Scottsdale 2012: Meet the new kid on the block, Bonhams

Ok, ok Bonhams auction house isn't exactly "new". They've been at it since 1793, before there were even cars. But, for 2012 they're joining the ranks in Scottsdale, AZ for what will likely become an annual auction. Their catalog is divided into two distinct sections, automobilia and cars. Looking at the cars, they picked a very nice selection for starters. Here's some that stood out to me.

This 1969 Porsche 911S is a real looker with the Martini colors and full race trim. This car is fully set up for vintage SCCA race duties and has a Elverude built 2 liter motor that packs 225 horse power. This is a turn key vintage racer that was built right and ready to go.

I have a special spot reserved in my heart for early E-type Jaguars. This 1962 3.8 litre roadster is a true barn find. It has been in storage sine 1976. While it was redone at some point in the past, including a color change, you really can't fault the car's current condition. It presents itself really well and could make an excellent driver or be restored to it's original color combo.




One of the highlights of the auction is this 1930 Rolls Royce Phantom I transformable convertible sedan. This is one of two built with coachwork by Hibbard & Darrin, and was originally given as a gift by Paramount Studios and director Josef von Sternberg to actress Marlene Dietrich. A long history follows the car and has just received a comprehensive $500,000 restoration. And has not been shown since the restoration was completed.


This 1967 Porsche 906E was driven by Otto Zipper and Scooter Patrick to a 1967 USRRC under 2 litre class win. This car would be a welcome addition to any vintage race or concours and certainly the Porsche Rennsport Reunion. This ex-works car has been fully restored to it's 1967 championship livery.

When you think of the Monte Carlo Rally, your mind conjures up images of Mini Coopers and Audi Quattros. Not a full size Bentley sedan. But compete this 1952 R-type saloon did in the 1953 rally. At the hands of Mike Couper, this Bentley won the Concours de Comfort class.


Source & Photos: Bonhams

Fit for a future King.

Just like the millions that got swept up in Royal Wedding Fever, we were no exception. Though for different reasons. The cars! There is no denying the Royal Family has some of the most stunning vehicles at their disposal. And of course, a wedding with all of its pomp and circumstance is the perfect time to polish up the vintage Rolls Royce. It was quite a special treat to see so many of the vintage state cars out in the open. Everything from vintage horse drawn carriages to Rolls Royces and Bentleys, even a vintage Daimler state limo. Both Prince William and Prince Harry rode to Westminster Abbey in the Queen's Bentley state limo. While Prince Charles and Camila rode in a 1950s vintage Rolls Royce state limo. And Kate Middleton and her father in the same 1970s vintage Rolls that was attacked by protesters a few months back. The real treat was when Prince William and Princess Kate emerged from the gates of Buckingham Palace in a stunning dark blue 1969 Aston Martin for a parade lap.

Said Aston Martin has it's own unique ties to the Royal Family. It was given to Prince William's father, Prince Charles as a 21st birthday present from the Queen. What a gift. It's also special because it's been rebuilt to run greener in a sense. It's been converted to run on alcohol from vineyards owned by the Royal Family. Neat stuff.

eBay Rolls Royce RR4

That treasure trove of appalling autodom described in the most gnarled English imaginable, otherwise known as eBay Motors, serves up today's flavorful morsel of weird and wonderful. Why wait for the upcoming Rolls-Royce RR4 when you can just throw $50K at this heavily customized Chrysler 300C. It's got the ostentatious grille, the suicide doors, the RR embroidered headrests, but most importantly, a HEMI V8 underhood. HEMI, apparently now transmuted to mean "multi-displacement system," will save you fuel as you rent the car out for the dreamy rate of $750 per day as the seller suggests. At least with a Chrysler lurking underneath all that nasty, you can be assured that repair costs will be nominal compared to the real thing.

Rolls Royce Sales up 42.8%

Credit crunch, what credit crunch? Maybe for us, but not for the rich and richer. While most automakers are in the process of tightening their collective belt, Rolls Royce is seeing its sales soar this year and it's getting ready to hire more workers to keep up with demand. Last month the British brand delivered 129 cars which represents growth of 7,5 percent compared to the same month in 2007. From January through September of this year, BMW Group-owned Rolls-Royce has delivered a total 827 vehicles to customers, achieving a gain of 42.8% over the previous year (579 units).

Commenting on the economic situation (we call it meltdown), Rolls Royce CEO Tom Purves said: “We’ve had a very good year. Nobody’s immune, and we certainly don’t think we’re immune, but we do think we have a certain degree of insulation.”

The Golden Roller: Rolls-Royce Golden Drophead Coupe

It's a truth universally acknowledged that the most extravagant examples of over-blinged, taste-deprived millionaire-mobiles tend to come from aftermarket tuning houses.

But, as proof that a reputation for taste and class doesn't preclude the occasional dalliance into ghastly over-the-topness, this delicious little number, this golden Drophead Coupe, comes straight from Rolls-Royce.

It was created as part of the Rolls-Royce 'Bespoke Programme', which allows customers to have pretty much any colour scheme and interior choice, no matter how hideous. Surely there are laws against this sort of thing.

As you've probably guessed, this golden Roller is headed for the Middle East: Abu Dhabi to be precise.

Our favourite touch? The gold-plated Spirit of Ecstasy on the bonnet. How long do you reckon that's going to last?

Source: Top Gear

Rolls Royce Silver... Bullitt with 1040 Hp Hemi V8

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see that this kitschy Silver Shadow isn’t your typical chauffeur driven Rolls Royce. The custom made limo is equipped with a 592 Hemi V8 that with the help of a dual stage nitrous system pumps out a mouthwatering 1040Hp. Leaving aside the pimp-my-Impala steering wheel, another interesting detail is the roll cage that’s wrapped around with leather and contrast stitching.

2009 Rolls Royce Phantom Coupe

As if we didn't have enough already with the four door Roll Royce Phantom. This 2 door coupe is more than enough to satisfy the needs of the rich and not so famous. Superior styling as always and a superior V12 engine pulling out 453 horsepower and 531 lb-ft torque going from 0-60 in 5.6 seconds. The Rolls Royce phantom is for those young professional people who don't have a family yet but want to roll in luxury. Or for the man who wants to go on a special trip with his wife alone on the weekend.

Engine

Power bhp: 453

Torque lb-ft: 531

Type: V12

Performance

Acceleration 0-60 mph: 5.6 Seconds

Top Speed: 155 (electronically limited)

Base Price for 2009 Rolls Royce Phantom Coupe: $412,000

2007 Rolls Royce Phantom

Every mans dream ever since they were kids. This car is not meant to be driven by the owner, but driven around by their own private driver. This car feels like home, with a nice fuzzy carpet, tables that recline out of the seat where you can have lunch, it has enough room to sleep in, and it is also comfortable. And if you need to get somewhere fast, it has the power.

Engine
Displacement cu in (cc):	412 (6748)
Power bhp (kW) at RPM:	453(338) / 5350
Redline at RPM:	n.a.
Torque lb-ft (Nm) at RPM:	531(720) / 3500
Type:	V12

Performance
Acceleration 0-60 mph s:	5.7

Base Price: 2007 Rolls Royce Phantom $332,000