Best of Brass at Bonhams

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Press release

RARE MERCER TYPE 35K RUNABOUT LEADS SEMINAL BRASS ERA COLLECTION AT AMELIA ISLAND AUCTION

www.bonhams.com/amelia

An early American supercar, a 1913 Mercer Type 35K Runabout, leads an important private collection of Brass and Classic Era automobiles newly consigned to the Bonhams Amelia Island Auction on May 20.

One of the most revered motor cars of its day, the Type 35 Runabout was the luxury version of the legendary Type 35 Raceabout, one of the first race cars for the road which competed in early motorsport meetings as the Indy 500 and at Daytona.

The Runabout shared the same 108 inch-wheelbase chassis as its sibling as well as its revered ‘T-head’ 4-cylinder engine and the 1913 version also had the external 4-speed gearbox. However, it offered some comfort in the form of side doors, full windshield, a top and slightly raised steering column.

Although circa 400 Runabouts were produced, many were rebodied in the more rakish Raceabout style. This particular example is the only surviving Runabout with its original bodywork and externally shifted four-speed transmission. It has an estimate of US$1,000,000 – 1,500,000.

The vendors, the late Clem and his surviving wife Mary Lange, purchased the Mercer from Bonhams at the 2004 Brookline Auction, placing it as the capstone of their impressive private collection, of which 13 motor cars will be offered in the Amelia Island sale. 

Eric Minoff, Senior Specialist for Bonhams Motoring, said: “We are honored to be entrusted with this exceptional motor car once again and delighted to be offering it as part of this seminal collection which celebrates the early age of motoring.”

1934 Bugatti Type 57 Cabriolet, estimate US$800,000 - $1,000,000

Another highlight of the collection is a 1934 Bugatti Type 57 Cabriolet. The first all-new Bugatti of the era designed by Jean, son of the founder Ettore, the 57 was beloved of the international glitterati. This particular example is the only one to have had its bespoke coachwork designed by Carrosserie Franay, Paris-based coachbuilders, for its first owner, the German film star Hella Hartwich. Subject of a fairly recent $650,000 restoration, the Bugatti is now offered with an estimate of US$800,000 - $1,000,000. 

A further eleven motor cars are offered from the formative collection of Clem and Mary Lange, enthusiasts from Indiana. Fittingly, for these proud ‘Hoosiers’ the collection offers a strong representation of Indiana-built machinery, including Classic Era automobiles from such names as American, Auburn, Duesenberg and Stutz and Indianapolis 500-style race cars built by Knox, Inter-State and National.

1933 Duesenberg Model J Dual Cowl Phaeton, estimate US$1,000,000 – 1,250,000 

Leading the pack is a 1933 Duesenberg Model J ‘Sweep Panel’ Dual Cowl Phaeton. ‘Category 1’ Certified by the Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg Club this well-known example was fitted in the 1960s with a desirable original LaGrand Dual Cowl Phaeton Body and is offered with an estimate of US$1,000,000 – 1,250,000. 

Other highlights include: 

1912 Stutz Model A Bear Cat, estimate US$650,000 – 850,000. The earliest surviving Stutz in existence and the 63rd Stutz built. This well-known motor car was restored by Stutz Club judge Raymond Drake.

1935 Auburn 851 Boattail Speedster, estimate US$600,000 – 800,000 without reserve. A rare export model delivered new with right hand drive, and Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg Club Certified, this example is offered with no reserve. 

The line-up for the Amelia Island Auction is being curated to include some of the finest motorcars ever offered at auction, representing more than a century of automotive excellence and innovation. The sale will offer an early example of the quintessential collectors’ Rolls-Royce: a 1909 Silver Ghost, the model dubbed the best car in the world and the epitome of Edwardian coachwork and engineering excellence, offered with an estimate of US$1,300,000 – 1,500,000.

The Fafard Collection’s 1934 Mercedes-Benz 500/540K Spezial Roadster, estimate on request

The sale also offers another prestigious private collection – that of the late Massachusetts property developer Howard Fafard. A long-time collector of the finest European marques, with a particular passion for Mercedes-Benz, his collection is led by a 1934 Mercedes-Benz 500/540K Spezial Roadster, the marque’s top of the line sportscar of the 1930s, (estimate on request), and features a rare 1928 Mercedes-Benz 630K ‘La Baule’ Torpedo, estimate US $1,100,000 – 1,250,000.

Further highlights: 

1935 Godsal Sports Tourer, the sole eponymous prototype produced by engineer Charles Godsal, which won a Best in Class award at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, estimate US$750,000 – 950,000.

2006 Ford GT Heritage Edition, estimate on request. One of only 343 limited examples of the supercar finished with the Heritage livery of blue and orange, recalling the famed Gulf Oil sponsored John Wyer Automotive Engineering cars which won the 24 hours of Le Mans in both 1968 and 1969. 

The full catalogue for the sale is now online: https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/26618/.

The Bonhams Amelia Island Auction 2021 will be held as a traditional live auction at the Fernandina Beach Golf Club on Thursday, May 20, with bids accepted from clients in the room (respecting social distancing and all local COVID-related guidelines), with limited public admission by prior appointment. 

The sale will also be streamed and available on the Bonhams App, which provides registered bidders the opportunity to bid in real time online via Bonhams.com while watching the auctioneer and videos of cars on offer. Absentee and telephone bids are also encouraged.

Pre-sale viewing will take place at the Fernandina Beach Golf Club on May 19 and the morning of May 20. 

For further information or to register to bid, please contact: 

Bonhams West Coast +1 (415) 480 9028

Bonhams East Coast +1 (917) 340 9652

motors.us@bonhams.com 

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