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Lot 17
8 Minichamps Grand Prix Formula One 1:18 scale boxed model racing cars including Ferrari 412 T2 J Alesi, Ferrari 312 T C. Regazzoni1975, Prost Grand Prix 1999 Showcar 0 Panis limited edition 2.222pcs, Bennetton B197 Renault J Alesi, Arrows A20 P.De La Rosa 1999, Bennetton Formula 1 1999 Show car G Fisichella Limited Edition 3.333 pcs, Benetton playlife B200 G. Fisichella, Arrows Supertec A21 J. Verstappen (8)
Lot 21
A GENTLEMAN'S STAINLESS STEEL GIRARD PERREGAUX FIAT AUTOMATIC CHRONOGRAPH WRIST WATCHDATED 2011, REF. 49480 SPECIAL EDITION MODEL MADE FOR FIAT CAR COMPANY EMPLOYEES FOR 30 YEARS OF SERVICE (KNOWN TO HAVE BEEN GIVEN INSTEAD TO FERRARI EMPLOYEES), ACCOMPANIED BY ORIGINAL BOX & PAPERWORKMovement: Automatic, signed Girard Perregaux.Case: Diameter approx. 38mm, signed & numbered, case back engraved '30 ANNI IN FIAT', GP crown.Strap: Original GP leather strap & pin buckle.CONDITION REPORTDial: Original dial in excellent condition.Movement: Running & functioning at present, timekeeping and accuracy cannot be guaranteed.Case: In excellent condition.Strap/Bracelet: In excellent condition.
Lot 79
1974 Jaguar E-Type Series III V12 RoadsterRegistration no. PKC 363MChassis no. 1S2658BWOdometer reading: 180,000MOT Expiry: N/A*V12 Series III E-Type*One owner car*Good conditionThe Jaguar E-Type is one of the company's most iconic cars, and was famously labelled by Enzo Ferrari as 'one of the most beautiful cars ever made'. Production of the E-Type spanned 14 years from 1961 to 1975 in Series I, Series II and Series III format. The Series III model was first introduced in 1971, and featured an all-new 5.3 litre V12 engine that replaced the 4.2 litre straight-six in the Series II. Other improves for the Series III included uprated brakes and power steering, with options added for wire wheels, air conditioning and an automatic transmission. This 1974 example we are told, is a one owner E-Type which is exceptionally rare to find for a car of this era. Presented in Azure blue with black interior, the car is in a fair to good, well used condition and is currently on its second engine after an irreparable issue with its original. We are told it's running and driving well, however the engine bay is relatively tatty and could do with smartening up. This example is also fitted with the optional automatic transmission. The vendor states the roof and interior are in good condition, as is the bodywork. This is an honest example of one of the most famous Jaguars the company ever produced. Please click the link to view the walkaround video of this lot: click hereFor further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
Lot 95
1999 Ferrari 456M GTAChassis no. 2FFWP5OCOOO116381*Low mileage 456GTA*Extensive history file*Recent major mechanical workFirst introduced in 1992, the 456 GT was a true 2+2 sports car and was the first modern Ferrari to revert back to a V12 front engine rear-wheel drive layout. The 456M was an updated and improved version of the standard 456 that was first unveiled in 1998, featuring improved aerodynamics and a more luxurious interior. This example is a 1999 car with date of manufacture shown as 26 June 1999, and is presented in Argento Nurburgring metallic with a burgundy leather interior. The car comes with a large history file, which shows that the car was originally shipped to Hong Kong from the factory. However on 2 February 2000, the car was then shipped to the UK where the car was registered on 3 March 2000, and has remained ever since. Accompanying the car is a service record, showing regular servicing with major supplier Maranello & Graypaul from the date of UK registration to 8 September 2014. Also during this period a full cambelt service was carried out on 4 February 2013 at 17,797 miles. On 25 May 2015, the current owner authorised Dick Lovett to carry out a major overhaul of the car – a 9 month process. This