Some of the finest motorcars in the world continue to join what has fast become Bonhams’ most anticipated U.S. automotive event in recent years: the forthcoming Quail Lodge auction.
Leading the recent consignments is the very first Type 35 Bugatti – the prototype. This is in fact the very car in which Le Patron, Ettore Bugatti, debuted his seminal design at the Grand Prix of Lyon in 1924, and of the six cars created, this example was for his own personal use. The Type 35 earned its place as one of the greatest racing car designs of all time, and here is the first of that legendary lineage. Well documented and well known within Bugatti circles, subsequent owners of this exceptionally historic machine have included Sir Robert and Lady Bird; Col. G. Giles, Chairman of the Bugatti Owners Club; and Henry Haga, Chief Designer at Chevrolet.
The Earls Court Motor Show 1952 Frazer-Nash Le Mans Replica Mk2 has also been recently consigned. Just two owners from new, the car was first delivered to American racer Stuart “Duke” Donaldson who raced it in the 1953 12 Hours of Sebring. Then, under the ownership of legendary privateer George S. Waltman – in whose collection the car has remained ever since – this British sports-racer was campaigned at races across the U.S. and remains in remarkable original condition.
A factory-built 1970 Porsche 911 S/T – the only factory-delivered S/T with a sunroof – will also be joining the auction. Boasting an impressive competitive history with comprehensive documentation, the car cut its teeth in the 300km Nürburgring where it finished a very respectable 2nd in class, and then went on to win 1st overall at the 36 Hours of Nürburgring. Fully restored in the 1990s with help from Porsche GmbH, this pedigree champion presents exceptionally well and is at home on both the track and the street.
These and many more significant motorcars of rarity and importance – such as pioneers like the 1910 Mercedes 45hp 4-Seat Tourabout and style icons like the 1953 Ferrari 250 Europa Coupé Vignale – are offered this August at the Quail Lodge Auction. So mark your calendars – the 16th annual auction will be held Friday the 16th during the world-renowned Monterey Peninsula Car Week.