Artcurial Motorcars is preparing to host three consecutive days of exceptional auctions at the 49th edition of Salon Rétromobile. The prestigious event, scheduled for 7th, 8th, and 9th February 2025 at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, promises to be a landmark occasion for collectors and enthusiasts worldwide.
The partnership between Artcurial Motorcars and Rétromobile continues to strengthen, cementing its position as one of the most significant global events dedicated to classic automobiles.
The Silver Collection: A Quintet of Maranello’s Finest
At the heart of this year’s offerings lies an extraordinary assembly known as The Silver Collection, featuring five meticulously curated Ferraris. Each vehicle, bearing Ferrari Classiche certification, represents the pinnacle of Italian automotive craftsmanship, unified by their elegant silver-grey livery.
The collection stands as a testament to one devoted enthusiast’s passion for the legendary Maranello brand.
The collection spans three generations of Ferrari excellence, beginning with the graceful 1963 Ferrari 250 GT Lusso. This is complemented by a fully restored 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB, showcasing Ferrari’s golden era of grand touring cars. The early 1970s are represented by both a 1972 Ferrari 365 GTC/4 and a 1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona, while the modern era is exemplified by a 2001 Ferrari 550 Barchetta, showing fewer than 950 kilometres on its odometer.
Each model has been either preserved in exceptional original condition or subjected to flawless restoration work, making this collection particularly noteworthy for serious Ferrari enthusiasts and collectors.
The André Cadiou Estate: A Legacy of Speed
The auction will also present several remarkable vehicles from the estate of André Cadiou, a distinguished gentleman driver from Sarthe. Leading this collection is a 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB Long Nose with an aluminium body,one of just 93 examples ever produced.
This particular car boasts an impressive competition history, having participated six times in both the Tour Auto and Targa Florio Revival events, underlining its significance in motorsport heritage.
Additional highlights from the Cadiou collection include a Porsche 2.7 RS Touring, still wearing its original and highly desirable “Blood Orange” paintwork, a freshly restored Ferrari 365 GT4 BB, and a historically significant Alpine V6 Turbo Mille Milles, representing the penultimate example of only 100 units produced.
The Cadiou collection exemplifies the discerning eye of a true motorsport enthusiast, combining both racing pedigree and exceptional preservation.
Engineering Marvels Spanning a Century
Among the headline lots, two vehicles stand out for their historical significance and engineering prowess. The first is a 1916 Simplex Crane Model 5, featuring a remarkable 9.25-litre 6-cylinder engine capable of achieving 130 km/h,an astonishing feat for its era. Recently benefitting from €40,000 worth of mechanical improvements, this centenarian continues to deliver exceptional performance.
The extensive restoration work carried out in England during the 1990s, combined with recent mechanical overhaul, ensures this remarkable machine remains in flawless and enjoyable operating condition.
The second standout is a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL “Gullwing”, originally delivered to South Carolina. Under its current French ownership of nearly 15 years, the vehicle has undergone comprehensive restoration work at Mercedes-Benz Classic in Stains.
Now finished in black with patinated red leather interior, this matching-numbers example includes two bespoke black suitcases designed specifically for its rear shelf. The car’s regular use and exceptional performance testify to the success of its comprehensive overhaul by Mercedes-Benz Classic.
The Panini Collection: Two-Wheeled Treasures
Saturday’s proceedings will feature an exceptional offering for motorcycle enthusiasts: selected pieces from the renowned Umberto Panini collection. This carefully curated assembly represents various eras of motorcycling history, each piece selected with the discriminating eye of one of Italy’s most respected collectors.
The collection, scheduled for auction on Saturday, 8th February 2025, presents a rare opportunity for enthusiasts to acquire historically significant motorcycles from one of the most prestigious collections in Europe.
Racing, Flying & Yachting: A Celebration of Motorsport Heritage
The final day of the auction, Sunday 9th February, will be dedicated to Racing, Flying & Yachting, presenting an extensive array of motorsport memorabilia. Highlights include Formula 1 collectibles, technical drawings, vintage posters, sculptures, and rare spare parts.
A particular highlight is an unprecedented collection of approximately fifty 1/12 scale models chronicling Scuderia Ferrari’s evolution from the 1950s through to the 2000s. This comprehensive collection offers enthusiasts and collectors a unique opportunity to own pieces of motorsport history spanning multiple decades.
About Artcurial
Artcurial, France’s leading auction house, has consistently demonstrated its expertise in the collector car market. Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Paris, the company operates from four prestigious locations in Paris, Monaco, Marrakech, and Basel.
In 2023, Artcurial achieved a remarkable total sales volume of €217 million across its various specialties, including Fine Art, Decorative Arts, Collector’s Cars, Jewellery, Collector’s Watches, and Fine Wines and Spirits. The company’s international presence continues to grow through its network of offices in Brussels, Milan, Monte Carlo, Munich, and Marrakech, with additional representation in Austria and Spain.
Event Information
The Salon Rétromobile will welcome visitors from Wednesday 5th February through Friday 9th February 2025 at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles. This historic venue, situated in Paris’s 15th arrondissement, provides the perfect backdrop for this celebration of automotive heritage. The auction schedule spans three days, with dedicated sessions on February 7th, 8th, and 9th, each focusing on distinct aspects of collector vehicles and automobilia.