included an overhaul of the engine, brakes, suspension, hydraulics and alarm system. Inside, all the dashboard knobs and switches were also refurbished. Regular servicing has continued to be carried out by Dick Lovett, who also undertook a complete gearbox repair and overhaul after a failure in January 2020. This is now completely repaired with the gearbox now functioning very well and as it should. The car is currently showing circa 22,636 miles. Overall, this is an excellent and well looked after example of an increasingly sought after modern Ferrari. Please click the link to view the walkaround video of this lot: click hereFootnotes:Vendor Score Total: 80/100Bidders should note that the automated 100-point Seller's Assessment is provided by each Seller at the point of consignment using the guidelines below, and is not provided, assessed or verified by Bonhams MPH. Accordingly Customers (Bidders) are on notice that each vehicle is offered 'as is / as seen' subject to the Conditions of Sale for the auction, and Customers (Bidders) are strongly recommended to view the Lot(s) being offered, before bidding, in order to satisfy themselves as to their condition; Bonhams MPH will not entertain disputes over Sellers' Assessments. Key for sellers' assessments:1/5 POOR. A project vehicle | Requires urgent attention | Damaged | Parts missing2/5 AVERAGE. Useable condition | Requires some attention | Light damage3/5 GOOD. Drive away | Presents well | Good history file | Drives well4/5 VERY GOOD. Well restored | Running and driving with no noticeable faults | Sound throughout5/5 EXCELLENT. Concours condition | Beautifully presented | Driving very wellEXTERIOR TOTAL: 20/25Body Work: 4Chrome/Plastics/Trim: 4Glass: 4Paint: 4Wheels/Tyres: 4INTERIOR TOTAL: 16/20Dashboard/Door cards/Carpets: 4Headlining: 4Seats: 4Trim: 4ENGINE TOTAL: 16/20Mechanical components: 4Running: 4Starting: 4Under Bonnet: 4RUNNING GEAR TOTAL: 16/20Axles: 4Brakes: 4Gearbox/Clutch: 4Suspension: 4ELECTRICAL TOTAL: 8/10Ancillary components: 4Main components: 4Car History File: 4For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
Lot 533
1980's Ferrari Cavallino Houndstooth Check print shoulder bag/handbag.A lovely 1980s production Ferrari shoulder handbag, in very good condition with check houndstooth pattern and featuring the iconic Cavallino as well. A great gift or item to be worn at club events.SpecificationClick here for more details and images
Lot 542
1960-63 Ferrari 250 SWB set of 4 Borrani Wire Wheels 15 x 6 RW 3690.Original 1960-63 Ferrari 250 SWB set of 4 Borrani Wire Wheels, 15 x 6 RW 3690. This rare set of 4 SWB Borrani wire wheels are presented in fair condition and would benefit from a full overhaul if looking for a Concours finish. Nevertheless, this OEM set of wheels is extremely rare and pertains to the highest-level collector Ferrari, the 250 SWB. Whether you are lucky enough to own one of these rare cars, or just want a piece of automotive history, this set of wheels is unrepeatable.SpecificationClick here for more details and images
Lot 557
Pair of limited-edition prints. "The Perfect Start", Damon Hill OBE and "John Alesi at Ferrari" by Craig Warwick.A pair of limited-edition prints. "The Perfect Start", Damon Hill OBE in his Williams FW15C, signed by Damon and the artist Tony Smith, #124/850, framed and glazed, dimensions 60cm x 45cm, complete with a Certificate of Authenticity. "John Alesi at Ferrari", a photographic study by Craig Warwick, signed by Jean Alesi and the artist, #275/575, framed and glazed, dimensions 60cm x 45cm. SpecificationClick here for more details and images
Lot 380
Model Box, Model Best, Rio, Other - 16 boxed diecast 1:43 scale vehicles. Lot includes Rio #88 VW Beetle 1949; Model Box#8462 Jaguar E-Type Spyder (White); Model Box #8429 Ferrari 275 GTB4 Monte Carlo Rally and similar. Models appear to be in Mint condition in Good - Very Good boxes with some storage imperfections.
