(From Barons Press
Release) ALL THAT GLISTENS IS GOLD – GOLD-LEAF ‘LIBERACE’ CADILLAC SET TO SHINE
AT BARONS, SANDOWN PARK
The lead car in Barons’ sale at Sandown Park on September
17th, 2013 is guaranteed to turn heads. In fact, it could probably stop
traffic! The 1931 Cadillac Golfer’s Drop Head Coupé - which is believed to have
once belonged to the flamboyant pianist Liberace - features 23.75ct gold
leaf-clad bodywork, silver external door handles and 24ct gold-plated internal
door handles.
These gleaming embellishments are the results of a lavish,
three-year project carried out in the 1970s by the then-owner, Jack Smith of
Kansas, USA. Mr Smith sold the car at a Kruse auction in 1975, and in more
recent years it has spent 12 years on display in a German museum - where it was
presented as Liberace's car. The gold leaf coachwork is offset by white leather
upholstery and a working hood completes this truly extraordinary vehicle, which
also has driving lamps that move with the steering wheel. The car is powered by
a 5.7 litre V8 engine, mated to a three-speed manual transmission. The guide price
for this very rare Cadillac - part of a large private collection which is being
reduced - starts at £85,000.
Like its reputed former owner, the Cadillac is something of
a hard act to follow, but Barons has a diverse array of cars on offer at
Sandown Park, with everything from starter classics to highly desirable lots
for established collectors. The 1999 Ferrari 360 Modena is another head-turner,
its bright yellow paintwork almost as eye-catching as the Cadillac’s gold leaf.
This Prancing Horse has covered just 36,000 miles from new and is in
outstanding condition. £32,000-£35,000.
The 1963 Alvis TD21 S2 Saloon (£16,000-£20,000), has been in
regular, weekly use, and features rare, Reutter reclining seats, while the 1968
Jaguar 240 Saloon has a sporting history, having finished the 1989 Pirelli
Classic Marathon 10th in class. This handsome ‘big car’ was dry stored for 23
years and recently re-commissioned by specialist Jaguar restorer. Estimate:
£8,000-£11,000.
The September sale represents an ideal opportunity for a
first-time classic owner to acquire a car while they still have a month or two
of relatively good weather with which to enjoy their new possession before
storing it for the winter. Starter classics include the very charming French
blue 1972 Fiat 500 with brown leather interior, and the Toyota Corona which is
believed to be the earliest surviving example in the UK, registered on January
3rd 1967. These carry estimates of £4,750 to £5,750 and £1,750-£3,000
respectively.
Triumph Stags are always popular, and the example at Sandown
Park features very distinctive, Magenta paintwork. It is offered complete with
both hard and soft-top and has an estimate of £4,750-£5,750.
For further information, or to consign a car to the sale,
visit www.barons-auctions.com, email info@barons-auctions.com or call 08454 30
60 60
