001

Real or Replica — Does it Matter?

Is the old car experience about the drive, the history, or both?

GTO Engineering’s 250 FERRARI LOVERS WILL tell you Jakob Greisen collectability, provenance and
Revival is a replica that there’s nothing quite like the history, the real thing will be
Ferrari 250 SWB that’s driving experience you get from Vice President and Head what to acquire. 
built to be used — but an original 250 GT SWB. But of Bonhams’ US Motoring
how should you define with a price tag that’s deep into Department I do think that a tool-room
the experience? seven figures, that opportunity is copy of a 1960s Ferrari, with
hard-won. Or is it? A COLLECTIBLE CAR is called period-original mechanicals,
that because it’s collectible. will give the driver a similar
These days, buyers looking Think art, watches, furniture experience to the real thing in
for 250 SWBs, Blower Bentleys, etc… terms of handling, sound and
D-Type Jags, Aston Martin so forth. It might even operate
DB4GTs, Shelby Cobras and A replica might sound the better than an original car.
even Bugatti Type 35s have same, and feel the same in many
another option versus paying up ways, but car collecting is all Ultimately, though, cars
for strict originality: high-quality about history. It is about stepping like that should always be
and very detailed replicas that back in time, and owning a considered replicas. They will
claim to offer the same driving piece of rolling art which made not offer a look back in the
dynamics as originals — but for an impact on the era in which time when the genuine article
less money.  it was produced. It is romance, was produced, but the time
aesthetics, engineering, and the modern workshop made
Some will say that there’s a lot again, history. it, as opposed to the romance
to be gained here. In addition to of those in which the real cars
costing less, these cars also don’t A replica or continuation car — were built in.
carry the weight of originality even when manufactured under
that a factory-built example license from the firm that made It is important we catalog and
might. Is there something to be the original cars — will never document the replicas so they
said for a well-studied and well- have any historic or collectible don’t mix with the real cars one
constructed replica that can be significance in my book. day after decades have gone by.
tossed around in anger without There may come a time when
handwringing from the concours From a financial perspective, their modern paint might look
crowd? With the weight of history it will be worth the parts and very close to that of the genuine
removed, is the experience more labor it cost to build — and article!
authentic? Is it more reflective of a possibly a little bit more to
car’s true characteristics — those some buyers if a name brand Cam Ingram
factors that made it an icon?  manufacturer puts their stamp
of approval on it.  Owner and CEO,
On the other hand, can a Road Scholars
replica — even one built to That said, we should
the top levels of quality and differentiate between car IN TODAY’S HYPERBOLIC
accuracy — ever give its driver collectors and car enthusiasts. collector car world, there’s
the true experience of an If a car enthusiast is looking for both praise and criticism of the
original? If Ferrari’s workers something to have fun driving intrinsic value or enjoyment
never put hands on that SWB, or racing, I am sure a replica regarding real vs. replica cars.
or it never turned a wheel at en will do the trick and be the way
event in-period, can it really offer to go. But if he or she is into the
the same experience as one that
was assembled decades ago in
Maranello?

Are modern reproductions,
regardless of how good they
might be, doomed to always be
considered replicas, or do they
offer us something that no other
car can: a true look back in time?

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MOVERS AND SHAKERS

Does the driving experience replica then provides a guilt- collection, but are discerning If it feels right, sounds
of a replica car outweigh the free driving experience without as to which ones they will right and looks right,
negative connotations of not the possibility of irreplaceable purchase. They also get great does a Superformance
having the real McCoy? damage to their real car. enjoyment out of winning GT40 still offer enough?
Concours events and being
The collector car world has This has been a topic of hot considered in the top echelon
evolved so much within just the debate in the higher echelons of car collectors, especially if
last decade, and it’s important of the vintage racing world for they own a one-off, unique
to note that attitudes about quite some time. Some people vehicle. Without a doubt, that’s
replicas have changed. have accused the business of a status symbol that many strive
replication of getting out of for. They don’t have a need to
In previous times, an hand, leading to fewer real be publicly recognized, but are
individual considered buying a “significant” cars on track. satisfied with the recognition
replica Porsche 550 Spyder or they humbly receive from their
Shelby Cobra simply because Regardless of why someone contemporaries.
they had been priced out of owns a replica, it’s safe to
the market for an original. With say that it can provide an The other kind of people are
several different manufacturers experience that is exceptionally those who totally appreciate the
now making compelling replica close to the driving sensations engineering, technology, design
versions of both models, the of the original. A replica can and overall cachet of certain
decision to buy a replica car is never match the gravitas cars from the past, but do not
more complex in today’s world or weightiness of driving a have the budget to purchase
— and it’s not just based on priceless object, but it’s very the originals. For them, replicas
affordability anymore. close and certainly provides a give an opportunity to enjoy the
look back in time. vehicle without having to worry
I have driven both a Kirkham about performance, reliability
“replica” 289 FIA Cobra and a Maybe the real vs. not real and extra cost to maintain that
Beck “replica” 550 Spyder many argument is not as important valuable patina and originality.
times over the years. I have also as the sensations driving one of
had the remarkable fortune to these cars provides — and the I do not condone replica
drive the real versions of both memories we take away from collectors pretending that
cars on multiple occasions. The these precious moments of their cars are original. The
replicas do offer a comparable being alive. true aficionados will see right
experience. through them. The true replica
Judy Stropus collectors embrace their joy in
Is the driving experience owning a car that represents
100% the same? No, but in some Driver, racer, author, concours great history and relish the
ways it can be better. judge, professional timer opportunity to see heads
and PR expert turning as they drive by in their
You don’t see too many favorite “toy.” They proudly
real 550 Spyders or 289 Cobras THERE ARE TWO kinds of display them as reproductions
flogged around on the road people (at least) in the car of historic and fabulous vehicles
these days. Owners typically collector world: The first are the — and do not care about what
bring out those coveted cars for purists who can actually afford the purists think.
special events only, which tend most any car to add to their
to be held within controlled Does the replica owner have
environments. the same sense of ownership?
Probably not. But their pleasure
The enjoyment factor of comes from enjoying a more
flogging a replica without modern, reliable version of
worry is priceless. It also sparks their dream car. It becomes his
interest and engagement or her dream car.
from bystanders that would
otherwise never see either I have a collector car — a
version in the wild. 1952 Lancia Ardea. It’s not likely
to ever be reproduced into a
I’ve also found that often more modern version, so I’ll be
the person driving a replica keeping it for a while.
version of a significant car
already has the real McCoy
in his or her collection. The

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photo by TED SEVEN

Nicholas Schorsch some of the elements one finds around curves and pushing All cars, from 1900 through
with an original car, including them harder than an original, 2020, should be driven and
Chairman, Audrain the imperfections of a bespoke while being able to put a lot of exercised and not be put on
Automobile Museum Ferrari, or Bugatti built by a miles on the replica. pedestals as works of art.
craftsman with that period’s
THIS IS THE age-old dilemma. equipment and technology. In my opinion, driving a true The exhilaration of driving
A lot can be said for originality vintage car is a unique lifetime a replica car that is well sorted
— the older feel, the original It is a rare and extraordinary experience — the drives I enjoy is also an extraordinary
engine, the hand-hammered experience to drive a vintage the most are with my wife in the experience, without the same
bodies, and roller bearings car. But the fear of damaging early, “original” cars — leaky level of anxiety and are available
versus flat bearings. These are or destroying an original multi- convertible tops and all. to more people because of
million-dollar car at a race or price. Both vintage and vintage
rally can impact the pleasure Enjoying cars with a spouse, replica cars are a wonderful
one gets from the ride itself. partner, child or friends is an part of living the automotive
important and meaningful life. Both of these options have
Certainly, very accurate aspect of the hobby. Not the value in today’s world.
reproductions of Bugattis, value of the collectible car —
Jaguars, Ferraris, Cobras and the experience. The absolute People value experiences.
Porsches are available to the delight of pushing the car to Getting out and enjoying a
broader collecting world. These 100% of its maximum capacity is drive, in either type of car truly
cars give drivers the sheer a pure joy and thrill — definitely makes amazing memories for
pleasure of driving classic cars a rare experience for anyone. all of us.

