British trio to star at Pebble Beach

| 30 Jun 2015

Three exceptional classics from the British Isles are set to tempt and excite at Gooding & Company’s Pebble Beach sale, which takes place on 15-16 August at the Equestrian Centre in the Californian seaside resort. It is expected that the three cars – a Bentley R-Type Continental Fastback, a Rolls-Royce Phantom II and an Aston Martin DB5 Convertible – could fetch as much as $5,600,000 (£3,550,000). 

Pebble Beach

Of the set, the 1934 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental dhc is expected to achieve the highest sum – between $1,500,000 and $2,000,000 – when it crosses the block during Car Week. The Phantom II is no stranger to Pebble Beach, having won its class at the 2010 Concours d’Elegance while in the ownership of Fred Buess, who has had the car for more than 50 years. Originally, the Thrupp & Maberly-bodied two-seater was ordered by a Rootes Group executive, and at one point was owned by actor Tyrone Power. 

Pebble Beach

Slightly more common – but very nearly as valuable – is a 1965 Aston Martin DB5 Convertible, which is one of just 123 examples ever built. The car is expected to fetch between $1,400,000 and $1,800,000 and was originally built for Hollywood screenwriter Wilton David ‘Bill’ Manhoff, who was responsible for a string of famous scripts including the 1964 stage play The Owl and The Pussycat and television programmes such as Leave it to Beaver and The Odd Couple. 

Just three further owners followed, with the car remaining unmolested and original throughout. An extensive history file is provided, as are a number of desirable accessories. 

Pebble Beach

A 1953 Bentley R-Type Continental Fastback shares the same estimate as the DB5, as well as an association with James Bond: the car was ordered by Ian Fleming for his friend and collaborator Ivar Bryce – the inspiration for the character Felix Leitner. A number of bespoke features adorn the R-Type, including a set of fitted luggage and a racehorse mascot. It was only recently discovered in a Holywood garage, where it had been hidden for more than 30 years. 

Photo credit: Brian Henniker/Mathieu Heurtault