French Cars
not including Ettore Bugatti
See also : Birth of automobile Cars 1910s Cars 1940-50 Hypercars Inventions
Chronology : 1907 1914 1936 1938 2007
See also : Birth of automobile Cars 1910s Cars 1940-50 Hypercars Inventions
Chronology : 1907 1914 1936 1938 2007
1884 The Oldest Marquise
2011 SOLD 4.6 M$ including premium
The meeting between the aristocrat de Dion and the mechanical engineers Bouton and Trépardoux was successful. The steam had proved effective with the locomotives. By developing a propulsion system of small volume that could be mounted on a tricycle or quadricycle, the team actually invented the automobile.
La Marquise, made in 1884, with two pairs of different-size wheels, is the first successful prototype and is still the oldest car capable of running. Its general shape is already not like a boiler, but that of a real car.
In 1887, La Marquise won the first event considered as a car race between Paris and Versailles, without difficulty because it was the only competitor.
Yet the experiments of Benz, begun in 1885, would soon show that the petrol engine was a better choice than steam.
La Marquise was a sensation at Pebble Beach on August 19, 2007, when it was sold $ 3.5 million including premium by Gooding on an estimate of $ 1.5 M. Before this sale, it was illustrated in the article shared by LeBlogAuto.
Certainly, La Marquise likes auctions. It is for sale on October 7 in Hershey PA by RM Auctions. It is conservatively estimated $ 2M.
POST SALE COMMENT
This fabulous milestone in the history of motor vehicles was sold for $ 4.2 million before fees, 4.6 million including premium.
Here is a video introduced and shared by RMAuctions on YouTube by courtesy of Great Cars TV :
La Marquise, made in 1884, with two pairs of different-size wheels, is the first successful prototype and is still the oldest car capable of running. Its general shape is already not like a boiler, but that of a real car.
In 1887, La Marquise won the first event considered as a car race between Paris and Versailles, without difficulty because it was the only competitor.
Yet the experiments of Benz, begun in 1885, would soon show that the petrol engine was a better choice than steam.
La Marquise was a sensation at Pebble Beach on August 19, 2007, when it was sold $ 3.5 million including premium by Gooding on an estimate of $ 1.5 M. Before this sale, it was illustrated in the article shared by LeBlogAuto.
Certainly, La Marquise likes auctions. It is for sale on October 7 in Hershey PA by RM Auctions. It is conservatively estimated $ 2M.
POST SALE COMMENT
This fabulous milestone in the history of motor vehicles was sold for $ 4.2 million before fees, 4.6 million including premium.
Here is a video introduced and shared by RMAuctions on YouTube by courtesy of Great Cars TV :
1907 Renault with Vanderbilt
2020 SOLD for $ 3.3M including premium
Willie K. Vanderbilt is the heir of one of the richest men in America. He can devote his life to his leisure. He likes car speed and yachting.
Vanderbilt often travels to Europe. His first motor vehicle, in 1898, is a De Dion-Bouton tricycle. In 1904 in Daytona, he approaches 150 km/h with a Mercedes. In the same year, he creates the Vanderbilt Cup, the first American automobile trophy capable of counterbalancing the Gordon Bennett Cup.
The trend in competitions is the use of huge engines. A Renault AE 60 hp with a displacement of 13 liters participated in 1904 in the first Vanderbilt Cup. In 1906 at Le Mans, the very first Grand Prix of the Automobile Club de France was won by a Renault AK 90 hp of the same displacement, far ahead of all other competitors. In 1907 Fiat builds the 130 hp Corsa with an engine exceeding 16 liters.
These monsters cannot be offered for private use. They are thus indirectly at the origin of a new category, the sports car. Developed in 1907, the American Underslung 50 hp is a roadster with an engine of only 7.8 liters.
In the same year, Renault Frères introduce the AI (c) Sport 35/45 hp 7.5 liters. On an AI chassis, the two-seater bodywork also manufactured by Renault is a reduced version of the AK. AI's are the first models fitted with shock absorbers.
Renault delivers about 10 AI Sport to America on a group order by Vanderbilt. Despite its racing body, it was not designed to compete with bigger cars, and its history in the most prestigious American events is limited to a win in 1909 at the 24 Hours of Brighton Beach at Coney Island. None participated in the Vanderbilt Cup.
These cars identified as the Renault Vanderbilt racers. Four survive. One of them was sold for $ 1.1M including premium by Gooding on October 21, 2006. Another one will be sold on March 5 in Amelia Island by Bonhams, lot 159. Please watch the video prepared by the auction house.
