c.1958 Albatross Continental MkI Speedboat

Goodwood Speedweek: Important Collector's Motor Cars and Automobilia (Viewing restrictions apply)|17 October 2020, 13:00 BST|London, New Bond Street

c.1958 Albatross Continental MkI Speedboat

Serial no. 1087

*Historic British aluminium-hulled speedboat
*Rebuilt Coventry Climax engine
*Refurbished 2014/2015 by Albatross Marine
*Used sparingly

Footnotes

Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Albatross Marine of St Olaves, Norfolk built aeronautically engineered, aluminium-hulled powerboats with classic lines and automotive power units. They were designed by Archie Peace, who, together with fellow engineer Peter Hives (son of Rolls-Royce chairman, Lord Hives) had co-founded the firm in the late 1940s. Designed around 1949/1950, the first Albatross was built from aluminium, a material available in great abundance following the end of WW2, and used Peace's novel method of riveted construction.

The two-seater prototype weighed a mere 160lb (72kg) and was powered by the ubiquitous Ford 1,172cc sidevalve engine as found in many sports car 'specials' of the period. Promoted in Mediterranean waters by the newly recruited Bruce Campbell, the Albatross was soon in demand from wealthy socialites. They were popular for water skiing and racing, and were adored by celebrities, royalty, and boating enthusiasts alike. Customers included Brigitte Bardot, Aristotle Onassis, Prince Rainier of Monaco, Grace Kelly, George Formby, Jon Pertwee, and Prince Constantine of Greece, while in 1955 Prince Philip was given an Albatross by the Aluminium Development Association.

The firm expanded into a second, larger building and in 1957 introduced a four-seatermodel: the 15' 3" Continental. By this time Albatross was offering the Coventry Climax racing engine as an alternative power unit. The latter was a marinised version of the '1220' (actually 1,216cc) FWE power unit developed for the Lotus Elite sports car, and with one of these installed the Albatross's pulling power and speed was greatly increased, the two-seater being good for over 50mph. Sadly, Archie Peace contracted multiple sclerosis, and with Messrs Hives and Campbell departed, the original Albatross Marine closed in 1966. The company was revived in the 21st Century to help keep these historic craft alive, and has been responsible for refurbishing '1087' for the current owner. Carried out during 2014/2015, these works included the installation of a freshly built Coventry Climax engine, and rewiring the electrics (bills on file). Since then the Albatross had been used sparingly for around one week each year and is presented in commensurately good condition.

Saleroom notices

Please click the link to view the walkaround video of this lot: 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 Premium and Charges
Like the vast majority of auctioneers Bonhams charge what is known as a Buyer's Premium. Buyer's Premium on all Automobilia lots will adhere to Bonhams group policy:
27.5% on the first £2,500 of the hammer price; 25% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £2,500 up to and including £300,000; 20% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £300,000 up to and including £3,000,000; and 13.9% of the hammer price of any amounts in excess of £3,000,000. This applies to each lot purchased and is subject to VAT.
For Motor Cars and Motorcycles a 15% Buyer's Premium is payable on the first £500,000 of the final Hammer Price of each Lot, and 12% on any amount by which the Hammer Price exceeds £500,000. VAT at the standard rate is payable on the Premium by all Buyers, unless otherwise stated.
Some lots may be subject to VAT on the Hammer Price. These lots will be clearly marked with the relevant symbol printed beside the lot number in the catalogue.
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 License or Importer Statement, or any delay in obtaining such License or Statement shall not give rise to the rescission or cancelation of any Sale, nor allow any delay in making full payment for the Lot.
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 licences please contact Bonhams Shipping Department.
- Automobilia
- Cars