Bonhams|Cars
Paris, France – In the heart of Paris and overlooking the Eiffel Tower, the Grand Palais Éphémère set the stage for what was the 15th edition of the ‘Grandes Marques du Monde à Paris’ Sale that took place on February 1st. Coinciding with Rétromobile, the sale attracted car enthusiasts from around the world, resulting in over 3,500 visitors who filled this exceptional venue during preview days. On auction day vibrant participation in the room drew bidding from more than 35 countries. The 162-lot sale, which included everything from automobilia and motorcycles to classic and supercars, achieved a total of €16,000,000($ 17,264,352) with 83% sold by lot.
Philip Kantor, International Chairman of Bonhams|Cars, commented, “The Grand Palais Éphémère continues to be one of our most exceptional venues with the best atmospheres. We experienced record crowds over preview days and particularly on auction day, which underscored the remarkable selection of classic and contemporary automobiles presented at this prestigious venue.”
The highlight of the sale was the 2004 Ferrari Enzo, selling for €3,910,000 ($ 4,218,976). This iconic supercar, known for its rarity and revered status, was originally delivered to France and stands out with its Nero Daytona finish. It has been meticulously maintained and boasts comprehensive documentation, with only 9,500 kilometers on the odometer.
Another standout was the 1969 Lamborghini Miura P400 S, a highly sought-after model. Originally delivered in Paris in 1969 and with only four owners since, this vehicle, restored in the late 1980s under the direction of Edmond Ciclet and kept in storage since 2008, achieved a final price of €954,500($ 1,029,926).
Additional highlights from the sale included:
- 1951 Maserati A6 1500/3C Gran Turismo, sold for €460,000($ 496,350). One of 10 models factory-fitted with three Weber carburettors, it changes hands for the first time in 30 years and will be eligible for the Mille Miglia and all major global concours d’élégance.
- 1981 Lamborghini Countach LP400S Series II, sold for €621,000($ 670,073). It was the 1981 Geneva Motor Show car and is notable for its Blu Notte Metallizzato finish and rare low-body version.
Also finding success was the offering of 32 motorcycles, which reached a total result of €458,748($ 495,000) with 78% sell-through rate. A highlight was the 1958 Moto Morini 250cc Bialbero Grand Prix Racing Motorcycle, which sold for €117,236 ($ 126,500). The Bonhams Motorcycle Team now look forward to their Spring Stafford Sale, with over 100 motorcycles already consigned.
Next up for Bonhams|Cars is The Amelia Island Auction on February 29 at Fernandina Beach Golf Club.The next collector car auction in Europe is The Monaco Sale timed to the biannual Historical Grand Prix of Monaco on May 10. Preview lots can be viewed at BonhamsCars.com.
About Bonhams|Cars – Bonhams|Cars uniquely offers a choice of live, online and private platforms for buying and selling collector cars—platforms characterised by levels of trust, reliability, and transparency born of over three decades of experience as the premier automotive auction house. Through prestigious live auctions around the world, 24/7 online auctions, and our recently introduced Private Sales service, Bonhams|Cars makes it simple for buyers and sellers to find the platform that best meets their needs.
Bonhams|Cars host 17 live auctions annually, participates in all the significant concours around the world, and presents unique selling opportunities at international events such as the 2023 Formula 1® Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as the official auction partner of the Formula 1 Paddock Club™, Goodwood Motorsport Events in the UK, The Quail on the Monterey Peninsula in California, The Audrain Concours in Newport, Rhode Island, and The Zoute Concours d’Elégance in Belgium. At Bonhams|Cars Online, formerly The Market by Bonhams, we provide our clients with fast, expert, accurate and agile single-car auctions, 24/7. With dedicated motoring departments in London, Paris, Los Angeles, New York, Brussels, and beyond, Bonhams|Cars has a world-class team with expertise in all divisions, from vintage cars to racing motorsport and automobilia to motorcycles.
For more information, please visit BonhamsCars.com
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