John 'Jack' Scales (1886-1962): a racing driver's personal archive;

The Golden Age Of Motoring|4 November 2022, 13:00 GMT|London, New Bond Street

John 'Jack' Scales (1886-1962): a racing driver's personal archive;

comprising a collection of photographs, correspondence, ephemera, trophies and other commemorative items relating to his career; including a bronze plaque designed by S. Johnson, presented by Societa Sportiva La Torino engraved "Gars Motociclistica Record 10KM 1913, Categorica 1000cm3, 1 Scales J.E. con Macchina Zenith in 5'16" 9/10", 16.5 x 16.5cm on wooden plaque; a 'Circuit des Routes Pavees 1924' trophy (one handle detached), on marble base with plaque; two 'Banquet des Champions' lists for February 1925 and December 1925, each mounted with a period photograph of Scales, each framed and glazed; a good collection of period motorcycle and racing images, some in 2 albums with family photographs, others loose; assorted correspondence including letters from TASO Mathieson; a 1914 four page driving contract with terms from Eric Campbell & Co for competing in the Targa Florio; Automobiles Talbot 1923 about his employment as Head of the Final Test; FIAT reference; and other letters, telegrams, books and ephemera.

Footnotes

A well known racing driver in the Brooklands days, raced Motorcycles for Zenith and Douglas before first World War and Cars for Fiat in 1914 at the French Grand Prix amongst other races, drove his Gregoire Special at Indianapolis in 2020; Scales also raced - and won - for Talbot at Montlhery, was a reserve driver for the Sunbeam team and was in charge of testing and development for Talbot Darracq and raced on until the mid 1920's. After his racing career he set up a garage and engineering company in London, and also did some subcontracting work during the war. The 1953 October issue of the Vintage and Thoroughbred Car has a very concise interview with Scales about his career, a copy is included in this lot.

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 £20,000 of the hammer price;
26% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £20,000 up to and including £700,000;
20% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £700,000 up to and including £4,500,000;
and 13.9% of the hammer price of any amounts in excess of £4,500,000.
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