The Online Magazine for Italian and French Classic Car Enthusiasts
Story and photos by Jonathan Sharp
Is it the quality of Retromobile that makes many of the European up market classic car dealers participate, or is it the participation of the said dealers that make Retromobile such a high quality event? I don’t know, but it works.
This rear taillight from a Facel Vega is oh-so-stylish. What could be more Retro?
Story and photos by Jonathan Sharp
This year the Editor asked me to just submit everything that peaked my interest at Retro. Fat chance, for to truly be able to show you all the cars that peaked my interest would take several editions of VeloceToday.
I’ve been to Retro many times now, and still the language barrier for me was sometimes an issue but the cars on display were superb, as was the food; there are not many shows were one can enjoy oysters and a glass of champagne from a vendors stall.
The Editor and I wish to apologize for the huge number of photos below…something on the order of 43 but we lose count. And that is just a fraction which resided in my camera data card when I returned home. However, we broke up the subject matter thusly:
Art, Etcetera
French cars
British/German/Spanish
Italian
And looking back, even though myself, Graham Gauld, Hugues Vanhoolandt and Alessandro Gerelli all attended Retro and turned in reports to VeloceToday, there are few if any images of exactly the same car.
That gives one an idea of how immense and diverse Retromobile is. And it gets bigger every year.
Finally, if there are factual errors, the information for the most part is taken from the individual placards. In several cases we eliminated photos due to questionable statements. Spelling errors, if any (heavens forbid)can be blamed on us.
Art Etcetera
I was very taken by this tin plate Bugatti model as it just seemed to capture the times and subject so well.
Paul Smith’s vibrant art work needs a large wall on which to display it.
Alfa Romeo Alfetta model: If you crouch down to look closely at the models on sale at the show you could almost swear they were real cars.
This five-piece painting of a Ferrari P4 almost had my pal reaching for his credit card.
Alas, these Macaroon cookies on the Bugatti club of France stand were just for display.
I really enjoy looking at the wide choice of classic posters on sale each year. Unfortunately a lack of wall space and funds means I can only look.
Simply gorgeous Maserati T151 model.
A pair of pistons from a Matra MS9 V12 engine. The same dealer also had a Lamborgini F1 engine for sale.
Alfa Romeo Tipo B P3 1934, estimate 3.8-5 million euro, sold 3.9 million euro.
Photos and captions by Alessandro Gerelli
The first Retro related auction was the RM Sotheby’s held at the Place Vauban on Wednesday, February 8, 2017. The 1934 Alfa Romeo Tipo B P3, chassis 50006, sold for €3,920,000 and was the highest sale price of the day. Thirteen Porsches from one collection sold well and was a major feature of the RM auction. Below, Gerelli presents the Italian and French cars: an Alfa Montreal, and a Lancia B20 GT coupe and a Giulietta Spider that sold for 476000 euros, plus much more.
Exchange rate, 2-28-2017: 1 US Dollar=.94 Euro
Simca 1000 coupè Bertone 1967, estimate 10-15000 euro, sold at 11500 euro.
Photos and captions by Alessandro Gerelli
The Bonhams Retromobile event took place at the Grand Palais on Thursday, February 9. Many of the Italian/French items did not sell, but this is not an indication of the overall sales percentage.
Ferrari Dino 206P Speciale 1966, estimate 4-8 million euro, sold at 4390400 euro.
Photos and captions by Alessandro Gerelli
This year Alessandro Gerelli covered all three auctions held at or around Retromobile. The Artcurial Auction below was held last, on Friday on the same complex as Retromobile. This auction resulted in the highest price paid for a car during the auctions at Retro – the unique Dino 206 P berlinetta speciale of 1965 by Pininfarina sold for about 4.4 million euros against an estimate from 4 to 8 million euros and no reserve!
French cars from lost manufacturers are a common sight at Retromobile. This 1950 DB HBR cabriolet by Antem was produced in 32 examples; some competed in great motorsport events like Le Mans and Sebring.
Photos and captions by Hugues Vanhoolandt
1955 Simca Comete Monte Carlo with bodywork by Stabilimenti Farina taking pride of place on the 'L adventure automobile Poissy Stand.
Story and photos by Jonathan Sharp
“Have you set the alarm dear?” my wife asks as it rings. Yes, what time is it? 3.30am; 3.30am! “You must be stark raving mad. Why would you want to get up in the middle of the night on a cold and very wet Saturday in England in February to go all the way in Paris to see cars that you have probably seen already!?”
The plane leaves Heathrow an hour late and the pilot sounds like Alan Prost. The landing into Charles De Gaulle is the bumpiest I can remember. Then it‘s public transport to the hotel, dump the cases and straight to the show. Things start to improve as does my mood as I walk into the exhibition hall. I wonder what delights await me. [Read more…] about An Enthusiast’s Retro