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09/02/2012
Artcurial Auction, Paris Rétromobile, 3 February 2012: Review

1959 Ferrari 250 GT Spider California: Sold for 4,507,104 euros

With the 4.5m-euro, ex-Roger Vadim 1959 Ferrari 250 GT Spider California its star lot, the Artcurial team must be delighted with a Paris sale that grossed over 14 million euros.

Within that figure (90% of the cars found new owners, which was impressive in itself), other notable sales included 214,445 euros for the 1968 Aston Martin DB6, 190,618 euros for the 1964 Facel Vega Excellence Series II Export, and the alloy-bodied 1967 Bizzarrini 5300 GT Strada which achieved 351,451 euros.

Of the few non-sellers, the 1971 Porsche 911 S/T and the 1972 Porsche 911 2.4 S (modified to 3.0-itre RS specification) prove once again that nowadays originality is all. One surprise was the 1960 Maserati 3500 GT Spyder Vignale, another car from the collection of the late Jean-Claude Bajol (whence came the headlining Ferrari). Maybe it was the colour – red – or maybe the estimate was just a touch strong (200k – 300k euros), but for whatever reason, it did not sell on the night.

1967 Bizzarrini 5300 GT Strada Aluminium: Sold for 351,451 euros

We always like Porsche 356s, and 33,358 euros for the 1961 356 B Super 90 Coupé seemed reasonable. A later (1964) Coupé achieved 47,654 euros, but add ‘Cabriolet’ (the 113,179 euros, 1958 356 A 1600 S) or ‘Pre-A’ (a 1954 356 Pre-A Coupé that sold for 148,920 euros) into the mix and prices start to get a little hot.

The Italian, much-fancied, plain red homologation-special rally cars both found new owners. The very nice 1984 Lancia Rallye 037 went for 196,574 euros and the boxy, but great fun to drive, 1977 Fiat 131 Abarth Rally, 55,994 euros.

1961 Facel Vega HK500: Sold for 86,969 euros

After automobilia and watches, the main sale commenced with several motorbikes. Gaining much admiration and tank-tapping from the knowledgeable, pre-sale punters, the 1954 BSA Avenger sold for 12,509 euros and the 1969 Triumph Trophy TR6C, 9,531 euros. Nice couple of bikes.

Finally, Nigel Mansell fans will be interested to note that the great man’s 1989 Ferrari F40 found a new owner for a top estimate 374,561 euros. If you compare that with RM selling an albeit immaculate, 300-miles-only 1991 example once owned by Lee Iacocca for $781,000 (say 585k euros) last month it might not look too good.

However, compare Artcurial’s 4.5m euros 250 GT LWB Spider California with the superb (open headlamp, 'tis true) one sold by Gooding, also in Arizona, for $3,905,000 and Gallic pride is restored. At today’s exchange rates, the Artcurial car works out at nigh-on $6m with buyer’s premium.

Touché!, as they might say in France.

1956 Ferrari 250 GT Coupé Boano: Sold for 477,478 euros


1964 Lancia Flaminia Sport Coupé by Zagato: Sold for 109,605 euros	1984 Lancia Rallye 037: Sold for 196,574 euros

Artcurial’s next motor car sale is at the Le Mans Classic on 7 July 2012.

To see the complete results, please click HERE.

Text - Steve Wakefield
Photos - Artcurial / Classic Driver

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