Barn Finds
A pre-ww1 time-warp duo and a unique Lincoln Zephyr
Bonham’s American office is lucky enough to deal with the sale of two of the most striking timecapsule cars to emerge in recent times, perhaps all the more startling because they come from different sources. On October 2 at the Simeone Museum in Philadelphia Bonhams will be offering several cars from the collection of one Roderick Rice, among which a 1913 Stephens-duryea C6 tourer really stands out for its great age and incredible original condition.
It has been in the same ownership since 1946 and comes with a history file that beggars belief – there are letters between the owner and Frank Duryea, one of the pioneers of the industry. Old photos appear to show almost no change in the car’s patinated but thoroughly intact condition between 1946 and the present day. It’s estimated at $150k-$225k (£115k-£175k).
Even older and a lot more dashing is the 1910 Regal Underslung tracked down in New England by Bonham’s ‘Brass Era’ specialist Evan Ide. These cars were little brothers to the more famous American Underslung and an early effort of Harry Stutz, created just before he founded his eponymous luxury marque. Incredible as it seems for a 107-year-old car, this sporty two-seat runabout wears its original convertible top and interior trim, with no tears in either. It’s estimated at $100k$150k (£75k-£115k).
Both are offered with no reserve and are in running or close to running condition, though the Regal’s spark plugs may well be older than anyone attending the sale...