Collectors' Motor Cars, Toys, Models and Automobilia
Bonhams, 3rd December 2001, Olympia, London


Text & Photographs by Martin Wollny
 

1955 Maserati A6G-2000 Berlinetta - Coachwork by Carrozzeria Zagato
One of the rarest and cutest Maseratis ever built. In 1955, only six cars of the same kind left the Maserati factory in Modena and this particular example is only the third Maserati A6G-2000 to be bodied by Zagato, the rest being Frua and Allemano cars. The weight of the car was only 840kg and the twin-cam 2-litre engine, with its output rated at around 150bhp, was powerful enough to take the A6G to around 200 km/h top speed. Sold as an ongoing restoration project, but with the most difficult stages of restoration left behind. Although yet to be reunited with its newly rebuilt engine, the car is described as "mechanically almost complete".

1911 Chalmers Model Thirty Pony Tonneau
In 1908, Hugh Chalmers, a vice-president of the National Cash Register Co., was persuaded to buy the Thomas-Detroit auto company by Roy Chapin and Howard Coffin, early automotive pioneers. Later, Chapin and Coffin continued working for the company which was sold to Joseph L Hudson and it became Hudson Motor Car Company. Chalmers Motor Car was founded by Chalmers and, by 1915, it became an established quality car manufacturer, producing 20,000 cars a year. Chalmers took part in early races and was quite successful winning Motor Park Sweepstakes in 1908 and Glidden Trophy in 1910 with Chalmers Model Thirty. This particular car has a 3.7-litre four cylinder engine and was previously owned by Rothschild.

1970 De Tomaso Mangusta - Coachwork by Carrozzeria Ghia.
Giugiaro-designed Mangusta was a mid-engined car with 4.7 litre Ford V8 and 5 speed ZF gearbox. First shown at Turin Motor Show in 1966, the production started in 1967. It was a lightweight car, the weight kept low at 1,185kg. The left-hand drive car is believed to have been sold in the USA and it was imported around 1989. Described as in generally good condition, with excellent chassis and body and very good paintwork and interior.

1972 Ferrari Dino 246 GTS - Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful shapes to grace a motor car, the timeless design of Pininfarina. The car was initially called 206GT and had a 6 cylinder 2-litre engine, enlarged from the racing F2 1600cc engine inspired by Alfredino Ferrari, Enzo's son. Later, the engine displacement was enlarged to 2.4-litres and the body was made in steel rather than in aluminium to reduce the production cost and improve quality. The new engine had 195bhp and could propel the car to around 150mph. This particular example has had only 2 owners and is being sold after a long and careful restoration. The mileage is only 38,500 miles and is benefiting from a rebuilt engine converted to unleaded fuel.

1930 Bugatti Type 46 Sports Saloon - Coachwork by Lancefield
With 5.4 litres in-line 8 cylinders engine, developing 140bhp and . the top speed approaching 100mph, this was a fast touring car that was only second to the mighty Bugatti Royale with its 12-litre engine. The body was made by Lancefield coachbuilders of West London. The engine was rebuilt by Crostwaite & Gardiner during the previous ownership.

1981 Ferrari 308GTSi
Pininfarina-designed car first produced with fibre-glass body and later steel. The engine size went up from 2,926cc to 3,185cc, but, this injected 2 valves per cylinder model with Bosch K-Jetronic system is actually less powerful than the smaller engine - 214bhp @ 6600rpm and the torque 179 lb/ft @ 4600rpm compared to 250bhp and 210 lb/ft. Compared to its immediate predecessor with carbs - the difference is even greater. Altogether 1,743 GTSi cars were built between 1980 and 1982. This particular car is described as a "faultless runner, totally original and in A1 condition in every respect. For more information on this model click here.