An early 20th century performance car, a 1912 Simplex 50hp 5 Passenger Torpedo Tourer owned from new by early tennis superstar Eleanora Sears – said to be the first woman to contest a speeding ticket – is one of the star lots of the Bonhams Scottsdale Auction, crossing the block on 27 January. It has an estimate of $2,500,000-3,500,000.

Originally based on its Mercedes namesake, recognised as the world's finest automobile of the era, the lightweight Simplex was the pinnacle of American pre-First World War sporting cars, powered by a massive 50hp 4-cylinder T-head engine. Its sporting pedigree was confirmed with successes by standard production cars in the Brighton Beach 24 Hours and victories at Lowell and Fairmont.

The Simplex found favour with well-heeled sporting enthusiasts, including the 'A-list' celebrity couple du jour, US tennis and squash champion Eleanora Sears and her fiancé, America's Cup winning yachtsman Harold Vanderbilt. A custodian of several Simplex sports cars, Vanderbilt gifted the sleek Torpedo Tourer, with original coachwork by JM Quinby & Son, to Sears as an engagement present.

One of the first female motorists in the US, Sears was said to be the first woman to contest a speeding ticket. Little wonder that, although the engagement did not last, she kept her 'built-for-speed' Simplex for 25 years.

In the hands of later owner Charles Chayne, the former head of General Motors' Buick division, the Simplex was restored, with its engine, brakes and steering all improved by the company's engineers, resulting in the 'finest driving Simplex.'

This incredible motor car – now 111 years old – is of the highest calibre and 'on the button'.

Evan Ide, Senior Specialist, Bonhams Collector Cars, said: 'This Simplex, without question, is one of the finest cars of its era to come to auction in decades. It is a perfect storm of looks, performance, provenance, history and condition.'

This year's Scottsdale Auction offers 125 collector cars spanning all eras and genres of the car industry, many from long-term private ownerships or collections and never offered at public sale before.

Another leading lot in the sale is a 2006 Maserati MC12 Corse (estimate on request), the ultimate track day car, developed from the Modena firm's GT1 racing car which stormed the world of endurance racing, winning the FIA GT World Championship twice, including in its 2005 debut season.

Other highlights include an exquisite Mille Miglia proven 1953 Siata 208S Spider; the John White Ramshead Collection, headlined by a transatlantic trio of Chrysler Ghia show cars and further mid-century masterpieces offering elegant performance motoring - a 1958 BMW 507 Series II Roadster, one of the most collectible BMWs, with optional hardtop, Rudge wheels and Becker radio, and a US-delivered, matching numbers 1965 Ferrari 275 GTS, also with desirable hardtop - a 1958 BMW 507 Series II Roadster and a 1965 Ferrari 275 GTS.

The full catalogue is online: Bonhams : The Scottsdale Auction.

The 2023 Bonhams Scottsdale Auction will be the eleventh sale hosted at the prestigious Westin Kierland Resort and Spa in Arizona, on Friday, January 27 at 10.00 MST.

Pre-sale viewing will take place at the Westin Kierland Resort and Spa on Wednesday January 25 and Thursday January 26, 9.00 to 18.00, and Friday January 27, from 9.00.