ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Bonhams' Golden Age of Motoring Sale in London yields £1.67 million with veteran cars surpassing estimates

market-auction · 2026-04-20

On October 31 in London, Bonhams' Golden Age of Motoring Sale brought in an impressive £1.67 million, with 93% of the 200 available lots sold. The auction drew in over 400 collectors and fans, aligning perfectly with the London to Brighton Run. The highlight of the sale was a 1902 Panhard et Levassor 7hp Twin-Cylinder Rear-Entrance Tonneau, known as 'The Bolster Panhard', which went for £322,000, exceeding its highest estimate. This classic car, once owned by the Hon. C. S. Rolls and later by John Bolster, has a notable history with the London to Brighton Run. Also, a 1899 Benz Velo sold for £227,700, adding to the sale's overall triumph.

Key facts

  • Bonhams' Golden Age of Motoring Sale was held on 31 October in London
  • The sale totaled £1.67 million with 93% of 200 lots sold
  • Over 400 collectors and enthusiasts attended at Bonhams' New Bond Street saleroom
  • The event coincided with the London to Brighton Run
  • The top lot was the 1902 Panhard et Levassor 7hp Twin-Cylinder Rear-Entrance Tonneau, known as 'The Bolster Panhard'
  • The 1902 Panhard sold for £322,000, exceeding its high estimate
  • The 1899 Benz Velo sold for £227,700, surpassing pre-sale estimates
  • The 1899 Benz Velo was delivered new to the UK and in the same ownership for 90 years

Entities

Artists

  • Hon. C. S. Rolls
  • John Bolster

Institutions

  • Bonhams

Locations

  • London
  • UK

Sources