Quintessentially French cars in a quintessentially French setting

Aptly, the French contingent has a strong showing. We particularly like the Le Mans Classic-eligible Alpine A210 sports prototype (300-500k euros); one of fewer than 10 remaining Bugatti Type 13s, in beautifully original condition (150-250k euros); and a very regal Facel Vega Excellence (estimated at 160-200k euros). 

As usual, Porsche is well represented, with three cars among the lots with the highest pre-sale estimates. There's a highly eligible, ex-Walter Röhrl 911 ST, the sixth of just 43 cars genuine cars; a striking blue 2.7 Carrera RS Touring, complete with matching numbers; and a fabulously restored 356 Carrera 2000GS. The estimates are 770-920k, 700-900k, and 550-650k euros respectively.

Temptation at every turn

Of the Ferraris, most significant is a circa-9000km F40 (900k-1.1m euros), though there are several other notable cars, including a brace of 512BBs (300-350k and 280-340k euros, respectively), a fabulous blue 308 GTB, estimated at a very healthy 140-180k euros (attesting to the 70s model’s burgeoning popularity in the market), and a silver 360 Challenge Stradale (185-235k euros), refreshingly different from ‘resale red’. Oh, and that 246 GT with the French yellow headlights (250-300k euros) – and you thought the Dino couldn't get any cooler?

Though a little untidy (it’s had just one owner from new), the BMW M1 in an elegant dark blue hue is an attractive proposition at just 100-150k euros. But if you’re feeling particularly brave, the flawed-yet-charming (and supposedly highly original) De Tomaso Vallelunga (220-280k euros) is crying out for some TLC. If we could raise our paddle on one car, though, it’d have to be the exquisite Frua-bodied Maserati 3500 (400-600k euros). In the same family since 1967, we can’t imagine it’s lacked any TLC since then. 

Photos: Artcurial