Written by Nicole Ellan James
The late Don Williams was always passionate about cars. Learning about prewar vehicles from an early age led him to become an expert in classic automobiles, with the ability to procure the utmost quality and extraordinary vehicles for his clientele. It’s hardly a revelation that his private collection showcased an array of exceptional vehicles, among them the unique Mayfair-bodied 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K. In addition to that prewar gem, Barrett-Jackson takes pride in presenting six additional vehicles from Don Williams’ personal collection, all to be sold with No Reserve during the 2024 Scottsdale Auction.
One of the standout gems in this collection is the 1936 Bugatti Type 57 Stelvio, bearing Chassis No. #57406, a cherished part of Williams’ collection since 1988. Unveiling the narrative behind this timeless Bugatti, Kees Jansen, a renowned Bugatti historian, reveals that the Type 57 was meticulously crafted in April 1936 as a four-passenger Stelvio. This model featured the alluring cabriolet design conceived by Jean Bugatti, characterized by its striking pontoon fenders and an Atalante-inspired rounded tail.
The original owner of the Type 57, R. Petit, took possession on August 8, 1936. Later owned by a Mr. Ferrand, the car underwent upgrades that included later-style headlamps integrated into the front fenders and spats over the rear wheels. Period photographs from the 1940s, included in with the sale, depict these features, authentically reminiscent of 1937-39 Bugattis. Additionally, the car received front “moustache” bumpers and Lockheed hydraulic brakes, a common upgrade for earlier cable-brake cars.
Ferrand sold the Bugatti to Jacques Dufilho, a prominent actor residing in the Latin Quarter of Paris. In 1974, Dufilho transferred ownership to Alexander E. Ulmann, known for founding the 12 hours of Sebring, the American automotive endurance race, in December 1950. Ulmann drove the car without rear fender spats and refinished it in light blue and black. The Bugatti remained in his ownership until his passing in 1986.
“One of my favorite cars from Don’s personal collection of is the Bugatti,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “It has a great history and Don restored it to perfection.”
Under Williams’ stewardship, the Bugatti was transformed it to its current state. The Ulmann two-tone royal blue and black “sweep panel” livery was retained, complemented by striking pale gray leather upholstery for a breathtaking contrast. Notably, the rear wheel “spats” were reinstalled, and the wire wheels were chromed, reminiscent of the options available from Bugatti in 1937.
The Bugatti preserves its authenticity with its original No. 286 engine, the No. 68C transmission sourced from a supercharged Stelvio, the original No. 427 rear axle and the No. 50 internal frame. The dashboard features what appear to be the original gauges, except for a new Jaeger tachometer.
“Don had the car for a long time and it’s absolutely gorgeous,” Jackson said. “He loved this car. We are truly honored that his wife Janet has entrusted us with selling it at the Scottsdale Auction with No Reserve.”
Additionally offered from the collection are three remarkable Packards: a Kellner-bodied one-of-a-kind 1938 Packard Twelve Torpedo-Cabriolet, a 1933 Packard 1001 Standard Eight Coupe Roadster and a 1920 Packard Twin 6 Transformable Town Car.
The 1938 Packard 12 Torpedo-Cabriolet by Kellner boasts a unique history, having been custom-built with the rear body section of a 1930 Renault Reinstella Torpedo Scaphandrier, reportedly by its original owner, believed to be George “Geordie” Hormel II, heir to Hormel Foods. In the early 1950s, the car underwent restoration at Joy Brothers Motor Car Company in St. Paul, Minnesota, and by the late 1950s, it found a new owner in J.B Nethercutt. In 1961, casino mogul William F. Harrah acquired the Packard, retaining it in his collection for 24 years until its sale in 1985 during the Harrah Automobile Collection Sale to Tom Monaghan, the founder of Domino’s Pizza. Under Monaghan’s ownership, the Torpedo-Cabriolet received a no-expense-spared restoration by Lon Krueger of Scottsdale, Arizona. It then entered the collection of Tom Barrett, co-founder of Barrett-Jackson, in 1989, before ultimately being sold to Don Williams, who proudly showcased the car tever since.
