Les Grandes Marques du Monde à Paris by Bonhams

STRIKING FERRARIS LEAD BONHAMS-CARS 2025 PARIS SALE AT THE GRAND PALAIS HISTORIQUE

Paris – The annual Bonhams|Cars Paris sale at the historic Grand Palais is primed to showcase an extraordinary line-up of collector cars headlined by two rare Ferraris – 1955 Ferrari 555 Supersqualo and 1950 Ferrari 166 MM Barchetta by Touring. Both cars played crucial roles in shaping Ferrari’s legacy that is synonymous with performance and elegance. These historic legends are perfectly suited for the 17th edition of the Bonhams Cars sale, which coincides with Paris’ annual classic car show, Retromobile. A diverse array of vehicles, from classic cars to modern supercars, will be displayed under the iconic glass dome of the legendary Grand Palais from February 4 – 6, 2025 before the live sale takes place on February 6.

Headlining the sale is the 1950 Ferrari 166 MM Barchetta Touring, which played a pivotal role in Ferrari’s early success in racing. Often referred to as the “godfather” of Ferrari sports cars, the 166 MM marked Ferrari’s transition from purely racing vehicles to cars that also catered to the luxury market. This car, delivered new to gentleman driver Count Paolo Marzotto, was extensively raced during its era including in the Mille Miglia, Monaco Grand Prix, Giro di Sicilia, and Coppa d’Oro. French motorsports racing driver and Ferrari importer Charles Pozzi drove it in several Mille Miglia Storica during the 1980s and 1990s. Estimated to sell for €4 – 6 million, the car has been under single ownership since 1994 and is eligible for prestigious events such as the Mille Miglia Storica, Monaco Historic Grand Prix, Tour Auto, Le Mans Classic, and more.

The 1955 Ferrari 555 Supersqualo solidified Ferrari’s reputation for excellence in both engineering and racing, influencing the brand’s legacy in the automotive world. This 555 Supersqualo is one of only two modified for Formula Libre racing at the end of the Formula One season. It originally raced for Scuderia Ferrari in the 1955 Formula One World Championship, and over the years, was raced by drivers Piero Taruffi, Paul Frère, and Mike Hawthorn. The Supersqualo continued its racing career, winning the Monaco Historic GP with Martin Stretton at the helm. Today, the car remains eligible for numerous prestigious international events and concours d’élégance. Restored with its original engine and part of this collection for the past 25 years, this rare racing vehicle is estimated to sell for €4 – 6 million.

These special Ferraris come from a single owner collection of 24 cars presented in the sale, all offered without reserve. Many of the cars in the collection have been held for decades including the 1925 Bugatti T35 GP de Lyon, since 1965 and is estimated to sell for €900,000 – 1,300,000.

Philip Kantor, International Chairman of Bonhams|Cars, commented,

“Our Paris sale continues to be a tremendous success, year after year, with record attendance and highly significant cars on offer. We are thrilled to return to Grand Palais Historique and headline this major sale with these two spectacular Ferraris offered from a magnificent private collection. It’s the first sale for the European car team of the year, and we’re anticipating an auction of the highest caliber fit for this remarkable venue.”

The Grand Palais, a cornerstone of Parisian cultural and exhibition venues, continues to play host to a broad array of prestigious events. Its history includes hosting several events for the 2024 Paris Olympics, premier art fairs like Art Basel’s Paris +, and extravagant fashion shows from luxury brands like Chanel. For several years now, it has been the chosen venue for Bonhams|Cars’ Paris sale. Upholding the venue’s reputation for showcasing leading art and cultural events, Bonhams will present a display of the finest in art and luxury.

The Grand Palais Sale will be complimented by a curated selection of contemporary art, fine jewelry, and designer handbags from leading categories at Bonhams. The presentation of cars, art, and luxury is set to draw in thousands of visitors over the course of the event, adding another chapter to the Grand Palais’ rich history.

Les Grandes Marques du Monde à Paris by Bonhams

Sale: The Grand Palais
Location: Paris
Date: February 6, 2025

6 February 2025 | starting at 12:00 CET

Viewing at Grand Palais Nave:
Tuesday 4 February: 8 AM – 6 PM
Wednesday 5 February: 9 AM – 6 PM

Auction Day, Thursday 6 February:
15 cars will be displayed at the Grand Palais Main Entrance.
The remaining 85 cars and motorcycles will be on view at the INDIGO Invalides parking. There will be free shuttle transfers between the Grand Palais and the parking, organised by Bonhams|Cars, from 10AM – 6PM