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AC COBRA 427 MKIII S/C ‘COB 5001’ COMES TO MARKET

‘COB 5001’, the first of seven ‘continuation’ Cobras built by AC Cars in the early part of the last decade, has come to market with Suffolk-based brokerage, Classic Throttle Connection.

This immensely rare car using many original components dating back to 1966, was produced by the factory with no expense spared, and is arguably the highest specification car produced as a ‘showcase’ example during the very limited continuation run. Acknowledged by connoisseurs as a true factory Cobra 427, the seven limited edition cars are an extension to the original production run of the iconic 427 ‘semi competition’ road cars of the 1960’s.

Chassis number COB5001, was registered by AC Cars in 2002, and was built in aluminium to a staggering specification at significant cost to the company, and features the highly sought after 7.0 litre ‘Nascar’ blue printed, side oiler engine. Rebuilt by Mathwall Engineering, the engine produces over 550bhp and a huge 550 lb ft of torque. The car has completed less than 3,500 miles since new and is capable of accelerating from 0-60mph in an unbelievable 3.8 seconds. Finished in Dark Blue with period twin white stripping, the car is presented for sale in concours condition with full dyno sheets available to potential buyers.

“This is a very rare opportunity. For anybody who has ever craved owning a real 427 Cobra, this is as good an opportunity as will ever be offered and at a fraction of the price of one of the original production cars,” says Phil Dunmore of Classic Throttle Connection. “Given the car’s relatively young age and fresh mechanicals, it’s arguably the best option available to someone wanting to use a genuine 427 Cobra regularly without the fear of a major overhaul.”
The car can be seen on the Classic Throttle Connection website at www.premiumclassiccars.com

TROPHY FOR SIR MALCOLM CAMPBELL’S FIRST WORLD WATER SPEED RECORD FOR SALE AT BONHAMS

Bonhams is delighted to offer the silver trophy presented to the racing legend Sir Malcolm Campbell to commemorate his first world water speed record (126.33mph) on Lake Maggiore, 1st September 1937, as part of The Marine Sale at Bonhams, New Bond Street on 24th March.

The trophy, a waterline model of Campbell’s single step hydroplane “Bluebird K3”, was awarded to Campbell by Lord Wakefield, the director of CC Wakefield and Co Ltd, the ‘Castrol’ oil company, who was a keen supporter of motor and aviation development. It has attracted a pre-sale estimate of £35,000 – 50,000.

Campbell broke nine land speed records between 1924 and 1935, and was the first man to exceed 300mph on land in 1935. He went on to break four water speed records; his highest speed on water was 141.74mph in 1939 in a Bluebird K4 on Coniston Water.

GOODING & COMPANY SELLS A $3.74 MILLION JAGUAR D-TYPE

GOODING & COMPANY SELLS 94% OF FRIDAY CARS
AND TOPS SCOTTSDALE’S AUCTION WEEK SALES
WITH A $3.74 MILLION JAGUAR D-TYPE

Partnering with the Grand Canyon Chapter of the American Red Cross,
Gooding & Company Hosted a Donation Center to Raise Funds
for the International Response Fund Relief Efforts in Haiti

Scottsdale, AZ. (January 22, 2010) – Gooding & Company, the internationally-recognized auction house, sold a total of 49 out of 52 lots earlier today, collectively earning nearly $15 Million in sales from its first Friday auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. In addition to the top-selling 1956 Jaguar D-Type, two other cars crossed the million dollar mark at Gooding & Company today: (Lot 9) the 1934 Duesenberg Model J Disappearing-Top Convertible Coupe that sold for $1.815 Million, and (Lot 23) the 1959 Costin Lister Jaguar Sports Racer that sold for a world record-breaking $1.1 Million.

“We had an outstanding day with a remarkably high percentage sold at 94%,” said David Gooding, president and founder of Gooding & Company. “In addition to the outstanding $3.74 Million final sale price of the 1956 Jaguar D-Type, we are thrilled to beat a world record with the $1.1 Million sale of the 1959 Costin Lister Jaguar Sports Racer.”

