This year’s Greenwich Concours d’Elegance and Auction set the stage for the festivities at Pebble Beach—here are three vehicles you want to watch out for at the auction this Sunday, May 31.
1) 1973 Porsche 911 2.7 RS M472 Touring
The holy grail of 911 production, this 2.7 RS has it all: the seamless ducktail rear spoiler, 4-wheel disc brakes, and a bored 911 S engine. Total power output is rated at 210 horsepower at 6,300 rpm, and power delivery comes with an unadulterated straight-six wail. Fully independent suspension with McPherson struts graces the front axle, while the rear axle harbors independent suspension with an anti-roll bar. 0-60 mph comes in 5.5 seconds with a top speed of 149 mph, and this particular example comes equipped with the M472 interior package, which retained most of the standard 911 S’s well-equipped interior. One of only 500 examples produced in 1973, and with a catalog estimate of $550,000-$700,000, this RS is sure to impress at auction.
2) 1938 Bugatti Type 57C Stelvio Convertible (Body by Gangloff)
Arguably the star of Bonham’s auction this weekend, this 1938 Bugatti Type 57C is an important car in Bugatti history—the car represented the company’s first installment of the transmission to the crankcase and the company’s first use of a single-plate clutch. Sporting a 3,257 cc supercharged straight eight-cylinder engine and independent front suspension, this Bugatti embodied both aesthetic and technical appeal. The car was ordered new by renowned Bugatti enthusiast Albert Brenac, passing hands several times in France and even blowing its original engine on the German Autobahn. The 57C was eventually restored to perfection after owner’s Miles Coverdale’s death in 2002, thus beginning its career as an official show car. The Bugatti is slated to bring $900,000 – $1,100,000 when it crosses the block, and it represents a prime opportunity to invest in a beautiful piece of Bugatti history.
3) 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 MkIII BJ8
A staple of British motoring history, the Austin-Healey 3000 is a common sight at many high-end auctions. This example, however, harbors exceptional history—an almost completely original car, this 3000 boasts single-family ownership since 1968. The owner’s son had the car repainted and ordered an engine rebuild in 2009, but, crucially, the interior was left completely untouched. Though the 2.9-liter inline six-cylinder engine produces a modest 150 horsepower, the intoxicating sound and torque delivery of the motor is sure to captivate the new owner. This 3000 captures the essence of drop-top British automobile culture, and with a catalog estimate of $55,000 – $70,000, is a perfect start for the aspiring collector.
Please enjoy this TFLcar.com video review of the 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera S.
