Under the hammer – Fab Four Auction Sales (June 2024)

Four amazing lots that wowed bidders at recent auctions.

Ring of Rose: Flawless diamond fortunate for one

A simply marvellous 55.55-carat oval diamond, named Fortune Five, was the star of the show at Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels sale, going for HK$45.2 million (US$5.8 million). Coming in as the top-seller at the Hong Kong auction, the final price attained for the unmounted D-flawless type IIa diamond fell within the pre-auction estimate of US$4.9 million to US$6.4 million.

A product of nature transformed into a beautiful jewel through ingenious human craftsmanship, this brilliant-cut stone undoubtedly captivated the enthralled bidders. It hails from a mine in Lesotho in southern Africa, one of the largest sources of highly coveted type IIa diamonds, where extreme heat and pressure deep within the earth’s mantle represent the perfect conditions for carbon atoms to crystallise into precious gemstones. The IIa ranking certifies that it is the most chemically pure of diamonds.

Reaching the colour grading of D, the highest possible, signifies that the stone is completely colourless. Furthermore, the gem contains no visible inclusions or blemishes as it is shown to be flawless when examined under intense magnification. Another alluring feature of the diamond is its wondrous interaction with light.

Spyder Sense: Last Ferrari roars off block

A fabulous Ferrari raced to an astonishing final bid price of US$17.87 million (HK$139.9 million) at Kissimmee 2024, making it the most expensive car sold at the prestigious Mecum auction in Florida by a country mile. The beauty and refined elegance of this 1963 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spyder wowed bidders, who were also swayed by the knowledge that this was the last such model to be built by the famous Italian marque.

The speed machine stemmed from Ferrari’s desire to produce a sportier open-top model that would offer greater performance. First, in 1957, they remodelled the 250 GT California Spyder into the long-wheelbase (LWB) version, boasting a lightweight chassis shod with a simple but elegant body and retractable top. Three years later, the short-wheelbase (SWB) model was born, employing minor changes for enhanced drivability and appearance, and 55 cars were produced from 1960-1963.

The final one of the series, in beautiful Rosso Cina (China Red) with covered headlights, was completed on 9 February 1963 and imported into the US the following month. Its known ownership history since new further added to its desirability.

Bye Bye Birdie: Sorrowful painting brings collecting joy

A beautiful painting by Jean-Baptiste Greuze of a girl mourning the loss of her bird created a stir at a recent Christie’s auction in New York, setting a new world record for works by the revered French artist. Fetching US$2.47 million (HK$19.3 million), it was the top lot at the ‘A Park Avenue Collection’ sale, whose proceeds amounted to a whopping US$8.89 million.

Une jeune fille qui pleure la mort de son oiseau (A girl weeping over her dead bird) was the first in a series of three similar sentimental paintings by Greuze on the theme of loss stemming from the death of a beloved pet bird. It was completed in 1757 and exhibited at the Paris Salon of 1759. Some art critics believe these works were inspired by an ancient verse of first-century BCE Roman poet Catullus, which details a girl’s grief on the passing of her sparrow.

The single-owner sale featured a number of Old Master paintings, as well as 18th-century furniture and Chinese works of art. Christie’s Specialist Joshua Glazer said: “The superb group of French 18th-century paintings in the collection were universally admired, and we were thrilled to have set a new world auction record for the magnificent Greuze Girl weeping over her dead bird.”

Bottle a Hit: Glazed vase triggers bidding war

An extremely rare guan-glazed octagonal bottle vase attracted frenzied action at a recent auction held by Sotheby’s in Hong Kong, with the hammer falling at HK$20.4 million (US$2.6 million) – nearly two times its high estimate. This sought-after prize was secured after a predominately four-way bidding war that lasted fully eight minutes.

The vase was the most valuable lot from a white glove sale of an important European collection of Chinese ceramics acquired from the renowned dealer and collector Edward T. Chow. With all items sold and 90% of them achieving prices above their high estimates, a grand total of HK$71 million was raised.

Standing at 22 centimetres high, this vase is thought to herald from the Song dynasty or later, and it passed to its new owner in excellent condition for its age, albeit with an insignificant microscopic glaze bruise on the lower body. Noted for its beautiful aesthetics and elegant form, this type of vase was made exclusively for the imperial court where it would delight the senses. The one that aroused such interest typifies the delicate interplay between lines and curves and is embossed with many layers of opaque jade-celadon glaze.

Amazing Lots Under the Hammer

The latest auctions produced a slew of multi-million-dollar bids for some amazing items including a magnificent fancy vivid blue diamond, a fearsome Ferrari, a sensuous Sanyu and some valuable whisky.

Royal Blue

Flawless diamond sets year record

A recent jewellery auction in Geneva produced a slew of huge prices, and topping the lot was a magnificent internally flawless fancy vivid blue diamond set in a ring. Sold for a gargantuan US$44 million (about HK$343.4 million), it represented the highest price achieved by a jewel at auction in 2023. The superb stone, known as ‘The Bleu Royal’, was the highlight of Christie’s autumn Luxury Week, which amassed sales totalling US$140 million.

