8/15/14
Laguna and Bonhams
This year, there was a scheduling conflict for me. In years past the
general consensus was to attend Concorso/Quail on Friday, Laguna Seca
on Saturday, and Pebble Beach on Sunday. Some track enthusiasts stayed
at the track all week and never stepped on a golf course for a car
show, and some Pebble Beach attendees found a schedule that barely
allowed time for anything else, but many of us who wanted a taste of
everything, followed this three day schedule. This year, Concorso made
a bold move and scheduled their show for Saturday. For attendees of the
Quail Show, they could now attend both shows without a scheduling
conflict, but what to do with the track events at Laguna Seca? Since I
wanted to attend Concorso on Saturday, I decided to head to the track
early in the morning on Friday before I had to head into town for the
Bonhams Auction. I arrived so early many of the cars were still covered
up! I left by noon, but at least I got my sensory fill of the smell of
burnt race gas and the sound of engines driven in anger!
The big deal during the Monterey weekend for me was bringing Mark
Dempsey's 365 GT 2+2 to auction at Bonhams. Mark owned this car for
nearly 10 years, logged many miles, and improved the car to its current
level. The latest achievement was its second Platinum at a national
level show back in January of this year at the Cavallino Classic in
Florida. After the show Mark and I discussed what to do with the car
considering the rising prices of Vintage Ferraris. I am always first to
advise anyone who owns a Vintage Ferrari to try and keep it if they
don't need the money, but I struggle with this dilemma every day with
the ownership of my 330 America. After much discussion, we decided it
was time to sell and pass on this great car to the next owner. I worked
diligently with placing this car with right auction house, negotiating
a deal that was good for everyone, and bringing the car to Bonhams. We
set an auction estimate at $200-$250K and put the wheels in motion. I
have to admit, we consigned our car to Bonhams well before they
announced they were also auctioning a GTO the same weekend, but it
certainly didn't hurt to glean some of the publicity!
I spent two days representing the car and was happy to tell any
potential bidder all they needed to know to give them the confidence
they were bidding on a good car. There was definitely a lot of positive
response, but with auctions, you never know. Mark was a wreck during
the whole process. There were so many mixed emotions for both of us,
but if Mark had a chance to change his mind before the auction, he
would have driven the car home!
Bidding was brisk, and it didn't take long for our reserve was met, and
the high estimate of $250,000 was surpassed! As I took a looked around
the room, there were at least three bidders competing for the car, one
of them being Ferrari collector, and UK radio personality, Chris Evans!
The price kept going up, $270, $280, $290, $300! Chris stopped at $320,
and a father and son sitting down front came in at $325,000...SOLD! I
was stunned, happy, and vindicated Mark and I made all the right
choices with a very nice 365GT 2+2. As we were congratulated by
everyone, Marcel Massini said, "it just proves, people will pay good
money for exceptional cars!"
Through all the excitement, I caught up with the new owners and gave
them my contact information, and I hope they follow through and reach
out to us. Mark and I would like to wish them a great time with his old
car, and hope they have as much fun as we did!
Reminder: If you have a Ferrari
related project, car, or idea
you'd like to explore, I'd love to talk to you. I can also help if
you're thinking of buying or selling. This website represents what I
love to do, and now it's how I make a living, so if you'd like to do
something together, let me know. It all begins with an e-mail!
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