‘Out of Africa’ airplane lands in Bonhams sale at Grand Palais

LONDON - The airplane featured in the 1985 Oscar-winning film Out of Africa will be among the lots on offer at the Bonhams sale at the Grand Palais in Paris in early 2013, during Rétromobile week.

The 1929 American Moth Corp. De Havilland 60GMW Gipsy Moth is offered in excellent condition with a permit to fly. It still wears its yellow-and-black livery and registration G-AAMY – in homage to pioneering English aviatrix Amy Johnson – as seen in the Sydney Pollack-directed movie, which went on to win seven Oscars.

In the film, the two-seater biplane is piloted by character Denys Finch Hatton, played by Robert Redford, over the Kenyan savannah.

The DH-60 Moth measures 24ft long by nearly 9 feet high, and has a 30-foot wingspan. It is capable of a maximum speed of 105 mph.

Following the success of its 2011 sale at the historic automotive venue, Bonhams will return to the Grand Palais in Paris in 2013, where the motor car, motorcycle and automobilia departments will combine with the 20th century decorative arts department to conduct a series of sales.

Among car lots already consigned for the Feb, 6-7 sale is the outstanding ex-works Bugatti Type 54 that raced by Achille Varzi at Monza on Sept. 6, 1931 (estimate €2.5 million-€3.5 million).

Other motor cars of note include two cars that have been in their respective families’ ownerships from new – a 1962 Aston Martin DB4 Vantage Cabriolet (estimate €350,000-€450,000) and a 1949 Bentley MkVI with coachwork by Graber (estimate €75,000-€125,000). A 1953 Bentley R-Type Continental from long-term private ownership (estimate €550,000-€750,000), a 1938 Lancia Astura Fourth Series Cabriolet with coachwork by Boneschi (estimate €400,000-€500,000) and a 1928 Minerva AK 32 PK Faux Cabriolet with coachwork by Labourdette (estimate €280,000-€360,000) – the latter from the collection of French former racing driver Serge Pozzoli – are among other lots offered.

Highlights among the objets d’art in the sale include Raoul Larche, a gilt-bronze figural lamp modeled as the actress Loie Fuller, circa 1920 (estimate €50,000-€75,000); Jean Dunand, a Dinanderie vase from the first year of production, 1913 (estimate €12,000-€17,000); and a Demetre Chiparus "Dourga," a large chryselephantine model, circa 1925 (estimate €15,000-€22,000).

Final entries for the auction are being accepted. For further information call +33 1 42 61 10 11 or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .