Naturellement, much of the catalogue is of French manufacture. Cars such as the various Citroëns (DS, 2CV or Méhari), or even a Ferrari Mondial Convertible that was delivered to a dealer in Monaco after it had served as a ‘Ferrari Popemobile’ for the pontiff’s visit to the Maranello factory in 1988.

With just 20,000km on the odometer, it’s an interesting car for its 28,000 – 34,000 euros estimate.

And, though it might have a less glamorous past, the discreet grey Ferrari 400 is a lot of car for the money (15,000 - 20,000 euros).



Built between 1968 and 1987, and named after a North African dromedary camel, the Citroën Méhari has always had an enthusiastic following. The lightweight dune buggy's special claim to fame was its role in French comedian Louis de Funès' films such as ‘Le Gendarme de Saint-Tropez’. Even now, 25 years on from the discontinuation of Méhari production, the little corrugated car is a frequent sight around the South of France.

In the Osenat sale, two examples will be offered: the rare all-wheel-drive 1980 Méhari 4x4, for 15,000 -18,000 euros, and a 1985 Méhari ‘Azur’ in the colours of the French navy, estimated at 5,000 - 8,000 euros.



Compared with the nice, but not unexpected Porsche 911 ‘G’ model and Mercedes-Benz ‘Pagoda’ entries, the BMW 2000 CS in the catalogue is something of a surprise. The coupé with its streamlined, slightly avant-garde lights and grille treatment was the first of the famous ‘mid-size’ BMW coupés that culminated in the famous ‘Batmobile’. This particular example is a 1969 car in Bristol Grey with a dark blue interior. It’s another car with a famous past, featuring in a film with the French comedian and actor ‘Coluche’ (Michel Colucci). Estimate: ‘On Request’, please.



No sale of classics can be complete without several English cars, two of which are potential ‘Modern Classics’, being a pair of Jaguar XJSs, one full convertible (a 1989 car for 12,000 – 18,000 euros) and one Targa.

Going back to the 1950s, there’s also a 1959 XK150 FHC with rare, optional sunroof. The nicely patinated example in Old English White is estimated at a competitive 40,000 - 50,000 euros.



Finally, the most expensive lot in the catalogue is the 1934 Phantom II Convertible with bodywork by Fernandez et Darrin. Nicely timed to coincide with the latest Series II Phantoms launched this week at Geneva, the stylish pre-War car is estimated at 200,000 - 300,000 euros.





Photos: Osenat