Lot 211
ROLEX. MONTRE BRACELET EN ACIER AVEC DATE ET 2ND FUSEAU HORAIRE MOUVEMENT AUTOMATIQUEROLEX. A STAINLESS STEEL AUTOMATIC CALENDAR BRACELET WATCH WITH DUAL TIME ZONE Model: GMT Master 'Pepsi'Reference: 1675Date: 1966Movement: 26-jewel Cal.1570 free sprung balance, automatic, adjusted to 5 positions & temperature, No.D28***Dial: Black, luminous dot hour markers with baton quarters, white outer minute divisions, magnified date aperture at 3, polished Mercedes hands with luminous inserts, centre seconds, arrow tipped red GMT handCase: Brushed and polished tonneau form, screw down back, shouldered crown, bi-directional bezel with blue and red 'Pepsi' bezel insert, No.140****Strap/Bracelet: Fitted brushed 78360 Oyster link, 401B end linksBuckle/Clasp: Signed folding claspSigned: Case, dial & movement Size: 39mmFootnotes:The Rolex GMT was launched in 1954 after the Transatlantic Airways company asked Rolex to produce a watch useful for their pilots. It quickly gained favour among the Pan-Am executives and the business jet-set community as a whole.Offered continuously since its introduction with relatively little modification it is perhaps, along with the Submariner, the most classic Rolex 'tool' watch made. The reference 1675 began production 80 years ago in 1960. This was the first GMT Master reference to feature protective crown guards as well as the smaller triangular tip on the second hour hand. Examples of the immense popularity and timeless style of the model are evident with steel GMT Master watches being worn on the wrist of actors and actresses such as Honor Blackman as 'Pussy Galore' in the 1964 movie Goldfinger, Tom Selleck as the Ferrari driving 'Thomas Magnum' in the 1980s television series Magnum PI (series 2-4) and more recently on the wrist of Ben Affleck in the 2014 movie Gone Girl.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
Lot 242
ROLEX. MONTRE BRACELET EN ACIER AVEC DATE ET 2ND FUSEAU HORAIRE MOUVEMENT AUTOMATIQUE ROLEX. A STAINLESS STEEL AUTOMATIC CALENDAR BRACELET WATCH WITH DUAL TIME ZONE Model: GMT Master 'Pepsi'Reference: 1675Date: Circa 1970Movement: 26-jewel Cal.1570 automatic, adjusted to 5 positions & temperatureDial: Black, luminous painted dot hour markers, baton quarters, white outer minute divisions, magnified date aperture at 3, polished Mercedes hands with luminous inserts, centre seconds, further arrow tipped dual time zone handCase: Brushed and polished tonneau form, screw down back and shouldered crown, blue and red 'pepsi' bezel insert, No. 28*****Strap/Bracelet: Fitted brushed 7836 folded linkBuckle/Clasp: Signed folding clasp stamped 3/71Signed: Case, dial & movementSize: 39mm Accompaniments: Brushed 78360 Oyster link bracelet with signed folding claspFootnotes:The Rolex GMT was launched in 1954 after the Transatlantic Airways company asked Rolex to produce a watch useful for their pilots. It quickly gained favour among the Pan-Am executives and the business jet-set community as a whole.Offered continuously since its introduction with relatively little modification it is perhaps, along with the Submariner, the most classic Rolex 'tool' watch made. The reference 1675 began production 80 years ago in 1960. This was the first GMT Master reference to feature protective crown guards as well as the smaller triangular tip on the second hour hand.Examples of the immense popularity and timeless style of the model are evident with steel GMT Master watches being worn on the wrist of actors and actresses such as Honor Blackman as 'Pussy Galore' in the 1964 movie Goldfinger, Tom Selleck as the Ferrari driving 'Thomas Magnum' in the 1980s television series Magnum PI (series 2-4) and more recently on the wrist of Ben Affleck in the 2014 movie Gone Girl.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
Lot 2100
Swatch Irony gentleman's stainless steel skeleton wristwatch, on original brown leather strap, Scuderia Ferrari Speciale gentleman's stainless steel wristwatch, on rubber strap, Casio calculator digital quartz wristwatch, one other Casio digital wristwatch, both boxed and a Sekonda digital Dual Time wristwatch (5)
Lot 503
