Collectibles

Paris collectible car auctions: Barnfind Ferrari 250 GT California Spider sells for US$18.45 million

Paris collectible car auctions: Barnfind Ferrari 250 GT California Spider sells for US$18.45 million
Other highlights of the Baillon collection sale included a 1956 A6G Maserati Grand Sport fetching US$2.18 (EUR€1.72 million plus commission), a Saoutchik-bodied 1949 Talbot Lago T26 Grand Sport (US$1.838 million - EUR€1.45 million plus costs) and another Talbot Lago T26 Saoutchik (US$792,344 - EUR€625,000 plus costs) formerly thought to be owned by King Farouk
Other highlights of the Baillon collection sale included a 1956 A6G Maserati Grand Sport fetching US$2.18 (EUR€1.72 million plus commission), a Saoutchik-bodied 1949 Talbot Lago T26 Grand Sport (US$1.838 million - EUR€1.45 million plus costs) and another Talbot Lago T26 Saoutchik (US$792,344 - EUR€625,000 plus costs) formerly thought to be owned by King Farouk
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RM Auctions was one of the big three elite auction houses to hold a major auction in conjunction with the Retromobile festival in Paris this week.
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RM Auctions was one of the big three elite auction houses to hold a major auction in conjunction with the Retromobile festival in Paris this week.
Another car with a spectacular French cinema provenance to cross the auction block at Artcurial's Friday auction was a 1966 long nose Ferrari 275 GTB/2 originally owned by Roger Vadim and subsequently by Jane Fonda.
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Another car with a spectacular French cinema provenance to cross the auction block at Artcurial's Friday auction was a 1966 long nose Ferrari 275 GTB/2 originally owned by Roger Vadim and subsequently by Jane Fonda.
Bonhams' mastery of the webcast medium is one of just many reasons the company excels rare car and motorcycle sales. The auction interface does not need hi-res video - it requires high quality audio and a clear indication of the car, its estimates, the current bid and the running order of the auction. Bonhams online auction interface is the outstanding one of the big three.
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Bonhams' mastery of the webcast medium is one of just many reasons the company excels rare car and motorcycle sales. The auction interface does not need hi-res video - it requires high quality audio and a clear indication of the car, its estimates, the current bid and the running order of the auction. Bonhams online auction interface is the outstanding one of the big three.
Other highlights of the Baillon collection sale included a 1956 A6G Maserati Grand Sport fetching US$2.18 (EUR€1.72 million plus commission), a Saoutchik-bodied 1949 Talbot Lago T26 Grand Sport (US$1.838 million - EUR€1.45 million plus costs) and another Talbot Lago T26 Saoutchik (US$792,344 - EUR€625,000 plus costs) formerly thought to be owned by King Farouk
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Other highlights of the Baillon collection sale included a 1956 A6G Maserati Grand Sport fetching US$2.18 (EUR€1.72 million plus commission), a Saoutchik-bodied 1949 Talbot Lago T26 Grand Sport (US$1.838 million - EUR€1.45 million plus costs) and another Talbot Lago T26 Saoutchik (US$792,344 - EUR€625,000 plus costs) formerly thought to be owned by King Farouk
Another car with a spectacular French cinema provenance to cross the auction block at Artcurial's Friday auction was a 1966 long nose Ferrari 275 GTB/2 originally owned by Roger Vadim and subsequently by Jane Fonda.
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Another car with a spectacular French cinema provenance to cross the auction block at Artcurial's Friday auction was a 1966 long nose Ferrari 275 GTB/2 originally owned by Roger Vadim and subsequently by Jane Fonda.
This 1956 A6G Maserati Grand Sport fetched EUR€2,000,000 (US$2,263,840)
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This 1956 A6G Maserati Grand Sport fetched EUR€2,000,000 (US$2,263,840)
This 1961 Ferrari 250 GT California Spider fetched US$18.0 million (a hammer price of EUR€14.2 million plus 12 percent buyers commission) to become one of the top five most expensive cars ever to sell at auction.
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This 1961 Ferrari 250 GT California Spider fetched US$18.0 million (a hammer price of EUR€14.2 million plus 12 percent buyers commission) to become one of the top five most expensive cars ever to sell at auction.
This Saoutchik-bodied 1949 Talbot Lago T26 Grand Sport fetched US$1.838 million (EUR€1.45 million plus costs)
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This Saoutchik-bodied 1949 Talbot Lago T26 Grand Sport fetched US$1.838 million (EUR€1.45 million plus costs)
The third Talbot-Lago T26 Saoutchick sold for EUR€417,200
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The third Talbot-Lago T26 Saoutchick sold for EUR€417,200
Another car with a spectacular French cinema provenance to cross the auction block at Artcurial's Friday auction was a 1966 long nose Ferrari 275 GTB/2 originally owned by Roger Vadim and subsequently by Jane Fonda.
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Another car with a spectacular French cinema provenance to cross the auction block at Artcurial's Friday auction was a 1966 long nose Ferrari 275 GTB/2 originally owned by Roger Vadim and subsequently by Jane Fonda.
The Talbot Lago T26 Saoutchik (US$792,344 - EUR€625,000 plus costs) formerly thought to be owned by King Farouk, but with provenance now discovered by Artcurial to be the former car of Salah Orabi and Princess Nevine Abbas Halim of Egypt.
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The Talbot Lago T26 Saoutchik (US$792,344 - EUR€625,000 plus costs) formerly thought to be owned by King Farouk, but with provenance now discovered by Artcurial to be the former car of Salah Orabi and Princess Nevine Abbas Halim of Egypt.
RM Auctions was one of the big three elite auction houses to hold a major auction in conjunction with the Retromobile festival in Paris this week.
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RM Auctions was one of the big three elite auction houses to hold a major auction in conjunction with the Retromobile festival in Paris this week.
Another clear pointer to the growing interest in the multi-billion pound global classic car industry was the ratings success of the first screening of the Classic Car Show which premiered last night (Thursday) on the U.K.'s Channel 5 at 7pm. The first episode of the new 13 x one-hour series, which is hosted by Quentin Willson and Jodie Kidd racked up staggering viewing figures and a huge amount of social media buzz.
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Another clear pointer to the growing interest in the multi-billion pound global classic car industry was the ratings success of the first screening of the Classic Car Show which premiered last night (Thursday) on the U.K.'s Channel 5 at 7pm. The first episode of the new 13 x one-hour series, which is hosted by Quentin Willson and Jodie Kidd racked up staggering viewing figures and a huge amount of social media buzz.
The Talbot Lago T26 Saoutchik (US$792,344 - EUR€625,000 plus costs) formerly thought to be owned by King Farouk, but with provenance now discovered by Artcurial to be the former car of Salah Orabi and Princess Nevine Abbas Halim of Egypt.
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The Talbot Lago T26 Saoutchik (US$792,344 - EUR€625,000 plus costs) formerly thought to be owned by King Farouk, but with provenance now discovered by Artcurial to be the former car of Salah Orabi and Princess Nevine Abbas Halim of Egypt.
