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Words by: JPS for duncan quinn
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We can think of no better way to affirm Paris’ triumph over its aggressors than for business to carry on as usual in the City of Light. So we were chuffed to hear that the Famed Rétromobile antique car and motorcycle show will take place as scheduled in February at the Porte de Versailles. RM Sotheby’s will also return to the event to stage an eye-popping auction, slated for Feb. 3 at the Place Vauban. The chief draw of the auction so far is a stunning and rare 1955 Porsche 550 Spyder, significant for having been the 1955 Frankfurt Motor Show car. Already one of the most iconic of all Porsche sports racing cars – think James Dean – the provenance of this one is set to propel it into the $4 million range. |
| Next to that there’s an insanely beautiful 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL ‘Gulllwing’ with a beautiful pearl white paint job that’s sure to attract plenty of bidding at about $1.75 million. But we have our eye on a less precious, but to our mind, more desirable motor: a 1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia Tubolare Zagato. An incredibly rare and iconic Alfa, variant of the famed TZ, the example on offer competed in the Nürburgring 1000 Km the year of its debut. RM also has a few “bargains” on offer, which we always like to think might actually end up in our driveway. A 1974 Maserati Bora 4.9, for one, underappreciated Italian thoroughbred and one of just 275 examples with the desirable 4.9-litre V-8 engine. And a good old 1966 Aston Martin DB6, dashing in bright red paint and – guaranteed to put a smile on your bib and brace. |