* Aviation / Motoring Slides. A slide collection compiled by Alan R. Smith, Motoring Racing photographer of the 1950s, the collection comprising approximately 200 35mm colour motoring slides circa 1990s, some captioned including veteran car rallies and more modern cars, Ferrari Daytona, Grand Prix Lotus 1966, motor racing Brands Hatch, together with approximately 300 35mm aviation slides circa 1980s including Concorde, Dan-Air Comet 4C, American Airlines Boeing 747, D.H. Dragon Rapide, British Caledonian VC10, Spitfire, Hurricane, Me109 and others, plus an extensive collection of personal 35mm slides (approx. 1250), bearing in mind Smith was a professional photographer the cataloguer would consider these to be very high-quality photographs, also included are negatives and 6 x 6 slides, all contained in a large plastic crateQty: (a carton)NOTESAs a schoolboy in the mid-thirties, Alan was given a box camera. Living near to Croydon airdrome, photography became his passion and after WWII Alan discovered the same passion for motorsport. He went on to shoot some evocative and iconic images many of which featured in his book 'Fifties Motor Racing - the GP Scene'.
Lot 11
Restored to concours condition1976 Maserati Khamsin CoupéRegistration no. WGT 287RChassis no. AM120-341To view a video of this lot please click here*Maserati's top-of-the-range model in its day*Very rare right-hand drive example*Delivered new in the UK*Known ownership history*Professionally restored between 2008 and 2012*Maserati Classiche certifiedFootnotes:Long under the radar in terms of historical recognition and valuation, the Khamsin has in recent years gained the appreciation and respect it always deserved. It is one of the very finest Grand Touring cars ever built and the last Maserati of the classic era designed under the technical stewardship of legendary chief engineer, Giulio Alfieri. It was also, being slightly more expensive than the mid-engined Bora, the top of the Maserati range in its day. Citroën had acquired Maserati in 1968, and the French company's substantial investment was reflected in the Khamsin's advanced specification. The Khamsin is notable as the very first front-engined Maserati to feature independent rear suspension, by means of double wishbones and two coil-over shock absorbers per side, while the rear differential was mounted in a sub-frame. At the request of Alfieri (it was not imposed by Citroën), the French firm's famous hydraulic system was used for the power steering, brakes, clutch, driver's seat adjustment and headlight raising. The Khamsin was powered by Maserati's classic, 4.9-litre, four-cam, dry-sump, alloy V8 engine - as used in its Ghibli SS predecessor - which on Weber 42 DCNF carburettors produced 320bhp and a stump-pulling 355.5lb/ft of torque, the latter more than the Ferrari Daytona. Allied to a top speed of 175mph, the Khamsin has a very precise and light steering and clutch, which means it can be driven in traffic all day with ease, while its brakes are extraordinarily powerful and do not fade, even on a track day. It is supremely comfortable on long journeys, the driver and passenger emerging fresh and ready for a night out as opposed to the case with so many of its rivals. The Khamsin was the first Maserati production model designed by Carrozzeria Bertone, whose supremely talented stylist Marcello Gandini producing a breathtaking wedge design. Its perfect proportions, vertical rear glass with hanging tail lights, and asymmetrical louvres on the bonnet hinting at the mighty engine beneath, are as traffic-stopping today as when the car was new. It exudes class and elegance, making admirers stop for a second look. Completing this perfect package, the Khamsin has neutral handling and is as agile as many smaller sports cars. Unfortunately, its sales were hurt by the 1973 energy crisis, and while production continued under new owner Alessandro de Tomaso, from 1976 to 1982 only 430 were built, with 73 of them right-hand drive for the UK and other markets. The rare right-hand drive example offered here was first registered on 30th December 1976 when sold by MTC Cars, the company of Mario Tozzi Condivi, the UK Maserati importer. It was finished in the stunning colour combination of gorgeous Luci del Bosco (a rich shade of brown) with Senape interior, and was equipped with the desirable ZF five-speed manual gearbox. Noted collector Patrick Martin was the second owner, acquiring the Khamsin on 1st April 1981. On 3rd March 1988 the car was sold to John Jorgensen before moving on to Michael Bonney's stable on 28th July 1993. Rupert Wilkes became the next owner on 17th May 