Successful Results at the Zoute Grand Prix

Bonhams recently announced the successful conclusion of its annual Zoute Sale, which took place on October 11 in Knokke-Heist, Belgium, coinciding with the prestigious Zoute Grand Prix weekend. The auction saw a strong performance, with 53 out of 72 vehicle lots finding new owners, representing a 76 percent sell-through rate and generating a total of €10.2 million.

Michael Squire, Head of European Sales at Bonhams, expressed satisfaction with the outcome. He highlighted that the auction's success—particularly the inclusion of a no-reserve collection featuring rare Italian sports cars and a notable Mercedes-Benz—demonstrated the diverse range of high-quality vehicles that clients entrust to the auction house.

This event marked the 14th year of collaboration between Bonhams and the Zoute Grand Prix, attracting significant international attention with over 800 registered bidders from 36 countries and a physical attendance exceeding 1,000 guests.


The Keller Brothers Collection Highlights

A major focal point of the sale was the Keller Brothers Collection, which comprised twelve iconic Italian sports and supercars spanning from the 1960s to the 2000s. The collection achieved a 100 percent sell-through rate, totaling €3,593,750.

The standout vehicle was a 1970 Lamborghini Miura P400S, one of only 114 examples produced with late-specification ventilated discs. Finished in "Giallo Fly" over a black leather interior, the car achieved a final price of €1,725,000 including premiums. Other notable sales from the collection included:

  • 1989 Lamborghini Countach 25th Anniversary: Sold for €517,500.
  • 1974 Ferrari Dino 246 GT: Realized €322,000.

Exceptional Mercedes, Ferrari, and BMW Sales

Beyond the Keller Brothers Collection, several other classic machines attracted high bids:

A meticulously restored 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster was a highlight, fetching €1,265,000. Originally delivered in Germany, the vehicle underwent a comprehensive frame-off restoration and remains in top-tier condition. Other top performers included:

  • 1968 Ferrari Dino 206 GT: This highly original, matching-numbers car sold for €563,500 following a mechanical overhaul in 2023.
  • 1979 BMW M1 Coupé: Achieving €437,000, this red-over-black example had been held by the same owner since 2010.
  • 1953 Mercedes-Benz 300 S Roadster: One of only 141 built, this rare model sold for €345,000.

Future Auctions

The results from Zoute underline the continued stability of the classic car market. Bonhams is now preparing for its upcoming "Golden Age of Motoring" sale, scheduled for October 30 at its London headquarters. This event will feature several veteran cars that have remained hidden from public view since the Second World War. Following the London event, the auction house will turn its attention to Retromobile in Paris on February 5, 2027.