16.2.09

Now in its 34th year, the Port de Versailles, Paris based classic car show, has long offered the enthusiast some much needed, off season “fumes” and as a first time visitor, the opportunity to combine a much celebrated event and publicised auction, with some significant displays, was one not to be missed.

The 2009 edition celebrated the following automotive landmarks:

• 90 years of Citröen
• 75 years of the Silver Arrows
• A century of electric vehicles

Hall 7 of the considerable exhibition centre was full of man’s endeavours on 2 and 4 wheels, these were my highlights:

Stand of the Show – was a close run accolade, with Swiss dealer Lukas Huni displaying a stunning selection. The combination of not 1 but 2, 1928 Saoutchik bodied, supercharged Mercedes 680s, a Jaguar XKSS, pre-war Alfa Romeo, Ferrari 250LM and Lancia D24 on the same stand, meant that Huni’s “pitch”, justifiably received the most attention over the 10 day event. Not to be outdone, Bourne UK based Hall and Hall, had a fantastic display, the backbone of which were from the Donington Collection, complimented by a Jaguar C Type (once “crunched” by the attending Sir Stirling Moss) and the 1952 Mercedes W194 “air brake”.

Dealer displays – many of Europe’s most prominent classic dealers were present including Fiskens, Bruno Vendiesse and Jaap Braam Ruben. The last two are noted for their enthusiasm for the Bugatti marque and it was fitting that their stand contained several examples, including a recreation of the iconic Bugatti T57SC Atlantic. Multi award winning French restorer, Lecocq, displayed two superb Hispano Suizas, accompanied by the most aesthetically pleasing furniture of any stand. Charles Pozzi Ferrari showed their prowess at restoration, with an 80% complete Dino. Sport and Collection got my attention with Frederico Kroymans 250GTO, Paul Knapfield’s unique 712 Can-Am and the Felipe Massa driven ’06 F1, tipo 248 and highlighting its forthcoming May auction in Maranello, RM displayed a Competition Daytona s/n 16363.

Bonhams – cornerstone of this years auction were two tremendously significant Bugattis: “Black Bess”, (one of just three Type 18s produced and delivered new to French aviator, Roland Garros) and the 1937 Bugatti Type 57S Atalante Coupé (first registered to pre-war racing driver and former BRDC chairman Earl Howe). The former has a documented history from new and has been in UK ownership for more than 40 years, whilst the latter was disinterred last year in North East England, after almost 50 years hibernation. Bidding was brisk, both cars sold, (€2,427,500 and €3,417,500 respectively inc. buyers premium) and will remain in Europe.

Elsewhere a Daytona Coupé achieved €216.5k, a needy 275GTS sold at €288k and a Ferrari Classiche certificated 250PF coupe achieved €127.6k, whilst an oft-forgotten Ferrari alternative, the Lancia Aurelia Spyder, has a new home at €155.2k.

On a night when Bonhams achieved a 70% sale rate and a world record price for a Citröen, it was a shame that the 1,500+ attendees had to endure an unheated saleroom, without refreshment and an auctioneer who was unfamiliar with the catalogue.

Despite these shortcomings, overall the 2009 Retromobile was an excellent event, well supported and with much variety on display, including a funny-car dragster. With extensive, and economical air and rail links to Southern Paris and €13 admission, it’s definitely worth a visit.

Now it's only 5 weeks to the UK’s own historic motorsport show, Race Retro….see you there!