Once again I am running the Motorclassica 2014 auction on behalf of Theodore Bruce, Australia’s oldest auction house established in 1878, and for whom I act as the consultant car specialist. Following on from our resounding success in 2013 where we sold a 1968 Lamborghini Miura P400 for a world record price at auction and Holden Prototype Number 4 for a world record for any Holden at auction, we are off to a great start for this year’s event, to be held on the evening of Saturday 25th October at the Royal Exhibition Buildings in Melbourne, with some marvellous cars already consigned.
The Bentley R-Type Continental is often cited as one of the most elegant and refined luxury cars of all time and in its day was the fastest four seater car ever built. The example we are offering at auction was featured at the 1955 Australian Motor Show and is the only R-Type Continental Fastback delivered new to Australia. With just five owners from new, the latest custodian took responsibility for this beautiful machine, BC30D, 37 years ago in 1977. Other highlights of the sale will include a very rare factory right hand drive 1956 BMW 503 cabriolet, a 1947 Chrysler Town & Country Woody convertible, a highly desirable 1956 Porsche 356 Speedster, a Victor motorcycle and sidecar in original condition celebrating its 100th anniversary, an iconic 1937 BMW 327, a stunning 1954 Sunbeam Alpine Mk 1 (think Grace Kelly in “To Catch A Thief”), along with a selection of beautiful pre-war American automobiles including what is believed to be one of only two surviving Packard Coupés by Holbrook.
For further details go to www.thedorebruceauctions.com.au and www.motorclassica.com.au
The Melbourne Argus newspaper featuring the Bentley R-Type Continental Fastback, BC30D, March 22nd 1955.
