LONDON.- The Lancashire-based Gordon Willey collection of 12 rare and valuable collectors’ motor cars sold 100% at Bonhams, ending the year with an impressive £3.6 million for the collection.

Antony Bennett, Regional Director at Bonhams, said: “A chance telephone call to our Manchester-based offices lead us to this most incredible local collection. The best of British motoring, it was clear that these cars – which represent the best of British motoring – had been lovingly maintained over the years, so it was no surprise that they caught the attention of bidders from around the world.”

The multi-million-pound collection included an astonishing seven Bentleys, plus several rare, pre-war motor cars, such as the ex-Billy Cotton 1938 Frazer-Nash BMW 328 Roadster, sold for £617,500, the 1964 Aston Martin DB5 Sports Saloon, sold for £516,700, and the ex-Nigel Dawes 1934 Invicta 4½-Litre 'S' Type Low Chassis Tourer, sold for £561,500.

Malcolm Barber, Bonhams Co-Chairman, said: “Offered by retired Lancashire businessman, Mr. Gordon Willey, this incredible collection was 100 per cent sold. An avid enthusiast with a penchant for pre-war classics, the collection features a variety of motor cars from great British marques, Bentley, Aston Martin, Frazer Nash and Invicta.”

Painstakingly assembled over a number of years, the collection reflects a passion for cars of quality. “After many years taking pleasure from his diverse collection, Gordon now feels it’s time to afford his fellow enthusiasts the opportunity to own and enjoy these wonderful motor cars.”

Of the collection, five were sold at Bonhams annual Bond Street Sale (16 December), and the remaining seven sold at Bonhams December Sale (10 December).

The Gordon Willey Collection at the Bond Street Sale:

• 1964 Aston Martin DB5 Sports Saloon – sold for £516,700

• The ex-Nigel Dawes 1934 Invicta 4½-Litre 'S' Type Low Chassis Tourer – sold for £561,500

• 1929 Bentley 4½-Litre Tourer – sold for £667,900

• The ex-Billy Cotton 1938 Frazer Nash-BMW 328 Roadster – sold for £617,500

• The ex-Nigel Dawes 1955 Frazer Nash Le Mans Coupé – sold for £337,500

The Gordon Willey Collection at the December Sale:

• 1939 Bentley 4¼-Litre 'Razor Edge' Brougham Saloon – sold for £47,150
• 1935 Bentley 3½-Litre Sports Saloon – sold for £42,550
• 1958 Bentley S-Series Continental Flying Spur Saloon – sold for £186,300
• 1939 Bentley 4¼-Litre Drophead Coupé – sold for £253,500
• The ex-Alan Good 1938 Lagonda V12 Drophead Coupé – sold for £152,700
• 1936 Bentley 4¼-Litre 'Owen' Sedanca Coupé – sold for £119,100
• c.1938 Bentley 4¼-Litre 'High Vision' Coupé – sold for £96,700