Two German 1950s roadsters — a BMW 507 and Mercedes-Benz 300 SL — were the top results at the Bonhams 2022 Audrain Newport Concours classic car auction.
The two top results at the Bonhams Audrain classic car auction 2022 held in Newport, Rhode Island, were $2,315,000 paid for a 1957 BMW 507 Series II Roadster with hardtop and $1,077,500 for a 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster.
Bonham Audrain Concours Sale 2022
The Bonhams Audrain Concours Auction: September 30, 2022, in Newport, Rhode Island, USA.
A boutique selection of 45 collector cars spanning more than a century of automotive excellence was offered in the second Bonhams Audrain sale. The sell-through rate was 88% of lots.
“The prestigious Audrain Newport Concours & Motor Week has firmly established itself as a must-attend date on the international collector car calendar. Our commitment will extend with auctions through to 2025, while supporting their other events including the Veteran Car Tour in the Spring and the upcoming Nashville Tour in November.”
Million-Dollar Results at Bonhams Audrain 2022
A rare example of BMW’s glamorous Fifties flagship sportscar, a 1957 BMW 507 Series II Roadster, which had been hidden in a Philadelphia garage for more than four decades, topped the results at the Bonhams Audrain 2022 classic car auction when it achieved $2,315,000.
Only 252 BMW 507s were produced, making it one of the most collectible and coveted BMWs. This largely original example had been offered from a single-family ownership of 43 years, having been acquired by the vendor’s father in 1979. Unusually for such a glamorous statement car, the 507 was driven straight into a modest garage, where was remained without turning a wheel – only being started up from time to time.
Eric Minoff, Senior Specialist, Bonhams US Collector Cars, who found and consigned the BMW, said: “This car was a dream discovery. It is truly incredible that such an important sportscar could be hidden from view, in an unsuspecting shed, for more than 40 years. It was the epitome of the Million Dollar Barn Find – truly a hidden treasure – and this 507 offers a superb opportunity for its new owner.”
Bonhams sold another BMW 507, an even rarer Series 1, for over €2 million ten days later at the Zoute Sale in Belgium. The 507 model record (and BMW marque record) is £3,809,500 ($5,031,683) paid for John Surtees’ 1957 BMW 507 at the Bonhams Goodwood Festival of Speed Sale in 2018.
Another million-dollar result at the sale was a 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster, also a match for the 507 in their heyday, that achieved $1,077,500.
Top Results at Bonhams Audrain 2022 Classic Car Auction
Other desirable collector cars performing strongly at the Bonhams Audrain 2022 sale in Newport included a brace of powerful, low-mileage Aston Martin V8s. A 1986 V8 Sports Saloon far surpassed its pre-sale estimate, making $280,000, while its sibling, a 1989 V8 Vantage Volante, offered from single-family ownership from new, sold for $207,200, topping its estimate.
One of the earliest offerings was a fine example from the very first sportscar brand in the USA: Mercer. The 1920 Mercer Model 22-70 Series 5 ‘Raceabout’ Conversion, which was formerly in the important collections of Bill Harrah and Al Ferrara, realised $268,600.
Further notable results in Audrain included:
1994 Lamborghini Diablo VT, sold for $252,000. A well-preserved, low mileage, example of the 200mph supercar which comfortably achieved its pre-sale estimate.
1977 Porsche 930 3.0 Turbo Carrera, made $162,400, exceeding its top estimate. A matching numbers, restored example of the desirable first generation 3.0 Turbo Carrera.
