London -- Bonhams returns to the royal principality of Monaco on May, 10 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 LeMans 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:
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
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.
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
Further information: www.bonhams.com
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