Wed, Jan 18, 2023


Motoring
Stunning cars come to Paris auction


RM Sotheby’s will bring 87 of the finest automobiles currently available to the market when its European auction calendar opens in Paris on February 1.

Featuring some of the most desirable pre-and post-war marques, the entire auction of 98 lots spans just over 110 years of automotive history.

No auction is complete without a selection of Maranello’s finest, and the Paris sale features 14 stunning Ferraris. Among the more recently made consignments is a 2003 Ferrari Enzo finished in a striking combination of Nero over Pelle Nera and is a French-delivered example originally supplied new via Charles Pozzi SA.

One of the great hypercar icons of the modern era and featuring a mid-mounted 6.0-litre V-12 producing 651 horsepower, the car is estimated at €3,800,000 - €4,200,000.

The 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 by Scaglietti is a beautiful example of this highly collectable model, and with matching-numbers chassis, engine, and gearbox further to Ferrari Classiche certification, this example was beautifully restored between 2012 and 2016 and is ready for its next adventure (estimate: €3,100,000 - €3,300,000). Also on offer is a 1990 Ferrari F40 (estimate: €2,100,000 - €2,500,000) and a 1963 Ferrari 250 GT/L Berlinetta Lusso by Scaglietti finished in its gorgeous and rare, factory-correct Pino Verde Metallizzato (Estimate: €1,600,000 - €2,000,000).

Bugatti dominates 

The Bugatti marque features heavily within the Paris sale, and while the previously announced 2022 Bugatti Chiron Profilée is undoubtedly one of the most cutting-edge hypercars in existence (estimate: €4,200,000 - €5,500,000), the 2009 Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport is the machine that originally redefined the term ‘hypercar’. Capable of an astonishing top speed of 408.47 km/h, this Grand Sport with removable roof is one of just 58 examples. It was originally retained by the factory before its acquisition by its first private owner in 2014 and offers the chance to own a machine with one of the finest and mightiest engines ever built (estimate: €1,300,000 - €1,500,000).

The sale also features two remarkable pre-war Bugattis. The 1932 Bugatti Type 55 Roadster in the style of Jean Bugatti is a beautiful example of one of Bugatti's most iconic road car designs. Boasting a short wheelbase and lightweight construction, it was the road-going version of the Type 51 Grand Prix car. This example was raced in the summer of 1932 at Automobile Club of Luxembourg events and is accompanied by reports from marque historian David Sewell (estimate: €1,800,000 - €2,200,000).

Another highly desirable model is the 1928 Bugatti Type 43 Roadster by Lavocat et Marsaud. Also blessed with the mighty race-derived eight-cylinder engine, the example on offer was successfully raced in-period and includes a victory in the 1932 Paris-Nice rally. Chassis 43233 was first owned by Delage factory Works racer Robert Senechal, further adding to its exceptional provenance (estimate: €1,000,000 - €1,300,000).

 Lamborghini Line-up

Six Lamborghinis are on offer in Paris, including the Countach derivatives, two Miuras, and a 350 GT. Joining the previously announced Miura S ‘Jota Specification’ is a 1969 Lamborghini Miura P400 S by Bertone, a highly desirable early-production Miura P400 S finished in its factory-correct colour of Rosso Miura (Estimate: €1,400,000 - €1,800,000). Also on offer is a 1978 Lamborghini Countach LP400 S by Bertone, believed to be the only one of its kind finished in Blu Notte Metallizato. Subject to a full nut-and-bolt restoration overseen by Lamborghini test driver Valentino Balboni, this Gandini-designed, 181 mph machine is estimated to sell for €800,000 - €1,000,000.

Two mid-1960s competition greats also feature in Paris. The 1964 Porsche 904 GTS boasts period racing history, including rounds of the 1964, 1965, and 1966 World Sportscar Championships, in addition to a victory in its class at the 1965 Nürburgring 1000 km. Presented with full ownership from new, its first owner was the burgeoning future Porsche factory driver Udo Schütz (estimate: €2,000,000 - €2,250,000). Equally stunning is the 1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia Tubolare Zagato which also competed at the Nürburgring 1000 km as well as the Gran Premio de Mugello. The example is presented in beautifully correct condition and boasts certification by the respected Registro Italiano Alfa Romeo (estimate: €1,200,000 - €1,400,000).

Pre-war Alfa Romeos are always sought after, so many eyes will be on the 1938 Alfa Romeo 6C 2300B Mille Miglia Berlinetta by Touring. This rakish and powerful car, boasting its original Berlinetta body, has won Best in Class awards at both the 2007 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and 2009 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. It is one of a mere 107 examples produced and is estimated to sell for between €1,000,000 - €1,400,000.





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