Bonhams Paris Sale 2026 - Dark Mercedes on a smaller scale

Name: Mercedes-Benz 300 SL 1955
Brand: Mercedes-Benz

This article was auto-translated. We apologize if some words are confusing or simply amusing. Would you like to help us improve?

Created on January 31, 2026

Text:

Bruno von Rotz

Photos:

Bonhams

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

The auction is underway - Bonhams auction at the Polo de Paris 2026

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lambretta LD 125 with Sidecar (1954) - as lot 101 at the Bonhams auction "The Paris Sale 2026"

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Maserati Kyalami (1976) - as lot 102 at the Bonhams auction "The Paris Sale 2026"

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Austin-Healey 3000 Mk. II (1963) - as lot 103 at the Bonhams auction "The Paris Sale 2026"

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Toyota Land Cruiser BJ42 (1984) - as lot 104 at the Bonhams auction "The Paris Sale 2026"

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Ferrari 365 GTC:4 (1971) - as lot 105 at the Bonhams auction "The Paris Sale 2026"

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz 220 Cabriolet B (1952) - as lot 106 at the Bonhams auction "The Paris Sale 2026"

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Fiat 750 Vignale Spyder (1963) - as lot 107 at the Bonhams auction "The Paris Sale 2026"

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray Sport Coupe (1963) - as lot 108 at the Bonhams auction "The Paris Sale 2026"

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz 220 SE Convertible (1964) - as lot 109 at the Bonhams auction "The Paris Sale 2026"

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Citroën SM Regembeau (1972) - as lot 110 at the Bonhams auction "The Paris Sale 2026"

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Jaguar 3.8 Litre Mark 2 (1963) - as lot 111 at the Bonhams auction "The Paris Sale 2026"

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Triumph TR3A (1958) - as lot 112 at the Bonhams auction "The Paris Sale 2026"

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Aston Martin Lagonda Series 2 (1983) - as lot 114 at the Bonhams auction "The Paris Sale 2026"

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Facel Vega Facel II (1962) - as lot 115 at the Bonhams auction "The Paris Sale 2026"

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Aston Martin DB6 Vantage (1967) - as lot 116 at the Bonhams auction "The Paris Sale 2026"

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Ford GT Carbon Series (2022) - as lot 117 at the Bonhams auction "The Paris Sale 2026"

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Bugatti Type 57 Galibier (1934) - as lot 118 at the Bonhams auction "The Paris Sale 2026"

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz 300 S Cabriolet A (1953) - as lot 119 at the Bonhams auction "The Paris Sale 2026"

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Alfa Romeo Giulietta SZ (1961) - as lot 120 at the Bonhams auction "The Paris Sale 2026"

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Land Rover 109 Series IIA (1966) - as lot 121 at the Bonhams auction "The Paris Sale 2026"

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Jowett Jupiter (1952) - as lot 122 at the Bonhams auction "The Paris Sale 2026"

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Citroën 11 Légère (1951) - as lot 123 at the Bonhams auction "The Paris Sale 2026"

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

BMW 335 Cabriolet (1941) - as lot 124 at the Bonhams auction "The Paris Sale 2026"

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Voisin C30 (1939) - as lot 125 at the Bonhams auction "The Paris Sale 2026"

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Voisin C30 Saloon (1939) - as lot 125 at the Bonhams auction in Paris on January 30, 2026

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Delage D8-120 Cabriolet (1938) - as lot 126 at the Bonhams auction "The Paris Sale 2026"

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz 500 K Coupé Vanvooren (1934) - as lot 127 at the Bonhams auction "The Paris Sale 2026"

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz 500K (Type W29) Coupé (1934) - as lot 127 at the Bonhams auction in Paris on January 30, 2026

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz 190 SL (1956) - as lot 128 at the Bonhams auction "The Paris Sale 2026"

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz 190 SL Roadster with Hardtop (1956) - as lot 128 at the Bonhams auction in Paris on January 30, 2026

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Jaguar XK 140 (1956) - as lot 129 at the Bonhams auction "The Paris Sale 2026"