Vanderbilt often travels to Europe. His first motor vehicle, in 1898, is a De Dion-Bouton tricycle. In 1904 in Daytona, he approaches 150 km/h with a Mercedes. In the same year, he creates the Vanderbilt Cup, the first American automobile trophy capable of counterbalancing the Gordon Bennett Cup.
The trend in competitions is the use of huge engines. A Renault AE 60 hp with a displacement of 13 liters participated in 1904 in the first Vanderbilt Cup. In 1906 at Le Mans, the very first Grand Prix of the Automobile Club de France was won by a Renault AK 90 hp of the same displacement, far ahead of all other competitors. In 1907 Fiat builds the 130 hp Corsa with an engine exceeding 16 liters.
These monsters cannot be offered for private use. They are thus indirectly at the origin of a new category, the sports car. Developed in 1907, the American Underslung 50 hp is a roadster with an engine of only 7.8 liters.
In the same year, Renault Frères introduce the AI (c) Sport 35/45 hp 7.5 liters. On an AI chassis, the two-seater bodywork also manufactured by Renault is a reduced version of the AK. AI's are the first models fitted with shock absorbers.
Renault delivers about 10 AI Sport to America on a group order by Vanderbilt. Despite its racing body, it was not designed to compete with bigger cars, and its history in the most prestigious American events is limited to a win in 1909 at the 24 Hours of Brighton Beach at Coney Island. None participated in the Vanderbilt Cup.
These cars identified as the Renault Vanderbilt racers. Four survive. One of them was sold for $ 1.1M including premium by Gooding on October 21, 2006. Another one will be sold on March 5 in Amelia Island by Bonhams, lot 159. Please watch the video prepared by the auction house.
1914 The Engine of the Charlatans
2017 SOLD for $ 7.3M including premium
The quarrel had been lasting in the Peugeot family between supporters and opponents of the automotive industry to the point that the activity had been split into two independent companies. After the death of Eugène, his sons are finally interested in the automobile and create the brand Lion-Peugeot. Even after the merger of the two companies in 1910, some reluctance persists. The Peugeot racing team receives internally the derogatory nickname of Charlatans.
After a first experience in engine design for the navy, the young engineer Ernest Henry was hired by Peugeot in 1911. He joined the Charlatans team where he listened to the innovative ideas of the pilots.
Henry conceived a synthesis of two techniques : the double overhead camshaft and the four valves per cylinder. At that time the organizers of the competitions were managing to limit the volumes. The Peugeot cars equipped with the engine designed by Henry are the L76 (7.6 liters) and the L3 (3 liters) in 1912, the L56 (5.6 liters) in 1913 and the L45 (4.5 liters) in 1914. In a ultimate challenge to the traditionalists of the company this L is for Lion.
Thanks to these innovations, the Peugeots of the Charlatans have a lighter chassis and a better handling. They begin to dominate the ACF competitions in France and then the 500 miles of Indianapolis.
The Peugeot-Henry engine is so far ahead of its competitors that the organizers of Indianapolis, fearing that the war in Europe reduces the appeal of their event, commission an American manufacturer to build replicas. Through that following Peugeot is the precursor of all modern car engines.
Two of these Peugeot cars survive. On November 11 in the house sale of the Bothwell collection near Los Angeles, Bonhams sells an L45 in an authenticity which is wonderful for a car of that time. Its chassis and engine are number 1 and the bodywork is original. Thanks to a progress in the technology of the tires it was timed at 165 km/h in 1949, an unprecedented speed for a car manufactured before the First World War.
This L45 is estimated $ 3M, lot 408. It was filmed in operation by a spectator at the 2011 Goodwood Festival of Speed. This video is shared on YouTube.
After a first experience in engine design for the navy, the young engineer Ernest Henry was hired by Peugeot in 1911. He joined the Charlatans team where he listened to the innovative ideas of the pilots.
Henry conceived a synthesis of two techniques : the double overhead camshaft and the four valves per cylinder. At that time the organizers of the competitions were managing to limit the volumes. The Peugeot cars equipped with the engine designed by Henry are the L76 (7.6 liters) and the L3 (3 liters) in 1912, the L56 (5.6 liters) in 1913 and the L45 (4.5 liters) in 1914. In a ultimate challenge to the traditionalists of the company this L is for Lion.
Thanks to these innovations, the Peugeots of the Charlatans have a lighter chassis and a better handling. They begin to dominate the ACF competitions in France and then the 500 miles of Indianapolis.
The Peugeot-Henry engine is so far ahead of its competitors that the organizers of Indianapolis, fearing that the war in Europe reduces the appeal of their event, commission an American manufacturer to build replicas. Through that following Peugeot is the precursor of all modern car engines.
