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Bonhams

13 June 2014

We were very pleased to be able to attend the Michael Banfield sale held over last weekend. Bonhams did a super job and provided a fitting tribute to a man that had clearly spent a huge proportion of his life amassing an amazing collection of automobilia and interesting trucks and buses. It was in some respects sad to see such a great collection broken up, but undoubtedly they will have found new custodians to cherish and preserve them for future generations. In terms of the prices achieved most of the automobilia achieved amazing prices and especially the petrol pump globes with a good number of real rarities on offer and most were in absolutely superb condition. There were many world records achieved for the globes as well as among other categories such as the enamel signs. There were certainly not many bargains to be had but for collectors it really was a treasure trove of an auction. For the truck enthusiast there were again rarities on offer many of which had been restored to a very high standard indeed and that reflected in the hammer price. The prizes were the two busses, each of which achieved huge prices. For the team at CCI we couldn’t help but try to acquire for our collection the oily rage Belgian FN which was incredibly original and was probably a one of a kind in its well preserved state and in right hand drive form. Sadly we were pipped at the post by an internet bidder. In terms of prices the shock result had to be the £67000 paid for the 1935 Austin 12 LL Type Taxi. It was a lovely example, but the most we have ever seen paid for such a taxi is a little over £20,000, so this is indeed something of a record and a rather expensive taxi! All in all though it was a lovely weekend spent in full sunshine and with excellent catering facilities, well done Bonhams.