classic cars

EXCLUSIVE: Former Harrods Owner Mohamed al Fayed Sells Off His Rolls & Ferrari Collection

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions, The Classicist, Wealth

Last summer we reported that Mohamed al Fayed had sold famed London department store Harrods to Qatar's royal family for $2.2 billion. Now the ultra-rich businessman, equally well known as the father of the late Princess Diana's lover Dodi Fayed, is selling off his incredible car collection, featuring stunning custom classic Rolls-Royces, Ferraris and more. There are ten cars in all from al Fayed's collection starring in Bonhams' Paris sale of Motor Cars at the Grand Palais on Feb. 5 - chief among them being the 1965 Ferrari 330 GT 2+2 originally owned by John Lennon, expected to fetch up to $220,000, which we can now exclusively reveal comes from al Fayed's collection and was in fact owned by Dodi Fayed.

Next up are a remarkable pair of classic Rolls-Royce motorcars which al Fayed has refinished in custom Harrods Green livery, one with a royal pedigree. The 1963 Rolls-Royce Phantom V Limousine (above) was the property of H.R.H. Prince Edward, Duke of Kent until al Fayed acquired it in 1996, and is expected to fetch up to $200,000. The Duke of Kent's Rolls, which was originally painted black, still has its blue bullet lamp on the roof signifying Royal ownership. There's also a matching Harrods Green 1969 Rolls-Royce Phantom VI Limousine, estimated at up to $240,000. Read on for the full list of al Fayed's cars being offered for sale, including several other Ferraris:

Gallery: Mohamed al Fayed's Car Collection at Bonhams

Ex-Duke of Kent 1963 Rolls-Royce Phantom V

Tags: auctions, Bonhams, British royalty, classic cars, department store, Dodi Fayed, Ferrari, Harrods, London, mohamed+al+fayed, mohamedalfayed, Mohammed al Fayed, Paris, Princess Diana, Rolls-Royce, royalty, UK

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Rare $5 Million Ferrari Stars in RM's Villa d'Este Sale

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions

Rare $5 Million Ferrari Stars in RM's Villa d'Este Sale

A rare 1955 Ferrari 375 MM Berlinetta by Pinin Farina (above) is expected to fetch up to $5 million at RM Auctions' debut sale during the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este in Lake Como on May 21. Resplendent in two-tone ivory and metallic blue, the unique Ferrari, s/n 0490 AM, was the last 375 MM built and reportedly the last Ferrari to carry the famed 'Mille Miglia' designation. Displayed on the Ferrari stand at the Turin Motor Show in 1955, its first owner was official Ferrari dealer and gentleman racer Inico Bernabei. 0490 AM was later acquired by Count Antonio Naselli before being exported to the U.S. In 2003, it was the recipient of an extensive, concours-quality restoration returning the car to its Turin Motor Show specifications. It has since been displayed at a number of the world's most prestigious concours events, including the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in 2004 where it was judged 'Best in Class', as well as the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este in 2005.

Tags: classic cars, Ferrari, Ferrari 375, Lake Como, RM Auctions, Villa dEste

Amelia Island Concours to Celebrate Ferrari 250 GTO's 50th Anniversary

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Events

The legendary Ferrari 250 GTO, built between 1962 and 1964, is a holy grail for car collectors. The last one that came on the market is said to have sold for about $28 million. Ralph Lauren has one of course, as does Pink Floyd's Nick Mason, UK Ferrari maniac Chris Evans, and many men whose fortunes exceed all measure of normality. Now the renowned Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance in Florida has announced plans to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the iconic car at its 2012 show. The organizers are hard at work delving into the history of the incredible vehicle in order to properly honor significant milestones in its evolution. The 250 GTO's anniversary will be celebrated at the event by figures who participated in its storied past, and an eye-popping assortment of the cars will be on display. Meanwhile the 2011 Concours is slated to take place from March 11–13 at the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island.

