"Cars are an experience," says the auction house.
When it comes to classic or collectable cars, each element tells a story and can be the determining factor of its value. An original plate? A single colour? A model preserved or restored? Beyond the power of the engine, Italian auction house Wannenes invites you to contemplate pure beauty, and to celebrate one of the only objects that has transcended its utilitarian function to reach an almost artistic dimension.
A car is possibly the most functional object we possess, and can become, in some cases, the expression of the personality of its owner. "Those who opt for a classic or collector’s car knows what they have in their hands, they appreciate the characteristics of the model they drive,” the auction house pointed out.
On 23 November, Wannenes is organising ‘Classic Cars and Youngtimer’, a sale that will take place during the prestigious ‘Milano Autoclassica’ fair and which will mark a century of automotive passion. The fair starts with a selection of automobilia, in which two unpublished technical drawings of Giovanni Michelotti for the Bugatti 252 stand out. In the hustle and bustle of the fair, Wannenes will be giving passionate fans decades of history, with a selection of automobiles ranging from the first genuine ‘trolleys’ to the Ferrari 12-cylinder and Porsche Turbo of the 1990s.
"We have often been asked what selection criteria we use to build our catalogues. The answer is simple: we choose them for their beauty and their uniqueness. In the world of cars, passion must always be the priority: a car is bought because, like a work of art, it is addressed to those who look at it."
The flagship lot of the sale is none other than this Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione, the only one painted in the colour Maserati Blue Night, ordered by a friend of the late Sergio Marchionne (managing director of Fiat Group and president of Ferrari) as a result of a bet. The model, whose colour was intentionally chosen outside the palette of three colours provided by Alfa Romeo, represents an incredible opportunity for collectors and a commemoration of the memory of a great Italian automotive enthusiast.
From the French side, there will be a 1974 Citroën DS20 Pallas. The Citroën DS was a revolutionary car that had a great commercial success. Introduced to the market as a successor to the Traction Avant, the DS was a real witness to the extent of the know-how of the brand. The model, designed by the sculptor Flaminio Bertoni, offered extraordinary comfort and advanced aerodynamics, allowing its occupants both pleasant and fast trips.
This Pallas DS20 was produced in 1974, the last year of production of the legendary specimen. Initially painted in blue lagoon, over the years the car has been coated in the more classic colour of palladium grey. Purchased recently by its current owner, the Citroën has been restored by a specialist from Genoa and will be presented in its currently good condition. This model is ideal for those looking for a classic to drive frequently, and is an excellent choice for lovers of the French brand.
The Porsche 993 is universally recognised as the last true 911 in history. Its sinuous line has helped create the myth of the ‘Porsche Turbo’, combining the inimitable design of the 911 with its famous 6-cylinder flat engine to producing an instantly recognisable sound. This marvel of engineering has been able to carry the 1500 kg of this 911 at a stratospheric speed of more than 290 km/h and can move from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.3 seconds.
The sale also includes historic cars, such as the Lancia Aprilia, Bianchi S9 Viareggio and Lancia Ardea, all from an important private collection in Turin, and timeless icons such as the Giulia 1300 Sprint and Spider, symbols of Italy of the 1950s and ‘60s. Finally, history lovers will be able to preview a Ceirano-Junior De Dion from 1903, designed by Giovanni Battista Ceirano of Cuneo, one of the pioneers of the automotive industry.
If you want to experience passion through a selection of 45 unusual models, visit Milano Autoclassica on 23 November.
Find all Wannenes lots on Barnebys
This article is sponsored by Wannenes
