Headlining the Bonhams|Cars Zoute Sale is the elegant Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta TdF – recognized by the title 'Tour de France' for its dominance in the French car-racing marathon during a coveted time in racing history. Estimated at €5,000,000 - €7,000,000, the matching numbers 250 TdF campaigned for 37 years by the late Plinio Haas, has been fully restored to the highest standards by the best names in the business, is Ferrari Classiche certified (2018), and ready to perform at prestigious competitions. This beautiful golden-colored example will be offered for sale during the Zoute Grand Prix – one of Europe's most prestigious car events – in the coastal Belgium town of Knokke-Heist on October 8. The 100-lot sale is expected to achieve in excess of €25 million, which will be the most valuable sale for the Bonhams|Cars decennial anniversary.
In 2016 the car went through restoration to the highest standard in Maranello where the original engine was reunited with chassis 1401GT. The car was painted in Oro Chiaro (Light Gold) as back in 1959 and the interior was re-trimmed in maroon leather. In 2018 it was issued its Ferrari Classiche Certificate of Authenticity – the famous 'Red Book' – and since then the car has been displayed at the 10th Annual Zoute Concours d'Élégance held at Knokke-le-Zoute, Belgium in 2019 and 'Ferrari 75 Years' exhibition held at the Autoworld Museum, Brussels, Belgium in September 2022.
Highlights of the sale include:
A 1956 Bentley S1 Continental (estimate: €1,000,000 - €1,500,000), once owned by influential fashion photographer, Helmut Newton. This is one of only 24 left-hand drive examples and features a special interior, reputably by Hermès. This exclusive car comes with Newton's autobiography, which details the story of acquiring his 'beloved Bentley' and driving it home, which he described as 'a state of complete euphoria.'
A 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster (estimate: €1,100,000 - 1,400,000), which was delivered new to England and is a matching numbers engine example that has been upgraded with the desirable disc-brakes. This model was an immediate hit with the 1950s 'jet set' including royalty, actors, and socialites. A recorded 0-100km/h time of 7.0 seconds and a top speed of 200km/h made the 300 SL Roadster one of the fastest convertibles of its day.
Additional highlights include:
• A 1994 Bugatti EB110 GT (estimate: €800,000 - €1,200,000, offered without Reserve) featuring rare Indian red over grey leather interior. Ushering in a new era for Bugatti, the EB110 GT features a six-speed manual transmission and a quad-turbo 3.5-liter 60-valve V-12 generating 553 hp. With low mileage and only 2 owners from new – this early supercar is offered without reserve.
• A 1995 Porsche 993 GT2 (estimate: €1,000,000 - 1,300,000), one of the last of the great air-cooled 911s. A radical evolution of its predecessor – this model was stylistically lauded at the time and since, as the most attractive of the modern 911s. The GT2 is a road-adapted race car with rear-wheel-drive and a lighter body which could reach 290 km/h. It is the fastest version of the 993 model ever produced by the factory.
• A 2005 Porsche Carrera GT (estimate: €1,000,000 - €1,200,000), with only two owners and just 21,000 km, presents a great opportunity in the growing demand for Porsche Carrera GTs. Considered the last analog supercar and the ultimate Porsche road car, it was advanced in its design and use of cutting-edge materials. This Carrera GT is one of the mere 1,270 examples built during a four-year production run.
Photo credit: Bonhams
posted on conceptcarz.com
The 77th Ferrari TdF was the very last example built by Scaglietti, and chassis 1401GT features open headlights and is a 'single vent' model, with alloy coachwork from the Modenese coachbuilder to a Pininfarina design. Over the years, Chassis 1401GT competed at races such as the Gran Premio della Lotteria in Monza, Garessio-Colle San Bernado hill climb (1st place), Marchariuz (2nd place), Vaduz-Triesenberg (2nd place), Coupe des Alpes, Rallye de Genève, the Mitholz-Kandersteg hill climb in Switzerland, and Tour de France Automobile
A 1929 Bugatti Type 37 Grand Prix (estimate: €1,000,000 - €1,400,000) is a highly original and well-known example, and was one of the very last ones built. The Type 37 is one of Bugatti's most iconic and recognizable racing cars. This unique model has a great continuous ownership history that includes artist René Durey and aviator/engineer Louis Blériot.
posted on conceptcarz.com