2002. The current owner acquired the Khamsin at a London auction on 27th February 2007 to complete his sizeable collection, which includes half a dozen classic Maseratis. By this time the car was in need of a full restoration. Carried out to the highest standards, this commenced in 2008 at renowned marque specialists McGrath Maserati, while the bodywork was entrusted to Vintage Cars of Lymington and Ross Packard of New Milton. Arguably one of the most comprehensive refurbishments a Khamsin has ever been subjected to, the process took over three years and is fully documented by receipts on file. The rebuild was completed in the spring of 2012. This restoration took place alongside several other Khamsins being restored at McGrath's in time for the International Khamsin Quaranta reunion held that June near Beaune, Burgundy. This event featured guest-of-honour Marcello Gandini and Maserati Classiche, who judged the 27 Khamsins gathered from all over Europe. Chassis number '341' was not judged, only displayed, as its owner was the event co-organiser with author Marc Sonnery, and it was felt its inclusion would have been unethical. However it was evidently as good as it gets. Gandini signed the sun visor, and '341' was proudly driven home with a stop near Reims to load some Champagne in its capacious boot.The restoration's fine quality was recognised in 2014 at Salon Privé in Syon Park, West London where, judged by Maserati historian Adolfo Orsi, it made a strong impression on guests. '341' then received further recognition the following year, winning the Maserati UK Owners Club concours outright. The Khamsin was driven to France again for the Le Mans Classic in 2018 and was the perfect choice for such a trip, being one of the greatest classic Grand Tourers. It was also featured in the book 'Maserati - The Citroen Years', the definitive book on that era of Maserati.The car comes with its complete set of Maserati Classiche documents; the original handbook and wallet; the rare Maserati service book and original factory toolkit and jack. It would be the perfect car to enter in the second International Khamsin meeting, Khamsin Cinquanta, in June 2022 to celebrate the model's 50th anniversary, this time with full concours participation.As special as they are rare, Khamsins have a devoted following and tend to be kept for many years by connoisseur owners. This is a rare opportunity to acquire an expertly restored five-speed example of the Trident marque's ultimate Grand Touring car in its stunning original colours.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
Lot 12
2012 Superformance GT40 CoupéRegistration no. HDV 642DChassis no. GT40P2301To view a video of this lot please click here*Factory built by Superformance in California, USA*7.0-litre 550bhp Roush V8 engine*Present ownership since 2017*Used sparingly*853 miles from newFootnotes:Based on Eric Broadley's Lola GT, the Ford GT40 was spawned by the Dearborn giant's ambition to beat Ferrari at Le Mans, a feat it duly achieved for the first time in 1966 driven by Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon. The GT40 project had commenced three years previously following Ford's failed attempt to buy into Ferrari, and was based at the Ford Advanced Vehicles plant at Slough. The man in charge of the predominantly ex-Lola team was John Wyer, architect of Aston Martin's 1959 Le Mans victory. The GT40 first ran competitively in 1964, but failed at Le Mans that year and in 1965. That first sweet Le Mans victory would fall to the 7-litre Mark II, with victory the following year going to a US-built Mark IV 'J' car. (The GT40 Mark III was the British-built road-going version). Wyer and John Willment had taken over the Slough factory in January 1967, forming J W Automotive Engineering, and with backing from Gulf Oil further developed the GT40, winning Le Mans in 1967 and '68 using chassis number 'P/1075', the first car to win Le Mans twice.A decade on, and the GT40's status as an all-time great classic sports car had been firmly established, leading to an increased demand for unmolested originals and the start of a replica-building industry. One enthusiast on the lookout for the genuine article at that time was Peter Thorp of Safir Engineering, whose frustration at not being able to find one led him to John Willment. Willment retained a large stock of GT40 spares, tools, jigs and original plans, while Thorp's company Safir had constructed Formula 3 cars. Their discussions led to the obvious conclusion: resources could be pooled and production restarted. 