A packed ballroom at the Palace Hotel in Gstaad, Switzerland on Friday, August 20, witnessed a 100% success rate, with over half of the cars from the renowned Peter F Baumberger Collection selling for above their top estimate.
In the end, Bonhams' sale realised a premium inclusive CHF 2.15m ($2,077,940) - well above the original pre-sale estimates.
Top price of the day was achieved by the final lot: the 1962 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster which rolled to CHF 580,130 ($559,566 - over its estimate of CHF 400,000-600,000, or $386,593- 579,889).
"Many of Peter's friends fought for his cars" - James Knight, Bonhams auctioneer
Other top sales included CHF 44,225 ($42,743) for a 1989 Audi Quattro Turbo 20V (estimated at CHF 15,000 - 20,000 ($14,498-19,330)); CHF 29,886 ($28,884) for a 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500E (CHF 5,000 - 8,000 ($4,832-7,732)); and CHF 211,985 ($204,880) for a 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 with non-matching engine (CHF 100,000 - 140,000 ($96,648-135,308)).
As the sale was Swiss-based, the local market had a distinct advantage over EU buyers who had to factor in EU import costs. Because of this, most bidders and buyers were from Switzerland.
Big sales included the 1962 Mercedes Benz 300SL Roadster (top) and
1973 Porsche 911 RS 2.7 Carrera (You can read our full report on
the Peter F Baumberger Collection here)
However, buyers from North America, UK, Belgium and France proved the collection really did appeal to a world-wide audience.
"It was one of those upbeat sales where people came with the intent to buy. Many of Peter's friends fought for his cars," said James Knight, Group of Head of Bonhams Motoring Department and auctioneer on the day.
"The ingredients of a single-owner collection of fresh motor cars to market, well-cared for and offered without reserve, at the fabulous Palace Hotel, ensured huge participation. I have never had so many bidders before.
"Our telephone bidding desk was the busiest I've seen with 10 lines consistently bidding for the motor cars. We thank Kidston SA, the Baumberger estate's agent, for entrusting us with the sale. In return, we are pleased to have delivered a successful result on the night."
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