Introducing Autiva Auctions: a brand-new sale for Prague

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We are always glad to hear of new events and businesses being established in the old-car world, especially in areas where the industry is not as big as in America, western Europe and Australasia, so it pleases us especially to report that the first sale by Autiva Auctions will be taking place in the heart of Bohemia on Saturday, April 27th, at the Prague Concours d'Élégance. Not only is it a brand-new sale, it also looks set to be one of the very highest quality, with a selection of lots which could have been tailored specially for readers of PreWarCar.com.

Staged in association with the Prague-based dealer Auto Veteran Company, which is known for its exceptional stock of veteran, vintage and post-vintage cars, a lot of very collectable European and American cars feature in the catalogue. Among these are a 1919 Ford Model T sedan estimated at €15,000-20,000, 1926 Voisin C7 fabric boat-tail tourer at €79,000-105,000, 1928 Voisin C11 berline by Manesius at €65,000-85,000, 1936 Bentley 4¼-Litre sports saloon by Park Ward at €80,000-120,000 and 1938 Lincoln-Zephyr sedan at €30,000-45,000. The C11 and Lincoln are particular favourites, both being highly original examples. The Lincoln was built to a rare French-market specification, while the C11 has resided in a Spanish collection since the 1960s.

There cannot be many cars more impressive, however, than the 1922 Rolls-Royce 40/50hp Silver Ghost sedanca landaulet by Hooper. This is another supremely original car which has had only three owners from new, the first being the Marquis Manuel Barron de Escandon, who played polo for Mexico in the 1900 Paris Olympics, married into the Spanish nobility and resided in Biarritz. It's estimated at €98,000-120,000.

Perhaps the sale is most notable for the wonderful array of restoration projects contained within. At the lower-priced end of the spectrum, we have a 1930 Citroën AC4 cabriolet at €10,000-15,000. Larger cars include a 1923 Chenard et Walcker Three-Litre skiff by Kelsch, 1923 Delage DE tourer for €10,000-15,000, and the ex-Schlumpf brothers 1923 Delage CO2 tourer at €80.000-120,000. At €25,000-30,000, another Rolls-Royce stands out. The 1930 20/25 wears sports saloon coachwork by Arthur Mulliner and was a winner at the 1938 Biarritz Concours d'Élégance, but of all the projects there are none more fascinating or charismatic than the 1925 Voisin C7 berline by Louis Gallée, estimated at €79,000-125,000. It's in a frightfully decayed state, but its rarity, elegance and provenance—it belonged to the famous Baillon Collection—make it very attractive to the able restorer.

There is one other big attraction which owes very much the location of the auction. Several Czech marques have been consigned, giving enthusiasts the opportunity to buy and restore cars of a type almost never encountered outside of eastern Europe. These include a 1929 Tatra 30 in need of restoration at €15,000-24,000, a 1931 Praga Alfa saloon in lovely original condition at €22,000-34,000, an ex-museum 1939 Jawa Minor roadster at €37,000-51,000 and the remarkable 1935 Praga Super Piccolo, a streamlined saloon also requiring restoration, at €30,000-42,000.

It's not just cars, either. Bidders could very well pick-up a 1919 Cottin et Desgouttes Type H lorry to restore at €10,000-15,000, or a 1935 Ford pick-up or 1936 ČZ 175 Special motorcycle in ready to use condition at €12,000-15,000 and €10,000-11,500 respectively.

The first sale by Autiva Auctions takes place at eleven o'clock on Saturday, April 27th, at the Golf Hostivař Gallery in Prague. For more details, click here to view the full catalogue.

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