Bonhams Unveils Exceptional 100 Car Line-Up For 19th Goodwood Festival Of Speed

The ex-Edith Field/Innes Ireland,1954 Aston Martin DB2/4 Drophead Coupé Chassis no. LML 506 Engine no. VB6E/50/337; Estimate: £500,000 - 700,000. Photo Bonhams

Bonhams is delighted to unveil an outstanding line-up of Sports, Competition and Touring cars for its 19th annual Goodwood Festival of Speed Sale, on 1 July 2011.

Leading the pack is a very rare and handsome 1954 Aston Martin DB2/4 Cabriolet previously owned by that legendary British Grand racing character, Innes Ireland. Recently restored to concours condition, this DB2/4 has a pre-sale estimate of £500,000 – 700,000.

Another major Lot is a well-known, competition-winning 1925 Bugatti Type 35B Grand Prix two-seater, formerly owned by past Bugatti Owners' Club director and editor of Bugantics magazine, Mr Jack Perkins.

The Jack Perkins,1925 Bugatti Type 35B Grand Prix Two-Seater Chassis no. BC31 Engine no. 70. Estimate: £400,000 - 500,000.

Expected to fetch £400,000 – 500,000, it is accompanied by another beautiful Bugatti, a 1926 Type 37 Monoposto, estimated at £120,000 – 160,000.

1926 Bugatti Type 37 Monoposto Chassis no. BC 78 Engine no. 79. Estimate: £120,000 - 160,000.

Other highlights include a 1967 Lamborghini 400GT 2+2 once owned by Sir Paul McCartney, expected to realise £100,000 – 120,000; two cars from the Patrick Collection – the 1986 Lancia Delta S4 Stradale and 1990 Alfa Romeo SZ Coupe – which have attracted pre-sale estimates of £80,000 – 100,000 and £20,000 – 25,000 respectively; and a 1928 Bentley 3-Litre Speed Model (estimate £120,000 – 140,000), owned by the same family since 1945.

Originally the property of Sir Paul McCartney,1967 Lamborghini 400GT 2+2 Chassis no. 1141 Engine no. 1139. Estimate: £100,000 - 120,000.

A modern highlight is the 2004 7.3-Litre Pagani Zonda C12 Roadster, painted in an 'Elvis Presley Cadillac Pink', which has had only one owner from new, and is estimated to fetch £200,000 – 250,000.

One owner from new,2004 Pagani Zonda C12 7.3-Litre Roadster Chassis no. ZA9C820C110F76041 Engine no. 12098312032119E100. Estimate: £200,000 - 250,000.

For racing aficionados, a BMC Competition Department Transporter, which is described by Bonhams as 'an eye-catching and stylish addition to any historic race meeting', has attracted a pre-sale estimate of £30,000 – 40,000, while boat enthusiasts will covet a 1992 Hacker 28' Runabout, which was commissioned by J Paul Getty as a tender to his 80-metre private yacht, Talitha G, expected to fetch £35,000 – 45,000.

In addition, Bonhams will be offering a fantastic 47-strong single owner collection of Heuer watches at this sale, comprising 19 wristwatches, two pocket watches, assorted racing timers and group lots of sports timers, all from the 1960s, 70s and 80s. Classic Heuer chronographs, such as the ever popular Monaco, as well the Autavia, Carrera , Montreal and Calculator, will go under the hammer, as will entry level collectors' pieces including five different versions of the Jacky Ickx Easy Rider model .

1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Coupe @ RM's Monterey Sale

1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Coupe. Photos RM Auctions © 2011 RM Auctions

Chassis No.198.0405500621

2,996 cc OHC inline six-cylinder engine with “sport” camshaft, four-speed manual transmission, four-wheel independent suspension, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 94.5"

- Just two California-based owners from new; one of only 1,400 built
- Includes original Rudge wheels, belly pans, fitted luggage, “sport” camshaft and more
- Comprehensively restored and recently detailed by Kevin Kay Restorations
- An iconic design statement with performance that remains thrilling today

To many, the Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing remains the ultimate road car. That it appeared in production form at all, however, was the result of fortuitous circumstance and certainly not originally planned by the factory.

The original 300SL was created for the 1952 season to simply test the waters prior to a full-scale return to racing and was intended more as a way to keep the Mercedes-Benz name in the news long enough for the firm’s new Grand Prix car to be completed for 1954. To deem this exercise a success would be a gross understatement – the 300SL’s results included second and fourth at the Mille Miglia, first and second at Le Mans and the Nürburgring, the same in Mexico’s deadly Carrera Panamericana, and one-two-three at Bern, Switzerland.

While Mercedes-Benz initially had no plans for series-production, its U.S. importer, Max Hoffman, had other ideas. Hoffman, a master marketer and a man of great insight, convinced Daimler-Benz to offer a production model by ordering 1,000 of them for sale in the United States. Since the racing 300SL was sourced to a degree from off-the-shelf 300-series parts, it seemed relatively easy for the manufacturer to honor Hoffman’s request. However, the 300SL was in fact quite complex and not suited to volume production. Nonetheless, thanks to the persistence and clout of Hoffman, Mercedes proceeded with limited production and the car was born.

Fuel injection replaced the racecar’s carburetors; the Bosch mechanical unit would be the first for a production car. After a handful of early production models were made in alloy, as the competition cars, the new Karl Wilfert-designed body was largely steel, retaining aluminum doors, hood and trunk lids, and included the bumpers (with over riders for US-spec cars) and numerous creature comforts including a tilt-wheel for ease of entry and featuring a sumptuous interior requisite for road use.

Of particular note, the 300SL was the first Mercedes to be introduced in the United States before it was shown in Germany, and when unveiled in New York on February 6, 1954, it took the automotive world by storm. The SL (translated to English as “Sport Light”) moniker reflected the pioneering use of welded tubular-steel frame construction. It also featured a fully independent suspension in addition to its fuel-injected, 3.0-liter (2,996 cc) OHC straight six with dry-sump lubrication; the motor was inclined to the side in order to reduce the height of the front end. The power, rated at 240 bhp at 6,100 rpm (SAE) and 215 bhp at 5,800 rpm (DIN) with the factory-optional or dealer-installed “sport” camshaft, was delivered through a four-speed manual gearbox. A 161-mph top speed and 0-60 acceleration of approximately eight seconds, depending upon the rear-end ratio selected from five options, made the 300SL the fastest production automobile of its time.

The remarkable, upward-opening “gullwing” doors of the racing version of the car continued to production and contributed largely to the unique visual signature of the 300SL. When production ended after the 1957 model year, Hoffman’s original request for 1,000 cars was exceeded, as production of the semi-hand-built car reached just 1,400 units. Demand has always been strong, and today, the 300SL continues to be one of the most recognized and coveted of all sporting cars, almost indisputably considered the ‘core’ model for any serious collection.

This 300SL, which has never before been publicly offered for sale, carries a particularly fascinating history. Its original owner, Alex Locke, was then a U.S. Air Force jet pilot who went on to study medicine at Stanford University and eventually became a Flight Surgeon and ultimately a practicing physician in the Sacramento, California area. While on active duty with the Air Force, he acquired the 300SL from a Fresno, California dealer circa 1957 on the Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO) as a dealer demonstrator to become its first registered owner. It was factory-equipped with desirable Rudge “knock off” wheels, and the optional “sport” camshaft (with the required fuel-pump governor and ignition timing upgrades) is believed to have been dealer-installed in period, as was often the case. The car retains these components today, as well as its original belly pans, which are rarely preserved.

Period images circa 1960 show the 300SL at an air show sporting a black racing stripe, and Mr. Locke did indeed race the car in local events from time to time. Mr. Locke, a founding and active member of the Gullwing Group, enjoyed his Gullwing and was reposted several times during his Air Force career, residing for a time in Texas, Montana and Wisconsin before he eventually returned to the Sacramento area. There, the car was stored in Dr. Locke’s garage for approximately 25 years until the current owner, also a former United States Air Force member and now a retired airline Captain, acquired the car from Mr. Locke's widow in the summer of 1999 after several years of solicitation.

The Gullwing received a single exterior refinish while in Texas with Mr. Locke, but required a full restoration upon acquisition by the current owner. The noted Kevin Kay Restorations of Redding, California was selected for the task, which was undertaken in 1999 and completed in 2003. The 300SL was refinished in classic silver with black leather upholstery. Ken and Cindy Nemanic, of Vintage Automotive Upholstery from Walnut Creek, California, restored the interior using some of the very last available sets of correct Roser surface-dyed leather hides. Characteristic of the Pebble Beach-caliber work of the Nemanics, the interior of the 300SL displays breathtaking workmanship.

In all, over $375,000 in parts and labor was invested to return the 300SL to its show-quality condition. The noted 300SL experts, Pacific Injectors of Burlingame, California, overhauled the fuel-injection system. The instruments were restored and the dial faces were silk screened by none other than VDO, their original manufacturer, in Germany.

An additional leather hide accompanies the car, along with original upholstery remnants, the original jack and hammer and other original parts including the original wheel weights and the ‘unobtainium’ original protractor device for positioning them for wheel balancing. Air Force T-33 aircraft seat belts were installed under Dr. Locke’s ownership but have since been removed and given to his son, with new, aircraft-style belts properly installed in their place. The current owner states the car retains its original mid-range 3.64:1 rear-axle ratio (providing a 145 mph-plus top speed), contrary to the Gullwing Registry entry for this car.

