Bonhams is the world’s go-to source for classic race and sports cars. In this book, the auction house presents a selection of the most breathtaking models and tells their stories
Gentlemen, Start Your Engines! reveals the undeniable icons of the classic car scene. As lovers of exclusive limited series, record-making vehicles, and legendary races themselves, Jared Zaugg and the team at Bonhams went all out in their efforts to collect the best of the best in this publication — and it shows. Every page gives the reader a sense of the intensity of true automobile culture. Large-format images showcase sleek shapes and tactile vintage interiors in loving detail.
The book features a selection of models that go far beyond mere technical stats and gleaming chrome. Rather, they all offer something far more valuable: compelling stories. These include the rare and uniquely configured Lamborghini Miura SV Coupe purchased by rock star Rod Stewart. Or the Bugatti Type 57S Atalante Coupe from 1937 that, after the owner’s death, was rediscovered by his family sitting exactly as he left it nearly a half-century earlier. All the big names are included, but the focus is on what can be found behind the logos and the polished surfaces.
It might only take a slight turn of the ignition, but firing up classic cars also makes great moments in automobile history come to life. Every page of Gentlemen, Start Your Engines! gives the reader a sense of the intensity of true automobile culture. Large-format images showcase sleek shapes and tactile vintage interiors in loving detail. The book was compiled by Jared Zaugg, the man who co-founded what was widely regarded as the most important motorcycle event in the world, the Legend of the Motorcycle: International Concours d’Elegance. Although Zaugg has mostly been associated with motorcycles, in Gentlemen, Start Your Engines! he revels in his other passion, cars — double the number of wheels and double the fun!
In cooperation with Bonhams, one of the world's premier auctioneers of classic cars, Jared Zaugg reveals the undeniable icons of the scene. The book features a selection of models that go far beyond mere technical stats and gleaming chrome. Rather, they all offer something far more valuable: unique stories. These include the rare and uniquely configured Lamborghini Miura SV Coupe purchased by rock star Rod Stewart. Or the Bugatti Type 57S Atalante Coupe from 1937 that, after the owner’s death, was rediscovered by his family sitting exactly as he left it nearly a half-century earlier. Then there are classic beauties such as the Aston Martin DB4 GT, as well as a collection of historical vehicles that call to mind the origin of the word “horsepower” and the automobile’s humble beginning as a noble carriage. All the big names are included, but the focus is on what can be found behind the logos and the polished surfaces. With its striking photographs and compelling texts, Gentlemen, Start Your Engines! truly captures the feeling of these unique cars.
As lovers of exclusive limited series, record-making vehicles, and legendary races themselves, Jared Zaugg and the team at Bonhams went all out in their efforts to collect the best of the best in this publication — and it shows. Gentlemen, Start Your Engines! is a book that celebrates cars. While it will inspire some to dream and fuel envy in others, it offers superb stories for everyone.
Jared Zaugg embodies the lifestyle of a modern adventurer. He is not only an author but also actively involved in motorsport events and international expeditions. Wherever and whenever the world’s motorsport scene gets together, he can usually be found. Zaugg was one of the initiators of the seminal Legend of the Motorcycle: International Concours d’Elegance. In 2011, together with his wife, he established the exclusive men’s shop Bench & Loom, which interprets the classical style of Hemingway and McQueen for the present day.
Founded in England in 1793, Bonhams is the number one address for classic sports and race cars. Along with Sotheby’s and Christie’s, Bonhams is one of the world’s three largest auction houses and offers more than 50 specialist departments worldwide. Headquartered in London, Bonhams has offices in the United States, continental Europe, Australia, and Hong Kong and conducts more than 700 auctions annually.