The 1961 Ferrari 250 GT California Spider which sold on Friday February 5, 2015, for US$18 million and the 1956 A6G Maserati Grand Sport Frua which fetched US$2.18
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The 1961 Ferrari 250 GT California Spider which sold on Friday February 5, 2015, for US$18 million and the 1956 A6G Maserati Grand Sport Frua which fetched US$2.18
The 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider which sold on Friday February 5, 2015, for EUR€16,300,000 (US$18,450,296)
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The 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider which sold on Friday February 5, 2015, for EUR€16,300,000 (US$18,450,296)
Artcurial's Matthieu Lamoure and Pierre Novikoff in front of the 1961 Ferrari 250 GT California Spider as they found it. The car sold on Friday February 5, 2015, for US$18 million
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Artcurial's Matthieu Lamoure and Pierre Novikoff in front of the 1961 Ferrari 250 GT California Spider as they found it. The car sold on Friday February 5, 2015, for US$18 million
Other highlights of the Baillon collection sale included a 1956 A6G Maserati Grand Sport fetching US$2.18 (EUR€1.72 million plus commission), a Saoutchik-bodied 1949 Talbot Lago T26 Grand Sport (US$1.838 million - EUR€1.45 million plus costs) and another Talbot Lago T26 Saoutchik (US$792,344 - EUR€625,000 plus costs) formerly thought to be owned by King Farouk
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Other highlights of the Baillon collection sale included a 1956 A6G Maserati Grand Sport fetching US$2.18 (EUR€1.72 million plus commission), a Saoutchik-bodied 1949 Talbot Lago T26 Grand Sport (US$1.838 million - EUR€1.45 million plus costs) and another Talbot Lago T26 Saoutchik (US$792,344 - EUR€625,000 plus costs) formerly thought to be owned by King Farouk
The Artcurial auction room during the sale of the Baillon Collection. The auction drew 1 600 registered bidders, 3500 people into the auction room for the sale, and a further 1000 registered on Artcurial's Livebid auction system via the internet.
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The Artcurial auction room during the sale of the Baillon Collection. The auction drew 1 600 registered bidders, 3500 people into the auction room for the sale, and a further 1000 registered on Artcurial's Livebid auction system via the internet.
The Artcurial auction room during the sale of the Baillon Collection.
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The Artcurial auction room during the sale of the Baillon Collection.
The Artcurial auction room during the sale of the Baillon Collection.
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The Artcurial auction room during the sale of the Baillon Collection.
The public exhibition, staged as a tribute to the museum Roger Baillon had dreamed of, attracted close to 15,000 visitors a day, many of whom had made a special trip from outside France to see the sleeping beauties. The auction included a pre-emption by the Musée de l’automobile de Compiègne to acquire lot 33, a 1936 Panhard-Levassor Dynamic X76 coupé junior.
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The public exhibition, staged as a tribute to the museum Roger Baillon had dreamed of, attracted close to 15,000 visitors a day, many of whom had made a special trip from outside France to see the sleeping beauties. The auction included a pre-emption by the Musée de l’automobile de Compiègne to acquire lot 33, a 1936 Panhard-Levassor Dynamic X76 coupé junior.
The public exhibition, staged as a tribute to the museum Roger Baillon had dreamed of, attracted close to 15,000 visitors a day, many of whom had made a special trip from outside France to see the sleeping beauties. The auction included a pre-emption by the Musée de l’automobile de Compiègne to acquire lot 33, a 1936 Panhard-Levassor Dynamic X76 coupé junior.
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The public exhibition, staged as a tribute to the museum Roger Baillon had dreamed of, attracted close to 15,000 visitors a day, many of whom had made a special trip from outside France to see the sleeping beauties. The auction included a pre-emption by the Musée de l’automobile de Compiègne to acquire lot 33, a 1936 Panhard-Levassor Dynamic X76 coupé junior.
The public exhibition, staged as a tribute to the museum Roger Baillon had dreamed of, attracted close to 15,000 visitors a day, many of whom had made a special trip from outside France to see the sleeping beauties. The auction included a pre-emption by the Musée de l’automobile de Compiègne to acquire lot 33, a 1936 Panhard-Levassor Dynamic X76 coupé junior.
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The public exhibition, staged as a tribute to the museum Roger Baillon had dreamed of, attracted close to 15,000 visitors a day, many of whom had made a special trip from outside France to see the sleeping beauties. The auction included a pre-emption by the Musée de l’automobile de Compiègne to acquire lot 33, a 1936 Panhard-Levassor Dynamic X76 coupé junior.
The public exhibition, staged as a tribute to the museum Roger Baillon had dreamed of, attracted close to 15,000 visitors a day, many of whom had made a special trip from outside France to see the sleeping beauties. The auction included a pre-emption by the Musée de l’automobile de Compiègne to acquire lot 33, a 1936 Panhard-Levassor Dynamic X76 coupé junior.
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The public exhibition, staged as a tribute to the museum Roger Baillon had dreamed of, attracted close to 15,000 visitors a day, many of whom had made a special trip from outside France to see the sleeping beauties. The auction included a pre-emption by the Musée de l’automobile de Compiègne to acquire lot 33, a 1936 Panhard-Levassor Dynamic X76 coupé junior.
The public exhibition, staged as a tribute to the museum Roger Baillon had dreamed of, attracted close to 15,000 visitors a day, many of whom had made a special trip from outside France to see the sleeping beauties. The auction included a pre-emption by the Musée de l’automobile de Compiègne to acquire lot 33, a 1936 Panhard-Levassor Dynamic X76 coupé junior.
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The public exhibition, staged as a tribute to the museum Roger Baillon had dreamed of, attracted close to 15,000 visitors a day, many of whom had made a special trip from outside France to see the sleeping beauties. The auction included a pre-emption by the Musée de l’automobile de Compiègne to acquire lot 33, a 1936 Panhard-Levassor Dynamic X76 coupé junior.
The public exhibition, staged as a tribute to the museum Roger Baillon had dreamed of, attracted close to 15,000 visitors a day, many of whom had made a special trip from outside France to see the sleeping beauties. The auction included a pre-emption by the Musée de l’automobile de Compiègne to acquire lot 33, a 1936 Panhard-Levassor Dynamic X76 coupé junior.
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The public exhibition, staged as a tribute to the museum Roger Baillon had dreamed of, attracted close to 15,000 visitors a day, many of whom had made a special trip from outside France to see the sleeping beauties. The auction included a pre-emption by the Musée de l’automobile de Compiègne to acquire lot 33, a 1936 Panhard-Levassor Dynamic X76 coupé junior.
The public exhibition, staged as a tribute to the museum Roger Baillon had dreamed of, attracted close to 15,000 visitors a day, many of whom had made a special trip from outside France to see the sleeping beauties. The auction included a pre-emption by the Musée de l’automobile de Compiègne to acquire lot 33, a 1936 Panhard-Levassor Dynamic X76 coupé junior.