Already impressively sorted for reliable high speed touring, and maintained by its current owner to Gullwing Group standards and frequencies, the car was recently detailed for presentation by Kevin Kay Restorations to re-freshen the first, high quality restoration. This wonderful two-owner 300SL retains its original Rudge wheels, restored belly pans, fitted luggage and its higher-output “sport” camshaft, adding significant, exhilarating ‘urge’ as a recent test-drive by an RM car specialist has confirmed. A trunk-mounted Halon fire extinguisher allows the car to be shown at events requiring this item. With only about 7,000 careful miles since its comprehensive photo-documented restoration and now offered without reserve, this very fine and complete Gullwing provides a truly rare opportunity to acquire a fully restored, sorted and carefully maintained two-owner example with excellent, documented history, including many charming period snapshots of the car with the young Locke family, confirming their true pride of ownership.

RM Auctions. Monterey Sale. August 19 – 20, 2011. www.rmauctions.com 

Rare 1935 Bugatti Type 57 Grand Raid Roadster Set For RM's Monterey Sale

Among notable entries set to cross the auction podium during the two-day sale is the exquisite 1935 Bugatti Type 57 Grand Raid Roadster

MONTEREY, CA.- RM Auctions is set continue its reputation for offering automobiles of exceptional quality when its annual Monterey, California sale gets underway August 19 – 20, featuring one of the most spectacular rosters of motor cars ever presented in auction history.

Among notable entries set to cross the auction podium during the two-day sale is the exquisite 1935 Bugatti Type 57 Grand Raid Roadster, chassis number 57260, one of only ten Bugatti Grand Raid roadsters built and one of just two examples bodied by Carrosserie Worblaufen in Switzerland.

Specially commissioned by flamboyant Swiss collector, Mr. Jules Aellen, 57260 was completed just in time for Aellen and his wife to show the car at the second Concours d’Elegance at Montreux on Lake Geneva in Spring 1935, where it won the Grand Prix d’Honneur. Following Aellen’s ownership the roadster remained in Switzerland – in and around Geneva – well into the 1950s. From there it went to France before an American collector finally acquired the car in 2000 and commissioned its complete restoration over an 18-month period. With no expense spared, the Worblaufen archives were referenced to ensure absolute correctness, as was the existing Montfort sister car. In 2005, 57260 was invited to the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, where it secured 2nd in Class. It returns to the Monterey Peninsula in California, USA, August 19 – 20 for RM’s Monterey sale, where it is estimated to achieve between $1,000,000 - $1,200,000.

1935 Bugatti Type 57 Roadster by Worblaufen.

Stunning Line-Up of English Automobiles Go Under the Hammer @ RM Auctions

 

1962 Aston Martin DB4 Series IV Vantage Coupé. Photo RM Auctions

LONDON.- RM Auctions, the world’s largest collector car auction house for quality automobiles, is now on the countdown to its inaugural sale at London’s Salon Privé luxury car show and Concours d’Elegance on 23rd June, 2011.

The sale, which is only open to British-built automobiles, has attracted fifty-seven stunning examples of ‘Quintessentially English’ cars including some significant collections of Aston Martin, Jaguar and Rolls-Royce automobiles.

Max Girardo, Managing Director, RM Europe says, “What is nice about this sale is that we have selected some genuinely rare and interesting cars and motorcycles while also offering a very comprehensive selection of British marques that represent a wide cross-section of some of the best loved and most keenly collected models.”

The star Rolls-Royce lot is unquestionably the unique and historic 1926 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Experimental Sports Tourer, ‘10 EX’, the first prototype Phantom I Continental to be fitted with sports body ‘torpedo’ coachwork by Barker. This unusually rakish and sporting pre-war Rolls has a fascinating and well-documented history and is estimated to fetch between £400,000 - £800,000. It is fitting that in Rolls-Royce’s centenary year, the iconic British manufacturer is represented in the sale by a total of nine exquisite examples, ranging from an 1924 Rolls-Royce 20 HP Open Tourer (Estimate: £60,000 - £85,000) to a late 1993 Rolls-Royce Corniche IV Cabriolet (Estimate: £58,000 - £70,000). Other Rolls’ highlights include a 1926 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Tourer with coachwork by Smith & Waddington (Estimate: £100,000 - £140,000), once driven by Prince Michael of Kent during a visit to Australia, and a desirable 1932 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental Drophead Coupé, (Estimate: £380,000 - £420,000), one of just three produced with attractive Freestone & Webb coachwork.

1926 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Experimental Sports Tourer by Barker & Co. Estimate £400,000-£800,000. Photo RM Auctions

1926 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Tourer by Smith & Waddington. Estimate £100,000-£140,000. Photo RM Auctions

1924 Rolls-Royce 20 HP Open Tourer1924. Estimate £60,000-£85,000. Photo RM Auctions

1925 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Tourer. Estimate £110,000-£140,000. Photo RM Auctions

1932 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental Drophead Coupé by Freestone & Webb. Estimate £380,000-£420,000. Photo RM Auctions

1932 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental Boattail Tourer. Estimate £150,000-£170,000. Photo RM Auctions

1959 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud Long Wheelbase Saloon. Estimate . Photo RM Auctions

1962 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II Drophead Coupé. Estimate £240,000-£280,000. Photo RM Auctions

1993 Rolls-Royce Corniche IV Cabriolet. Estimate £58,000-£70,000. Photo RM Auctions

No less than 16 Aston Martin cars feature in the auction, with two very fine pre-war examples on offer including the one-off, ex-works 1939 Aston Martin 2-Litre Speed Model, chassis number 727U, originally built by the factory for outer circuit racing at the historic Brooklands (pictured top). Now fully rebuilt and prepared by one the world’s leading marque specialists, the car is estimated to achieve between £320,000 - £380,000.

“Aston Martin is brand famous for its well-built, high-performance GT cars, and the marque is currently one of the most collectable in market place”, adds Girardo. “Post war DB cars have, in particular, rallied in value in recent years, and we are truly delighted to be able to offer such a broad spectrum of desirable Aston models.”

1939 Aston Martin 2-Litre 'Brooklan. Estimate £320,000-£380,000. Photo RM Auctions

1937 Aston Martin 15/98 Roadster. Estimate £90,000-£120,000. Photo RM Auctions

1952 Aston Martin DB2 Vantage Drophead Coupé. Estimate £125,000-£175,000. Photo RM Auctions

1953 Aston Martin DB2 Coupé. Estimate £75,000-£95,000. Photo RM Auctions

1953 Aston Martin DB2 Saloon. Estimate £125,000-£155,000. Photo RM Auctions

1958 Aston Martin DB Mark III Coupé. Estimate £95,000-£125,000. Photo RM Auctions

1959 Aston Martin DB Mark III Coupé. Estimate £75,000-£95,000. Photo RM Auctions

1960 Aston Martin DB4 Coupé. Estimate £170,000-£220,000. Photo RM Auctions

1961 Aston Martin DB4 Vantage Convertible. Estimate £250,000-£320,000, Photo RM Auctions

1964 Aston Martin DB5 Coupé. Estimate £215,000-£275,000. Photo RM Auctions

1966 Aston Martin DB6 Vantage Coupé. Estimate £90,000-£120,000. Photo RM Auctions

 

1967 Aston Martin DB6 Coupé. Estimate £65,000-£85,000.. Photo RM Auctions

Early DBs are represented by three DB2s in Drophead Coupé, Coupé and Saloon body styles alongside two DB Mark III Coupes. There are also three DB4 examples, the highlight of which is a simply beautiful 1962 Aston Martin DB4 Vantage Convertible, a very rare example in left-hand drive and one of only 74 Convertibles made. With a fascinating documented history behind it, the car was once owned by the famed actor and diplomat, Sir Peter Ustinov (Estimate: £250,000 - £320,000).

 

1962 Aston Martin DB4 Series IV Vantage Coupé. Estimate £200,000-£250,000. Photo RM Auctions

No sale of ‘Quintessentially English’ cars would be complete without Jaguar cars being well represented. Indeed, RM has brought together a fantastic cross-section of 11 of the most desirable models from the Coventry-based car maker, including both pre- and post-war examples. The SS100 is considered by many to be one of the most iconic examples of pre-war sports car design - the sale features a wonderful 1937 Jaguar SS 100 2.5 Litre Roadster, chassis number 18116 (Estimate: £200,000-£230,000).

1937 Jaguar SS 100 2½ Litre Roadster. (Estimate: £200,000-£230,000. Photo RM Auctions

1937 Jaguar SS 2½-Litre Sports Saloon. Estimate £45,000-£65,000. Photo RM Auctions

The sweeping good looks of the post war ‘XK’ sports cars are also well represented by a solitary XK120 and four XK150 models. The undeniable highlight of these is the 1959 Jaguar XK150 3.8S Roadster (pictured right), the ultimate evolution of the XK-Series cars of the 1950 and a matching numbers example that boasts a service book signed by company founder William Lyons. It is estimated to bring £180,000 - £240,000.

1953 Jaguar XK120 SE Roadster. Estimate £55,000-£70,000. Photo RM Auctions

 

1959 Jaguar XK150 3.8S Roadster. Estimate £180,000-£240,000. Photo RM Auctions

1960 Jaguar XK150 3.8S Fixed Head Coupé. Estimate £55,000-£65,000. Photo RM Auctions

1960 Jaguar XK150 3.4S Drophead Coupé. Estimate £48,000-£65,000. Photo RM Auctions

In its 50th anniversary year, it’s only fitting that the sale should include three outstanding examples of the E-Type, from an early 1966 Jaguar E-Type Series I 4.2 Fixed Head Coupé (Estimate: £40,000 - £50,000) to one of the last of the breed, a 1974 Jaguar E-Type Series III Convertible (Estimate: £38,000 - £45,000).

