On Sunday 13 September, in Gibel (Haute-Garonne), Artcurial Motorcars celebrated a “white glove” result, after selling 100% of the automobiles in the André Trigano collection. The auction totalled 4 M€ / 4,7 M$ including premium, with world record prices achieved for several models. Conducted in a convivial atmosphere, while adhering to current public health regulations, the sale was broadcast across two interconnecting rooms and via the internet, allowing over 11,000 people to watch. An opportunity for Artcurial to pay tribute to the 60-year old collection of a well-respected public figure in France.
The sale began at 14.00 in a well-attended saleroom in the south west of France under the late summer sun. With enormous interest in the 170 vehicles on offer, over 10 000 enthusiasts attended the four days of viewing. On Sunday 13 September large numbers of collectors made their way to André Trigano’s home town to take part in the auction held by Maître Hervé Poulain and the inseparable duo Matthieu Lamoure and Pierre Novikoff. The sale realised 4 M€ / 4,7 M$ including premium, with 100% of lots sold.
The star lots led to fierce battles amongst bidders in the room, on the telephone and the internet. A European collector became the proud new owner of lot 182, the 1967 Lamborghini 400 GT 2+2 for 481 600 € / 570 580 $ including premium following several tense minutes, to loud applause in the room.
Another hotly-contested model, the ex-Charles Aznavour 1962 Rolls-Royce Phantom V Limousine by James Young (lot 133) changed hands for 180 600 € / 213 970 $ including premium, with Matthieu Lamoure’s tuneful tribute to the artist accompanying the bidding. Other notable results included lot 124, the low mileage, two-owner 1970 Aston Martin DBS V8 which made the record price of 186 600 € / 221 070 $ including premium. The ex-Marcel Dassault 1983 Rolls Royce Silver Spur (lot 193), with just 11,000 km from new, sold for a strong 73 400 € / 86 960 $ including premium.
Other highlights included the 1950 Delahaye 135M Cabriolet Estérel by Guilloré (lot152) which fetched 120 400 € / 142 640 $ including premium. Finally, the rare and elegant 1957 Lancia B 24S Aurelia convertible Pinin Farina (lot 219) attracted much interest and changed hands to applause in the room for 240 800 € / 285 290 $ including premium.
« What a success for a sale paying tribute to the passion of an exceptional man, with the fantastic team spirit of Artcurial Motorcars ! A breath of fresh air during these extraordinary times. »
(Matthieu Lamoure, Managing Director of Artcurial Motorcars)
Collectors showed their appreciation of French luxury. The 1960 Facel Vega HK 500 (lot 174), a rare representative of this prestigious French marque, found a new owner for
126 400 € / 149 750 $ including premium. The 1978 Peugeot 604 V6 TI (lot 178) sold for two and a half times its estimate, fetching 3 000 €/ 3 550 $ including premium. There were new records for American models with the 1973 Pontiac Grand Safari 455CI (lot 233) which flew to 8 times its high estimate, selling for 49 400 € / 58 530 $ including premium. The 1976 Chevrolet Blazer (lot 234) made the world record price of
65 000 € / 77 000 $ including premium. Lot 208, the 1966 Austin Mini Moke also set a new record, changing hands for 45 800 € / 54 260 $ including premium. This car had been presented to André Trigano by his company to mark 41 years in the business!
The Renault 4L painted by Arman (lot 145) became the most expensive 4L in history, achieving a remarkable 50 600 € / 59 950 $ including premium. It will join the Parisian collection of an art and automobile enthusiast. Popular models attracted interest, including the 1974 2CV Citroën AZA2 (lot 101) which doubled its estimate, selling for 6 600 € / 7820 € including premium. The 1985 Citroën 2CV6 Spécial (lot 198) found a new owner for 19 300 € / 22 870 $ including premium. The 1969 Volkswagen Beetle 1200 (lot 215), presented in highly original condition, made 12 000 € / 14 220 $ including premium.
There was also a great deal of interest in barnfind models. The 1939 Lincoln Zephyr V12 Coupé (lot 244) changed hands for 26 500 € / 31 400 $ including premium, after a battle between a bidder in the room and on the internet. The Dodge WC56 Command Car (lot 247), was acquired for 10 200 € / 12 080 $ including premium, over ten times its high estimate.
Report by artcurial.com
