New records set at Frederiksen Collection auction

| 29 Sep 2015

A number of auction records were set last weekend as the incredible 48-car Frederiksen Collection went under the hammer in Denmark on 26 September.

Among the highlights was a spectacular 1930 Duesenberg Model J Disappearing Top Roadster, tipped by C&SC as the connoisseur’s choice and top seller at £1,764,675. As well as beating it’s lower estimate of £1.6m, the Duesenberg became the most valuable car ever sold at auction in Denmark.

Frederiksen Collection

That honour was expected to belong to the ex-Maharaja of Patiala Maybach DS-8 Zeppelin Cabriolet, which was estimated at £2-2.4m but failed to sell under the hammer despite a large contingent of foreign bidders making the trip to Lyngsbaekgaard. 

Frederiksen Collection

Proving that rarity sells, the 1973 Rolls-Royce Phantom VI Cabriolet styled by Pietro Frua smashed its £200-250,000 pre-sale estimate to soar to £362,686. 

Frederiksen Collection

Much more affordable but just as intriguing was a 1905 Woods Electric Queens Victoria Brougham, which fetched just under its top estimate of £63,000. The car was well tested and ready to use, while its striking design added to its allure. 

Frederiksen Collection

A 1935 Mercedes-Benz 500k Spezial Roadster that had been restored and rebodied by marque specialist Franz Prahl also attracted a great deal of attention. The purposeful soft-top sold on estimate at £748,041, which seemed a tempting figure for such a well finished car. 

Frederiksen Collection

Bonhams also claimed a new world auction record for a 1939 Lagonda LG6 Rapide, one of just six long-wheelbase models built and a Pebble Beach double trophy winner. It was sold for £538,363. 

Frederiksen Collection

An impressive £923,718 was paid for the auction’s cover car, a 1914 Mercedes 28/95 Phaeton. It is believed to have been bought by a telephone bidder from Germany. 

Frederiksen Collection

“There was an excellent atmosphere in the room, with everyone enjoying the day,” said Bonhams’ Malcolm Barber.

“Auctions are a serious business, but they’re also excellent fun, and I think the people that came along to the sale very much enjoyed seeing these phenomenal cars, and watching the prices soar.”

His thoughts were echoed by the collection’s former owner, Henrik Frederiksen: “I’m absolutely delighted. I now have to say goodbye to my wonderful cars, but I couldn’t be happier as I know each will bring joy to their new owner. It’s quite astounding how many people turned out for the day, plus so many people bidding from across the world.”

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