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The public exhibition, staged as a tribute to the museum Roger Baillon had dreamed of, attracted close to 15,000 visitors a day, many of whom had made a special trip from outside France to see the sleeping beauties. The auction included a pre-emption by the Musée de l’automobile de Compiègne to acquire lot 33, a 1936 Panhard-Levassor Dynamic X76 coupé junior.
The public exhibition, staged as a tribute to the museum Roger Baillon had dreamed of, attracted close to 15,000 visitors a day, many of whom had made a special trip from outside France to see the sleeping beauties. The auction included a pre-emption by the Musée de l’automobile de Compiègne to acquire lot 33, a 1936 Panhard-Levassor Dynamic X76 coupé junior.
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The public exhibition, staged as a tribute to the museum Roger Baillon had dreamed of, attracted close to 15,000 visitors a day, many of whom had made a special trip from outside France to see the sleeping beauties. The auction included a pre-emption by the Musée de l’automobile de Compiègne to acquire lot 33, a 1936 Panhard-Levassor Dynamic X76 coupé junior.
The public exhibition, staged as a tribute to the museum Roger Baillon had dreamed of, attracted close to 15,000 visitors a day, many of whom had made a special trip from outside France to see the sleeping beauties. The auction included a pre-emption by the Musée de l’automobile de Compiègne to acquire lot 33, a 1936 Panhard-Levassor Dynamic X76 coupé junior.
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The public exhibition, staged as a tribute to the museum Roger Baillon had dreamed of, attracted close to 15,000 visitors a day, many of whom had made a special trip from outside France to see the sleeping beauties. The auction included a pre-emption by the Musée de l’automobile de Compiègne to acquire lot 33, a 1936 Panhard-Levassor Dynamic X76 coupé junior.
The public exhibition, staged as a tribute to the museum Roger Baillon had dreamed of, attracted close to 15,000 visitors a day, many of whom had made a special trip from outside France to see the sleeping beauties. The auction included a pre-emption by the Musée de l’automobile de Compiègne to acquire lot 33, a 1936 Panhard-Levassor Dynamic X76 coupé junior.
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The public exhibition, staged as a tribute to the museum Roger Baillon had dreamed of, attracted close to 15,000 visitors a day, many of whom had made a special trip from outside France to see the sleeping beauties. The auction included a pre-emption by the Musée de l’automobile de Compiègne to acquire lot 33, a 1936 Panhard-Levassor Dynamic X76 coupé junior.
The public exhibition, staged as a tribute to the museum Roger Baillon had dreamed of, attracted close to 15,000 visitors a day, many of whom had made a special trip from outside France to see the sleeping beauties. The auction included a pre-emption by the Musée de l’automobile de Compiègne to acquire lot 33, a 1936 Panhard-Levassor Dynamic X76 coupé junior.
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The public exhibition, staged as a tribute to the museum Roger Baillon had dreamed of, attracted close to 15,000 visitors a day, many of whom had made a special trip from outside France to see the sleeping beauties. The auction included a pre-emption by the Musée de l’automobile de Compiègne to acquire lot 33, a 1936 Panhard-Levassor Dynamic X76 coupé junior.
The public exhibition, staged as a tribute to the museum Roger Baillon had dreamed of, attracted close to 15,000 visitors a day, many of whom had made a special trip from outside France to see the sleeping beauties. The auction included a pre-emption by the Musée de l’automobile de Compiègne to acquire lot 33, a 1936 Panhard-Levassor Dynamic X76 coupé junior.
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The public exhibition, staged as a tribute to the museum Roger Baillon had dreamed of, attracted close to 15,000 visitors a day, many of whom had made a special trip from outside France to see the sleeping beauties. The auction included a pre-emption by the Musée de l’automobile de Compiègne to acquire lot 33, a 1936 Panhard-Levassor Dynamic X76 coupé junior.
The public exhibition, staged as a tribute to the museum Roger Baillon had dreamed of, attracted close to 15,000 visitors a day, many of whom had made a special trip from outside France to see the sleeping beauties. The auction included a pre-emption by the Musée de l’automobile de Compiègne to acquire lot 33, a 1936 Panhard-Levassor Dynamic X76 coupé junior.
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The public exhibition, staged as a tribute to the museum Roger Baillon had dreamed of, attracted close to 15,000 visitors a day, many of whom had made a special trip from outside France to see the sleeping beauties. The auction included a pre-emption by the Musée de l’automobile de Compiègne to acquire lot 33, a 1936 Panhard-Levassor Dynamic X76 coupé junior.
The Artcurial auction room during the sale of the Baillon Collection.
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The Artcurial auction room during the sale of the Baillon Collection.
The Artcurial auction room during the sale of the Baillon Collection.
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The Artcurial auction room during the sale of the Baillon Collection.
The Artcurial auction room during the sale of the Baillon Collection.
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The Artcurial auction room during the sale of the Baillon Collection.
The Artcurial auction room during the sale of the Baillon Collection.
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The Artcurial auction room during the sale of the Baillon Collection.
The Artcurial auction room during the sale of the Baillon Collection.
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The Artcurial auction room during the sale of the Baillon Collection.
The Artcurial auction room during the sale of the Baillon Collection.
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The Artcurial auction room during the sale of the Baillon Collection.
The Artcurial auction room during the sale of the Baillon Collection.
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The Artcurial auction room during the sale of the Baillon Collection.
The Artcurial auction room during the sale of the Baillon Collection.
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The Artcurial auction room during the sale of the Baillon Collection.
The Artcurial auction room during the sale of the Baillon Collection.
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The Artcurial auction room during the sale of the Baillon Collection.
one of the all-time great classic sports cars, the ex-Amschel Rothschild 1966 AC Cobra 289 'Mark II' Roadster, sold to a British bidder in the room for an above-estimate price of €937,250 (US$1,060,892)
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one of the all-time great classic sports cars, the ex-Amschel Rothschild 1966 AC Cobra 289 'Mark II' Roadster, sold to a British bidder in the room for an above-estimate price of €937,250 (US$1,060,892)
one of the all-time great classic sports cars, the ex-Amschel Rothschild 1966 AC Cobra 289 'Mark II' Roadster, sold to a British bidder in the room for an above-estimate price of €937,250 (£707,686).
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one of the all-time great classic sports cars, the ex-Amschel Rothschild 1966 AC Cobra 289 'Mark II' Roadster, sold to a British bidder in the room for an above-estimate price of €937,250 (£707,686).
