Bonhams’ ‘Preserving the Automobile’ auction
New York – On Monday, October 3rd Bonhams will host its fifth annual Preserving the Automobile Auction at Philadelphia’s Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum. Particularly noteworthy about this unique, forward-thinking sale is the…
New York – On Monday, October 3rd Bonhams will host its fifth annual Preserving the Automobile Auction at Philadelphia’s Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum. Particularly noteworthy about this unique, forward-thinking sale is the depth and breadth of automobiles on offer.
Characterizing just about every era and interest of motoring, the careful selection of vehicles also presents nearly every condition and price-point.
Representing several of the top-tier motorcars are those from the Richard Hopeman Collection. Not just an automobile enthusiast but also a true “restorationist,” Hopeman breathed new life into aging vehicles as well as historical buildings. As a steward of history, he preserved, refurbished and/or restored many cars at his historic rural Pennsylvania property. Two of these, a 1930 Lincoln Model L 7-Passenger Touring and a 1931 Lincoln Model K Convertible – both of which will be offered without reserve, are exquisite examples of his emphasis on detail, accuracy and quality.
Other grand cars consigned from the golden, pre-WWII era of motoring include models from FIAT, Ford, McFarlan, Nash, Packard, Pierce-Arrow, Rolls-Royce, Stutz and Willys.
From the early pioneering days of motoring are also some very uncommon and unique American automobiles, such as the 1901 Locomobile Style 5 Locosurrey. In original unrestored condition, it is just one of three known surviving and has been in the same ownership for nearly 80 years. Another similarly rare motorcoach is what could be considered one of the very first pickups – a 1908 Galloway Dual Purpose Highwheeler Station Wagon. And these are but two of the very early American vehicles on offer.
From the mid-century sporting class are four impressive examples from Jaguar – two XK120s and two E-Types, as well as an original 1963 Volvo P1800 Sports Coupe and a well maintained 1967 Lotus Elan Series III Coupe.
Of course, there are also some very nice examples of more contemporary classic sportscars, such as a 1978 Porsche 911 SC 3.0 Targa, a 1979 Ferrari 308 GT4 and a 1987 Ferrari Testarossa.
To learn more about these and the other automobiles among the more than 50 consigned, please visit bonhams.com/simeone. This website is also where interested parties can order a catalog and register to bid, in person or remotely.
