16.2.09

Now in its 34th year, the Port de Versailles, Paris based classic car show, has long offered the enthusiast some much needed, off season “fumes” and as a first time visitor, the opportunity to combine a much celebrated event and publicised auction, with some significant displays, was one not to be missed.

The 2009 edition celebrated the following automotive landmarks:

• 90 years of Citröen
• 75 years of the Silver Arrows
• A century of electric vehicles

Hall 7 of the considerable exhibition centre was full of man’s endeavours on 2 and 4 wheels, these were my highlights:

Stand of the Show – was a close run accolade, with Swiss dealer Lukas Huni displaying a stunning selection. The combination of not 1 but 2, 1928 Saoutchik bodied, supercharged Mercedes 680s, a Jaguar XKSS, pre-war Alfa Romeo, Ferrari 250LM and Lancia D24 on the same stand, meant that Huni’s “pitch”, justifiably received the most attention over the 10 day event. Not to be outdone, Bourne UK based Hall and Hall, had a fantastic display, the backbone of which were from the Donington Collection, complimented by a Jaguar C Type (once “crunched” by the attending Sir Stirling Moss) and the 1952 Mercedes W194 “air brake”.

Dealer displays – many of Europe’s most prominent classic dealers were present including Fiskens, Bruno Vendiesse and Jaap Braam Ruben. The last two are noted for their enthusiasm for the Bugatti marque and it was fitting that their stand contained several examples, including a recreation of the iconic Bugatti T57SC Atlantic. Multi award winning French restorer, Lecocq, displayed two superb Hispano Suizas, accompanied by the most aesthetically pleasing furniture of any stand. Charles Pozzi Ferrari showed their prowess at restoration, with an 80% complete Dino. Sport and Collection got my attention with Frederico Kroymans 250GTO, Paul Knapfield’s unique 712 Can-Am and the Felipe Massa driven ’06 F1, tipo 248 and highlighting its forthcoming May auction in Maranello, RM displayed a Competition Daytona s/n 16363.

Bonhams – cornerstone of this years auction were two tremendously significant Bugattis: “Black Bess”, (one of just three Type 18s produced and delivered new to French aviator, Roland Garros) and the 1937 Bugatti Type 57S Atalante Coupé (first registered to pre-war racing driver and former BRDC chairman Earl Howe). The former has a documented history from new and has been in UK ownership for more than 40 years, whilst the latter was disinterred last year in North East England, after almost 50 years hibernation. Bidding was brisk, both cars sold, (€2,427,500 and €3,417,500 respectively inc. buyers premium) and will remain in Europe.

Elsewhere a Daytona Coupé achieved €216.5k, a needy 275GTS sold at €288k and a Ferrari Classiche certificated 250PF coupe achieved €127.6k, whilst an oft-forgotten Ferrari alternative, the Lancia Aurelia Spyder, has a new home at €155.2k.

On a night when Bonhams achieved a 70% sale rate and a world record price for a Citröen, it was a shame that the 1,500+ attendees had to endure an unheated saleroom, without refreshment and an auctioneer who was unfamiliar with the catalogue.

Despite these shortcomings, overall the 2009 Retromobile was an excellent event, well supported and with much variety on display, including a funny-car dragster. With extensive, and economical air and rail links to Southern Paris and €13 admission, it’s definitely worth a visit.

Now it's only 5 weeks to the UK’s own historic motorsport show, Race Retro….see you there!

De Tomaso Pantera mixed Italian styling with US power but couldn't tempt bidders	Supplied new by French Ferrari agent Charles Pozzi this '72 Daytona attracted much attention....	....with 9 in rear wheels, a colour change to giallo and 1 owner for the last 22 yrs,it realised €216.5k	Pescarolo Sports 2004 C60 Le Mans challenger was Judd powered and a non finisher at that year's La Sarthe
Stunning BMW 328 welcomed visitors to Retromobile and a stand devoted to BMW Group's roadster production	The centre of attention on Bonhams auction stand was the heavily publicised Bugatti T57	Presented in Maranello Concessionaires race livery this 250LM was for "display only" on Lukas Huni's stand	Built in 1968 by Autodelta the T33/2 enjoyed class winning successes in the Daytona 24 hrs and Targa Florio

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Star of the Shell v Power and Ferrari 60th anniversary commercial this 500/25 was originally raced by Alberto Ascari

6th overall at Le Mans in 1973 Comp Daytona s/n 16363 is a star lot at RM Auctions Maranello sale in May

Surprise no sale in the Bonhams auction was the 250SWB s/n 2501GT with non original alloy body

Offered with a Ferrari Classiche cetificate this well presented 250PF Coupe made €127.6k

This Lancia Aurelia was one of 3 in the auction and sold at €115.2k