An intense bidding war took place to secure the gem, which eventually went to a private collection for the first time in 40 years. The whopping 17.61-carat fancy vivid blue pear-shaped brilliant- cut diamond is set in platinum and 18-carat rose gold and flanked by two pear-shaped brilliant-cut white diamonds of 3.12 and 3.07 carats, with all three stones internally flawless.

The Bleu Royal is the largest internally flawless fancy vivid blue diamond ever put up for auction. Christie’s jewellery expert Max Fawcett shared that it excited collectors from all over the world because of its long list of attributes, particularly the deep, rich blue colour that endows it with a unique quality.

Whisky Allure

60 Year Old Scotch stirs collector

Considered the world’s most valuable whisky, a bottle of The Macallan Valerio Adami 1926 created a buzz in the auction room at Sotheby’s in London. Bottled in 1986, the 60 Year Old elixir numbered just 40 bottles, and every time one comes up for auction whisky connoisseurs worldwide wish to raise their hands and their glasses. This most recent prize – one of 12 bearing a label designed by the Italian painter – fetched £2.18 million (about HK$21.6 million), almost three times the pre-sale low estimate of £750,000.

The appeal among collectors was enhanced by the fact that Sotheby’s worked directly with The Macallan to recondition and authenticate the bottle – the first time this vintage has undergone reconditioning prior to being auctioned. This process involved replacing both the capsule and the cork, applying new glue to the corners of the labels and taking a 1ml sample to test against another 1926 bottle at the Glasgow office of Edrington, owner of the brand.

Sotheby’s spirits specialist Jonny Fowle believes this was the most desiraxble bottle of whisky ever to come to market. He says: “The Macallan 1926 is the one whisky that every auctioneer wants to sell and every collector wants to own.”

Nude Nature

Sensual Sanyu arouses intense bidding

A seminal Chinese modern painting led Christie’s evening sale of 20th and 21st-century art, with a packed Hong Kong saleroom witnessing the 1929 masterpiece change hands for an astonishing HK$187 million (about US$24 million). Femme nue sur un tapis (Nude on Tapestry) by Chinese-French artist Sanyu generated an electric atmosphere and such was the fierce competition that the auction attracted international participation from 24 countries. It was a bidder in the room, however, who landed this historically important work.

Born in Sichuan to a family who made their fortune in the silk business, Sanyu moved to Paris as a student in 1921 and is often hailed as the Chinese Matisse. Nude on Tapestry was his first major nude painting and it depicts Kiki de Montparnasse, a popular muse for the era’s avant-garde artists, in a style that reflects his mastery of calligraphy.

The valuable oil on canvas was entrusted to Christie’s from the prestigious Dreyfus Collection. A spokesperson for the auction house indicated that the outstanding result shows the resilience of the market and the enduring demand for Chinese modern art.

Red Racer

Fearsome Ferrari roars into history

A coveted Ferrari 250 GTO from 1962 was sold in New York by RM Sotheby’s for US$51.7 million, making it the most expensive of the marque ever to go under the hammer. It also whizzed into the record books by achieving the second-highest price for a car at auction – top honour here goes to a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé.

The whopping figure paid for this Ferrari is due in no small way to the 38 years of fastidious care lavished upon it by its previous owners, and the fact that this beautiful motor has a rich and distinctive history. It was the only GTO Tipo 1962 to race under the flag of the company’s own Scuderia Ferrari team. At the 1962 Nürburgring 1,000 km, it chalked up a class win and a second overall finish, before being driven by Mike Parkes and Lorenzo Bandini at the 24 Hour Le Mans. Three years later, it was the runner-up in the Sicilian Hillclimb Championship.

One of its former owners was the chairman of the Ferrari Club of America, and the sale came with a detailed documented history of the car, including copies of factory build sheets, owner’s correspondence, period of racing coverage and magazine feature articles.

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

Record numbers of Ferrari Dino cars gather to mark the model’s 50th anniversary

Last week, Maranello, home of supercar maker Ferrari, hosted a special gathering to pay tribute to the 50th anniversary of one of its most well-loved cars – the Ferrari Dino. More than 150 specimens of the classic supercar came together for this special occasion.

The original Ferrari Dino was designed by founder Enzo Ferrari’s son, who unveiled a prototype of the mid-engine, rear-wheel drive sports car at the Paris Motor Show in 1965. Three years later and exactly half a century ago, the first production model took to the streets.

The day’s festivities began with Ferrari Dino owners gathering at the Maranello Museum, followed by drive around its iconic Fiorano race track. Invited attendees were then given an exclusive tour of the Italian car maker’s factory, before closing the day with a full-fledged motor parade through the historic arch of Via Abetone Inferiore.

One-off Ferrari SP 38 with custom-ordered specs revealed

This week, a one-off Ferrari SP 38 was unveiled in Fiorano, Italy. This supercar is the latest offspring of the Italian marque’s One-Off programme, a specialised means to allow true fans of the brand to order custom-built dream cars.

The unique Ferrari SP 38 draws its design inspirations from the award-winning 488 GTB, from its chassis and running gear right down to its 3.9-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which generates a staggering 600bhp.