one of the all-time great classic sports cars, the ex-Amschel Rothschild 1966 AC Cobra 289 'Mark II' Roadster, sold to a British bidder in the room for an above-estimate price of €937,250 (£707,686).
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one of the all-time great classic sports cars, the ex-Amschel Rothschild 1966 AC Cobra 289 'Mark II' Roadster, sold to a British bidder in the room for an above-estimate price of €937,250 (£707,686).
A new world auction record was set for a factory specification 1965 Aston Martin DB5 Convertible when the DB5 was sold to an auction room bidder against the telephone for €1,897,500 (US$2,147,818). The car was particularly rare for being one of only 39 DB5 convertibles manufactured in left-hand drive.
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A new world auction record was set for a factory specification 1965 Aston Martin DB5 Convertible when the DB5 was sold to an auction room bidder against the telephone for €1,897,500 (US$2,147,818). The car was particularly rare for being one of only 39 DB5 convertibles manufactured in left-hand drive.
A wonderful Alfa Romeo 6C-1750 Grand Sport, once driven by Russian racing driver and exiled Imperial Guardsman, Boris Ivanowski, was subject to some spirited bidding, and finally sold to a European bidder in the room for EUR€1,184,500 (US$1,340,759)
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A wonderful Alfa Romeo 6C-1750 Grand Sport, once driven by Russian racing driver and exiled Imperial Guardsman, Boris Ivanowski, was subject to some spirited bidding, and finally sold to a European bidder in the room for EUR€1,184,500 (US$1,340,759)
A wonderful Alfa Romeo 6C-1750 Grand Sport, once driven by Russian racing driver and exiled Imperial Guardsman, Boris Ivanowski, was subject to some spirited bidding, and finally sold to a European bidder in the room for €1,184,500 (£893,113). That's Boris winning his class in the Brooklands Double Twelve in this car.
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A wonderful Alfa Romeo 6C-1750 Grand Sport, once driven by Russian racing driver and exiled Imperial Guardsman, Boris Ivanowski, was subject to some spirited bidding, and finally sold to a European bidder in the room for €1,184,500 (£893,113). That's Boris winning his class in the Brooklands Double Twelve in this car.
A wonderful Alfa Romeo 6C-1750 Grand Sport, once driven by Russian racing driver and exiled Imperial Guardsman, Boris Ivanowski, was subject to some spirited bidding, and finally sold to a European bidder in the room for €1,184,500 (£893,113). That's Boris winning his class in the Brooklands Double Twelve in this car.
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A wonderful Alfa Romeo 6C-1750 Grand Sport, once driven by Russian racing driver and exiled Imperial Guardsman, Boris Ivanowski, was subject to some spirited bidding, and finally sold to a European bidder in the room for €1,184,500 (£893,113). That's Boris winning his class in the Brooklands Double Twelve in this car.
As we predicted in our article last week about three-time-F1-champ Ayrton Senna's 1981 DAP kart, if Bonhams' estimated sale price of €24,000-€28,000 (US$28,000-$33,000) was accurate, it would have been one of the cheapest Senna memorabilia items ever sold. It didn't turn out that way. Senna drove the kart to fourth at the World Karting Championship in 1981 after finishing second in the two years prior. After winning his first world F1 title, Senna said his greatest regret was that he had 'never won the World Karting Championship.' So clearly he felt the kart was significant and so did several buyers who pushed the final sale price to EUR€57,500 (US$65,725 on the day).
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As we predicted in our article last week about three-time-F1-champ Ayrton Senna's 1981 DAP kart, if Bonhams' estimated sale price of €24,000-€28,000 (US$28,000-$33,000) was accurate, it would have been one of the cheapest Senna memorabilia items ever sold. It didn't turn out that way. Senna drove the kart to fourth at the World Karting Championship in 1981 after finishing second in the two years prior. After winning his first world F1 title, Senna said his greatest regret was that he had 'never won the World Karting Championship.' So clearly he felt the kart was significant and so did several buyers who pushed the final sale price to EUR€57,500 (US$65,725 on the day).
The 2009 Ducati Desmosedici RR "G8" we previewed last week fetched a very modest EUR€43.875 - remarkably good buying considering its esteemed provenance and a similar model fetched $49,500 (inc premiums) at Mecum's Vegas auction last month.
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The 2009 Ducati Desmosedici RR "G8" we previewed last week fetched a very modest EUR€43.875 - remarkably good buying considering its esteemed provenance and a similar model fetched $49,500 (inc premiums) at Mecum's Vegas auction last month.
one of the original ten 1974 Bimota 750 HB1s sold for EUR€63,825 (US$72,955), again representing exceptional value considering it was the first model of a globally recognised brand which still produces kick-ass motorcycles.
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one of the original ten 1974 Bimota 750 HB1s sold for EUR€63,825 (US$72,955), again representing exceptional value considering it was the first model of a globally recognised brand which still produces kick-ass motorcycles.
This 1952 998cc Vincent Series C Black Shadow sold for €82,800 (US$94,645).
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This 1952 998cc Vincent Series C Black Shadow sold for €82,800 (US$94,645).
Another good buy was this Husqvarna 400MX which finished second in the American InterAm series under the throttle hand of Bengt Aberg - the same year he won the world 500cc MX title. Possibly the best ever motocross rider and ... it sold for €16,100 (US$ 18,429).
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Another good buy was this Husqvarna 400MX which finished second in the American InterAm series under the throttle hand of Bengt Aberg - the same year he won the world 500cc MX title. Possibly the best ever motocross rider and ... it sold for €16,100 (US$ 18,429).
My final, wow-this-is-silly-cheap example is this 1959 period-correct special Norton-Velocette Venom engine in a MODEL 99 frame, complete with a dustbin fairing. The reciepts from getting this bike into this condition would total more than it sold for ... just EUR€9,200 (US$ 10,531).
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My final, wow-this-is-silly-cheap example is this 1959 period-correct special Norton-Velocette Venom engine in a MODEL 99 frame, complete with a dustbin fairing. The reciepts from getting this bike into this condition would total more than it sold for ... just EUR€9,200 (US$ 10,531).
This beautifully-restored 1928 Indian Scout sold for EUR€19,550 (US$ 22,378).
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This beautifully-restored 1928 Indian Scout sold for EUR€19,550 (US$ 22,378).
The second papal Harley in as many years achieved a heavenly price for an otherwise stock bike at EUR€46,000 (US$ 52,656), but significantly less than last year's astonishing EUR€241,500 (US$330,938) price. Interestingly, the buyer of last year's bike backed up his generous donation to charity by buying this year's bike too.
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The second papal Harley in as many years achieved a heavenly price for an otherwise stock bike at EUR€46,000 (US$ 52,656), but significantly less than last year's astonishing EUR€241,500 (US$330,938) price. Interestingly, the buyer of last year's bike backed up his generous donation to charity by buying this year's bike too.
View gallery - 71 images

