Pre-War American Classics Star at Bonhams’ Quail Lodge Auction

Car Week is almost here and tons of beautiful cars are headed for auction stages. Among them are several elegant and imposing American classics from the pre-war era that will cross the block next Friday, August 19, at the Bonhams Quail Lodge Auction.

1931 Stutz DV-32 Convertible Victoria. Image: Courtesy of Bonhams

Headlining these lots is a multiple award winning 1931 Stutz DV-32 Convertible Victoria by LeBaron. The unique LeBaron body features lower-body sill molding which wraps around the cars tub, a “coach sill” with the doors extending down to cover the car’s frame giving the appearance of a lower body line and a dramatic raked windshield. In the 1960s, the hood was lengthened, and skirting added to the fenders further accentuating the unique coachwork.

1930 Packard Deluxe Eight Dual Cowl Phaeton.
Image: Courtesy of Bonhams

Remaining in Argentina until 1974, the Stutz was later imported back to the U.S., where it passed through the hands of three caring owners. The last of which entrusted the car to RM Auto Restoration for a complete overhaul. Once completed, the DV-32 debuted at the 2016 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and won three awards, including First in Class, Elegance in Motion and a nomination for Best of Show. Other awards include Best of Show wins at the 2017 Concours d’Elegance of America at St. John’s, Hilton Head in 2018 and The Quail in 2019. In addition, it was judged as the Most Elegant Open Car at the 2017 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance.

Also crossing the Bonhams auction block are two Packards: A 1933 Packard Model 1004 Super Eight Convertible Victoria — thought to be one of the finest of the model to survive — and a 1930 Packard Deluxe Eight Dual Cowl Phaeton. Bodied by Ray Dietrich, the Deluxe Eight remains in well-preserved, highly original condition with the odometer reading just 15,628 miles — a figure believed to be actual.

Check out the entire Quail Lodge Auction catalog here