Which Orange Automotive Icon Is Absent from Bonham’s ‘Orange Collection’?

      Bonham's

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      If you haven't noticed, we're fans of orange items here at The Drive. The evidence is clear in every margin of the copy you're reading. So when Bonhams announced that a collection of automotive jack-o-lantern doppelgangers is set for auction during the 2025 Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix, it’s safe to say we were immediately interested. This collection aligns perfectly with our tastes.

      Let's be honest: a collection where a Copperhead Orange Dodge Viper gets overshadowed is truly remarkable. And that's exactly the case here. That wing designed for speed looks subdued next to vehicles like the Urus and the F-150 Raptor R. Admittedly, some of the “orange” interpretations here stretch the definition a bit. The PMC-spec orange NSX from Acura is undoubtedly orange, but the Ferrari 458 Italia in Rosso Dino… it’s more of a red. It has an orange-tinted red (intended to evoke a sunset), but it’s not a solid pumpkin hue. Still, even the lesser-known cars in this collection are impressive automobiles.

      This collection is undeniably drool-worthy and is expected to fetch a high price when it goes up for auction on May 3rd. However, as self-proclaimed orange car enthusiasts, we can’t overlook a few notable omissions in this citrus-themed showcase. While it's perhaps impolite to spend others' money for them, we can’t help but think this collection could be enhanced with a few vital additions.

      The Ford GT, ’70 Superbird, and Aston Martin DBS 770 Ultimate Volante may be standout choices, but everything in the "Orange Collection" of 14 vehicles is quite impressive. It’s exciting and unusual to see so many pumpkin-colored cars together. Check out this slideshow to view these diverse interpretations of orange across various body styles.

      What’s missing? Well, in no particular order (according to the Cadillac owner), let’s start with the V8 Blackwing. Surely, a few of the limited CT5-V supercharged models appeared in Blaze Orange, making them stand out for this audience. While we're on the topic of sports sedans, how about the E92 BMW M3 or the stout 1M Coupe? An M1 would also fit the bill, as they all had orange finishes and a degree of rarity that makes them contenders.

      Shifting focus from Bavaria to Dearborn, while the ST and RS might be too mainstream, Ford has produced some seriously impressive orange Mustangs recently. The GT350R and GT500 (with Fury and Twister Orange being exceptional), along with Ford’s more commonly seen Competition Orange, leave a statement. At least the GT Carbon Series is present to represent the sports car category. While it isn’t a Gulf GT40, it manages to stand out.

      As we discuss vintage performance vehicles from across the Atlantic, we must mention the glaring absence of any McLaren models. The F1 GTR is among the few vehicles that could outshine this entire collection. That said, I’d have to stretch my resources to the limits just to add a handful of modern domestics from this photo to my driveway, so who am I to critique? Truly, what an impressive lineup!

      Have a tip? Send us a message at [email protected].