Gooding & Company, the official auction house of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, will host its 10th Anniversary Pebble Beach Auction on August 17 and 18. This summer, elegance and beauty lead the pack with a graceful array of highly sought-after Rolls-Royce and Bentleys with coachwork by leading makers such as H.J. Mulliner, Park Ward and Barker & Co., one of the oldest coach building houses. “Our 10th Anniversary Pebble Beach celebration is highlighted by a selection of important classics,” says David Gooding, President and founder of Gooding & Company. “We are pleased to offer an elegant line-up of high quality Bentleys […]
Gooding & Company, the official auction house of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, will host its 10th Anniversary Pebble Beach Auction on August 17 and 18. This summer, elegance and beauty lead the pack with a graceful array of highly sought-after Rolls-Royce and Bentleys with coachwork by leading makers such as H.J. Mulliner, Park Ward and Barker & Co., one of the oldest coach building houses.
“Our 10th Anniversary Pebble Beach celebration is highlighted by a selection of important classics,” says David Gooding, President and founder of Gooding & Company. “We are pleased to offer an elegant line-up of high quality Bentleys and Rolls-Royce for all collecting tastes and styles.”
1929 Bentley Speed Six Grafton Coupe
Leading the offering is a numbers-matching, original-bodied 1929 Bentley Speed Six Grafton Coupe, Chassis FR2630 (estimate: $3,000,000-4,000,000). One of a limited number of pedigreed examples to survive today, this exceptionally pure Bentley is finished in black and boasts beautiful original interior and woodwork. The Grafton Coupe is one of just 182 Speed Six models built by Bentley, based on the legendary two-time 24 Hours of Le Mans winner, and one of the most heralded pre-war sports cars. The exceptional Freestone & Webb coachwork is emblematic of the era’s high fashion, and it is strikingly handsome with a closed-coupled passenger cabin and helmeted fenders to further accentuate the long, low look of the automobile. The Speed Six has benefited from several long-term owners allowing for its fabulously original state. The uncommon appearance of a sporting Bentley Coupe at auction presents a rare opportunity for any collector.
1933 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental Three-Position Sedanca Coupe
Also a standout within the classic offering is a stunning dark green 1933 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental Three-Position Sedanca Coupe, Chassis 71MW (estimate: $1,000,000-$1,300,000). One of just 18 examples believed to have been built, this car is quite possibly the finest example of this ultra desirable Gurney-Nutting body style. It is a numbers-matching, original-bodied example that is well documented with just six owners from new. The Sedanca Coupe was restored by marque specialist Jeff McDonald of McDonald Vintage Restoration to an exacting level and original ‘as delivered’ presentation. This car has won numerous awards and accolades including receiving 2009 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance® Best in Class. It was also the recipient of the Gwenn Graham Most Elegant Convertible, Most Elegant Rolls-Royce at the 2013 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, 10 subsequent Best of Show awards at concours events across the U.S. and participation in the Windsor Castle Concours of Elegance.
1954 Bentley R-Type Continental Fastback
Among the Bentley standouts is a 1954 Bentley R-Type Continental Fastback, chassis BC5LD (estimate: $1,750,000-$2,250,000). This car represents the ultimate specification of the legendary H.J. Mulliner R-Type Fastback. It is the second of only seven left-drive, center shift examples supplied from new with the desirable big-bore 4.9-liter engine. Discovered in 2000 in the care of the family of the second owner, this is a very complete and original car that includes handsome finishes and a rich dark green interior with contrasting green and grey trim. It was completely restored by leading US marque specialist, Vantage Motorworks in Florida. Since being restored to original specification, this car has never received less than first place at any concours – winning its class at Amelia Island, Pebble Beach, Meadow Brook and the Quail Motorsports Gathering. It has also received an AACA First Prize. This 1954 Bentley R-Type includes several rare features and accessories such as a Continental Touring Spares Kit, Revelation suitcases, original owner’s handbooks, and important documentation.
1954 Bentley R-Type Continental Drophead Coupe
Also of note within this sophisticated offering is a 1954 Bentley R-Type Continental Drophead Coupe, chassis BC8D (estimate: $1,000,000-$1,500,000). This car is one of only four R-Type Continentals that received elegant Drophead Coupe coachwork by Park Ward. It boasts a lovely original color combination that includes black over Smoke Green with green trim. Featured on the Bentley stand at the 1954 Paris show, this Bentley features an excellent interrupted provenance. The complete concours quality restoration was performed by internationally acclaimed marque specialist P&A Wood, who is known for their exceptional work on R-Type Continentals. Following its restoration to original specification, this car received important awards at Bentley Drivers Club and RREC events. The other three known Park Ward Drophead Coupes are fixtures in the finest Rolls-Royce and Bentley collections and are not likely to come to market in the foreseeable future.
1933 Rolls-Royce 20/25 Three-Position Drophead Coupe
Next up on the auction block is an extremely rare Three-Position Drophead Coupe (estimate: $300,000-400,000) with design and coachwork by Barker & Co., one of the oldest coach building houses. Numbered GTZ 48, this car is an incredible example of one of the most elegant designs of the period. It was prominently featured during the 1933 Paris Salon on the Barker stand. The car sports a beautifully painted, original black exterior with rich red leather interior. It is incredibly original and wonderfully preserved throughout. This GTZ is among the finest examples of a Rolls-Royce 20/25 that Gooding & Company has had the privilege to offer.
Additional classic highlights include a stunning 1958 Bentley S1 Continental James Young Saloon (estimate: $300,000-400,000) and a 1925 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost Permanent Sedanca (estimate: $200,000–$250,000), among others.
Gooding & Company’s 2013 Pebble Beach Auctions will take place on Saturday and Sunday, August 17 and 18 at the Pebble Beach Equestrian Center, located at the corner of Portola Road and Stevenson Drive. Preview days will start on Wednesday, August 14, and continue through Sunday, August 18. The auctions will commence at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday and 6:00 p.m. on Sunday. Gooding & Company’s Pebble Beach Auctions catalogues are available for $100 and admit two to the viewing and the auctions. General admission tickets to the viewing and auctions may be purchased on-site for $40. Auctions are broadcast live from Gooding & Company’s website. Bidder registration forms, press credentials and additional auction information are also available on http://www.goodingco.com