Bonhams to auction John Lennon's first car: 1965 Ferrari

In February 1965 The Beatles recorded Ticket to Ride – a song that would become one of their biggest hits, topping both the UK and US singles charts. By happy coincidence, that same month, the news that Lennon had passed his driving test made headlines across the country. Within hours, the road outside the security gates of his Kenwood home in Weybridge, Surrey, was jammed with Maseratis, Aston Martins and Jaguars, as luxury car dealerships – hungry for business – spotted an opportunity to secure a high-profile client.

The singer, by then a father to 22-month-old Julian by his first wife Cynthia, strolled out to inspect the cars and chose a right-hand drive Ferrari 330GT 2+2 Coupé finished in Azzuro blue paint, with a blue interior, priced at £6,500 (equivalent to just over £110,000 in today's money).

Motor vehicles were to become a passion for Lennon, none more so than this Ferrari, which he used for the best part of three years – until October 1967 – covering more than 20,000 miles.

By the late 1980s, this special car was with the famous Modena Ferrari dealership, from where it was acquired by its current owner. Painted red and separated from its number plate, it was then lovingly restored to its original specification.

Offered for sale by Bonhams with its original DUL 4C registration restored by the DVLA, this matching-numbers motor car is one of only 500 of its type built and is estimated to realize between £180,000 and £220,000 at the auction. It is offered for sale along with an extensive history file documenting its provenance and restoration, which also includes correspondence with Lennon.

Sholto Gilbertson, Senior Specialist in the Bonhams Motor Car Department, said: "It is a wonderful commentary on the early excitement generated by 'Beatlemania' that John Lennon didn't even have to leave his house to buy his first car.'

"We are delighted to be offering a car associated with such an icon of contemporary popular culture at the first of our Goodwood series of auctions in 2013. Already our Festival of Speed Sale is shaping up to potentially eclipse last year's record-breaking total."

Joining the John Lennon Ferrari at the Bonhams Goodwood Festival of Speed Sale are a number of other important motor cars, including the 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196 in which five-times Formula 1 World Champion Juan Manuel Fangio won two Grand Prix events on his way to his second World Drivers' Championship.

Among other cars on offer are the 1955 Maserati 300S Sports-Racing Spider that finished third in the 1955 Sebring 12-Hours (estimate £3.5 million - £4.5 million); a 1934 Alfa Romeo 8C-2300 'Le Mans' Tourer (estimate £1.4 million - £1.8 million); and an example of the ultimate Ferrari from the 1960s – the 1966 Ferrari 500 Superfast – that is one of only six right-hand drive models made (estimate £800,000 - £1 million). Only 37 Ferrari 500 Superfasts were built, each to the highest possible specification, encompassing the ultimate in performance, luxury and presence and equipped to each client's individual expectations.

The Bonhams Goodwood Festival of Speed Sale is known for attracting top prices for Ferraris, with a right-hand drive Ferrari Classiche-certified 1965 Ferrari 275 GTS Spyder selling for a world auction record £561,500 last year.

Visit Bonhams online at www.bonhams.com.

# # #

Spokes: MotoGP - Jerez, Spain

JEREZ, Spain – To make life easier I've invented “woah.”

“Woah” will be employed whenever I wish to pause the written action and throw in an element of reflection, a time to ponder, muse. “Woah” simply stands for “What (if) On A Honda,” and as you can see it works perfectly. (I'm aware it should really be “Wioah,” but that makes no sense.)

Anyway, a good example of Woah would, obviously, be Valentino Rossi but there are other intriguing candidates for Woah, which I'll intrigue you with later. Actually, Woah™.

We're at the track known as “The Cathedral” by its fans. The surface is slipperier than a dolphin’s foot and qualifying was more akin to tenpin bowling than MotoGP. Due to the 53-degree track temperature and the age of the circuit, the heat made all the effulgent—composed of rubber, oil and screams—rise to the surface and lurk in the off-line, ready to take out whomsoever prepared to go that little bit extra. Indeed, most of the grid went down and that included Pedrosa, Rossi, Marquez and English, twice. English's second accident was actually quite nasty. Despite injury and a hastily rebuilt bike, he went out before the session ended and in one blistering lap qualified in fourth. A serious case of Woah™ here. Excellent work.

Other noteworthy grid slots are Alvaro Bautista in sixth (Woah™), rookie Brad Smith in 12th, and it's nice to see Nicky Hayden up there in seventh. I was expecting a little more from Rossi. He's won here six times but he's hardly ruled himself out of the action by being in fifth. Noteworthy absentees are Karel Abraham and the unluckiest GP racer of them all, Ben Spies. Poor old Ben, if you gave Ben all the tea in China he'd arrange to collect it at Boston Harbor in 1773.

