25 highlights at the Rétromobile 2023 sales

All eyes on Paris

Rétromobile week in Paris is drawing closer and three auctions are set to cause a stir: RM Sotheby’s on 1 February, Bonhams on 1-2 February and Artcurial on 3-4 February. 

With so many stunners set to cross the block, we had a hard job picking just 25 highlights from the auction catalogues.

Listed according to their pre-sale estimates, take a look and see which is your pick.

1. 1993 Porsche 964 turbo S ‘Leichtbau’ (€1-1.2m, Bonhams) 

As one of only 80 examples produced, this Porsche 964 turbo S is a limited-edition model that’s 180kg lighter than the standard offering.

Designed to be more powerful than the regular 964 turbo, the ‘Leichtbau’ gets an extra 61bhp, bumping it up to 318bhp. 

This lot, for sale with Bonhams during Rétromobile week 2023, is finished in Speed Yellow, has never been restored and has covered just over 28,000km (c17,400 miles).

2. 1938 Alfa Romeo 6C 2300B Mille Miglia Berlinetta by Carrozzeria Touring (€1-1.4m, RM Sotheby's)

Part of Michel Dovaz’s ‘Sleeping Beauties’ collection from 1957 to 1990, this Alfa Romeo has since been extensively restored by two former owners.

Over its lifetime this pre-war classic has passed through the hands of several notable collectors throughout Europe and now resides in America. 

Fitted with its original berlinetta body by Carrozzeria Touring of Milan, it is maintained to concours-standard condition and was awarded Best in Class at the 2007 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and 2009 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance.
 

3. 1970 Porsche 911 S/T Rally 2.3L, (€1-1.4m, Artcurial)

This classic is consigned to Artcurial’s Rétromobile week 2023 auction and was first owned by the AAW Racing Team in Finland.

Its rich competition history includes several races in the early ’70s with 1979 World Rally Champion Björn Waldegård at the wheel – it was later sold to Finnish rallycross driver Sauli Kangas. 

The Conda Green paintwork is adorned with its racing number ‘GT 88’ from the 1971 Nürburgring 1000km where it finished 16th overall. It’s still in fine racing fettle, demonstrated by a class win at the 2022 Le Mans Classic.

To compete in rallycross events the vehicle was fitted with four-wheel drive and, in ​​1987, it was given an 800bhp Porsche 935 engine.

4. 1937 Maserati 4CM Monoposto (€1.1-1.4m, Bonhams)

Bought new by Count Giovanni Lurani Cernuschi, known in racing circles as 'Johnny' Lurani, this 4CM brought him great success during the 1937 and 1938 seasons.

More recently, the car graced the track at the Grand Prix Historique de Monaco in 2021 and 2022, finishing in 13th and 9th places respectively. 

Whilst it has returned to racing, this vehicle spent a large part of its life, to the sum of 38 years, hanging on its owner’s wall, displayed as a work of art.

5. 1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia Tubolare Zagato (€1.2-1.4m, RM Sotheby’s)

Zagato designs are famous for being eye-catching and this Alfa Romeo is no different.

And this car has pedigree, too: racing driver James Bernard Fortmann bought the vehicle and took it to its competition debut at the 1968 Nürburgring 1000km. 

The certification report by the Registro Italiano Alfa Romeo says, “the car has never undergone a radical restoration and presents a high degree of conservation and authenticity.” As such, the vehicle has been mechanically maintained but could do with some cosmetic attention.

6. 1931 Bugatti Type 43 Grand Sport ‘Prima Donna’ (€1.2-1.8m, Artcurial)

Offered at Artcurial’s Rétromobile sale from the Bart Rosman collection, this Type 43 benefits from a continuous history that confirms its authenticity.

During the Second World War it was hidden with at least 10 other Bugattis in ‘The Temple’, next to the Obrechtkerk church in Amsterdam.

Founder of the Dutch Bugatti club, Guillaume Prick, bought the Type 43 in 1951 and drove it for more than 30 years until his death.

At the 2008 Bonhams Rétromobile auction this Type 43 was sold to the engineer and Bugatti historian Bart Rosman for €1,327,500. 

7. 1934 Aston Martin Ulster Two-Seater Sports (€1.4-1.8m, Bonhams) 

This is one of the 28 known surviving Ulsters and has a well-documented racing history that’s still visible on the bodywork today. In 1935 it competed at Le Mans, finishing 15th overall, averaging around 67mph over the 24 hours. 

During the race it came off the road in the rain and bumped into a bank – the dents sustained in this incident have been retained and complement its authentic ‘as was’ dashboard.

A 1936 advertisement in The Autocar listed this Ulster for £450 and it’s expected to achieve more than 3000 times this at Bonhams’ Rétromobile 2023 auction.

8. 1969 Lamborghini Miura P400 S (€1.4-1.8m, RM Sotheby’s) 

Often referred to as the world’s first supercar, the Miura marks a historic turning point for the automotive industry.

This example is finished in factory-correct Rosso Miura and retains its matching-numbers V12 engine.

After spending 15 years in The Gnutti Collection, under the guidance of Lamborghini’s former chief test driver, Valentino Balboni, this vehicle was restored by its current owner.

