One of the highlights of Rétromobile is the auction of high-end luxury cars at the show’s exclusive auctioneer Artcurial. Upon acquisition of the catalogue, visitors can access the floor to observe the exquisites and rarities. The dedicated stage is like an exhibition within the exhibition. Having seen cars whose value broke the world record in previous years, I had the feeling to witness something historical, that I can tell to my grandchildren.
This year, there was no flagship car to hit the headlines with 8 digit sales prices, despite quite a few decent bids and a spectacular line-up of vehicles. The main attractions included a Mercedes-Benz 710 SS Sport Tourer by Fernandez & Darrin, the Le Mans racing Delahaye 135 S and DB AKA “Le Monstre”, as well as Johnny Hallyday’s Ford Mustang and Rod Stewart’s Lamborghini Countach. The host of the event was Hervé Poulain, the famous art specialist who invented BMW’s Art Car series. In addition to cars, a great variety of items were offered, from children’s toy Countache to F1 memorabilia.
Last year’s Alfa 8c sold for over 16 million euros while the Ferrari 335 Scaglietti of 2016 aimed to break world records.
The most awesome carspotting experience at Rétromobile is the Auction
This year the total auction value covering priceless classics, glorious racers and contemporary luxury models together could not reach the sales price of the Scaglietti in 2016. But again, in absolute terms, there were quite a few stunners at this auction, and I will a few details about my favourites.
The undisputed star of the auction was going to be a 1929 Mercedes-Benz 710 SS Sport Tourer by coachbuilt by Fernandez & Darrin. Between 1929 and 1935, just 110 examples of the SS were built, all bodies together, and each collector holds its SS with great care.
Estimated between 6 and 8 million euros, this car could have made the global headlines, but sadly, it was not sold.
My personal favourite of Rétromobile’s offering was the 1965 Ferrari 275 GTB, with an impressive racing history. The car took part in over 40 international races between 1965 and 1968, including rally, track and Hillclimb events.
It featured on the cover of the Ferrari Yearbook in 1966, having won the GT class in the Monza 1000km that year. The car also competed in the European Hillclimb Championship with rounds at Mont Ventoux, Ollon-Villars and Cesana Sestriere, and the Rallye Solitude Lyon Charbonnière.
It seemed I was not the only one with the preference, this car took the highest bid a bit over 2.5 million euros.
Another spectacular car was the 1938 Alfa Romeo 6C 2300 B Lungo cabriolet Worblaufen, estimated at about 1.5 million euros. This specimen became the star of the 1938 Geneva Motor Show, and it was invited in 2018 again to celebrate the 80th birthday of the Geneva International Motor Show.
It was a safe bet to follow the cars placed on podiums, and the 6C was facing another Alfa 6C, a 2300 B Pescara cabriolet Worblaufen, estimated at roughly half the price. For some reason, they did not find a new owner during the auction.
On the other hand, another iconic pre-war model on a podium did get quite some bids. The 1936 Delahaye 135S, was one of just 16 competition 135S examples built by the marque.
The “Special” versions were the rarest and most highly sought-after, at that time available to factory drivers. The car found a new owner for over €917,000.
The fleet included not one, but two Mercedes Pullman Mercedes-Benz 600 limousine Pullman, a black one from 1965 and another black one (with a more bland interior) from 1969.
The latter was sold under 100.000 euros, while the more shiny one with the red interior went up to 238.000.
Race cars performed quite well at the 2020 Auction. The most successful lot was a 1966 Porsche 906 that went for over 1,7 million euros, scoring the second-highest bid of the auction. Even without an impressive racing history, as the car was delivered to a private driver in Italy entering in local Hillclimb races.
The 1993 Jaguar XJ 220 C, driven by Paul Belmondo in the 24 Hours of Le Mans was awarded a thematic corner and was sold to a new owner for slightly over 1 million euros.
Compared to that the 1959 DB HBR4 Coach jovially known as “Le Monstre” was sold for peanuts at 172,800 euros. Nevertheless, the announced crazy Le Mans racer in the other thematic corner could not find a new owner at all.
Now I could go on for a long time with details and stories. Still, those who are really interested should have a look at the catalogue of Artcurial. Perhaps one lot that deserves a special mention is a Ferrari F40, that earned quite high bets. Finishing over 1 Million euros, it was one of the few high stakes road-legal cars that found a new owner.
