Rare 911 delivered new to football legend offered for first time at auction.
Of the sporting greats of the late 20th century, only a handful have earned legendary status worldwide and adulation beyond the racetrack, the court or the pitch, with football icon Diego Maradona lining up in this team of legends.
Off-pitch the maestro of the beautiful game also appreciated beautiful and exotic motor cars. A 1992 Porsche 911 Type 964 Carrera 2 Convertible Works Turbo Look (estimate €150,000 – 200,000), delivered new to ‘El Diego ’in November 1992 – during his last season of European football – will be offered at auction for the first-time next month in Bonhams Les Grand Marques Du Monde à Paris Sale.
Having led his team to UEFA Cup victories and famously a World Cup Victory in 1986, (the tournament featuring the player’s ‘Hand of God’ goal against over England in the quarter-finals), Maradona was secured by Seville’s team manager and former Argentina Coach Carlos Bilardo for a fee of 750 million pesetas (circa €5 million).
‘El Diego’ was given a hero’s welcome when he came to Seville, with the team and fans hoping he would bring the Maradona Magic to the side, having helped Napoli win two Serie A titles and earning the adulation of the Italians, before the ignominy of being banned for 15-months from the game for failing a drugs test.
Appointed team captain, he rented the villa of Juan Antonio Ruiz Roman, Spain’s most famous bullfighter, and took delivery on 6 November 1992 of the silver top-of-the-range Porsche. One of just 1,200 964 Carrera 2 Convertible Works Turbo Look variants produced in a two-year run – a supercar of its day – the 911 was powered by a 250bhp 3.6-litre Carrera 2 engine, with a top speed of 260km/h.
The Porsche was a regular sight to fans on his drive to and from football training. It also proved that Maradona’s right foot was as dominant in the car as his left was on the ball as he was famously stopped by armed police, for jumping a red light and speeding at 180km/h in the city centre.
Despite starting well with an early 3-1 victory over Bayern Munich in a showpiece ‘friendly’ Maradona made more headlines with his off-pitch decadent party lifestyle, despite his god-like status.
His recall to Argentina’s national team marked the beginning of the end of his ‘forgotten season’ with Seville and Maradona left the club in June 1993. The Porsche meanwhile was sold to a private owner on the island of Majorca who kept it for twenty years before it passed through the hands of several French collectors. Owned by the vendor since 2016 it is now offered in practically original yet well-preserved condition, having covered circa 120,000 kms (75,000 miles) since new.
Paul Darvill, Bonhams European Auctions Manager, said: “We are delighted to present this quintessential 90s Porsche with its very colourful and unique provenance, which will appeal to many football enthusiast collectors worldwide.”
The 911 lines up with more than 60 collectors’ cars already consigned to the first fully digital auction for Bonhams Motor Cars, from 3 to 10 March inclusive. Other highlights include:
1960 Aston Martin DB4 Series II, estimate €450,000 – 600,000. Known as the ‘Gentleman’s Express’, the DB4 was the fastest and most powerful British production car of its day.
It was also the first Aston Martin to carry the renowned ‘Superleggera’ all-aluminium bodywork by Carrozzeria Touring and the first to be powered by the all-new 240bhp six-cylinder 3.6-litre engine. This example is one of only 350 Series II cars built.
Pre-war consignments include one of the rarest and most distinctive French motor cars of the era, with elegant and refined ‘Art Deco’ styling, a 1938 Peugeot 402 DES Darl’mat Special Sport. One of 20 remaining roadsters, this recently restored motor car is offered with its original livery of blue over tan and has an estimate of €350,000 – 550,000.
Les Grand Marques Du Monde à Paris Sale sale will run for seven days, from 3–10 March, on the Bonhams website and the new Bonhams app. During this time bidders can request a condition report from the Bonhams specialists, additional images and video footage of all lots to make informed decisions and bid with confidence.
In addition, certain lots will be available to view in person by appointment at regional hubs in France, Belgium, and Italy. Contact eurocars@bonhams.com to register to view or bid.
Report by bonhams.com
