Starting a car collection? 8 classic cars that you should not miss!

If you’re looking to start a collection of automobiles and are on the look out for a worthy collectible to add to your collection, you better be ready to fork out some real dough as the most desirable and highly coveted of collectible cars command an insurmountably high price at auction. From a US$48.4 million Ferrari to the the most expensive pre-war car of the century. Here are eight classic cars to add to your collection.

1963 Ferrari 250 GTO, chassis number 4153 GT

Kicking off a list of most desired classic car to add to a collection with the most expensive car in the world the 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO, chassis number 4153 GT. It is one of only 39 examples of the 250 GTO that were built between the year 1962 and 1964. Extremely rare, the vehicle was purchased by American collector David MacNeil for a tear-jerking US$70 million in a private sale in 2018. Besides the present vehicle, the record holder for most expensive car to sell at auction goes to another Ferrari grand tourer, the 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO by Scaglietti, chassis number 3413, which fetched US$48.4 million at RM Sotheby’s 2018 Monetery Car Sale for a jaw-dropping US$48.4 million.

1954 Mercedes-Benz W196R, chassis no. 196 010 00006/54

Nicknamed the Silver Arrow for its bullet-like silhouette and speedy acceleration that won against the likes of Maserati and Ferrari in 1954 Grand Prix, making German history when it brought home the country’s first win since 1939. It is famed for its ultra-lightweight frame that weighed only a mere 46kg. It is one only 16 produced, of which only 10 still exists today, but the present model is the only one remaining in private hands. Despite the dents and blemishes from two seasons of intense racing, the model still fetched a significant sum at Bonhams’ The Goodwood Festival of Speed Sale Collector’s Motor Cars and Automobilia in 2013 where it went under the hammer for US$29.6 million.

1956 Aston Martin DBR1

Before its Bond fame, British independent marque Aston Martin was known for both beauty and speed on the track. A case in point is the rare 1956 Aston Martin DBR1, winning nine out of 18 wins throughout its career. It is the most successful race car in Aston Martin history, boasting racing legends like Sir Stirling Moss, Reg Parnell, Roy Salvador and Caroll Shelby among its drivers. Adding to its fame and exclusivity, it is one of only five built with the British compan’y badge fitted on it; which may explain the significant price tag of the model when it was sold at auction at RM Sotheby’s for US$22.5 million in 2017 but not before a seven-minute bidding war ensued.

Also Read: Writing Millions: Five most expensive pens in the world

1935 Duesenberg SSJ

The 1935 Duesenberg SSJ is an American automotive legend produced by the brotherly duo behind the Duesenberg automobiles. Although the manufacturer was only in production between 1913 to 1937, the marque had earned multiple accolades during its time. Part of their impressive range of vehicles was the 1935 SSJ which featured a short-wheeled base and a stronger engine. Only two of these models were produced and delivered to American movie stars Clark Gabel and Gary Cooper, the latter being the present model in question. It wasn’t until 2018 when it found its way to the auction block at Gooding & Company’s 2018 Monterey Car Week did it make modern day history as the most expensive American car ever sold at a total of US$22 million.

1955 Jaguar D-Type

At the birth British luxury manufacturer Jaguar’s 1955 D-Type, there was only one goal in the marque’s mind: Winning the Le Mans 24-Hour tour. It is undeniably one of the most notable racing cars ever made, competing between 1954 and 1959, the 1955 Jaguar D-Type boasts innovation and speed that led to its 1955, 1956, and 1956 wins. The model was kept in pristine condition which might justify its large price tag of US$21.7 million – selling at RM Sotheby’s in 2016.

1995 McLaren F1

British automative manufacturer of luxury, high-performance sportscars and supercars McLaren changed history when it rolled out the world’s first carbon fibre road car, a Formula 1 vehicle – the McLaren MP4 / 1, in 1981. The brand has since been billed for its beautifully sleek, streamlined aesthetics and exhilaratingly quick acceleration, that continues to make headlines. Most recently, in August 2021, a rarely driven 1995 McLaren F1 – coined to be the ultimate road car to beat all supercars – was sold for a mindblowing sum of US$20.5 million at a Gooding & Company auction, making this model the most expensive F1 of all time; and the most expensive vehicle to have sold at auction in 2021. It is one of only 106 models made, and features some very unique design highlights such as a single row of three seats with the driver situated in the middle; and a gold plat3ed heat shield installed within the engine compartment.

Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic

French automobile manufacturer Bugatti was known to conquer the road in acceleration, speed and magnificently beautiful and sleek designs. The marque is famed for its many incredible collectible classics that often stir the crowd in excitement whenever one is presented at auction. The Type 57 in particular, which where produced for only seven years – totaling only 710 models, is so highly coveted that a 1936 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic set the world record for most expensive car in the world when it fetched more than US$30 million at a Gooding & Company auction in 2010. The model is so sought after desired that it is said that a collector could spend years searching for their desired year, trim and variant.

1939 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Lungo Spider

An epitome of Italian luxury, the 1939 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Lungo Spider by the Italian luxury car manufacturer Alfa Romeo is the Italian equivalent of a Bugatti Atlantic. Specifically the present vehicle, coined Immortal 2.9, is one of only seven of its kind that boasts a magnificently restored state after its parts were scattered during WWII. Amazingly, it was restored back to its complete original state by UK 2.9 expert Tony Merrick. In 2016, it was the first Immortal 2.9 offered at public auction. It realised a sum of US$19.8 million at RM Sotehby’s Monetery 2016 Classic Car Sale, making it the most-expensive pre-war car until it was superseded by the 1935 Duesenberg SSJ Le Grande Rodster in 2018 (US$22 million).

Also Read: Legendary Aston Martin DB5 Goldfinger unveiled as new 007 film debuts

Time to shine: Hong Kong’s incomparable luxury watch auction scene

The world is undeniably in a state of Covid-19 chaos, with growing unemployment, a spiraling death rate, and no vaccine on the immediate horizon all contributing to depressed economies across the globe, with the retail industry particularly hard-hit by ongoing lockdowns and social distancing measures.

But while retailers across the world shutter their doors or open them only to serve a disappointing trickle of customers, auction houses have become virtual one-stop shopping destinations for people buying luxury goods across all categories, thanks to Zoom previews, online video condition reports, and easy online bidding. One particularly hot category is luxury watches – an industry that in 2018 was valued at some US$6.93 billion – and an equally hot destination is Hong Kong.

In truth, Asia’s World City has long held pole position as the world’s biggest luxury watch market, despite boasting just seven million souls. Indeed, the SAR’s insatiable appetite for high-end timepieces has seen the city beat out the USA, Germany and even Switzerland – home of many haute horology labels – to achieve its market leader status.

Hong Kong’s love affair with timepieces stretches back to the 16th century, when Jesuit missionaries first introduced such chronological accessories to the region. Across the intervening centuries, it has in turns been a manufacturer and exporter of watch parts, a hub for watch assembly factories, and finally, at the dawn of the 21st century, as a shopping destination for discerning timepiece enthusiasts.

The past decade has also seen the SAR transform into a huge auction hotspot for the sale of rare luxury timepieces, with leading auction houses like Sotheby’s, Christie’s, Bonhams and Antiquorum all hosting multi-million-dollar auctions in the city. What has resulted is a slew of ultra exclusive – sometimes even unique – watches going under the gavel for astronomical prices and setting new records.

In July alone, Sotheby’s Hong Kong sold a Rolex Daytona “John Player Special” Ref. 6264 for more than US$1.5 million, a record price for that model, and Christie’s sold a rare Patek Philippe Ref. 5033 minute repeater for US$1.95 million. In June, Phillips, in association with Bacs & Russo, drew US$3.6 million for a Patek Philippe Ref. 1518 from the collection of watch industry titan, Jean-Claude Biver. Sotheby’s further made headlines that same month by breaking a record it held since 2018 for most expensive modern Rolex ever sold. The lot was a platinum Rolex Daytona ‘Zenith’ – a one-off creation featuring a Lapiz Lazuli dial – which went under the hammer at HK$25.3 million, five times its estimate.

Christie’s Hong Kong’s decision to differentiate it from the rest of the pack by offering it with its very own “The Masterpiece” sale led to a momentous occasion that birthed a new holder for the most expensive wristwatch ever sold in Asia at the auction house’s Autumn Auctions 2019, where the very first day of proceedings saw a rare 66-year-old pink gold 1953 Patek Philippe Ref. 2523 wristwatch getting sold for HK$70.2m, smashing last year’s record for the most expensive wristwatch sold at auction in Asia.

“Hong Kong has been the world’s biggest watch market for over a decade”

Despite the coronavirus pandemic – as well as stiff competition from other auction hotspots like Geneva, New York and London – Hong Kong’s reputation for being a true haute horology hub shows no signs of abating. Take, for instance, the November 30 “Ruby Collection” auction, a Hong Kong sale of Patek Philippes from an esteemed single-owner private collection, highlighted by a pair of possibly unique (no one has ever seen them before) models: a perpetual calendar and minute repeater/tourbillon, both with ruby hour markers and estimated to sell for less than US$1 million each. The collection also includes astronomical watches, including the ultra-complicated Sky Moon Tourbillon Ref. 5002, with 12 complications, estimated to fetch from US$1 million to US$1.5 million.

Time to shine Hong Kong's incomparable luxury watch auction scene gafencu magazine watches (5)

With countless luxury watch auction records set in the past year in Hong Kong, and with so many upcoming events to further enhance its reputation, it seems that neither its recent troubles or the coronavirus pandemic can even dent Asia’s World City’s reputation as one of the go-to auction hubs for discerning watch collectors seeking rare, otherwise unfindable statement timepieces of yesteryears.

Lost Art: Rare Buddhist relic fetches top dollar at auction

An 11th-century Nepalese Buddhist figure that was initially purchased by a lucky collector for just US$1,000, sold at the recent Bonhams Images of Devotion auction for a staggering HK$2.75 million – 350 times its initial price. But surprisingly, this wasn’t to be the event’s star performer. That particular accolade went to A Schist Figure of Buddha, a beautiful third-century relic crafted from schist, a coarse-grained, layered metamorphic rock.

The almost pristinely preserved statue, which stands 122cm tall, was crafted in the ancient region of Gandhāra, now known as Peshawar, a part of modern-day Afghanistan and Pakistan. Thanks to its unique location at the crossroads between East and West, Gandhāran artisans were renowned for creating Asian religious icons in an unusual Greco-Roman style.

It is precisely this unique influence that informs A Schist Figure of Buddha and sets it apart from the more typical statues of Buddha found across Asia. Add to this the fact that it also stands as a testament to the early spread of Buddhist art, and its final hammer price – a whopping HK$9.17 million – seems more than justified.

Star Wars Sketches: Darth drafts to go under the gavel on 11 December

Movie-minded auction-goers wouldn’t want to miss one of Bonhams London’s sales later this month (December 11), especially if they want to secure some truly stellar movie memorabilia. Up for grabs is no less than a 62-lot archive featuring many of the personal notebooks, sketches and drawings that once belonged to John Mollo, the Oscar-winning British costume designer whose Star Wars sketches laid the foundation for the distinctive look of the best-known characters in the Star Wars’ universe.

Early Star Wars sketches sold at recent Bonhams auction — *Early Star Wars sketches to sell at upcoming Bonhams auction*

Perhaps the most coveted item among this veritable treasure trove is Mollo’s personal sketchbook, which covered the period April 1975 to July 1976 and features many the initial sketches of the costumes ultimately destined for such Star Wars stalwarts as Darth Vader, Han Solo, Chewbacca and, of course, the franchise’s ever-iconic stormtroopers. Alongside these provisional sketches are scribbled details of costume budgets, brainstorming sessions and notes from meeting with Star Wars creator George Lucas

Putting this lot into due perspective, Katherine Schofield, Head of Entertainment Memorabilia at Bonhams, said: “Without a doubt, John Mollo created costumes that elevated many characters to cult cinematic status. These sketchbooks are a unique part of cinema history – in my experience nothing like this has ever been seen at auction before.”

Historic Horology: Thomas Tompion timepiece clocks in at HK$2.6 million

Clock designed by Thomas Tompion sells for HK$2.6 million — *Historic clock designed by Thomas Tompion sold for HK$2.6 million at a recent Bonhams auction*

As true watch collectors would surely vouch, any clock made by Thomas Tompion, the renowned 16th century British timepiece technician, merits a place in the all-time great league of classic chronometers. Favoured by British royalty from Charles II to Queen Anne, Tompion is credited as being among the first watchmakers to introduce precision technology to the industry. It’s no wonder then, that his clocks command astronomical prices when they go under the gavel.

