HAri siNGh’s cAr uP For AuctioN iN loNdoN
A rare vintage sports car originally owned by Hari Singh, the last Maharaja of Kashmir, will be the highlight of an auction in London next month. The 1924 Vauxhall 30-98 OE Velox Tourer Chassis no. OE 115, is recognised among the finest British sports cars of the vintage era. It is estimated to fetch between £330,000 and £390,000 when it comes up in the Bonhams Bond Street Sale on 2 December.
“This is the finest 30-98 ever offered by Bonhams, and its rare aluminium body and extraordinary specification makes it one of the most important examples in existence,” says Sholto Gilbertson, an official at Bonhams. “Its fascinating history only adds to the significance of this motor car.” Maharaja Hari Singh had ordered an extra handbrake on the passenger’s side, a door on the passenger’s side (non-standard) and a split windscreen, though he drew the line at two steering wheels. The car has gone through several influential owners in India, Pakistan, America and Britain, including the legendary car collector and master watchmaker George Daniels and Ed Roy, an influential Bostonian in the motoring world and president of the Vintage Sports-Car Club of America.
Established in 1793, Bonhams is one of the world’s largest and most renowned auctioneers.