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COLLECTOR SPOTLIGHT
54  Linkage 001

Sports, Muscle and Beyond

Lingenfelter’s passions are as stark as a Chevette in a row of Ferraris

by JIM PICKERING

Early on, Ken KEN LINGENFELTER IS a guy who knows what he What drove you to hunt down Greenwood Corvettes
Lingenfelter was likes — and he’s figured out how to turn his passions in the first place, and what made you decide that
inspired by Greenwood into reality. When he and his team aren’t pushing the restoration was the right path for this Sport Wagon?
Corvettes. His limits of performance in GM muscle at Lingenfelter
collection now features Performance Engineering, he’s hosting charitable I’m passionate about all cars, but especially GM
several, including this events among the exotics and muscle cars of the products and Corvettes. My first Corvette was a C3, and
1976 Greenwood GT Lingenfelter Collection in Brighton, MI. He’s this issue’s like many Corvette owners, I was always looking for
Collector Spotlight. tasteful upgrades.

How many cars make up the Lingenfelter I think I was inspired by John Greenwood’s focus
Collection, and do you have a favorite? on racing and the wide-body look of the cars he was
building. I’m not sure that everyone would feel that
The number of cars is always changing. I think right the Greenwood design was tasteful, but I liked it. I
now I have about 200 cars in the collection. really couldn’t afford to do much to my C3, but I always
looked forward to the day when I could.
I am often asked which car is my favorite, which
is not an easy question to answer. Some are favorites Turns out, in the years that followed, I had the
due to memories, some because they are great to opportunity to buy one of the original 22 Greenwood
drive on the road, some because they’re race cars and GTs modified for the street by John Greenwood. Years
have set speed records for Lingenfelter Performance later I was able to buy one of the only two streetable
Engineering. Greenwood GTOs built. Both cars are rare and pretty
wild in their appearance. The Sport Wagon really
The LaFerrari would be at the top of the list, and so completes the set of Greenwood-inspired designs —
would the Lamborghini Reventon. If pushed, I would so naturally I just had to have one for the Lingenfelter
have to say my ’63 Split Window Fuelie Corvette too. Collection.
My dad, who was a Fisher Body executive, took me to a
family day show at the GM Tech Center in 1963 — that’s It was nearly impossible to find one in good condition,
where I saw a‘63 Split Window for the first time. I was so I decided it would have to be a project car I found on
already a car guy at 10 years old, but that made me a car eBay. It didn’t cost much, I think around $8,000 — but I
guy for life — and a Corvette guy as well. will have a few dollars into this car by the time it’s done.

This collection includes cars such as EX-87, the very How do visitors to the collection react to the more
first V8 Corvette. And yet, you’re right in the middle eclectic stuff, say compared to your LaFerrari or
of restoring a 1970s Corvette Sport Wagon. What can Reventon? Is there a car that surprises you in terms
you tell us about that car? of how much attention it gets within the collection?

The car collection has been described as eclectic. I like to say that the Lingenfelter Collection is 30%
I tend to really like unique cars, many of which were muscle cars, 30% exotic and Lingenfelter cars, and the
modified either under the hood or fitted with custom rest are Corvettes.
body parts.
The mission for the car collection has always been to
There are a number of Greenwood Corvettes in the serve as a tool to raise money for charity; therefore, the
collection, but I have always wanted a sport wagon. The collection is not open to the public. People can see the
one I bought on eBay was far from perfect. In fact, it was collection by attending one of our many charity events
so bad I really had to think hard about restoring it. held throughout the year.

It’s certainly not going to be worth a bundle when We have had black-tie events, wine-tasting events
it’s finished, but it will get a lot of attention from our and pizza and beer events for some amazing charities
guests who visit the collection. It’s certainly not your over the years. My wife and I plan to do as many events
typical C3. as we can well into the future and as long as we can
afford to do so.

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COLLECTOR SPOTLIGHT

Car people may Our guests at these events seem to really appreciate sold a few cars and purchased a few cars to change
come to The that the collection is really eclectic. We have everything things up a bit.
Lingenfelter from Ferraris and Lamborghinis to a Chevy Chevette
Collection for the here. I’m going to do my best to resist project cars and
La Ferrari — but focus on more cars that we can actually drive. There are
they stay for Oftentimes, one of our guests will walk me over to still a few cars on my forever list that if I happen upon at
Corvettes, muscle one of the more wild cars and ask me if I had had too the right price I know I won’t be able to resist.
cars and a Levi’s many brewskies when I bought it, or if it’s time for me to
edition Gremlin. get some psychiatric help… It’s always in fun, but there We have also added some racing simulators and I had
are a few cars in the collection that one would never see my Indy Car freshened up so we can let kids get behind
56  Linkage 001 again, and maybe that’s a good thing. the wheel for their parents to get a picture of them.

One car that gets a lot more attention than I ever So much depends on things getting back to normal.
thought it would is my Gremlin X 401 with the Levi There is really no telling when that might be, but I’m the
Strauss interior option. The Chevette also gets a lot of eternal optimist so I’m counting on a very positive 2021.
attention, mostly because it brings back memories for
a lot of people. Everybody had one or knew someone Our events come in all sizes but our Spring Open
that did. I can’t tell you the number of times I hear that House for the American Cancer Society usually brings
this car was someone’s daily driver and it’s all that some in 4,000 plus attendees. Our Fall Open House for the
could afford. Pink Fund (a breast cancer charity) will bring the 4,000
plus attendees as well. Our charity work is extremely
What’s the next addition to the collection? important to our effort to give back, and I’m anxious to
get back to it.
The Lingenfelter Collection will be going through
some changes over the months ahead. I have already TO LEARN MORE about the Lingenfelter Collection,
go to www.lingenfelter.com

Oftentimes, one of
our guests will walk
me over to one of the
more wild cars and
ask me if I had had too
many brewskies when
I bought it, or if it’s
time for me to get some
psychiatric help…

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58  LINKAGE  Issue 001

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GOODWOOD SPEEDWEEK 2020

GOODWOOD’S
LONG,
STORIED
RACING
HISTORY

Motorsport started at the Duke of
Richmond’s Sussex estate in 1936

by GARY AXON

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GOODWOOD’S RACING HISTORY

PREVIOUS PAGE A busy pit-
lane at the 2020 Goodwood
Speedweek with Charlie
March’s Jaguar E-Type

LEFT  Frederick Charles
Gordon Lennox, the 9th
Duke of Richmond, chats
with his old boss, W.O.
Bentley, at a Bentley
Drivers Club meeting held
at Goodwood in the 1950s.

62  Linkage 001

Freddie March (left)
with his co-driver, Flight
Lieutenant Christoper
“C.S.” Staniland, after
winning the prestigious
1931 Brooklands Double
Twelve race at an average
speed of 65.62 m.p.h.
and covering a distance
of 1,574.9 miles. In 1931,
the Duke set up a team of
five MG C-Type racing cars
to compete in important
endurance races.

THE ORIGINS OF motor racing at Goodwood stretch coachbuilt cars for Lancia, AC and many other
back to Lord March’s great grandfather Freddie, the prestigious marques.
9th Duke of Richmond, who played a notable role
during the pre-war British motoring and aviation As the official Lancia distributor for England and
scene almost 100 years ago. the British Empire — plus a founder of the UK’s
prestigious Lancia Motor Club, which still thrives to
Freddie’s early enthusiasm for cars and aircraft this day — Freddie staged Goodwood’s inaugural
saw him working with the great W. O. Bentley during motor sport event in 1936, when he gathered a group
the 1920s as an engineer, getting his fingernails dirty of like-minded car friends to race up the hill past
(unheard of for British aristocracy at the time). He Goodwood House against the clock.
was soon winning important races at the famous
Brooklands banked racing circuit for the Austin and Following the cessation of WWII hostilities and
MG works teams during the early 1930s. He also the near-destruction of Brooklands from German
designed and built some striking special-bodied bombing during the war, the 9th Duke turned the
abandoned ex-Battle of Britain RAF Westhampnett

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GOODWOOD’S RACING HISTORY

LEFT  The Earl of March and
Kinrara, Charles Gordon-Lennox
(Charlie), with his father, the
Duke of Richmond

