Scottsdale 2012: Meet the new kid on the block, Bonhams

Ok, ok Bonhams auction house isn't exactly "new". They've been at it since 1793, before there were even cars. But, for 2012 they're joining the ranks in Scottsdale, AZ for what will likely become an annual auction. Their catalog is divided into two distinct sections, automobilia and cars. Looking at the cars, they picked a very nice selection for starters. Here's some that stood out to me.

This 1969 Porsche 911S is a real looker with the Martini colors and full race trim. This car is fully set up for vintage SCCA race duties and has a Elverude built 2 liter motor that packs 225 horse power. This is a turn key vintage racer that was built right and ready to go.

I have a special spot reserved in my heart for early E-type Jaguars. This 1962 3.8 litre roadster is a true barn find. It has been in storage sine 1976. While it was redone at some point in the past, including a color change, you really can't fault the car's current condition. It presents itself really well and could make an excellent driver or be restored to it's original color combo.




One of the highlights of the auction is this 1930 Rolls Royce Phantom I transformable convertible sedan. This is one of two built with coachwork by Hibbard & Darrin, and was originally given as a gift by Paramount Studios and director Josef von Sternberg to actress Marlene Dietrich. A long history follows the car and has just received a comprehensive $500,000 restoration. And has not been shown since the restoration was completed.


This 1967 Porsche 906E was driven by Otto Zipper and Scooter Patrick to a 1967 USRRC under 2 litre class win. This car would be a welcome addition to any vintage race or concours and certainly the Porsche Rennsport Reunion. This ex-works car has been fully restored to it's 1967 championship livery.

When you think of the Monte Carlo Rally, your mind conjures up images of Mini Coopers and Audi Quattros. Not a full size Bentley sedan. But compete this 1952 R-type saloon did in the 1953 rally. At the hands of Mike Couper, this Bentley won the Concours de Comfort class.


Source & Photos: Bonhams

Barrett Jackson bringing a host of interesting cars to Scottsdale.

The folks at Barrett Jackson are really stepping up efforts to go back to their roots in a way by auctioning a wide array of classic cars that you typically would not expect to see. I've been browsing the catalog for the 2012 Scottsdale auction and found several unique classics that are set to be auctioned in a little more than a week's time. Here's what's caught my eye.

1948 Tucker Torpedo. What's not to love about the tucker? A truly uniquely styled car and a great story of the American Dream and free enterprise. Preston Tucker is a person I admire greatly, just imagine if things actually did work and the car flourished. This car comes from the famed private collection of Ron Pratte who is a staple at Barrett Jackson auctions.

1939 Buick Roadmaster. This one caught me because of the fact that it's the 1939 Indianapolis 500 pace car. The catalog doesn't say if it's "The" car that paced the race, but it's still really cool to think of a car this big as the pace car.

1957 Desoto Adventurer convertible. There's just something about the overall look of this one. I don't know if it's the wire wheels or the gold and black paint. A lot of folks might go for the Chrysler, Plymouth, or Dodges of this era, but there's something classy about the Desoto. And I think it looks the best out of them all.

1933 Desoto. This one stood out because it's not only a classic, but it was used in a classic film. 1967's Bonnie & Clyde. What's even more outstanding is that the car is essentially how it appeared in the film. Bullet holes and all. And it still presents itself very well. This one will make a collector very happy.

Also from 1933 comes this Pierce Arrow from the Blackhawk collection. I love the styling of this car cause it is radically different from anything else on the road at that time. This car was owned and restored at one time by the late Bill Harrah of the Harrah's Collection. This will be a significant sale at the auction without a doubt.

Also coming from the Blackhawk collection is this 1954 Mercedes Benz 300 SL Gullwing coupe. If there was ever a blue chip collector car, this is it. The dark silver paint just suits the flowing lines of this SL.

This 1947 Bentley may perhaps be one of the most beautiful cars in the world. This example with Coachworks by Franay comes from the Ron Pratte collection and has over 50 awards won for it's beauty. This is a one of a kind classic that will stop them in their tracks at any concours.

Next up is this 1941 Packard 160 limosine with Body by Rollson. This caught me eye because of the unique town car body style and how the passenger compartment was styled with a traditional carriage roof. This car harks back to the era of old money, and you can just imagine the sort of events and parties this car was used for.

Lastly is a car that is no stranger to Barrett Jackson. This 1970 Plymouth Hemi Cuda convertible was used in the TV show Nash Bridges and was driven by Don Johnson. He liked the car so much, he purchased it when the show went off the air. In 2003 he and Cheech Marin drove the car across the auction block and sold the car, where it returned the following year to move to another collector. You may be saying, wait that's a 71 Cuda. In traditional Hollywood magic, yes the car is a 1970 Cuda that was modified to 1971 standards for the show.

Source & Photos: Barrett Jackson

Volkswagen of America changes name

In order to go with their new appearance and surroundings. Volkswagen of America has announced that they have changed their name to Volkswagen Group of America.

Executives feel that this name better suits the fact that there are five automotive brands under the umbrella of Volkswagen in the United States.

Seems to be more fitting. It's just going to take some time to get used to VGoA from now on. And historically speaking, VWoA will continue to exist.

Press Release:
AUBURN HILLS, MICH. (Dec. 12, 2007) — Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced today that it has changed its name to Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. The change will be fully effective January 1.

The new name better reflects the fact that the Volkswagen Group of America includes five distinct brands: Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, and Volkswagen, as well as the related financial services functions of Audi Financial Services, Bentley Financial Services and Volkswagen Credit.

“Our company, like the entire Volkswagen Group, has grown dramatically since our formation in the United States in 1955. Our new corporate name allows our individual brands to flourish, while recognizing that we have a common support structure that gives us great strength as we face our competitors,” said Stefan Jacoby, President and Chief Executive Officer. “The new name Volkswagen Group of America reflects the much wider array of goods and services we now offer, and prepares us for even more activities in the future.”

Operating under the umbrella of Volkswagen Group of America, the Volkswagen and Audi brands will continue to provide sales and service under their names, Volkswagen of America and Audi of America.

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. remains a wholly owned subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, which together with its subsidiaries and affiliates worldwide is now the fourth largest automobile company in the world.