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Citroën C4 Kegresse Autochenille (1934) - as lot 130 at the Bonhams auction "The Paris Sale 2026"

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Willys 4x4 Station Wagon (1952) - as lot 131 at the Bonhams auction "The Paris Sale 2026"

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Rolls-Royce 40:50 HP Silver Ghost Piccadilly Roadster (1923) - as lot 132 at the Bonhams auction "The Paris Sale 2026"

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Sport Cabriolet (1952) - as lot 133 at the Bonhams auction "The Paris Sale 2026"

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Huffaker-Ferrari 308 GTB IMSA-GTU (1990) - as lot 134 at the Bonhams auction "The Paris Sale 2026"

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz 300 S Coupé (1953) - as lot 135 at the Bonhams auction "The Paris Sale 2026"

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz 300 SL 'Gullwing' Coupé (1955) - as lot 136 at the Bonhams auction in Paris on January 30, 2026

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz 300 SL (1955) - as lot 136 at the Bonhams auction "The Paris Sale 2026"

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Maserati Ghibli SS (1971) - as lot 137 at the Bonhams auction "The Paris Sale 2026"

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Citroën DS 21 Majesty (1966) - as lot 138 at the Bonhams auction "The Paris Sale 2026"

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Porsche 356 B 1600 Super Cabriolet (1961) - as lot 139 at the Bonhams auction "The Paris Sale 2026"

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Aston Martin DB4 SS (1962) - as lot 140 at the Bonhams auction "The Paris Sale 2026"

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz G 63 AMG (2018) - as lot 141 at the Bonhams auction "The Paris Sale 2026"

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

BMW M1 (1981) - as lot 142 at the Bonhams auction "The Paris Sale 2026"

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Alfa Romeo F12 Minibus (1972) - as lot 143 at the Bonhams auction "The Paris Sale 2026"

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Jaguar E-Type V12 Roadster (1974) - as lot 144 at the Bonhams auction "The Paris Sale 2026"

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz 320 N Cabriolet A (1938) - as lot 145 at the Bonhams auction "The Paris Sale 2026"

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Porsche 911 Turbo 3.6 (1993) - as lot 146 at the Bonhams auction "The Paris Sale 2026"

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Ferrari Testarossa (1990) - as lot 147 at the Bonhams auction "The Paris Sale 2026"

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Porsche 911 Turbo 'Flachbau' (1986) - as lot 148 at the Bonhams auction "The Paris Sale 2026"

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Ferrari 512 TR (1992) - as lot 149 at the Bonhams auction "The Paris Sale 2026"

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Ferrari 330 GT 2+2 (1966) - as lot 150 at the Bonhams auction "The Paris Sale 2026"

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Porsche 911 (1966) - as lot 151 at the Bonhams auction "The Paris Sale 2026"

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Spyker C8 Spyder (2006) - as lot 152 at the Bonhams auction "The Paris Sale 2026"

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Ferrari 575M Maranello (2002) - as lot 153 at the Bonhams auction "The Paris Sale 2026"

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Bentley Continental R Millennium Edition (1999) - as lot 154 at the Bonhams auction "The Paris Sale 2026"

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Porsche 911 Carrera Speedster (1989) - as lot 155 at the Bonhams auction "The Paris Sale 2026"

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Porsche 911 Turbo 3.3 (1988) - as lot 156 at the Bonhams auction "The Paris Sale 2026"

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Porsche 356 A 1600 Speedster (1958) - as lot 157 at the Bonhams auction "The Paris Sale 2026"

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Chrysler "Thomas Special" (1953) - as lot 158 at the Bonhams auction "The Paris Sale 2026"

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Rolls-Royce Twenty Barrel-Sided Tourer (1924) - as lot 159 at the Bonhams auction "The Paris Sale 2026"

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Bentley 3 ½ Litre Sports Saloon (1935) - as lot 160 at the Bonhams auction "The Paris Sale 2026"

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith "Empress" Touring Limousine (1956) - as lot 161 at the Bonhams auction "The Paris Sale 2026"

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Rolls-Royce Phantom II Derby Tourer (1931) - as lot 162 at the Bonhams auction "The Paris Sale 2026"

