Bonhams|Cars and The Stables Abu Dhabi Announce New Partnership

Bonhams|Cars, the renowned international auction house, has signed a landmark partnership agreement with The Stables, Abu Dhabi to be the exclusive shipping, storage, and detailing partner for its eagerly anticipated sale at the world-famous Yas Marina Circuit on Saturday 25th November.

The Stables will provide the host venue for car presentation ahead of the forthcoming Bonhams|Cars set for the F1® Grid on the eve of the season closing FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX 2023.

The partnership, announced today, will see The Stables manage the logistics, preparation, and presentation of all the auction lots due to be sold in Abu Dhabi, including the iconic John Player Special liveried Lotus-Cosworth Type 79 which propelled Mario Andretti to the 1978 FIA Formula One 1 World Championship™ title. Further star consignments will be announced shortly.

The Stables will showcase the black and gold Lotus alongside other lots on behalf of Bonhams|Cars at its custom-built, air-conditioned facility within the iconic Yas Marina Circuit. Potential buyers will be able to arrange private viewing appointments to appraise all of the cars due to be offered for sale in advance of the F1® race weekend.

Established in 1793 and now with more than 230 years of history, Bonhams|Cars is one of the world’s leading auctioneers of collector cars including sought-after competition cars.

Underlying its prowess, in recent years Bonhams|Cars has successfully sold several of the most important Formula 1® racing cars. These include the incredible Mercedes-Benz W196 in which Juan Manuel Fangio won the Swiss and German Grand Prix™ in 1954. This remarkable racing car achieved £19.6 million ($29.6 million) at the Bonhams|Cars Goodwood Festival of Speed Sale in 2013, becoming the most valuable Grand Prix™ car to be sold at auction – a record that still stands.

Two other significant racing cars to have been successfully auctioned by Bonhams|Cars are the record-breaking 1993 McLaren-Cosworth Ford MP4/8A in which Ayrton Senna, the legendary three-time Formula 1® World Champion, won the 1993 MONACO GRAND PRIX and ’Red Five’, the 1992 Williams-Renault FW14B in which Nigel Mansell won a record-setting five Grands Prix™ in his Championship-winning season.

Maarten ten Holder, Managing Director, Bonhams|Cars, said of the new partnership: "We are delighted to announce this partnership with Faris and his team at The Stables. Formula 1 is the pinnacle of motorsport and we are delighted to be the Official Auction Partner of the F1 Paddock Club. The Stables’ expertise, passion, and network across the region makes it the perfect partner for us to deliver a record-breaking event this November. We couldn’t be more excited to launch this landmark collaboration"

Faris Al Munaiei, CEO, The Stables, added: "We are very proud to be working with a global leader like Bonhams|Cars – their passion for cars is shared by all the team here. We cannot wait to welcome collectors, consignors, and buyers from around the world to The Stables at Yas Marina Circuit as we join Bonhams|Cars in showcasing some of the most beautiful and iconic cars that will be offered for sale on the grid over the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend. This is a big day in the history of The Stables and we are so happy to be playing our part in continuing to establish Abu Dhabi as the centre for car collectors in the region"

Saif Rashid Al Naoimi, CEO, Ethara, promoters of the FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX and operators of Yas Marina Circuit, commented: "From the outset the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was seen as an opportunity to showcase the UAE on a truly international stage. It was created as a platform to invite the world to experience and embrace our culture and heritage first-hand. The partnership between Bonhams|Cars, a globally recognised leader in the auction world for over 230 years, with a vibrant, growing and entrepreneurial business like The Stables shows how our partnership with Formula 1 continues to bring business benefits and opportunities to the region. This is a great partnership, and we are delighted to welcome Bonhams|Cars to be part of a special 15th Edition of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix"