The large-scale 1920s pressed steel Alfa was something of a racing certainty when pitched at £1500-2000 at Cottees (15% buyer’s premium) of Poole on April 24. Similar models of the famous Lyon Grand Prix winner of 1925 by the Paris firm have stretched into five figures in the past, depending on condition.
This 21in (53cm) long example, given to the vendor’s father as a child, had some wear (including a bit of melting to one of the Michelin tyres and small dents) but the clockwork motor was in working order.
Competition emerged for the French-made car from France, Belgium and Pennsylvania bidders. but it ended up with a UK collector, selling at £5200.
Blue Bird German version
The tinplate German model of Blue Bird, the Railton-Napier car in which Sir Malcolm Campbell broke the land speed record in 1931, was offered at Wessex Auction Rooms (18% buyer’s premium) in Chippenham on April 27.
With only minor wear, it was in very good condition – the Union Jack and Stars and Stripes transfers in excellent condition and the plastic windscreen intact – and came with its key.
What pushed it beyond the £800-1200 estimate was the survival of its card box, also in very good condition. It sold at £2200.