Once again, it's a full Spanish front row with the defending World Champ on pole, Pedrosa in second … Why am I writing this? It's all there below.

MotoGP Jerez Qualifying Results 2013:

1. Jorge Lorenzo (Yamaha) 1:38.673

2. Dani Pedrosa (Honda) 1:38.920

3. Marc Marquez (Honda) 1:38.971

4. Cal Crutchlow (Yamaha) 1:39.262

5. Valentino Rossi (Yamaha) 1:39.300

6. Alvaro Bautista (Honda) 1:39.509

7. Nicky Hayden (Ducati) 1:39.654

8. Stefan Bradl (Honda) 1:39.847

9. Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati) 1:39.848

10. Hector Barbera (FTR) 1:39.980

11. Andrea Iannone (Ducati) 1:40.087

12. Bradley Smith (Yamaha) 1:40.356

13. Aleix Espargaro (ART) 1:40.085

14. Michele Pirro (Ducati) 1:40.182

15. Randy de Puniet (ART) 1:40.466

16. Hiroshi Aoyama (FTR) 1:40.654

17. Danilo Petrucci (Ioda-Suter) 1:40.852

18. Bryan Staring (FTR-Honda) 1:41.324

19. Claudio Corti (FTR-Kawasaki) 1:41.513

20. Colin Edwards (FTR-Kawasaki) 1:41.536

21. Yonny Hernandez (ART) 1:41.779

22. Michael Laverty (PBM) 1:41.935

23. Lukas Pesek (Ioda-Suter) 1:43.220

Marc Marquez, the new wonder boy, is lurking in third waiting to stir it all up in front of 111,000 fans. The lights go out and we're off!

Lorenzo and Pedrosa head the grid, behind them Rossi is on a charge. He passes English and then Marquez to wangle third. A lap later Marquez has decided he wants to run with his Spanish colleagues, who are already just starting to nose ahead. He's over Rossi like impetigo and there's little doubt he's going to pass. When it comes his ostentatious move is, ironically, reminiscent of Rossi. While all this is going on I notice that I'm slowly shaking my head and smiling at Marquez fondly like a proud parent, as I'm sure his proud parents are.

Twenty-five laps to go Marquez, Rossi and English are one. Behind them Bautista, Bradl and Hayden are also crawling through each other’s leathers. As they play, Lorenzo and Pedrosa are increasing the gap.

All the riders are on soft tires to cope with the track temperature. With 24 laps to go they're already going to be losing some the essential grip that will force the riders to settle into their rhythm sooner than usual. Though not for Randy de Puniet, who’s already in the litter tray. He's followed by Iannone and Bradl in quick succession. I'm happy to report there are no injuries.

Twenty-three left, Marquez is slowly reeling in Pedrosa, who, a lap later, responds with a beautiful inside pass on Lorenzo. Not only has Pedrosa taken the lead but he's also put a bike between him and his wily teammate. With 21 laps to left, however, Marquez is right behind Lorenzo, who's not quite let go of Pedrosa.

Lorenzo is in a bit of a tight spot. He needs to catch Pedrosa, but with Marquez barking at his heels he's having to take time out to block him. As a result Pedrosa starts to pull away. With 19 laps left Marquez poses a serious threat but he's not quite close enough to get in the passing zone. That's until Lorenzo goes wide; now he's right up there.

Sixteen laps, Pedrosa is making hay. He's 2.5 seconds ahead of total war. Marquez does well holding it on the black when he nearly loses it in a serious of attempts to nudge ahead of Lorenzo, who, despite this, looks smooth—seemingly in control of the situation—yet his racing line belies his awareness of the threat posed behind.

Bautista takes English for fourth but it's the man in sixth who’s on a charge. Rossi has the bit between his teeth just as Lorenzo seems to have exhausted young Marquez. The next few laps are a bit disappointing. All the riders are watching their tires and they're too far from the end of the race for last-minute lunges. Rossi sails past Bautista and English as if they're not even there. In his wake the two engage in an intense battle for fifth.