On a philanthropic note, Gooding & Company made a significant donation to the International Response Fund of the American Red Cross this week to benefit the relief efforts in Haiti and also partnered with the local Grand Canyon chapter by setting up a successful donation center at the auction site during its Friday Auction.

Gooding & Company’s top five sales are listed as follows: (Lot 16) the 1956 Jaguar D-Type Sports Racer for $3.74 Million, (Lot 9) the 1934 Duesenberg Model J Disappearing Top Convertible Coupe for $1.815 Million, (Lot 23) the 1959 Costin Lister Jaguar Sports Racer for $1.1 Million, (Lot 39) the 1927 Bentley 6 1/2-Litre Sport Coupe that sold for $726,000, and (Lot 45) the 1948 Cadillac Series 62 Custom Cabriolet that sold for $649,000. Another noteworthy car was the exceptional sale of (Lot 10) the 1967 Maserati Mexico Speciale that sold for $187,000.

Enthusiasts and collectors can look forward to the continuation of Gooding & Company’s Scottsdale Auction tomorrow, Saturday, January 23 auction starting at 11 a.m. More than 70 exceptional cars will cross the block, including the significant (Lot 118) the 1959 Ferrari 250 GT Series 1 Cabriolet, (Lot 132) the 1965 Shelby 427 S/C Cobra, and (Lot 141) the 1932 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 Series V Gran Sport.

Gooding & Company will be conducting its first-ever Amelia Island Auction on Friday, March 12, 2010 at 5 p.m. on the grounds of the Amelia Island Plantation, where it will be showcasing more than 50 exceptional collector cars, including the Best of Show 1931 Voisin C20 “Mylord” Demi-Berline, a stunning light blue 1937 Peugeot Darl’Mat Roadster, a rare 1956 Mercedes-Benz Station Wagon and a 1963 Jaguar E-Type.

Retro Classics 2010 is dedicating a special show to the electric drive

See the gallery of historic electric cars here ->

 

Forward to the past – Electric mobility

In the world of the combustion engine, electric mobility was always a pet project of the hobby inventors or an idea of the lone enthusiasts. Yet in many ways electric mobility is actually superior to the petrol engine, boasting a higher degree of efficiency, longer service life and a noticeably lower noise level. The special show “Forward to the past – Electric mobility” will be providing a highly interesting overview of the history and future of the electric drive in the East entrance foyer.
Scientists and design engineers experimented with electric motors and batteries as early as the 1830s. In 1881, Gustave Trouvé unveiled a three-wheel car at the International Electrical Exhibition. This was followed in 1882 by the “Elektromote” from Werner Siemens, an electrically powered coach and the world’s first trolley bus. In 1900, the “Lohner Porsche” was put on display at the world exhibition in Paris, a gear-free electric car with hub motors at the front wheels. The designer was Ferdinand Porsche.
Around the turn of the century, 40 percent of American motorists had put their faith in the electric motor; the petrol engine was in the clear minority making up only about one fifth of vehicles. The performance of the early electric cars was also impressive: In 1899, the Belgian racing driver and design engineer Camille Jenatzy became the first person to reach a speed of more than 100 kilometres per hour with a final result of 105.88 km/h.
After getting off to a glittering start, electric vehicles were gradually replaced by gasoline engines up until around 1940. The batteries were too heavy, charging periods too long and the vehicles of limited scope. After the war, the electric car was left to carve out a niche existence as a small delivery van or vehicle for the elderly.
In light of looming environmental and energy crises, electric mobility has experienced a renaissance since the 1990s. One reason being the rapid development of accumulator battery technology. Many large automobile manufacturers are thus now turning their attention to the non-fossil drive, having presented a whole new line-up of electric vehicles at the Detroit Auto Show 2010. With the rising fuel costs, many are predicting a boom of electric automobiles.
And whoever doesn’t jump on board now is sure to miss out. The electric revolution could very well take off in China. In 2009, the electric car “MyCar” was presented in Hong Kong. For many years now, the Far East’s giant economy has facilitated the development and production of electric cars. Buyers of electric cars in the USA, Japan and France also receive subsidies. Only in Germany did plans like these fail to take off due to the opposition of the Finance Ministry. Germany has, however, since recognised the sign of the times: according to the Federal government in 2009, it will not be 1,500 but rather one million electric cars that will be found on German roads by 2020.
At the special show in Stuttgart, electric vehicles from the last approximately 110 years will be on display. Partners of the event are EnBW and TÜV Süd.
Retro Classics, the international classic car trade fair in Stuttgart, will open its doors on Friday, 12 March until Sunday, 14 March 2010 for the tenth time. More than 57,000 visitors streamed into the trade fair centre the previous spring to get a closer look at the impressive classic cars on display. On Thursday, 11 March 2010, there will be a special preview day for exhibitors, journalists and preview ticket holders taking place from 2pm to 8pm.

