Nine Collections on Sale
The extraordinary success of the Richard Romagny Collection which sold online last November has confirmed
Artcurial Motorcars’ leading position in the sale of collections. The department’s team is proud to be
presenting no less than nine collections in this year’s Retromobile sale in March, of which the Bandini,
Lafourcade and Lempereur collections have already been announced.
Among the other collections to be offered is the personal collection of Alain Aziza, who founded "Auto
Performance – Aston Martin Paris", operating since the 1980s as a dealership in France for one of the most
prestigious marques in the world, and the marque Aziza had a lifelong passion for: Aston Martin.
No Aston Martin collection would be complete without a DB5. One example, from 1963, was completely
restored by Aston Martin Heritage Paris and is presented in spectacular condition. A 1961 DB4, a 1959
DB2/4 MkIII and a V8 EFI complete this very special group of cars.
Another collection starring in the sale comes from a Parisian businessman. Having little time to indulge his
passion during the week, he spends the first part of every weekend driving all his cars to ensure they are kept
in top running condition.
The 1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ in one of the marque’s most legendary and powerful models, sometimes
referred to as the ‘Baby GTO’ for the similarity of its architecture and design. One of just 112 produced, this is
a well-preserved and authentic example that has been meticulously maintained and is eligible for all the best
historic events.
The Vega 54 Prototype ‘V’ by Facel in the collection was the first car built by Jean Daninos. The design of
this stunning two-seater coupé prefigured the marque’s production models. The two other cars in the
collection are a 1963 Osca 1600 GT Zagato berlinetta «Double Bubble», one of just 130 examples, and a
superb 1967 Ferrari 330 GTC.
Exceptional Pre-War Models
There will be several special pre-war models crossing the block in this latest Retromobile sale:
The Bugatti Type 57 with “Aérolithe” replica body is an amazingly faithful copy of an automobile that has
become legendary: the Bugatti 57 Aérolithe. With avant-garde styling inspired by the Art Deco movement, this
magnesium-bodied model with its riveted spine, was a forerunner of the most expensive Bugatti in the world,
the Atlantic.
The Bugatti 37, known in Bugatti circles as the "Dufilho 37", for having been owned by the famous actor
between 1957 and 1982. It comes with provenance, authenticity, prestige, and a unique, transparent history,
without having been subjected to the rigours of racing, but instead the love and respect of its successive
owners.
The Paul Thanry collection includes a select group of 17 carefully selected pre-war automobiles.
Pre-war highlights include two unusual race cars : the 1908 Lorraine-Dietrich Type FM 6,4L Course 28/35cv
and the 1925 Guyot Spéciale GS25 2L, a one-off Grand Prix car.
Star Power
The Artcurial Motorcars team is also pleased to reveal a line-up of vehicles owned by stars of the screen and
stage, their celebrity provenance adding a touch of glamour that makes them unique.
The 1958 ex-Brigitte Bardot Rolls Royce Silver Cloud LWB by Henri Chapron was ordered new by a
French aristocrat, and made to measure by Henri Chapron. Brigitte Bardot acquired the car in 1966, driving it
to Meribel for a skiing holiday, a part of the car’s history that can be seen in various period photos.
Artcurial Motorcars will present the most famous of Johnny Hallyday’s Harley-Davidsons, the 1990 Softail
Heritage 1340 that was designed specially for the star. The electric blue bike was called « Laura Eyes » after
the colour of his daughter’s eyes. It was famously driven onto the stage by Johnny during his three concerts
at the Stade de France in 1998.
Another Harley Davidson, a Fat Boy customised in 2010 for its famous owner, Romain Grosjean. The driver
bought himself this machine to celebrate his first podium finish in F1, taking it to Cannes to be prepared by
Bobber F.
Romain Grosjean has said that he will take the new owner out for dinner!
An interesting daily driver on offer is the 1975 Range Rover 3,5L V8 previously owned by Alain Delon. This
sought-after collectors’ 4x4 has benefitted from a ground-up restoration.
Everyone remembers the final scene of the film ‘Le Gendarme de Saint Tropez’ starring Louis de Funès, alias
Cruchot, and Michel Galabru driving around the old port in an American convertible, surrounded by bikers and
accompanied by a festive fanfare…
This very car, the 1963 Oldsmobile Cutlass F85 cabriolet will return to the stage to come under the hammer in
March !
New Supercar
Finally, one of just 149 examples built, the 2020 McLaren Elva supercar is a mechanical masterpiece
designed for pure speed, its aerodynamic form inspired directly by F1 technology. The Elva allows two people
to experience the sensations of an F1 single-seater on the open road. What’s more, this as-new example has
just 10 kilometres on the clock !
According to Matthieu Lamoure, Managing Director, Artcurial Motorcars,
"The selection of cars in this 2022 edition of the Rétromobile Salon is exceptional, positioning this sale at the
highest international level. Vive Paris! Vive Rétromobile!"
|