With seven laps to the flag it's Espargaro and Dovizioso who are supplying the entertainment, not so much Woah™ as Erm? In this case Dovi is aboard the full-factory Ducati, possibly the most controversial racing machine since the Tyrrell P34, and Espargaro on his comparatively off-the-peg Aprillia, leading the CRTs, and there's nothing in it. Dovi will ultimately finish eighth, one place ahead of Espargaro. But the point has been made. Indeed, Bautista aboard the Pramac, powered by a Ducati, will finish ahead of both Dovi and Hayden on the factory bikes, woah! (not Woah™ in this case.)

Four laps to go, Pedrosa is miles ahead, looking smooth and as relaxed as you can be while going faster than a spinning black hole. On the other hand Lorenzo is looking a bit shifty. Marquez has caught up again and he's throwing shapes. Three laps, Pedrosa has lost some of his pace, he's just got to tickle it home. But something has stirred within Lorenzo. Maybe he's sensing a problem with his countryman—tire degradation, chatter, ingrowing hair … In any case, he's on the move and Marquez is getting left behind … for a bit.

On the last lap Marquez closes in on Lorenzo but isn't quite close enough to pass until, quite suddenly, Marques just appears on Lorenzo's inside forcing him off the racing line. Lorenzo leans into what was once air and bangs into Marquez who manages to hold it in place. By the time Pedrosa crosses the line Marquez is balancing traction and position. He makes it stick and comes home in second, though not without a sniff of controversy, something I don't think we've seen the end of in his career.

MotoGP Jerez Results 2013:

1. Dani Pedrosa (Honda)

2. Marc Marquez (Honda)

3. Jorge Lorenzo (Yamaha)

4. Valentino Rossi (Yamaha)

5. Cal Crutchlow (Yamaha)

6. Alvaro Bautista (Honda)

7. Nicky Hayden (Ducati)

8. Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati)

9. Aleix Espargaro (ART)

10. Bradley Smith (Yamaha)

11. Michele Pirro (Ducati)

12. Hector Barbera (FTR)

13. Michael Laverty (PBM)

14. Danilo Petrucci (Ioda-Suter)

15. Colin Edwards (FTR-Kawasaki)

16. Bryan Staring (FTR-Honda)

17. Claudio Corti (FTR-Kawasaki)

18. Hiroshi Aoyama (FTR)

Pedrosa's win is significant in terms of points but perhaps in more than anything to his sense of self-esteem. A fairly significant media row broke out last week when Kevin Schwantz cast doubts on him ever winning a world championship. I've made a similar point in the past though I'm not a GP legend outside of a restful night’s sleep.

Marquez's championship points lead speaks for itself, but the conversation regarding that last lap move won't be ending anytime soon. Lorenzo was rightly annoyed with his surprise third place and refused to shake Marquez’s hand after the race, preferring a strangely avuncular finger waggle—maybe because he recognized something of himself in the young upstart. In my opinion there was a space and Marquez took it. It was heavy-handed, definitely rude, but, overall, acceptable. Still, if he makes a habit of passing like that it won't be long before he will find himself on the wrong side of the authorities, or worse.

It was a good race from my countrymen Cal, Brad and Michael Laverty who get's his first point. Bautista and Hayden rode very well too finishing where they qualified and, of course, splendid to see Rossi hanging-on in there.

No clues for figuring out who my man of the race was though … Woah™! Oh, hang on, he is already.

MotoGP Championship Points 2013:

1. Marc Marquez, 61

2. Dani Pedrosa, 58

3. Jorge Lorenzo, 57

4. Valentino Rossi, 43

5. Cal Crutchlow, 35

6. Alvaro Bautista, 28

7. Andrea Dovizioso, 24

8. Nicky Hayden, 24

9. Aleix Espargaro, 17

10. Andrea Iannone, 13

Phantom I, baron's Bentley headline H&H auction June 15

WARRINGTON, England – A 1926 Rolls-Royce Phantom I that was once described by Cecil Clutton as “one of the outstanding and individual motor cars of the present day” is to go under the hammer at Rockingham Castle on Saturday, June 15. Supercharged by Douglas Fitzpatrick (the second of just three keepers), chassis 74 SC wore a blower modeled on Goldie Gardener's Land Speed Record car and contested several VSCC events. Featured in a host of period magazines and marque tomes, it is estimated to fetch £90,000 - £110,000.

Better known as the driving force behind the Mercedes-Benz 300SL “Gullwing” and BMW 507, Max Hoffmann always had an eye for elegant coachwork. Supplied new to Hoffmann & Huppert of Vienna and first owned by His Excellency Baron Joseph van der Elst, a Belgian diplomat then stationed in Austria, the 1937 Bentley 4 1/4 Liter on offer is one of just two cars to wear special order Vanden Plas Fixed Head Coupe coachwork. A former winner of the Bill Cook, Dax Simpson and P&A Wood trophies, it carries a guide price of £110,000 - £130,000.

