An exceptional 19-strong motor car collection which belonged to the late Swiss gentleman driver and car collector, Peter F Baumberger (1925-2009), will be sold by Bonhams.
All the classic motor cars will be sold without reserve to the highest bidder at the Gstaad Palace Hotel, Switzerland, on August 20.
Headlining the sale is a 1962 Mercedes Benz 300SL Roadster, one of the final 209 cars built which featured the ultra-desirable aluminium engine.
Fascinatingly, this example was dispatched new to Kuwait painted in blue-grey with a cream trim. It has a keen pre-sale estimate of CHF 400,000 - 600,000 ($561,629).
 1962 Mercedes Benz 300SL Roadster (top); 1973 Porsche 911 RS 2.7 Carrera |
Highlights also include a classic 1973 Porsche 911 RS 2.7 Carrera (estimated at CHF 100,000 - 140,000 ($131,047)); and modern high performance cars such as a 2009 Ferrari California (estimate CHF 220,000 - 250,000 ($234,012)) and a 1996 Bentley Continental T (estimated at CHF 80,000 - 100,000 ($93,605)).
Baumberger became passionate about motor cars at an early age. He began motor racing in 1955 with a Porsche 1600, and went on to race a Jaguar XK120, a Lotus (six of which he ordered from Colin Chapman in 1958) and a Lancia Appia Zagato.
He had a particular fondness for Ferraris, and in 1966 bought three new Ferrari 275GTB/4s for himself and his two stepsons to race. In 1972 he became a founding member of the Swiss Ferrari club.
In recent years, Baumberger was a familiar father figure at motor events including the Tour Auto and Tour du Maroc. As well as a keen involvement in motorsport, he held board positions with companies including Lindt chocolate and Swatch, while his career started as MD and Vice President of RCA Overseas in America.
 2009 Ferrari California (top); 1996 Bentley Continental T |
"Peter was a good friend and a generous host," said Simon Kidston of Kidston SA, the Baumberger family's agent, under whose instruction Bonhams is conducting the sale.
"Although it's sad to see his collection dispersed, he loved sharing his passion and would have wanted that his cars continue to give pleasure to others."
Said Jamie Knight, Group Head of Bonhams Motoring Department: "Although under sad circumstances, we are delighted to have been appointed to handle the sale.
"We look forward to working with Kidston SA to ensure the best possible result, and returning to our friends at the Palace Hotel in Gstaad."
- Learn how you can get pleasure and profit from classic and vintage automobiles
- Click here for all the latest Classic Cars news
Join our readers in 180 countries around the world - sign up for your free weekly Collectibles Newsletter today
