Gooding & Company, the world’s leading auction house for collectors of rare and exceptional cars, announces that it will present more than 85 vintage and modern collector cars at its Amelia Island Auction in a few weeks on March 11. Recent consignments include an extraordinary barnfind 1955 Bentley R-Type Continental Fastback with coachwork by H.J. Mulliner, a highly-original and unrestored 1961 Aston Martin DB4 Series IV, 1928 Bentley 6 ½ Litre Coupe, 1955 Austin-Healey 100S and a 1962 AC Cobra.
The making of a truly well-rounded, world class presentation of rare European sports cars, original barnfinds, race cars and American classics, these new highlights join the 1971 Lamborghini Miura P400 SV Prototype, 1949 Jaguar XK120 Alloy, 1953 Siata 208 CS Berlinetta, 1963 Lotus 23B and 1964 Ferrari 250 GT Lusso, which are all currently showcased on Gooding & Company’s online catalogue.
“A true connoisseur’s car, the Bentley R-Type Continental Fastback has a place in the world’s finest collections,” said David Gooding, President and founder. “This recently-discovered, two-owner R-Type is the ultimate collector’s Bentley for its role in luxury motoring history and sophisticated performance specification.” He adds,
“With more cars than last year and an increase in registered guests, we decided that an earlier start time of 3 pm would allow our Amelia Island guests a more comfortable and leisurely auction experience.”
1955 Bentley R-Type Continental Fastback
One of the most significant post-war Bentleys in “as found” condition, this barnfind R-Type is a superb example of the marque’s most exclusive 1950’s grand touring car, equipped with the most desirable specifications available, including a 4.9-Litre engine, left-hand drive, manual centre-shift and bucket seats. Fitted with H.J. Mulliner Fastback coachwork, this car was originally ordered in an elegant Tudor Grey exterior over grey leather upholstery with sporting red piping. Despite its many years in storage, this Bentley remains in essentially the same condition as it was when purchased more than 40 years ago by its second owner, Lt. Col. Swarz, and will be offered for sale with countless original records, photos and documents that tell its story firsthand. The estimate on this car is available on request.
1961 Aston Martin DB4 Series IV
An ideal candidate for Preservation display, this matching-numbers, factory left-hand drive Aston Martin DB4 is being offered for sale for the first time publicly since 1961. Recently-discovered after more than 50 years with the same family who purchased it new, this DB4 will be presented with its original tools, jack, owner’s manual and rare workshop manual, beautifully-preserved and presented in an exquisite Caribbean Pearl paint over blue interior. The Aston Martin’s estimate is $425,000 – $475,000.
1928 Bentley 6 ½ Litre Coupe
A Bentley Speed Six fitted with original coachwork is viewed by many enthusiasts as one of the finest vintage sports cars in existence. In the words of Gooding & Company Specialist Garth Hammers, “this 1928 Bentley is one of the most authentic, surviving examples of the 6 ½-Litre,” because of its rare original coupe bodywork and desirable upgrade to Speed Six specifications. This highly-regarded vintage Bentley received the prestigious Supreme Champion Award at the Bentley Drivers Club Kensington Gardens Concours in 1969, where W.O. Bentley himself presented the award to Reg Parker, a renowned collector who cherished this car for more than 20 years. This car’s estimate is $750,000 – $950,000.
1955 Austin-Healey 100S
One of only 41 surviving examples of 50 built, this versatile Austin-Healey vintage race car was initially shipped to Southern California where it participated in numerous regional racing events. Originally restored by the famed Hill & Vaughn restoration shop, this matching-numbers and well-documented 100S maintains an outstanding appearance. It is an ideal candidate for historic racing tours including the Mille Miglia, Le Mans Classic and Colorado Grand. This car’s estimate is $600,000 – $800,000.
1962 AC Cobra
Originally finished in steel grey over blue, this early Cobra was the 1962 Paris and London Show car and today remains a historically-authentic, well-documented and well-kept example. This AC Cobra bears an interesting SCCA racing pedigree and has been cared for by one owner for the past 35 years. Gooding & Company specialists recommend this car for various touring events, including the Copperstate 1000. Its estimate is $450,000 – $550,000.
The Amelia Island Auction will be held on Friday, March 11, 2011, commencing at 3 p.m. Guests may preview the cars on Thursday, March 10, from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Friday, March 11, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., at the Racquet Park located at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation at 6800 First Coast Highway in Amelia Island, Florida, one mile south of the Amelia Island Parkway. Complimentary shuttles running from the Racquet Park auction site to other areas of interest will be available for guests’ convenience. Auction catalogues cost $75 and admit two to the viewing and auction. General admission tickets to the viewing and auction may be purchased for $30 per person. Bidder registration forms, 2011 press credentials and additional auction information are available on www.goodingco.com. For additional vehicle information and up-to-the-minute results, follow Gooding & Company on Facebook and Twitter @GoodingCompany.