New year, new records

Showcasing the best in European motoring, the Bonhams annual Zoute auction achieved a record €3.8 million. Paddock magazine was all ears and eyes on this event.

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The most exciting item, of course, was the 1989 Ferrari F40, formerly owned by 1992 Formula 1 World Champion Nigel Mansell – the remarkable car was sold for €690,000 (£543,375). Set in the picturesque and exclusive Belgian seaside resort of Knokke-Le-Zoute, the sale was held alongside the Zoute Grand Prix Rally and the Zoute Concours d’Elegance, and attracted a strong audience turnout with some keen bidding.

Philip Kantor, Head of the Continental European Motoring department, said: “We’ve enjoyed another great sale at Zoute, achieving nearly double last year’s total. Ferraris continue to excel, taking pole position as a top lot, with Nigel’s car being sold to a telephone bidder, and a 1972 Ferrari 365GTC/4 Berlinetta selling at €287,500 (£226,406). Offering an eclectic selection from the best of European classic motoring, the Zoute auction attracts international interest with clients bidding across the globe – wonderful for a sale in only its second year.”

Getting the sale off to an excellent start, a 1978 Alfa Romeo 8C Monza child’s car surprised bidders and specialists alike, surpassing all expectations of its €2,000-4,000 estimate and selling for an incredible €31,625 (£24,905). A brace of Bentleys added British luxury engineering to the event, with a 1987 Bentley Continental Convertible selling far above estimate at €98,900 (£77,883), and from the T-Series, a 1970 Bentley T1 sold for €17,250 (£13,584). In Maserati’s centenary year, the auction featured two of its classic models from the late 1960s. The Maserati Sebring 3700 Coupé achieved a comfortable €193,200 (£152,145), and the Maserati Mexico 4.7-Liter Coupé exceeded expectations, selling for €86,250 (£67,921).

The Zoute auction attracts international interest with clients bidding across the globe – wonderful for a sale in only its second year.

Further sale highlights include a striking Zagato-bodied 1965 Flaminia Super Sport 2.8-Liter 3C ‘Double Bubble’ Coupé, at €299,000 (£235,462); a 1973 Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman Limousine selling above estimate at €178,250 (£140,371); and one of the all-time great sports cars, a 1961 Porsche 356 1600 Cabriolet realising €172,500 (£135,843).