This restoration included an engine overhaul, and the fitting of wider rear SV wheels and ventilated disc brakes.

9. 1991 Jordan-Ford 191 (€1.4-2m, Bonhams) 

Seven-time drivers’ champion Michael Schumacher made his Formula One debut in this Jordan-Ford 191 at the 1991 Belgian Grand Prix.

He drove it in his first practice session, where he set the eighth fastest time.

Since then this F1 car has been kept in running condition. To celebrate the 30th anniversary of Schumacher’s debut, it was driven at Silverstone by his son, Mick Schumacher.

This makes it one of the few cars to have been driven by both father and son.

10. 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster (€1.5-1.8m, RM Sotheby’s) 

This is a stunning North American, light blue over cream leather 300SL that boasts a factory hardtop, Karl Baisch luggage set and original toolkit.

Between 2016 and 2021 in excess of €700,000 was spent restoring this classic car in Switzerland, to concours standard. 

During the previous owner’s three-decade custodianship, before the vehicle was brought back to Europe, $200,000 was dedicated to recommissioning with various specialists on America’s East Coast.

All recent work has been finished to factory specification, using with correct materials and Mercedes-Benz parts.

11. 1963 Ferrari 250GT/L Berlinetta Lusso (€1.6-2m, RM Sotheby’s)

Designed by Pininfarina and built by Scaglietti, the Lusso is a charming early Ferrari GT.

The one presented for auction with RM Sotheby’s is the 84th model made in the 1962 to 1964 run in which 350 250GT/Ls were built.

Finished in factory-correct Pino Verde Metallizzato, under the bonnet hides a Tipo 168U 3.0-litre V12 engine. 

Prior to delivery to Auto Becker GmbH in Düsseldorf in September 1963, this 250GT/L was displayed at the Frankfurt motor show, showcasing its dark green paintwork and beige Connolly leather interior. In 1985 it was reupholstered in tan leather, which apparently remains in lovely condition.

12. 1932 Bugatti Type 55 Roadster (€1.8-2.2m, RM Sotheby’s)

Introduced in 1932, the 38 Type 55s made were the road car progression of the Type 51 race car. This particular vehicle was immediately launched into racing and spent the summer of 1932 participating in Automobile Club of Luxembourg events. 

After sustaining damage with various owners and a period of storage throughout the Second World War, by the time the current owner purchased the car in 1988 it didn’t come with all of its original matching parts.

Four years and three additional chassis later, this Type 55 was complete and officially recognised by the Bugatti Owners’ Club who issued a replacement chassis plate.

13. 1964 Porsche 904GTS (€2-2.25m, RM Sotheby’s)

This Porsche was first owned by Udo Schütz, who entered his 904 into 31 races during his tenure that included five overall victories and 12 class wins in 1964 and 1965.

In the 1966 season, new owner Rudi Lins achieved three class wins. 

In recent years it has been campaigned at the 2018 Le Mans Classic and was previously owned by racing legend Bobby Rahal.

This 904 has continuous documented history from new, which shows that it also participated in the 1965 Nürburgring 1000km, winning its class, and later several hillclimb events.

14. 1992 Ferrari F40 (€2-2.5, Artcurial)

This was the last model designed under Enzo Ferrari and demand for the F40 was so strong that the planned production run from 1987 of 800 cars rose to 1300.

This later example has been diligently stored at a constant temperature, out of the light and never driven in the rain. 

Showing a little over 24,000km (just under 15,000 miles), this F40 comes with a Ferrari certificate of classic authenticity and hardly any indication of its age or use.

Its extensive service history documentation confirms its mileage, and last year it was fitted with a new set of Pirelli tyres, timing belts and Lambda sensor, and the air conditioning was regassed.

15. 1948 Talbot-Lago T26 Grand Sport Coupé ‘Chambas’ (€2-2.5, Bonhams)

The most famous of the 36 T26 Grand Sports made, this example was commissioned by André Chambas who entered the vehicle into five consecutive Le Mans races.

The car was delivered as a bare chassis and Chambas designed the body himself; his clay model is also included in the sale. 

Later, several changes were made to the vehicle to make it lighter and more competitive, including a new Tunesi body and supercharged engine.

Once its Le Mans career was over, the original Contamin body was refitted.

16. 1995 Benetton-Renault B195 (€2-3m, Artcurial)

This is the second ex-Michael Schumacher car in our round up of the Rétromobile 2023 auctions. He claimed his second F1 title in 1995, taking nine Grand Prix wins in the process and this car, chassis number 02, is one of the cars he drove that season.

During its racing career this vehicle was fitted with a 3-litre Renault RS7 V10 engine, that’s since been replaced with a Judd V10 3.5-litre unit. 

It’s finished in its period-correct Mild Seven livery and has received a complete mechanical overhaul to ensure it’s in full working order.

17. 1935 Bugatti Type 57 Atalante (€2-3m, Artcurial)

Of the 10 Bugatti Atalantes that left the factory with a sunroof, this is one of just three surviving examples.

Its first owner after the Second World War, Rudi Cloos, decided in 1948 to complete a full restoration including a replacement engine obtained new from the factory; it’s since been returned to its original configuration.