Gallery: 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO

Simon Clay c 2010 courtesy of RM Auctions

Tags: Chris Evans, classic cars, concours delegance, Ferrari, Ferrari 250 GTO, Florida, Ralph Lauren, Ritz-Carlton

A Look Inside Ralph Lauren's Billion-Dollar Garage

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Wealth

We've written before about the automotive treasures in Ralph Lauren's car collection; now Vanity Fair has gotten an inside look at the lavish garage / gallery the designer recently built near his posh Westchester, NY estate to house them. Lauren transformed a former car dealership's storage facility into a shrine to the best in automotive design, with rooms dedicated to famous marques; the Ferrari room is pictured above, with a rare 1958 Testa Rossa taking center stage. The 60-plus ultra-valuable vehicles are all kept registered and ready to drive anytime the designer feels like going for a spin.

The eye-popping collection includes a 1936 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic worth an estimated $40 million alone – the world's most expensive car – a 1934 Bugatti Type 59 Grand Prix, a 1938 Alfa Romeo Mille Miglia roadster, the world's only 1930 Mercedes-Benz SSK "Count Trossi" roadster, a 1957 Jaguar XKSS, a McLaren F1, a 1929 "Blower" Bentley, a Ferrari 250 GT, and the only Lamborghini Reventon Roadster in the U.S. All have been maintained carefully since new, or restored to perfection – and "sometimes beyond perfection," the magazine notes, as some have been painted in colors that the billionaire decided were better than the originals.

Tags: Alfa Romeo, Bugatti, car collection, classic cars, designer, Ferrari, Ferrari 250 GT, Jaguar, Lamborghini, McLaren F1, Mercedes-Benz, Ralph Lauren, Vanity Fair, wealth, Westchester, worlds most expensive

Rare 1949 Ferrari 166MM Touring Barchetta Joins Arizona Sale

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions

Last month we told you that a rare rare 1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Spyder formerly owned by both baseball great Reggie Jackson and famed daredevil Evel Knieval is expected to fetch up to $1 million at RM Auctions' annual Automobiles of Arizona sale in Phoenix on January 20 – 21. Now another even more desirable Ferrari has been added to the sale, a rare, race-bred 1949 166 MM Touring Barchetta (above) estimated at $1.9 million – $2.4 million. The incredible car, chassis number 0024 M, was originally commissioned for the 1949 Paris Motor Show and has been owned and raced by many notable individuals in the Ferrari world. The 10th built of just 25 examples featuring striking "Barchetta" coachwork from Carrozzeria Touring of Milan, the car made its racing debut at the 1950 Mar del Plata in Argentina, finishing an impressive first overall. It was also raced in period in the 1951 Mille Miglia, where it was driven by well-known female driver Aprile Palmer, who purchased the car shortly afterward; more recently the car underwent a complete and total restoration.

[via JamesList]

Gallery: 1949 Ferrari 166MM Touring Barchetta

Tags: Arizona, Carrozzeria Touring, classic cars, Ferrari, Mille Miglia, racing, RM Auctions

Steal of the Century: $13 Million 'Star of India' Rolls-Royce Sells for $850,000

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

Back in September 2009 we reported that the famed "Star of India", a one-off 1934 Rolls-Royce Phantom II 40/50 HP Continental "All-Weather Convertible" custom made for the Maharaja of Rajkot with coachwork by Thrupp and Maberley, had been listed for sale at $13 million, making it one of the world's most expensive automobiles. Now it has finally changed hands for a mere $850,000, making it the steal of the century. The buyer, Mandhatasinh Jadeja, is actually the grandson of the Maharaja who originally owned it. He told the Times of India he plans to return the car to its homeland and give it to his father as a 75th birthday present, after which it will be housed in a private museum. The incredible car is currently on display at Canada's Art Gallery of Ontario as part of the Maharaja: The Splendour of India's Royal Courts exhibition.

Gallery: Star of India Rolls-Royce

Tags: classic cars, India, Maharaja, Rolls-Royce, Star of India

Winston Churchill's Daimler Up for Auction

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions

If Winston Churchill's dentures go for £40,000, how much is his car worth? We'll find out on Dec. 4 when the UK's Historics at Brooklands auctions off this gorgeous 1939 Daimler DB18 Drophead Coupé that the great statesmen used on several occasions before and after the Great War. The auction house has conservatively estimated it at £200,000 – £250,000, or about $325,000 – $400,000, but it could well fetch much more. One of only eight built and the only known surviving example, it comes with numerous photographs of Churchill perched on the rear seat. Finished in smashing silver over black coachwork with a contrasting three-position cabriolet hood in a rich chocolate, it has a luxurious dark green leather interior and wooden dashboard. It also features a full set of Jaeger LeCoultre instruments.

