Bonhams is delighted to announce that two cars in the Veteran Motorcar and Automobilia Sale on Friday November 5th at New Bond Street have been entered into the fiercely contested London to Brighton run, which takes place two days later. Although Bonhams has been involved in the run for over twenty years this is the first time that Bonhams is a partner sponsor. The London to Brighton Veteran Car Run was first held in 1896 and today is the world’s longest-running motoring rally. The run, which had an amazing 500,000 spectators last year, takes place on the first Sunday in November, […]
Bonhams is delighted to announce that two cars in the Veteran Motorcar and Automobilia Sale on Friday November 5th at New Bond Street have been entered into the fiercely contested London to Brighton run, which takes place two days later. Although Bonhams has been involved in the run for over twenty years this is the first time that Bonhams is a partner sponsor.
The London to Brighton Veteran Car Run was first held in 1896 and today is the world’s longest-running motoring rally. The run, which had an amazing 500,000 spectators last year, takes place on the first Sunday in November, with the first (and oldest) cars leaving Hyde Park at sunrise. Those who complete the entire run from London to Brighton will be rewarded with a well deserved bowl of hearty chili con carne and mulled wine provided by Bonhams.
A 1900 De Dion Bouton Vis-à-vis is the oldest car from the Bonhams sale entered into the run, estimated at $78,600 – $94,320. The second car that has been entered is a 1902 Rochet 4 ½hp Vis-à-vis, estimated to sell for $59,736 – $70,740.
The oldest car to be offered in the sale is a 111-year-old 1899 Decauville 5hp, estimated at $31,440 – $47,160. A further highlight is a 1903 Sunbeam 10/12hp rear entrance Tonneau, which is one of the earliest examples created by the British company, estimated to sell for $251,522 – $282,962. The sale is estimated to make over $780,000 in total.
This sale also includes a memorabilia section, offering motor-related accessories, and a private collection of steam locomotives. One of the highlights is a six inch gauge model steam engine built by Lucas and Davies for a railroad hobbyist called Mr Percy Leigh in the late 19th century, which formed part of the most costly miniature railway system in the world. It has attracted a pre-sale estimate of $39,300 – $55,020 and was labelled a ‘mechanical marvel of the day’ in an article in Harmsworth’s Magazine, 1898.
For further press information please contact Alex Heffler on 0207 468 8210 or or alex.heffler@bonhams.com / press@bonhams.com
