RM SOTHEBY’S ANNUAL LONDON SALE

The annual London sale is to be held at the prestigious new Peninsula Hotel, a five-star hotel in the heart of London, on 2 November

• An exciting early highlight for the sale is the incredible ex-Rob Walker 1936 Delahaye 135S Competition

• BENTLEY BONANZA! TWO EXCEPTIONAL COLLECTIONS HEAD FOR RM SOTHEBY’S ANNUAL LONDON AUCTION
• The Best of British Collection features many fine British icons from Rolls-Royce, Bentley, and Aston Martin
• The Dean Kronsbein Collectionis another fine selection of Britishclassics from the likes of Rolls-Royce, Bentley, and Land Rover
• The Best of British Collection will be offered entirely without reserve:

• ICONIC 1957 JAGUAR XKSS SET TO HEADLINE RM SOTHEBY’S LONDON AUCTION

(London, England) – RM Sotheby’s announced an incredible new location for its annual London sale. The autumn London sale is RM Sotheby’s oldest annual European sale, and The Peninsula Hotel is set to become the new home for this flagship auction.

Situated alongside Hyde Park Corner and Wellington Arch, The Peninsula London undoubtedly occupies one of the city’s most prestigious addresses. Having recently been built, the hotel represents the cutting edge of luxury in the capital and will be a fitting location for RM Sotheby’s long-standing November London sale. The auction takes place on 2 November, on the eve of the historic London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, during The Royal Automobile Club’s London Motor Week.

An outstanding early consignment for the sale is the 1936 Delahaye 135S Competition. An iconic car among automotive aficionados and historic racing enthusiasts, the car boasts one of the most remarkable competition histories. Originally a Works car entered into Grand Prixes for famed driver Albert Divo, it was then sold to the United Kingdom and registered “DUV 870”. Competitively raced around the United Kingdom and Europe, this Delahaye won the 1937 12 Hours of Donington at the hands of Prince Bira and Hector Dobbs. In 1938 it was acquired by a young student, the heir to the famous Walker whisky distilling group, Rob Walker. Incredibly, Walker with little racing experience entered the car into the 1939 edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans where he finished 8th overall with Ian Connell as his second driver. During Walker’s pre-war ownership, he lent his Delahaye to Arthur Dobson for “The Fastest Road Car Race” at Brooklands in May 1939 where it triumphed beating serious opposition. Following the war, Walker had given up his racing license due to marriage so embarked on a famous career as an entrant. Still in possession of the Delahaye, it was entered into the 1949 edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans for Tony Rolt and Guy Jason Henry but it retired with bearing failure Walker then sold the car and it was raced at Goodwood several times before entering the famous Major Thompson collection. Following the death of Thompson, Rob Walker bought his beloved car back in 1970 and had it restored. Astonishingly, this Delahaye has remained in the Walker family since, with occasional appearances at Goodwood and Brooklands.

Most recently, this Delahaye made a stellar appearance in a Johnnie Walker Blue Label promotional mini-feature film ‘The Gentleman’s Wager II’, featuring Jude Law undertaking an epic journey from Southern Italy to Monte Carlo in the car. The film also features appearances from world champions Jenson Button and Mika Häkkinen. This significant piece of automotive history, is estimated to sell for between £1,000,000 – £1,500,000 GBP.

Sholto Gilbertson, Director of Sales, UK, says:

“This Delahaye is undoubtedly an icon of motor racing, with extensive pre- and post-war history. It is, truly, one of the most significant motor cars to be offered at auction in recent times and it will be a truly irresistible proposition to collectors. This example is one of the many consignments that will be coming to our London sale in November, which will take on an entirely new look and feel at the remarkable Peninsula Hotel.”

HIGHLIGHTS

RM Sotheby’s announce a remarkable list of exceptional consignments for its annual London auction, which will be held in the opulent surroundings of The Peninsula London. This spectacular selection of cars will come to Hyde Park Corner on 1-2 November, on the eve of the RM Sotheby’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, during The Royal Automobile Club’s London Motor Week.

Undoubtedly one of the stars of the sale will be an iconic Rosso Corsa over Stoffa Vigogna 1989 Ferrari F40. Boasting the highly sought-after specification of non-adjustable suspension and free of power-sapping catalytic converters, this European market example is perhaps the quintessential collector’s F40. Offered for the first time in 15 years, this 20,921-kilometre example benefits from a comprehensive service in May 2024 and boasts the coveted Ferrari Classiche certification (Estimate: £1,850,000 – £2,000,000 GBP).

The F40 is followed by an equally special Prancing Horse, a 1965 Ferrari 275 GTB by Scaglietti. One of the marque’s greatest models, this example was first sold to New York City via Luigi Chinetti Motors, subsequently passing through the hands of a series of eminent custodians before coming to Europe in 1993. Since then, it has received its Ferrari Classiche certification, in addition to an engine rebuild by Bob Houghton in 2016 that cost nearly £80,000 (Estimate: £1,700,000 – £1,900,000 GBP). Next up is arguably the most beautiful expression of the 250 Series, a 1964 Ferrari 250 GT/L Berlinetta Lusso by Scaglietti.Another one of Ferrari’s legendary sixties gran turismos, this fine example of the final and most developed of the 250 GT lineage boasts a recent refresh in its original colour of Grigio Argento. This Ferrari Classiche certified example is estimated to sell for between £1,100,000 – £1,300,000 GBP.

If you are looking for more of a modern machine, then the 2020 McLaren Senna GTR LM will certainly fit the bill. One of only five GTR LM editions built to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the F1 GTR’s victory at Le Mans in 1995, this extreme track day special is the sole example finished in Harrods livery, paying homage to chassis 06R. With a monstrous 833 brake horsepower, and a red line that goes all the way to 9,000 rpm, this single ownership example is an incredibly exclusive version of the already extreme Senna GTR (Estimate: £1,600,000 – £2,000,000 GBP). If you prefer your supercars of a different era, then this 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing would be an exceptional addition to any collection. One of the earliest examples of the revered 300 SL Gullwing, this beautiful “Standwagen” was displayed on the Mercedes-Benz stand at the 1954 Earls Court Motor Show, and was retained by Mercedes-Benz until 1956, when it was acquired by the current owner. Incredibly, it has remained in the same family’s care for almost 70 years (Estimate: £1,050,000 – £1,300,000 GBP).

A 1963 Aston Martin DB4 Convertible will also be offered at The Peninsula London on 2 November, this one being one of just 70 built and the only DB4 Convertible to be fitted with a DB4 GT engine from the factory. Restored to concours standard by marque specialist Aston Martin Works from 2019 to 2022, it is estimated to sell for between £775,000 – £875,000 GBP. It will be joined by a 1964 Aston Martin DB5 that retains its matching-numbers engine and benefits from a full restoration in its factory-correct colours (Estimate: £550,000 – £650,000 GBP).

No auction would be complete without a top-tier Porsche, and this 1993 Porsche 911 Turbo S Lightweight is a fine representative of the Stuttgart marque. The rare 911 Turbo S Lightweight, which weighs some 180 kilograms less than a standard Turbo S, is one of 86 total cars and of just 19 made in right-hand drive. Offered from single private ownership and boasting fewer than 130 kilometres from new, it is estimated to sell for between £700,000 – £900,000 GBP, and is offered without reserve.

Another outstanding consignment is the 1934 MG K3 Magnette Two-Seater. A legendary model among pre-war aficionados and historic racing enthusiasts, the short-chassis racing variant of MG’s K-Type proved to be something of a giant killer. This particular car is one of three Works entrants fielded by MG at the 1934 Mille Miglia. It later travelled to Australia, where it was believed to have competed in the 1937 and 1938 Australian Grands Prix. Now offered for the first time in two decades, this Goodwood Revival regular is highly eligible for historic rallies and events (Estimate: £600,000 – £800,000 GBP).

Other highlights include a single-owner 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLR ‘McLaren Edition’, which is one of only 25 examples upgraded by McLaren Special Operations (Estimate: £500,000 – £700,000 GBP). This is followed by a 2008 Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT2, which is one of just 10 examples of the V8 Vantage GT2 produced by Aston Martin Racing, in addition to being one of just two AMR “Works” cars (Estimate: £500,000 – £600,000 GBP). The raft of new consignments is rounded off with a gorgeous 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 Touring. Presented in its original and factory-correct shade of Black, this example is a serial concours entrant and class winner and is now ready to find its next custodian (Estimate: £500,000 – £600,000 GBP).

The 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 BONANZA!

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

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).

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

ICONIC 1957 JAGUAR XKSS

(London, England, 2 October 2024) – RM Sotheby’s is delighted to announce the addition of a rare and truly iconic 1957 Jaguar XKSS to its upcoming London auction at The Peninsula London on 2 November. A road car project born of the 18 D-Type chassis that were unused from Jaguar’s racing programme, the XKSS was an exceptional high-performance machine little changed from the world-beating D-Type racing variant that conquered the 24 Hours of Le Mans no fewer than three times. Vanishingly rare, utterly beautiful, and with blistering performance, the XKSS is without a doubt one of the most desirable British sports cars ever made. While many XKSS models lived their lives as road cars, this particular example also boasts a storied racing history including competitive entries in both the United Kingdom and Australia.

Chassis XKD 540 is one of just two XKSSs to retain its D-Type competition XKD chassis number and was retained by Jaguar until April 1957, before being returned to the manufacturer for conversion to full XKSS specification in October 1958. It was then upgraded from 3.4- to 3.8-litre specification by the Jaguar factory in 1960. On leaving Browns Lane, the car was finished in the classic Jaguar combination of British Racing Green over a green suede leather interior.

This XKSS was sold to Jack Browning in 1959 and subsequently went to Australia in 1962, where it was raced locally. Following its time in the Antipodes, the car was purchased in 1972 by noted Jaguar enthusiast Bryan Corser, before being sold to long-time owner Hermann Graf von Hatzfeldt in 1985. Acquired by the consignor in 2017, and rarely driven since, the XKSS has been fastidiously maintained by marque experts Pearsons Engineering and CKL Developments. 

Sholto Gilbertson, Director of Sales, UK, says:

“This hugely significant car, being the very first XKSS to have ever been offered for auction in Europe, highlights the stature of our upcoming London sale, and reinforces RM Sotheby’s unquestioned position as the world’s leading auction house for the world’s finest motor cars”.

Always impeccably preserved and fastidiously maintained, this comprehensively documented example is unquestionably one of the finest XKSSs in existence and would form the centerpiece of any world-class collection.

RM SOTHEBY’S LONDON SALE

Friday, 1 November 2024

12:00 pm – 5:00 pm – PUBLIC PREVIEW

5:00 pm – MEMORABILIA AUCTION

Saturday, 2 November 2024

9:00 am – 3:00 pm – PUBLIC PREVIEW

3:00 pm – AUCTION

AUCTION LOCATION

The Peninsula London
1 Grosvenor Pl
London
SW1X 7HJ
United Kingdom