Two of these Peugeot cars survive. On November 11 in the house sale of the Bothwell collection near Los Angeles, Bonhams sells an L45 in an authenticity which is wonderful for a car of that time. Its chassis and engine are number 1 and the bodywork is original. Thanks to a progress in the technology of the tires it was timed at 165 km/h in 1949, an unprecedented speed for a car manufactured before the First World War.
This L45 is estimated $ 3M, lot 408. It was filmed in operation by a spectator at the 2011 Goodwood Festival of Speed. This video is shared on YouTube.
1914 #Peugeot L45 Grand Prix 2 Seater, Chassis no. 1, Engine no. 1 - #Bothwell Collection now online- Nov. 11 in #LA https://t.co/OY1MaNkVhz pic.twitter.com/tJhZDARuQ3
— BONHAMS (@bonhams1793) October 11, 2017
1936 Delahaye Type 135 Compétition Court
2013 SOLD for $ 2.4M including premium by RM Auctions and Sotheby's
1937 Short Chassis by Delahaye
2014 SOLD 6.6 M$ including premium
The Delahaye type 135, released in 1935, is the great rival of the Bugatti 57. Its wide range of chassis includes the 135 Compétition Court, specially designed for racing as its name suggests.
Approximately 30 cars were built in Compétition Court and many of them were equipped with various bodies due to the rival talents of two contractors of Delahaye, the illustrator Géo Ham and the coachbuilder Figoni et Falaschi.
One of Figoni's specialties is the Goutte d'Eau coupe, a closed body also used for Talbot-Lago. Made in 1936, a Delahaye 135 Compétition Court Goutte d'Eau was sold for $ 2.4 million including premium by RM Auctions on November 21, 2013.
The Torpedo Roadster open body is a symbol of the top automotive luxury of its time and caused a sensation at the Salon de l'Auto in Paris in 1936. On March 8 in Amelia Island, RM Auctions sells a Delahaye 135 Compétition Court Torpedo Roadster, even rarer than the coupe from the same frame, lot 167 in the catalog.
This car also was bodied by Figoni et Falaschi who delivered it back to Delahaye in 1937. It is one of few examples where the coachbuilder has formally recognized the participation of Géo Ham.
This superb and rare Delahaye was for half a century the favorite of an American collector who nicknamed it his French Mistress.
POST SALE COMMENT
This exceptional roadster of the 1930s was sold for $ 6.6M including premium.
Approximately 30 cars were built in Compétition Court and many of them were equipped with various bodies due to the rival talents of two contractors of Delahaye, the illustrator Géo Ham and the coachbuilder Figoni et Falaschi.
One of Figoni's specialties is the Goutte d'Eau coupe, a closed body also used for Talbot-Lago. Made in 1936, a Delahaye 135 Compétition Court Goutte d'Eau was sold for $ 2.4 million including premium by RM Auctions on November 21, 2013.
The Torpedo Roadster open body is a symbol of the top automotive luxury of its time and caused a sensation at the Salon de l'Auto in Paris in 1936. On March 8 in Amelia Island, RM Auctions sells a Delahaye 135 Compétition Court Torpedo Roadster, even rarer than the coupe from the same frame, lot 167 in the catalog.
This car also was bodied by Figoni et Falaschi who delivered it back to Delahaye in 1937. It is one of few examples where the coachbuilder has formally recognized the participation of Géo Ham.
This superb and rare Delahaye was for half a century the favorite of an American collector who nicknamed it his French Mistress.
POST SALE COMMENT
This exceptional roadster of the 1930s was sold for $ 6.6M including premium.
1938 The Art of Giuseppe Figoni
2013 SOLD 7.1 M$ including premium
Italian-born coachbuilder working in Boulogne-sur-Seine, Giuseppe Figoni associates in 1935 with the businessman Ovidio Falaschi. This co-operation allows Figoni to devote entirely to his art, perhaps with the support of the automotive artist Géo Ham.
At the same time, two new high-end chassis appear on the French market : the Type 135 by Delahaye and the T150 by Talbot-Lago. Each of them is also available in a short wheel base version specifically designed for competition.
The new company Figoni et Falaschi developed for these two brands a range of bodies unique in their kind known as Goutte d'eau for the teardrop shape of the interior. The Goutte d'eau is contemporary with the Bugatti Atlantic and, more generally, with the best Art Déco style of Paris.
While a production line is established for long chassis, a very small number of Goutte d'eau were assembled over the short chassis, mainly as prototypes or demonstrators. Two of these wonders are included in the sale on the theme of Art of the Automobile, by RM Auctions and Sotheby's in New York on November 21.
