A number of auction records were set last weekend as the incredible 48-car Frederiksen Collection went under the hammer in Denmark on 26 September.
Among the highlights was a spectacular 1930 Duesenberg Model J Disappearing Top Roadster, tipped by C&SC as the connoisseur’s choice and top seller at £1,764,675. As well as beating it’s lower estimate of £1.6m, the Duesenberg became the most valuable car ever sold at auction in Denmark.
That honour was expected to belong to the ex-Maharaja of Patiala Maybach DS-8 Zeppelin Cabriolet, which was estimated at £2-2.4m but failed to sell under the hammer despite a large contingent of foreign bidders making the trip to Lyngsbaekgaard.
Proving that rarity sells, the 1973 Rolls-Royce Phantom VI Cabriolet styled by Pietro Frua smashed its £200-250,000 pre-sale estimate to soar to £362,686.
Much more affordable but just as intriguing was a 1905 Woods Electric Queens Victoria Brougham, which fetched just under its top estimate of £63,000. The car was well tested and ready to use, while its striking design added to its allure.
A 1935 Mercedes-Benz 500k Spezial Roadster that had been restored and rebodied by marque specialist Franz Prahl also attracted a great deal of attention. The purposeful soft-top sold on estimate at £748,041, which seemed a tempting figure for such a well finished car.
Bonhams also claimed a new world auction record for a 1939 Lagonda LG6 Rapide, one of just six long-wheelbase models built and a Pebble Beach double trophy winner. It was sold for £538,363.
An impressive £923,718 was paid for the auction’s cover car, a 1914 Mercedes 28/95 Phaeton. It is believed to have been bought by a telephone bidder from Germany.
“There was an excellent atmosphere in the room, with everyone enjoying the day,” said Bonhams’ Malcolm Barber.
