Achieving in excess of €21 million and headlined by remarkable cars – the ex- Équipe Nationale Belge 1956 Porsche 550RS Spyder sold for €2.53 million, and a 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss sold for €3.2. million
The Bonhams|Cars Zoute Sale has once again proven to be the most significant collector car auction on the Bonhams|Cars calendar – with this year's edition grossing the best result for Bonhams|Cars in 2024. The auction attracted more than 1,100 registrations, welcomed an international crowd of several thousand people, with many actively bidding in the room. With several 7-figure car sales and 44 new buyers on a mere 68 lots, the auction overall totaled €21.3 million.
A highlight of the auction was the return of the 1956 Porsche 550RS from 'EQUIPE NATIONALE BELGE' to its homeland. This iconic race car was unveiled to the Belgian crowd for the first time, sparking significant interest and eventually selling to a well-known private Belgian collector for €2,530,000.
Representing contemporary collectibles, a show-stopping monochromatic 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss was presented in a striking red-on-red example. The very last of the ultra-exclusive Stirling Moss series, this car exceeded expectations selling for €3,220,000.
The Zoute Sale, which presented 68 collector cars in addition to automobilia, achieved €21.3 million with a 95% sell through rate.
The event marked the 12th edition of Bonhams|Cars' partnership with the Zoute Grand Prix, attracting hundreds of thousands of car enthusiasts from Northern Europe and beyond. The 12,500 visitors who purchased a ticket for the Zoute Grand Prix Gallery by EY were treated to a unique selection of exclusive historic and modern cars in the 11,000 m² beach pavilion.
After three days of previews, the live auction was led by Bonhams|Cars' James Knight who managed to spot the many bids in the room amongst the large crowd. With paddles raising in the room, phones active, and online participation, buyers hailed from 18 countries reaching as far as Europe, the U.S., and Asia.
Philip Kantor, Bonhams|Cars International Chairman based in Belgium, said: "We're thrilled to continue to see our partnership with The Zoute Grand Prix flourish year after year, elevating each edition to unprecedented levels of success."
Gregory Tuytens, Bonhams|Cars Head of Sale based in Belgium. "This year, we curated an extraordinary collection of cars, spanning all eras. The vibrant response from the crowd was testament to our selection. The auction room buzzed with anticipation and excitement, as eager bidders engaged in lively competition."
