What a refreshing change of tempo The Bond Road Sale 2024 – by Bonhams – turned out to be.

After an intense week of journey, hectic automobile exhibits and fast picture shoots, I used to be feeling slightly burnt out after I returned to London from Germany. I did not want a break from automobile tradition, however I positively wanted one from the chaos that always surrounds it.

I additionally wanted a break from freeway seat time, having not too long ago logged greater than 1,400 kilometers on the Autobahn in a Ford Puma rental automobile. So, when the prospect to attend a preview of The Bond Road Sale introduced itself, it felt like the right antidote.

I had by no means been to a automobile public sale earlier than, and I used to be curious. So why not begin on the prime of the public sale ladder?

Pull out one of many oldest clichés within the ebook, the silence was deafening. Bonhams motorcar auctions appeal to a way more unique clientele than your common CoPart or again road public sale home, and, as anticipated, the environment was distinctly totally different.

Only a few individuals have been trying across the automobiles in particular person throughout my go to – a welcome change of tempo from what I had skilled simply weeks earlier than.

In any case, not everybody has a cool two million {dollars} burning a gap of their pocket for a ravishing Koenigsegg CCXR. For these on a extra modest price range, a Bugatti Sort 35A was obtainable for just below half the Koenigsegg’s estimate.

The higher corridor was crammed with iconic classics from Aston Martin, Jaguar, Lamborghini, Porsche – and a really spectacular 1910 Mercedes-Benz sedan.

The Mercedes’ particulars have been stunning, and the structure was surprisingly acquainted, nearly an identical to a contemporary handbook automobile.

Downstairs held the extra ‘reasonably priced’ automobiles, though that is a relative time period. Trendy classics have been in all places, together with three of my favourite continent-crushing GT automobiles: a Bentley Brooklands, an Aston Martin DBS, and an Alpina B6 Cabriolet.

Though an public sale preview would not appear outstanding on the floor, what struck me most was how these automotive treasures have been hidden in London’s bustling Mayfair cityscape…

… and I imply actually treasure. After the ultimate hammer fall, the Bugatti Sort 35A took the crown as the most costly sale of the day at US$700,000, adopted by a McLaren 720 GT3X at US$510,000.

It is a disgrace I left my checkbook at residence or I might have pushed off within the Miami Vice-spec Lamborghini Countach that bought for US$496,000. Small change…

Bonhams is a powerhouse in understated British class, and it is easy to see the way it has earned its international fame for excellence.

The most effective half? I used to be residence simply 50 minutes after taking my final picture that morning. What an ideal, handy dose of automobile tradition.

Mario Christou
Instagram: mcwpn, mariochristou.world
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