Bentley Bonanza! Two Exceptional Collections Head For RM Sotheby's Annual London Auction

October 7, 2024 by RM Sothebys

• Two exceptional collections will be offered at RM Sotheby's annual London auction at The Peninsula London on 2 November

• The Best of British Collection features many fine British icons from Rolls-Royce, Bentley, and Aston Martin

• The Dean Kronsbein Collection is another fine selection of British classics from the likes of Rolls-Royce, Bentley, and Land Rover

• The Best of British Collection will be offered entirely without reserve

• More information available at rmsothebys.com

RM Sotheby's is delighted to announce two remarkable collections for its annual London auction, each showcasing a selection of very fine British-built models.

T he Best of British Collection is led by a stunning 1962 Aston Martin DB4 Series IV Vantage, one of 136 examples produced in the coveted Vantage specification. Making this DB4 Vantage even rarer is the DB4 GT specification dashboard and larger oil cooler, both specified from new. The example offered retains its matching-numbers Vantage engine and has been subject to recommissioning work by Clark & Carter between 2017 and 2024. Proudly exhibited at Salon Privé in 2016 and a worthy contender for future concours competitions, it is estimated to sell for between £380,000 - £450,000 GBP.

Other exceptional Aston Martins include a 1951 Aston Martin DB2 Drophead Coupé by Serra. A unique DB2 rebodied in the 1960s by Spanish coachbuilder Serra, this remarkable car boasts period national-level competition history, including several class victories (Estimate: £180,000 - £250,000 GBP). Also on offer is a 1959 Aston Martin DB Mk III by Tickford. One of only 47 cars equipped by the factory with the uprated DB/D engine, this left-hand-drive example was delivered new to the United States and is estimated at £80,000 - £120,000 GBP.

Further Aston Martins include an early left-hand-drive 1950 Aston Martin DB2 Coupé (Estimate: £70,000 - £100,000 GBP) and a 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk I Sports Saloon by Mulliners of Birmingham that boasts fascinating early history as a Girling brakes development car (Estimate: £50,000 - £70,000 GBP).

Bentley and Rolls-Royce are exceptionally well represented in the Collection, led by a stunning 1934 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental All-Weather Tourer by Hooper & Co. Built for Nubar Gulbenkian—British-Armenian oil baron and legendary Rolls-Royce customer—this vehicle was the height of Art Deco luxury and boasts extraordinary details throughout. Used by King George V and Edward VIII for military events and tours from 1934 to 1936, it was shown at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este in 2016 (Estimate: £320,000 - £420,000 GBP). Also offered is an equally special 1924 Bentley 3-4½-Litre Speed Model by Vanden Plas. An example of W.O. Bentley's first production model, this handsome car benefits from nearly £200,000 spent on restorative work over the past 11 years (Estimate: £240,000 - £300,000 GBP).

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A 1956 Bentley S1 Continental Fastback Sports Saloon by H.J. Mulliner will also be offered from the Collection. One of just 97 RHD examples built, it was sold new via James Young of Bromley before being exported to the United States. Presented in dark green over cream leather upholstery, this lovely car is estimated at £180,000 - £220,000 GBP. This is complemented by a 1939 Bentley 4¼-Litre Drophead Coupé by H.J. Mulliner, one of the finest body designs to be built on a Derby Bentley chassis. Driven as part of the wedding celebrations for Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer, it has had almost £55,000 spent with Rolls-Royce and Bentley specialist P&A Wood since 2012, including a mechanical overhaul (Estimate: £150,000 - £200,000 GBP).

Also offered is a 1935 Bentley 3½-Litre Airline Coupé by Freestone and Webb (Estimate: £80,000 - £130,000 GBP), a 1938 Bentley 4¼-Litre Sports Saloon by Park Ward (Estimate: £50,000 - £80,000 GBP), a 1935 Bentley 3½-Litre Drophead Coupé by James Young (Estimate: £30,000 - £50,000 GBP), a 1963 Jaguar Mark 2 3.8-Litre Saloon (Estimate: £30,000 - £40,000 GBP), and a 1967 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow Two-Door Saloon by Mulliner Park Ward (Estimate: £25,000 - £30,000 GBP).

The London auction also marks the sale of the outstanding Dean Kronsbein Collection. Mr. Kronsbein always had a passion for British motor cars and built his collection over the past 20 years. Heading the Collection is the 1958 Bentley S1 Continental Drophead Coupé by Park Ward. Certainly one of the most desirable post-war Bentleys produced, this example boasts the most important S1 Continental coachwork design. As elegant as they come, this factory-correct chocolate over red leather interior is estimated to sell for between £750,000 - £950,000 GBP.

Also offered is a 1952 Bentley Mark VI Drophead Foursome Coupé by Mulliners of Birmingham. Featuring unique coachwork, it is the sole Mark VI bodied by Mulliners of Birmingham and was commissioned by Standard-Triumph Managing Director Sir John Black. Exhibited at the 2014 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, it is estimated to sell for between £275,000 - £325,000 GBP. Other Bentleys include a 1947 Bentley Mark VI Cabriolet by Franay, a two-time Best in Class award winner at the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance, and a one-off design on a Bentley chassis (Estimate: £250,000 - £350,000 GBP). Also in the Collection is a 1953 Bentley R-Type Drophead Coupé by H.J. Mulliner, which is one of a mere three R-Type-based Drophead Coupé examples by H.J. Mulliner. Presented in stunning dark blue over beige hide, it is estimated to sell for between £120,000 - £150,000 GBP.

The Rolls-Royce marque is represented by a 1967 Rolls-Royce Phantom V Touring Limousine by James Young. Believed to be the 502nd example of a total of 516 Rolls-Royce Phantom Vs produced, this example sports an exceptional list of options supplied from new including air-conditioning, glassware set, silk curtains, and hydraulically operated rear seats (Estimate: £120,000 - £140,000 GBP).

The Collection is rounded off with a series of special Land Rovers and a 1940s Ford off-roader. A 1951 Land Rover Series I 'Reborn' will be offered (Estimate: £100,000 - £150,000 GBP), in addition to a 1978 Land Rover Series III 'Royal Review' which features a remarkable history having been used by Her Majesty the Queen on multiple ceremonial occasions, and was specially engineered with a Stop, Slow, and Start button that the Queen could use during processions (Estimate: £50,000 - £80,000 GBP). The Collection is rounded off with a 1942 Ford GPW with Trailer, estimated at £50,000 - £70,000 GBP.