On Monday, Bonhams hosted the fourth annual Preserving the Automobile Auction at the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum in Philadelphia and achieved a highly respectable 86% sell-through rate making over $3,300,000. From automobiles of all eras and conditions to Civil War-era locomotives, collectors from around the world converged in Philadelphia for this uniquely focused and greatly anticipated sale.
Beginning with automobilia, of which 99% sold, a great variety of items were offered with the highlight surely being the one-of-a-kind motorized Oilzum advertising diorama that made $11,875. The historic locomotives from the Museum of Science & Industry, Chicago, garnered substantial interest among private collectors and institutions. The Mississippi – which achieved $220,000 – along with the York and John Stevens, were all bought by institutional buyers and sold well after active bidding in the room and especially on the telephones.
Among automobiles it was the unrestored cars that commanded the greatest attention and, as a result, many made records. The 1937 Morgan Super Sports from the Du Pont Collection achieved three and a half times its high estimate when it sold for $88,000. The 1908 International Model A Runabout, 1955 Arnolt-MG Coupe and 1962 Jaguar E-type Series I 3.8-Litre Roadster all surpassed their estimates and sold extremely well. The 1908 Rainier Model D in exceedingly rare untouched condition made a new auction record, as did the Ferdinand Porsche-designed 1936 Wanderer W25 Kompressor Roadster. “We’re very pleased with this year’s sale,” said Eric Minoff, Bonhams Head of Sale. “We had keen international interest, a strong sell-through rate, impressive results with many individual lots making records, and a well attended, highly successful auction. This year’s event once again demonstrates that motorcars with sound provenance and in original condition are increasingly sought after by collectors.”
For a complete list of results, please visit bonhams.com/simeone.