Over 100 lots went under the hammer on September 28, 2025 at the Château de Vernon, 360 km southwest of Paris. Over 50 lots were automobiles and vehicles from the collection of Jean-Pierre Nylin. This enthusiast, who died in 2024, had a passion for old and unusual cars, but also for motor racing. He showed his friendly collection to interested parties in the Château de Vernon, which he had restored.
This collection, which was offered in its entirety without a reserve price, was joined by over 50 other cars, which were also auctioned off to the public.
The total value of the 89 cars amounted to over EUR 3.1 million, so on average the cars were valued at just under EUR 35,000.
With the exception of a small group of Alfa Romeo vehicles, all cars, i.e. 93%, went under the hammer without a reserve price.
Foreign brands most strongly represented
It was not the French brands that dominated the auction, but cars from Germany, Great Britain and Italy. Eight Mercedes-Benz, seven Jaguar and five Alfa Romeo led the lot list in terms of quantity, ahead of Citroën (five cars) and Peugeot (five cars).
However, while the bidders for Jaguar (and Rolls-Royce) remained well below the estimates on average, the bids for Citroën and Peugeot, and even more so for Lorraine-Dietrich, clearly exceeded the estimates.
The valuable restoration objects
The cars for which the Artcurial specialists were most mistaken when determining the estimated values were restoration objects.
Thus, a Chenard & Walcker "3 Litre Sports" built in 1923 (approximately) finally fetched the highest bid of EUR 19,000 instead of EUR 3,000 to 5,000, which meant a sales price of EUR 22,230 (CHF 20,674) including the surcharge (17%).
An Amilcar CGSS under construction, presumably built in 1927, was also sold for EUR 19,890 (CHF 18,498), significantly more expensive than estimated (EUR 3000 to 5000).
The Panhard & Levassor X10 from 1912 also fetched significantly more than expected as a wreck at EUR 10,530 (CHF 9793), as did the Lorraine-Dietrich 83-6 Berline Weymann from 1926 at EUR 23,400 (CHF 21,762).
Among the surprise cars were also a Martini MK49 F3 from 1986 (EUR 45,630, CHF 42,436) and a VW Sicrocco GT from 1985 (EUR 6435, CHF 5985), as well as a Lotus Esprit Sport from 1995 (EUR 93,600 (CHF 87,048) at an expected EUR 35,000 to 55,000.
Some disappointments
A total of 33 cars, i.e. around 37%, were sold above the median estimate.
However, 15 cars fetched a maximum of 70% of the average estimate at the highest bid.
A 1956 Daimler Conquest Century sold for EUR 4,95 (CHF 3808), which was far below expectations.
But the 1952 Jaguar XK120 as a roadster and with Spats also fell far short of expectations with a sales price of EUR 7,200 (EUR 65,286).
The same applies to a Porsche 356 B 1600 Super Cabriolet from 1963, which found a new owner for EUR 79,560 (CHF 73,991).
And a Simca Plein Ciel from 1956 for EUR 13,455 or a Mercedes-Benz 450 SEL 6.9 from 1976 for EUR 30,420 also sound like real bargains.
And it's not every day that you can buy a 1961 Lancia Flaminia Touring Cabriolet for EUR 52,650 (EUR 48,965).
Of the four Alfa Romeos offered with a reserve price, only two could be sold, while the 2600 SZ from 1966 remained at EUR 135,000 and the Giulietta Sprint Allegerita from 1956 at EUR 112,000.
Also unsold was a Citroën DID 19 Confort from 1959, for which no usable bid was received despite a "no reserve".
Overall, however, the interested parties at Artcurial went for 110% of the median estimate, so there was no lack of enthusiasm and desire to buy at the château in the south-west of Paris.
Offered and Sold Vehicles
The following table lists all offered and sold vehicles with estimated prices, highest bids, and sale prices. The price conversion was made at the exchange rate valid on the auction day. All information is provided without guarantee.
| Lot | Car | Year | EUR Est from | EUR Est to | EUR HP | EUR SP | CHF SP | % Est | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 004 | Morris Mini 1000 MK II Traveller | 1968 | 6000 | 8000 | 6000 | 7020 | 6528 | +0.29%
|
V |
| 005 | Citroën Méhari 2-seater | 1974 | 6000 | 10'000 | 12'000 | 14'040 | 13'057 | +75.5%
|
V |
| 006 | Simca 8 Coupe | 1939 | 8000 | 12'000 | 12'000 | 14'040 | 13'057 | +40.4%
|
V |
| 007 | Simca Plein Ciel | 1956 | 12'000 | 18'000 | 11'500 | 13'455 | 12'513 | -10.3%
|
V |
| 008 | Daimler SP 250 | 1965 | 20'000 | 30'000 | 21'000 | 24'570 | 22'850 | -1.72%
|
V |
| 009 | Chevrolet Corvette C1 with hardtop | 1961 | 50'000 | 70'000 | 55'000 | 64'350 | 59'845 | +7.25%
|
V |
| 010 | Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider Veloce (750F) | 1959 | 60'000 | 80'000 | 45'000 | 52'650 | 48'964 | -24.79%
|
V |
All information is provided without guarantee.
Legend: Column S = Status (V = Sold, N = Not sold, Z = Withdrawn, U = Under reserve)
Est = Estimate, HP = Hammer Price, SP = Sale Price
