With 106 motor cars and 172 lots of automobilia, Bonhams’ September 13 Goodwood Revival Sale was the most successful yet, achieving an all time high of $25m.
Racing ahead, the famous Lagonda LG45R Rapide Sports Racing Two-Seater, or ‘EPE 97’ as it’s popularly known, set a new world record. Arguably the most visibly recognizable pre-war sports racing car, the sale highlight achieved $2.5m.
In its racing life, ‘EPE 97′ was a Fox & Nicholl Team Car and competed at the highest level in prestigious international events such as the Grand Prix de l’ACF at Montlhéry; RAC Tourist Trophy race; British Racing Drivers’ Club 500-Miles; and the 1937 Le Mans 24-Hours.
Elsewhere in the sale, another world record was broken with the historically significant 1930 OM 665 SS MM Superba.
Boasting an impeccable competitive career, the pre-war sports racing car began life with class winning success in the grueling Mille Miglia 1000 mile race around Italy in 1930. After an intense bidding war, the OM sold far above estimate at $2m to an in the room bidder.
This year’s Revival also played host to the highly anticipated Maranello Rosso Collection Part II. With ten Ferraris and ten Abarths, the collection of classics from the Italian marques received much attention and collectively sold for $5.7m.
Celebrating Maseratis 100th anniversary year, the 1937 Maserati Tipo 6CM Single-Seat Racing Vetturetta — one of the quickest pre-war racing cars around — sold for $984k, and a 1933 Maserati Tipo 4CM Single-Seat racing Vetturetta sold for $693k.
James Knight, Bonhams Group Motoring Director, said: “What a weekend – beautiful weather, fantastic cars, and hours of exciting bidding in what has been our biggest Goodwood Revival sale ever.
“Top lot the Lagonda ‘EPE 97’ captured everyone’s attention with its illustrious racing history, but with several star cars, bidders had a huge diversity of motoring to ignite their interest. The auction received attention from all around the globe, with bids coming in from the United States, the far East, and all over Europe – a great sale to end the summer season.”