The second Artcurial Motorcars sale at Le Mans Classic : Star of the sale, the 1966 Ferrari 275 GTC sold for $1,906,261 Auctioneer Maître Hervé Poulain, and Matthieu Lamoure, managing director of Artcurial Motorcars commented: “Following our first $8.6-million sale at Le Mans Classic in 2010, the 2012 Artcurial Motorcars sale realised just over $11-million, a substantial increase. The sale rate of over 80%, the production of two catalogues, a world-wide marketing campaign with many cars selling to foreign buyers, all confirm Artcurial Motorcars’ leading position in the international market.” Maître Poulain added: “When I took part in the 24h race, […]
The second Artcurial Motorcars sale at Le Mans Classic :
Star of the sale, the 1966 Ferrari 275 GTC sold for $1,906,261
Auctioneer Maître Hervé Poulain, and Matthieu Lamoure, managing director of Artcurial Motorcars commented:
“Following our first $8.6-million sale at Le Mans Classic in 2010, the 2012 Artcurial Motorcars sale realised just over $11-million, a substantial increase. The sale rate of over 80%, the production of two catalogues, a world-wide marketing campaign with many cars selling to foreign buyers, all confirm Artcurial Motorcars’ leading position in the international market.”
Maître Poulain added: “When I took part in the 24h race, I drove for 1h30 at a time. Today, after 6h on the rostrum, and the success of the sale, I am ready for a double stint!”
The Artcurial auction marquée, situated on the Bugatti circuit by the collecting area for the weekend’s 24 hour event, provided a perfect view of the drivers, in their legendary racing cars, gearing up for the start of the race. Throughout the day, torrential rain hammered down on the roof of the marquée, causing two power cuts during the second part of the sale. Undeterred, Maître Poulain continued with the auction throughout these interruptions.
Following their first $8.6-million sale at the event in 2010, Artcurial Motorcars 2012 sale realised $10,569,201.
Automobilia sale:
The racing-themed Automobilia section of this sale, emphasising the history of Le Mans, offered a wonderfully diverse 85 lots with an equally diverse range of estimates to tempt every collector.
The mascots, posters, objects, service station spares and documents, selected by automobilia expert Estelle Perry, came under the hammer of auctioneer Maître Stéphane Aubert, with over 80% of all lots selling. There were many exceptional prices, including top price in this section of $8,113 for a c.1950 Gulf petrol pump. Also, a cubist mascot “Elephant” by Jacques Cartier estimated at $1,844 sold for $4,425 and a poster for the 1956 24H signed by Geo Ham (estimate $245 – 369) sold for $1,721. Posters of Steve McQueen starring in the mythical film Le Mans changed hands for $4 671 and $3,196. There was also a wonderful choice of Hermès ties for “Le Mans Classic” and “24h du Mans”, which all fetched high prices.
Sale of collectors’ cars:
138 lots including 70% offered at no reserve.
The star cars sold for strong prices including a wonderful 1966 Ferrari 275 GTC which sold for $1,906,261
Other highlights and notable results included:
1991 Peugeot 905 EV 13 – $810,351
1938 Peugeot Darl’Mat – $398,127
1972 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Coupé – $368,637
1959 Ferrari 250 GT Coupé “barnfind” – $260,995
1966 ASA RB Type 613 1300 GT – $368,637
The sale also confirmed Mercedes’ excellent position in the collectors’ market with the 1961 Mercedes 300 SL Roadster selling for $796,198 and the 1955 300 SL Gullwing changing hands for $690,047.
The next Artcurial Motorcars sales will be :
Reserves from the HSH Prince Rainier III Collection in Monaco on 26 July 2012.
“Automobiles sur les Champs Elysées 4” on 11 November 2012 at the Artcurial Headquarters in Paris.
