News June 5 2006

Italian cars feature strongly at Monaco auction

Bonhams' annual Monaco Sale, held in Prince Rainier's Motor Museum, is the longest running auction in the Principality: this year's event saw EUR 6-million under the hammer. For the 17th consecutive year the Bonhams Sale of Collectors' Sports and Grand Touring cars and Automobilia attracted large crowds on Saturday 20 May, and strong prices were achieved across the board for both the high value collectors' cars and for many of the more accessible models. Ten cars in the sale sold for over EUR200,000, with Italian sports racing cars featuring strongly. High points included:

The ex-Scuderia Subalpina, Mille Miglia 1935 Maserati 4CS-1100/1500 was the top lot, selling for EUR643,000. This stunning sports racing two-seater was the road-going competition sibling of the monoposto 4CM vetturetta and formed part of the legendary Briggs Cunningham Collection.

The ex-Robert Blouin, Targa Florio, Spa Grand Prix, 1963 Ferrari 250GT Berlinetta Lusso Competizione sold for EUR467,000. One of just three examples of Maranello's exquisitely proportioned V12 engined Berlinetta Lussos to have competed at international level in period, this car was campaigned by French drivers Blouin and Sauer.

A fierce bidding battle led to a round of applause when the hammer went down at EUR426,300 for Lot 254 - the 1965 Ferrari 275GTB/6C Berlinetta. This rare RHD model is reputed to have been owned by F1 World Champion Alan Jones.

Other star cars that sold well above estimates included the 1956 Ferrari 250GT Berlinetta Alloy (EUR357,000), the 1938 Delahaye 135M Cabriolet (EUR335,000), the 1969 Lamborghini Miura P400S Berlinetta (EUR236,000) and the 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300Sc Cabriolet (EUR214,000)

Over 100 collectors' cars for the sale featured one or two unusual lots guaranteed to draw the crowds in the streets of Monaco, including the 1952 Fiat 110 Boat-Car (unlike the Amphicar which resembles a car and can travel on water), which looks very much like a boat on wheels, and can only drive on the road. Based on a FIAT 1100 chassis, it was constructed by Carrozzeria Coriasco of Turin, as a publicity vehicle for a sailing school in Bologna (Scuola Nautica Scarani). It featured delightful nautical detailing including varnished teak decking, porthole windows and twin lifebelts and sold for EUR48,300.

Completely at home in Monte Carlo, the shocking pink 1959 Fiat 500 Jolly Beach car sold above estimate for EUR37,950.

© italiancar.com.au 05/06/06