'Mark V' was chosen to designate the mildly up-dated model. The first Safir GT40 was completed in 1980. Although Safir received no financial assistance from Ford, the latter sanctioned of the Mark V project and assisted with obtaining certification for road use. Between them, JW Engineering, Safir and Ford agreed that these 'continuation' cars would be called 'GT40 Mark V Powered by Ford', thus minimising Ford Motor Company's potential liability. Safir later obtained the 'GT40' trademark. The breathtaking GT40 offered here is the work of Superformance LLC of Irvine, California, a company renowned for the quality of its Shelby Cobra replicas. Indeed, Superformance is the only Cobra builder officially licensed by Carroll Shelby, while its GT40 is the only such continuation licensed by Safir GT40 Spares LLC to use the GT40 trademark. One could not ask for a better pedigree than that. A right-hand drive example, chassis number '2301' was completed in 2012. The car is built around a pressed steel monocoque, while the suspension components are interchangeable with those of an original GT40. That unmistakable body, complete with driver's-door 'Gurney bubble', is finished in the striking livery of Gulf Oil, one of the most iconic in motor sport, guaranteeing that '2301' will always attract favourable attention wherever it goes. (The decals can be removed easily if required.) The interior features a Moto-Lita steering wheel; ventilated Alcantara-trimmed seats; Willans harnesses; factory installed roll cage; three 12V electrical sockets; correct right-side gear lever; and air-conditioning, the latter considered essential on a road-going GT40. Power is supplied by a 427ci (7.0-litre) Roush-built Shelby V8 engine producing over 550bhp, which is coupled to a ZF gearbox. The car was registered in the UK in December 2015 and had covered a mere 598 miles from new when it was purchased by the current vendor in 2017. Used sparingly since acquisition (the current odometer reading is 853 miles) and described by the vendor as 'excellent' throughout, this beautifully finished GT40 represents a unique opportunity to acquire a superb example of this iconic sports-racer.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
Lot 19
1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Sports SaloonRegistration no. BAH 307X (see text)Chassis no. V8VOL12323*Original left-hand drive Vantage model*Built for the Saudi Arabian market*Present ownership since 2010Footnotes:'People who buy the Vantage will do so in the first place for its performance, and they will not be disappointed. The figures speak for themselves. But they should take extra heart because it is one of the easiest true high performance cars to drive well: and it has been given brakes to match. In comfort too, it has much to offer, and there is a great deal of what is best in the British tradition of designing and building sports cars in its making.' - Autocar. The performance figures Autocar referred to were a 0-60mph time of 5.4 seconds and an estimated top speed of 170mph, figures comparable with those achievable by a Ferrari Daytona or Lamborghini Miura. With the introduction of the Vantage in 1977, Aston Martin's V8 was thrust back into the supercar league. The name had previously been applied to high-power versions of the DB six-cylinder cars, and in the V8's case the Vantage tune delivered around 375bhp. Its superior performance aside, the Vantage was readily distinguishable from the standard product by virtue of its blocked-off bonnet scoop, blanked air intake, front chin spoiler and lip on the boot lid. ZF five-speed manual transmission was standard equipment, though a handful of Vantages were built with the Torqueflite automatic gearbox. With either transmission performance was shattering, the Vantage's 0-100mph time of 12.7 seconds making it the world's fastest accelerating production car at that time. Its copy Car Record Card reveals that left-hand drive chassis number '12323' was built as a Vantage model to Middle Eastern export specification for the Saudi Arabian market and originally finished in Burnham Green with green-piped fawn leather interior. The car was first registered in the UK in August 