social distancing and all COVID-19 guidelines).

 

 

 

The sale will be live streamed to a worldwide audience of bidders, via the Bonhams website, enabling telephone, online and by commission bids, supplemented by online bidding aggregators.

 

 

 

Contact [email protected] to register to bid.

 

 

 

Link to the online sale catalogue here: https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/26120/.

 

 

 

 

 

Sale:  Bonhams Golden Age of Motoring Sale

Location: New Bond Street, London

Date: 30 October 2020

 

 

-ENDS-

 

 

 

 

 

Media Enquiries

 

 

 

For further information, email [email protected]

 

To download images, please click here: https://bonhams.box.com/s/ivw81hpkkyxwlytk6m2ce3lhvuz7cibo

 

Link to catalogue:https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/26120/

 

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