 

1966 Jaguar E-Type Series I 4.2 Fixed Head Coupé. Estimate £40,000-£50,000. Photo RM Auctions

1967 Jaguar E-Type Series 1½ 2+2 Coupé. Estimate £25,000-£30,000. Photo RM Auctions

1974 Jaguar E-Type Series III Convertible. Estimate £38,000-£45,000; Photo RM Auctions

Motorcycles are a new feature of the sale for RM, with seven examples on offer from historic British manufactures such as BSA, Triumph and Brough Superior. Worthy of particular note is the 1960 BSA Gold Star, fully restored and in desirable Clubman’s configuration (Estimate: £14,000 - £18,000), and the 1939 Brough Superior 11.50 V-Twin, an excellent, late example of one of these highly desirable machines (Estimate: £35,000 - £45,000).

Other notable entries include:

• a 1929 Bentley Speed Six “Le Mans” Style Tourer, chassis number FA 2518, a faithful recreation of the 1930 No 3 Speed Six Le Mans team car (Estimate: £450,000 - £570,000);

• a highly-desirable 1955 Bentley R-Type Continental Fastback, (Estimate: £325,000-£425,000);

• a historically-interesting ex-Works Le Mans entrant 1961 Sunbeam Alpine Harrington Coupé, chassis number B 9102730/OD/HRO (Estimate: £58,000 - £70,000); and,

• a 1933 Lagonda 3-Litre Tourer, a quintessential pre-war touring car with an award-winning restoration (Estimate: £150,000 - £200,000).

 

1929 Bentley Speed Six 'Le Mans' Style Tourer. Estimate £450,000-£570,000. Photo RM Auctions

1955 Bentley R-Type Continental Fastback by H.J. Mulliner. Estimate £325,000-£425,000. Photo RM Auctions

1961 Sunbeam Alpine Harrington Coupé. Estimate £58,000-£70,000. Photo RM Auctions

1933 Lagonda 3-Litre Tourer. Estimate £150,000-£200,000. Photo RM Auctions

"L’Art de l’automobile. Chefs-d’œuvre de la collection Ralph Lauren" @ Musée des Arts Décoratifs

Jaguar XK120 Roadster, 1950. Collection Ralph Lauren © Photo Michael Furman

Une exposition rendant hommage à l’automobile n’est pas tout à fait une première dans l’histoire de l’institution.

En 1970, Les Arts Décoratifs présentaient une sélection de voitures de compétition « Bolides Design ». Un jury particulier issu du monde de l’art et du design avait alors été constitué autour de François Mathey pour composer cette exposition, Les designers 30e Colombo, Roger Talion, Pio Manzu, les artistes Jean-Paul Riopelle, Jean Tinguely, Victor Vasarely, auxquels il faut ajouter Robert Delpire, avaient choisi les modèles avec l’idée de montrer que « l’art et la technique, chacun à leur niveau, sont l’expression de l’homme et de ses rapports avec la création » le bolide comme objet de design, comme oeuvre d’art.

La collection de Ralph Lauren se situe dans cette même perspective.

Assemblée patiemment depuis maintenant plusieurs décennies par le créateur, elle regroupe quelques-uns des plus extraordinaires fleurons de l’histoire automobile européenne, avec pour dénominateur commun la beauté, produit par la quête de la vitesse et des performances. Beauté de la ligne et des couleurs, des matériaux et du design, mais aussi beauté mécanique résultant de la recherche d’efficacité et de précision.

La course, laboratoire de toutes les innovations, est le fil conducteur de la passion du collectionneur. Elle fournit à cette collection quelques-uns de ses plus beaux modèles, de la Bentley « Blower » de 1929 à la Ferrari 250 GTO (1962), en passant par l’inoubliable Jaguar « type D » dont l’aileron de squale traça au Mans en 1955, 56 et 57 une trajectoire victorieuse. Mais le grand tourisme, qui acclimate à la vie quotidienne les acquis de la compétition en les mêlant au luxe, n’est pas oublié et permet de mesurer l’évolution face à la route des styles et des techniques, de la Bugatti Atlantic (1938) — dont seulement quatre exemplaires furent réalisés et que d’aucuns considèrent comme la plus belle voiture jamais construite — à la célèbre Mercedes 300 SL (1955). Chacun de ces véhicules d’exception a été conçu comme un chef-d’oeuvre où s’allient innovation technologique et audace du style.

Pour sa première présentation en Europe, la collection Ralph Lauren sera mise en scène par Jean-Michel Wilmotte privilégiant une approche visuelle intime de ces véhicules qui valent autant par la vue d’ensemble que par le détail, par leur carrosserie que par leur châssis ou leur moteur.
L’aspect cinétique et sonore des véhicules sera restitué par de nombreux films et enregistrements. Un colloque sur le design automobile sera organisé durant l’exposition.

Parmi les automobiles exposées:

Bentley « Blower », 1929

Benntley « Blower », 1929. Collection Ralph Lauren © Photo Michael Furman

La Bentley « Blower » se distingue des autres voitures de la collection Ralph Lauren par sa carrosserie massive. Ettore Bugatti ne l’avait-il pas qualifiée de « camion le plus rapide du monde » ? La voiture se révèle néanmoins redoutablement véloce, puisque dotée d’un moteur de 4,5 litres de cylindrée, gavé par un énorme compresseur disposé tout à l’avant. Seuls 55 exemplaires sont équipés de ce compresseur, qui en augmente sensiblement la puissance. La voiture exposée est pourvue d’une carrosserie en partie réalisée en simili-cuir, vouée à diminuer toute surcharge pondérale. Au volant de ces voitures, les « Bentley Boys » participent à de nombreuses compétitions, sans toutefois remporter toutes les victoires escomptées. La Bentley de Ralph Lauren participe à trois reprises aux 24 Heures du Mans : en 1930, où elle abandonne sur problème de piston ; en 1932, emporté par son tempérament, Jean Trévoux envoie la voiture au fossé dès le premier tour ; en 1933, elle se voit mise hors course lors du 25^e tour. Ce n’est qu’en 1930, au Grand Prix de France à Pau, que « HR3976 » termine à une très honorable seconde place, derrière la redoutable Bugatti d’Etancelin.

Mercedes-Benz SSK « Comte Trossi », 1930

Mercedes-Benz SSK « Comte Trossi » , 1930. Collection Ralph Lauren. © Photo Michael Furman

Le châssis SSK « 36038 », actuelle propriété de Ralph Lauren, invendu par l’usine Mercedes-Benz en 1928, est expédié au Japon en 1930, avant de regagner l’Europe. La réalisation de cette voiture est le fruit du talent du jeune britannique Willy White, qui s’est inspiré d’un dessin suggéré par son propriétaire, aristocrate et grand industriel italien, le comte Carlo Felice Trossi, également pilote de course. La SSK, archétype de la Mercedes des années 1920, réalisée sur un châssis court, est dominée par un monstrueux capot d’où émerge latéralement une triade d’échappements, capot enveloppant plus de la moitié de la longueur de la voiture et projetant en avant un radiateur en coupe-vent. Sa poupe flamboyante, magnifiquement profilée, qui apporte une touche de civilité à cet extraordinaire exemplaire, contraste avec la connotation hiératique de la proue. La suralimentation apporte à la Mercedes SSK son tempérament de feu, procurant une sonorité de légende à son moteur six cylindres de plus de sept litres de cylindrée, qui développe quelques 300 CV et permet d’atteindre une vitesse de 235 km/h !

Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Monza, 1931

Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Monza, 1931. Collection Ralph Lauren © Photo Michael Furman

Proposé en version grand tourisme, le châssis 8C 2300 bénéficie de carrosseries signées par les plus grands maîtres italiens, tels que Zagato, Touring ou encore Castagna. Dans sa configuration course, la 8C 2300 présentée ici prend alors la dénomination « Monza », digne héritière du mythique type « P2 » qui, lors du Grand Prix d’Europe à Lyon en 1924, apporte à Alfa Romeo un premier grand succès en compétition. Pourvue d’un moteur 8 cylindres en ligne de 2300 cm³ doté d’un double arbre à cames en tête et d’un compresseur, la « Monza » signe de grands succès et s’illustre aux mains des pilotes de la Scuderia Ferrari, service compétition officiel de l’usine, justifiant la présence du désormais mythique blason au cheval cabré qui orne le capot de ces voitures. L’exemplaire personnel de Ralph Lauren, ex voiture d’usine pilotée par Jean-Pierre Wimille puis par Battaglia, participe à maintes épreuves (Grand Prix de Lorraine 1932, Pau 1933, Monaco 1933, Targa Florio 1934, etc.). Cette exceptionnelle automobile incarne la voiture de Grand Prix par excellence.

Bugatti 59 Grand Prix, 1933

Bugatti 59 Grand Prix, 1933. Collection Ralph Lauren © Photo Michael Furman

Bugatti 57 S(C) Atlantic, 1938

Bugatti 57 S(C) Atlantic, 1938. Collection Ralph Lauren © Photo Michael Furman

Selon Paul Bracq, « l’Atlantic est un monument dans l’histoire de la carrosserie française ! Mieux qu’aucune autre automobile, elle exprime l’esthétique latine. Une fantastique impression de légèreté se dégage de cette sculpture ». Pourvue d’un moteur 8 cylindres en ligne à double arbre à cames en tête avec compresseur, cette reine de beauté est également reine de vitesse, puisque capable d’atteindre les 200 km/h. L’alliage d’aluminium qui compose sa carrosserie se prêtant mal à l’emboutissage et à la soudure, Jean Bugatti est contraint à réaliser ailes et pavillon en deux parties puis à les assembler au moyen de rivets. Tout son talent réside dans l’art de contourner cet inconvénient technique en avantage stylistique. La robe de la belle n’est autre qu’une métaphore de vitesse et de puissance, suggérée encore par des portières se découpant dans le toit et par des vitres ellipsoïdales issues du registre aéronautique. « 57591 » représente le dernier des quatre exemplaires produits de ce chef-d’œuvre, qui incarne le sport et le luxe poussés à leur paroxysme : en un mot, l’exception automobile.

