Motoring / Cars and Bikes

Gooding & Christie’s to Auction Four Coveted Classic Cars

Upcoming Gooding Christie’s auction will offer Avions Voisin C25 Aérodyne and a Peugeot 402 Darl’mat Special Sport Coupe under the hammer.

Feb 19, 2025 | By Joe Lim

A selection of rare and prestigious classic cars is set to go under the hammer at Gooding & Christie’s upcoming Amelia Island Auctions. Among the highlights are an exceptionally rare Avions Voisin C25 Aérodyne, a Bentley Eight Litre Sports Tourer, and a Peugeot 402 Darl’mat Special Sport Coupe.

The auction, taking place at the Omni Amelia Island Resort on 6 and 7 March, will feature legendary marques associated with automotive visionaries such as Gabriel Voisin, W.O. Bentley, and Émile Darl’mat. These historic models — many of which have graced the world’s most prestigious concours events, including Pebble Beach — will be joined by three remarkable vehicles from the esteemed Don and Molly Marsh Collection, all offered without reserve.

“From the Voisin C25 Aérodyne to the Bentley Eight Litre and the Peugeot Darl’mat, these selections are no strangers to significant museum exhibitions,” says David Gooding, President of Gooding & Christie’s. “We are proud to bring them to auction this March.”

1935 Avions Voisin C25 Aérodyne

Set to take center stage at the Gooding & Company Amelia Island Auction on 6 to 7 March 2025 — the 1935 Avions Voisin C25 Aérodyne is a true rarity. Of the eight originally built, only three are confirmed to have survived, making this example an extraordinary find. Expected to fetch between USD 2,000,000 and USD 2,500,000, the C25 Aérodyne stands out for its advanced C25 chassis and striking aviation-inspired coachwork — hallmarks of Gabriel Voisin’s visionary craftsmanship.

The 2022 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance crowned the Aérodyne with the Vitesse Elegance Trophy, a testament to its meticulous restoration by vintage car specialist Blakeney Motorsport and its bespoke Hermès Paris-designed interior.

Gabriel Voisin envisioned Avions Voisin as a marque of efficiency, reliability, comfort, and innovation. The Aérodyne embodies this philosophy with its aerodynamic design, advanced engineering, and refined luxury. Now, through this auction, collectors and enthusiasts have the rare opportunity to own a masterpiece that seamlessly merges technical brilliance with artistic craftsmanship.

1931 Bentley Eight Litre Sports Tourer

A highlight of the upcoming Gooding & Company Amelia Island Auction, the 1931 Bentley Eight Litre Sports Tourer stands as one of only 35 built on the sought-after short-wheelbase chassis. Expected to fetch between USD 1,500,000 and USD 2,000,000, this exceptional model was W.O. Bentley’s direct answer to Rolls-Royce, offering both unparalleled performance and refined luxury.

Powered by a 7,982 cc SOHC inline six-cylinder engine producing 220 bhp at 3,500 RPM, the Eight Litre features twin SU HO8 carburettors, four-wheel mechanical drum brakes, and a four-speed “F” type manual transmission. Its Vanden Plas coachwork, added in 1932, further elevates its elegance and historical significance.

With a provenance that includes esteemed collectors like Richard Paine and Dr Samuel Scher, this Bentley Eight Litre has been meticulously preserved and showcased at prestigious events, including the 2023 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Now, it presents a rare opportunity for collectors to own a masterpiece that epitomises the perfect fusion of power, luxury, and craftsmanship.

1938 Peugeot 402 Darl’mat Special Sport Coupe

The upcoming Gooding & Company Amelia Island Auction will also showcase the rare 1938 Peugeot 402 Darl’mat Special Sport Coupe — a striking example of pre-war French automotive design. One of just 35 built on the short-wheelbase chassis, this elegant and highly sought-after model is expected to sell for between USD 1,500,000 and USD 2,000,000.

Commissioned by Émile Darl’mat, a visionary Peugeot dealer with a passion for performance, the 402 Darl’mat Special Sport Coupe was designed to blend aerodynamics, speed, and luxury. Its streamlined body, created by coachbuilder Marcel Pourtout, is a testament to the Art Deco era, while its engineering reflects the innovation that defined 1930s motorsport.

With a rich provenance and a history of participation in prestigious events, this Peugeot 402 Darl’mat represents a rare opportunity for collectors to acquire an automotive masterpiece that embodies the golden age of French craftsmanship and racing heritage.

Bugatti Type 50 Roadster From The Don and Molly Marsh Collection

The highly anticipated Gooding & Company Amelia Island Auction will spotlight the rare 1930 Bugatti Type 50 Roadster, a masterpiece of pre-war automotive engineering. As one of only 18 ever produced, this exquisite model is expected to fetch between USD 1,500,000 and USD 2,000,000, making it a prized acquisition for discerning collectors.

Designed by Ettore Bugatti, the Type 50 is celebrated for its fusion of luxury and performance. It boasts a formidable 5,030cc SOHC inline eight-cylinder engine, producing 225bhp at 3,200 RPM, paired with a four-speed manual gearbox and four-wheel mechanical drum brakes. Its elegantly crafted coachwork, created in Bugatti’s own studio, exemplifies the marque’s signature blend of artistry and aerodynamics.

With a well-documented provenance and appearances at prestigious automotive events, this Bugatti Type 50 Roadster stands as a rare opportunity to own a landmark in motoring history—where technical innovation meets timeless sophistication.

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