The 1933 Packard 1001 Standard Eight Coupe Roadster, a Tenth-series model, served as Packard’s entry-level luxury car. Despite aiming for the middle market, it retained full luxury status with a powerful 120-horsepower Straight-8 engine. Economic challenges limited Tenth-series production to fewer than 5,000 units, with just 1,800 being the 1001 Eights. The coupe roadster variant was a rare choice, making it exceptionally uncommon. This sleek model, on a 127.5-inch wheelbase, features a hidden rumble seat, optional rear-mounted spare, wide-whitewall tires and Trippe driving lights. Awarded the Classic Car Club of America National First Award and 100-point Senior Award, it stands out with a first-year downdraft carburetor and full synchro transmission.
In Automobile Quarterly, Volume 19, Number 3 (1981), Beverly Rae Kimes showcased the unique 1920 Packard Twin 6 Transformable Town Car from the Williams collection in an article titled “Five Great Packards.” Commissioned by the Atwater Kent family of radio fame in 1919 and delivered in 1920, this iconic vehicle gained notoriety for gracing exclusive venues and earned the moniker of the “haughtiest car in all Philadelphia.” Notable features include its extended 145-inch wheelbase – 9 inches longer than standard – and an elongated hood. Special attributes, such as rubber-encased steel bumpers and a convertible top transforming the car into a touring model, were highlighted. The vehicle, identified by engine No. 160326 (likely an early replacement), was previously owned by Martin L. Schaffer and was later acquired by Stanley Tarnopol, a prominent early collector and Philadelphia furrier, who held ownership until 1975. In the late 1980s, Don Williams purchased the car, preserving its original restoration from the early 1960s, showcasing a striking combination of rich black lacquer with red-orange wheels.
Don Williams’ collection also includes a unique 1954 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith All-Weather Tourer with one-off coachwork by Freestone & Webb. Originally crafted for playwright C. Blevins Davis, a friend of U.S. President Harry Truman, this Silver Wraith is Chassis No. WLE27, featuring a modern dual-cowl design with a power-operated convertible top that disappears under a rear tonneau. Standing out among the postwar era’s coach-built automobiles, it cleverly combines prewar charm, including a second cowl and windshield, with modern features like burled walnut cabinetry with folding writing tables. The Silver Wraith, formally known as a “four-door four-light Concealed Head,” was initially two-tone Royal Blue and black when supplied to Davis in the autumn of 1954. Within a year, for unknown reasons, its coachwork was transferred from the original chassis (No. LCLW9) to Chassis No. WLE27, where it remains. In 1974, Richard Levine of Greenwich, Connecticut, acquired the car. In the early 1990s, it underwent restoration, adopting a bright scarlet hue with striped “canework” inserts, complemented by cream and scarlet leather upholstery. The interior, engine compartment and chassis exhibit appealing finishes, while the original chassis number is retained on the frame rail and firewall plate. The Freestone & Webb body plate remains in place, and the matching-numbers engine for this chassis is intact.
Representing Cadillac heritage is a rare 1940 Cadillac Series 75 Town Car, one of only 53 produced that year and formerly part of the esteemed Harris Laskey Collection. This Cadillac, featuring Fleetwood coachwork, underwent an extensive frame-off restoration with meticulous detailing. Power is derived from a 346/150 V8 engine with a 3-speed synchromesh transmission. It features coil front suspension, semi-elliptic rear leaf springs and wide whitewall tires. The car comes to a secure stop with hydraulic drum brakes on all four wheels, combining elegance with performance. The driver’s compartment of this award-winning Cadillac showcases a Bakelite steering wheel and shift knob, and is upholstered in blue leather with matching carpeting. The top, both rear and removable driver’s section, is finished in blue with special dyed-grain leather. The passenger compartment boasts blue-gray cloth, jump seats, wood-grain details, privacy blinds and an intercom system.
The upcoming Barrett-Jackson auction promises to be an extraordinary event, offering enthusiasts and collectors a rare glimpse into the remarkable legacy of Don Williams. Williams was a key part of the team that founded Barrett-Jackson and was a beacon at the Barrett-Jackson events over the years. As a luminary in the world of classic automobiles, Williams curated a collection that not only reflects his discerning taste but also preserves the rich history and stories behind each vehicle. May the new custodians of these treasures continue to cherish and celebrate the enduring beauty and significance encapsulated in each rev of the engine and every gleaming curve of these automotive masterpieces. Register to bid today.
Williams curated a collection that not only reflects his discerning taste but also preserves the rich history and stories behind each vehicle.