What a refreshing change of tempo The Bond Avenue Sale 2024 – by Bonhams – turned out to be.
After an intense week of journey, hectic motor exhibits, and fast-paced photoshoots, I used to be feeling a bit burnt out upon returning to London from Germany. I didn’t want a break from automotive tradition, however I definitely wanted one from the chaos that usually surrounds it.
I additionally wanted a break from motorway seat time, having not too long ago clocked over 1,400 kilometres on the Autobahn in a Ford Puma rent automotive. So, when the prospect to attend a preview of The Bond Avenue Sale introduced itself, it felt like the right antidote.
I’d by no means been to a automotive public sale earlier than, and I used to be curious. So why not begin on the prime of the public sale ladder?
Pulling out one of many oldest clichés within the e book, the silence was deafening. Bonhams motorized vehicle auctions appeal to a much more unique clientele than your common CoPart or backstreet public sale home, and, as anticipated, the environment was distinctly completely different.
Only a few folks have been searching the vehicles in individual throughout my go to – a welcome change in tempo from what I had skilled simply weeks earlier.
In any case, not everybody has a cool two million {dollars} burning a gap of their pocket for a shocking Koenigsegg CCXR. For these with a extra modest price range, a Bugatti Sort 35A was obtainable for just below half the Koenigsegg’s estimate.
The upstairs corridor was crammed with iconic classics from Aston Martin, Jaguar, Lamborghini, Porsche – and a really spectacular 1910 Mercedes-Benz sedan.
The Mercedes’ detailing was beautiful, and the format was surprisingly acquainted, virtually similar to a contemporary guide automotive.
Downstairs held the extra ‘reasonably priced’ vehicles, although that’s a relative time period. Trendy classics have been in every single place, together with three of my favorite continent-crushing GT vehicles: a Bentley Brooklands, an Aston Martin DBS, and an Alpina B6 Cabriolet.
Whereas an public sale preview won’t appear exceptional on the floor, what struck me most was how these motoring treasures have been hidden in London’s bustling Mayfair cityscape…
…and I actually do imply treasure. After the ultimate hammer drop, the Bugatti Sort 35A took the crown as the costliest sale of the day at US$700,000 adopted by a McLaren 720 GT3X at US$510,000.
It’s a disgrace I left my chequebook at house or else I’d have pushed away within the Miami Vice-spec Lamborghini Countach which bought for US$496,000. Small change…
Bonhams is a powerhouse in understated British magnificence, and it’s straightforward to see how it’s earned its world popularity for excellence.
The very best half? I used to be house simply 50 minutes after snapping my ultimate picture that morning. What an ideal, handy dose of automotive tradition.
Mario Christou
Instagram: mcwpn, mariochristou.world
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