Exotics and rarities under the hammer in Montreux - Ford Monte Carlo GT, Audi Quattro, Venturi, Lotus Cortina, Porsche Turbo, ...
The auctions that take place every year in Montreux (on Lake Geneva) are somewhat less well-known than other auctions. This year, from May 19 to 21, 2017, 140 cars and motorcycles will once again be auctioned off at the Centre de Congrés , ranging from a 90-year-old Citroën Trefle (estimated value CHF 6,000 to 7,000) to a still-youthful Maserati 4200 GT (estimated value CHF 17,000 to 20,000).
Anyone looking through the vehicles already published online - and more are being added all the time - will come across some rarities.
For example, the 1971 Ford Monte Carlo GT, which was shown at the Paris Motor Show in the year of its birth, is one of Pietro Frua's creations that did not make it into series production.
EUR 55,000 to 70,000 still seems like a realistic estimate, especially as this car can certainly be entered into many concours events.
The fast Ford Cortina Lotus is also highly sought-after, with an example from 1968 being offered for CHF 60,000 to 70,000. The two-door car can be seen as the predecessor of the BMW M3 and the like, so driving fun is certainly guaranteed.
The partially restored Ford Capri 2600 GT from 1971 appears to be very reasonably priced, although it should not be confused with the RS 2600. At CHF 10,000 to 12,000, it was also estimated to be considerably cheaper.
The 1986 Audi quattro (CHF 50,000 to 60,000) will probably cost a little more. And the BMW Z8 from 2001 (CHF 190,000 to 220,000) is really expensive.
In general, it is advisable to inspect the vehicles more closely on site before making a potential bid, even if the three Porsche Turbos - there is the whole range from the 930 Turbo 3.0 from 1976 (CHF 65,000 to 75,000) to the 964 Turbo 3.3 from 1991 (CHF 80,000 to 95,000) to the 993 Biturbo from 1996 (CHF 150,000 to 170,000) to choose from - could make your head spin. The condition of the vehicles is generally difficult to assess from a distance, as many of the photos on the website are small and the descriptions are extremely brief.
The Sunbeam Tiger from 1966 (CHF 60,000 to 75,000), the Venturi Transcup Cabriolet from 1991 (CHF 40,000 to 48,000) or the Lancia Delta Integrale 16V from 1991 (CHF 16,000 to 19,000) are certainly for those with a special taste.
You should have some knowledge of French if you want to take part in the auction , but one of the various Mercedes SLs or Minis could be well worth a visit to Montreux?