RIGHT The 1961 Jaguar E-Type
driven by Charlie March and
Marc Gordon is lined up on
the grid alongside the 1962
Chevrolet Corvette C1 of Peter
James for the start of the
Stirling Moss Memorial Trophy.

photography TOM SHAXSON contemporary racing drivers, including Jim Clark,
Graham Hill, Jackie Stewart, his hero Dan Gurney,
aerodrome on his Goodwood Estate into a motor plus of course “Mr. Goodwood” himself, the late, great
racing circuit, using the airfield’s existing paved Sir Stirling Moss.
perimeter road as the track.
Speaking about Freddie’s lasting influence, the
Here Freddie hosted the UK’s first public competitive 11th Duke of Richmond and Gordon recalled, “My
motor sport meeting after World War II on September Grandfather passed on his passion and enthusiasm
18, 1948. The event won a rapturous response, and the for motor racing by taking me around and looking
renamed Goodwood Motor Circuit quickly became after me during those wonderful Easter Monday race
a much-admired track hosting numerous important meetings at the Circuit in the early 1960s.” 
international races during the following 18 years.
The Duke then considered his own family and
Closure — and rebirth added: “My children have been lucky enough to be
born here [at Goodwood], so they have been around
In August 1966, the 9th Duke of Richmond boldly all of the various Goodwood sports all their lives. My
closed Goodwood’s gates to contemporary motor eldest son, Charlie, has always loved cars. He bought
racing, as competition cars became too fast for the an E-type at the earliest possible opportunity and has
track. The Circuit remained active as a testing and been racing himself now for a number of years. All of
track day venue. my children love their cars thankfully, as well as all
the other various sports that go on here at Goodwood,
It was the end of a chapter in Goodwood history — including horse racing, golf, shooting and cricket — a
but it was not the end of the story.  sport for each of them!”

Step forward the present Lord March’s Father, A trio of world-class motorsport events
the 11th Duke of Richmond and Gordon, who was
brought up at his Grandfather Freddie’s side. The 11th Through sheer enthusiasm and determination, the
Duke shared his Grandfather’s passion for all things 11th Duke brought motor sport back to Goodwood
mechanical with a motor and wheels, attending races when he successfully established the benchmark-
at the Goodwood Circuit with him as a young boy, setting Festival of Speed hillclimb within the
where he mixed with — and befriended — many picturesque grounds of his House in 1993. After
initial local opposition, five years later he returned
enthralling wheel-to-wheel racing back to the
painstakingly restored Circuit with the creation of the
Goodwood Revival in 1998.

The Revival is uniquely set in a pre-1966 time warp
with only period vehicles and pre-1966 fashions
permitted on the estate. In 2014, the Goodwood
Members’ Meeting (last held in 1966) returned to the
track with some memorable close racing on the tough
— but totally authentic — motor circuit, still running
an identical path to the one first raced on in 1948.

Goodwood’s trio of motor sport events have since
become recognized as some of the most original,
exciting and creative in the world, instantly raising the
bar and setting the new global standard for sell-out
celebrations of motor racing.

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GOODWOOD SPEEDWEEK 2020

BotronSapndeBeredd

66  Linkage 001

Lord March continues his family’s
long, fast history behind the wheel
during Goodwood’s SpeedWeek

by GARY AXON
photography TOM SHAXSON

Charles March MOTORSPORT. IT’S IN the blood. That high-octane
exits the mix of gasoline, oil, revving engines, screeching tires,
Goodwood crash helmets and a fluttering checkered flag makes
chicane in his for a heady, addictive cocktail for any gearhead.
E-Type ahead of
the Aston Martin When you have been raised surrounded by cars
DB4GT of Tom and motor racing since birth though, the allure of
Alexander motorsport really is in the blood — and impossible to
resist.

This is the unique environment in which the young
Lord March (formally known as Charles Henry
Gordon-Lennox, the Earl of March and Kinrara, but
simply known as Charles or Charlie to his family,
close friends and associates) grew up in as the eldest
son of His Grace, the 11th Duke of Richmond and
Gordon, the aristocratic head of his ancestral home
to his predecessor Dukes of Richmond for over 300
years — the imposing Goodwood Estate, occupying
over 12,000 acres near Chichester on the scenic West
Sussex coast of southern England — but perhaps better
known to many as the charismatic founder of a trio of
ground-breaking Goodwood motor sport events; the
acclaimed Festival of Speed (FoS), nostalgic Revival
and the flourishing Members’ Meeting.

When Lord March was born, just before the
Christmas holidays in late December 1994, his father,
the 11th Duke of Richmond, had already established
the Goodwood Festival of Speed 18 months earlier,
bringing motor competition back to Goodwood after a
27-year absence. This made 25-year old Lord March’s
immersion into the motorsport inevitable, as he has
always been surrounded by the finest racing cars and
drivers since birth.

And that is what happened during the special
Goodwood SpeedWeek during the weekend of
October 16-17.

Lord March behind the wheel

Lord March — Charles — grew up and thrived in
Goodwood’s exceptional motorsport environment. As
the Duke of Richmond’s  heir apparent, Charles took

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GOODWOOD SPEEDWEEK 2020

his Lord March title in late 2017, when his cricket-and- With Lord March sharing Freddie’s and his Father’s The Fabergé-liveried
horse-racing-obsessed Grandfather, the 10th Duke of strong automotive passions, Goodwood’s 300-year- 1978 Ford Capri 3.0S
Richmond, passed away, aged 87. plus sporting heritage and dynasty is in safe and was entered in the
enthusiastic hands. His lifelong love of cars was Gerry Marshall Trophy.
A graduate of the world-famous Oxford University, reinforced at the tender age of 11, when his Father
with a degree in theology, Lord March is earmarked taught him to drive within the grounds of the vast
to inherit Goodwood as one of England’s most private estate.
admired country estates, an immaculate playground
that typically attracts more than 800,000 visitors in The young Charles refined his driving skills behind
a “normal” year. Many of these visitors come for the the wheel of a wild off-road Rage buggy at the top
estate’s rich and diverse heritage in motor sport, of the famous Festival of Speed hillclimb, hooning
aviation, horse racing, golf, organic farming, fine around the challenging Goodwood Forest Rally Stage,
dining, breathtaking countryside and outstanding but, at age 15, he hit an unforgiving tree, damaging a
hospitality — as well as being the production home to vertebrae in the process.
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.
Lord March has a major soft spot for many

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GOODWOOD SPEEDWEEK 2020

Once you’ve sat in a vintage car and
driven as fast as you can to the best of
your ability, I defy almost anyone not
to find a new appreciation for what cars
can bring to peoples’ lives

70  Linkage 001

LEFT Dicing with Dario Franchitti
in the 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB/C
owned by John Hugenholtz.

automobiles, his own beloved Jaguar E-type Series 1 Jardine, driving a 1958 Jaguar Mark I in the St. Mary’s
and his dream 1967 Ferrari 330 P4 being particular Trophy race for 1950s sedans, qualifying in 17th
favorites, and he often makes a beeline for a position, but finishing in a strong 9th place overall.
Koenigsegg supercar during his Father’s Track Days
at the Goodwood Circuit. He also loves a Porsche 911 Having missed driving at the 2018 Goodwood
reimagined by Singer, which he has driven during events due to his Oxford University studying
the popular Festival of Speed Supercar Run up the commitments, Lord March returned in 2019 to race
Goodwood hillclimb. a 1974 Broadspeed Triumph Dolomite Sprint in the
Members’ Meeting, sharing the sports sedan with
“I grew up surrounded by cars and my Father always Indy 500 winner Dario Franchitti in the two-part
encouraged me to get involved,” Lord March said. Gerry Marshall Trophy race, qualifying 21st out of 30
“From a young age, I was go-karting and as soon as the runners, and crossing the finish line in 15th position
Festival of Speed Forest Rally Stage was completed, I for Race 1, and 9th in Race 2.
spent a lot of time up there.
For the 2019 Goodwood Revival, he piloted a 1961
“The motorsport events have been how we all Jaguar E-type in the Kinrara Trophy race for early
almost define our time at Goodwood and provide 1960s closed GT cars. Paired with Stuart Graham, he
the fulcrums for our year — even though my siblings qualified 20th but failed to finish the race. He suffered
aren’t specifically into cars as much as I am, we are a similar fate racing another Jaguar, a 1956 Mark I, in
still always all here to support our parents during all the lively St. Mary’s Trophy race, despite putting in
the major Goodwood events.” some strong lap times.