The earliest is a Delahaye Type 135 Compétition Court coupe made in 1936, estimated $ 3 million.
The Talbot-Lago T150-CSS cabriolet is the rarest and most spectacular among the bodies made by Figoni et Falaschi. Made in 1938 on chassis number 90111 and painted in cream color, it is estimated $ 8 million.
Note that the next number, 90112, was discussed earlier in this column. This T150-CSS bodied in goutte d'eau coupe by Figoni et Falaschi with a rare sunroof variant was sold for € 3.1 million including premium by RM Auctions on May 21, 2011.
POST SALE COMMENT
The estimates of these two cars had been ambitious and they were not met, but both were sold.
$ 7.1 million including premium is indeed a great result for the Talbot-Lago cabriolet. The Delahaye coupe was sold for $ 2.4 million including premium.
At the same time, two new high-end chassis appear on the French market : the Type 135 by Delahaye and the T150 by Talbot-Lago. Each of them is also available in a short wheel base version specifically designed for competition.
The new company Figoni et Falaschi developed for these two brands a range of bodies unique in their kind known as Goutte d'eau for the teardrop shape of the interior. The Goutte d'eau is contemporary with the Bugatti Atlantic and, more generally, with the best Art Déco style of Paris.
While a production line is established for long chassis, a very small number of Goutte d'eau were assembled over the short chassis, mainly as prototypes or demonstrators. Two of these wonders are included in the sale on the theme of Art of the Automobile, by RM Auctions and Sotheby's in New York on November 21.
The earliest is a Delahaye Type 135 Compétition Court coupe made in 1936, estimated $ 3 million.
The Talbot-Lago T150-CSS cabriolet is the rarest and most spectacular among the bodies made by Figoni et Falaschi. Made in 1938 on chassis number 90111 and painted in cream color, it is estimated $ 8 million.
Note that the next number, 90112, was discussed earlier in this column. This T150-CSS bodied in goutte d'eau coupe by Figoni et Falaschi with a rare sunroof variant was sold for € 3.1 million including premium by RM Auctions on May 21, 2011.
POST SALE COMMENT
The estimates of these two cars had been ambitious and they were not met, but both were sold.
$ 7.1 million including premium is indeed a great result for the Talbot-Lago cabriolet. The Delahaye coupe was sold for $ 2.4 million including premium.
1938 A Few Teardrops for the Road
2011 SOLD 3.1 M€ including premium
The Goutte d'eau (in English, teardrop) is the most exceptional form of bodywork in the history of the automobile, and also one of the most extravagant. The protagonists are the best French manufacturers of luxury cars in the late 1930s.
In 1935, Bugatti introduces at the Salon de l'Auto a prototype named "Aérolithe". Researches for obtaining high speed from aerodynamic features have led to a style all in curves, with a semi-spheric cockpit. The catalog model will be the Bugatti Atlantic.
Some much advanced materials made the Atlantic a technological feat. Weighing less than 1000 kg, it reached 100 kph in 10 seconds and was pushed up to 200 kph. Three specimens were built. The first of them (1936) was sold by private contract in May 2010 at Gooding and Company for an undisclosed price, but known to exceed $ 30M. It is currently the most expensive car in the world.
These developments have inspired the coachworkers Figoni et Falaschi, who fitted the teardrop on a few Talbot-Lago chassis. Less technological than the Atlantic, it weighs 1500 kg and reaches 185 kph.
The copy of Talbot-Lago T150CSS Goutte d'eau for sale on May 21 by RM Auctions in Lake Como ("Villa d'Este" sale), delivered in 1938, has the short form of the chassis, made overall in ten copies that have been described as rolling works of art. It is one of very few to be equipped with a sunroof. It is illustrated in the article shared by Sport Prestige.
Several other copies have been seen recently at auction. A long chassis offering some unique features was sold $ 4.62 million including premium by RM Auctions in Monterey on August 14, 2010. The other examples I have seen seen are in the range of 3 to 4 million $.
POST SALE COMMENT
There was no surprise. The catalog had published a lower estimate at € 3.1 million. The result is slightly below: € 2.8 million before fees, 3.1 million including premium.
In 1935, Bugatti introduces at the Salon de l'Auto a prototype named "Aérolithe". Researches for obtaining high speed from aerodynamic features have led to a style all in curves, with a semi-spheric cockpit. The catalog model will be the Bugatti Atlantic.
Some much advanced materials made the Atlantic a technological feat. Weighing less than 1000 kg, it reached 100 kph in 10 seconds and was pushed up to 200 kph. Three specimens were built. The first of them (1936) was sold by private contract in May 2010 at Gooding and Company for an undisclosed price, but known to exceed $ 30M. It is currently the most expensive car in the world.
