The pace of the collectors’ car market has officially been set by Artcurial, thanks to the French auction house’s forthcoming sale of collectors’ cars, MV Augusta motorcycles, items relating to flying, racing and yachting, and a collection of F1 drivers’ helmets and race suits.
The auction, titled Rétromobile by Artcurial Motorcars, is an annual event, taking place at Parc des Expositions de la Porte de Versailles. This year, the sale will commence on 6 February and carry through to 10 February in a series of chapters. The incredible line-up of collectors’ cars and items is sure to tempt collectors and enthusiasts from far and wide.
The estimate alone on this Alfa 8C is bound to make head spins, not to mention it comes with a fascinating and important history.
This 1939 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900 B Touring Berlinetta was the fastest car of the pre-war era. Less than fifty examples were built, and only five had the desirable Touring bodywork as depicted on this model.
The automobile is one of two pre-war masterpieces, along with the Bugatti Atlantic. It retains the same configuration it had upon leaving the factory, it still has its original engine, and, remarkably, it has been in the hands of the current owner for 43 years.
This Maserati A6GCS left the workshop in March 1953, with a body built at Maserati by Celestino Fiandri, and was delivered to Tony Pompeo, of Ducati Motors (New York), the distributor of Italian sports and competition cars. The Maserati was test-driven by none other than Juan Manuel Fangio.
Despite its age, the car has transparent history and is eligible for all the most prestigious historic events, ready to take to the road or track, thanks to an exceptional restoration.
At the time of its birth, the Hispano H6B, emblematic of the famous ‘Roaring Twenties’, was considered the best passenger car in the world, thanks to a design by a remarkable engineer, Marc Birkigt. Amazingly modern, it combined aeronautical and automotive solutions. The car was equipped with brakes on all four wheels, controlled by a servo so efficient that Rolls-Royce later acquired the license. Lightweight for its size and fast for its time, it has been known to seduced stars and celebrities.
This particular Sport convertible was delivered new to an aristocratic family in Rio de Janeiro in 1927 and remained there until the 1970s. It is luxuriously equipped and in exceptional condition.
Stepping away from the classic cars and taking a look at some of the other pieces on display and up for sale, the collection of MV Agusta bikes is quite something.
MV Agusta is a legendary Italian motorcycle marque, with a special place in the classic bike world. The company was founded by Count Domenico Agusta, from Varese, and began as an off-shoot of an aviation business. The production of motorcycles began just before the end of the Second World War, and today maintains its tradition of creating high-quality, hand-built machines.
Considered to be one of the largest collections of classic motorcycles in the world, this remarkable private collection of MV Agustas will be presented for sale by Artcurial on 9 February. An Italian family of enthusiasts are responsible for bringing together this collection of almost 100 classic motorcycles, some dating back to 1945.
Another remarkable collection is the largest auction of F1 helmets and racing ephemera to ever be held. This one-off collection, which includes 180 drivers’ helmets, 150 race suits, steering wheels, F1 nose cones and various other pieces of equipment, is unique for the quantity, quality and authenticity of the items.
The impressive collection is the result of one man’s work over 25 years.
