One hall away from the rest of the Rétromobile exhibition, Artcurial is setting up for the auction of around 100 vehicles (and a few watches and motorcycles) on the evening of February 3, 2012. It will be an evening steeped in history, but no-one can guess that at this stage.
It gets fuller and fuller, with all the seats taken twenty minutes before the start. The tension is rising, people are nervously fiddling with their things. It's cramped in the seats, the winter clothes are bulky and minimize the free space. The seating space is usually only this tight in an MG TC. You can hear a jumble of French, German and English as the potential bidders position themselves. It's actually time to get started. Now a tuba takes to the stage, followed by some percussion and other wind instruments - trombones, saxophone, trumpets, etc. Music plays, but the crowd actually wants to hear engine noises. After a few minutes, the "Maitre" takes the floor. We are currently suffering from a "bug informatique", he says, and we will have to be patient for a few more minutes. Two or three more lively pieces of music escape from the mobile big band on stage. Then it finally starts, with a few watches and a few motorcycles that are quickly auctioned off.
The style of the event is somewhat chaotic, with three presenters constantly interrupting each other and a "maitre" who occasionally seems to lose track of things. But it's always entertaining, the banter is good and so is the atmosphere.
Moderate bids at the beginning
The first bids from the extraordinarily diverse selection of vehicles from 1898 to 1995 don't knock anyone's socks off. A Porsche 911 2.2 T Targa goes for well below the estimated price, and the auctioneer reminds us that almost 50% of the bids are "sans reserve", i.e. they go under the hammer without a minimum bid. If you do the math and only look at the cars, the figure is only 40%, but that is still an impressive number.
A Porsche 356 and a Pontiac Chieftain Deluxe Station Wagon found new owners on a par with the estimated price. In the case of the Jaguar XK120 Roadster, however, the offers far exceed the estimated price, which was perhaps also set low at 60,000 to 80,000 euros. At 100,000 euros, the bidders run out of steam. A good-looking Aston-Martin DB6 was offered for as much as 180,000 euros, which should confirm the upward trend of this long-despised classic.
Ferrari F40 by Nigel Mansell
The next highlight is the well-maintained Ferrari F40 once driven by Nigel Mansell. The estimated price is between 320,000 and 380,000 euros, which must be considered reasonable in view of the recent results in the USA. The highest offer is 315,000 euros, which is not a small sum, but should prove to be a good investment in the medium term.
The following bidding rounds alternate between low and clearly above the estimated prices. A small 1933 Rosengart LR4 Torpédo goes for just under half the estimated price, while 140% of the average estimated price is paid for a Decauville "Voiturette".
A Shelby GT 350 Fastback from 1966 is worth Euro 115,000 (or CHF 138,518) to the new owner as the hammer price, which is almost a bargain if the condition matches the euphoric descriptions of the auctioneer.
A Facel-Vega Excellence Série 2 Export Berline, a four-door limousine with counter-opening doors, attracted offers of up to 160,000 euros, in line with the upper estimate.
A Delauney-Belleville in original condition
Lot 322 is a Delauney Belleville Type O6 8L from 1913, which drives onto the stage on its own with a distinct engine noise, as do around 30-40% of cars of this type. At the wheel is the seller, who introduces the bidders present to the car's past and tries to explain the reason for the considerable estimate of 400,000 to 600,000 euros. The car is unrestored but in top shape, runs like a charm and is said to be good for around 100 km/h. It is easy to keep and drive. It is said to be easy to keep and drive and has many documents from its almost 100-year history. Offered at 400,000 euros, the car will be sold at the lower end of the estimate range.
Peugeot and Citroën world records
A Peugeot 404 U10 (UX) pick-up with a tarpaulin roof and built in 1976 is not a car for gourmets, despite the skillful strokes of Pininfarina, who is unlikely to have ever dreamed of a pick-up version. However, this example has only 140 km on the clock and is practically as good as new. The bids rose to 20,000 euros and the car went to its new owner well above the estimated price.