The most recent such piece to pique the hunger of haute horologists was a particularly fine late-17th century specimen – an ebony-veneered quarter-repeating table-clock, which sold for nearly HK$2.6 million at a recent Bonhams London auction. Featuring a gilted-brass body, three separate dials and a mounted quarter-repeat system, the skills of the master watchmaker were evident in every detail. Proving its provenance beyond any doubt was a give-away engraving reading: “Thomas Tompion LONDINI Fecit”. Surely no forger would be smart enough to include such a detail.

The Bonhams Whisky Sale returns to Hong Kong with liquid gems from across the globe

Good news for whisky connoisseurs! The annual Bonhams Whisky Sale is taking place in Hong Kong on 17 August. Daniel Lam, Head of Fine Wine and Whisky in Hong Kong, says: “[This] is a wonderful opportunity to acquire the finest of Japanese whiskies and some of the most sought-after names in Scotch whisky such as Macallan, Port Ellen and Ardbeg.” A rare first edition of Yamazaki 50 years-old leads the Bonhams Whisky Sale. We round up some of the highlights from the sale:

A Yamazaki 50 years-old, estimated at HK$1,800,000-2,400,000, which was matured in casks made from Japanese oak before being released in 2005. Only 50 bottles have ever been produced, making it one of the scarcest of Japanese whiskies.

A bottle of Hibiki-Arita 35 years-old, estimated at HK$100,000-140,000, which was produced to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Japan’s traditional porcelain production. Only 150 bottles were ever released.

Karuizawa Sumo Trio distilled in 1981, 1982 and 1983, estimated at HK$90,000-120,000, which were framed in a crafted humidor designed by Japanese woodblock illustrator Hachisuka Kuniaki. Only 340 sets were ever produced.

A bottle of 37 years-old Macallan Fine & Rare 1937, the second-oldest whisky from the Macallan Fine & Rare Series, estimated to fetch HK$ 260,000-320,000.

A vertical collection of annual releases from Port Ellen, an extremely sought-after lost distillery from Scotland. 17 bottles – from 2001 to 2017 – will be auctioned off for an estimated price of HK$280,000-360,000.

Text: Suchetana Mukhopadhyay

E=MusiC²: Einstein’s favourite fiddle goes under the gavel

Apart from single-mindedly working out how the universe works, it seems that Albert Einstein wasn’t averse to banging out a Mozart sonata on the fiddle whenever inspiration eluded him. Recently, some 63 years after the eccentric genius died, the very violin with which he wooed his Mrs – she was well partial to a bit of Wolfgang Amadeus apparently – came up for auction at Bonhams in New York. It eventually sold for US$516,500, five times more than the original estimate.

Given the staggering sum it went for, it’s perhaps not surprising that the violin – which Albert himself referred to as “Lina” – has outdone his telescope (previously sold for US$432,500) and his pocket watch (US$352,054) to become the most valuable item of Einstein memorabilia ever sold (other than his scientific documents).

The violin was made by Oscar Steger, a cabinetmaker and a member of the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra, and gifted to Einstein in 1933. It bears the inscription “the Worlds [sic] Greatest Scientist Profesior [sic]” and was said to travel everywhere that Albert went.

Rare Vintage Macallan Bottles: Spirits of the Age from Pop Art Greats

Two extremely rare vintage Macallan bottles – originally auctioned back in the 1980s – have reappeared on the market after three-decade interval. They will now headline the Bonhams’ Fine and Rare Wine and Whisky sale in Hong Kong later this month.

Macallan-1926-60 year old Sir Peter Blake © Bonhams © Mark French Photography (HK$3,600,000-4,600,000 per bottle)

Encased in specially commissioned cabinets (or ‘Tantaluses’), the 60 Years Old 1926 vintages – a Peter Blake Label and an Adami Label – together make up a hyper- exclusive limited edition of just 24 bottles (12 of each) and are estimated to fetch between US$460,000 – 586,000 apiece.

Commenting on their value, Daniel Lam, Head of Fine Wine and Whisky at Bonhams Hong Kong, said: “These bottles are incredibly rare. The exceptional calibre of the whisky, combined with artwork from two of the towering figures of 20th century pop art – Peter Blake and Valerio Adami – represent a unique marriage of excellence. The sale is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for collectors to acquire this Holy Grail of the Macallan world.”