Around the world at speed “The thing I love most about cars and driving is the
freedom that comes with them — being able to just
With fuel in his blood, the young aristocrat cut his go anywhere is an incredible feeling that you don’t
competitive motor racing teeth in both some lively but appreciate until you can, and then you can’t imagine
rather unlikely machinery, participating in go-karts, how you lived without it,” Lord March said.
on the Bonneville Salt Flats and competing initially
with some success in a 1950s 948-cc Austin A35 in a “I also just love going fast and get an incredible rush
dedicated race series for the tiny car across a variety from it. One of my earliest racing experiences was
of British tracks. learning to drag race on the Bonneville Salt Flats – very
different to what we do here at Goodwood but that
At the 2016 Goodwood Revival, Lord March drove same rush of just going really fast,” Lord March said.
his first competitive race at his home circuit, sharing
a 1959 A35 with fellow car lover, the popular British
comedian Rowan Atkinson (of Mr. Bean fame),
finishing a credible 19th overall in a grid of 30 starters.

For the following year’s Revival, Charles paired
with renowned British motor racing TV pundit Tony

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GOODWOOD SPEEDWEEK 2020

LEFT Charlie and Ludovic Lindsay
compare their Ford Capri lap times in the
paddock.

RIGHT The Ford Capri had been prepared
to the ultimate 1980 British Touring Car
Championship specification, complete
with a 3.0-litre Group 1 engine producing
300-plus bhp.

“The driving experience is totally different depending and earned some money, the automobiles that were
on whether you’re racing or not. Racing to me is the previously on their bedroom walls are now going into
ultimate experience, feeling perfectly in tune with your their garages.”
car, understanding its quirks and oddities in order to
push it to its limit. The best racing experience is often Lord March continued:
not in the fastest car — but the car you understand the “The generation after me rarely drive at all however,
best.” and have very little cultural engagement with cars.
Having said that, there is still a very strong connection
Lord March added: “Driving on the road however between fashion, music and cars — you just need to
is totally different — whilst the car is still so important look at Virgil Abloh’s collaboration with Mercedes-
it’s not really about the specific driving experience. Benz or Billie Eilish’s crazy car collection. I think that
Rather, it’s about the journey, the music and the perhaps because cars are now less of these young
company — where are you going, why are you going, people’s daily lives, they hold an even more special
who are you with and what are you listening to. For and elevated position in their cultural identity as
me the old American roads in old American cars they are becoming ‘outside the norm’ and even more
listening to old American music has got to be right up aspirational as they are not now a necessity, but a
there because then you’re doing more than driving luxury.”
— you’re actually engaging in this amazing cultural Lord March concluded: “I think historic racing will
moment from the Sixties and Seventies and being able always hold a strong position with any generation just
to do that is one of the things that makes driving so because of the unadulterated joy it can bring. Once
amazing.” you’ve sat in a vintage car and driven as fast as you
can to the best of your ability, I defy almost anyone not
When asked why more young people, such as to find a new appreciation for what cars can bring to
himself, are embracing the collector car and racing peoples’ lives, and I applaud Audrain’s initiatives to
life, whether it is Goodwood, RADwood or just encourage more young people to  really embrace the
getting together with friends, Lord March replied, “I car life.”
think my generation are still old enough to have had
the necessity of learning to drive to be able to go do Goodwood’s SpeedWeek
anything, so it was only natural that as they’ve grown
With the relentless spread of the COVID-19 global
pandemic throughout 2020, Goodwood — in line with
virtually all other automotive events scheduled to be
held throughout the year — had to cancel its trio of
headline-grabbing world-class motor sport events.
However, plans are to resume all three events in 2021
and beyond — global pandemic willing.

To help make up for the huge disappointment of
having to postpone the 2020 Goodwood Festival of
Speed, Revival and Members’ Meeting, a one-off
motor racing spectacular — Goodwood SpeedWeek —
was held from October 16-18. SpeedWeek combined
elements of Goodwood’s three cancelled 2020 motor
sport events.

Held behind closed doors with no spectators
permitted to attend in person — complying with the
British Government’s social distancing regulations
— Goodwood took the innovative step to reward
its legions of motor sport-deprived fans and loyal
corporate partners by live streaming all three days
of the fast-paced SpeedWeek action via its own
Goodwood Road and Racing website, broadcasting
live for about 10 hours per day for the whole world to
watch and enjoy free of charge.

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GOODWOOD SPEEDWEEK 2020

Lord March’s races

To add to the unique excitement of Goodwood
SpeedWeek, Lord March keenly participated in two
races.

He campaigned a famous ex-Fabergé Racing Ford
Capri (sold under the now-defunct Mercury brand in
the United States), shared with keen gentleman racer
and car owner Ludovic Lindsay in a car that raced in
the 1978 BRCC (now BTCC) season. The car also has
some proud 1980s European Thundersaloons race
history as well. Charles also raced a 1961 “flat floor”
Jaguar E-Type roadster, paired with Goodwood regular
historic driver Marc Gordon.

Lord March drove the Capri in the fast-charging
Gerry Marshall Trophy race and finished in 12th
position overall, having qualified 17th out of 30 starters.

“It was awesome, I just loved every minute of it,” Lord
March said. “The Capri was great fun, it’s such an iconic
car here in the UK, and I seemed to spend the whole
time sideways!

“I was a little quicker than Ludovic too (by one
second per lap) which was quite amusing too.”

Charles then went on to compete in the 1961 Jaguar
E-Type roadster, racing in the Stirling Moss Memorial
Trophy race (the Goodwood Revival ex-Kinrara Cup
race), renamed in the British motor racing hero’s honor
following his sad passing earlier in 2020.

“I tried to race this Jaguar at last year’s Revival but
it suffered some mechanical issues,” Lord March said.
“It’s a great car though, fun and in fine health during
qualifying.

“Marc took the first stint in the two-driver race,
and as he handed over to me in the busy pit lane, he
mentioned that it was misfiring at around 6,000 rpm. As
I took over, the misfire became more serious, from sub-
5,500 rpm, causing me to short-shift the stick changes,
with the oil temperature climbing worryingly high,
forcing me to retire from the race through mechanical
sympathy concerns.”

Managing to bring both cars home in one piece in
his two SpeedWeek races — albeit with one just failing
to finish the race on the final lap — Lord March proved
that motor racing definitively is in the blood.

Goodwood SpeedWeek was an exceptional event,
and it made a fitting and rewarding conclusion to
the curtailed 2020 car life season. Seeing cars racing
at Goodwood was a high note during the tough and
challenging year, both at Goodwood and for the entire
collector car world in general.

Here’s to some even better results and more
enjoyable car times ahead for 2021 and beyond, not
just for Lord March, but also for everyone involved in
the car world.

Ludovic Lindsay keeps the Ford Capri
in front of a noisy pack of 1970s
Touring Car Championship cars that
included powerful Rover 3500 SD1s
and Chevrolet Camaro Z28s.

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AUDRAIN AND
GOODWOOD–
THE PERFECT
PARTNERSHIP

AUDRAIN AND ITS
energetic team of auto
enthusiasts have a long
and rewarding connection
with the Duke of Richmond
and Gordon, his son
Lard March, and all
at Goodwood, having
supported this historic
English venue and its
world-class motoring
events for many years.

With a shared passion
for automobiles, the
car life and staging
exceptional events in
outstanding surroundings,
the joint friendships and
co-operation between
Audrain and Goodwood
make for the perfect
partnership.

Audrain Motorsport’s
movement to encourage
young people to embrace
the car life is a good
example of this. For
example, Audrain’s “30
under 30” initiative,
which encourages young
drivers to own and
enjoy fine cars, supports
Goodwood’s long-
established leadership
in young driver training
at its Motor Circuit —
as well as fun youth
activities and engagement
such as “design a car”
competitions.

