Collectible Classics headed for Paris Auction

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When the words ‘classic car’ and ‘auction’ are mentioned in the same sentence, naturally this is enough to get plenty a keen petrolhead salivating with excitement. However, mention that the auction will be taking place in Paris, then you know the cars on offer are some of the most desirable ever built, are expected to fetch good money!

The Paris Retromobile Classic and Vintage Car auction is set to take place in Paris from February 6 to February 8 and there is a tonne of precious metal going under the hammer. Three international auction houses, Bonhams, Artcurial and RM Sotheby’s are taking part. This gives a big clue at the kind of vehicles which will be on offer.

One marque which is well represented at this year’s Retromobile is Bugatti. Models like a very rare ex Maurice Trintignant Grand Prix 1931 Bugatti Type 51, in original condition, is expected to fetch between 4-4.5 million Euro ($6.6-7.4 million NZ). Another Bug, a 1928 Type 43 Sport Grand Tourer in stunning bright Bugatti blue is also expected to fetch in excess of 1.3 million Euros ($2.15 million NZ). Plus a trio of late model Veyron hyper cars are certain to sell big!

Of course, it wouldn’t be a classic car auction without some rampant ponies from Maranello. Ferrari have a huge turn out with a 250 GT Lusso at an estimated 1.3 million Euros ($2.1 million NZ), a rare competition prepared 1966 275 GTC Coupe at 2.3 million Euros ($3.8 million NZ) and a pair of F50 and Enzo supercars at 1.75 million Euros ($2.82 million NZ) and 1.8 million Euros ($3 million NZ) a piece to name just a few.

German classics are also out in force, with a couple of BMW 507 roadsters at 2 million Euros ($3.3 million NZ) and handful of seductive Porsches, such as a stunning 1957 Porsche 550A Spyder. Commonly known as the car James Dean met his end in, the 550 Spyder is one of the most sought after Porsches in history. The example on show at Retromobile has been fully restored and is expected to fetch between 3.8 and 4.8 million Euros ($6.3 and 7.9 million NZ). Heck, restoring the gearbox casing alone on the Porsche cost 55,000 Euros!

But the high prices don’t stop there, the most expensive car offered has to be an extremely rare 1939 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900 B. This stunning looking Italian grand tourer was the fastest production car of it’s day, with commissioned body work by renowned styling house Touring of Milan, this 8C was one of only five ever built in this spec. The 8C arrived in the UK in 1939 before being owned by a variety of owners in France and the Netherlands throughout the sixties and seventies.

It’s presented in original unmolested but well-maintained condition and if you have between 16 and 22 million Euros ($26-$36 million NZ) handy, then chassis number 412024 could very well be yours!

For more information on Retromobile and to view the complete list of cars on auction, visit their website and get saving!

https://www.retromobile.com/Visitors/Exhibitions-and-events/Events-2019

PHOTO CREDIT: ARTCURIAL