Following the Collectors’ Motor Cars and Automobilia sale that took place in Oxford on March 3rd, Bonhams is delighted to announce that 100% of the Motor Cars sold, realizing a total $2.06 million.

Selling for $160,500 against a presale estimate of $63,500 – $95,000, the top lot of the sale was a 1961 Ferrari 250GTE 2+2 Series 1 Coupé barn find that belonged to the Oscar winning producer Agostino De Laurentiis, who produced over 150 films including Barbarella, King Kong and Manhunter.

Having had only a few owners since new, the 250 GTE was offered by the family of the late owner who bought the car in 1967. It appeared that the last owner only used the car for eight or nine years following its acquisition, as it still carried the last tax disk (expired 1975). With many enthusiastic bidders on the phone and in the room, the Ferrari was eventually bought by a UK client on the telephone.

A red 1965 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 4.2-Liter Roadster that belonged to Sir Elton John was another highlight of the sale, realizing $130,000. According to his fleet manager, Sir Elton and his staff referred to the E-Type as OK Elton due to its number plate OKE 1, which was carried throughout his ownership and was sold with the car.

The Oxford sale offered an eclectic range of motor cars of varied values, age and condition. A second E-Type, a 1966 Jaguar E-Type Series I 4.2l Roadster sold for $145,000, exceeding its pre-sale estimate of $95,000 – $127,000. A 1966 Citroën DS21 Décapotable owned by Joe Judt since 1968, who served as the Chairman of the Citroën Car Club and is now the Club’s honorary President, realized $87,500. The last of the collection of the late Bugatti enthusiast E.A Stafford East, included Automobilia and a 1929 Frazer Nash AC-engined Sports Two-seater sold for $188,000 in total.

Rob Hubbard, Senior Specialist at Bonhams comments: “These excellent results have once again demonstrated how popular our Oxford sale has become. Interest was strong across the board and we witnessed participation from bidders around the world. Our Oxford sale has grown year on year and has been the perfect start to our UK calendar of sales.

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