![Retromobile and the Choices of Modern Collectors at Auctions [Retromobile 2025] Part 3](https://wheelfeed.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2307-1761196803305.jpg)
Recent trends emerging
During the auction of the Ferrari 275GT Aluminium, conducted by auctioneers Anne-Claire Mandine (fourth from right), Matthieu Lamour (third from right), and automotive historian Pierre Novikov (second from right). (Photo: Artcurial Motorcars)
Sales during Retromobile have been handled by several auction houses over the event’s nearly half-century history, but for the past 14 years, the Paris-based Artcurial has been in charge.
Artcurial is a relatively young auction house founded in 2002 and based next to the famous exhibition venue, the Grand Palais. In addition to automobiles, it covers a wide range of fields, including fine art, decorative arts, jewelry, and watches. In 2023, it acquired a Swiss auction company.
This time, they put up 227 pieces, including Art Mobilia (automotive-related art), over three days of the five-day Retromobile event. According to official figures, 88% of the pieces were sold in the first two days alone, bringing the total amount of winning bids to 24.6 million euros (3.927 billion yen).
One of the stars of the event, the 1966 Ferrari 275GTB Aluminium pictured at the top of the photo, is one of 93 built in aluminium and was fully restored in the 1990s by Cognolato of Padua, renowned as the “magicians of Ferrari restoration.” Its hammer price at the event was 2,159,600 euros (approximately 344.8 million yen, including tax and commission).
Below are some photos of the highlights of the vehicles on display.
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[1] The 1974 Ferrari 365GT4 Berlinetta Boxer was delivered in France when it was still a new car. It sold for 253,200 euros (approximately 39.9 million yen), below the estimated price. [2] The 1989 Alpine GTA V6 Turbo is car number 99, part of the Mille Miglia model, of which 100 were made. Only 20 of these were air-conditioned, and the fact that it was a one-owner car was also a selling point. It sold for 38,144 euros (6.09 million yen).
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[3] A 1964 Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman, owned by the former Swedish royal family. It was expected to fetch between 150,000 and 250,000 euros (approximately 24 million to 40 million yen), but the sale did not go through. [4] A 1996 Mercedes-Benz E50 AMG Avantgarde sold for 41,720 euros (approximately 6.67 million yen). The W210 is always overshadowed by the renowned W124, but its high-performance specifications seem to be highly regarded.
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[5] A 1977 Mercedes-Benz 280E Works Safari Rally specification. It was estimated at 150,000 to 250,000 euros (approximately 24 million to 40 million yen), but the sale failed. [6] A 1984 BMW 635CSI Group A, used by the Paco Rabanne racing team, which was based on a fashion brand. It was estimated at 125,000 to 165,000 euros (approximately 20 million to 26.39 million yen), but the sale failed.
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[7] A 1966 275GTB with a certificate of authenticity from the manufacturer’s historical department, Ferrari Classiche. It sold for the high price of 2,371,640 euros (approximately 379.3 million yen). [8] A 2001 BMW Z8 that was on display at the Frankfurt Motor Show. It was advertised as having only 30km on the clock and a chance to buy a new Z8, and sold for 354,960 euros (approximately 56.75 million yen), close to the expected price.
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[9] 2019 McLaren Senna. One owner, 1,980 km on the clock. Expected price was 950,000 to 1,150,000 euros (approximately 151.9 million to 183.8 million yen), but it did not sell.
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[10] A 1996 Ferrari 550 Maranello, formerly owned by Michael Schumacher and registered in Japan, sold for 313,200 euros (approximately 50 million yen), close to its estimated price. [11] Isdera is a small German contractor that still exists today. The car up for auction this time was a 036i, one of a total of 14 cars that were said to have been built. It was an exhibit at the 1989 Geneva Motor Show, but did not sell.
Although there are exceptions, as can be seen from these examples, in recent years there has been a tendency to spotlight “ultra-low mileage” and “cars that have been owned by the same family since new.” In addition, the fact that “certificates of authenticity from the manufacturer’s historic vehicle service” are now emphasized in catalogs suggests that the efforts of these departments are beginning to bear fruit.
Released by a major collector
From the collection of Paul-Emile B.: 1995 Bugatti EB110GT. (Photo: Artcurial Motorcars)
On the second day, 24 cars were put up for sale by the same collector. The collector’s name was listed in the catalogue only as “Paul-Emile B.” His full name was kept secret throughout the sale. However, since purchasing a used Citroën Traction Avant for 100 francs in 1966 at the age of 10, he has owned a total of 400 cars in his lifetime and has participated in numerous famous events, including the Le Mans Classic and the Mille Miglia.
The 1930 Bugatti Type 51 Grand Prix, formerly owned by Ralph Lauren, sold for 1,587,600 euros (approximately 253.47 million yen), while the 1995 Bugatti EB110 GT, the only white example of the model with less than 20,000 km on the odometer, highlighted both cars’ rarity and brought the hammer down at a high price of 1,530,400 euros (approximately 244.3 million yen).
The catalog contains words that seem to reflect the thoughts of Paul-Emile B., who has decided to sell his collection, keeping only his most beloved models, in order to embark on a new stage in his life. At the same time, the catalog states the significance of this decision: “It will give other collectors and enthusiasts the opportunity to write a new story in their lives.”
Speaking of the sale of the same person’s collection, in 2015, another Retromobile company, Artcurial, attracted attention when it put up for auction a large number of vehicles in dire condition. Among the items were some highly prized models, such as a Ferrari 250GT California Spider and a Maserati A6G 2000 Frua. A French enthusiast had collected these cars in the 1950s and 1960s, but went bankrupt in 1978. The 60 cars had been left abandoned for over 30 years.
This is a common question in the world of art: should you entrust it to a third party while you still have the financial means to maintain it in good condition, or keep it for the rest of your life? If you were a major collector, which path would you choose?
Report/Akio Lorenzo OYA
Photo/Akio Lorenzo OYA, Artcurial Motorcars
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