Alfa Romeo 8C 2900 Mille Miglia, 1938

Alfa Romeo 8C 2900 Mille Miglia, 1938. Collection Ralph Lauren © Photo Michael Furman

Ce modèle de compétition doté d’un moteur huit cylindres de 2,9 litres de cylindrée à double arbre à cames en tête, suralimenté par deux compresseurs, est équipé d’une suspension à quatre roues indépendantes et d’une boîte de vitesses reléguée à l’arrière avec le pont. L’ensemble se trouve parfaitement équilibré et confère à la voiture une tenue de route extraordinaire. Les freins à commande hydraulique constituent un atout supplémentaire, lui permettant de surclasser ses rivales à plus de 185 km/h. L’usine turinoise s’adresse à la Carrozzeria Touring pour réaliser une petite série de quatre roadsters biplace destinés à participer aux Mille Miglia 1938, dont le premier exemplaire produit n’est autre que celui que nous vous présentons. Cette voiture, confiée à l’équipage Pintacuda et Mambelli, y remporte une brillante deuxième place sous le numéro 142. Ses ailes profilées en goutte d’eau apportent la touche finale à cette extraordinaire automobile, qui peut être considérée comme la plus prestigieuse des Alfa Romeo de Grand Tourisme produites avant-guerre.

Jaguar XK120 Roadster, 1950

Jaguar XK120 Roadster, 1950. Collection Ralph Lauren © Photo Michael Furman

La Jaguar XK120, dévoilée lors du Salon de Londres 1948, fait date dans l’histoire de la marque. D’un point de vue esthétique, à travers ses modèles XK, l’anticonformiste William Lyons préfère créer sa mode automobile au lieu de la suivre, même s’il choisit avant tout d’investir sur le plan des performances et de l’aspect mécanique : moteur 6 cylindres en ligne de 3,5 litres , double arbre à cames en tête, 180 CV. Détonnant roadster à la grâce féline, l’XK120, initialement souhaitée à seulement 200 exemplaires, rencontre un formidable engouement notamment auprès des stars du cinéma hollywoodien. Elle entre alors en production en grande série et se décline ensuite jusqu’en 1961 sous la forme d’XK140, puis XK150. L’exemplaire de la collection de Ralph Lauren, l’une des six voitures d’usine restée propriété de Jaguar, est doté d’une carrosserie réalisée en aluminium. Elle est confiée à Clemente Biondetti, qui porta bien haut les couleurs de Coventry sur nombre de circuits continentaux, notamment à la Targa Florio ou encore dans les Mille Miglia1950.

Ferrari 375 Plus, 1954

Ferrari 375 Plus, 1954. Collection Ralph Lauren © Photo Michael Furman

La Ferrari dite 375 « Plus » n’est autre qu’une extrapolation du type 375 MM : un modèle pourvu d’un moteur 12 cylindres en V, doté de trois carburateurs, d’une boîte à quatre vitesses plus la marche arrière, qui voit sa cylindrée « gonfler » à près de 5 litres, gagner en puissance et ainsi être susceptible de développer quelques 340 CV, pour atteindre les 250 km/h. Faute de véritable service voué au design chez Ferrari, la 375 Plus, véritable pièce de joaillerie, est le fruit de la création d’artisans hautement qualifiés et talentueux guidés par Pinin Farina, le carrossier attitré de Ferrari. Le type 375 Plus n’est décliné qu’à seulement cinq exemplaires, parmi lesquels une version spyder remporte les 24 Heures du Mans en 1954. La voiture de Ralph Lauren n’est autre que l’ultime châssis de la série, sorti d’usine en 1954. « 0398 AM » a connu une carrière en Argentine, souvent confiée au pilote Valiente, qui s’est illustré à son volant.

Jaguar XKD, 1955

Jaguar XKD, 1955. Collection Ralph Lauren © Photo Michael Furman

Afin de trouver une digne héritière à la brillante Jaguar Type XKC doublement victorieuse aux 24 Heures du Mans, l’aérodynamicien aéronautique Malcolm Sayer conçoit une voiture anticonformiste. La « Type D », dotée d’un long capot sans calandre, pivotant d’un bloc et d’un arrière effilé très gracieux, est surtout aisément identifiable grâce à une très originale dérive, qui prolonge l’appuie-tête du pilote et autorise un surcroît de stabilité à haute vitesse. Disposant du classique moteur 6 cylindres 3,4 litres de la marque, la type D, bâtie sur une structure monocoque, est également pourvue de freins à disques. La version « long nose », (dont seuls 10 exemplaires sortent d’usine, parmi lesquels la « 505/601 » de Ralph Lauren) assure le gain d’une quinzaine de kilomètres à l’heure en vitesse de pointe, lui permettant d’atteindre les 260 km/h. Aucune voiture des années 1950 n’incarne mieux la vitesse que cette Jaguar D, avec trois victoires consécutives entre 1955 et 1957 aux 24 heures du Mans ou encore une autre au Nürburgring, en 1956 : c’est la voiture la plus titrée de sa génération.

Mercedes-Benz 300 SL « Papillon », 1955

Mercedes-Benz 300 SL « Papillon », 1955. Collection Ralph Lauren © Photo Michael Furman

A l’aube des années 1950, Mercedes cherche à renouer avec la compétition au plus haut niveau. Rudolf Uhlenlaut s’active dès 1951 sur le projet « 300 SL », motivé en outre par une modification du règlement des grands prix prévue pour la saison 1954, contexte nécessitant également une remise en question des autres constructeurs concurrents. Un moteur de six cylindres de trois litres, extrapolé de celui de la limousine 300, est incorporé au cœur d’un châssis multitubulaire ultra léger, empêchant l’implantation de portières conventionnelles, du fait d’un seuil surélevé, ou encore de vitres ouvrantes. Ce handicap se transforme bien vite en coup de génie stylistique, par l’adoption de superbes portes papillon ouvrant de bas en haut. Après une brève mise au point, la 300 SL gagne course sur course, dont les 24 Heures du Mans en 1952, suivie, seulement l’année suivante, par l’élaboration d’une version de série, pour le plus grand plaisir des clients de la maison Mercedes, parmi lesquels Herbert von Karajan, Sophia Loren ou encore Elvis Presley, qui adoptent la nouvelle voiture.

Porsche 550 Spyder, 1955

Porsche 550 Spyder, 1955. Collection Ralph Lauren © Photo Michael Furman

Inspirée par le Type 356, lui-même extrapolé de la célèbre Volkswagen, la « 550 », dévoilée à l’occasion du Salon de l’Automobile à Paris en octobre 1953 et produite jusqu’en 1956, est l’une des premières Porsche de compétition. La dénomination « Spyder », adoptée par Ferry Porsche, désigne bien cette voiture de sport légère, ouverte, à deux places. Dotée d’un moteur quatre cylindres à plat refroidi par air, de 1498 cm³ et développant 110 CV, accolé à une boîte de vitesses à quatre rapports, la 550 s’avère de conduite facile et très rapide, puisque susceptible d’atteindre les 218 km/h. D’ailleurs, lors de la « Carrera Panamericana » 1954 au Mexique, Hans Herrmann signe le 3^e temps et la victoire de catégorie, tandis qu’en 1956, une 550 A s’adjuge une magnifique victoire à la Targa Florio, surclassant des Ferrari et Maserati de bien plus forte cylindrée. L’exemplaire de la collection Ralph Lauren correspond à la 61^e voiture sortie d’usine sur les 90 produites. Depuis le décès accidentel de James Dean au volant d’une telle voiture flambant neuve, le spyder est entré dans la légende et symbolise la « Fureur de vivre ».

Jaguar XKSS, 1958

Jaguar XKSS, 1958. Collection Ralph Lauren © Photo Michael Furman

Conséquence de ses magnifiques victoires lors des 24 Heures du Mans en 1955 et 1956, Jaguar, afin de satisfaire une clientèle enthousiaste, décline une version route de la XKD (moteur 6 cylindres de 3,4 litres développant 250 CV et propulsant la voiture à près de 250 km/h), qui prend l’appellation « XKSS ». Cette automobile, principalement destinée au marché américain, se distingue du modèle de compétition par la présence d’un pare-brise, d’une capote, de pare-chocs, d’un habitacle plus civilisé et par la disparition de la fameuse dérive. Seuls 16 exemplaires sont construits entre janvier et février 1957, auxquels il convient d’ajouter deux exemplaires de type D transformés par l’usine en 1958. La voiture de la collection Ralph Lauren est justement l’une d’elles, élaborée à partir de « XKD 533 » de 1956. Celle-ci participe aux Six Heures du Forez en 1957, aux mains des pilotes Monnoyeur et Dupuy, et termine en 7^e position, derrière une armada de Jaguar D qui décrochent les trois premières places.

Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa, 1958

Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa, 1958. Collection Ralph Lauren © Photo Michael Furman

La 250 « Testa Rossa » (« tête rouge ») doit son nom aux caches arbre à cames peints de couleur rouge sur son moteur 12 cylindres en V de 3 litres de cylindrée. Réalisée par la « Carrozzeria Scaglietti » d’après un dessin de Pinin Farina, qui propose un corps de torpille, la voiture dispose d’un appuie-tête émergeant de la carrosserie et de phares intégrés derrière un bulbe de plexiglas. La ligne très particulière de cette barquette s’avère avant tout fonctionnelle plus qu’esthétique. En effet, l’originalité des ailes avant permet de ne couvrir que partiellement les roues, afin d’obtenir un refroidissement efficace des freins à tambour. Dotée d’une caisse légère autorisant des pointes à 270 km/h, son moteur de 300 cv lui permet de remporter de très nombreuses victoires, comme les 24 heures du Mans en 1958, 1960 et 1961. La voiture de Ralph Lauren est la 14^e des 34 exemplaires similaires produits par la marque.

Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta SWB, 1960

Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta SWB, 1960. Collection Ralph Lauren © Photo Michael Furman

Tandis que la dénomination “250 GT” apparaît au catalogue de Maranello en 1955, le Salon de l’Automobile de Paris 1959 présente une version « Berlinetta » châssis court, dont l’empattement est raccourci de 20 cm par rapport à d’autres versions de la marque, ensemble formant un véritable pur-sang équipé pour la route, doté d’une carrosserie en aluminium dessinée par Pinin Farina et réalisée par les ateliers Scaglietti de Modène. Par rapport à la version grand-tourisme, destinée à un usage routier, la version « Competizione », dépourvue de tout luxe intérieur et de pare-chocs, dotée de freins à disques, bénéficie d’un moteur de 280 CV, permettant à ce modèle phare de la marque au cheval cabré de s’imposer impérieusement durant trois saisons consécutives (1960-1961-1962) au légendaire Tour de France automobile ou encore en catégorie GT aux 24 Heures du Mans. Lignes sensuelles, comportement et performances hors pairs (250 km/h), palmarès, tout concourt à faire de la berlinette 250 GT châssis court l’une des Ferrari les plus prisées. La voiture de Ralph Lauren est le 31^e exemplaire sorti d’usine sur les 165 produits.

Ferrari 250 GTO, 1962

Ferrari 250 GTO, 1962. Collection Ralph Lauren © Photo Michael Furman

Automobile conçue dans le plus grand secret, la « 250 GTO », considérée aujourd’hui comme la quintessence technique et esthétique des Ferrari « Vintage », incarne pour de nombreux « aficionados » l’une des voitures de sport les plus célèbres et les plus chères de tous les temps. Cette Grand Tourisme, produite à seulement 39 exemplaires, revêt un somptueux palmarès sportif, à l’image du titre de championne du monde des GT en 1962, 1963 et 1964, grâce à son moteur V12 de 300 CV situé en position avant, mais aussi du fait de la légèreté de sa carrosserie en aluminium, lui permettant des pointes à 280 km/h ! Avec une carrosserie signée Scaglietti, dotée d’un long capot, d’un cockpit ramassé et d’un arrière tronqué, elle symbolise la grand tourisme par excellence. L’exemplaire appartenant à Ralph Lauren est la 21^e GTO produite sur un total de 36 unités. Cette voiture remporta de nombreuses compétitions pilotée par Pedro et Ricardo Rodriguez, Roger Penske, Augie Pabst ou encore Richie Ginther.

Ferrari 250 LM, 1964

Ferrari 250 LM, 1964. Collection Ralph Lauren © Photo Michael Furman

La 250 LM (pour Berlinetta Le Mans) est une déclinaison de la 250 P, destinée à remplacer la GTO. Conçue pour la compétition, elle est dotée d’un moteur situé en position centrale, qui lui confère une ligne alors inhabituelle, présentant un habitacle en position avancée, avec un avant court et un arrière volumineux. Dotée du fameux V12 de la série 250, alimenté par six carburateurs, développant 320 CV et accouplé à une boîte à cinq vitesses, celui-ci propulse la berlinette à 295 km/h. La carrosserie en aluminium de la voiture, signée Scaglietti, repose sur un châssis multi-tubulaire. N’ayant pu obtenir l’homologation en Grand Tourisme, la 250 LM court en catégorie prototype et remporte les 24 heures du Mans en 1965. « 6321 », voiture personnelle de Ralph Lauren, 31^e exemplaire sur 32 construits, a participé à de multiples épreuves australiennes (Sandown Park, Perth, Warwick Farm, etc.).

Mc Laren F1 LM, 1996

Mc Laren F1 LM, 1996. Collection Ralph Lauren © Photo Michael Furman

Afin de rendre hommage à sa remarquable prestation lors de l’édition 1995 des 24 Heures du Mans, où cinq voitures parviennent à terminer l’épreuve, Mc Laren réalise un prototype plus une série limitée de cinq voitures baptisées pour l’occasion « F1 LM » (pour « Le Mans »). Ces fleurons, d’un poids réduit d’environ 75 kg par rapport à la version route classique, subissent des modifications aérodynamiques et un certain « relooking », notamment une très originale peinture de couleur « Papaya Orange », à la mémoire des célèbres formules 1 de Bruce Mc Laren. Dotée d’un puissant moteur 12 cylindres en V d’origine B.M.W. développant 691 CV, la F1 LM signe des accélérations foudroyantes (0 à 131 Km/h en 5.9 secondes !), lui permettant de battre plusieurs records. Elle est l’une des « Supercars » contemporaines les plus célèbres.

LE CATALOGUE
Un catalogue, édité par Les Arts Décoratifs accompagne cette exposition. Il est publié sous la direction de Rodolphe Rapetti et mis en page par Philippe Apeloig. Cet ouvrage de référence abondamment illustré et documenté, propose une étude approfondie de chacun des modèles exposés.

Du 28 avril au 28 août 2011. 107, rue de Rivoli – 75001 Paris

FIAT 600D MULTIPLA -1965 Châssis # 127582

FIAT 600D MULTIPLA -1965 Châssis # 127582. Courtesy Artcurial - Briest-Poulain-F.Tajan - Paris

Moteur # 100 008 / 2219492. Estimation : 26 000 / 30 000 €

La Multipla est la première voiture dite Monospace de grande série, quelques constructeurs eurent cette idée avant la seconde guère mondiale mais leurs essais restèrent à l'état de prototype ou de très petites productions. La base est celle de la Fiat 600, sortie en 1955, grande sœur de la célèbre Fiat 500. Elle se différencie par un moteur à quatre cylindres en ligne à refroidissement à eau contre seulement deux refroidis par air sur la 500 et par un volume plus important tout en reprenant la même ligne générale. La Multipla reprend donc la plate forme et la majorité de l'ensemble mécanique de la 600, mais avec une carrosserie monocoque tout acier spécialement étudié pour le transport de personnes. La suspension avant est différente de la 600, les lames transversales laissent place à des ressorts hélicoïdaux afin de supporter l'excès de poids. Beaucoup furent utilisées comme taxi, navette d'hôtel et bien sûr en familiale. Elle offre trois rangées de sièges dont les centraux sont escamotables et disparaissent ingénieusement dans le plancher, quant à la banquette arrière, elle se démonte en un clin d'œil et l'adorable Multipla se métamorphose en camionnette.
La voiture présentée est originaire d'Italie et est équipée du moteur de la série D comme il se doit dont la cylindrée est passée de 633 cm3 à 767 cm3 et la boîte est à quatre rapports dont la première n'est toujours pas synchronisée. Elle a fait l'objet d'une restauration soignée et poussée par les établissements " Lazare & Vespucci " avec le souci de l'authenticité. La carrosserie a été mise à nu et sablée et la mécanique restaurée. Le moteur a été refait ainsi que l'embrayage et la boîte de vitesses. Les freins, les amortisseurs, les cardans et les pneus sont neufs. La sellerie en vinyle rouge à passepoil blanc a été refaite à neuf et ses tapis en caoutchouc remplacés. Ces voitures sont rares à notre époque car, utilisées et usées souvent jusqu'à la corde, la plupart finirent à la casse. Il est peu fréquent d'en trouver une qui n'a pas souffert et qui a été restaurée de la sorte. Elle demeure une automobile amusante, facile à conduire et à entretenir et un investissement sûr.

Carte grise française de collection.

Artcurial - Briest-Poulain-F.Tajan - Paris. Vente aux enchères du Mardi 1er mars 2011. Hôtel Dassault - 7 Rond Point des Champs-Elysées - 75008 - Paris. Contact: Cyril Pigot au 01 42 99 16 56.

Coveted Ferrari 166 MM. Touring Barchetta Joins RM Auction's Arizona Sale

1949 Ferrari 166 MM Barchetta. Photo Credit: Hugh Hamilton ©2010 Courtesy of RM Auctions.

BLENHEIM, ON.- With preparations well underway for the 2011 collector car auction season, RM announced today the consignment of a rare, race-bred 1949 Ferrari 166 MM Touring Barchetta, chassis number 0024 M, as the latest star attraction for its Arizona sale, returning January 20 – 21, 2011.

Originally commissioned for the 1949 Paris Motor Show, for which it was painted in the Argentinean racing colors of yellow and blue, 0024 M is considered one of the rarest and most historic early Ferraris, having been owned and raced by many notable individuals in the Ferrari world. The 10th of just 25 examples featuring striking “Barchetta” coackwork from Carrozzeria Touring of Milan, it made its racing debut at the 1950 Mar del Plata in Argentina, finishing an impressive first overall (pictured left). It was also raced in period in the 1951 Mille Miglia, where it was driven by well-known female driver Aprile Palmer, who purchased the car shortly afterwards.

The subject of a complete and total restoration, 0024 M is today finished in red and fitted with its original components, including chassis, numbers-matching engine, gearbox and differential. As an original entrant in the famed Mille Miglia it is eligible for nearly any event open to historic Ferraris. (Estimate Available Upon Request).

“Over the years RM has earned the privilege of offering more important and historic Ferraris than any other auction house. We are thrilled to present another great series of Ferraris at our Arizona sale in January, including the rare 166MM, s/n 0024 M, arguably one of the most meticulously documented Ferraris we have ever had the pleasure of offering,” says Rob Myers, Chairman and Founder RM Auctions.

Continuing RM’s reputation as the global leader in the presentation of historic Ferraris at auction, the 166 MM will be joined by no less than 10 other Ferraris at the company’s Arizona sale. Other notable entries include the previously-announced 1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Spyder, s/n 16835, offered from the personal collection of Baseball Hall of Famer, Mr. Reggie Jackson (Est. $800,000 - $1,000,000); a stunning, fully-certified 1966 Ferrari Superfast Series I, s/n 5989 SF (Est. $900,000 - $1,100,000); a fully-restored 1950 Ferrari 166 Inter Berlinetta, s/n 043S, one of just 37 examples produced and displayed at the 1950 Turin Motor Show (Est. $400,000 - $600,000); the 1995 Ferrari F50 Show Car, and a 1967 Ferrari 330 GTC Coupe, s/n 10199 (Est. $220,000 - $250,000).

