Formula 1 race cars, and Jaguars and Facels, oh my!

Tis’ the season to be… spending.

That’s what one mystery United States car enthusiast – and many other car lovers – did at the recent annual Bonhams London auction.  But this mystery car buyer spent – and in a big, big way.

We’re talking $12 million for a threesome of rare cars. Just a drop in the bucket, eh?

Specifically, this mystery buyer picked up a 1952 Jaguar C-Type for a measly $4.74 million, a 1956 Jaguar ‘Shortnose’ D-Type for $4.25 million and – last but not least – a 1960 Commer TS3 for $2.94 million. The trio of cars was all a part of a racing collection, but not just any racing collection – the Ecurie Ecosse racing collection.

While it was this mystery U.S. buyer that arguably stole the show, it was hardly the only expensive car that was moved on the day. For instance, there was another five cars from the Ecurie Ecosse racing collection sold to separate buyers, increasing the number of Ecurie Ecosse racing cars sold to a total of eight.

Another highlight of the show was when a French coupe formerly owned by Beatles drummer Ringo Starr was sold.  The 1964 Facel Vega Facel II that was originally a staple in Ringo Starr’s garage was initially purchased during the Beatles’ international explosion into fame in the mid-1900s. It sold at the auction for over $550,000. The original price that Ringo paid for it? $68,000.

A Formula 1 race car that was once driven by Michael Schumacher was also sold as well, going for just over $1 million. The Formula 1 race car helped driver Michael Schumacher capture the world championship back in 1994.

When it was all said and done, 35 cars were offered and 28 of them sold – for a total purse of $27.59 million.

Here’s a look at a couple interesting facts and happenings from the popular London auction:

• 1956 and 1957 were big racing years for the Ecurie Ecosse team, as those were the years that the squad captured back-to-back titles in the 24 Hours of Le Mans – hence the reason why the racing collection was such a popular one at this auction.
• Bidding on the $2.94 million Commer TS3 was the most intense of the day. The auction portion for the truck alone lasted about 20 minutes before the buyer was awarded. According to event officials, the $2.94 million final price tag makes it the most costly historic truck ever to be sold at an auction.

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