Next month on October 3, Bonhams will hold The Audrain Auction at the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, RI. As we’ve come to expect from Bonhams|Cars there will be an impressive assortment of options for collectors, from classic muscle cars to Brass Era masterpieces and all the way to modern hypercars. We’re going to take a look at a few of the cars that will be on offer here.
The Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ is a monumental achievement in automotive engineering and a direct challenge to the very limits of speed. As a limited-production variant of the Bugatti Chiron, the Super Sport 300+ was created to celebrate the company’s historic milestone of being the first manufacturer to break the 300 mph barrier in a pre-production vehicle. Unveiled in 2019, this hypercar is more than just a symbol of speed – it represents the culmination of Bugatti’s relentless pursuit of perfection, merging unparalleled power with an elongated, aerodynamically optimized body designed for extreme velocity. Its distinctive jet-black exposed carbon fiber finish with “Jet Orange” racing stripes immediately signals its purpose as a land-speed record-breaking machine.
Beneath its sculpted exterior lies a more powerful version of the Chiron’s W16 quad-turbocharged engine, now producing an astounding 1,600 horsepower. To handle such immense power and airflow, the car’s body was extended by nearly 10 inches and its rear exhaust system was re-engineered to reduce drag and improve downforce. The result is a vehicle that feels as if it’s been carved by the wind, with every line and curve serving a function in its high-speed mission. Limited to only 30 units, the Chiron Super Sport 300+ is an exclusive masterpiece that not only pushes the boundaries of performance but also cements its place as a modern legend in the pantheon of automotive history.
It’s believed that just 8 examples of the Chiron Super Sport 300+ were intended for the US market and the one being offered by Bonhams at the 2025 Audrain Auction is the 6th of those. It shows around 840 miles on its odometer and has remained with its first owner since new. This is only the second time a Chiron Super Sport 300+ has been offered publicly at an auction in the US, the previous example also being offered by Bonhams.
Estimate: $4,900,000 – $5,400,000
In 1938, the Minneapolis-Moline Power Implement Company introduced a truly unique vehicle: the UDLX Comfortractor. Designed to bridge the gap between agricultural work and highway transportation, the Comfortractor was an innovative, though short-lived, concept. Its most striking feature was the fully enclosed cab, which was a revolutionary idea at the time. The cab was equipped with a passenger seat, a heater, a radio, and even a cigar lighter, offering farmers unprecedented comfort during long days in the field.
The UDLX’s unique design allowed it to operate as a tractor for plowing and other farm tasks, then shift into a higher gear to travel on public roads at speeds up to 40 mph. The “UDLX” designation stood for “Universal Deluxe,” reflecting its dual-purpose nature. Unfortunately, the high price point of the vehicle – nearly double that of a standard tractor – and the advent of more specialized, purpose-built machinery led to its commercial failure. Only an estimated 150 units were produced between 1938 and 1940, making the Comfortractor a highly sought-after and historically significant piece of agricultural and automotive history.
The example that will be offered by Bonhams is one of an estimated 25 that still exist in restored or roadworthy condition. The restoration work was carried out by Robert Lyons who acquired the tractor in 1994 and kept it for almost 25 years. It’s certainly an uncommon sight, but being offered with no reserve should make for some spirited bidding on this “Comfortractor.”
Estimate: $100,000 – $150,000
The 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II, or “Evo II,” is a legendary homologation special built for use in the DTM championship. It stands as a stark contrast to the quiet luxury Mercedes-Benz was known for. In the late 1980s, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi engaged in a fierce battle for touring car supremacy. To compete in DTM, manufacturers were required to build road-going versions of their race cars. The Evo II was Mercedes-Benz’s ultimate response. Limited to just 502 units for worldwide production, it was a race car for the street.
The Evo II featured an aggressive aerodynamic body kit with a massive adjustable rear wing, flared wheel arches, and a front splitter. It was powered by a Cosworth-tuned 2.5L four-cylinder engine that produced 235 horsepower, a significant increase over the standard 190E. However, its true brilliance lay in its chassis and aerodynamics, which were honed for maximum performance on the track. The Evo II was a no-compromise machine, designed solely for dominating DTM racing. Its rarity, purposeful design, and racing pedigree have made it one of the most sought-after and iconic Mercedes-Benz models of all time. It serves as a testament to a brief but thrilling era when a luxury brand pushed the boundaries of performance and engineering.
The example that will be offered by Bonhams at the 2025 Audrain Auction is practically brand new, showing just 175 km since leaving the factory. It boasts electric front seats, air conditioning, and a power sunroof. With only 502 examples of the Evo II produced, this may well be the last time one is offered for sale with such low mileage and is certain to grab the attention of collectors with even the slightest interest in owning one of these legendary cars.
Estimate: $725,000 – $925,000
Before the internal combustion engine dominated the automotive world, steam and electric vehicles coexisted. Among the most successful early electric pioneers was the Detroit Electric, produced by the Anderson Electric Car Company from 1907 to 1939, though some claim production continued into the 1940s. Electric cars like the Detroit Electric offered a clean, quiet, and user-friendly alternative to noisy, difficult-to-start gasoline-powered cars that required physical exertion.
The Model 97, a later addition to the Detroit Electric lineup, represents the company’s remarkable persistence and unique position in the fading market for electric vehicles. Produced in the early 1930s, long after most electric competitors had ceased production, the Model 97 was a testament to a dedicated, albeit niche, consumer base. It retained the classic “parlor on wheels” design and tiller steering of earlier models, making it feel more like a comfortable lounge than a conventional automobile. Despite low production numbers – just a handful of cars built each year – the Model 97 stands as a fascinating footnote in automotive history, showcasing a company that continued to innovate and serve its customers well into an age dominated by gasoline.
The example being offered by Bonhams at the 2025 Audrain Auction features modern batteries in place of the original lead-acid ones, which provides a longer-lasting charge and reduces the weight of the vehicle helping to improve both performance and range. It benefits from a thorough restoration and is one of just 59 cars built by Detroit Electric in 1932.
Estimate: $130,000 – $160,000
The 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu SS 454 Convertible holds a unique and significant place in automotive history, the beginning of the twilight of the original muscle car era. As the 1970s began, a confluence of rising insurance rates, stricter government emissions standards, and a new “net” horsepower rating system gradually eroded the raw power and dominance of the previous decade. Chevrolet’s Chevelle, a staple of the A-body platform, faced these challenges head-on.
Although the legendary 450-horsepower LS6 engine was no longer available, the 1972 Chevelle SS still boasted the formidable LS5 454-cubic-inch V8, now with a more conservative horsepower rating. Combined with the Malibu’s top-tier trim and a desirable convertible body style, this car represented the final gasp of true, factory-built big-block power in an era of diminishing returns. It retained the aggressive styling of the second-generation Chevelle, complete with a domed hood and Super Sport badging, yet beneath the surface, it symbolized the end of an era.
This matching-numbers W-code Chevelle is equipped with the four-speed M22 manual transmission and front disc brakes. Under the hood is the 454 cubic inch V8 that produces 365 horsepower. It’s one of about 70 examples built with that configuration and also boasts the F41 heavy duty suspension and Positraction differential.
Estimate: $70,000 – $90,000