RM Sotheby’s showcases exclusive auction highlights in the heart of the City of Love.
Paris – the city of love, art, and elegance – transforms into a mecca for classic car enthusiasts every February. Since 1976, the Rétromobile show has been held in Paris. When the scent of freshly polished classics fills the halls of "Paris Expo Porte de Versailles," it becomes clear: Rétromobile is more than just a trade fair – it's a celebration for those with gasoline in their veins.
This year, Rétromobile opens its doors from February 5 to 9, welcoming classic car lovers, collectors, and dealers. RM Sotheby’s is taking advantage of the event's prestige by auctioning some remarkable vehicles at Les Salles du Carrousel in the Louvre. The impressive lineup ranges from rare pre-war cars to modern supercars.
Ferrari – Racing Legends
Among the standout vehicles is a Ferrari 512 M. This legendary sports car was raced by the Belgian team “Ecurie Francorchamps” in 1970. It boasts an extensive racing history, including a fifth-place finish at the 1970 24 Hours of Le Mans with Baron Hughes de Fierlandt and Alistair Walker behind the wheel. Sporting its striking yellow livery, this 512 M is undoubtedly a highlight for collectors, with an estimated sale price between €9 and €12 million. In addition to the Belgian 512 M, RM Sotheby’s will present two other exceptional Ferraris in Paris.
The Ferrari 512 BB/LM, estimated between €2 and €2.5 million, competed at Le Mans in 1981 and 1984. Another gem is the 1951 Ferrari 212/225 Export by Vignale, valued at €2.5 to €3.5 million. This vehicle, with a fully documented racing history, participated in the 12 Hours of Reims and the Liège-Rome-Liège Rally. Recently restored to concours condition, it remains a showstopper.
Timeless Classics!
A rare Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman Landaulet is another highlight. Originally used as a state limousine in Portuguese Guinea in 1974, it has undergone a comprehensive restoration. Its estimated value stands between €1.3 and €1.6 million. Slightly higher, with an estimated value of €1.75 to €2 million, is a 1958 BMW 507 Roadster Series II. The 507 is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful BMWs ever built.
For fans of the 1970s, the Lamborghini Countach LP400 "Periscopio" from 1975 is particularly appealing. Only 157 units were produced, and this raging bull from Sant'Agata Bolognese is estimated between €750,000 and €900,000. If you have a penchant for pre-war race cars, the Talbot AV105 Works 'GO51' might capture your heart. Estimated between €950,000 and €1.25 million, it competed in the 1931 24 Hours of Le Mans. Meanwhile, a Bugatti Type 37 from 1929 with its original engine and documented history is valued between €980,000 and €1.3 million.
Exotics and Supercars
Modern engineering masterpieces will also cross the auction block. Notable examples include a Ferrari 599 GTO from 2010, the third GTO generation, finished in Grigio Medio and Nero Racing livery (€700,000 to €850,000), and a Koenigsegg Agera from 2011. Only seven units of this hypercar, capable of 950 hp, were ever built, with an estimated value between €1.8 and €2.3 million.
Auction Highlights:
- Ferrari 512 M (1970): The last sports prototype run by Ecurie Francorchamps, Le Mans participant, estimated at €9 to €12 million.
- Ferrari 512 BB/LM (1981): Successful Le Mans racer, estimated at €2 to €2.5 million.
- Ferrari 212/225 Export by Vignale (1951): One of only 27 produced, with documented racing history, estimated at €2.5 to €3.5 million.
- Koenigsegg Agera (2011): One of seven hypercars built, 950 hp, estimated at €1.8 to €2.3 million.
Other Rare Vehicles:
- BMW 507 Roadster Series II (1958): One of the most beautiful BMWs ever built, estimated at €1.75 to €2 million.
- Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman Landaulet (1974): Rare state limousine, extensively restored, estimated at €1.3 to €1.6 million.
- Talbot AV105 Works 'GO51' (1931): Historic Le Mans racer, estimated at €950,000 to €1.25 million.
- Bugatti Type 37 (1929): Original engine, documented history, estimated at €980,000 to €1.3 million.
- Jaguar XJR-10 (1989): IMSA-winning race car, estimated at €800,000 to €1.2 million.
- Lamborghini Countach LP400 'Periscopio' (1975): One of 157 units produced, estimated at €750,000 to €900,000.
- Ferrari 599 GTO (2010): Third-generation GTO model, estimated at €700,000 to €850,000.
More information is available at rmsothebys.com.
Picture credits: Ennstal Classic GmbH (3x)