Rare cars up for grabs

The cars will be sold at the first Fine and Decorative Arts Auction to take place at Stephan Welz & Co’s new premises in Mandela Square, Sandton City.

Willys-Knight cars  were produced from 1914 to 1933 by the Willys-Overland Company in the USA. Seven Willys-Knight vehicles, including two large trucks and a touring car, were used on the photographic safaris of Martin and Osa Johnson, young American adventurers and documentary filmmakers who explored the remotest areas of Africa. It is very possible that this car participated in the safari and is ostensibly the only one of this model in South Africa. The 3.0 litre roadster has a dicky seat, a six-cylinder, sleeve valve engine and is in concourse condition. It has an estimated value of around R200 000 to R400 000.

The 1985 Bentley Mulsanne Turbo Saloon to be auctioned has a rear seat console specially fitted with a set of famous Asprey sterling silver pieces; comprising of a mirror, a compact, ivory comb, haIr brush and perfume bottle. UK-based luxury brand Asprey has supplied crowns, coronets and sceptres for royal families around the world. Its long and established relationship with British royalty dates back to the 1800s when Queen Victoria awarded the first Royal Warrant. Ever since then, the Asprey brand has held a Royal Warrant for every British monarch and several other foreign heads of state.

The Mulsanne Turbo was launched at the 1982 Geneva Motor Show. The car to be auctioned has a 6750cc, V8-engine, 300bhp, 0-60mph in 60 seconds, automatic transmission, and is blue with magnolia leather seats, blue piping and inserts, and walnut facia. It has an estimated value of around R350 000 to R700 000.