Gallery: Winston Churchill's Daimler

Tags: auction, celebrity cars, classic cars, Daimler, Historics at Brooklands, Jaeger LeCoultre, UK, Winston Churchill

Reggie Jackson's $1 Million Ferrari & More at Auction

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions, Celebrity Shopping, Sports

A rare 1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Spyder (above) formerly owned by both baseball great Reggie Jackson and famed daredevil Evel Knieval is expected to fetch up to $1 million at RM Auctions' annual Automobiles of Arizona sale in Phoenix on January 20 – 21. The car is one of a number of stunning Ferraris on offer in the stunning auction taking place at the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa (previewed by my colleague Noah Joseph), including a gorgeous 1966 Ferrari Superfast Series I, estimated at $900,000 – $1 million; a fully-restored 1950 Ferrari 166 Inter Berlinetta, est. $400,000 – $600,000; a well-known 1995 Ferrari F50 Show Car, est. $600,000 – $800,000, the very first F50 built; and a stunning jet black 1967 Ferrari 330 GTC. Other classic European thoroughbreds set to cross the block include a 1921 Rolls-Royce 40/50HP Silver Ghost Phaeton, est. $350,000 – $475,000; a 1932 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Newmarket Sport Phaeton, est. $300,000 – $450,000; and a 1958 Aston Martin DB2 Mark III, est. $200,000 – $250,000.

Gallery: RM Auctions' Arizona Ferraris

Tags: Arizona, Aston Martin, auction, baseball, celebrity, celebrity cars, classic cars, Ferrari, Reggie Jackson, RM Auctions, Rolls-Royce, sports

The World's Greatest Automobile Aficionados

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Books

From James Dean to Gianni Agnelli and Paul Newman to Steve McQueen, automotive journalist Robert Puyal presents portraits of eighty icons of the automobile world in his lavish, stylish new book Behind the Wheel from Flammarion. The cover (above) features the coolest photo of the ill-starred Dean driving his famous Porsche 550 Spyder that we've ever seen, demonstrating Puyal's penchant for finding the image juste. Organized by decades, the book begins with pioneers of the automotive industry such as Louis Renault and the ultra-stylish Jean Bugatti, progressing to the likes of Agnelli, Enzo Ferrari, McQueen and Newman, to modern-day aficionados such as Horacio Pagani, who designs his own supercars, and famed Ferrari collector Nick Mason of Pink Floyd. Amongst them are champion racing drivers and a couple of fictional characters as well. Even director Quentin Tarantino rates a mention for giving muscle cars so much screen time.

Gallery: Behind the Wheel

Tags: books, Bugatti, cars, classic cars, coffee table books, Enzo Ferrari, Gianni Agnelli, James Dean, Pagani, Paul Newman, Porsche, Renault, Steve McQueen

The Classicist: Etiqueta Negra Launches 'Classic Cars' Collection

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Luxury Cars & Autos, Sports, Men's Style, The Classicist, Luxury Shopping

This season Argentina-based design house Etiqueta Negra, known for its modern take on masculine, equestrian and sporting style, is launching a new men´s collection inspired by one of our favorite things: classic cars. The company's Classic Cars Collection features casual wear such as sweaters, t-shirts, jeans, down vests and leather jackets characterized by clean lines and neutral colors - black, white and dark gray - with a touch of yellow in the detailing designed to evoke traditional motor racing livery. The sporty and sleek pieces range in price from $40 to $1,200 for a leather motorcycle jacket.

"I've had a passion for automobiles since I was a child and am an avid car collector," explains the label's founder Federico Alvarez Castillo. "This appreciation for beautiful cars has played a central role in the design and aesthetic of Etiqueta Negra as a brand from its inception. It was only appropriate to integrate the vehicles into the design of the clothes." Etiqueta Negra, which means "Black Label", is committed to impeccable craftsmanship and the highest quality fabrics, from Pima cotton to fine denim, cashmere and merino.

