Bonhams, the world’s leader in the sale of collectors’ automobilia, is delightedto announce that it has been selected to handle the sale of the extensive and historic David E.Davis, Jr. Collection during its inaugural Scottsdale Sale on January 19th, 2012.The late David E. Davis, Jr. (1930-2011) was widely regarding among enthusiasts and the motoring press as the most influential American automotive journalist of our era. Indeed, Time magazine once referred to Davis as the “dean of automotive journalists.” Beginning his writing career in 1957 with an article bought by Motor Trend for $50, Davis later joined the ranks of Car and […]
Bonhams, the world’s leader in the sale of collectors’ automobilia, is delightedto announce that it has been selected to handle the sale of the extensive and historic David E.Davis, Jr. Collection during its inaugural Scottsdale Sale on January 19th, 2012.The late David E. Davis, Jr. (1930-2011) was widely regarding among enthusiasts and the motoring press as the most influential American automotive journalist of our era. Indeed, Time magazine once referred to Davis as the “dean of automotive journalists.”
Beginning his writing career in 1957 with an article bought by Motor Trend for $50, Davis later joined the ranks of Car and Driver where he went on to serve as both Editor and Publisher for nearly a decade. In 1986, Davis solidified his legacy upon founding Automobile magazine, a title that remains an industry standard more than a quarter-century later. As a man who understood automobiles on so many levels – from the overlapping worlds of advertising, manufacturing, sales, journalism, and, of course, racing – Davis was uniquely positioned to become an internationally renowned voice of the American motoring lifestyle.
One can imagine the automotive treasures collected by a man with a motor journalism career spanning more than 50 years, a man who counted as personal friends such legendary names as Juan Manuel Fangio, Enzo Ferrari, Dan Gurney, Pedro Rodriguez, Sir Jackie Stewart and Jimmy Clark, among hundreds of others.
The collection being offered by Bonhams includes nearly the entire contents of the whimsically decorated Ypsilanti, Michigan, office where Davis spent his final years. Decorated from floor to ceiling with a dazzling array of automotive artwork, posters, scale model cars, bronze sculptures and much more, the collection includes a large quantity of items personally inscribed and gifted to Davis by the motoring icons noted above. Additionally, the contents of Davis’ extensive automotive library will also be offered, including many rare titles and first editions, many inscribed by the authors and various motorsport legends. Select individual consignments include an original pennant from the 1906 Vanderbilt Cup Race as well as an original artwork by Bruce McCall entitled Modern Times. The entire collection will be offered without reserve.
In addition to Davis’ automobilia, Bonhams will also offer Davis’ personal classic driver, a 1951 Cadillac Series 62 Coupe, incredibly preserved and recording fewer than 9,000 miles on its odometer. A remarkable preservation piece in its own right, this too will be offered without reserve.
The Bonhams Scottsdale Sale will take place at the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa in the heart of sunny Scottsdale (near Phoenix), Arizona, on Thursday, January 19th. To register to bid,
remotely or in person, order a catalog, or learn more about this and other consignments, such as the ex-Works, ex-Scooter Patrick, 1967 USRRC Championship-winning 1967 Porsche 906E Einspritzrung ‘Long Nose, Short Tail’ Endurance Racing Coupe, visit bonhams.com/scottsdale.
Alternatively, interested collectors may call 415-391-4000 or e-mail motors.us@bonhams.com .