1998 and comes with a copy V5 document (although it will require re-registering). It was subsequently exported to the USA and the current owner purchased the Vantage from well-respected marque specialists Autosport Designs Inc of New York, in 2010 (copy bill of sale on file). Having been stored for the intervening period, the car may require some re-commissioning prior to road use. Coming to sale from overseas, the car will attract the low import duty rate of 5% should it remain in the UK.Lot to be sold without reserve.This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: * N* VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.N If purchased by a UK resident, this machine is subject to a NOVA declaration, whilst the responsibility of submitting the NOVA rests with the Buyer to do so, Bonhams will facilitate the process by engaging an agent (CARS) to undertake the NOVA on the Buyer's behalf. A fee of £250 + VAT to do so will be added to the Buyer's invoice.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
Lot 22
Restored to concours condition1969 De Tomaso Mangusta CoupéRegistration no. TOR 509GChassis no. 8MA 0994To view a video of this lot please click here*One of only 50 single-headlight versions built*Imported from the USA*Restored by recognised marque specialist Roger Brotton*Rebuilt between 2008 and 2015*Featured in Classic & Sports Car magazineFootnotes:Alessandro de Tomaso was born in 1928 in Buenos Aires to a brilliant politician father, who could have been the President of Argentina but passed away when Alessandro was only five, while his mother was descended from the Spanish Viceroy. Young Alessandro, thus bereft of fatherly authority, grew up somewhat wild and strong willed. He ran the large family ranch as a teenager. He then started a political newspaper critical of Argentina's iron-fisted ruler, Juan Peron, and was arrested before being forced to return to the family's ranch. Alessandro was soon back in Buenos Aires, only to hurriedly flee the country and the prospect of further arrest in 1955, escaping in a private plane. De Tomaso then immigrated to Italy, settling in Modena, then the European centre of motor sport and GT car manufacture, and continued racing in motor sport as he had done back home. He married tall, blonde, American heiress and amateur racer Isabelle Haskell in a Palm Beach, Florida ceremony, and soon started building single seaters in small quantities. This project started in a very humble way in small workshops, drawing on the pool of talented craftsmen in the home of Maserati and Ferrari. Then came the first road car, the compact and very light, mid-engined Vallelunga, which was powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder Ford engine. Only 50 were built. Next came the Mangusta, a pivotal development for Alessandro de Tomaso's fledgling company. The name was chosen by the ever-temperamental de Tomaso when he had a falling out with Carroll Shelby, builder of the Cobra. The Mangusta, Italian for mongoose, is famous for fearlessly dispatching the aforementioned reptile...With the Mangusta, de Tomaso would boldly cross several thresholds, aided substantially by his wife's family's money and his irrepressible entrepreneurial gift. It was to be his first full-size, large-capacity sports car and the first that would be produced in significant quantity (401 were made). It also enabled de Tomaso to graduate from artisan to industrialist, swapping his small workshop for a much larger factory. The late Paul Frère, one of the world's most respected automotive journalists, was flabbergasted when after a two-year gap he visited the new de Tomaso headquarters. The Belgian former Le Mans winner recalled a workshop shared with firewood storage, and only two years later found himself in the middle of a fledgling factory with production proceeding at full pace. Despite there being staff that could have done the job, it was typical that de Tomaso himself insisted on explaining the car to Frère, who was most impressed during his test drive.The birth of the Mangusta had been serendipitous. The mercurial Alessandro was by then owner of Carrozzeria Ghia, and when a body it designed via the skilled hands of Giorgetto Giugiaro and intended for Bizzarrini was not taken up by the latter, he decided to do something about it. Enlarging the concept of the small Vallelunga to a full blown