For years now the various auctions have become an integral part of the annual classic car week that is about to be held in Monterey, California again. In the months building up to the sales, the auctioneers work hard to consign the best selection of lots. Today we take a look at three cars that will be offered by Gooding & Company, Bonhams & Butterfields and RM Auctions respectively.
One of the most historically important lots on offer in 2011 is certainly this Bentley 3 Litre Harrison Tourer. Bearing chassis number 3, it was the first Bentley ever sold to a customer and now is the oldest Bentley in existence. Having had a colourful history, this very interesting Bentley was restored to full running order in the 1990s. Despite its age only the front axle is not original but even this has been sourced from a slightly later 3 Litre Bentley. Since its restoration, the 3 Litre Tourer has been used extensively and is offered in full running order. Gooding & Company have not released an estimate but we expect the lovely Bentley to feature near the top of the week's results.
Whereas the Bentley represents one of the marque's first, the BRM P207 offered by Bonhams is actually the very last BRM to be entered in a Grand Prix. Built for the 1977 on a very tight string, the V12 engined machine struggled to keep up with the much better funded competition. This particular chassis was used with some success in the Aurora F1 championship before it lingered in non-running order for two decades. In recent years the P207 was completely restored and we saw it in action during the 2006 Monterey Historic Races.
Canadian auctioneer RM have consigned a very impressive collection of 1930s Mercedes-Benzes, all estimated to sell for between $3 - $6 million. Our eye was particularly caught by this 540 K Spezial Coupe, which is one of just a handful of 540 K chassis clothed with a fixed-head body. This was a product of the 'Sonderwagen' 'special cars' department of the in-house coach-builder Sindelfingen and was fittingly unveiled at the Motor Show in Paris where aerodynamic coupes were very much the fashion of the day. Always cherished by its owner and in remarkable original condition, the 540 K Spezial Coupe has a pre-sale estimate of $3.25 - $4.5 million.

Enjoy the links:

1921 Bentley 3 Litre Harrison Tourer - Images, Specifications and Information

1977 BRM P207 - Images, Specifications and Information

1937 - 1939 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Spezial Coupe - Images, Specifications and Information