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PRIVATE BUSINESS

photography courtesy of RM AUTO RESTORATION

76  Linkage 001

Crafting
a Future
for Old Cars

Don McLellan is one of the few people in the
world who knows how it feels to restore a car
and see it win Best of Show at Pebble Beach

by CHESTER ALLEN

DON MCLELLAN HAS spent his career giving to metal fabrication and woodwork to electrical,
collector cars new life at RM Restorations in Blenheim, paintwork and detailing. We also specialize in
Canada. Six Pebble Beach Concours Best of Show drivability tuning, using our chassis dynamometer.
cars have passed under his hands during that time.
McLellan, now 54, started in 1989 doing electrical What part of a restoration is the most fun for you?
work and assembling cars, “and it just grew from
there.” He’s now president of RM Restorations, but he That is a very difficult question, but I’d have to say
still takes cars apart and then brings them back to life. one of most fun is had during the final drive testing.

It seems like RM Restorations wins Best of Show at How do you source parts for some of these rare
Pebble almost every year. How many times has your cars? Are computer-printed parts an option?
team prepared the winning car?
We have a very skilled parts department on staff
We have prepared the winning car six times since with two staff members that scour the earth for parts.
2001. We often buy parts from overseas and the United
States. We have not used computer printed parts yet,
Does anyone in the shop sleep during the weeks but I know it’s coming.
before Amelia, Pebble or other big concours?
Do you ever take apart a car and think about the
Yes, we certainly try, but I remember many, many designers and craftspeople who originally built it
late nights preparing for Pebble Beach. We are getting decades before?
better and better at it with each year and we don’t
have to spend so many long nights in the shop now. It All the time. All the time. Just today, we were working
certainly takes practice! on a Duesenberg, and we were looking at the wood
inside the body. The car was made almost a century
How many employees do you have, and what are ago, and you see that craftsmanship on something
their specialties? that nobody has really seen since it was built.

We have 28 employees in the restoration shop. Their How long have you been at RM?
specialties range from upholstery and mechanical
I have been with RM Auto Restoration for 31 years.

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PRIVATE BUSINESS

As I recall, RM started as a restoration shop. Do you offer advice to customers who are
Did you ever think RM would grow into the considering buying a particular car? If so, what
international company it is now? kind of advice do they seek?

It’s truly amazing what RM has evolved into. When I No matter the model, I always tell clients that they
started, we had 11 staff members and only performed should really spend time looking for a car that’s been
restorations. Now the company has grown into the well taken care of throughout its life.
world’s largest auction house with over 100 staff and
a range of services available, including private sales, Every car is different. When should a car get a
estate planning, financial services, and, of course, complete restoration, and when should it get a
restorations. sympathetic refresh?

What should someone buying a car know before This is something that we discuss with a client at the
considering a restoration? beginning of the job. It always depends on budget and
what the client wants to do with the car. Do they want
I always tell clients that if they are looking to to take it to Pebble Beach, or do they just want to drive
purchase a car to restore it, that they should spend it? Or do they want to race it? The market value of the
a little extra on a well-maintained car with a good car also dictates how far to go in a restoration.
ownership history. Restoration can be an expensive
venture, and you are always better off starting with What is your favorite car? What is your daily
a top-quality project. Of course, that is not always driver? Do you own collector cars? If so, which is
possible — we have restored many cars that came into your favorite?
the shop in baskets.
I have an early XK 120 Roadster in pieces in my
garage. My daily driver is either a Harley Road King or
a Dodge minivan!

Would you recommend a career in restoration to
a young car person? How should they explore this
field -- and get into it?

This is a resounding YES! The number of young
folks looking to get into this type of work seems to
be dwindling, and we want to see more people get
into this business. It is very rewarding, but also very
challenging at the same time. My job at RM has taken
me all over the world to various high-end car shows
like Pebble Beach in California, to various car shows
and events in Italy, the United Kingdom and even the
Middle East—meeting many different celebrities and
important car collectors along the way. I don’t think I
would have had the chance to see these places without
the opportunities that came from this job. A career in
restoration can evolve far beyond your expectations.

Do you dream about cars under your care at the
moment?

Always!

What is the best moment for you while restoring a
car?

There are many of them. I love taking a car apart for
its initial evaluation and seeing a car unmasked as it
comes out of the paint booth.

There’s also nothing like hearing the engine fire up
for the first time after being dormant for years. Test
drive and tuning is always a great time, too. But I think
what I enjoy most is seeing the craftsmen revel in the
success of their project, as well as the look of pride on
an owner’s face when they see the car for the first time
post-restoration.

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BONNEVILLE SPEED WEEK

BONNEVILLE

Speed Week

photography WILL WESTON

80  Linkage 001

An open hood always starts
a good conversation

  Linkage 001  81

BONNEVILLE SPEED WEEK
82  Linkage 001

LEFT Spectator Hot Rods at
the Golden Nugget Car Show
RIGHT The Thundersalt II
BOTTOM Time capsule view

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BONNEVILLE SPEED WEEK

RIGHT A crew’s
ride in the pits

BOTTOM Unloading
the Salt Shark

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BONNEVILLE SPEED WEEK

RIGHT Spectator vehicles
are a part of the Speedweek
experience as well
BOTTOM A spectator hot rod
on its way to the next stop
OPPOSITE Wrapped up and
ready for tomorrow

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MARKET FOCUS

1968 Lamborghini
Miura sold for
$990k on Bring a
Trailer in June

A New Market Indy in July and Monterey in
August were where it really
Sales soldier on — and sometimes march upwards — as unfamiliar formats seemed to come together.
become comfortable
Midwest muscle and
by JIM PICKERING THE MARKET IS a fluid thing. Island through the Monterey Monterey millions
It ebbs and flows with changing sales in August, some sales
demographics and outside suffered as companies tried to For Mecum, the Indy sale was
financial influences. figure out a new path forward. a return to live auctioneering,
and it culminated in a record
But after years of what Bring a Trailer found itself in $74M total. Shelbys drove that
analysts have come to see as a powerful new position — and total, including the new most
traditional market motions — as a model that mainline land- expensive ever ’65 GT350R at
ups and downs related to things based auctions needed to study. $3.85M (see our Market Mover
like the housing crash of ’08 or a For those who didn’t already coverage on p. 108), a $66 GT350
rising stock market — COVID-19 view the company as a serious convertible at $1.1M, a ’64 289
came along and skewed our player, the no-reserve $1.2M sale Cobra Comp at $990k, and the
reality into uncharted territory. of a 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Paxton prototype ’65 GT350 at
Up until now, even the most and the $990k sale of a 1968 $880k.
brutal outside forces couldn’t Lamborghini Miura in late June
stop the basic fundamentals of were wake-up calls. Monterey was next, and
interaction. Be it in celebration Gooding kicked it off at its
or in handwringing, auctions But study they did, and the Geared Online August sale,
always continued on. path forward, it now seems, has where a ’66 Ferrari 275 GTB was
settled into a viable plan. For the highest online sale in history
Removing the social aspect most auctions, the new world at $3.1M. That record held for a
of buying and selling due to is a mix of a new, robust online few hours before RM Sotheby’s
COVID-19 left auction houses presence alongside carefully broke it with a 2001 Ferrari
scrambling to figure out how to handled in-person settings. For 550 GT1 at $4.3M. That car led
exist. From the close of Amelia the traditional auction houses, a $31M total at RM Sotheby’s
Shift/Monterey event.

In each of these cases —
from Mecum to Monterey —
these new records were pivotal
moments for both buyers and
sellers at all levels, serving as
proof of concept for auction
success in the unfamiliar COVID
era.