In 1936 the Atalante competed in the Rallye des Alpes and later in 1974 participated in the Rallye Monte-Carlo des Voitures Anciennes.

Its current keeper has exhibited this beautiful vehicle across Europe and North America, making regular appearances at concours events. 

18. 1988 Ferrari F40 (€2.2-2.7m, Bonhams)

As the 24th Ferrari F40 to roll off the production line, this example is a sought after pre-catalyst model with non-adjustable suspension.

Its fuel tanks were replaced in 2021 at 30,000km and an official Ferrari inspection states the paintwork is believed to be original. 

Praised highly by Autocar at the time, the F40 was the perfect supercar to mark 40 years of Ferrari. “You can use its performance – the closest any production car maker has yet come to race car levels – and revel in it … there's little doubt it is the very personification of the term sports car.” 

19. 1929 Bugatti Type 35C (€2.5-3.5m, Artcurial)

First owned by George Philippe de Rothschild in 1929, he raced this 35C to a fourth-place finish in that year’s Monaco Grand Prix.

Guy Bouriat of the Rothschild team claimed second at the Grand Prix de Bourgogne in May 1929, while the following month Juan Zanelli was loaned the vehicle to win the Bugatti Grand Prix at the Le Mans circuit. 

Tragically, Edouard Grammont died racing this 35C in 1930, in an accident that completely destroyed the rear end of the car.

The frame was replaced by the Bugatti factory and the fuel tank, rear axle and any other damage was repaired by the factory with period-correct parts. Since 1931 it’s remained unmodified and is presented for sale by Artcurial from the Bart Rosman collection.

20. 1991 Ferrari 643 (€2.9-3.4m RM Sotheby’s)

Powered by a 3.5-litre naturally aspirated V12, ​​Jean Alesi drove this Ferrari F1 car to fourth at its debut at the French Grand Prix in July 1991. It was next driven at British Grand Prix at Silverstone and also by Gianni Morbidelli at the Australian Grand Prix.

After the 1991 season this car was fully refurbished at the Maranello factory and it’s believed to have covered no more than 300km (c180 miles) since that work was done.

In 2016 the transmission, suspension and brakes were overhauled, and the engine inspected and restored.
 

21. 1932 Bugatti Type 55 Cabriolet (€3-4m, Bonhams)

Of the six Bugatti Type 55s with bodies by Vanvooren, this is the only example still paired with its original bodywork and chassis.

Following a three-year restoration from 2015, this Type 55 also comes with its original mechanical components that were replaced during the recommissioning. 

Having never been raced, this car has remained in good condition. It was driven sparingly at the start of its life before being used as a daily driver in the ’80s, amassing around 117,000km (c72,700 miles)

Since its recent restoration it has covered just 1500km (c930 miles) and is offered with a well-documented history. 

22. 1967 Ferrari 275GTB/4 (€3.1-3.3m, RM Sotheby’s)

This is a highly collectible four-cam 275 variant. It has matching chassis, engine and gearbox numbers, and this 275 is finished in Grigio Argento over a Pelle Nera Connolly interior. 

Between 2012 and 2015, a €96,500 restoration took place, which included a full engine rebuild and respray.

Today it appears to be a stunning example of a classic front-engined V12 Ferrari road car that’s one of 330 models built.

23. 1951 Ferrari 340 America Barchetta Touring Superleggera (€5-8m, Artcurial)

This Ferrari is available for the first time in 48 years, having been part of Bart Rosman’s collection since 1975.

Back in 1951 it was entered into the 24 hours of Le Mans by former bobsleigh champion Eddie Hall and ran as high as third, before pitting and eventually retiring with a starter problem.

24. 1964 Ferrari 250LM Berlinetta (€25m+, Artcurial) 

You will need to dig deep for this Ferrari, going under the hammer with Artcurial.

This year, 2023, marks the 60th anniversary of the Ferrari 250LM and this vehicle will qualify for the celebratory Ferrari rally.

As one of just two of the 32 produced that hasn’t ever raced, this LM is presented in beautiful condition with its original bodywork, and matching engine, chassis, gearbox and body numbers. 

Rarer than the 250GTO, the LM was the first competition Ferrari to have a centrally mounted V12 and paved the way for mid-engined Ferraris.

25. 1947 Volkhart V2 Sagitta (no reserve, Bonhams)

We are finishing with a classic car that’s not short of wow-factor – plus, it is being sold with no reserve and Bonhams remains tight-lipped regarding a pre-sale estimate.

One of a kind, the V2 was based on a Volkswagen Beetle platform and designed by Kurt C Volkhart who created the first rocket car for Opel in 1928.

The streamlined body was conceived by Baron R König von Fachsenfeld and when the V2 was tested in Volkswagen’s wind tunnel in 2013 it was found to have a drag coefficient of 0.216Cd, an impressive figure even compared to today’s modern designs. 

It was also far ahead of its time with an ‘anti-skid’ system, an early version of stability control.

Whilst the V2 spent a portion of its life serving as a chicken coop, it’s since been restored and reverted back to its original metallic finish, although it was once painted in British Racing Green.