Every year the show is a gathering point for classic car enthusiasts and major collectors, not only from
Europe but also notably from the USA, and although some experienced delays they still eventually made it.
The show also attracts many of the major purveyors of classic cars, providing an eclectic array of offerings
with expansive displays, some of which are themed to particular models more as a showcase than a sales
point. Notable amongst these was Lukas Hueni’s stand, which had an expansive display of no less than ten
Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinettas, including the unique Bertone bodied “shark nose” example, chassis #
3269GT, along with many other fine and rare cars. Other regular prominent displays were those of Fiskens
and JD Classics from the UK, both featuring an eclectic array of diverse vehicles amongst their offerings.
Another regular exhibitor is Tradex srl, who stunned everybody in 2017 with their display of Ferrari F1 cars,
and this year delighted again with another fine display. This included examples of Alfa Romeo, Maserati,
OSCA, Stanguellini, F1 Ferraris, a beautiful pair of Ferrari 250 GT models, a S1 PF Cabriolet and a LWB
California Spider, together with a Ferrari Servizio Corse Peugeot 404 Estate Car with a F1 body panel on its
roof rack.
There were celebrations of the 120th anniversary of Renault, the 70th anniversary of Honda, Porsche, the
Citroen 2CV and the Peugeot 203, together with the 50th anniversary of the Citroen Mehari and Peugeot 504.
There were also special display features, including record cars gracing the link bridge avenue, a tribute to
Jean-Pierre Wimille, featuring both cars that he raced and ones that he built, and a marvellous display of
Abarth models from the renowned collection of Englebert Moll in Switzerland. Another feature display was
courtesy of Richard Mille, the luxury watch manufacturer, with a gleaming display of McLarens ranging from a
M2B F1 car to the P1 hypercar, and including the 1995 F1 GT01R Le Mans winner.
The show is also well supported by major manufacturers and/or their heritage divisions, including Fiat Chrysler
Automobiles, Jaguar Land Rover, Lamborghini, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche. Amongst them the
Citroen/DS Peugeot group had a prominent display in the centre of Hall 1, and included in the cars on display
were a Citroen DS21 Presidential car used by Général de Gaulle plus an SM that was used by Georges
Pompidou. Across the aisle were Renault and Alpine, with a stunning display of two A442s, an A443 and the
1978 Le Mans winning A442B model. Another feature of the show is the Artcurial auction, which had a wide
variety of offerings, ranging from barn find bicycles and cars to some spectacular classic offerings, even
though their promoted star lot, the 1964 Le Mans winning Ferrari 275 P, chassis # 0816, was withdrawn just
before the show. As adjuncts to the show both Bonhams and RM Sotheby’s held their regular auctions at
other locations in Paris.
Once again a wonderfully diverse show, which had all its usual ingredients that make it the spectacular “must
visit” classic show to kick start the season.
Keith Bluemel
02/2018.
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