Artcurial Motorcars makes a strong comeback for the 49th edition of the Salon Rétromobile, a must-attend event for classic car enthusiasts.

©Kevin Van Campenhout
On 7th, 8th, and 9th February 2025, during the Rétromobile Show in Paris, Artcurial Motorcars will present the most anticipated Collector Car auction of the year. On Friday, 7th February, 113 cars will be showcased in a unique atmosphere, including two highly awaited collections: the Cadiou Collection and the ‘Silver Collection.’ The following day, the Paul-Emile B. Collection and the renowned Umberto Panini Collection of motorcycles will go under the hammer, preceding the traditional Automobilia sale.

©Nino Hamet
Paris – From 5th to 9th February 2024, the 49th edition of the Rétromobile Show will take place in Paris, one of the world’s largest events dedicated to classic cars, their accessories, and, since last year, motorcycles. For the fourteenth consecutive year, over three full days of spectacular auctions orchestrated by the Artcurial Motorcars team, visitors will have the opportunity to discover a selection of automobiles, each with illustrious stories and prestigious pedigrees.

©Sian Loyson.
Numerous Bentleys in near-concours condition will be featured, including the exceptional Bentley S1 Continental Fastback by HJ Mulliner. Originally commissioned by the Peugeot family in 1956, this car was later owned by the renowned photographer Helmut Newton from 1964 to 1972 and is attractively estimated between €750,000 and €1,000,000.

©Kevin Van Campenhout
Among the 14 Ferraris on offer are rare models such as this 1963 Ferrari 250 GT/Lusso by Pininfarina, estimated between €1,200,000 and €1,500,000, complete with Ferrari Classiche certification. Featuring its original grigio argento color, its history has been meticulously documented by Marcel Massini. Also available is a 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB, estimated between €2,200,000 and €2,600,000, originally delivered in France on 19th April 1966 in Levallois and registered by its first Parisian owner. Finally, a 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB Aluminium, estimated between €2,000,000 and €3,000,000 (offered without reserve), one of only 93 examples with aluminium bodywork, expertly restored by Cognolato.

© KVC
12 Mercedes will also be on offer, including the legendary 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing, featuring its original engine and bodywork, estimated between €1,300,000 and €1,600,000. Another highlight is a rare 1964 Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman, originally commissioned by the Swedish Royal Family, estimated between €150,000 and €250,000.
Cars in original condition include a barn-find 1962 Jaguar E-Type 3.8L, estimated between €50,000 and €70,000 (offered without reserve), French-origin and remarkably first-hand—a rarity today. Also featured is a 1899 Phébus ‘Special Racing Tricycle,’ retaining its original drip carburetor, estimated between €50,000 and €70,000.

© Peter Singhof.
16 Porsches will also be presented, such as a rare 1952 Porsche 356 Pre-A 1300 ‘Split-Windscreen,’ estimated between €380,000 and €460,000, kept in the same family for 60 years. Another highlight is a 1972 Porsche 911 Carrera 2.7 RS from the André Cadiou collection, estimated between €400,000 and €500,000 (offered without reserve). It is one of the first 500 examples and comes in its original ‘blood orange’ color.

i©Kevin Van Campenhout
- In the pre-war sports category, a 1934 Aston Martin MKII 1.5L, which participated in the Tourist Trophy in September 1934, is estimated between €140,000 and €180,000.
- To mark the 90th anniversary of the Bugatti Type 57, an exceptional 1934 Cabriolet Stelvio, notable for its coachwork, original condition, and history, is estimated between €350,000 and €500,000.
- Two Lamborghini Countachs will also feature: a LP400S, one of the last ‘low-body’ versions, in excellent condition with its original engine, estimated between €500,000 and €600,000, and a 25th Anniversary Countach, ordered new by Formula 1 driver Gerhard Berger, estimated between €360,000 and €420,000.
- In the hypercar category, highlights include a 2019 McLaren Senna with less than 1,980 km, single ownership, and a special livery inspired by Fernando Alonso’s last Grand Prix, estimated between €950,000 and €1,150,000, as well as a first-owner Bugatti EB110 GT from Paul-Emile B.’s collection, with just 19,500 km.
- For youngtimer enthusiasts, a 1983 Volkswagen Golf GTI 1800, the most sought-after model of the GTI range, is estimated between €15,000 and €25,000.
- From the exceptional Paul-Emile B. Collection, a 1936 Delage D6-70 Spéciale Compétition, a double participant in the 24 Hours of Le Mans (1937 and 1938) and winner of the 1938 Tourist Trophy, is estimated between €1,300,000 and €1,600,000. Also featured is a 1930 Bugatti Type 51 GP Usine, formerly owned by Ralph Lauren, estimated between €1,700,000 and €2,300,000. Adding to the allure is the incredible 1906 Gladiator 9.4L, arguably the most significant and oldest French racing car of its era.
- No Rétromobile auction is complete without curiosities, such as a 1934 ‘Pou du Ciel’ airplane, or a 1937 Renault TN4H Parisian bus in perfect working order. Additionally, a Packard Super Eight, designed by Chapron in the shape of a boat as a promotional piece for Louis Réard, the inventor of the bikini, will be up for sale.

©Courtesy: Artcurial
On Saturday, following the Paul-Emile B. Collection auction, nearly 80 motorcycles, including the rare and fabulous Umberto Panini Italian Collection, will be presented without reserve.

©Courtesy: Artcurial
Salon Rétromobile
Paris Expo – Pavilion 3
Porte de Versailles
75015 Paris
Exhibitions:
From Wednesday, 5 February 2024 to Friday, 9 February 2024
Auctions:
07.02 – 3:00 PM : The Official Sale Day 1
08.02 – 3:00 PM : The Official Sale Day 2
09.02: Racing, Flying & Yachting