NEWS

THE 18TH CAR IN MADRID: NOBLE SPANIARD RICARDO SORIANO'S 1903 PANHARD ET LEVASSOR TO STAR IN BONHAMS ANNUAL LONDON TO BRIGHTON SALE

Wednesday 08 October 2014

A 1903 Panhard et Levassor Model KB Four-Cylinder Side-Entrance Phaeton – first owned by Spanish aristocrat the Marques of Ivanrey – will star in Bonhams annual London to Brighton Sale on Friday 31 October.
Ricardo Soriano, the Marques of Ivanrey, received the Panhard new in January 1903, heralding it the 18th car ever to be registered in Madrid, Spain.

Soriano was a well known entrepreneur of great wealth and influence. Famed for his eclectic pursuits, the multifaceted aristocrat was an early promoter of tourism to the Costa del Sol, paying particular interest to the Spanish seaside city of Marbella where still to this day one of the city’s main streets is named after him.

The historic Panhard remains mostly in original condition, only in 1975 seeing minor restorative efforts to upholstery and paintwork. Having remained in the ownership of Soriano for 71 years, the Panhard has since changed hands just twice, only leaving its native Spain in 2006 for the Netherlands where its current owner resides. Competing in the London to Brighton Run as recently as last year, the Panhard carries an estimate of £600,000-700,000.

James Knight, Bonhams Group Motoring Director, said: “At 111 years old, the Panhard is in astoundingly good condition for such a well travelled roadster. A wonderful addition to this year’s sale, it is among some 20 veteran cars, making 2014 our biggest London to Brighton Sale to date.”
 
Further sale highlights include the luxurious 1904 CGV H1 Four Cylinder Side Entrance Phaeton. Kings, princes, marquises and other aristocrats were among the clientele of CGV during its peak era, as well as members of high society on both sides of the Atlantic.

The car offered in Bonhams sale was bought by Olry Roederer from the well known champagne house, Louis Roederer, but sadly he passed away the same year before he could enjoy his magnificent purchase. Over the years the car has taken part in many rallies and other events both in the UK and mainland Europe including the celebrated annual London to Brighton run. As one of the star lots in the sale, the CGV is estimated at £390,000-440,000.

Also in the sale, a 1903 Clement 12/16 estimated at £350,000-400,000; a 1903 Darracq 12hp estimated at £150,000-180,000; and estimated at £70,000-80,000, a 1904 De Dion Bouton Model V 8hp Coupé.

To be held on Friday 31 October at Bonhams flagship showroom on 101 New Bond Street, the annual London to Brighton Run Sale will offer over sixty lots of both Veteran Motor Cars and Automobilia.

CLICK HERE for more information on the sale
1902_03 Panhard et Levasson KB - 4