Ex-le mans bugatti type 55 super sport to star in bonhams' monaco sale

Bonhams' sale at the Monaco Historic Grand Prix
[QUOTE=Bonhams]Bonhams returns to the royal principality of Monaco on 10 May 2008 for the 19th consecutive year to offer once again a selection of some of the world’s most desirable collectors’ cars. The sale, ‘Les Grandes Marques à Monaco’, is to be held at the Collection de Voitures Anciennes de S.A.S. le Prince de Monaco.

Star of the sale will be a stunning 1932 Bugatti Type 55 Super Sport that raced at Le Mans in 1934, which is expected to sell for €2,000,000 – 2,600,000.

The Type 55 Bugatti was built as a road-going version of the Type 54 Grand Prix car and became the ultimate supercar of the early 1930s. Only 38 examples were built and chassis no.55208 is one of less than 20 to be fitted with flamboyant Jean Bugatti-designed roadster coachwork.

The Bugatti’s original owner was French amateur racing driver Charles Brunet who entered the car into the 1934 Le Mans 24-Hour race, sharing the drive with Freddie Zehender. The car was running 5th in the 75th lap, but in avoiding a collision with a car that had crashed, it spun and subsequently retired from the race.

In more recent times, this important Bugatti has been part of two prestigious collections – the Bill Serri Collection and since 2003, the ‘Mas du Clos’ Collection, during which time it has been fully mechanically restored by the French specialist Etablissements NOVO. The car, presented in two tone blue with black leather interior, is ‘on the button’, eligible for this year’s Le Mans Classic and ready to grace the lawns of the world’s most prestigious Concours events.

Other highlights of Bonhams’ sale include:

· 1938 BMW 328 – also eligible for the Le Mans Classic, this fully race prepared BMW is guaranteed to be a front-runner in pre-war historic racing. To be sold complete with all original parts, it is estimated to sell for
€400,000 – 600,000.

· 1969 Ferrari 365 GTS – one of only 20 built and offered in pristine condition, estimate €500,000 – 800,000

· 1972 Ferrari 365 GTS/4 NART Spyder by Michelotti, estimate €525,000-675,000

· 1958 Aston Martin DB MKIII DHC, estimate €150,000 – 200,000

· 1983 Lancia 037 Groupe B ex. Biasone TOTIP, estimate €350,000 – 400,000

· 1994 Bugatti EB110 GT estimate, €170,000 – 210,000

· 1935 Mercedes Benz W214 40cv. Landaulet, estimate €85,000 – 120,000

· 1985 Audi Quattro Sport, SWB, one of 200 homogolation specials, estimate €80,000 – 110,000

More at [url=http://www.bonhams.com]Bonhams 1793: Fine Art Auctioneers & Valuers[/url][/QUOTE]

Its really hard to reference a Ferrari I've never heard of, but I have to ask: what is a 1972 Ferrari 365 GTS/4 NART Spyder by Michelotti? A 365 GTS/4 generally refers to a Daytona Spyder, but this sounds different.

Also, unless this is some super special car I have a hard time imagining someone paying between €525,000-675,000 for something converted outside the factory.

Finally, I'm curious where the market shake-ups are going to leave this sale.

[QUOTE=NicFromLA;794755]Its really hard to reference a Ferrari I've never heard of, but I have to ask: what is a 1972 Ferrari 365 GTS/4 NART Spyder by Michelotti? A 365 GTS/4 generally refers to a Daytona Spyder, but this sounds different.

Also, unless this is some super special car I have a hard time imagining someone paying between €525,000-675,000 for something converted outside the factory.

Finally, I'm curious where the market shake-ups are going to leave this sale.[/QUOTE]

The Michelotti is this ugly thing.

I believe Michelotti made at least 5 Daytona based specials.

I don't know about that but there are some 308's and maybe some other models he styled.

Edit: Apparently race version Daytona's, the 308's were race versions too. As well as F430GT.

[QUOTE=Dino Scuderia;794761]I don't know about that but there are some 308's and maybe some other models he styled.

Edit: Apparently race version Daytona's, the 308's were race versions too.[/QUOTE]

You should not confuse designer Giovanni Michelotti with preparation company Michelotto. Michelotti was the designer behind the Vignale Barchettas of the early 1950s and has always worked as a free lance designer for whoever needed a design. Michelotto built various Ferrari based racing car including the recent 360 and F430 GT2 cars.

[QUOTE=Wouter Melissen;794763]You should not confuse designer Giovanni Michelotti with preparation company Michelotto. Michelotti was the designer behind the Vignale Barchettas of the early 1950s and has always worked as a free lance designer for whoever needed a design. Michelotto built various Ferrari based racing car including the recent 360 and F430 GT2 cars.[/QUOTE]

Indeed. Thanks.