LONDON.- Bonhams first Goodwood sale of the year took place yesterday, 18 March, and set a high standard for the season. An impressively broad range of motor cars were offered, ranging from pre-war fast tourers to ultra-modern supercars.

One of the top lots of the day was the beautiful 1958 AC Ace Roadster, which achieved £204,220, doubling its pre-sale estimate of £90,000-120,000. The encouraging estimate attracted no fewer than 10 telephone bidders to battle against several enthusiasts in the auction room for more than five minutes. AC proved a popular marque throughout the sale, with the 1937 AC 16hp ‘2-4-6’ Coupé with Dickey achieving £39,675, more than three times its pre-sale estimate of £8,000-12,000. Remarkable considering it was powered by a post-war Jaguar engine.

Popular as ever, Aston Martins were successful on the day, with the usable 1967 Aston Martin DB6 Sports Saloon achieving £186,300 and the similar 1959 Aston Martin DB Mark III Sports Saloon selling for £130,300.

Italian marques fared well, with the ex-Tommy Clapham, Geoff Breakell, 1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GTA achieving £180,700 – the same buyer also successfully bid for a spare engine which was offered as a separate lot, realising £25,300. A 1956 Lancia Aurelia B24 Convertible, in need of re-commissioning and part of a 14-lot strong collection, achieved £158,300. The collection had a 100% sell-through rate, with every lot finding a new buyer.

A 1933 Lagonda M45 with later tourer coachwork from the same collection – proceeds of which went to support the RSPCA – caught the attention of several bidders in the room, online and on the telephones, eventually selling for £126,940. Other pre-war tourers were popular throughout the sale, and the rare 1936 Talbot BG110 Alloy-bodied with factory coachwork sold for £113,500.

Tim Schofield, Head of UK Motor Cars, commented: ‘This is a strong opening for our series of three auctions at Goodwood this year. The broad range of cars on offer drew bids from across the world, and, in typical Bonhams style, we offered everything from pre-war British tourers and Italian racers to French voiturettes and American limousines. Many pre-sale estimates were doubled, and in some cases tripled. We were delighted to see people braving the weather to attend and enjoy the atmosphere in the Bonhams marquee. We look forward to our next sale here in July at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.’

Further highlights included:

• 1965 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 4.2 OTS (£119,100)
• 1961 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL (£110,140)
• 1968 FIAT Dino 2.0-Litre Spider (100,060)