Most of the time, I don’t devote as much writing to classic car auctions, because it usually results in lamentation about how I should’ve picked up that Porsche 911 2.7 RS or Ferrari 250 Lusso for just $100,000 a few years ago. This year, however, Bonhams has managed to pique my interest with a Ferrari 250 GTO to be publicly auctioned off with no reserve, which doesn’t happen often at all. I also happen to be attending it because of that reason, hence the reason for this Clunkerture piece.
Bonhams is devoting one day, August 14th, just to selling classic Ferraris, which make up the Maranello Rosso Collection. They consist of: the aforementioned 250 GTO, a 312 T3 F1 car that won the 1978 British Grand Prix, an early 250 GT Cabriolet, a 250 Mille Miglia Berlinetta driven by Phil Hill, a Dino 166/246T Tasman Series race car, a 250 GT SWB Aerodinamica, a race-prepper 365 GTB/4 Berlinetta, a 1981 512BB that raced at LeMans, a 365 GTC, and a Dino 206 GT. (They’ll be the first ten lots at this link.)
And the cars you’ve always wanted for your dream garage won’t just be auctioned on the 14th. On August 15th, right next to the Quail Motorsports Gathering, there will be many perfect additions to a proper car collection, like a 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 and a 1974 911 Carrera RSR 3.0. There will also be other Ferraris like a 275 GTB, 330 GTC, and F40 LM. So expect people darting in between both the auction and the Gathering.
The Bonhams website has an excellent photo gallery of each of the cars being sold along with an extensive description of each vehicle being sold, documenting the history and ownership that even a one-owner Autotrader listing can’t match. Seriously, there are scans of documents, biographies of each of the owners, and even details of the conditions these cars were stored in during certain parts of the their lives. (If you don’t believe me, read the listing for this beautiful 1948 Talbot-Lago T26 Grand Sport Coupe with Oblin coachwork.)
If you happen to be in Monterey for Car Week and want to attend the auction, the details can be found here on the Bonhams website. (Disclaimer: You do have to pay $20 per head to get in.)
Here’s the schedule:
Maranello Rosso Collection
Thursday, August 14th 5pm
Quail Lodge Auction
Friday, August 15th 9am (Automobilia)
Friday, August 15th 11am (Motor cars)
Location:
Quail Lodge's West Field
7000 Valley Greens Drive
(at Rancho San Carlos Rd)
Carmel, CA 93923