OXFORD.- Following the Collectors’ Motor Cars and Automobilia sale that took place in Oxford on March 3rd, Bonhams announced that 100% of the Motor Cars sold, realising a total £1.29 million.

Selling for £101,180 against a presale estimate of £40,000 – 60,000, the top lot of the sale was a 1961 Ferrari 250GTE 2+2 ‘Series 1’ Coupé barn find that belonged to the Oscar winning producer Agostino De Laurentiis, who produced over 150 films including Barbarella, King Kong and Manhunter.

Having had only a few owners since new, the 250 GTE was offered by the family of the late owner who bought the car in 1967. It appeared that the last owner only used the car for eight or nine years following its acquisition, as it still carried the last tax disc (expired 1975). With many enthusiastic bidders on the phone and in the room, the Ferrari was eventually bought by a UK client on the telephone.

A red 1965 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 4.2-Litre Roadster that belonged to Sir Elton John was another highlight of the sale, realising £82,140. According to his fleet manager, Sir Elton and his staff referred to the E-Type as 'OK Elton' due to its number plate OKE 1, which was carried throughout his ownership and was sold with the car.

A second E-Type, a 1966 Jaguar E-Type Series I 4.2l Roadster sold for £91,400, exceeding its pre-sale estimate of £60,000 – 80,000. A 1966 Citroën DS21 Décapotable owned by Joe Judt since 1968, who served as the Chairman of the Citroën Car Club and is now the Club's honorary President, realised £55,200.

The last of the collection of the late Bugatti enthusiast E.A Stafford East, included Automobilia and a 1929 Frazer Nash AC-engined Sports Two-seater which sold for £60,521 in total.

Fourteen of the motorcars in the auction were eligible to use in a wealth of Vintage Sports-Car Club events including a 1937 Bentley 4¼-Litre Drophead Coupé estimated at £25,000 - 30,000 that sold for £57,500 and a 1935 Bentley 3½-Litre Sports Saloon that sold for £50,600. Located ten miles away from Bonhams Oxford sale room, the Club organises five race meetings a year at Silverstone, Oulton Park, Cadwell, Mallory and Donington as well as hill climbs at Wiscombe, Shelsley Walsh, Prescott and Loton Park. There are also sprint events, driving tests, navigational rallies and tours.

Rob Hubbard, Senior Specialist at Bonhams comments: “These excellent results show that the Collectors’ Motor Cars and Automobilia sale at Bonhams Oxford has become increasingly popular with our clients. With a fantastic showroom and the close proximity to London, the Oxford saleroom enables the team to showcase a remarkable range of motor cars.”