Rétromobile 2023

Rétromobile confirmed once again its status as a benchmark exhibition for classic car enthusiasts. The 47th edition kicked off, among other things, the centenary celebrations of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. No fewer than 125,000 visitors walked the aisles of this 2023 edition. 1,000 vehicles were on display across a sizable exhibition space, bringing together over 500 exhibitors, including 12 car manufacturers. Beyond the figures, and in the opinion of the specialists, this 2023 edition will remain a memorable show for the quality of the line-up presented.

Also present at the fair were two cars counted among the Automotive Masterpieces. Exposed and for sale by Girardo & Co. was the 1955 Ferrari 250 Europa GT (Pinin Farina), chassis no. 0399GT; one of just 28 built, sold new to Sydney E. Chaplin, Charlie Chaplin's son. The other one was the 1955 Alfa Romeo 1900 C Super Sprint Zagato, chassis no. AR1900C*01931, that raced in 1955 the Mille Miglia, finishing 2nd in class, and the Coppa Inter-Europa, ranking 11th overall. The car was exposed and for sale by Kidston.

The three Paris Rétromobile auctions (Artcurial, Bonhams, RM Sotheby's) this year totalled a stunning € 112,358,299.

€35.5M, this was the total realised by Artcurial Motorcars for the official Retromobile 2023 sale. This year's varied line-up attracted strong bidding with 75% of the vehicles changing hands. Also among the proposed lots, two cars counted among the Automotive Masterpieces. Lot 72, 1956 Bandini 750 Sport Internazionale, chassis no. 159, that ran twice the Mille Miglia, in 1956 and 1957; it was unsold with an estimate of € 500,000-650,000. Lot 52, 1951 Fiat 500 C, chassis no. 500C*309463* (forthcoming). 1st in class at the Giro di Sicilia, 8th in class at the Mille Miglia in 1952. Sold for € 100,856.

Two other auctions were held on the occasion of Rétromobile. RM Sotheby's is remembered this year for having sold the Bugatti Chiron Profilée for a remarkable €9,792,500 (including buyer's premium). The figure makes the one-of-a-kind Bugatti, the most valuable new car ever sold at auction. At the same time, "Les Grandes Marques du Monde à Paris" took place at the Grand Palais Éphémère. The 14th edition of Bonhams European Automobiles season-opening sale raised a total of €32.5 million over the two-day sale, which also featured a large collection of vintage automobiles and motorcycles.

In short, Paris is confirmed as an event to attend and, as always, Automotive Masterpieces is in the front row.