A Successful Weekend in Knokke-Heist

Bonhams has reported highly successful results from its annual Zoute Sale, which took place on October 11 in Knokke-Heist, Belgium, coinciding with the prestigious Zoute Grand Prix. The auction featured 72 vehicle lots, of which 53 were successfully sold. This performance represents a 76 percent sell-through rate, generating a total of €10.2 million.

Michael Squire, Head of European Sales at Bonhams, expressed satisfaction with the event's outcome. He highlighted that the diverse selection of vehicles—ranging from a no-reserve collection of Italian supercars to a classic Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster—perfectly showcased the wide range of collector cars that clients entrust to the auction house.

This year marked 14 years of collaboration between Bonhams and the Zoute Grand Prix, attracting record-breaking interest. The event welcomed over 1,000 attendees and saw participation from more than 800 registered bidders representing 36 different nations.


The Keller Brothers Collection Highlights

A major draw for the auction was the Keller Brothers Collection, a curated group of twelve sports and supercars primarily from Italy, spanning the 1960s to the 2000s. The collection achieved a 100 percent sell-through, fetching a combined total of €3,593,750.

The standout vehicle was a 1970 Lamborghini Miura P400S. One of only 114 examples featuring the later-specification ventilated-disc brakes, this stunning car was finished in its original Giallo Fly exterior with a Nero leather interior. It commanded a final price of €1,725,000, including the buyer's premium.

Other notable sales from the Keller Brothers group included:

  • 1989 Lamborghini Countach 25th Anniversary: One of 657 produced, this Italian-delivered supercar brought in €517,500.
  • 1974 Ferrari Dino 246 GT: This classic Italian sports car sold for €322,000.

Rare Classics and Continued Demand

The auction also saw significant activity from other legendary marques, proving that the market for high-end classics remains robust:

«A beautifully restored 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster sold for €1,265,000. Originally delivered in Germany, this vehicle underwent a meticulous frame-off restoration and boasts expert reports confirming its top-tier condition,» according to the auction report.

Additional notable results included:

  • 1968 Ferrari Dino 206 GT: A highly original example, featuring its matching-numbers engine and gearbox, which sold for €563,500 following a mechanical overhaul in 2023.
  • 1979 BMW M1 Coupé: This rare sports car achieved €437,000.
  • 1953 Mercedes-Benz 300 S Roadster: A rare find, with only 141 units built, which sold for €345,000.

While the Zoute event attracted many modern exotic vehicles, the performance of these classic models reinforces the enduring strength of the vintage automotive market.