California’s Monterey Peninsula is world-famous for its natural beauty. Without a doubt, one of the most beautiful locations on the peninsula is the Quail Lodge & Golf Club in Carmel. There, on August 13, the Bonhams motorcar auction returns for an exclusive one-day event, beginning 11:00 am PDT. The Bonhams Quail Lodge auction will feature a broad and deep selection numbering nearly 140 fascinating collector vehicles from virtually all eras. The auction will include an outstanding mix of iconic sporting machines and vintage racing cars. This is in keeping with the competition-inspired flavor of The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, also scheduled for August 13th from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm while the Bonhams auction is underway.
Of course, the Premier Financial Services Team of leasing experts will be on the ground at Quail Lodge for these renowned events, ready to help you finance the vehicle of your dreams. Here is a sampling of our favorite offerings from the rich and diverse Bonhams auction docket.
1960 Aston Martin DB4 Series II Sports Saloon
Keith Neelans, Premier’s Northeast Sales Manager, has selected the 1960 Aston Martin DB4 Sports Saloon, Lot 39. A watershed in Aston Martin history, the DB4 marked the start of a new era with its all-new chassis design. It sports a new 3.7-litre engine designed by Tadek Marek, and beautiful lightweight alloy coachwork using the “Superleggera” (Superlight) technique of Italy’s Carrozzeria Touring. The DB4 also provided the scope for future development that would propel Aston Martin through the early 1970s and beyond. Already potent, the DB4 would keep Aston Martin competitive with Ferrari’s 250 GT and even the vaunted 250 GTO variants on the track, with updates including the potent DB4GT and rare and gorgeous DB4GT Zagato. Further, this original left-hand drive DB4 retains the matching numbers engine. It has just three owners since 1968, and comes with copies of factory records.
1971 AC 428 Fastback
Michelle Yancey, Premier Financial Services’ Southwest Sales Manager, has cast her eyes on this sleek and sophisticated 1971 AC 428 Fastback, Lot 10. One of 61 original right-hand drive Fastback and Spider examples, this later-production AC 428 Fastback retains the original engine. It is one of approximately 62 of the 80 cars that comes with a Ford C-6 three-speed automatic transmission. This 1971 AC 428 Fastback is a particularly compelling example. It clearly benefits handsomely from over two decades under the current ownership. Additionally, the restoration work performed during 2015 and most recently in 2021. Exceedingly rare, hand built, and handsomely restored, this 1971 AC 428 Fastback is a wonderful example throughout. It truly marks the end of an era for Frua, the venerable Italian coachbuilder, and for AC, one of Britain’s longest-running automotive marques.
1955 Lancia Aurelia B24S Spider America
Chris Warren, Southeast Sales Manager for Premier Financial Services, is watching Lot 44, an achingly beautiful 1955 Lancia Aurelia B24S Spider America. Cloaked in coachwork by Pinin Farina, it is one of just 181 left-hand drive examples produced, delivered new to California. Provenance is well-documented with only a handful of owners from new. Professionally restored, it is undoubtedly one of the most attractive Italian Spiders ever produced, regardless of the era. It is also considered one of the most satisfying to drive by those few lucky enough to experience one of these sophisticated and extremely attractive rolling artworks.
1998 Lamborghini Diablo SV Twin Turbo ‘Monterey Edition’
Numbered Lot 29, this audacious 1998 Lamborghini Diablo is a true attention-getter, having captivated both our Southwest Sales Manager, Juan Garcia, as well as our Midwest Sales Manager, Ross Dressel. This car features otherworldly bodywork penned by famed Italia stylist Marcello Gandini. Lamborghini’s Diablo shocked the world at its Monaco debut in 1990 as the long-awaited successor to the equally outrageous Countach. No poseur, the Diablo included extensive use of leading-edge carbon fiber. Plus, luxurious interior that matched the Lamborghini’s ferocious Supercar-level performance envelope. Special limited-run models included the 4-wheel drive Diablo VT and Diablo SE (Special Edition).
The Diablo SV (Super Veloce) was introduced in 1995 as a simplified, driver-focused model. It comes equipped with 2-wheel drive and a 510-horsepower engine spec. In addition, it had a welcome array of updates enhancing performance and driving dynamics. The SV was also the last Diablo equipped with pop-up headlamps. The Monterey Edition was produced along a 20-car run to celebrate the world-famous Monterey Car Week in 1998. Based on the SV, the wild Monterey Edition delivered more of everything. This includes greater power and even wilder looks than before. Car #16 of the 20 built, this example has low mileage and ups the ante with twin turbochargers.
2001 Ferrari 456M GT
The staff members at Premier’s corporate headquarters in Woodbury, Connecticut are collectively watching this 2001 Ferrari 456M GT, Lot 47. It has the style by Pininfarina and power of a new V-12 engine displacing nearly 5 liters. The 456 heralded a welcome return to Ferrari’s front-engine, V-12 heritage. It delivered scorching performance while delivering exceptionally luxurious passenger accommodations. Collectors of these modern Ferrari classics prefer the features of this low-mile (under 26,000 stated miles from new) example. Additionally, this includes Ferrari’s renowned 6-speed manual gearbox and iconic gated shift quadrant. Highly optioned and extremely well cared for, it features elegant Grigio Ingrid paint over two-tone seats recalling the famous “Chairs” of the 365 GTB/4 Daytona and Dino 246 GT and GTS. A wealth of service and maintenance history accompanies this svelte modern Ferrari legend.
Lease from Auction with Premier
With the diverse offering of collector vehicles at the Bonhams Quail Lodge Auction, competition among the bidders is anticipated to be fierce. Contact Premier Financial Services today to see how our easy pre-approval process can take the stress out of bidding and allow you to focus on the action. Regardless of whether you’re looking for a new exotic car, highline luxury model or iconic classic, the Simple Lease from Premier Financial Services can help turn a dream into a dream garage. Be sure to brush up on our Auctions 101 post before setting off and enjoy the experience to the fullest with us.