Macallan-1926-60 year old Valerio Adami © Bonhams © Mark French Photography (HK$3,600,000-4,600,000 per bottle)

For the initiated, Sir Peter Blake and Valerio Adami are among the true pioneers of 20th century pop art. While Blake shot to fame as the designer of the famous Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Heart Club Band Beatles’ cover (yes, the same one that was voted the no.1 album cover of all times by Rolling Stone magazine), Valerio Adami was an Italian artist feted for his comic art style.

Text: Suchetana Mukhopadhyay
Image courtesy: Bonhams Hong Kong

Top Props: Robby the Robot joins the list of most valuable movie props to be sold at auctions

The original poster of Forbidden Planet starring Robby the Robot

Move over, R2-D2. There’s a bigger, badder bot in town. Robby the Robot – a movie prop from the 1956 film Forbidden Planet – outperformed its Star Wars counterpart, at least in the cash-grabbing category. Collectors were stunned when an R2-D2 model sold for about US$2.8 million (HK$ 21.9 million) last year, but Robby came along and raised the bar, going for a record US$5.3 million at Bonhams’ recent Out of This World auction in New York.

Robby movie prop — Robby the Robot is a prop of towering proportions

Why the discrepancy? At seven feet tall, Robby’s basketball player proportions might offer some clue. Add to that the fact that this fully-functional suit – whose head, torso and legs can be dismantled – came with its Jeep, controls and the original MGM packing crates. Although it’s been more than 60 years since Forbidden Planet debuted, Robby the Robot still holds cult status among sci-fi fans. In an attempt by MGM Studios to get the most bang for their buck, Robby has also featured in The Twilight Zone, The Addams Family and other films.

Robby’s previous owner, filmmaker and collector, William Malone, who brought the robot to auction, said, “I’m astounded by the result, but also sad to part with him. However, it’s time Robby finds a place where he can be displayed, and with someone who can look after him. Of course, he will leave an empty spot in my house—and in my heart.”

Robby’s sale secured its status as the most expensive movie prop ever sold at auction, beating previous record holders including the falcon statue from The Maltese Falcon, the Batmobile and the dress made famous by Marilyn Monroe in The Seven-Year Itch.

The craze for collecting movie props reached a peak in 2013, when Bonhams Entertainment Memorabilia Department made history in New York, selling the Maltese Falcon statue from the noir classic of the same name for US$4 million, then a record price for a movie prop at auction (non-automotive). The 12-inch-tall Falcon was the star of the Bonhams inaugural movie props sale with partner Turner Classic Movies (TCM).

Batmobile movie prop — The 1966 original Batmobile

Automotive movie props too have grabbed a fair share of the spotlight for quite sometime. In 2010, the Aston Martin driven by James Bond (played by Sean Connery) in Goldfinger had fetched a handsome US$4.6 million. The 1966 original Batmobile again touched the record US$4.6 million when it was bought by a Phoenix-area businessman in 2013.

Dr. Catherine Williamson, Director of Entertainment Memorabilia at Bonhams, says, “This is the fifth year we have partnered with TCM to present auctions of movie memorabilia, and each year the demand only increases. It shows how important these props and costumes are to everyone throughout the world.”

Text: Suchetana Mukhopadhyay

Hidden gems: Bonhams to put rare jewels under the hammer later this month

Bonhams, the privately owned British auctioneer, will put rare jewellery from renowned houses of Harry Winston and Cartier, and highly sought-after gems under the hammer on 30 November.

The Rare Jewels and Jadeite Auction will feature beautiful gems such as an 88-carat diamond (D/IF, Ex, Ex) single-stone ring, by Cartier and a pair of diamond (D/IF) pendent earrings, by Harry Winston.

One of the highlights of the auction is a rare 10.21-carat Kashmir sapphire and diamond ring, by Mouawad that will set you back a cool HK$6.8 million-8 million.

Kashmir sapphires were only mined in the late 19th century and they are deemed to be the king of all sapphires.

Graeme Thompson, Director of Jewellery for Bonhams Asia, spoke to Gafencu about his role at the auction house, the jewellery market in Asia and the upcoming auction, among many other things.

All of the items in the auction can be viewed from 26 November at Bonhams.

Venue: Bonhams Hong Kong Gallery, Suite 2001, One Pacific Place

Date: Wednesday 30 November, 2016

Time: 3:00pm