In addition to the Ferraris, other recent lots include:

· A multiple award-winning 1933 Packard Twelve Sport Phaeton by Dietrich, the 1933 New York Show Car and previously part of the famed Otis Chandler Collection (Est. $1,500,000 – $2,000,000);

· A meticulously-restored, multiple award-winning 1939 Bugatti Type 57C Three-Position Drophead Coupe, boasting an intriguing World War II provenance (Est. $750,000 - $850,000);

· A 1964 Dodge Hemi Charger Concept Car, the ultimate of all muscle and concepts cars and likely the most important Hemi-powered car in existence (Est. $750,000 - $1,000,000);

· A superbly restored 1966 Shelby 427 Cobra, CSX 3259 (Est. $650,000 - $750,000); and,

· A pair of Mercedes-Benz 300SL Coupes, including an early production example from 1954 formerly owned by Benihana founder, Rocky Aoki (Est. $450,000 - $550,00); a beautifully restored 1955 model presented in Graphite Gray with a red leather interior (Est. $700,000 - $800,000).

RM’s 2011 Arizona auctions kicks off on Thursday, January 20 with the exclusive ‘The British Are Back’ evening sale, followed by the company’s traditional Friday sale on January 21. For a frequently updated list of auction offerings, including star consignments for ‘The British Are Back’, please visit www.rmauctions.com.

For those unable to attend the event in person, Internet, absentee, telephone and iPhone bidding options are available and the auction will stream live online at www.rmauctions.com to provide real-time coverage of the event.

Event Details – Automobiles of Arizona

Sale dates:
January 20, 2011 6.30pm – 9:00pm MT - ‘The British Are Back’
January 21, 2011 11:00am – 7:00pm MT

Preview dates:
Thursday, January 20, 2011 9:00am – 6:00pm MT
Friday, January 21, 2011 9:00am – 6:00pm MT

Location:
The Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa,
24th Street & Missouri, Phoenix, AZ 85016

Rolls-Royce Phantom III, Featured in Pan's Labyrinth Film, to Sell at Bonhams

1936 Rolls-Royce Phantom III Five Passenger Limousine. Photo: Bonhams

LONDON.- The first Rolls-Royce Phantom III to be sold to America, which featured in the award-winning 2006 film Pan’s Labyrinth, is to be sold at Bonhams traditional end of year sale of Important Motor Cars and Fine Automobilia on 6 December, which this year takes place at Mercedes-Benz World at Brooklands in Surrey.

A total number of 24 Phantom III Rolls-Royces are thought to have been sold to America new, with this car listed to have been delivered first on 2 December 1936. Estimated at £60,000 – 70,000 and in fantastic condition, the car was used alongside a Bentley in a car chase in the film Pan’s Labyrinth, which was directed by Guillermo del Toro. It has been owned by a prominent connoisseur of pre-war luxury cars since this time and kept in Southern Europe.

The first Phantom III sold to America, featured in the film Pan's Labyrinth 1936 Rolls-Royce Phantom III Five Passenger Limousine Coachwork by Inskip. Photo: Bonhams

Chassis no. 3 AZ 190 - Estimate: £60,000 - 70,000

Note: Introduced in 1936, the 7,340cc V12-engined Phantom III succeeded the Phantom II, the six-cylinder engine of which was at the end of its development life. The choice of a V12 configuration was a logical one for Rolls-Royce, the company already having considerable experience of manufacturing V12 aero engines. No doubt another consideration was the need to match the multi-cylinder opposition, notably the V16 Cadillac and V12 Hispano-Suiza. The initial power output of 165bhp was subsequently raised to 180bhp, which was sufficient to propel later examples of the Phantom III to 100mph, earlier models being capable of around 90. Its engine configuration aside, the Phantom III represents an important milestone in the history of Rolls-Royce cars, being the first with independent front suspension.

Very few Phantom III Rolls-Royce were sold to America new, the total number being believed to be 24, of which the lion's share were bodied by New York based J.S. Inskip Inc. This car is the first PIII chassis listed to have been sold to America, not surprisingly it was delivered to New York City based client, E.W. Bill. Its delivery date was 2nd December 1936 and the coachwork it wore from new was the stylish 5 person limousine coachwork it still wears to this day. At the time of writing only limited information is known of the car's history, it is listed in John Webb de Campi's Rolls-Royce in America as having been offered for sale in the U.S. in 1952, but after this its history is known.

From its appearance today, the car must have had a cherished life as the rear compartment still retains its complete original interior, whereas so often these are either refurbished in restoration or become beyond serviceable use and are then replaced. Clearly aesthetically very original and complete, the car is reported to drive well and importantly is stated as running cool, and so not suffering from the cooling problems often associated with this model.

The car has been in Southern Europe for at least the last five years, and in its prior ownership was used alongside a Bentley in a car chase in the award winning 2006 film Pan's Labyrinth. It has been the property of a prominent connoisseur of pre-war luxury cars since this time.

1936 Rolls-Royce Phantom III Five Passenger Limousine. Photo: Bonhams

A 1934 Lagonda M45 Tourer, which has had five owners since new, including the Pink Floyd drummer and prominent collector, Nick Mason, is another sale highlight. Estimated at £110,000 – 140,000, it has been immaculately restored by its current owner.

The ex-Bidwell-Topham, Nick Mason 1934 Lagonda M45 Tourer Coachwork by Vanden Plas. Photo: Bonhams

Registration no. AYP 267 - Chassis no. 210875 - Engine no. 22623. Estimate: £110,000 - 140,000

Note: 'Lagonda cars have always upheld a reputation for effortless fast touring and the pride of ownership which fine detail work and distinguished coachbuilding can give. The 4½-Litre model retains these characteristics, but scores considerably over its forebears by its high power-to-weight ratio. The chassis is no bigger than the three litre car, and there is no suggestion of clumsiness, heavy steering or the other drawbacks which often accompany the large engined car.' - Motor Sport, January 1934.
The Lagonda car company was founded in 1906 in Staines, Middlesex by the American Wilbur Gunn (1859-1920) who named it after a river near his home town of Springfield, Ohio. Gunn had started out building motorcycles in the garden of his house in Staines with some success, including winning the 1905 London to Edinburgh Trial. In 1907 he launched his first car and in 1910 won the Moscow to St Petersburg Trial driving a 16/18hp model. Having established its reputation, Lagonda concentrated mainly on the production of light cars before reverting to sporting and luxury models in the mid-1920s with the introduction of the 14/60. This four-cylinder, 2.0-litre model was joined in 1929 by the first of Lagonda's own sixes - the 3-Litre - but by the mid-1930s the Meadows-engined cars were seen as the way forward. Introduced at the 1933 Olympia Show and based on the preceding ZM 3-Litre model, the M45 deployed Meadows' 4½-litre, twin-plug six to good effect, saloons being capable of reaching 90mph and tourers 'the ton' under favourable conditions.
'A short run on one of the first of the 4½-Litre Lagonda models, with an open four-seater body, left a vivid impression not only of brilliant acceleration and sheer performance, but of a car delightfully silent and easy running in a way that can be achieved to the fullest extent only by a big-engined machine working well inside its limits,' reported The Autocar in 1933. As the foregoing contemporary quote clearly demonstrates, these exceptionally handsome big-engined Lagondas created a considerable impression when new, and here we offer a fine example of this elegant and very British post-Vintage thoroughbred.
Chassis number '210875' comes with a copy of Vanden Plas's invoice to Messrs Duff Morgan & Co Ltd of Old Inn Garage, London SW3 for the construction of its aluminium panelled four-seater sports coachwork. Purchased by the current vendor at Brooks' Earls Court Sale in October 1991 (Lot 74), the car is believed to have had only five owners from new, including the well-known Topham family of Aintree racecourse fame and prominent collector Nick Mason. A lady friend of the original owner - a Mr Ralph Calvert - recognised 'AYP 267' in a feature piece in 'The Times' newspaper that year and recalled how he had bought 10,000 shares upon the launch of a new national newspaper, sold them within a week as they had gained a shilling each in value, and promptly invested the profit in ordering this Lagonda. She also supplied the preceding owner with some charming contemporary photographs of the car, together with the Vanden Plas specification sheets relating to it. In correspondence on file she remembers being taken to all the best restaurants in the car during the 1930s, the heyday of this splendid and extremely evocative gentleman's touring car.
'AYP 267' has been much improved since acquisition by the current vendor; the engine, gearbox, steering, etc being completely rebuilt with all new bearings and other parts by Classic Restorations (Scotland) Ltd of Alyth, Perthshire between mid-1998 and early 2000 (invoices available). By then the vendor had moved to France, where the car was stored until he returned to Scotland in 2006, since when it has been MoT'd annually. Only some 1,000-or-so miles have been covered since restoration, while recent work has included overhauling the BTH magneto and fitting new tyres.
Having enjoyed the Lagonda for the past 20 years, the vendor is returning to France permanently and feels that the time has come to pass it on to a fortunate new owner. He describes it as mechanically rebuilt and in wonderful original condition thanks to good care, minimal use and the rust-free aluminium body. This exceptionally attractive post-Vintage thoroughbred is offered with current road fund licence, MoT to August 2011, Swansea V5C document, the aforementioned correspondence and full history including the original purchase invoice.

Meanwhile a Mercedes-Benz 600, once owned by the ‘King of Rock and Roll’, Elvis Presley, has attracted a pre-sale estimate of £150,000 – 200,000.

