Bonhams auctions are going online

There are to be two new online auctions, with the Bonhams MPH platform alongside the launch of Bonhams Private Sales. There is no shortage of machinery to tempt on both platforms, the MPH sale concentrating on more affordable cars and Private Sales covering the top end.

Bonhams Private Sales has been established following the successful sale for £575,000 of the 1956 Lister-Maserati 2.0-litre sports-racing two-seater – what would have been one of the star lots of the 78^th Members’ Meeting, had that taken place as planned. With the postponement of 78MM, the one-off Lister built for heroic driver Archie Scott Brown sold online instead – proving the right cars will always find a buyer.

Cars now available for sale with Bonhams Private Sales include plenty more rarities, such as a 1967 Ferrari 330 GTS, one of only 100 examples built, and – a familiar car from racing at Goodwood in period – the ex-John Fellowes Lord de Ramsey and Neil Corner 1959 AC Ace-Bristol Roadster.

Then there’s a trio of Astons to choose from: a 1963 DB4 'Series 5' Vantage convertible, one of only 70 made; a 2011 One-77, the sixth of only seven Q-Series special editions with 300km from new; and a 1989 V8 Vantage Volante X-Pack coupe, one of only 166 Vantage Volantes built.

For those with more modest budgets the Bonhams online auctions will take place on Saturday May 30^th and Saturday July 25^th, with a live auctioneer conducting the sales at Bonhams MPH base at Bicester Heritage. At the moment both sales will be closed auctions with buyers able to see the cars in video ‘walkrounds’ on the website, and bids to the auctioneer by telephone or online. Bonhams says the resumption of live auctions will depend on government advice at the time.

The sales include categories for motorcycles, Aston Martin and Lagonda, Edwardian and vintage, popular classics, modern classics, and sports and Grand Touring. Lots that would have been sold at the traditional auctions, including those held at Goodwood, will be included in the sales. Bonhams MPH terms apply, so the entry fee is £125 for cars with a seller’s commission of five per cent, and a buyer’s premium of 12.5 per cent (all plus VAT).

The star car of the May auction promises to be a gorgeous Lancia Aurelia B24S cabriolet, with a guide price of £220-260,000.

To read about five other cars Bonhams has for online auction, click here.

Images courtesy of Bonhams.