The world's greatest ever barnfind, the Baillon Collection, went under the auctioneer's gavel this afternoon in Paris with most of the cars fetching in excess of their estimates, and the collection fetching US$28.5 million (€25.15 million) in total, topped by a 1961 Ferrari 250 GT California Spider which fetched $18.45 million (€16.23 million) to become one of the top five most expensive cars ever to sell at auction.

Other highlights of the Baillon collection sale included a 1956 A6G Maserati Grand Sport fetching $2,263,840 (€2.0 million), and a Saoutchik-bodied 1949 Talbot Lago T26 Grand Sport ($1,946,902 - €1.72 million).

The Artcurial auction room during the sale of the Baillon Collection. The auction drew 1 600 registered bidders, 3500 people into the auction room for the sale, and a further 1000 registered on Artcurial's Livebid auction system via the internet.
The Artcurial auction room during the sale of the Baillon Collection. The auction drew 1 600 registered bidders, 3500 people into the auction room for the sale, and a further 1000 registered on Artcurial's Livebid auction system via the internet.

Another Talbot Lago T26 Saoutchik ($843,280 - €745,000) formerly thought to be owned by King Farouk, but with provenance now discovered by Artcurial to be the former car of Salah Orabi and Princess Nevine Abbas Halim of Egypt. The car is pictured below.

The Talbot Lago T26 Saoutchik (US$792,344 - EUR€625,000 plus costs) formerly thought to be owned by King Farouk, but with provenance now discovered by Artcurial to be the former car of Salah Orabi and Princess Nevine Abbas Halim of Egypt.
The Talbot Lago T26 Saoutchik (US$792,344 - EUR€625,000 plus costs) formerly thought to be owned by King Farouk, but with provenance now discovered by Artcurial to be the former car of Salah Orabi and Princess Nevine Abbas Halim of Egypt.

The auction of the Baillon Collection became massive global news over the last six weeks as the world has become infatuated with the semi-archeological find of 61 rare cars after half a century of neglect.

Elite French auction house Artcurial experienced some technological headaches with its webcast of the auction inundated by a massive global audience curious to watch the historic live webcast of the official Retromobile auction from the Porte de Versailles Exhibition center in Paris.