From there, more correct
sales took place as Summer
turned to Fall: a 1963 Ferrari
250 GT/L Lusso made $2M
and a 1959 BMW 507 Series II
made $2.4M at Bonhams’ Zoute
sale in Belgium in October.
At Bonhams’ Goodwood
SpeedWeek sale in the UK later

88  Linkage 001

that month, a bidder took home produced the first high-profile Experts Pick
a 1967 Ferrari 330 GTS at $1.65M private collection sale in the U.S.
— right money at just on the low since COVID-19 hit at the Elkhart Sales that Mattered
end of the estimate range. Collection dispersal auction in
October, selling $42.8M worth A 39-mile 1985 Volkswagen Cabriolet Wolfsburg Edition
Buyer and seller of vehicles at no reserve to a brought $70k on Bring a Trailer on October 22. For $50k this
confidence busy room and heavy online could have easily been my third COVID Collection car this
bidder pool. This was just on the year.
Beyond the million-dollar heels of Gooding’s “Passion of a
segment, sales followed a Lifetime” sale, which also rang Too much money? Yeah, at $70k this made my $38k
similar path. Mecum took up the the bell by selling 14 cars from Callaway VW GTI with 19k miles look like a steal, but to
slack in its schedule with a new the Fabri Collection for $45M. have this parked next to it would have been sweet. What am
Kissimmee sale in late August, I saying? I’d rather have a Ferrari 328 GTS for the same pile
and the move worked for them Collection sales often fall of cash. Or would I?
with $18.6M in sales — and 800 into a category of their own,
cars across the block. Beyond the with higher enthusiasm and I’m no fan of low-mileage cars that need to be enshrined
$935k 2018 Ford GT high sale, heftier prices than you might see in a crystal box garage, but I owned a similar Cabriolet new
I think the most interesting lot elsewhere. A couple of factors in 1984, and I’ve got nothing but great memories for the
here was a 1969 Dodge Daytona tend to drive that: first, there’s a handful of years I owned it. My Wolfsburg Cab cost $10,800
at $198k — for those of us who perceived vetting of cars by the in 1984 and was the first new car I ever owned, so yeah, I get
watched the fall of muscle during collector who chose them, which it. — Stephen Serio, Bond Group
the 2008 housing crisis, seeing a promises a number of good
well-restored Mopar icon bring examples in general, typically as Of the many spectacular automobiles from RM Sotheby’s
near $200k was a good signal a reflection of the owner’s taste Elkhart Collection sale, the 1954 Fiat 8V Vignale stands out
that the muscle segment is still and standards. as a veritable bargain.
healthy even now — at least with
the right cars. On top of that, when a Sold for over $1.1M less than the mechanically identical
dispersal takes place, buyers Ghia Supersonic, the Vignale is certainly no less stunning —
Bonhams’ sale at the Simeone know liquidation is the plan. and there’s plenty of change left over to enjoy it on the Mille
museum in October echoed It changes the game from your Miglia. — Mark Hyman, Hyman LTD
that sentiment, as a ’69 Boss 429 standard collector car auction,
brought $346k and a handful of where you have multiple sellers   Linkage 001  89
well-restored Oldsmobile 442s with different motivations and
topped $70k each. Of course, bottom lines.
condition and presentation
were key to the money, and Despite unease over the virus,
not everything sold at or above the economy and the election
estimates. in the US, that’s again what we
saw both at Gooding and RM
Collections come to Sotheby’s as well — almost as if
market the auction world was back to
a pre-2020 normal. That said,
Classics always take focus particularly at RM Sotheby’s,
in Auburn, IN, and it felt a lot there were a lot more online and
like the old days at the RM phone sales here than we would
Auctions event in September. have seen prior, and healthy
There, $17.6M in sales were sales suggested that buyers were
led by a $770k 1935 Auburn returning to hard assets in the
Eight Supercharged Speedster, midst of political and financial
and 91% of the lots sold — uncertainty. See our coverage on
bigger numbers than in 2019. p. 92 and p. 112.
Additionally, a handful of
collections were part of the If there’s one takeaway from
offering at RM, which highlights auctions held from August
a certain level of trust from through October, it’s that despite
serious collectors who saw some evolution, the basic
no reason to wait out what fundamentals of the market have
they might have previously not changed due to COVID-19:
considered to be unfavorable the best examples are still in
market conditions. demand, and if they have the
right condition, paperwork, and
Speaking of collections and presentation — be it online or in
the old days, RM Sotheby’s person — the money is flowing,
even if it’s at a distance.

THIS SEASON’S CHURN

Shelby’s personal
1965 427 Cobra
is for offer
at Mecum’s
Kissimmee auction.

JANUARY

MECUM / Kissimmee 2021
January 7-17
Kissimmee, FL

BARRETT-JACKSON / Scottsdale 2021
January 16-24, 2021
Scottsdale, AZ

GOODING & CO / The Scottsdale Auctions
January 18-22, 2021
Scottsdale, AZ

DETAILS IN THE COVID-19 era and is now restored to its original DECEMBER RUSSO AND STEELE / Scottsdale 2021
change quickly. For the most competition specs using original January 20-24, 2021
up-to-date information on sales, and NOS parts where needed. It H&H / The Pavilion Gardens Scottsdale, AZ
dates and auction information, has its original engine and great December 2
go to www.linkagemag.com. history, including appearances at Buxton, UK WORLDWIDE AUCTIONEERS / The Scottsdale
Road America, Lynndale Farms, MECUM / Houston 2020 Auction
Shelby Clermont and Wilmot Raceway. December 3-5 January 20, 2021
in Florida Offered as lot R201, it will join the Houston, TX Scottsdale/Tempe, AZ
427 Cobra at Mecum Kissimmee BONHAMS / The Bond Street Sale
IT SEEMS LIKE just about every in early January. December 5 BONHAMS / The Scottsdale Auction
Cobra wears a Shelby signature, London, UK January 21, 2021
but only a few were personally A new year CLASSICBID / Retro Classics Scottsdale, AZ
owned by the man himself. in the desert December 5
Mecum is offering one such Nuremberg, DEU RM SOTHEBY’S / Arizona
1965 427 Cobra — CSX3178 — AS OF THIS writing, Scottsdale BONHAMS / The Winter Sale January 22, 2021
at its Kissimmee auction, held is still a go for 2021 — Barrett- (rescheduled from autumn) Phoenix, AZ
January 7-17, 2021. The car was Jackson, RM Sotheby’s, Gooding December 5-6
originally delivered with a 428-ci & Co, Bonhams, Worldwide Bicester, UK FEBRUARY
Police Interceptor engine and a Auctioneers, and Russo and OSENAT / Epoque’Auto — Classic Cars
4-speed, but was later changed Steele are all hosting auctions, December 8 RM SOTHEBY’S / Retromoble 2021
over to a 427 side-oiler and albeit in a more limited, Fontainebleau, FRA February 3, 2021
C6 auto. After being sold from distanced way than years prior. BRIGHTWELLS / Timed Online Classic Car Paris, FRA
Shelby’s estate in 2016, the car Last year saw $244M in sales, Auction
has been restored in its original but year-over-year comparisons December 10 ARTCURIAL / Retromobile 2021
colors and configuration. It’s aren’t exactly apples-to-apples Online February 5, 2021
offered as lot R108. anymore. We can expect BONHAMS / MPH December Auction Paris, FRA
numbers to fall below that range December 11
If the GT350R we’ve covered in for 2021, much like they did in Bicester, UK BONHAMS / The Grand Palais
this issue on p 108 speaks to you, Monterey 2020 versus Monterey OSENAT / Classic Cars February 2021 (Day TBA)
you’ve got another crack at one in 2019 — but that certainly doesn’t December 13 Paris, FRA
January. The 1965 GT350R, S/N mean fire-sale pricing on dream Versailles, FRA
SFM5R106, is one of 34 built by cars in the desert. Watch this BARONS / Annual Christmas Classic CARLISLE / Lakeland Winter
Shelby. It was owned and raced space, and www.linkagemag. December 15 February 19-20, 2021
by its original owner for 21 years, com. Surrey, UK Lakeland, FL

GAA CLASSIC CARS / Classic Car Auction
February 25-27, 2021
Greensboro, NC

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AUCTION SNAPSHOT RM SOTHEBY’S

Elkhart Collection Rings the Bell

The forced sale of Najeeb Khan’s collection brought numbers that felt like the old days

by JIM PICKERING
photography ©2020 Courtesy of RM SOTHEBY’S

The Elkhart Collection, BEFORE COVID HIT, when a collector’s complete But the show went on in person and online, as
RM Sotheby’s portfolio of cars hit the auction block, bigger liquidation was the goal. These cars —287 of them
October 23-24, 2020 than typical prices often followed. The finality of offered at no reserve — had belonged to Najeeb
liquidation, along with a perceived vetting of the Khan, the founder of Interlogic Outsourcing Inc.,
287/287 cars sold | $42,752,460 cars based on the collector’s taste or reputation, who had recently filed for bankruptcy in the wake
drove the room. of serious fraud accusations. The U.S. Bankruptcy
Court called on RM Sotheby’s to handle this sale,
RM Sotheby’s Elkhart Collection auction, first scheduled for May and eventually taking place
however, took place in a challenging climate: in October.
COVID-19 uncertainty. Unease in the stock
market. A tumultuous election season. This quickly became a global sale driven with
pent-up energy. While there were a good number
of bids for the cars on offer in the room, a lot of
them came via online bidding and telephone
bidding. RM Sotheby’s claimed 2,500 bidders
from 53 countries participated in this two-day
event, and they weren’t afraid to spend big, from
a $960 Honda-branded toaster to a $2M Jaguar
XKSS continuation car, a $71k Fiat 600 and a $92k
Datsun 240Z.