They also offer a line of leather shoes designed exclusively for them by Casa Fagliano, the Argentina-based maker of Prince Charles' bespoke polo boots. Prices for the princely footwear begin at $2,500 a pair. Etiqueta Negra also sponsors a polo team in Argentina called Ellerstina, ranked as one of the country's best, which serves as the mascot for its Polo Team Collection comprised of chic sporting classics. Both collections are now available in the company's stores, including the recently opened New York outpost. The stylish spaces (above) are decorated with vintage leather luggage, racing helmets and handmade riding boots set against a background of dark wood paneling, iron beams, black and white photography and vintage-inspired industrial lighting.

Gallery: Etiqueta Negra Classic Cars

Tags: Alfa Romeo, Argentina, car, classic cars, equestrian, Etiqueta Negra, Ferrari, horses, leather, luggage, Maserati, mens style, motor racing, motorcycle, New York, polo, Prince Charles, Sienna Miller, sporting

Continue reading “The Classicist: Etiqueta Negra Launches 'Classic Cars' Collection”

The Classicist: Win a Private Tour of Ralph Lauren's Car Collection & More

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions, Events, Charity, Sports, Big Givers, Men's Style, The Classicist, Luxury Shopping

From now through Oct. 21, Ralph Lauren is auctioning off a number of extraordinary items and experiences to mark the 10th anniversary of Pink Pony, the designer's global initiative to raise awareness and funds in support of the fight against cancer. The online auction, the first of its kind for the Pink Pony cause, is being produced in partnership with luxury charity auction site charitybuzz. Highlights of the incredible event include several once-in-a-lifetime forays into the private world of the famed fashion designer and his luxury empire, including classic cars, polo, chauffeured Bentleys, sexy models and shopping sprees. You check out full details and register to place bids at www.charitybuzz.com/RalphLauren; meanwhile, here are The Classicist's top picks:

1. A private tour of Lauren's incredible car collection, estimated at $150,000: You and a friend will be shown the cars, including the ultra-rare 1936 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic (above), worth an estimated $40 million, a $28 million Ferrari 250 GTO, Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing, McLaren F1LM and more, by Lauren himself at his lavish estate in Bedford, New York. You'll also get a ride in one of these world-class driving machines and take home a signed copy of Speed, Style, and Beauty: Cars from the Ralph Lauren Collection.

2. A weekend at Lauren's private Round Hill Villa in Jamaica, estimated at $150,000: A priceless opportunity to spend four days and three nights for you and up to three guests at the designer's personal Jamaican paradise. The fully staffed villa, which sits on a magnificent, picturesque cliff over the crystal blue Caribbean Sea, has been featured on the covers of House & Garden and Architectural Digest. Enjoy a swim in the villa's infinity pool and private beach access, as well as complimentary tennis lessons and a yoga session.

3. Play polo with Nacho Figueras and stay at The Breakers in Palm Beach, estimated at $15,000: Take a lesson from Nacho Figueras, world class polo player and Ralph Lauren model. You and a guest will refuel afterward during lunch with Nacho, and you'll also spend three nights at the exclusive Breakers hotel in Palm Beach, including a spa treatment for two at the Breakers Spa; a round of golf for two; a $1,000 private shopping experience at the Ralph Lauren store at the Breakers; and VIP access to the U.S. Open at the International Polo Club.

4. Front row seats to the Ralph Lauren fashion show and an outfit from the runway, estimated at $25,000: Bring along a friend when you meet the designer and sit in the elite front row at his Fall 2011 Fashion Show in New York. Then, select your favorite look from the runway to add to your own personal collection. Enjoy two nights at a penthouse suite at The Setai Fifth Avenue hotel, including breakfast for two and one signature spa treatments. [continued]

Gallery: Ralph Lauren Pink Pony Auction

Tags: ad campaign, auction, Bedford, Bentley, bespoke, Boris Becker, Bugatti, car collection, Caribbean, Carlyle Hotel, charity, charitybuzz, classic cars, designer, fashion show, Ferrari, Ferrari 250 GTO, Jamaica, London, mens style, Mercedes-Benz, Nacho Figueras, Palm Beach, Paris, Pink Pony, polo, Ralph Lauren, Rhinelander Mansion, Setai, tennis, The Breakers, The Savoy, villa, Wimbledon

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Rare Roger Moore Lamborghini at Auction