The series of highly valued French cars really begins with a Citroën DS 23 ie Pallas, which was restored for good money. Artcurial recognized this work as an estimate of 50,000 to 80,000 euros, but the bidders present had higher things in mind and fought an exciting battle for the DS, which only ended with a bid of 140,000 euros (CHF 168,630), certainly a world record for a production DS.
While there was little interest in a Citroën SM Coupé, a Citroën 2CV was the next highlight of the evening. Delivered to California in 1965, this model has only 116 miles on the clock and looks as good as new. Despite this fact, the sum of 50,000 euros (CHF 60,225) can be seen as a proud price for a duck.
The most expensive Ferrari California Spyder in history?
The ex-Roger Vadim Ferrari 250 GT California Spyderfrom 1959 (chassis 1283 GT) presents itself in the best condition and with a factory hardtop as the highlight of the evening. The Artcurial people are expecting between Euro 2.8 and 3.2 million and should not be disappointed. The offers for the silver-colored car go up to Euro 4 million (CHF 4.818 million). Whether this makes the Spyder the most expensive California, as Artcurial claims, is doubtful and probably a question of definition (LWB versus SWB, etc.). For Artcurial, at any rate, it is the catalyst for the best auction result in its history, according to its own statements, at over 14.5 million euros.
Exotica with potential for future Concours d'Elegance
The 1955 Chrysler ST Special Coupé Ghia presents itself to the bidding public in relatively pitiful condition. Clearly a restoration base, but at 50,000 to 100,000 euros (estimated price) it does not come cheap. There is interest, because the car has the potential to become a future Villa d'Este winner after several hundred thousand euros have been spent on a presumably very complex restoration. The basis for this is laid with a top bid of 70,000 euros.
For fans of Italian rarities, the Fiat 1100 S MM from 1947, a kind of Bonsai-Otto-Vu, and the Cisitalia 33 DF Voloradente Coupé from 1954 are sure to be the main attractions of the auction. The Fiat found a new owner in line with the estimated price, the Cisitalia just below.
Youngtimers and future classics
Only rarely do vehicles such as a Fiat 131 Abarth Rallye (1977) come up for auction. This makes it all the more interesting to see where these interesting future classics stand in today's valuation. Euro 47,000 as the highest bid is unlikely to be the end of a long history of appreciation. The Lancia 037 Rallye (1984) is already one step ahead in this respect, with prices of Euro 165,000 being paid for these vehicles today that are more than twice the original price at the time.
Francophile rarities trigger a bidding frenzy
A whole series of French classics from the Talbot, Hotchkiss, Delage and Delahaye brands were also auctioned, many of them in limousine form. Most of these vehicles found new owners at respectable prices, although the condition of not all of them was likely to motivate people to drive them immediately.
It is noticeable that the purse strings are quite loose towards the end of the auction, with almost all vehicles that go under the hammer after 11 a.m. selling - in some cases significantly - above the average estimated price
Successful work of Artcurial
Overall, the success of Artcurial is surprising, especially in comparison to other auctions. Not only was it possible to attract an enormous number of bidders to Hall 4, the hammer prices reached an average of 99% of the average estimate. 95% of the lots were sold, with the hammer prices totaling EUR 12,426,000 or CHF 14,745,489 (before commissions and duties). Many a competitor is likely to be eagerly eyeing Paris.
Results in detail
The following table shows all the lots called, the estimated prices and the hammer prices (before commissions, taxes, etc.). The "Status" column shows whether the vehicle was sold or not according to the information available. The conversion was carried out using the same exchange rate as Artcurial on February 3, 2012. (All data without guarantee).
