1914 Le Zebre Model C
Registration no. BE 5893 Chassis no. 3965

Bonhams July Motoring Auction|25 July 2020, 13:00 BST|Bicester, Bicester Heritage

1914 Le Zebre Model C
Registration no. BE 5893
Chassis no. 3965

Odometer Reading: TBA
MoT Expiry: Exempt

*Restored over 20 years
*Featured in 'The Automobile' magazine
*Comes with some spares

As the light car introduced motoring to more people numerous manufacturers sprung up to meet that demand, including Le Zebre, which operated from 1911 to 1931. This Model C was restored over 20 years with the intention of being as accurate as possible, leading to the purchase of another model to provide a replacement engine, gearbox and wheels. The body – seasoned ash skinned in sheet steel with new wings, presents very well, as does the yellow and black paint, while the wheels/tyres are reported to be good. Seats were re-trimmed in leathercloth and are said to be excellent and the mahogany dashboard and linoleum floor in very good order. The engine – sourced from the donor car – currently has no oil or water so will require light re-commissioning and the running gear too is said to be good. An electric starter has been fitted.

Rarely-seen in the UK, this well-presented Le Zebre Model C was restored over two decades and comes with the benefit of some spares.

Footnotes

Vendor Score Total: 70/100

Bidders should note that the automated 100-point Seller's Assessment is provided by each Seller at the point of consignment using the guidelines below, and is not provided, assessed or verified by Bonhams MPH. Accordingly Customers (Bidders) are on notice that each vehicle is offered "as is / as seen" subject to the Conditions of Sale for the auction, and Customers (Bidders) are strongly recommended to view the Lot(s) being offered, before bidding, in order to satisfy themselves as to their condition; Bonhams MPH will not entertain disputes over Sellers' Assessments.

Key for sellers' assessments:
1/5 POOR. A project vehicle | Requires urgent attention | Damaged | Parts missing
2/5 AVERAGE. Useable condition | Requires some attention | Light damage
3/5 GOOD. Drive away | Presents well | Good history file | Drives well
4/5 VERY GOOD. Well restored | Running and driving with no noticeable faults | Sound throughout
5/5 EXCELLENT. Concours condition | Beautifully presented | Driving very well

EXTERIOR TOTAL: 21/25
Body Work: 5
Chrome/Plastics/Trim: 3
Glass: 5
Paint: 5
Wheels/Tyres: 3

INTERIOR TOTAL: 15/20
Dashboard/Door cards/Carpets: 4
Headlining: 3
Seats: 5
Trim: 3

ENGINE TOTAL: 12/20
Mechanical components: 3
Running: 3
Starting: 3
Under Bonnet: 3

RUNNING GEAR TOTAL: 12/20
Axles: 3
Brakes: 3
Gearbox/Clutch: 3
Suspension: 3

ELECTRICAL TOTAL: 6/10
Ancillary components: 3
Main components: 3

Car History File: 4/5

Saleroom notices

To view a YouTube walkaround of this lot please click here To Schedule a video condition report for this lot please click here

Additional information

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact customer services.
Buyers' Obligations
ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.
If you have any questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest client services team.
From 28 June 2025, the import into the EU of non-EU property of a certain age (and in some categories above a certain value) is subject to additional requirements. Under the relevant EU Regulation, it is the Buyer's sole responsibility to assess whether any Lot meets the criteria for import into the EU. The refusal of any required Import Licence or Importer Statement, or any delay in obtaining such Licence or Statement shall not give rise to the rescission or cancellation of any Sale, nor allow any delay in making full payment for the Lot.
Buyers' Premium and Charges
Like the vast majority of auctioneers Bonhams charge a Buyer's Premium on the Hammer Price of each Lot purchased and this is subject to VAT. Some lots may also be subject to VAT on the Hammer Price and these lots will be clearly marked with a symbol (†, Ω, *) printed beside the lot number.
For Automobilia the Buyer's Premium is 28% on the first £40,000 of the hammer price; 27% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £40,001 up to and including £800,000; 21% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £800,001 up to and including £4,500,000 and 14.5% of the hammer price of any amounts in excess of £4,500,001.
For Motor Cars and Vehicle Registration Numbers the Buyer's Premium will be 15% on the first £500,000 of the hammer price of each Lot, and 12% on the balance thereafter.
A 3rd party bidding platform fee of 4% + VAT of the Hammer Price for Buyers using the following bidding platforms will be added to the invoices of successful Buyers for auctions starting on or after 6th July 2024 – Invaluable; Live Auctioneers; The Saleroom; Lot-tissimo.
VAT at the standard rate is payable on the Buyers Premium by all Buyers, unless otherwise stated.
Payment Notices
For payment information please refer to the sale catalog.
Shipping Notices
For information and estimates on domestic and international shipping as well as export licenses please contact Bonhams Shipping Department.