Bonhams’ newly-formed New York-based motoring department today announced a ‘save the date’ must for the fall with the news that they will offer more than 60 motorcars, selected motorcycles and automobilia – all without reserve – from the famed Richard Paine Collection on September 26-27th, 2008.
New England collector Richard C. Paine, Jr. amassed a diverse collection of automobiles, motorcycles and automobilia which has gained near mythical status in the car collector world. In recent times many of these have been on public display at the Seal Cove Auto Museum near Bar Harbor, Maine. Upon Mr. Paine’s death last year, it was his wish that part of his collection be sold in order to perpetuate a core ‘group’ of motorcars celebrating his passions of local manufacture, technical innovation, and originality at Seal Cove.
A dedicated New Englander, Richard Paine adored his chosen home of Maine. For this reason Bonhams and the representatives of his estate have chosen to collaborate with The Owls Head Transportation Museum in Owls Head, Maine as the venue for the sale, a location which was close to his heart.
The sale will include an extraordinary selection of American and European marques, ranging from Cadillac to Stutz, Lincoln to Packard and Mercer to Mercedes, dating from the early 1900s through the 1960s, together with a large number of motorcycles of various manufacture, featuring legends such as Harley Davidson.
The presentation will be supported by an extensive collection of automobilia including books, enamel signs, car lamps, license plates, mascots and motoring accessories. While values spread from a few hundred dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars, all will be offered at no reserve.
“Bonhams specialists have been involved with this collection for more than two decades and are delighted to be chosen to hold this unique auction — serving as a fitting tribute to Richard Paine and funding his beloved collection for the future,” said Rupert Banner, Bonhams Motoring Department Vice President.
Selected highlights of the auction will be on view at the ‘Legend of the Motorcycle’ sale on May 3 in Half Moon Bay, CA and at Bonhams’ sale ‘The Quail’ at Quail Lodge on August 15 in Carmel, CA, as well as at the Owls Head Transportation Museum and the Seal Cove Auto Museum throughout the summer.
Illustrated auction catalogs will be available for review and purchase from August 1st online at www.bonhams.com/us and may be ordered on (1-800-223-2854).