The Bonhams Goodwood Festival of Speed Sale
As one of the most prestigious Hillclimbs England has to offer, and located on the well-manicured grounds of the Duke of Richmond, the Goodwood Festival of Speed is the perfect venue for a high-end automotive auction. It takes place on June 24th, and the second of the four days devoted to hillclimbs and exhibitions. Additionally, Bonhams’ docket offers a distinguished mix of collector cars. Everything from an antique Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost to a more modern Lamborghini Diablo. Our team of automotive experts will be watching the bidding closely for changes in the collector car market. Here are a few of the Lots they’re most interested in.
1940 Alvis 12/70 2.8 Liter
The 1940 Alvis 12/70 2.8 liter Special Sports is a favorite of Premier’s Southwest Sales Manager, Michelle Yancey. Located at Lot 205, this vintage racer has been rebodied with a brilliant, polished aluminum finish over a dignified boat-tail. Having been tastefully modified and raced by its former owner, this Alvis would be right at home in the Goodwood paddock.
1968 Aston Martin DB6 Sports Saloon
Keith Neelans, our Northeast Sales Manager, eagerly awaits the bidding on the 1968 Aston Martin DB6 at Lot 238. Considered by many to be the last true Aston Martins, the DB6 is the final iteration of David Brown’s 6-cylinder engines. As such, this sporty British sedan benefits from a host of improvements over its predecessors. This includes improved aerodynamics and a longer wheelbase to increase rear legroom. Aston Martin’s straight six has an increase to almost 4 liters for this model, producing over 280 bhp. With shapely lines, a roomy interior, and serious muscle, the DB6 is the epitome of a grand tourer.
1936 Bentley 4 1/4 Liter
Next door, at Lot 239, the 1936 Bentley 4 1/4 liter racer has caught the eye of our West Coast Sales Manager, Juan Garcia. Formerly an employee of Rolls-Royce/Bentley, Juan imagines taking this two-seater around the track at Goodwood, in true “Bentley Boys” spirit. This car is particularly well-suited to the task; a fine example of one of W.O. Bentley’s most successful chassis that has been regularly campaigned in vintage races throughout its lifetime. Originally a 4-door sedan, this car was abandoned in an orchard for 18 years before being restored and rebodied as a 2-seat race car.
2002 Ferrari 550 Barchetta
Chris Warren, Premier’s Southeast Sales Manager, is watching the 2002 Ferrari 550 Barchetta at Lot 234. This tasteful roadster is one of only 448. It was designed by Pininfarina in the elegant, unadorned style of Ferrari’s mid-century V12 GTs. The value of pristine, low-mileage 550 Barchettas like this one has more than doubled in the past year, making this motor a fine benchmark for the health of the collector market.
2003 BMW Z8 Alpina
Our corporate headquarters in Woodbury, Connecticut is watching Lot 216‘s 2003 BMW Z8 Alpina. The Z8 boasts the V8 from the M5 of that year, combined with a lightweight frame and a gorgeous, Fisker-designed body that harkens back to the iconic 507. BMW tuning house Alpina turned out 555 of these already brilliant roadsters customized for luxury and comfort. Though a bit slower than the original, this Alpina Z8 has a more comfortable ride, a playful two-tone interior, and paddle shifters.
Leasing from Auction with Premier
Looking for an automobile worthy of the British aristocracy? Whether you’re raising your paddle for a blue-chip auto like the Ferrari 275 GTB or a more livable classic like the Rolls-Royce Corniche, Premier offers competitive, transparent lease terms to bidders at auction. Call us today to get pre-approval and consult your Auction Basics before bidding.