RM Auctions – RENOWNED ROLLS-ROYCE COLLECTION SET FOR RM’S INAUGURAL MONACO SALE _

RM Auctions, the world’s largest collector car auction house, is thrilled to announce the consignment of an important series of 26 Rolls-Royce motor cars from the renowned private collection of German entrepreneur Hans-Günther Zach to its Sporting Classics of Monaco sale, 1st May, 2010.

A passionate, lifelong motoring enthusiast, Zach’s ardor for the Rolls-Royce marque dates back to a childhood dream of one day owning a car by the famed English automobile manufacturer. A successful career as a machinery technician and in industrial real estate enabled him to realize his vision, and today, he is a well-known collector of vintage automobiles and furniture on display at his own museum in Mühlheim, Germany. Zach’s Rolls-Royce collection, the result of 16 years of judicious collecting, is widely considered as one of the world’s finest, featuring a number of truly historic examples.

“We are honoured to have been entrusted by Mr. Zach with the task of selling his renowned private collection at auction,” says Max Girardo, Managing Director of RM Europe. “Magnificently maintained and regularly exercised, each example is presented in excellent condition and represents the epitome of motoring luxury and engineering for its time. The Zach Collection is certainly an exciting addition to our inaugural Monaco sale.”

Mr. Zach adds, “RM was highly recommended to me as the specialists when it comes to selling private collections and achieving strong results at auction. I am delighted to partner with RM as they assist with the sale of my collection and look forward to sharing the joy my cars have brought me over the years with other enthusiasts.”

The centerpiece of the collection and a feature attraction for the forthcoming Monaco sale is a luxurious, one-off 1934 Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP Phantom II Continental Cabriolet, chassis number 188PY, referred to as the ‘Star of India’. Regarded as one of the most striking and celebrated Rolls-Royce motor cars of all time, the eye-catching ‘Star of India’ was custom built and delivered to the Maharaja of Rajkot in 1934 for use in state ceremonies. Bodied by Thrupp and Maberley and finished in saffron ochre with polished aluminium wings, the car boasts a range of unique features including an extra set of headlights designed to follow the path of steering. The car was shipped to England in the late 1960s, eventually finding its way into the Zach collection in 2000. Over the years, it has been a welcome attraction at many events and shown on numerous occasions, including before Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II as part of a great Rolls-Royce parade celebrating her Silver Jubilee in 1977, and later, her Golden Jubilee in 2002.

“Given the cultural value of the Star of India and its magnificent provenance, we expect the car to attract significant interest when it crosses the block in Monaco,” continues Girardo. “Its offering truly represents a once-in-a-lifetime ownership opportunity for discerning Rolls-Royce collectors to acquire one of the marque’s finest.”

Other highlights from the private Zach Collection set for RM’s Monaco sale include: a stunning 1926 Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP Phantom I Open Tourer, chassis number 6YC, first owned by the Maharaja of Nanpara and dubbed ‘The Aluminium Sculpture’ in reference to its highly polished, natural aluminium body and chassis, and the one-of-a-kind 1920 Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP Silver Ghost Coupé de Ville, chassis number 24AE, clothed by French coachbuilder Mulbacher for its first owner Jean Hennessy, founder of the Cognac empire. Also on offer, a 1929 Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP Phantom II Cabriolet, chassis number 86XJ, a specially equipped hunting car built for India’s Maharajah of Rewa and featuring a specially designed gun rack built into the chassis.