The ex-Elvis Presley 1970 Mercedes-Benz 600 Saloon Limousine. Photo: Bonhams

Registration no. 10001212001469 - Chassis no. 10098012001547. Estimate: £150,000 - 200,000

Note: 'In an age when flaunting your wealth wasn't a crime, the 600 was the automotive equivalent of Monaco. It's a masterpiece of engineering, a quantum leap over its opposition, and redefines the word opulence.' - Classic & Sportscar magazine.
By the commencement of the 1960s, Mercedes-Benz's ever-expanding model range was lacking in only one department: a super prestige saloon to rival the Grosser Mercedes of the past. This gap was filled in September 1963 with the appearance at the Frankfurt International Motor Show of the all-new 600. Representing state-of-the-art automotive engineering in just about every department, the supremely well-equipped newcomer featured an overhead-camshaft, fuel-injected, 6.3-litre V8 engine - Mercedes' first - air suspension with variable ride control, four-speed automatic transmission, all-round disc brakes, power-assisted steering, central locking and separate air conditioning systems for front and rear compartments. Its cosseted occupants enjoyed the advantages conferred by multi-way adjustable seating powered by a sophisticated system of hydraulics that also operated the windows and assisted in opening/closing the doors and boot lid.
The most popular version was the 3,200mm (10' 6") wheelbase saloon that could seat up to six passengers, while the long-wheelbase Pullman limousine - a veritable leviathan exceeding 20' in length and beloved of Heads of State, not to mention a succession of Popes - could accommodate up to eight. Despite its not inconsiderable weight, the 600 was endowed with highly respectable performance, reaching 60mph in a little under 10 seconds and exceeding 125mph flat out.
One of 2,190 saloon limousines built on the shorter wheelbase between 1963 and 1981, this example of Mercedes-Benz's luxury flagship was delivered new in the USA and is understood to be one of two obtained by Elvis Presley within a few months of each other: one being kept in California and the other in Memphis, Tennessee. The bill of sale for this particular car shows that it was delivered new to Mercedes-Benz dealer Robertson Motors in Memphis, Tennessee while the accompanying automobile registration card records it as registered to Elvis Aaron Presley, 1174 Hillcrest Road (later 144 Monovale Drive), Beverley Hills, California on the registration plate '650 CNT', which is in the history file.
At the time he took delivery of the Mercedes-Benz, Elvis was in the process of rebuilding his career, for some years in the doldrums, a process that had commenced with his 'Comeback Special' television show of December 1968. NBC's highest-rated show of the season, it was an outstanding success and the singer followed it up with the critically acclaimed album, 'From Elvis in Memphis', released in the summer of 1969. Keen to resume live performing, he commenced a series of engagements at the newly opened International Hotel in Las Vegas that same year, which continued until his tragic death in August 1977.
Following Elvis' death, the 600 went back to Robertson Motors, who requested a letter from Mercedes-Benz of North America confirming the previous ownership. Contained within the history file, this document states: 'Your Grand Mercedes 600 was originally leased by Elvis Presley from his dealer Robertson Motors, Memphis, Tennessee.' The police tracking device and radio were removed, the receipt for this work being on file.
Also contained within the file is a workshop manual; spare parts books; original owners manual; maintenance booklet, unstamped and in original condition; an original advertising brochure for the 600 SWB; two registration plates: '650 CNT' and '1 ELVIS'; and other documentation concerning the car. The photograph of Elvis getting into the car, reproduced here in the catalogue, is in the file also.
The current vendor bought the Mercedes-Benz from Robertson Motors and imported it into the UK in 2005, since when it has been looked after by Bob Empson, of Cambridge. After purchase the car received a bare metal re-spray by Peterborough Painters, the bumpers being re-chromed and the wheels repainted at around the same time. The interior has been well looked after and remains original. In addition to the aforementioned documentation the car comes with USA and UK maintenance bills, two expired MoT certificates, Swansea V5C registration document and MoT to August 2011.
Cars once owned by Elvis Presley are rarely offered for sale on the open market and thus this imposing Mercedes-Benz 600 represents a wonderful opportunity to acquire an iconic automobile associated with one of the 20th Century's most popular recording artists.

The ex-Elvis Presley 1970 Mercedes-Benz 600 Saloon Limousine. Photo: Bonhams

Another car with remarkable provenance is a 1964 Maserati 3500GTI Coupé, which belonged to the renowned Maserati specialist, the late Bill McGrath. Discovered in 1973 in a builder’s yard and purchased for £500, the car has attracted a pre-sale estimate of £65,000 – 75,000. It was during the restoration process that McGrath realised how little was known about Maseratis and how few parts were available. Having nursed the car back to health, he started to gain a reputation as a superb restorer and in 1977 became a full-time specialist in the marque.

Formerly the property of the late Bill McGrath, 1964 Maserati 3500GTI Coupé  Coachwork by Touring, of Milan. Photo: Bonhams

Registration no. CLN 129B. Chassis no. AM101.2850. Engine no. AM101.2850. Estimate: £65,000 - 75,000

Note: By the end of the 1950s Maserati was facing a bleak future. Its parent company's financial difficulties forced a withdrawal from racing, and Maserati's survival strategy henceforth centred on establishing the company as a producer of road cars. The Modena marque's new era began in 1957 with the launch of the Touring-bodied 3500GT, its first road car built in significant numbers. A luxury 2+2, the 3500GT drew on Maserati's competition experience, employing a tubular chassis frame and an engine derived from the 350S sportscar unit. Suspension was independent at the front by wishbones and coil springs, while at the back there was a conventional live axle/semi-elliptic arrangement. The twin-overhead-camshaft, six-cylinder engine developed around 220bhp initially, later examples producing 235bhp on Lucas mechanical fuel injection. Built initially with drum brakes and a four-speed gearbox, the 3500GT was gradually improved, gaining five speeds, front disc brakes and, finally, all-disc braking.
The example offered here represents the pinnacle of the model's development, featuring the five-speed ZF gearbox, disc brakes all round, twin-plug ignition, air conditioning and Lucas mechanical fuel injection, hence the name change to '3500GTI', the first time the now common 'GTI' appellation had ever been used. Chassis number '2850' is one of the last 3500GTIs built and one of only around 100 right-hand drive cars from a total production of a round 2,000. It is of particular significance to UK Maserati enthusiasts, having been owned for the last 37 years by Bill McGrath.
A non-runner when Bill McGrath's wife discovered it in a builder's yard in 1973, '2850' was purchased for £500 and Bill then set about restoring it. During this process he realised that there was very little known about these Maseratis and very few parts available. Having nursed the car back to health, Bill started to gain a reputation within the nascent Maserati Club as someone who could make these cars work properly. In 1977 he gave up his job running an 'everyday' garage and became a full time Maserati specialist.
The 3500GTI was used as daily transport by Bill and his wife - taking the children to school, carrying hay bales for their horses - but as Bill became busier with other Maseratis so his time to look after his own car diminished and in 1986 it was taken off the road. Bill's company grew, restoring many significant Maseratis over the years as well as supporting owners with servicing and parts. Bill promised himself that one day he would restore his own car again but it was only when he finally retired in 2004 that it actually happened. Together with the team that now runs 'Bill McGrath Maserati', Bill restored his car and was able to use it once again, though only some 1,000-or-so miles have been covered since the engine was rebuilt seven years ago. Sadly, Bill McGrath died in December 2009.
Sold here on behalf of his family, this 3500GTI was the first and the last Maserati restored by Bill McGrath, a name that will be forever linked with the great Italian marque. '2850' is offered with MoT to November 2011 and Swansea V5 registration document. Additional dashboard gauges for fuel pressure and vacuum are the only notified deviations from factory specification, while slow synchromesh into 4th gear is understood to be the only fault.

Formerly the property of the late Bill McGrath, 1964 Maserati 3500GTI Coupé Coachwork by Touring, of Milan. Photo: Bonhams

Sale highlights also include a 2000 Ferrari 550 GTZ (price on application); a 1964 AC Cobra (estimate £250,000 – 300,000); a 1955 Mercedes 300 Gullwing (estimate £350,000 – 400,000); a 1937 SS100 Jaguar 2 ½ Litre Roadster (estimate £210,000 – 230,000); and a 1967 Aston Martin DB6 MK1 Volante Convertible (estimate £200,000 – 300,000).

1956 Mercedes Benz 300 SL Gullwing

1956 Mercedes Benz 300 SL Gullwing. photo Artcurial - Briest-Poulain-F.Tajan

Châssis n° 1980406500274 - Moteur n° 19898010002868 - Estimation : 350 000 / 400 000 €

Catalogué parmi les valeurs sûres depuis son apparition sur le marché, le coupé 300 SL mondialement célèbre reste la plus emblématique des Mercedes-Benz d'après 1945 par son originalité, son homogénéité et ses qualités techniques et esthétiques qui inquiétèrent la concurrence et étonnèrent les connaisseurs.
Chargé d'affirmer le retour de la marque parmi l'élite des constructeurs mondiaux, le type 300 SL (W194) apparut en 1952 sous la forme de deux coupés sport compétition qui inaugurèrent une brillante carrière sportive en finissant deuxième et quatrième de la Mille Miglia, en remportant la redoutable Carrera Panamericana au Mexique puis en s'imposant aux 24 Heures du Mans face à des machines de plus forte cylindrée.

