Artcurial was in record-breaking form at Rétromobile on FRiday night (3 February), amassing €14.5million, the highest figure ever for a collectors' car sale in France.
Despite an impressive 90%sale rate, a big chunk of that came from the ex-Roger Vadim 1959 Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder LWB, which sold for €4,507,100.
The marathon drive through sale of some 100 cars lasted more than five hours in front of a crowd of around 1000 people.
French marques attracted a lot of attention - the 1972 Citroën DS23ie Pallas, estimated at €50-80,000 and offered at no reserve, sold for €187,000.
The 1965 Citroën 2CV AZAM, with just 116 miles on the clock, changed hands for a phenomenal €59,600.
Other highlights included:
1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K Cabriolet B sold for €494,600
1956 Ferrari 250 GT Boano sold for €477,500
1913 Delaunay Belleville Type O6 8-litre sold for €471,800
1938 Horch 853 Cabriolet sold for €408,900.
James Elliott is a former Editor of Classic & Sports Car