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Alfa Romeo 2000 Spider (1960) - as lot 163 at the Bonhams auction "The Paris Sale 2026"

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Lancia Aurelia B20 GT_1954 () - as lot 164 at the Bonhams auction "The Paris Sale 2026"

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Wanderer W 25K Roadster (1938) - as lot 165 at the Bonhams auction "The Paris Sale 2026"

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3 (1970) - as lot 166 at the Bonhams auction "The Paris Sale 2026"

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Citroën DS19 Décapotable (1961) - as lot 167 at the Bonhams auction "The Paris Sale 2026"

When logged in, you see more images in larger size.

Dodge Viper RT:10 Roadster (1992) - as lot 168 at the Bonhams auction "The Paris Sale 2026"

You have only

2 out of 78

images seen in high resolution

We all remember the big Bonhams auctions at the Grand Palais in Paris, the impressive setting where the Paris Motor Show used to take place. In one day, Bonhams auctioned off a large number of motorcycles, memorabilia and cars. These marathon auctions lasted almost 12 hours.

Eindrücke vom Bonhams Paris Sale 2026

Well, on January 30, 2026, a good four hours at the "Polo de Paris", located in the west of central Paris and around half to three-quarters of an hour away from the Rétrmobile, were enough to auction off the 65 vehicles (and some memorabilia) registered.

The auction is underway - Bonhams auction at the Polo de Paris 2026

The 64 cars and the Lambretta with sidecar together were estimated at around EUR 13.2 million, 51% of which (33 vehicles including the scooter sidecar) were offered without a minimum bid.

With a sales rate of 82%, Bonhams did no worse than the competition, and with a median top bid of 91% of the average estimate, it even did slightly better.

A total of around EUR 8.66 million (CHF 7.968 million) was charged for the vehicles sold, i.e. EUR 163,403 per lot.

Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Citroën and Ferrari

Ten Mercedes-Benz, six Porsche and five each Ciroën and Ferrari accounted for around 40% of the brands on offer. However, the 31 vehicle manufacturers represented also included exotic brands such as Jowett, Voisin and Wanderer.

Porsche 356 B 1600 Super Cabriolet (1961) - as lot 139 at the Bonhams auction "The Paris Sale 2026"

While 70 % of the Mercedes on offer were sold, the sales rate for Porsche was only 50 %, but 80 % for Ferrari and Citroën. All four Rolls-Royces found new owners.

Strinati collection sold

Cars from the former collection of Pierre Strinati from Switzerland came under the hammer under lot numbers 121 to 131. Bonhams had probably underestimated the interest in the eleven cars, as bidders went for an average of 1.42 times the median estimate.

Jaguar XK 140 (1956) - as lot 129 at the Bonhams auction "The Paris Sale 2026"

However, while the cheaper cars such as the 1952 Jowett Jupiter or the 1956 Jaguar XK140 Coupé attracted significantly more bids than expected, the ...

Voisin C30 Saloon (1939) - as lot 125 at the Bonhams auction in Paris on January 30, 2026

... the more expensive vehicles, especially the interesting Voisin C30 Saloon from 1939 and the extraordinary Mercedes-Benz 500K Coupé from 1934, were not as popular and fell far short of expectations.

Mercedes-Benz 190 SL (1956) - as lot 128 at the Bonhams auction "The Paris Sale 2026"

The biggest surprise, however, was the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL from 1956. Completely in original condition and including hardtop and luggage set, this SL was certainly a unique opportunity. Bidding started at EUR 40,000, after around 12 minutes EUR 240,000 was reached and the hammer fell, bringing the price of this black car to EUR 276,000 or CHF 253,920.

Delage D8-120 Cabriolet (1938) - as lot 126 at the Bonhams auction "The Paris Sale 2026"

The 1938 Delage D8-120 convertible also sold well, fetching EUR 460,000 or CHF 423,200.

Gullwing most expensive

The black Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing from 1955 was the most expensive car at the auction at EUR 1.3 million (CHF 1.2 million).

