Zoute Sale Shatters Records: World-Class Collector Cars attract International Crowd and command Top Prices

• Over €27 million achieved, making the decennial Zoute sale the most successful to date
• Record registration levels both online and in the room, surpass every Bonhams|Cars auction this year

KNOKKE-HEIST, BELGIUM – October 9,  2023 – (Motor Sports NewsWire) – One of Bonhams|Cars biggest sale on its international calendar brought exceptional results today at the Zoute Sale in Knokke-Heist, Belgium during the Zoute Grand Prix. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, this year’s auction garnered incredible attention, boasting the highest registrations on record for any Bonhams|Cars auction at more than 1,400 and over 3,500 people in the room eagerly bidding live to culminate in the final sale result of over €27 million. The 147-lot sale presented automobilia, motorcycles, and 96 collector cars, and achieved 87% sell-through rate and 96% by value.

For the 2023 edition, Bonhams|Cars debuted a new 7,000 square meter pavilion with its new branding to accommodate the impressive collection on offer and the influx of crowds arriving daily. Over 30,000 car enthusiasts from Northern Europe and beyond were welcomed over the three days of previews and from afar bidders online reached new heights. On auction day, the sale was led by Bonhams|Cars Managing Director Maarten Ten Holder and supported by Chairman Emeritus Malcolm Barber who managed to spot the many bids in the room amongst the large crowd. With paddles raising in the room, phones active, and online participation, buyers hailed from 21 countries reaching as far as Europe, the U.S., the United Arab Emirates, and Asia.

“Today was a resounding success. Every year, Zoute Grand Prix hosts an extraordinary lifestyle and automotive event, attracting hundreds of thousands of enthusiastic participants that are always excited to see the exceptional calibre of cars we showcase,” said Philip Kantor, Bonhams|Cars International Chairman based in Belgium. “It’s the perfect alignment and our partnership has continued to grow over the past eleven successful years, and we look forward to future initiatives with Zoute Grand Prix,” said Gregory Tuytens, Bonhams|Cars Head of Sale, Belgium.

The Bonhams|Cars Zoute Sale 2023. Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta TdF, sold for €4.83 million.

Thrilling the room was the matching-numbers and Ferrari Classiche certified Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta TdF. This rare car in an elegant gold exterior campaigned for 37 years by the late Plinio Haas and was fully restored to the highest standards by the best names in the business. Everyone’s eyes were on this lot when it came up and with multiple bids it sold to its new North American custodian for €4.83 million.

From classics to contemporary supercars, the Zoute Sale had it all. Many paddles were raised for the iconic 1929 Bugatti Type 37 Grand Prix, which sold for €1.15 million. This was followed by a more recent model, a 2006 Bugatti, known for its powerful engine. The hypercar’s striking color scheme and top speed will surely turn heads for its new owner who took it home for €1 million. Also securing strong results for supercars was a 2014 Porsche 918 Spyder going for €1.2 million against its estimate of €600,000-900,000, as well as a 1995 Porsche 911 / 993GT2, which sold for €1 million.

The Orange Collection – eight Aston Martins from the same era in a bespoke tangerine orange with matching orange interior – sparked international attention. The enthusiasm continued during the live bidding, with many people actively participating both in the room, online, and on the phones. All eight cars reached impressive results and achieved €750,000 all in.

Remarkable models once in the hands of notable individuals included a 1970 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 “Daytona” Berlinetta, in previous ownership by French singer Christophe. The “Daytona” excited the crowd, likely many fans in the room of the late singer, and sold for €724,500. Also offered in the sale was a 1998 Aston Martin DB7 Volante Alfred Dunhill Edition, formerly owned by Jennifer Lopez and featured in her “Love Don’t Cost a Thing” music video, which sold for €40,250.

The ultimate car for the beach town of Knokke-Heist, a 1959 Fiat 500 Jolly, surprised the crowd with competitive bidding for this special model, which ultimately sold for €155,250. Another unique model was the 1997 SAAB EX Protype, made as a 50th anniversary tribute to SAAB, and sold for €74,750.

Next up for Bonhams|Cars is Golden Age of Motoring in London on November 3 followed by On The Grid during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, as the official auction partner of the Formula 1 Paddock Club™ on November 25. Consigments remain open.

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