Cars

Sunny side up

Slightly frayed red carpets, yellow-tinted spotlights, and the heady aroma of strong coffee, oil, and polished lacquer — Rétromobile might not be as, how can we say it, polished as other major events on the calendar, but that’s so much of the season-opening classic car extravaganza’s charm. In addition to numerous events, over 500 exhibitors will proudly display their wares, from classic cars to restoration services to must-have collectables.

Early days

From this esteemed gathering of seven-figure showstoppers, precious prototypes top the listings. Artcurial’s headline offering, the 1967 Ferrari Dino Berlinetta Speciale Prototype, is estimated between four- and eight-million euros, while the 1970 Porsche 917/10 prototype from RM Sotheby’s, the first Porsche 917 Can Am Spyder, is estimated between 4.6m and 5.5m euros.

While the cannon-like soundtracks and tail-happy driving characteristics of fast saloons and estates from other manufacturers may seem enticing, in the real world they are simply counterproductive. Should you wish to travel in the rain, chauffer your in-laws with respectful modesty, or tackle other real word tasks, the excitable puppy on your driveway will be of little help. Starting with its legendary Porsche partnership, the RS2, Audi has been quietly honing its S and RS products to create the Swiss Army knife of the automotive world.

The BMW buff

Ask the head of any auction house to explain their strategy behind which cars they consign, where they sell, and when they sell, and they will all tell you that their team thinks independently, sets trends, and moves ahead of the curve. This is generally the case, but at this year’s Rétromobile sales, RM Sotheby’s and Artcurial may end up looking like the slightly embarrassed guests who have arrived at the soirée in the same haute couture dress, as both firms are selling remarkably similar examples of various models, with some even in the same colours.