Mercedes-Benz 300 SL (1955) - as lot 136 at the Bonhams auction "The Paris Sale 2026"

It beat both the Strinati-500K and a Ford GT from 2022, which was sold for EUR 598,000 or CHF 550,160.

Ford GT Carbon Series (2022) - as lot 117 at the Bonhams auction "The Paris Sale 2026"

After all, the Ford GT fared much better than the 2006 Spyker C8 Spyder, which sold for EUR 253,000 (CHF 232,760), which was well below expectations, while a 2002 Ferrari 575M Maranello was sold for almost exactly the same price as the estimate.

Wanderer W 25K Roadster (1938) - as lot 165 at the Bonhams auction "The Paris Sale 2026"

A 1938 Wanderer W25K Roadster generated significantly more demand than expected, selling for EUR 253,000 (CHF 232,760) instead of the estimated EUR 100,000 to 150,000.

BMW M1 and Porsche 911 Speedster not sold

With a top bid of EUR 360,000, the BMW M1 from 1981 did not reach the reserve price, nor did an Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 from 1952.

BMW M1 (1981) - as lot 142 at the Bonhams auction "The Paris Sale 2026"

Three Mercedes-Benz and three Porsches also remained unsold and the Ferrari 512 TR from 1992 did not sell for the EUR 140,000 offered.

Porsche 911 Carrera Speedster (1989) - as lot 155 at the Bonhams auction "The Paris Sale 2026"

Even the rare and sought-after Porsche 911 Speedster from 1989 with its narrow bodywork fell far short of expectations with a top bid of EUR 130,000.

Favorable opportunities

As more than half of the lots went under the hammer without a reserve price, some potential buyers sensed good opportunities to acquire a classic car at a good price.

Citroën DS19 Décapotable (1961) - as lot 167 at the Bonhams auction "The Paris Sale 2026"

After all, a Citroën DS19 Décapotable from 1961 could be secured for EUR 92,000 and a Rolls-Royce 40/50hp Silver Ghost Piccadilly Roadster from 1923 for EUR 115,000.

Jaguar 3.8 Litre Mark 2 (1963) - as lot 111 at the Bonhams auction "The Paris Sale 2026"

With EUR 32,200 you could buy a Citroën SM, for EUR 34,500 a Jaguar Mark 2 3.8 Litre from 1963.

Ferrari 365 GTC:4 (1971) - as lot 105 at the Bonhams auction "The Paris Sale 2026"

Two Ferrari owners also sold their cars at a reasonable price, with the 365 GTC/4 from 1971 costing just EUR 124,200 and a 330 GT 2+2 from 1966 going for EUR 172,500.

Maserati Kyalami (1976) - as lot 102 at the Bonhams auction "The Paris Sale 2026"

A Maserati Kyalami from 1976 cost just EUR 40,250 (CHF 44,436), while the Maserati Ghibli 4.9 SS from 1971 cost a little more, namely EUR 138,000 (CHF 126,960).

It is difficult to say whether it was due to the thinned-out specialist knowledge at Bonhams that some of the estimates were significantly lower than the prices achieved. On average, the experts were not that far off the mark, but in individual cases they were. In the end, however, the buyers always have the last word. In view of the many interesting cars, the Bonhams auction certainly deserved more promotion, especially in comparison to the competition.

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
101	Lambretta LD 125 with Sidecar	1954	15'000	20'000	7500	8625	7935	-50.71%	V
102	Maserati Kyalami	1976	50'000	70'000	42'000	48'300	44'436	-19.5%	V
103	Austin-Healey 3000 Mk. II	1963	50'000	70'000	40'000	46'000	42'320	-23.33%	V
104	Toyota Land Cruiser BJ42	1984	45'000	55'000	32'000	36'800	33'856	-26.4%	V
105	Ferrari 365 GTC/4	1971	100'000	150'000	108'000	124'200	114'264	-0.64%	V
106	Mercedes-Benz 220 Cabriolet B	1952	50'000	70'000	35'000	40'250	37'030	-32.92%	V
107	Fiat 750 Vignale Spyder	1963	13'000	17'000	10'000	11'500	10'580	-23.33%	V