LONDON.- The first Rolls-Royce Phantom III to be sold to America, which featured in the award-winning 2006 film Pan’s Labyrinth, is to be sold at
Bonhams traditional end of year sale of Important Motor Cars and Fine Automobilia on 6 December, which this year takes place at Mercedes-Benz World at Brooklands in Surrey.
A total number of 24 Phantom III Rolls-Royces are thought to have been sold to America new, with this car listed to have been delivered first on 2 December 1936. Estimated at 60,000 – 70,000 and in fantastic condition, the car was used alongside a Bentley in a car chase in the film Pan’s Labyrinth, which was directed by Guillermo del Toro. It has been owned by a prominent connoisseur of pre-war luxury cars since this time and kept in Southern Europe.
A 1934 Lagonda M45 Tourer, which has had five owners since new, including the Pink Floyd drummer and prominent collector, Nick Mason, is another sale highlight. Estimated at 110,000 – 140,000, it has been immaculately restored by its current owner.
Meanwhile a Mercedes-Benz 600, once owned by the ‘King of Rock and Roll’, Elvis Presley, has attracted a pre-sale estimate of 150,000 – 200,000.
Another car with remarkable provenance is a 1964 Maserati 3500GTI Coup, which belonged to the renowned Maserati specialist, the late Bill McGrath. Discovered in 1973 in a builder’s yard and purchased for 500, the car has attracted a pre-sale estimate of 65,000 – 75,000. It was during the restoration process that McGrath realised how little was known about Maseratis and how few parts were available. Having nursed the car back to health, he started to gain a reputation as a superb restorer and in 1977 became a full-time specialist in the marque.
Sale highlights also include a 2000 Ferrari 550 GTZ (price on application); a 1964 AC Cobra (estimate 250,000 – 300,000); a 1955 Mercedes 300 Gullwing (estimate 350,000 – 400,000); a 1937 SS100 Jaguar 2 Litre Roadster (estimate 210,000 – 230,000); and a 1967 Aston Martin DB6 MK1 Volante Convertible (estimate 200,000 – 300,000).
