On February 1, 2023, RM/Sotheby's held a major auction as usual on the occasion of the Rétromobile in Paris . The auction was now held at 99 Rue de Rivoli, practically around the corner from the Louvre.
For almost five hours, 85 full-size cars and a children's car as well as some automobilia (including Ferrari tool sets, steering wheels and alloy wheels) went under the hammer.
The cars were valued at around EUR 60 million, but almost EUR 50 million was realized with the vehicles. EUR 576,663 was paid per vehicle. On average, 85.8 percent of the median estimate was offered.
Only 23 percent of the vehicles were offered without a reserve price, yet a sales rate of 74 percent was achieved.
The superstar
The estimated value of the brand new Bugatti Chiron Profilée from 2022, the last built and unique car of the discontinued series, was EUR 4.2 to 5.5 million. But two bidders did not let up, one on the phone and one in the room, until after a few minutes and a long back and forth, finally starting at EUR 2 million, EUR 8.7 million was reached.
This meant that the highest bid was almost 80 percent more than the median estimate and the sale price, including commission/premium, came to EUR 9.793 million.
There was no more expensive car for sale at the auction and places 2 to 4 in the price hit parade went to Ferrari (Enzo, 643 Formula 1 and 275 GTB/4). It was followed by another almost new car, the McLaren Speetail from 2020, which sold for EUR 2.368 million.
The expensive Porsche project
Although a Countach scored the most above expectations, this was a children's car from Agostini. Among the "real" cars, a Porsche 356 Pre-A Coupé from 1953 fetched a price of EUR 218,500, which was well over twice its estimated value.
It is important to note that the Porsche was a restoration object in a rather sad condition.
Porsche and Ferrari most strongly represented
16 Porsches and 14 Ferraris were the largest brand contingents. They were followed by Mercedes-Benz (7 vehicles, plus 1 AMG), Alfa Romeo (6) and Lamborghini and BMW (5). All other manufacturers were represented with a maximum of four cars. Exotic brands were also on offer, such as Ferves, Hispano-Suiza and Osca.
Porsche closed on a mediocre note. 63% of the sports cars were sold, and the estimates reached an average of 90% of the median estimate. Among others, a 904 GTS fell by the wayside.
Ferrar fared better with 93% of the cars sold, while 71% of the Mercedes-Benz and 67% of the Alfa Romeo found a new owner.
Only two of the four Bugatti cars were sold, and the same could be said of the four Iso cars.
Exceptional Zagato selection
Five sports cars with Zagato bodies went under the hammer at RM/Sotheby's in Paris.
EUR 98,900 was paid for an Alfa Romeo SZ from 1992 (estimated value EUR 75,000 to 95,000). The Giulia TZ from 1965 (EUR 1.2 to 1.4 million) found a new owner for EUR 1.14 million and the Lancia Flaminia Sport 3C from 1962 (EUR 300,000 to 350,000) was sold for EUR 290,000.
A Giulietta SZ from 1961 (EUR 400,000 to 600,000, highest bid EUR 380,000) and an Osca 1600 GT from 1963 (EUR 380,000 to 450,000, highest bid EUR 340,000) did not find their way into a new garage.
Lamborghini Miura and Countach in a multipack
Of the three Countach, only the two more expensive models appeared in Paris, the other was moved to the Villa D'Este auction. But there were also two Miura and a 350 GT for sale.
The latter was the only Lambo that didn't find a new owner; the auction ended at EUR 500,000. Most of the other Lamborghinis were sold for just under their estimated value.
Many super classics
In any case, there were many super classics for sale in Paris, from the Alfa Romeo 1900 C Super Sprint Touring Coupé from 1954 to a Ferrari 250 GT Lusso from 1963 and a Mercedes-Benz 300 SL.
The prices were at a high level, there were no real bargains in this area. Such bargains were more likely to be found among the cheaper cars.
A Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Coupé from 1970 was sold for EUR 46,000, far below expectations.
Only EUR 100,050 had to be paid for a Porsche 911 Carrera 3.0 in IROC specification from 1975.
And the rare Ferves Ranger 4x4 from 1970 also passed into new hands for just EUR 28,750.
Special Japanese
Until now, the Toyota 2000 GT was usually the most expensive Japanese car of all.
In Paris, the order changed here, as the Lexus LFA from 2011 fetched EUR 747,500, while "only" EUR 623,750 was paid for the 2000GT from 1967.
Old cars also fetch high prices
Although the younger cars at RM were leading in terms of price, there were also some expensive pre-war cars, even if the estimated prices in this age segment were mostly clearly missed, with one exception (Hispano-Suiza Coupé de Ville 15/20 from 1912 (EUR 138,000).
Nevertheless, EUR 850,000 was paid for the Bugatti 43 Roadster from 1928 and EUR 850,000 for the Alfa Romeo 6C 2300B MM Berlinetta Touring from 1938.
A Bugatti 55 from 1932 and the Delahaye 148 L from 1939 could not be sold.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 111 | Agostini Countach Junior 'Closed Roof' Children's Car | 1984 | 10'000 | 20'000 | 37'000 | 44'400 | 44'400 | +196%
|
V |
| 112 | Ferves Ranger 4×4 | 1970 | 40'000 | 60'000 | 25'000 | 28'750 | 28'750 | -42.5%
|
V |
| 113 | Alpine-Renault A110 1300 V85 | 1974 | 80'000 | 110'000 | 74'000 | 85'100 | 85'100 | -10.42%
|
V |
| 114 | Ferrari Testarossa | 1991 | 110'000 | 140'000 | 120'000 | 138'000 | 138'000 | +10.4%
|
V |
| 115 | Lamborghini Countach 5000 S By Bertone | 1984 | 500'000 | 650'000 | 450'000 | 511'250 | 511'250 | -11.09%
|
V |
| 116 | Land Rover Range Rover | 1975 | 40'000 | 60'000 | 30'000 | 34'500 | 34'500 | -31%
|
V |
| 117 | Ferrari F12tdf 'Pre-Series' | 2015 | 750'000 | 850'000 | 700'000 | 785'000 | 785'000 | -1.88%
|
V |
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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