RM’s inaugural Sporting Classics of Monaco event will be held at the Grimaldi Forum, 1st May 2010, the same weekend as the 7th Grand Prix Historique de Monaco. The single-day event is set to present 80 of the world’s finest motor cars to an elite assemblage of automotive enthusiasts and collectors from around the world.

For further information or to discuss consignment opportunities, please contact RM’s London office on
+44 20 7851 7070 or visit www.rmauctions.com.

About RM Auctions
RM Auctions is the world’s largest auction house for quality automobiles. With over three decades of experience in the collector car industry, RM’s vertically integrated range of services, from restoration to private treaty sales, auctions, estate planning and financial services, coupled with an expert team of car specialists and international footprint, provide an unsurpassed level of service to the global collector car market. RM proudly holds five of the top 10 – and more significantly, four of the top five – all time records for the most expensive motor cars sold at auction. RM’s restoration division has achieved unprecedented accolades earning “Best of Show” honors at the world’s top concours events. For further information, visit

www.rmauctions.com

Video of the day – THE RAID

 

The most challenging winter race – a preview of the video appearing Monday 18. January 2010 on
http://www.classic-car-tv.com

Racing Picture of the day – the RAID 2010

Thundering classic cars in snow on the todays classic car rallye the RIAD 2010 – the most challenging race in the Alps.

The video will be shown on Monday 18.01.2010 on
http://www.classic-car-tv.com

Vintage cars showcased at Delhi Auto Expo

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Vintage cars, some of which are hundred years old, have become a major source of attraction at the ongoing Auto Expo 2010 in New Delhi. The Heritage Motoring Club of India is behind the initiative of showcasing around 50 cars.

find out more here:

 http://beta.thehindu.com/business/article78206.ece

FOUR PRESTIGIOUS PRIVATE COLLECTIONS AND 99 CARS AT BONHAMS RETROMOBILE SALE, PARIS

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Bonhams, firmly established as a leader of the collectors’ motor car market having raised 10 million euros at Rétromobile in 2008 and 11,480,000 euros in 2009, once again has an impressive selection in Paris. The 35th Rétromobile exhibition will take place at Porte de Versailles from the 22nd – 31st January 2010, during which Bonhams will offer 99 motor cars and 50 fine items of automobilia for sale by auction on 23rd January 2010. PRIVATE COLLECTIONSA prestigious 28-car collection belonging to an Andalusian industrialist is the centerpiece of the sale. It includes five Hispano-Suiza cars with elegant coach-built bodies and the most impressive engines of the time. Several Bentleys are also up for auction, as well as a Lagonda, a Horch (853A) and a Cadillac (V16 Double Phaeton) convertible, while the must-have of the collection is a 1932 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Monza estimated at more than a million euros.  A Dutch collection includes an unusual Mercedes 600 which was delivered new to a Swiss luxury hotel in 1967 with a roof specifically adapted to accommodate wealthy clients’ skis (70,000 – 90,000€). OTHER HIGHLIGHTSA 1930 Alfa Romeo 6C-1750 two-seat roadster, an icon of the 1930s car industry and fit for the most prestigious events, is offered with a pre-sale estimate of 550,000 – 650,000 euros. A Roaring Twenties Grand Prix race car is also grabbing attention – the 1926 Talbot-Darracq 1.5-litre supercharged GP is one of the most impressive racing cars of the period (400,000 – 600,000€).  Another highlight is a 1962 Ferrari 400 Superamerica Series I coupé, created when Enzo Ferrari and Battista Pininfarina combined their skills and produced what is now considered a 20th century masterpiece. The car was widely appreciated by aristocratic clients, leading to its nickname, “King’s Ferrari” (800,000 – 1,000,000€). In 1971, the Elysée palace commissioned Henri Chapron to build two Presidential models, still owned by the Elysée Palace. A passionate collector has decided to have a third one made, built under Chapron’s licence.  After five years of work and a cost of 500,000 euros, Bonhams is now offering this unique car with an estimate of 150,000 – 250,000 euros. BUGATTI BRESCIAThe 1925 Bugatti Brescia has been in the depths (53 metres deep to be precise) of Lake Maggiore for 73 years. Its incredible story makes this car a one-off acquisition. It was pulled out from the lake on 12th July 2009 and will be sold in aid of a charity against youth violence – Fondazione Damiano Tamagni (70,000 – 90,000 euros).        Matthieu Lamoure, Bonhams France Director comments:“This auction is exemplary for its variety: cars from many periods are offered for sale, many of them without a reserve, and will suit all pockets.” 