With live webcasts from the two other major collectible car auctions of Retromobile week on the two preceding days (RM Auctions on Wednesday February 4 and Bonhams on Thursday February 5), the global focus on the proceedings in Paris reached fever pitch on Friday afternoon with the presentation of the Baillon collection and the audience was not disappointed.

The Artcurial auction room during the sale of the Baillon Collection.
The Artcurial auction room during the sale of the Baillon Collection.

The top selling car was as expected, the 1961 Ferrari 250 GT California Spider formerly owned by actor Alain Delon. Though there are rarer cars, (106 Ferrari 250 GT California Spiders were made, compared with just 39 Ferrari GTOs), the rare car market knows every such model, and this is one of several individual cars which were unaccounted for in the Ferrari Register and thought lost.

The public exhibition, staged as a tribute to the museum Roger Baillon had dreamed of, attracted close to 15,000 visitors a day, many of whom had made a special trip from outside France to see the sleeping beauties. The auction included a pre-emption by the Musée de l’automobile de Compiègne to acquire lot 33, a 1936 Panhard-Levassor Dynamic X76 coupé junior.
The public exhibition, staged as a tribute to the museum Roger Baillon had dreamed of, attracted close to 15,000 visitors a day, many of whom had made a special trip from outside France to see the sleeping beauties. The auction included a pre-emption by the Musée de l’automobile de Compiègne to acquire lot 33, a 1936 Panhard-Levassor Dynamic X76 coupé junior.

There are now no less than 14 California Spiders in the 100 most expensive cars of all time and three in the top ten. Ferrari retains its dominant position in the rare care market with nine of the top ten cars and more than half of the top 100 most expensive cars ever sold. Indeed, in the last six months (from Peble Beach 2014 until after this Paris sale), Ferrari has considerably increased its domination of the top 100.

Another car with a spectacular French cinema provenance to cross the auction block at Artcurial's Friday auction was a 1966 long nose Ferrari 275 GTB/2 originally owned by Roger Vadim and subsequently by Jane Fonda.
Another car with a spectacular French cinema provenance to cross the auction block at Artcurial's Friday auction was a 1966 long nose Ferrari 275 GTB/2 originally owned by Roger Vadim and subsequently by Jane Fonda.

Another car with a spectacular French cinema provenance to cross the auction block at Artcurial's Friday auction was a 1966 long nose Ferrari 275 GTB/2 originally owned by Roger Vadim and subsequently by Jane Fonda.

The Spider was purchased new by the actor Gérard Blain, then sold to fellow actor Alain Delon, who was photographed several times at the wheel of this machine, including in 1964 with Jane Fonda during the filming of Les Félins and on the Côte d'Azur with Shirley MacLaine.

The car was estimated to fetch €2,750,000 to €3,250,000 but didn't quite reach estimate at €1,900,000 ($2,720,000), but it was the highlight of the post-Baillon Artcurial auction on Friday night.

The third Talbot-Lago T26 Saoutchick sold for €417,200, with other top sellers from the collection including the Bugatti T57 Ventoux (€298,000), the Hispano-Suiza H6B (€572,000) and the Delahaye 135 M Faget-Varnet (€429,100).

Million Dollar Cars

There were 15 million dollar cars sold across the three auctions, with Artcurial's top three Baillon collection cars plus the aforementioned 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB Berlinetta Long Nose giving it four of the top five sales of the week. Here are the top fifteen sales from Paris - the only ones to cross the magic million mark.

The 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider which sold on Friday February 5, 2015, for EUR€16,300,000 (US$18,450,296)
The 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider which sold on Friday February 5, 2015, for EUR€16,300,000 (US$18,450,296)

1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider – €16,300,000 ($18,450,296)

This 1956 A6G Maserati Grand Sport fetched EUR€2,000,000 (US$2,263,840)
This 1956 A6G Maserati Grand Sport fetched EUR€2,000,000 (US$2,263,840)

1956 Maserati A6G 2000 Gran Sport Frua – €2,000,000 ($2,263,840)

Another car with a spectacular French cinema provenance to cross the auction block at Artcurial's Friday auction was a 1966 long nose Ferrari 275 GTB/2 originally owned by Roger Vadim and subsequently by Jane Fonda.
Another car with a spectacular French cinema provenance to cross the auction block at Artcurial's Friday auction was a 1966 long nose Ferrari 275 GTB/2 originally owned by Roger Vadim and subsequently by Jane Fonda.

1966 Ferrari 275 GTB Berlinetta – €1,900,000 ($2,150,648)

A new world auction record was set for a factory specification 1965 Aston Martin DB5 Convertible when the DB5 was sold to an auction room bidder against the telephone for €1,897,500 (US$2,147,818). The car was particularly rare for being one of only 39 DB5 convertibles manufactured in left-hand drive.
A new world auction record was set for a factory specification 1965 Aston Martin DB5 Convertible when the DB5 was sold to an auction room bidder against the telephone for €1,897,500 (US$2,147,818). The car was particularly rare for being one of only 39 DB5 convertibles manufactured in left-hand drive.

1965 Aston Martin DB5 Convertible €1,897,500 ($2,147,818)

This Saoutchik-bodied 1949 Talbot Lago T26 Grand Sport fetched US$1.838 million (EUR€1.45 million plus costs)
This Saoutchik-bodied 1949 Talbot Lago T26 Grand Sport fetched US$1.838 million (EUR€1.45 million plus costs)

1949 Talbot-Lago T26 Grand Sport Saoutchik – €1,700,000 ($1,924,264)

RM Auctions was one of the big three elite auction houses to hold a major auction in conjunction with the Retromobile festival in Paris this week.
RM Auctions was one of the big three elite auction houses to hold a major auction in conjunction with the Retromobile festival in Paris this week.

