Top 3 Inessential Fun Cars To Buy At Bonhams Quail Auction

The Bonhams Quail Lodge Auction is one of the premier events during Monterey Car Week. Loaded with rare and exotic wondercars, performance kings and typical Ferrari and Porsche offerings this is also an auction for everyone, not just for dreamers or deep pockets. Rather than highlight the multi-million dollar cars which already get all the hype, we’ve selected three moderately priced inessential fun cars one might like to buy at the August 19,2016 auction.

Our fun car choices are about buying a car to enjoy and have fun, of course looks matter too. We’ve limited ourselves to cars under $150,000 at the top end of the reserve.

Driveable Race Car

Lot 29 1953 BANDINI 750 SPORT SILURO 

Ever wanted to drive in the Mille Miglia?  This car is eligible. This little 4 cyl. 747cc Crosley OHV Inline, four-speed will have you racing about in style. The Siluro, Italian for torpedo, was a screamer back in the day.  Ilario Bandini, competed in his cars from 1947 to 1965 achieving 18 win. The car being sold was restored in Italy in 1992 by a firm founded by Bandini’s nephew, Dino Bandini. You could definitely have a rip roaring time at vintage races or other driving events.  Estimate: $100,000 – $150,000 sold without reserve.

Classic Touring

Lot 65 1969 MERCEDES-BENZ 280SL – Ex Jane Russell Car 

How often do you get a chance to drive around in something Bob Hope and Ronald Regan rode in? If pedigree is everything for collector cars, this one is pure. This car was purchased new by legendary movie star Jane Russell a Mercedes fan, two tone paint scheme specified by her and so beloved she never parted with it. Only now, after her 2011 death, is it being offered by her family.

The Pagoda, is loved by many collectors. In the 1960’s even Juan Manuel Fangio and Stirling Moss drove them. While production numbers aren’t low, 23,885 cars (12,927 to the USA) this iconic Mercedes-Benz is as instantly recognizable as it is pure cool. Petrolicious called it collectable two years ago, specifically mentioning “…they are beautiful, usable, and have enough modern conveniences to remain comfortable today.” You could be next owner of this classic Mercedes-Benz, with Hollywood provenance. Estimate: $80,000 – $110,000 sold without reserve.

Cool For The Sake Of Cool

Lot 46 1940 FORD 5-WINDOW COUPE

This is a car for those who appreciate the retro vibe. Popular amongst the hot-rodder set the presence of this Midnight Blue Ford coupe sporting big curved body panels is humble styling at its best. No fancy ornamentation (not too much brightwork to polish) is what makes this car sing, it is simple. This is a car you can drive, no need to worry about diminishing the value, Ford built plenty. This is just a fun car to enjoy and look really cool. Extensively restored, down to a rebuild of the classic Ford flathead V-8 this car is all ready to roll. Imagine picking up your kids at school in this baby!  Estimate: $65,000 – $85,000 sold without reserve.

Life’s short, drive cool cars!

Photos: Bonhams