Each year, Bonhams hosts the annual Quail Lodge sale, which specializes in European cars of various types. Each year, collectors swarm to these auction to bulk up on their collections of classic cars.
This year, we’ve spotted nine collectible automobiles that are trending in the European market and enjoy rapid appreciation. The sale is scheduled to hit August 14th, but in the meantime, let’s see what you should be keeping your eye on.
6 Rare Cars Destined for Auction at Bonhams
Let’s take a look at some of the classic beasts that are going on sale at the upcoming auction.
1. 1972 Alfa Romeo Montreal
While the time when Alfa Romeo Montreals that were affordable is long gone, the new trend is to sell classic models at auctions after restoring them. This trend is setting new records across the board, and this year is looking to be the same.
This particular V8 coupe is restored in its original gold color, a rare version that was supplied to Italy. It also features factory air conditioning, and has been in the possession of an Alfa Romeo enthusiast for over 42 years.
It has been repainted once and the current estimates put it between $100,000 and $140,000 when it goes up for sale. Should be interesting to see how enthusiasts like it despite the gold color and not the traditional red you see with Italian coupes. Still, you have to admire it, Italian car brands always have style.
2. 1959 Mercedes-Benz 190SL
It was only just recently that you saw Mercedes-Benz 190SLs selling for over $100,000. Now it’s not unlikely to see them selling for as much as $200,000. The model going on auction has a blue finish with a creame colored leather. It is a U.S. model, with recent restorations done by a Mercedes-Benz specialist, Bruce Adams.
Bonhams is estimating that this will fetch anywhere from $180,000 to $220,00 at the upcoming auction.
3. 1953 Fiat 8V Supersonic (aka the Otto Vu)
Perhaps one of the most star-studded members of the upcoming show is this 1953 Fiat 8V Supersonic, also known as the Otto Vu. This model has seen a lot of attention in recent years. This particular example is changing owners for the first time in over 32 years. This is after a reported restoration that ran the last owner $600,000.
The body was done by Ghia, making this one of 40 Fiats to be dressed by the Italian carrozzeria over the standard Fiat chassis. It is believed to be the 10th car to receive the iconic futuristic bodywork that Ghia is known for.
Bonhams expects this to bring anywhere from $1.8 million to $2.4 million on the auction day.
4. 1967 Mazda Cosmo Series I
Yet another model setting record prices is the Mazda Cosmo. This 1967 model is a rare roadster indeed, utilizing one of the first attempts by Mazda into rotary technology. Only 343 of these were built, this particular one sports the white paint over black and checker pattern seats that were used in the Japanese markets.
Bonhams is expecting to see this car go for anywhere between $210,000 and $230,000 on the day of the auction.
5. 1987 Porsche 959 Komfort
While the 959 series of Porsche cars have been road-legal for some time now in the U.S, the 959 has been climbing in value. This particular red model will be shown with supposedly only 4,720 miles on the odometer. This is the 125th of the 225 total models built and has been in the collection of Japanese collector Yoshido Matsuda in his Porsche Museum.
Some modifications and restoration were done for a reported bill of $180,000 over five years. The original height-adjustable suspension was reapced with S-spec gas struts and 993-type turbos were installed to boost the horsepower.
Bonhams is expecting between $1,000,000 and $1,250,000 on the day of the auction. With some of the original pieces missing, it will be interesting to see how bidders take to it.
6.1980 BMW M1
With 1970s and 19080s supercars finding newfound respect among collectors, this Switzerland produce model features Henna-red paint which is claimed to be original. It has 18,061 kilometers on the odometer and has been kept in a climate-controlled storage. The M1 brings BMW’s 3,453cc inline-six combined with five-speed manual transmission sitting midships.
More and more collectors are picking up these models, resulting is much higher-than-expected prices. Bonhams expects this particular model to fetch anywhere from $450,000 to $550,000 on the auction day.
It looks like these cars should be setting some new records when they hit the Bonhams’ Quail Lodge Auction in August of 2015. Perhaps its time to take that European vacation you’ve been thinking about?
All images via Bonhams
