10 eye-catching classics for sale this Friday

Ferraris to the fore at Belgian auction

Bonhams’ annual Zoute Sale is back in Belgium on Friday (11 October) and it’s fair to say that a flick through the beachfront auction’s catalogue doesn’t disappoint.

Yes, at first glance, Ferraris seem to dominate, but dig a little deeper and there are plenty of other gems. And even a trio of child-size F1 cars for parents who might be feeling flush.

Now we don’t personally have the cash to indulge, even in a miniature classic, but that doesn’t stop us dreaming – so here are 10 lots from Friday’s sale that we’d bid on if we could.

1. 1965 Ferrari 275GTB/2 Alloy Long-Nose

Having stated that it’s not all Ferraris at Zoute, our first pick is indeed a Prancing Horse – and not only that, but it’s expected to be this sale’s top lot.

We say ‘expected’ because potential bidders are told to refer to the auction house for its estimate, which is likely to be on the high side.

And rightly so: this matching-numbers Ferrari 275GTB/2 is one of only 60 alloy-bodied cars made, delivered to Italy when new and finished in Rosso Chiaro.

1965 Ferrari 275GTB/2 Alloy Long-Nose (cont.)

Exported to the US in 1974, it returned to Europe in 2002 when it was sold by Fiskens to Gregory Noblet, son of the Ferrari GTO driver Pierre Noblet, and reregistered on British plates.

Between June 2004 and May 2013 he campaigned the car in a variety of historic events before he sold it on again, with the car’s next owner spending a whopping €250,000 on a comprehensive restoration in 2014.

Now also Ferrari Classiche certified, we’re excited to see what this Ferrari might achieve on Friday.

2. 1989 Ferrari F40 Berlinetta

We promise, this isn’t all Ferraris, but we just can’t resist an F40.

This 30-year-old, three-owner, sub-20,000km example so charmed its original keeper that it remained with them for 25 years, other than a brief period in September 1989 when it was stolen, but thankfully soon recovered, undamaged.

1989 Ferrari F40 Berlinetta (cont.)

In a highly desirable spec without catalytic converters and with non-adjustable suspension, it goes to sale with Ferrari Classiche certification, having being meticulously stored until 2014.

More recently it’s been refreshed and the cabin re-trimmed, and it heads to the Belgian sale with a pre-sale estimate of £710-890,000.

3. 1986 Austin Mini Moke

Here’s something completely different – and very much more affordable.

Restored in 2017, this black 1986 Austin Mini Moke with a black-leather interior is powered by a 998cc petrol engine, mated to an automatic gearbox, and is ready for its next adventure – or a trip to the beach!

1986 Austin Mini Moke (cont.)

It’s been consigned to this week’s sale with no reserve, but is expected to sell for £13-22,000 when it crosses the block.

In the Mini’s 60th-anniversary year, this could be your chance to celebrate in style.

4. 1959 Fiat-Abarth 750 Record Monza Coupé

No prizes for guessing why this caught our eye.

Built for competition, this Zagato-bodied Fiat 600-based beauty was delivered new to Italian racer Ernesto Prinoth.

Indeed, it’s thought it might have been part of Abarth’s works entry, possibly with outings at the Targa Florio, Mille Miglia and others, although none of this can be confirmed.

1959 FIAT-Abarth 750 Record Monza Coupé (cont.)

What is for certain is that it’s benefited from a professional, body-off restoration of more than two years in duration, finished in 2016 – and at that year’s Zoute Grand Prix it received a special prize for its originality.

It’s being offered without reserve and is expected to reach £67-85,000.

5. 1968 Citroën DS21 Décapotable

Maybe we’re a bit predictable in including this in our selection, but we just can’t resist this Chapron-crafted creation.

This is a matching-numbers DS that, back in 1990-’93 was restored to concours condition.

It’s been in the care of just two families in its 51 years and has the sought-after hydraulic semi-automatic gearbox.

1968 Citroën DS21 Décapotable (cont.)

Carefully maintained and ready to delight its next owner, this DS21 will be sold with its comprehensive history file that documents its restoration.

Bonhams expects it to sell for somewhere in the region of £170-200,000 on Friday.

6. 1974 Lancia Stratos HF Stradale Coupé

We make no apologies for picking this.

With fewer than 25,000km on the clock and as one of only 400 made, this pleasingly original roadgoing Stratos owes at least part of its excellent condition to the fact that between 1982 and 2005 it was kept in its then-owner’s private museum collection.

1974 Lancia Stratos HF Stradale Coupé (cont.)

Included in the sale are invoices totalling more than €17,500, plus a set of bucket-style seats and Campagnolo alloys.

Fancy it? You’re probably going to have to find £310-400,000 to secure the winning bid.

7. 1960 Ferrari 250GT Series II Coupé

Yes, it’s another Ferrari, but this 250GT Series II Coupé was first owned by HRH Prince Charles of Belgium, Count of Flanders – and as such could be of particular interest at this auction held in the same country.

Not that it needs a royal connection to make it desirable.

It’s the 305th of the 353 units built, after which it was sent to Jacques Swaters’ Garage Francorchamps in Brussels.

1960 Ferrari 250GT Series II Coupé (cont.)

It is still in its original – if unusual – colour combination of Marrone Testa di Moro with a natural leather interior, plus it has features specified by the prince including a bumper-mounted flag holder, a handle in the dashboard and black headlining.

This 250GT heads to auction with a guide price of £490-670,000.

8. 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet

This head-turning drop-top has lived in Germany all of its life and, we’re told, goes to auction in excellent condition.

Powered by the range-topping V8 and with space enough to take some friends along for the wind-in-your hair ride, this example has been returned to the striking colour it wore when it left the factory and still has its original dashboard.

1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet (cont.)

One of 1232 cabriolets, it is believed to have covered fewer than 82,000km.

It goes to auction on Friday with a pre-sale estimate of £330-380,000.

9. 1956 Austin-Healey 100/4 BN2 Le Mans Spec

Concours-ready and Mille Miglia-eligible, this British classic has a lot going for it.

And it’s been fully restored with no expense spared, including a respray in its original colour and a gearbox overhaul, by Dutch marque specialist Bart van Tiggelen.

1956 Austin-Healey 100/4 BN2 Le Mans Spec (cont.)

What’s not to like? And it’s being offered by Bonhams without reserve.

That said, it’s thought you’ll need £80-120,000 to secure this attractively equipped Healey that is said to be ready to be enjoyed.

10. 1989 Aston Martin V8 Zagato Volante Convertible

When did you last see one of these? Quite. But that’s because just 37 were produced, of which 12 were left-hand drive, like this car – just eight of those have the five-speed manual gearbox seen here.

That it’s covered fewer than 3000km only adds to its appeal, if its bold, ’80s styling wasn’t enough.

10. 1989 Aston Martin V8 Zagato Volante Convertible (cont.)

Despite its low mileage, this Aston Martin has been lovingly cared for, as the heap of paperwork it’s being sold with attests.

Well, it is thought it resided for around 20 years in the collection of a well-known Aston Martin connoisseur in Belgium.

Fancy adding it to your fleet? Start digging behind the sofa: its pre-sale estimate is £290-340,000.

The Zoute Sale starts at 5:30pm CEST. To see the full lot list, please click here.