| Lot | Make | Type | Yr | Estimated price € | Max. Bid € | Max. bid Bid CHF | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 306 | Porsche | 911 2.2 T Targa | 1971 | 30000-40000 | 27000 | 32522 | sold |
| 307 | Porsche | 356 B Super 90 Coupé | 1961 | 25000-30000 | 28000 | 33726 | sold |
| 308 | Pontiac | Chieftain Deluxe Station Wagon | 1953 | 16000-22000 | 18000 | 21681 | sold |
| 309 | Jaguar | XK120 Roadster | 1954 | 60000-80000 | 100000 | 120450 | sold |
| 310 | Ferrari | 365 GT 2+2 (Queen Mary) | 1969 | 55000-75000 | 60000 | 72270 | sold |
| 311 | Aston Martin | DB6 Coupé | 1968 | 140000-180000 | 180000 | 216810 | sold |
| 312 | Maserati | Ghibli 4,7 Litres Coupé | 1968 | 45000-75000 | 55000 | 66248 | sold |
| 313 | Ferrari | F40 (ex Nigel Mansell) | 1989 | 320000-380000 | 315000 | 379418 | sold |
| 314 | Mercedes-Benz | 230 SL | 1963 | 25000-35000 | 26000 | 31317 | sold |
| 315 | Renault | R4 type de Plage Modification d'époque | 1965 | 12000-16000 | 11000 | 13250 | sold |
| 316 | Jaguar | E-Type Series 1 Convertible | 1964 | 85000-100000 | 90000 | 108405 | sold |
| 317 | Mercedes-Benz | 280 SE Cabriolet 3.5 Liter | 1971 | 130000-160000 | 130000 | 156585 | sold |
| 318 | Lorraine Dietrich | 12 HP | 1908 | 30000-50000 | 48000 | 57816 | sold |
| 319 | Rosengart | LR4 Torpédo | 1933 | 6000-10000 | 4500 | 5420 | sold |
| 320 | Citroën | Traction 15-Six H Berline | 1955 | 20000-30000 | 22000 | 26499 | sold |
| 321 | Decauville | "Voiturelle" | 1898 | 40000-60000 | 70000 | 84315 | sold |
| 322 | Delaunay Belleville | Type O6 8L | 1913 | 400000-600000 | 400000 | 481800 | sold |
| 323 | Clément-Bayard | Type 4M3B Cabriolet | 1912 | 25000-35000 | 18000 | 21681 | sold |
| 324 | Delahaye | 135 M Cabriolet "Malmaison" | 1948 | 280000-400000 | 280000 | 337260 | sold |
| 325 | Fiat | 500 L with folding roof | 1970 | 8000-14000 | 17000 | 20477 | sold |
| 326 | Triumph | TR3 | 1957 | 25000-35000 | 32000 | 38544 | sold |
| 327 | Aston Martin | Virage Vantage 550 PS | 1995 | 80000-120000 | 62000 | 74679 | sold |
| 328 | Gobron-Brillié | Torpédo skiff Rothschild | 1912 | 200000-300000 | 180000 | 216810 | sold |
| 329 | Chevrolet | Corvette Sting Ray convertible with hardtop | 1965 | 35000-45000 | 31000 | 37340 | sold |
| 330 | Cadillac | Series 62 Convertible | 1948 | 55000-80000 | 60000 | 72270 | sold |
| 331 | Ford | Mustang 289 GT Convertible | 1966 | 40000-60000 | 32000 | 38544 | sold |
| 332 | Shelby | GT 350 Coupé Fastback | 1966 | 100000-150000 | 115000 | 138518 | sold |
| 333 | Facel Véga | Excellence Série 2 Export Berline sans montant | 1964 | 120000-160000 | 160000 | 192720 | sold |
| 334 | Delahaye | 135 MS Cabriolet par Franay | 1947 | 500000-600000 | 440000 | 529980 | sold |
| 335 | Bentley | 3.5 liter Sport | 1935 | 135000-160000 | 139000 | 167426 | sold |
| 336 | Peugeot | 404 U10 (UX) Pick-up bâché | 1976 | 12000-18000 | 20000 | 24090 | sold |
