Bentley Bonanza! Two Exceptional Collections Head for RM Sotheby’s Annual London Auction

RM Sotheby’s has announced two remarkable collections for its annual London auction, each showcasing excellent British-built models.

The Best of British Collection is led by a stunning 1962 Aston Martin DB4 Series IV Vantage, one of 136 examples produced in the coveted Vantage specification. Making this DB4 Vantage even rarer is the DB4 GT specification dashboard and larger oil cooler, both specified from new.

The example offered retains its matching-numbers Vantage engine and was subject to recommissioning work by Clark & Carter between 2017 and 2024. Proudly exhibited at Salon Privé in 2016 and a worthy contender for future Concours competitions, it is estimated to sell for between £380,000 and GBP 450,000.

Other exceptional Aston Martins include a 1951 Aston Martin DB2 Drophead Coupé by Serra. This remarkable car boasts a national-level competition history, a unique DB2 embodied in the 1960s by Spanish coachbuilder Serra, and several class victories (Estimate: £180,000 – GBP 250,000).

Also on offer is a 1959 Aston Martin DB Mk III by Tickford. One of only 47 cars equipped by the factory with the uprated DB/D engine, this left-hand-drive example was delivered new to the United States and is estimated at £80,000 – £120,000 GBP.

Bentley and Rolls-Royce are exceptionally well represented in the Collection, led by a stunning 1934 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental All-Weather Tourer by Hooper & Co. Built for Nubar Gulbenkian—British-Armenian oil baron and legendary Rolls-Royce customer—this vehicle was the height of Art Deco luxury and boasts extraordinary details throughout.

King George V and Edward VIII used it for military events and tours from 1934 to 1936. It was shown at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in 2016 (Estimate: £320,000 – GBP 420,000). Also offered is an equally remarkable 1924 Bentley 3-4½-Litre Speed Model by Vanden Plas. This handsome car is an example of W.O. Bentley’s first production model, which benefits from nearly £200,000 spent on vital work over the past 11 years (Estimate: £240,000 – GBP 300,000).

A 1956 Bentley S1 Continental Fastback Sports Saloon by H.J. Mulliner will also be offered from the Collection. One of just 97 RHD examples built, it was sold new via James Young of Bromley before being exported to the United States. Presented in dark green over cream leather upholstery, this lovely car is estimated at £180,000 – GBP 220,000.

This is complemented by a 1939 Bentley 4¼-Litre Drophead Coupé by H.J. Mulliner, one of the finest body designs built on a Derby Bentley chassis. Driven as part of the wedding celebrations for Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer, it has had almost £55,000 spent with Rolls-Royce and Bentley specialist P&A Wood since 2012, including a mechanical overhaul (Estimate: £150,000 – GBP 200,000).

Also offered is a 1935 Bentley 3½-Litre Airline Coupé by Freestone and Webb (Estimate: £80,000 – GBP 130,000), a 1938 Bentley 4¼-Litre Sports Saloon by Park Ward (Estimate: £50,000 – GBP 80,000), a 1935 Bentley 3½-Litre Drophead Coupé by James Young (Estimate: £30,000 – GBP 50,000), a 1963 Jaguar Mark 2 3.8-Litre Saloon (Estimate: £30,000 – GBP 40,000), and a 1967 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow Two-Door Saloon by Mulliner Park Ward (Estimate: £25,000 – GBP 30,000).

The London auction also marks the sale of the outstanding Dean Kronsbein Collection. Mr. Kronsbein has always been passionate about British motor cars and built his collection over the past 20 years. The 1958 Bentley S1 Continental Drophead Coupé by Park Ward is heading the Collection. Indeed, one of the most desirable post-war Bentleys produced, this example boasts the most essential S1 Continental coachwork design. As elegant as they come, this factory-correct chocolate over red leather interior is estimated to sell for between £750,000 – GBP 950,000.

Also offered is a 1952 Bentley Mark VI Drophead Foursome Coupé by Mulliners of Birmingham. Featuring unique coachwork, it is the sole Mark VI bodied by Mulliners of Birmingham and was commissioned by Standard-Triumph Managing Director Sir John Black. Exhibited at the 2014 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, it is estimated to sell for between £275,000 – GBP 325,000.

Other Bentleys include a 1947 Bentley Mark VI Cabriolet by Franay, a two-time Best in Class award winner at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance and a one-off design on a Bentley chassis (Estimate: £250,000 – £350,000 GBP). Also in the Collection is a 1953 Bentley R-Type Drophead Coupé by H.J. Mulliner, one of a mere three R-Type-based Drophead Coupé examples by H.J. Mulliner. Presented in stunning dark blue over beige hide, it is estimated to sell for between £120,000 – GBP 150,000.

The Rolls-Royce marque is represented by a 1967 Rolls-Royce Phantom V Touring Limousine by James Young. Believed to be the 502nd example of a total of 516 Rolls-Royce Phantom Vs produced, this example sports an exceptional list of options supplied from new, including air conditioning, glassware set, silk curtains, and hydraulically operated rear seats (Estimate: £120,000 – £140,000 GBP).

The Collection is rounded off with a series of unique Land Rovers and a 1940s Ford off-roader. A 1951 Land Rover Series I ‘Reborn’ will be offered (Estimate: £100,000 – GBP 150,000), in addition to a 1978 Land Rover Series III ‘Royal Review’, which features a remarkable history having been used by Her Majesty the Queen on multiple ceremonial occasions, and was specially engineered with a Stop, Slow, and Start button that the Queen could use during processions (Estimate: £50,000 – £80,000). The Collection is rounded off with a 1942 Ford GPW with a Trailer, estimated at £50,000 – £70,000.