Call it irrational exuberance or a turning point
— or maybe a sign of buyers putting money back
into hard assets in an uncertain world. Regardless
of how you view the results, RM Sotheby’s did a
good job in a tough situation in Indiana.

LEFT Big bread for a
toaster

RIGHT 1952 Ferrari 225
S Berlinetta by Vignale
sold for $2,810,000

92  Linkage 001

DARIN SCHNABEL, courtesy RM Sotheby’s

  Linkage 001  93

AUCTION SNAPSHOT RM SOTHEBY’S

1991 Ferrari Testarossa Thumb Tacks depending on your objectives,
Not Included it’s better than a stock, too.
THE BASICS: This is a later-production car,
Rosso Corsa with tan leather Lot 1221, #2+ condition but it’s still not immune from
S/N: ZFFSG17A0M0086832 service costs due to age. But
interior. 5.0-L fuel-injected those low miles can be tough
flat 12 engine, 5-sp manual. Sold price: $190,400 to find in a car like this, so it’s
5,240 miles from new, comes understandable that the new
with original tool set, jack and : owner paid up to become this
warranty book. car’s fourth owner.
DARIN SCHNABEL, courtesy RM Sotheby’s
Whether or not this was truly
PICKERING SAYS: sold out of a collection, and it a good buy is in the end-user
Is 2020 the year that your happened in a world where and how he or she intends on
buyers are starting to park enjoying this car. Low miles are
poster car dreams come to money in cars rather than other a double-edge sword here — it’s
reality? Well, not if Testarossa investments again, thanks to a a nice example that you can’t
prices are swelling upward lot of overarching uncertainty. really use without the risk of
again. The truth of the matter depreciation. But if it’s a poster
is that this is an anomaly — it’s Of course, a Testarossa turned three-dimensional for a
a low-mile car in good shape is better than a poster, and starry-eyed kid who just wants
to own the icon, fair enough.

1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz

THE BASICS: and as such, any wide-ranging with only 1,320 built in ’59. The Finned Future
Eldorado-only Hampton statement about tomorrow’s fact that this car doesn’t still
market for the ’50s doesn’t really wear its original air suspension Lot 1204, #1- condition
Green with green leather and a apply to this car. is actually a bonus here, as S/N: 59E039718
white vinyl top. 390-ci tri-power an original unit is unreliable Sold price: $229,600
V-8 makes 345 hp. Fitted with There really isn’t any other car and hard to service today. This
aftermarket air suspension, that makes the same statement car won’t have that problem, the unobtainable factory
optional parade boot, and a ’59 Cadillac does, and the so it’s more usable — and components come with it, should
Autronic Eye dimming system Biarritz is comparatively rare, you demand 100% originality
and E-Z Eye tinted glass. sometime later (you won’t).

PICKERING SAYS: This price might seem strong,
Cars from the ’50s aren’t what but it’s actually right on the
market for one of these in this
they once were in the market condition.
— or at least that’s what sales
were starting to show leading
into 2020. It makes perfect sense,
though, as values for things with
fins seem to be falling in lockstep
alongside the number of years
since the last actual sock hop.
But this is in a different orbit
from your standard Tri-Five
Chevy or Shoebox Ford. This
is an icon of the Harley Earl
era, built before looks turned
formal under Bill Mitchell —
and it’s the top-level trim, too.
This is a pinnacle of GM style,

94  Linkage 001

1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing

THE BASICS: All the Looks
Silver Metallic with red
Lot 1230, #2- condition
leather. 2,996-cc fuel-injected S/N: 198.040.5500533
six makes 240 hp. Restored in its Sold price: $1,495,500
original color, fitted with Rudge
wheels and luggage. Matching DARIN SCHNABEL, courtesy RM Sotheby’s
numbers engine, gearbox and
body. Originally owned by fantastic shape, but there’s one use.” Now, in my world, that’s users who want to drive their
Ferrari driver Umberto Maglioli. thing in the catalog to note: “The actually a glorious thing, as cars. 300SL owners should be in
restoration appears to have been once a car has been blown that camp.
PICKERING SAYS: largely cosmetic, as the chassis completely apart for restoration,
I’m not sure if it says more and engine compartment retain it’s tough to get it to feel or look This car has the right look,
extensive original finishes and original again — and chasing and I expect it also has the right
about Ferrari or Mercedes- attractive patina from road that X-factor is important for feel as well. For those reasons, I
Benz that this was delivered to call it a nice buy.
Scuderia driver Maglioli when it
was new. Then again, the 300SL
had already shown its stripes by
dominating the 1952 Carrera
Panamericana, which Maglioli
later won in 1954 with Ferrari.
The 300SL is universally praised
by its owners for its usability,
with the only real question being
Gullwing or Roadster.

At first glance, this price seems
pretty light for a Gullwing in

1963 Chevrolet Corvette 327/360 Fuelie

THE BASICS: PICKERING SAYS: Right Stuff did that just a few years ago, and
Riverside Red with black Corvettes can be tricky to the odometer shows 87 miles,
Lot 1225, #2+ condition which we can assume are post-
vinyl interior. 327/360 fuel- value, as lesser examples can S/N: 30837S113206 restoration. What we don’t know
injected V-8, 4-speed. NCRS sometimes grow rare parts Sold price: $207,200 is if the restoration work was pre-
Top Flight award in 2015. during restoration. The NCRS or post-judging, but the judging
Restored to as-new, including Top Flight award with this one is encouragement of serious sheets from 2015 come with the
details such as dull door jambs. a good indication of the quality bidders to check the numbers car, and that should tell the new
here, as was RM Sotheby’s and stampings personally. To owner where, if anywhere, issues
earn a Top Flight award, a car existed.
must achieve a 94% or higher
score on a 4,500-point test of From a cosmetic standpoint,
operations, exterior, interior, this car looks great, and it’s the
mechanical, and chassis. This car right year, right spec, and right
color for a wide range of buyers
— I’m sure that factored into the
price here. Underhood has all the
proper hoses and clamps to look
1963-fresh, which you’d expect in
a car at this level.

At least two bidders were
comfortable enough here to take
this Corvette to a serious price
range for today’s uneasy market.
I think it was expensive, but still
fair.

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AUCTION SNAPSHOT RM SOTHEBY’S

2006 Ford GT Heritage

THE BASICS: Price of
Gulf Oil colors. 5.4-L DOHC Heritage

supercharged V-8 makes 550 Lot 1235, #2+ condition
hp. One of 343 built in 2006. S/N: 1FAFP90S96Y400974
Two owners from new, the first
one being Wayne Gretzky. 880 Sold price: $511,000
miles.
DARIN SCHNABEL, courtesy RM Sotheby’s
PICKERING SAYS:
These cars are special, and more as a rule, and this was a Other prices in 2019 ranged in value special editions slightly
good result for the market — the mid-to-high $400s. higher. I’m not sure the Gretzky
they are relatively rare, too — note that RM Sotheby’s sold an connection added much here,
but I’ve come to see them as a in-the-wrapper 2.4-mile example The new GT is different other than the inevitable jokes
good barometer for the market. in at Amelia Island in March enough from this version to about where he put his stick.
Most are low-miles, and only 2020 for $533k, so this was strong maintain relevance to collectors, With that, a decent buy, if
four options were available from money, all things considered. and I think its safe to assume slightly expensive.
new, so the few that are available that buyers will continue to
tend to be generally similar. The
demand has never really waned
on these cars, too, thanks to the
V-8 traditionalists that just can’t
wrap their head around the
whirly-fed six in the new-gen GT.