La 300 SL de compétition, efficace mais sommairement équipée, devait en principe se limiter à jouer un rôle de démonstrateur au profit du type 300 de tourisme lorsque cette somme de performances suscita une demande inespérée en ces années de reprise économique.
La direction de la firme hésitait à mettre sur le marché un modèle qu'il fallait absolument adapter à un usage routier normal quand une commande émanant d'un importateur américain, commande accompagnée d'une incitation sous la forme d'une confortable avance en dollars, détermina Daimler-Benz à éditer une version routière plus raffinée.
Celle-ci apparut en 1954 au Salon de New York sous la forme d'un superbe coupé aux lignes à la fois agressives et souples, d'une belle homogénéité de style et toujours doté des étonnantes portes papillon imposées par la hauteur des seuils de porte elle-même dictée par l'emploi du châssis tubulaire original.
La 300 SL (type W198) dont les organes mécaniques étaient empruntés à la luxueuse berline 300 reçut une version encore plus raffinée du six-cylindres en ligne de trois litres à 1 ACT de la W194 dont la puissance était portée à 215 ch grâce à une alimentation par injection directe Bosch et pour abaisser la hauteur du capot, le bloc avait été incliné latéralement à 45 degrés.
Ces spécifications qui tranchaient avec les pratiques courantes, ajoutées à la carrosserie en aluminium, aux quatre roues indépendantes, aux freins ventilés et à des équipements et des finitions de qualité firent aussitôt de la 300 SL de production la machine d'exception qu'elle est restée.
La voiture présentée, sortie d'usine en juin 1956 et vendue neuve en France en novembre de la même année, a été aux mains du même propriétaire de 1979 à 2008.
En 1984, elle a bénéficié d'une remise en état mécanique qui a concerné la culasse, les freins, le démarreur et le circuit de refroidissement.
Acquise en mai 2008 par l'actuel propriétaire, cette 300 SL a fait l'objet en 2008 et 2009 de quelques travaux d'amélioration portant sur les joints d'étanchéité de carrosserie, les bagues des articulations de suspensions, l'équipement radio Becker Mexico complété d'un lecteur MP3, les moquettes et le drap de pavillon.
L' intérieur en cuir beige a été complètement refait mais l'intérieur en cuir brun d'origine sera fourni au futur acquéreur.
En décembre 2009, elle a bénéficié en Allemagne d'une grande révision et un contrôle technique, complétés d'un remplacement de tous les fluides (huile moteur, boîte et pont, liquide de refroidissement) et du remplacement des filtres, d'une révision du système d'injection, d'une révision du démarreur, de la dynamo et du système d'injection, d'un regarnissage des mâchoires de frein, d'un réglage des soupapes, d'une vérification des instruments de bord et d'un contrôle au banc à rouleaux.
Affichant d'origine 52 313 km en janvier 2010, elle a été classée suite à expertise en condition 2.
Cette belle 300 SL est munie de ses papiers monégasques et de ses manuels d'utilisation et d'entretien d'origine accompagnés d'un dossier de factures de travaux.
Il est certain que cet exemplaire a été très bien suivi, factures à l'appui, restant entre les mains d'un véritable amateur et passionné de la marque durant les deux dernières années.
Il s'agit d'un mythe, introuvable actuellement à ce prix-là sur le marché, dont la cote est en permanente progression.

Ranked as a vehicle of undoubted value since its appearance on the market, the world-famous 300 SL coupé remains the most iconic of all Mercedes-Benz cars since 1945 for its originality, regularity and technical and aesthetic qualities which scared the competition and stunned the connoisseurs.
Given the job of confirming the make's return to the élite of the world's car makers, the 300 SL (W194) appeared in 1952 in the form of two competition sport coupés, which marked the start of a brilliant sporting career by finishing second and fourth in the Mille Miglia, carrying off the prestigious Carrera Panamericana in Mexico and then making its mark on the Le Mans 24 hours against cars with much bigger engines.
The competition 300 SL, effective but with a minimum of equipment, was intended to act merely as a demonstrator pointing to the 300 tourer before its series of remarkable performances triggered an unimagined demand during those years of economic recovery.
The company management was reluctant to market a model that had to be adapted completely for normal road use, when an order from an American imported, accompanied with an incentive in the form of a substantial advance payment in dollars, led Daimler-Benz to produce a more refined road version.
This version appeared at the 1954 New York fair in the form of a superb coupé with lines both striking and subtle, remarkable regularity of style and the amazing Gullwing doors necessitated by the height of the door thresholds, itself dictated by the use of the highly original tubular chassis.
The 300 SL (type W198) whose mechanical components were borrowed from the sumptuous 300 4-door produced an even more refined six-in-line-cylinder three-litre single OHC model, based on the W194 but with power boosted to 215 hp thanks to the Bosch direct fuel injection.
To reduce bonnet height, the whole unit was tilted to the side by 45 degrees. These specifications, which complied with current practice and were added to the aluminium body work, four independent wheels, ventilated brakes and fittings and finishings of superb quality, immediately made the mass-produced 300 SL the exceptional car that it has remained.
The car on offer, which left the factory in June 1956 and was sold new in France in November 1956, was cared for by the same owner from 1979 to 2008.
In 1984 it underwent a mechanical overhaul including the cylinder head, brakes, starter and cooling circuit. Acquired by the current owned in May 2008, this 300 SL underwent some improvement works in 2008 and 2009, principally on the bodywork waterproofing, the suspension rings, the Becker Mexico radio system complete with MP3 reader, the carpeting and the roofing.
The beige leather interior was completely refitted, but the original leather interior will be supplied to the future purchaser.
In December 2009 it underwent a major overhaul and technical test in Germany, at which time all the filters and fluids (engine oil, box and bridge and cooling liquid) were replaced and the injection system, started and dynamo overhauled, the brake shoes refitted, the valves adjusted, the dashboard checked, and a roller test conducted.
Displaying 52,313 km (32,695 miles) in January 2010, it was classified Condition 2 following the tests.
This magnificent 300 SL still carries its original Monegasque papers and user's and maintenance manuals, accompanied by a works invoices file.
This exemplary car has certainly been well loved, as witness its works invoices and period spent with an owner with a passion for the make over the last two years.
This car is a legend, which currently cannot be found elsewhere at this price in a continually progressing market

Artcurial - Briest-Poulain-F.Tajan - Paris. Commissaire-priseur Hervé Poulain. Vente du Dimanche 7 novembre 2010. Hôtel Dassault - 7 Rond Point des Champs-Elysées - 75008 - Paris. Pour toute information complémentaire, veuillez contacter Anne-Sophie Masson au 01 42 99 20 51.

1959 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I

1959 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I. photo Artcurial - Briest-Poulain-F.Tajan

Châssis n° LSHF 211 - Estimation : 33 000 / 40 000 €

La Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud de 1955 (dite SCI quand apparaîtra la II ) est la descendante des grandes Rolls classiques d'avant 1940 et, à ce titre, elle mérite toute l'attention des collectionneurs.
C'est la dernière six-cylindres à châssis séparé dont le moteur porté à près de 5 litres est la version la plus perfectionné du groupe série B dérivé d'un huit-cylindres en ligne étudié depuis 1935 qui équipa d'abord des véhicules militaires et des chars puis la grande Silver Wraith en 1947.
Le six-cylindres bénéficia donc des progrès technologiques accomplis pendant le conflit et d'un banc d'essai prestigieux : la Bentley Continental de 1952.
La Cloud I fut aussi la première équipée de freins à commande hydro-mécanique à l'arrière, le châssis (renforcé) recevant au niveau des suspensions d'ultimes raffinements.
Ce fut aussi la première équipée d'un boîte automatique à quatre rapports d'origine General Motors, mais fabriquée sous licence aux normes Rolls-Royce.
Dans un état d'origine exceptionnel, affichant 54 000 miles (87 000 km) au compteur, cette SCI à conduite à gauche n'a eu que trois propriétaires californiens dont un pendant 28 ans.
Elle a été partiellement repeinte dans sa teinte d'origine, blanc, conservant son intérieur Butterscotch (Caramel) original et ses somptueuses finitions en bois vernis.
Equipée de l'air conditionné, option d'époque appréciée en Californie, elle n'a parcouru que 400 km depuis son dernier entretien.
Son historique joint qui remonte à 1976 est complété par le manuel de l'utilisateur et par le porte-documents d'origine Rolls-Royce, un second jeu de clés avec le porte-clés d'origine, par les deux jeux d'outils de bord, le cric, la roue de secours et une housse.
C'est une rare opportunité d'acquérir une grande classique très saine avec son titre de circulation américain et son certificat de dédouanement dans l'UE.


The 1955 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud (known as the SCI when the II came out) is the descendant of the great pre-1940 classic Rolls and, as such, it merits collectors' full attention.
It is the last six cylinder with a separate chassis whose engine, brought up to almost 5 litres, is the most refined version of the series B group derived from a straight eight cylinder studied since 1935 which was first used in military vehicles and tanks, then the great Silver Wraith in 1947.
The six cylinder therefore benefitted from technological development made during conflict and a prestigious testing ground: the 1952 Bentley Continental.
The Cloud I was also the first to be equipped with hydromechanical rear brakes, and its chassis (reinforced) received ultimate suspension refinements.
This was also the first vehicle equipped with an automatic four speed gear box designed by General Motors but produced under licence to Rolls-Royce standard.
In an exceptional original condition, with 54,000 miles (87,000km) on the clock, this left-hand drive SCI has had only three Californian owners, one of them for 28 years.
It has been partially repainted in its original colour, white, retaining its original Butterscotch (caramel) interior and its sumptuous wood veneer finish.
Equipped with air conditioning, a highly valued option of the time in California, it has only done 400km since its last service.
In addition to its appended records, which go back to 1976, it also comes with the user manual and the original Rolls-Royce document holder, the two set of on-board tools, jack, spare wheel, and a cover.
This is a rare opportunity to acquire a great classic in truly sound condition with its American title and its EU customs clearance certificate

Artcurial - Briest-Poulain-F.Tajan - Paris. Commissaire-priseur Hervé Poulain. Vente du Dimanche 7 novembre 2010. Hôtel Dassault - 7 Rond Point des Champs-Elysées - 75008 - Paris. Pour toute information complémentaire, veuillez contacter Anne-Sophie Masson au 01 42 99 20 51.