A Sale of Exceptional Motor Cars and related Automobilia at the Retromobile Paris

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Bonhams has announced a highly exciting line-up of exceptional and rare motorcars for its sale at Retromobile, held in Paris at the earlier date of 23 January 2010.

An exceptional collection of twenty-eight collectors’ motor cars is being offered by Bonhams, representing the first time that these cars have been offered in the public domain. Collected by an Andalusian industrialist, highlights include a c1930 Bentley 4-Litre/8-Litre Le Mans-style Tourer (estimate €450,000-550,000), a 1929 Mercedes Benz 630K “Town Car” (estimate €400,000-600,000), a 1935 Hispano-Suiza T56 torpédo Fiol (estimate €450,000-600,000), a 1931 Cadillac V16 série 452 dual-cowl phaéton (estimate €350,000-450,000), and a 1920 Rolls Royce Silver Ghost 40/50HP Double Phaeton (estimate €250,000-350,000).

Alongside the collection, Bonhams will also be offering an immaculately restored 1926-27 1.5-litre supercharged straight-eight Talbot-Darracq. One of the most charismatic, exciting and advanced Grand Prix cars of the so-called ‘Roaring Twenties’, the car is expected to race off the rostrum and has attracted a pre-sale estimate of €400,000-600,000. Other highlights include The ex-1955 Paris Salon & 1955 Turin Motor Show 1955 Pegaso (estimate €400,000-500,000), a 1927 Bugatti Type 44 Roadster (estimate €120,000-160,000), a 1930 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 Gran Sport (estimate €550,000-650,000) and a hugely rare 1931 Avions Voisin C14 ‘Chartre’ – one of only two ever built – which has a pre-sale estimate of €380,000-460,000.

These will be joined by The ex-Geneva Motor Show, ex-Pebble Beach concours 1970 Monteverdi Hai 450 SS coupé prototype (estimate €400,000-500,000), a 1947 Talbot-Lago T26 Record (estimate €115,000-125,000) and an exquisitely converted 1971 Citroen DS21 Convertible Limousine (estimate €130,000-150,000) – which stands as an incredible testament to the craftsmanship of coachbuilder Chapron and the Citroen brand as a whole.

Meanwhile, a series of early motorcars are also listed in the catalogue: a 1911 De Dion Bouton CQ 8CV (estimate €35,000-55,000), a 1917 Overland New Series Model 75B Type C (estimate €15,000-30,000), a 1911 Clement Bayard Landaulet Type AC4C2 (estimate €55,000-75,000) and an 1899 Georges Richard type A Double Phaeton (estimate €70,000-110,000).

One of the most extraordinary lots ever to be offered at auction – a touring Bugatti which lay at the bottom of a Swiss lake for over seventy years – will also be going under the hammer at Retromobile. The Brescia Bugatti has inevitably suffered some damage during its extensive stay underwater, however some 20% are still salvageable (half of the chassis and most of the aluminium casings) which means that it is possible to save the car, preserving it in its original splendour and glory. It could also prove to be a most interesting restoration project. This intriguing motor car has attracted a pre-sale estimate of €70,000-90,000.

Matthieu Lamoure, Director of European Motorcar Department at Bonhams said: “Bonhams is excited to be offering 100 exceptional collector cars (including 20 cars which will be offered without reserve) at Retromobile. The last two sales we’ve held at Retromobile have been very successful and we are confident that this years’ offering – which includes motor cars as diverse as the unique ‘lake find’ to a superb Alfa 8C Monza offered at prices to suit different budgets – will prove similarly popular with collectors and yield great results!”