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions

A rare 1969 Lamborghini Islero GTS (above) driven by Roger Moore in the cult 1970 flick The Man Who Haunted Himself, his last movie before taking up the role of James Bond, has been added to the lineup at RM Auctions' upcoming Automobiles of London sale next month. Estimated to fetch up to $215,000, the highly-coveted car would be quite a collector's catch even without the celebrity provenance. One of 100 Islero GT "S" models and one of only five RHD examples ever built, the car is considered by many to be a hidden gem. Ferruccio Lamborghini himself drove an Islero. Moore was recently reunited with the car in London where he autographed the sun visor, the original driver's handbook and a special plaque. These come with the car, along with an impressive collection of documents, including the original factory invoice, a photographic record of the recent total restoration and a letter from Valentino Balboni, the legendary Lamborghini test driver, confirming this is the actual movie car.

Gallery: Roger Moore 1969 Lamborghini Islero

Tags: auction, celebrity, classic cars, James Bond, Lamborghini, Lamborghini Islero, London, RM Auctions, Roger Moore, Valentino Balboni

Historic Jaguar C-Type to Fetch $3.7 Million in London

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions

A rare 1950s Jaguar C-Type has been added to the lineup at RM Auctions' Automobiles of London event on October 27, where it joins the famed 1964 Aston Martin DB5 driven by Sean Connery as James Bond in Goldfinger and Thunderball as we reported in June. The 1952 C-Type (above), which was taken to victory at the Golden Gate Nationals, San Francisco, by well-known driver of the period, Masten Gregory, boasts successful racing history and an unbroken chain of ownership.

Eligible for the world's most prestigious events, it is expected to fetch up to $3.7 million. "Specifically designed to win the Le Mans 24 hour race, the legendary C-Type Jaguar is one of the most desirable sports racing cars ever built," notes Max Girardo, Managing Director of RM Europe. "Powered by a 210bhp, 3,442 cc six-cylinder engine, Jaguar C-Types have an enviable racing heritage from the glory days of 1950s motorsport. The example on offer, XKC-015 is a wonderful illustration and an exciting addition to our London sale."

Gallery: 1952 Jaguar C-Type

Tags: auctions, classic cars, Jaguar, Jaguar C-Type, Le Mans, London, race car, RM Auctions, UK

British Baron's 1930s Bugatti to Fetch $1.8 Million

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions

A rare 1933 Bugatti Type 51 Grand Prix Two-Seater (above) owned by the late Fitzroy John Somerset, the 5th Baron Raglan, former Patron and Chairman of the Bugatti Owners' Club and trustee of the Bugatti Trust, is to be sold at Bonhams' Paris sale of Motor Cars on 5 February 2011. The auction will be held at one of Paris' most impressive venues – the Grand Palais on the Champs-Elysees. Lord Raglan, whose great-great grandfather, the 1st Baron, was the General in command of British troops in the Crimean war – and forever associated with the ill-fated Charge of the Light Brigade – was renowned for his love of Bugattis. "My passion for Bugattis started when I was 18 and I have raced around the world," he once said. Lord Raglan bought the Bugatti Type 51 in 1979 and restored it himself over the next two and a half years, subsequently racing it for the next 20 years. It is now expected to sell for an estimated $1.8 million.

Tags: aristocrat, Bonhams, Bugatti, Champs-Elysées, classic cars, Paris, UK

Cars Owned by Ian Fleming and Duchess of York on Offer at Bonhams

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions

A 1962 AC Aceca Coupe (above), once owned by James Bond's creator Ian Fleming, will be offered by Bonhams at its Goodwood Revival sale in Sussex, UK on Sept. 17. One of only six surviving Ford-powered Acecas in the world, the dashing sports car worthy of 007 has attracted a pre-sale estimate of $150,000 – $200,000. The two-seater, which is dark blue with a burgundy leather interior, was purchased by Fleming the year he wrote The Spy Who Loved Me. Also on offer at the auction is a 1988 Jaguar XJ-S V12 Convertible that belonged to Sarah, Duchess of York, estimated at $30,000 – $38,000, though the highlight is undoubtedly a 1953 Jaguar C-Type, the same make and model that won Le Mans 24-Hours race twice in 1951 and 1953, which could fetch up to $1.5 million. Extensively restored between 1985 and 1991 it's described as "outstandingly usable and potentially extremely competitive." See the gallery for pix.

Gallery: Bonhams Goodwood Revival 2010