BONHAMS SEE SALE SUCCESS AT CHANTILLY AS TIMELESS GERMAN CLASSICS GO UNDER THE HAMMER

September 20, 2016 by Bonhams

The best of German automotive engineering headlined Bonhams Chantilly sale, with the Ex-1935 Berlin Motor Show Mercedes-Benz 500K Special Roadster realising €5,290,000, while a trio of Horch greats sold for a collective €2.3 million.

In 1935 the 500K took pride of place on the Mercedes-Benz stand at the Berlin Motor Show, where it was promptly bought by Hans Friedrech Prym (1875-1965). Hans came from the industrial Prym dynasty, a family who for twelve generations had produced haberdashery, copper, and brass products, leading to Hans becoming known locally as the 'zipper king'.

'The 500K was subsequently stolen, but now – after having returned to the family more than 80 years later, and carefully entrusted to Bonhams for auction – it has sold at our Chantilly sale for an excellent €5,290,000,' said Philip Kantor, Bonhams European Head of Motoring.

'Bonhams return for only our second sale in Chantilly. We're delighted that the results have far exceeded that of last year, achieving more than €9 million at today's sale.'

Elsewhere in the auction, a trio of Horch classics from the 1930s. Founded in 1904, Horch is one of the ancestors of the present Audi company. In its short lifetime, the company produced several magnificent motor cars, three of which achieved excellent prices in the auction room. The 1937 Horch 853 Spezial Roadster sold for €1,035,000, while both the 1938 Horch 853 A Sport Cabriolet and the 1934 Horch 780 B Cabriolet realized €632,500.

Malcolm Barber, Bonhams Co-Chairman, said: 'Chantilly Arts & Elegance is a fabulous event where Bonhams is proud to offer the sole motoring auction. We've achieved an excellent result today, and look forward to the two further auctions coming up in September, with the Goodwood Revival Sale taking place 10 September, and the Robert White Collection Sale taking place 19 September.'

Further auction highlights include the 1956 Bentley S1 Coupé, sold for €293,250; the 1993 Porsche 911 Turbo Coupé sold for €238,625, the 1965 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III Cabriolet sold for €207,000; the 1994 Porsche 928 GTS, sold for €101,200; and the 1990 BMW Z1 Roadster sold for €69,000.

Bonhams Chantilly Sale takes place on the grounds of the Château de Chantilly, at the Chantilly Arts and Elegance fair, an event now in its 3rd year. The annual event attracts thousands of spectators, taking in the delights of the 'Concours d'Elegance' competition for modern concept cars, and a superb 'Concours d'Etat' for classic cars from around the world. The 'Art & Elegance' event also plays host to fine art exhibitions, fashion shows, live music and various lifestyle exhibits, all on the grounds of the magnificent château.