What truly sets it apart, though, is the custom-designed bodywork. Here, elements of the brand’s classic F40 are clearly visible, from the sloping front hood to the rear-focused weight distribution.

Painted in the Prancing Horse’s iconic red and replete with a ‘Tailor Made’ cabin design, the Ferrari SP 38 will make its public debut today at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este.

Car Craze: Gold Coast Motor Festival thrills city’s car enthusiasts

The Gold Coast Motor Festival, Hong Kong’s premier motor event, returned for a wildly successful second instalment earlier this month. Officially opened by HK Secretary of Development Michael Wong Wai-lun, the festival’s main attraction was a display of over 80 showstopper models ranging from vintage cars to the latest in hypercar royalty.

Vintage car lovers were enthralled by a mint-condition classic Ferrari 250 GT/E, which first debuted at the legendary Le Mans 24-Hour Race in 1960. Modern petrol heads, meanwhile, were given a first look at Bugatti’s new automotive marvel, the Chiron.

Other standout cars included a limited-edition Lamborghini Sesto Elemento, a Toyota 2000GT (Japan’s first supercar), a one-of-a-kind Pagani Zonda Fantasma Evo and a 1926 3-litre Bentley.

The fun-filled weekend event also put the spotlight on burgeoning local talents, showcasing two award-winning and innovative electric vehicles designed by HKU and Institute of Vocational Education students.

Boasting an impressive range of activities such as children’s electric car racing, bumper boats, live performances and even a Concours d’Elegance competition, the Gold Coast Motor Festival proved to be a thoroughly entertaining and educational event for all.

Top 5 luxury cars set for release in 2017

This year promises to be an absolute thriller for adrenaline junkies, with the release of new cars from Lamborghini to Aston Martin.

We have picked out some of the top luxury vehicles set for release in 2017.

Lamborghini Aventador S

What better way to start off the year than by Lamborghini announcing their brand new car, the Aventador S.

With power, style and finesse packed into one, it’s the ultimate status symbol for anyone in Hong Kong.

But, questions may be asked about what makes the Aventador so special. Well, according to the dealer’s spokesman, Jason Lau, the 740hp, v12 machine capable of speeds up to 350km/h has a “new aerodynamic design, redeveloped suspension, increased power and new driving dynamics”.

But, this car doesn’t come cheap as it will cost more than the HK$6.65 million Aventador Coupe.

Aston Martin DB11

If you’re feeling the need for speed, then the Aston Martin DB11 is perfect for you.

Don’t let the outer sleek and stylish look fool you as this car is nothing but raw, primal power. Described as the most powerful production DB model ever, the DB11 comes equipped with a 600-horsepower, 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine.

In addition to the 700Nm of torque and going from zero to 100km/h in less than four seconds, the car can also reach speeds of up to 320km/h.

The DB11 will be significantly cheaper than the Lamborghini Aventador S as it is priced at HK$3.58 million.

Watch the video of Gafencu taking the DB11 for a test drive round Hong Kong here: www.igafencu.com

Porsche Panamera

Porsche is continuing with its four-door theme and has unveiled a brand new model of the Panamera.

But, don’t be fooled by the fact that it doesn’t look as sharp as the Lamborghini Aventador S and Aston Martin DB11 as the Panamera has a top speed of 264km/h.

The car comes with a 550hp, four-litre V8 Panamera Turbo or a 440hp, 2.9-litre V6 Panamera 4S.

If you’re interested in the Panamera, it will cost you HK$1.46 million.

Ferrari GTC4Lusso T V8

Ferrari has been producing luxury sport cars for decades now and they have gone with a different look when it comes to their newest model, the GTC4Lusso T V8.

Make no mistake, the car still comes with all the normal bells and whistles you expect from Ferrari as it features a V8 engine that is capable of pumping out an incredible 760Nm of torque.

The GTC4Lusso T V8 is capable of going from zero to 100km/h in just 3.5 seconds and has a maximum speed of 320km/h. How’s that for you speed lovers!

Surprisingly, the GTC5Lusso T V8 will only cost HK$2.32 million.

BMW 5 Series (520d, 530i and 540i)

The seventh generation of the BMW 5 series is one to look out for if you prefer a more classic look.

With adaptive LED headlights, this series is “the most innovative and connected business sedan”, according to spokeswoman Katherine Ng.

“Its many intelligent functions are adopted from the BMW 7 Series, such as gesture control, wireless charging, voice command, and a display key,” she adds.

The 520d, which costs HK$569,000, comes with a 1,995cc 4-cylinder engine and has 184hp.

As for the 530i, both the luxury and sport edition have a 1,998cc 4-cylinder and boast 252hp. In regards to the price, the luxury edition costs HK$789,000, while the sport edition is slightly cheaper at HK$739,000.

Meanwhile, the 540i is by far the best of the lot as it possesses a 2,998cc 6-cylinder engine and has 340hp. With the upgrades in features, it is no surprise that it is the priciest model at HK$989,000.

For more stories from Gafencu on cars, visit: gafencunew.ktmlabs.com/shop/lifestyle/wheels/

Written by Bimal Mirwani