Four of the world’s top auctioneers have all picked Rétromobile for major classic sales – here’s our pick of the vehicles likely to make waves in the city of light
Bonhams, RM Sothebys, Artcurial and Osenat are four of the auction houses looking to rack up significant sales at Paris’s Rétromobile Show on 31 January- 4 February.
The French national show has traditionally brought together buyers from both sides of the Channel and seen some big results – and it gives an indicator as to how the continental classic market is performing.
Bonhams Cars’ international chairman, Philip Kantor, said: ‘The Grand Palais Éphémère is a remarkable venue and we're thrilled to return for a third year. To match the impressive venue, we'll be presenting the finest motor cars to complement the space and welcome the crowds from Rétromobile.’
With an estimate of €3.5-4.5m, Bonhams’ headline car at this year’s Rétromobile sale is a 9500km 2004 Ferrari Enzo but the auction house is also bringing its own hunchback to Paris in the form of a 1948 Fiat 1100 S Berlinetta Mille Miglia 'Gobbone' (hunchback). With extensive in-period racing pedigree, the estimate is set at €400-450k.
Making its return to the city of light with Bonhams is the Lamborghini Miura P400 that was delivered new to Paris in 1969. Offered without reserve, it’s expected to reach €800k-1.2m.
For more a more affordable local delicacy, punters can turn to Artcurial, which is bringing a 1990 Citroën 2CV Charleston to the sale. With around 6000km from new, it is listed without reserve but is expected to achieve €25-45k.
Those looking for something eligible for the Le Mans Classic need look no further than the 1958 Peerless GT. With its tubular chassis, fibreglass body and Triumph TR3 running gear, a GT finished fourth in class and 16th overall at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the year that this example – chassis 76 – was built. It carries an estimate of €35-50k. Also harking from 1958, a stunning Daffodil Yellow and silver roofed Citroën DS 19 carries the torch for France’s home-grown goddess. Artcurial said: ‘Early DSs are sought-after, especially when they feature original colour schemes that foreshadow the cheerfulness of the decade to come, so this example will hold enthusiasts’ attention.’ Extensively restored in 2008 it’s estimated to fetch €40-60k.
One of the headline attractions, Osenat Auction house is bringing what it describes as ‘mine jewels of pre-war and immediate post-war French motoring that have been carefully assembled over decades by an enthusiast with exacting standards’. This collection of rare Delage, Delahaye, and Talbots is believed to have a value of £4m.
Osenat Auctions says: ‘This col