| 337 | Citroën | DS 23 Tissier six-roues "traveling" | 1976 | 15000-25000 | 10000 | 12045 | not sold |
| 338 | Rolls Royce | Phantom II coupé de ville Fernandez et Darrin | 1932 | 70000-120000 | 62000 | 74679 | sold |
| 339 | Mercedes-Benz | 540 K Cabriolet B | 1937 | 450000-550000 | 420000 | 505890 | sold |
| 340 | Horch | 853 Cabriolet | 1938 | 320000-380000 | 345000 |
415553 |
sold |
| 341 | Citroën | DS 23ie Pallas Berline | 1972 | 50000-80000 | 140000 | 168630 | sold |
| 342 | Alpine | A110 1600 Coupé | 1969 | 50000-70000 | 56000 | 67452 | sold |
| 343 | Citroën | SM Coupé | 1971 | 30000-40000 | 22000 | 26499 | sold |
| 344 | MG | B Convertible | 1968 | 15000-25000 | 13500 | 16261 | sold |
| 345 | Citroën | 2 CV AZAM Berline (California) | 1965 | 30000-40000 | 50000 | 60225 | sold |
| 346 | Facel Véga | HK500 Coupé (manual gearbox) | 1961 | 70000-90000 | 73000 | 87929 | sold |
| 347 | Lagonda | M45 Tourer | 1935 | 165000-225000 | 145000 | 174653 | sold |
| 348 | Citroën | D Super Berline Découvrable Chapron | 1970 | 90000-140000 | 72000 | 86724 | not sold |
| 349 | Roamer | C6-54 Roadster | 1924 | 40000-80000 | 37000 | 44567 | not sold |
| 350 | Armstrong-Siddeley | Hurricane 16 HP Convertible | 1947 | 20000-30000 | 15000 | 18068 | not sold |
| 351 | Roamer | C6-54 Rumble Seat Roadster | 1919 | 30000-50000 | 37000 | 44567 | not sold |
| 352 | Delage | D6-11 Coupe S Brandone | 1934 | 100000-160000 | 132000 | 158994 | sold |
| 353 | Ferrari | 250 GTE série III Coupé Pininfarina | 1962 | 130000-160000 | 140000 | 168630 | sold |
| 354 | Maserati | Mistral 4000 | 1968 | 40000-60000 | 42000 | 50589 | sold |
| 355 | Cisitalia | 33 DF Voloradente Coupé | 1954 | 125000-155000 | 125000 | 150563 | sold |
| 356 | Ferrari | BB 512 | 1981 | 75000-95000 | 88000 | 105996 | sold |
| 357 | Austin-Healey | 3000 MkI (BN7) Roadster | 1960 | 40000-60000 | 36000 | 43362 | sold |
| 358 | Maserati | Merak SS | 1977 | 25000-35000 | 37000 | 44567 | sold |
| 359 | Ferrari | 250 GT Coupé Boano | 1956 | 420000-480000 | 405000 | 487823 | sold |
| 360 | Porsche | 911 2,4L S Coupé | 1972 | 55000-75000 | 46000 | 55407 | sold |
| 361 | Porsche | 356 SC Coupé | 1964 | 40000-50000 | 40000 | 48180 | sold |
| 362 | Porsche | 356 pré-A Coupé | 1954 | 115000-130000 | 125000 | 150563 | sold |
| 363 | BMW | 2002 Tii | 1971 | 15000-25000 | 16000 | 19272 | sold |
| 364 | BMW | M635 CSI Coupé | 1985 | 20000-30000 | 28000 | 33726 | sold |
| 365 | Lancia | Rallye 037 | 1984 | 130000-180000 | 165000 | 198743 | sold |
| 366 | Fiat | 131 Abarth Rally | 1977 | 50000-60000 | 47000 | 56612 | sold |
| 367 | Porsche | 356 A Cabriolet 1600 S | 1958 | 90000-120000 | 95000 | 114428 | sold |
| 368 | Porsche | 911 S/T Coupé compétition Group 4 | 1971 | 250000-350000 | 220000 | 264990 | sold |
| 369 | Chrysler | ST Special Coupé Ghia | 1955 | 50000-100000 | 70000 | 84315 | sold |
| 370 | Jaguar | 3.5 liter convertible | 1948 | 65000-85000 | 60000 | 72270 | sold |