1963 Ferrari 250 GT/L 'Lusso' Berlinetta– €1.624.000 ($1,838,238)

1964 Porsche 904 Carrera GTS – €1,428,000 ($1,616,382)

1938 Mercedes Benz 380 K Cabriolet A – €1,400,000 ($1,584,688)

1963 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster – €1,232,000 ($1,394,525)

1968 Bizzarrini 5300 GT Strada – €1,200,000 ($1,358,304)

A wonderful Alfa Romeo 6C-1750 Grand Sport, once driven by Russian racing driver and exiled Imperial Guardsman, Boris Ivanowski, was subject to some spirited bidding, and finally sold to a European bidder in the room for EUR€1,184,500 (US$1,340,759)
A wonderful Alfa Romeo 6C-1750 Grand Sport, once driven by Russian racing driver and exiled Imperial Guardsman, Boris Ivanowski, was subject to some spirited bidding, and finally sold to a European bidder in the room for EUR€1,184,500 (US$1,340,759)

1930 Alfa Romeo 6C-1750 Grand Sport – €1,184,500 ($1,340,759)

1990 Ferrari F40 – €1,176,000 ($1,331,138)

1965 Iso Grifo A3/C Stradale – €1,036,000 ($1,172,669)

one of the all-time great classic sports cars, the ex-Amschel Rothschild 1966 AC Cobra 289 'Mark II' Roadster, sold to a British bidder in the room for an above-estimate price of €937,250 (US$1,060,892)
one of the all-time great classic sports cars, the ex-Amschel Rothschild 1966 AC Cobra 289 'Mark II' Roadster, sold to a British bidder in the room for an above-estimate price of €937,250 (US$1,060,892)

1966 AC Cobra 289 'Mark II' Roadster – €937,250 ($1,060,892)

1957 Mercedes Benz 300 SL Roadster – €929,800 ($1,052,459)

Ayrton Senna's Go-kart nearly doubles estimate

As we predicted in our article last week about three-time-F1-champ Ayrton Senna's 1981 DAP kart, if Bonhams' estimated sale price of €24,000-€28,000 (US$28,000-$33,000) was accurate, it would have been one of the cheapest Senna memorabilia items ever sold. It didn't turn out that way. Senna drove the kart to fourth at the World Karting Championship in 1981 after finishing second in the two years prior. After winning his first world F1 title, Senna said his greatest regret was that he had 'never won the World Karting Championship.' So clearly he felt the kart was significant and so did several buyers who pushed the final sale price to EUR€57,500 (US$65,725 on the day).
As we predicted in our article last week about three-time-F1-champ Ayrton Senna's 1981 DAP kart, if Bonhams' estimated sale price of €24,000-€28,000 (US$28,000-$33,000) was accurate, it would have been one of the cheapest Senna memorabilia items ever sold. It didn't turn out that way. Senna drove the kart to fourth at the World Karting Championship in 1981 after finishing second in the two years prior. After winning his first world F1 title, Senna said his greatest regret was that he had 'never won the World Karting Championship.' So clearly he felt the kart was significant and so did several buyers who pushed the final sale price to EUR€57,500 (US$65,725 on the day).

The online classic car auction industry

If there's one take-out from the auction and other global media activity of recent times, it's that the online auction marketplace is beginning to go mainstream. Whereas participating in this market was once only for those who had the time and wherewithal to travel to Monterey, Amelia Island, Scottsdale, Paris or London, people can now watch and bid during the entire proceedings from anywhere and a range of ancillary inspection, transportation and other services make it easy and exciting to do.

Over the last month we've seen webcasts from all the major auction houses and it's worth noting the variety of different styles and information systems provided by them.

Bonhams' mastery of the webcast medium is one of just many reasons the company excels rare car and motorcycle sales. The auction interface does not need hi-res video - it requires high quality audio and a clear indication of the car, its estimates, the current bid and the running order of the auction. Bonhams online auction interface is the outstanding one of the big three.
Bonhams' mastery of the webcast medium is one of just many reasons the company excels rare car and motorcycle sales. The auction interface does not need hi-res video - it requires high quality audio and a clear indication of the car, its estimates, the current bid and the running order of the auction. Bonhams online auction interface is the outstanding one of the big three.

They're all great to watch, but my favorite by a fair margin is the Bonhams webcast format. Bonhams' mastery of the webcast medium is one of just many reasons the company excels in rare car and motorcycle sales. An auction interface does not need hi-res video of the auctioneers - they are the conductor of the orchestra, but not the symphony itself. A good webcast requires high quality audio and a clear indication of the car being auctioned, its estimates, the current bid and the running order of the auction. Bonhams online auction interface is the outstanding one of the big three.

Some desirable additions to Bonhams' best-of-breed interface would be some visual cues as to when reserve has been surpassed, key points about the car and most importantly for a global audience, alternative language channels. I regularly attend press conferences with several language channels (headsets are handed out - tune into channel 1 for English, channel 2 for Chinese, Channel 3 for Japanese etc) and it's not hard to do, and should be equally easy to broaden the reach of an English webcast by 100% with Spanish, and by 300% with Mandarin. As well served as a I was by five years of French classes, I found it difficult to follow what the current bid was during Artcurial's French-only webcast. It's a big world out there, and not everybody speaks English and broadcasting to a target audience in a language only a small percentage understands will limit the appeal.

Growing global interest in classic cars

Another clear pointer to the growing interest in the multi-billion pound global classic car industry was the ratings success of the first screening of the Classic Car Show which premiered last night (Thursday) on the U.K.'s Channel 5 at 7pm. The first episode of the new 13 x one-hour series, which is hosted by Quentin Willson and Jodie Kidd racked up staggering viewing figures and a huge amount of social media buzz.
Another clear pointer to the growing interest in the multi-billion pound global classic car industry was the ratings success of the first screening of the Classic Car Show which premiered last night (Thursday) on the U.K.'s Channel 5 at 7pm. The first episode of the new 13 x one-hour series, which is hosted by Quentin Willson and Jodie Kidd racked up staggering viewing figures and a huge amount of social media buzz.

