Fifth Bonmont Sale from Bonhams|Cars
Bonhams|Cars wrapped up their fifth Bonmont Sale with an impressive 74% sell-through rate over all lots offered. In total 69 lots were offered for sale, including memorabilia, and total sales approached $9.5 million – 8,494,371 CHF to be exact, which is roughly $9,428,751 with the current exchange rate.
While there weren’t as many seven-figure cars as Bonhams|Cars has previously sold at Bonmont, two McLarens broke the million dollar barrier and we’re going to take a look at them here.
This 2015 McLaren P1 is the 99th to be built of the total production of 375. It’s a one-owner car and, somewhat surprisingly has actually spent some time on the road. It showed just shy of 14,000 km at the time of cataloguing and is believed to be one of only two that were finished in Mauvine Metallic paint.
The McLaren P1 was introduced at the 2012 Paris Motor Show and was produced from 2013 to 2015, with only 375 units made. Both its stunning design and forward-looking technology have helped secure its place amongst other great hypercars.
The McLaren P1 is powered by a 3.8L twin-turbocharged V8 engine paired with an electric motor that produces a total output of 903 horsepower and 722 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid power plant propels the P1 from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.8 seconds. Its top speed is electronically limited to 217 mph. The hybrid system allows for short-distance electric-only driving, with the electric motor contributing 176 horsepower and instant torque.
The P1’s design is a study in aerodynamic efficiency, focusing on downforce and high-speed stability. It features an adjustable rear wing, active aerodynamics, and a lightweight carbon fiber monocoque chassis. It features a variety of driving modes, including E-mode (electric-only). In its Race mode, the car is lowered by 50mm and generates up to 1,322 lbs of downforce.
All things considered this was a decent price for the new owner. Sellers have a tendency to apply an unrealistic reserve number when they send them to auction.
This 2021 McLaren Elva is much more in line with the prices we expect for this model compared to times we’ve seen them not sell on the auction block. This particular example is numbered 108 of the 149 examples produced.
The Elva is another single-owner car, but has seen far less usage than the P1 discussed above – this car has covered less than 350 km since it was bought new. The McLaren Elva is an impressive machine and can go from 0 to 62 mph in 2.8 seconds. Its top speed is over 200 mph, which is stunning to think about as the car doesn’t feature a windscreen – rather it uses McLaren’s Active Air Management System to redirect airflow allowing the car to be driven without a windscreen.
The model was first unveiled in 2019 and stands alongside other McLaren hypercars such as the P1, Senna, and Speedtail to comprise McLaren’s Ultimate Series. Its name is a nice tribute to the British company Elva which built the M1A and M1B sports cars that were designed and licensed by Bruce McLaren himself.
It’s that tribute to McLaren’s history that drives the usage of the Active Air Management System, allowing the experience behind the wheel to be far more visceral, closer to the experience of driving an open-top sports car from the 1960s, though in a bit more comfort.
McLaren originally planned to build 399 examples of the Elva, but that number was eventually reduced to just 149 making this an even rarer hypercar than the McLaren P1 that was also sold by Bonhams|Cars at their 2024 Bonmont Sale.
Considering that the McLaren Elva had a starting price of $1,690,000, we’re going to call this well-bought with the caveat that the new owner should actually put some real mileage on it. Otherwise, what’s the point?
Bonhams|Cars certainly shows no desire to slow down as the temperature rises. Their next major auction will take place at the Goodwood Festival of Speed on July 12, 2024 and will showcase a Crown Edition 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren along with one of just six 1979 Porsche 930 Martini Turbos built.