| 371 | Imperial | Coupé Hardtop Newport C 69 | 1955 | 40000-60000 | 40000 | 48180 | sold |
| 372 | Maserati | 3500 GTi Sebring Coupé Vignale | 1964 | 45000-65000 | 44000 | 52998 | sold |
| 373 | Lancia | Flaminia Sport Coupé Zagato | 1964 | 100000-140000 | 92000 | 110814 | sold |
| 374 | Lancia | Aurelia B24 Convertible | 1958 | 180000-220000 | 170000 | 204765 | sold |
| 375 | Maserati | 3500 GT Spyder Vignale with factory hardtop | 1960 | 200000-300000 | 170000 | 204765 | sold |
| 376 | Ferrari | 365 GTB 4 Daytona Coupé | 1969 | 240000-280000 | 230000 | 277035 | sold |
| 377 | Bizzarrini | 5300 GT Strada Aluminum | 1967 | 320000-420000 | 295000 | 355328 | sold |
| 378 | Ferrari | 250 GT California Spyder | 1959 | 2800000-3200000 | 4000000 | 4818000 | sold |
| 379 | Alfa Romeo | 2000 GTV Bertone (special series) | 1975 | 40000-60000 | 32000 | 38544 | sold |
| 380 | Maserati | Khamsin Coupé (1977) | 1974 | 40000-60000 | 43000 | 51794 | sold |
| 381 | Innocenti | Cooper Export 1300 cm3 | 1974 | 10000-15000 | 18000 | 21681 | sold |
| 382 | Renault | Floride Cabriolet | 1960 | 12000-16000 | 22500 | 27101 | sold |
| 383 | Fiat | 1100 S MM | 1947 | 100000-120000 | 110000 | 132495 | sold |
| 384 | Mercedes-Benz | 300 SEL 6.3 | 1970 | 22000-28000 | 25000 | 30113 | sold |
| 385 | Chevrolet | Corvette Convertible | 1965 | 36000-46000 | 35000 | 42158 | sold |
| 386 | Jensen | Interceptor Convertible | 1976 | 37000-50000 | 51000 | 61430 | sold |
| 387 | Ansaldo | Tipo 22 - restored chassis without bodywork | 1930 | 100000-150000 | 80000 | 96360 | sold |
| 388 | Buick | Eight Roadmaster Coach Fastback | 1947 | 10000-15000 | 23000 | 27704 | sold |
| 389 | Talbot | T10 B Coach | 1937 | 10000-15000 | 25000 | 30113 | sold |
| 390 | Mercedes-Benz | 300d Sedan (sans montants) | 1960 | 20000-30000 | 47000 | 56612 | sold |
| 391 | Bentley | Mk VI Limousine | 1951 | 15000-25000 | 29500 | 35533 | sold |
| 392 | Rolls Royce | Phantom III Coupé-Chauffeur Mulliner | 1937 | 30000-40000 | 62000 | 74679 | sold |
| 393 | Panhard | X72 Panoramique Berline | 1934 | 15000-25000 | 21000 | 25295 | sold |
| 394 | Hotchkiss | 686 S49 Convertible | 1950 | 20000-30000 | 57000 | 68657 | sold |
| 395 | Salmson | S4 61 L Berline | 1951 | 12000-16000 | 15000 | 18068 | sold |
| 396 | Hotchkiss | 2050 Cabriolet Anthéor Chapron | 1952 | 30000-50000 | 57000 | 68657 | sold |
| 397 | Panhard | X77 Dynamic Berline | 1937 | 20000-30000 | 38000 | 45771 | sold |
| 398 | Talbot | T26 Lago Record Berline | 1948 | 20000-30000 | 55000 | 66248 | sold |
| 399 | Talbot | T26 L Lago Record Berline | 1955 | 15000-25000 | 44000 | 52998 | sold |
| 400 | Talbot | K74 Coach | 1931 | 15000-20000 | 18000 | 21681 | sold |
| 401 | Talbot | T15 Lago Baby Berline | 1953 | 15000-20000 | 37000 | 44567 | sold |
| 402 | Hotchkiss | 686 Limousine Chantilly | 1939 | 10000-15000 | 26000 | 31317 | sold |