Heritage edition cars sell for

1957 Jaguar XKSS Continuation

What Cost the point here. This is as close
Originality? as you can get to an XKSS
without buying an original (or a
Lot 2256, #1 condition D-type), and I don’t think most
S/N: XKSS 775-21 buyers would own something
like this without also having
Sold price: $1,985,000 the intent to actually use it. The
experience ought to be close to
DARIN SCHNABEL, courtesy RM Sotheby’s an original, save for a few small
details, and I understand that
THE BASICS: PICKERING SAYS: was featured at Pebble Beach, you’d be welcome at a number
Produced by Jaguar Classic What say you, Movers and and most of the surviving of events in this car, even with
examples were there, including its Continuation status. Still,
in 2017. One of nine built using Shakers? They get into the issue one that had suffered an engine nearly $2M is a lot to spend —
chassis numbers that were of replicas on page 50 of this fire and drove around for most but it does speak to the rarity of
destroyed when the factory issue — but that question was of the week with bubbled paint the experience.
burnt down in 1957. 51 miles floated to them prior to this sale on the hood. Seeing so many
from new. Generally identical of a $1.9M XKSS Redux. I’m in one place was great, but This was one of four recent-
to an original one-of-16 XKSS, sure they’d have some divergent hearing and smelling them build Jaguar classics available
accomplished by digital opinions of this sale. was better, and I think that’s here, and all of them sold well.
scanning of an original. It may be an XKSS to some, but
A few years back, the XKSS there will always be an asterisk
next to it.

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1952 Ferrari 225 S Berlinetta by Vignale

History and appearances at the Monaco
Pedigree Grand Prix in 2012, 2014 and
2016, the Mille Miglia Storica
Lot 2202, #2+ condition in 2013 and 2014, and in the
S/N: 0164 ED Lavent Cup at the Goodwood
Revival in 2015. Finally, it was
Sold price: $2,810,000 shown at Pebble Beach in 2017
— so it’s been exercised under
DARIN SCHNABEL, courtesy RM Sotheby’s this ownership, and in the right
places. Of course that does leave
THE BASICS: with matching-numbers very presentable condition. the question of what to do with
Red with tan leather. RHD. engine block and original The catalog pointed out that it it next, but that’s a first-world
transmission, not installed. had a spare engine and Tremec problem.
2.7-L V-12, 5-speed. The fifth transmission installed “for
of 21, with history including PICKERING SAYS: reliable touring,” but that a With few needs noted, it
2nd in Class at the 1952 Mille The high sale of the event. numbers-correct block and the brought strong money here
Miglia, 2nd overall at the original transmission were part — and a good boost over the
1952 12 Hours of Casablanca, Early Ferrari competition cars of the deal. $1.2M that S/N 0168ED brought
and 4th overall at the 1952 have a devout following, and at RM Auctions’ Amelia Island
Monaco Grand Prix. Comes this one had some good history Recent use included sale in 2013. This is the power
in the file to go along with a of history at work, as well as a
return to tangible assets in the
market.

1958 Fiat 600 Multipla

THE BASICS: good number on the market going places. I didn’t and still Power of
Sand Beige and white with done up that way. This Multipla don’t — but his argument holds Beige?
wasn’t one of those. water here. This is an example of
beige vinyl. 633-cc inline four how some of these cars actually Lot 2171, #2- condition
makes 22 horsepower. Older Well-known market expert were in period, and there’s S/N: 100.141 039288
restoration with original interior. Dave Kinney and I have had a value in that, and in this car’s Sold price: $71,680
Said to have been used at longstanding disagreement over originality, even if it’s not as
Chicama Vinyards of Martha’s the power of brown. In about visually appealing as yellow or teal or any of the other bright
Vineyard. 2007, he thought the color was colors that these tend to wear
today. Still, this was over-the-top
PICKERING SAYS: money considering it brought
With any classic car, condition $41,800 at the Worldwide’s
Hilton Head Sports & Classic Car
is key, and this one was in good Auction in 2008. Maybe Dave
overall shape. Not excellent was right about brown after all…
shape, but very good shape.
Still, these colors were less than
compelling, but I think that
might be the point here.

Microcars used to sell on cute
factor fairly often — just about
every big sale would have a
few, and they were often done
up in Easter egg pastel colors,
appealing to the whimsical side
of buyers. As such, there are a

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AUCTION SNAPSHOT RM SOTHEBY’S
1953 Fiat 8V Supersonic by Ghia

Ultimate Style apparently Fiat was surprised
that anyone would actually
Lot 2227, #1- condition want to use an 8V as a regular
S/N: 106.000041 daily car. However, they did
Sold price: $2,040,000 supply another engine for him
regardless, and he continued to
DARIN SCHNABEL, courtesy RM Sotheby’s use the car for years afterward.
It’s hard to imagine that this
THE BASICS: PICKERING SAYS: apparently had at least three car didn’t have an impact on
Garnet Red with tan I don’t think there are powerplants during that Lauve’s work at GM — the
time, one of them being a auction catalog suggests it did
leather interior. 2.0-L V-8, many prettier cars than the 283 Chevrolet V-8, which he — on the 1958 Chevrolet.
4-speed. One of 15 Ghia-built Savonuzzi-designed and Ghia- swapped in when the high-
Supersonics on the 8V chassis. produced 8V Supersonic. strung 8V unit gave out in daily Supersonics are special cars,
Older restoration holding up driver duty. Lauve contacted and they often bring prices in
well. Originally delivered to GM Henry Lauve owned this Fiat about the problem, and this range when they sell, so the
designer Henry S. Lauve. car for years — from when money here was no surprise —
it was new through 1991. It but it was further good news for
the market, which is showing
itself to still be solid for cars of
this caliber.

1972 Datsun 240Z

THE BASICS: A New Wave
Lime with black vinyl. 2,393-
Lot 2195, #2+ condition
cc I6 makes 151 horsepower. S/N: HLS30-85545
4-speed manual. 29,292 Sold price: $92,400
miles from new, fitted with
Rota wheels and chin spoiler. price of $34,900 back when it Do I think all Zs have climbed in this collection.
Restored in original colors. had just 27,845 miles showing. this far? No. In fact, I’d chalk This car went for too much
I think that price was about this sale up to a perfect storm of
PICKERING SAYS: right, so this was one heck of a demographics, good looks, and money. But don’t take your eyes
Oh, so you thought that good result for RM Sotheby’s. its proximity to other good cars off this segment of the market
just yet.
$310,000 BaT sale of a Datsun
240Z back in January was an
outlier? Well, maybe it was, but
here we have further evidence
that buyers are still willing to
pay up for what they consider
to be good examples of the early
Z. BaT results have shown a
handful of these sold at this
level, including one in early
October that made $112,000.
That car was repainted, too.

This car was listed for sale at
a dealer in Illinois with some
subtle differences and an asking

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AUCTION SNAPSHOT BONHAMS

Defining the Market

A wide-ranging collection with good stories or good conditions set the
tone at Simeone

by JIM PICKERING
photography courtesy of BONHAMS

Collectors’ Motorcars and ON OCTOBER 11, Bonhams returned for the ninth
Automobilia Auction at the year to the Simeone Museum in Philadelphia to
Simeone Museum, host its traditional museum auction — albeit slightly
Bonhams modified for the realities of 2020.
OCTOBER 11, 2020
It was a well-distanced and masked event, with
43/61 cars sold | $3,328,360 groups of chairs spread out in front of the rostrum and
flanked by auction cars on either side. Admission was
limited and by appointment only — but the auction
was livestreamed on Bonhams’ site, with online and
telephone bidding playing a larger role than we would
have seen last year.

While the market has been in flux on the whole,
there were some encouraging prices at this typically
small sale that fell at or above pre-sale estimates.
Case-in-point was the high selling 8-Litre Bentley at
an upper range $885k, as well as a resto-project 1935
Mercedes-Benz 290 Cabriolet A that doubled its pre-
sale estimate at $362,500 — good news for a market
that’s redefining itself.

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