One of just five Bentley MKVI chassis to be clothed with “disappearing hood” Drophead Coupe coachwork by H.J. Mulliner, chassis B409DZ dates from 1949 and has covered just 52,000 miles from new. Part of a significant private collection for the past 39 years, the four-seater pleasingly retains its original upholstery, hood, drivetrain and tools. A real “timewarp,” it carries a guide price of £80,000 - £100,000.

With a known history dating back to 1940 and the benefit of an extensive restoration by marque specialist David Ayre, the 1931 Lagonda 2 Liter Supercharged Tourer on offer is estimated at £80,000 - £100,000. A similar guide price (£80,000 - £90,000) has been applied to the one-off 1954 Bentley R-Type Sports Special that was completed by the vendor some 20 years ago and which has since collected numerous Bentley Drivers Club concours awards.

A multiple concours entrant during the 1970s and 1980s (albeit in the preservation class), the 1949 Triumph 2000 Roadster on offer is well known in club circles. Never restored, it carries a guide price of £8,000 - £10,000. Prepared by Hooper & Co for their stand at the 1983 Geneva Salon and reputedly sold within two hours of the show opening, the unique Rolls-Royce Camargue “Beau Rivage”' has reportedly had just one owner and covered just 44,000km from new. Crammed full of period goodies, it is estimated to make £42,000 - £48,000.

For more information contact H&H on +44 (0)1925 210035 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

’59 Corvette tops Auctions America sale at $148,500

AUBURN, Ind. – Tradition continued in Carlisle, Pa., this past weekend, as Auctions America returned for its third annual Spring Carlisle collector car auction. Held at the Carlisle Expo Center, the two-day auction—a featured attraction of the Carlisle Events Spring Carlisle Collector Car Swap Meet and Corral weekend—generated over $2.2 million in total sales with more than 53 percent of all lots sold.

This year’s strong attendance saw high-quality collector cars sell before a lively crowd. Bidders hailed from 27 states across the U.S. with over one-third of bidders representing first-time clientele. Top sale honors went to a rare, Bloomington Gold Certified 1959 Chevrolet Corvette “Big-Brake” fuel-injected convertible that realized a final price of $148,500. The handsome black Corvette, one of only 142 built, boasts an extensive frame-off restoration and complete owner history dating back to 1959. Taking the No. 2 spot was a beautifully restored 1963 Chevrolet Corvette split-Window Coupe for $96,250.

The enthusiastic auction room also saw more than $12,000 raised for the Chip Miller Amyloidosis Charitable Foundation, which was formed to help spread awareness about the disease and to raise money for education and research for the cure. The Foundation is dedicated to empowering people with the knowledge and understanding necessary for earlier detection, ensuring a better quality of life for those afflicted with the disease. In addition to the funds donated from the sale of a 1985 Chevrolet Corvette, a “Forty Years of Corvette” poster was sold and donated back to the auction several times on Friday to benefit the charity.

“We were pleased to once again join forces with Carlisle Events to deliver the Spring Carlisle sale,” said Donnie Gould, president, Auctions America. “This grassroots collector car event continues to draw passionate crowds as the quality of the offering improves each year. We look forward to continuing the momentum at our Auburn Spring collector car weekend next week.”

Auctions America’s Spring Carlisle Auction Top 5 sales:

• 1959 Chevrolet Corvette “Big-Brake” fuel-injected convertible: $148,500;
• 1963 Chevrolet Corvette split-window coupe: $96,250;
• 1962 Chevrolet Bel Air 409: $85,800;
• 2007 Ford Shelby GT500 Super Snake: $74,250;
• 1999 Bentley Azure:$70,950.

The Spring Carlisle Collector Car Swap Meet and Corral held at the Carlisle Fairgrounds also posted record attendance, providing a great opportunity for motoring enthusiasts from across the country to share in the thriving hobby.

“The 2013 Carlisle Spring Show kicked off the season with a huge crowd and the buyers, sellers and visitors that came for the auction had to be overwhelmed with the selection and quality of this year's cars,” said Bill Miller, co-owner/co-founder of Carlisle Events. “Cars ranged from a Model A Ford to a Bentley Azure convertible and everything in between, all looking for new homes. Most of the cars consigned did just that.”

Complete results from Auctions America’s Spring Carlisle sale, along with further information on upcoming events is available online at auctionsamerica.com.