Another clear pointer to the growing interest in the multi-billion dollar global classic car industry was the ratings success of the first screening of the Classic Car Show which premiered last night (Thursday) on the U.K.'s Channel 5 at 7pm. The first episode of the new 13 x one-hour series, which is hosted by Quentin Willson and Jodie Kidd racked up staggering viewing figures and a huge amount of social media buzz.

The new show averaged 662,000 viewers and a 3.2% share, peaking at 886k viewers. This performance put it ahead of both the weekday 7pm slot average for 2014 and Thursday night slot average (475k/2.4% and 487k 2.5% share respectively).

Motorcycle Sales

The European marketplace isn't nearly as keen as the American marketplace for motorcycle sales prices and some very tasty machinery changed hands remarkably cheaply. The Benelli Sei prototype failed to meet reserve, nor did the 1973 NCR Ducati 750SS Corsa, or the 1978 Magni-built MV Agusta Formula 750. The estimates were very reasonable.

The 2009 Ducati Desmosedici RR "G8" we previewed last week fetched a very modest EUR€43.875 - remarkably good buying considering its esteemed provenance and a similar model fetched $49,500 (inc premiums) at Mecum's Vegas auction last month.
The 2009 Ducati Desmosedici RR "G8" we previewed last week fetched a very modest EUR€43.875 - remarkably good buying considering its esteemed provenance and a similar model fetched $49,500 (inc premiums) at Mecum's Vegas auction last month.

The 2009 Ducati Desmosedici RR "G8" we previewed last week fetched a very modest €43.875 - remarkably good buying considering its esteemed provenance and a similar model fetched $49,500 (inc premiums) at Mecum's Vegas auction last month. These motorcycles are still state-of-the-art and will become far more valuable with time. They're still near half the price they were new. Crazy value!!!!

one of the original ten 1974 Bimota 750 HB1s sold for EUR€63,825 (US$72,955), again representing exceptional value considering it was the first model of a globally recognised brand which still produces kick-ass motorcycles.
one of the original ten 1974 Bimota 750 HB1s sold for EUR€63,825 (US$72,955), again representing exceptional value considering it was the first model of a globally recognised brand which still produces kick-ass motorcycles.

Similarly, one of the original ten 1974 Bimota 750 HB1s sold for €63,825 ($72,955), again representing exceptional value considering it was the first model of a globally recognized brand which still produces kick-ass motorcycles.

The second papal Harley in as many years achieved a heavenly price for an otherwise stock bike at EUR€46,000 (US$ 52,656), but significantly less than last year's astonishing EUR€241,500 (US$330,938) price. Interestingly, the buyer of last year's bike backed up his generous donation to charity by buying this year's bike too.
The second papal Harley in as many years achieved a heavenly price for an otherwise stock bike at EUR€46,000 (US$ 52,656), but significantly less than last year's astonishing EUR€241,500 (US$330,938) price. Interestingly, the buyer of last year's bike backed up his generous donation to charity by buying this year's bike too.

The second papal Harley in as many years achieved a heavenly price for an otherwise stock bike at €46,000 ($ 52,656), but significantly less than last year's astonishing €241,500 ($330,938) price. Interestingly, the buyer of last year's bike backed up his generous donation to charity by buying this year's bike too.

This 1952 998cc Vincent Series C Black Shadow sold for €82,800 (US$94,645).
This 1952 998cc Vincent Series C Black Shadow sold for €82,800 (US$94,645).

Both of the Vincents on offer at Bonhams sold, but the prices were very modest. The 1952 998cc Vincent Series C Black Shadow sold for €82,800 ($94,645)...

while the 998cc 1949 Vincent-HRD Series C Black Shadow sold for €51,750 ($59,153).

Another good buy was this Husqvarna 400MX which finished second in the American InterAm series under the throttle hand of Bengt Aberg - the same year he won the world 500cc MX title. Possibly the best ever motocross rider and ... it sold for €16,100 (US$ 18,429).
Another good buy was this Husqvarna 400MX which finished second in the American InterAm series under the throttle hand of Bengt Aberg - the same year he won the world 500cc MX title. Possibly the best ever motocross rider and ... it sold for €16,100 (US$ 18,429).

Another good buy was this Husqvarna 400MX which finished second in the American InterAm series under the throttle hand of Bengt Aberg - the same year he won the world 500cc MX title. Possibly the best ever motocross rider and ... it sold for €16,100 ($18,429).

This beautifully-restored 1928 Indian Scout sold for EUR€19,550 (US$ 22,378).
This beautifully-restored 1928 Indian Scout sold for EUR€19,550 (US$ 22,378).

This beautifully-restored 1928 Indian Scout sold for €19,550 ($ 22,378).

My final, wow-this-is-silly-cheap example is this 1959 period-correct special Norton-Velocette Venom engine in a MODEL 99 frame, complete with a dustbin fairing. The reciepts from getting this bike into this condition would total more than it sold for ... just EUR€9,200 (US$ 10,531).
My final, wow-this-is-silly-cheap example is this 1959 period-correct special Norton-Velocette Venom engine in a MODEL 99 frame, complete with a dustbin fairing. The reciepts from getting this bike into this condition would total more than it sold for ... just EUR€9,200 (US$ 10,531).

My final, wow-this-is-silly-cheap example is this 1959 period-correct special Norton-Velocette Venom engine in a MODEL 99 frame, complete with a dustbin fairing. The receipts from getting this bike into this condition would total more than it sold for ... just €9,200 (US$ 10,531).

Bonhams also sold five showroom condition superbikes from the sixties and seventies: 1977 BMW R90S, a 1969 BSA Rocket III, a 1971 Moto Guzzi V7 Sport, a Norton Commando Production Racer, and a 1970 T120 Triumph Bonneville. We've listed them in alphabetical order of the marques. They're all close to brochure material, and we challenge you to put them in order of the price they sold for. Can't be done I sez, can't be done. Prices accessible by clicking the images.

We'll continue to add to this report over the next 24 hours with all the prices and intrigue from all three auctions.

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