1960 Deutsch-Bonnet HBR5

​One of the later, composite-bodied cars, this LHD 1960 DB (Deutsch Bonnet) HBR5 is a true rarity and, in terms of its various features, would have been something of a futuristic oddity at the time.

In addition to a composite body, the DB HBR5 had an opaque plastic panoramic roof, cowled headlamp covers, highly distinctive wheels and an overall look that must have been really very distinctive when they first appeared in 1954.

The cars were made in small numbers and, as most were made to order to suit individual customer preferences, it’s likely that no two examples are exactly the same.

This vehicle is currently in storage at CARS Europe BV. If you require a quote for shipping anywhere in the world, please contact them direct (details below).

The winning bidder will receive a receipt for the final hammer value, as their legal proof of purchase.

Unless otherwise stated, we have not tried to start or drive the car and cannot vouch for its mechanical viability or functionality. It will require recommissioning prior to road use and is sold ‘as seen’.

It must be collected within 7-days of the auction end. Storage charges (€70 + local VAT per car per week) will commence from the sixth day following the auction end.  These must be paid in full prior to the vehicle’s collection or onward transportation.

Collection and viewings are strictly by appointment only.

Please send an email to the storage centre to ensure vehicle(s) are ready at time of collection. Photographic ID will be required at time of collection. If a third party is collecting for you, then written authorisation is required in advance from you and photographic ID of the third party is required at the time of collection. 

CARS Europe BV will contact you after the balance payment is received to confirm onward transport requirements. For enquiries about import tax and shipping contact Madam Joanna Herlihy, +31 (0) 252 682 526, +44 7483 433912, joanna@carsworldwide.com.

Being composite, the bodywork is free of any dents, dinks or signs of corrosion.

It appears to be a little way into a restoration programme, and the body work looks to have been sanded back to reveal the grey surface beneath the red exterior.

The wheels look as if they’d be amenable to refurbishment, and most of the exterior fixtures and fittings are present, if rather tired-looking.

A tyre-less wheel is visible in the lower half of the rather dilapidated boot.

The interior is in a very poor condition and anything perishable has pretty much perished.

However, the seat and door card frames are intact and would serve as templates for restoration and reupholstery.

There is corrosion to be seen in the floor pans throughout.

The car comes with its original matching engine, plus a box containing the gearbox, numerous mechanical components, plus some trim and fixtures and fittings.

Clearly, we can’t vouch for the car’s mechanicals because we haven’t started or driven it.

In common with many of the cars from this collection, this example comes with very little paperwork or history.

It does, however, have copies of registration titles issued in Texas, where we believe it carried the registration plate TONLY04.

These cars have charm and rarity in equal measure, coupled to a strong history at various automotive circuits and events in Europe and the US.

Once it’s restored and back in working order, you’ll be spending a lot of time telling curious people what it is and why you wanted it.

We’re confident to offer this fine car for auction with an estimate of €10,000 - €15,000.

The car is currently in storage, you can see a picture of the collection as it stands today at the very bottom of the photo gallery. 

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located at CARS Europe HQ in Nieuw Vennep in the Netherlands. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and they are open weekdays between 9am – 5pm. To book an appointment, please contact Ms Joanna Herlihy (email: joanna.herlihy@carsworldwide.com, or tel: +31(0)252 682 526).

Feel free to ask any questions by clicking the Enquire About This Vehicle button, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.