GT, he gave it an innovative spine chassis and mid-engined configuration. For the engine, he spoke with Ford, who at first did not know what to make of this unconventional man and his project, but soon agreed to sell him batches of engines. Mangustas were thus fitted with Ford V8s, either with the 289ci (4.7-litre) or 302ci (5.0-litre) unit. It is, however, a common misconception that European cars differed from US cars by having 289s. This is a fallacy: some early cars had them but most cars, independent of the destination market, were built with 302s. Independent suspension and disc brakes all round give the Mangusta reactive handling making it as exciting to drive as its appearance suggests. A Mangusta, however, is all about the body: featuring the famous and unique gullwing engine covers, it is one of the most stunning and certainly purest shapes of any Grand Touring/sports car of that era. It is telling that no one, except a handful of amateur racers on both sides of the Atlantic, ever besmirched or degraded one with spoilers, wings or other additions that would have polluted its design purity.Featuring a unique, wood and leather, segmented steering wheel, the comfortable interior is more accommodating than most mid-engined cars of that era. The Mangusta's Detroit-sourced power unit gives it ample torque for genuine high performance, yet is placid and easy to use in traffic where it is surprisingly quiet. With approximately only 150 Mangustas left in total according to de Tomaso connoisseurs, they remain as rare a sight as they are stunning. The car presented here, chassis number '8MA 0994', is one of only 50 single-headlight versions built. This car's early history is unknown, although it is believed it had been in California all of its life. '0994' was imported into the UK on 2nd February 2008, having been bought from Matthew Chitea in Placerville, California. It was imported by top UK de Tomaso restorer Roger Brotton and fellow marque specialist Phillip Stebbings. Brotton stated that the car was the 'best Mangusta bodyshell he had ever seen' when it was found in California. The Mangusta was quickly sold to its current owner, an enthusiast collector and automotive book publisher with a very fine collection located south of London. In the expert hands of leading marque specialist Roger Brotton, it was then subjected to a seven-year full restoration to concours standard, which took from 2008-2015 to complete and cost approximately £250,000, all receipts being on file. The car also comes with copies of original factory documents. '0994' retains its original engine, which has been 'breathed' on with a '340 stroker kit', a far from extreme upgrade but one that produces approximately 330bhp.The car was entered in the Royal Artillery Company's London Concours in 2018 and has been to Goodwood. It has also featured in a cover photograph and article in Classic & Sports Car magazine comparing the Mangusta to some of its contemporaries.Any Mangusta is a rarity nowadays, but a properly restored one is rarer than hen's teeth. Thus this example, with its exceptionally rare single-headlight configuration, represents a wonderful and almost certainly unrepeatable opportunity for the connoisseur to add one of the most beautiful automotive designs ever produced to their collection.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
Lot 171
Bandai Battery Powered Tinplate Ferrari 250 Super America (California) Coupe. In cream with red roof, litho detailed interior, with driver, black base with 'mystery action', opening flap for batteries, plated wheels with original rubber tyres. The body is GC, but the base needs to be restored due to serious battery leakage. Not tested. Length 280mm £150-200
Lot 188
10 Brumm sports/racing cars. 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SLR Coupe in silver. Jaguar C Type MM 1952, RN619 in BRG, Stirling Moss. 2x Porsche 550 RS RN34 and RN351, both in silver. Jaguar XK120 Spider MM 1950, RN729, in maroon, C. Biondetti. 1951 Ferrari 375 F.1 'Thin Wall Special', RN9 in BRG. Plus a 1954 Lancia D24 1st MM. RN602, in Italian Racing Red. Plus 3x 1957 Ferrari-801 British G.P. RN10. M. Hawthorn. A 512M LM 1971, RN16, team David Piper. Plus a 555 F.1 1954 Spanish G.P. RN38. All in Italian Racing Red. All boxed, minor wear. Vehicles VGC-Mint. £70-100
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