These developments have inspired the coachworkers Figoni et Falaschi, who fitted the teardrop on a few Talbot-Lago chassis. Less technological than the Atlantic, it weighs 1500 kg and reaches 185 kph.
The copy of Talbot-Lago T150CSS Goutte d'eau for sale on May 21 by RM Auctions in Lake Como ("Villa d'Este" sale), delivered in 1938, has the short form of the chassis, made overall in ten copies that have been described as rolling works of art. It is one of very few to be equipped with a sunroof. It is illustrated in the article shared by Sport Prestige.
Several other copies have been seen recently at auction. A long chassis offering some unique features was sold $ 4.62 million including premium by RM Auctions in Monterey on August 14, 2010. The other examples I have seen seen are in the range of 3 to 4 million $.
POST SALE COMMENT
There was no surprise. The catalog had published a lower estimate at € 3.1 million. The result is slightly below: € 2.8 million before fees, 3.1 million including premium.
1949 Post War Extravagance
2010 SOLD 3.3 M$ including premium
In the 1930s, coachworkers were building gorgeous bodies on the chassis of luxury cars. In 1949, extending this practice, some vehicles are still produced specifically for private clients who focus on exhibitions and concours d'elegance.
Thus was born this unlikely Delahaye 175S Roadster coachworked by Saoutchik. The specialty of this brand was the sports cars, to join in the garage of the rich the city cars from Rolls Royce.
Giving the impression of devouring the road, this huge and slender convertible is designed so that only the body is visible, with very low windows and hidden wheels. Currently a flamboyant turquoise, it is estimated $ 4 million, for sale by RM Auctions in Monterey on August 14. I did not find what was the original color.
The video is shared on YouTube by the auction house.
POST SALE COMMENT
The price to be paid for extravagance is lower than what was hoped by the auction house, but this lot has still been sold: $ 3 million before fees, with an additional 10% buyer's charge.
The image is shared on Wikimedia. Attribution : By Simon Davison from Los Gatos, United States cropped, some objects removed by uploader Mr.choppers (RM-55) [CC-BY-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Thus was born this unlikely Delahaye 175S Roadster coachworked by Saoutchik. The specialty of this brand was the sports cars, to join in the garage of the rich the city cars from Rolls Royce.
Giving the impression of devouring the road, this huge and slender convertible is designed so that only the body is visible, with very low windows and hidden wheels. Currently a flamboyant turquoise, it is estimated $ 4 million, for sale by RM Auctions in Monterey on August 14. I did not find what was the original color.
The video is shared on YouTube by the auction house.
POST SALE COMMENT
The price to be paid for extravagance is lower than what was hoped by the auction house, but this lot has still been sold: $ 3 million before fees, with an additional 10% buyer's charge.
The image is shared on Wikimedia. Attribution : By Simon Davison from Los Gatos, United States cropped, some objects removed by uploader Mr.choppers (RM-55) [CC-BY-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
1969 Matra in the Wind
2009 SOLD 1.5 M€ including premium
PRE SALE DISCUSSION
On February 8 in Paris, Artcurial sell the first unit of Matra MS650. Made in 1969, this car was designed for endurance competitions, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans where it participated.
The objective of the French firm Matra was to bring something new in this sector of the car market, and it succeeded. Its engine type V-12 had a special buzz, announcing to the ear the passage of the car before it was visible.
Moreover, its very low and very compact shape did not take the wind, with the wheels being well protected under the bodywork. Designed to be functional, it is a beautiful object, color blue sky.
The auctioneer who presents it on behalf of Artcurial, Hervé Poulain, is an experienced pilot who perhaps even competed against this "monster", a term he uses himself passionately in the video published on the site of Artcurial. Wikipedia indicates several participations of Hervé Poulain in Le Mans between 1975 and 1998. The Matra brand left Formula 1 at the end of the 1972 season and endurance race two years later.
How much will this car be valued? We must wait for the catalog to get an idea.
Endurance and Formula 1 are different markets. I remind for information only the sale of the unique copy of Matra MS 9 by Artcurial, 245 K € excluding charges, on 20 June 2005. This Formula 1 car dates of 1967-1968. It could be considered as a test vehicle.
POST SALE COMMENT
Artcurial had announced that the Matra could exceed € 1.5 million. This price was recorded, but including the costs.
My article supposed that the price of such a scarcity is hardly predictable. In addition, circuit cars are often at lower prices than road cars. I therefore consider that this price is excellent.
On February 8 in Paris, Artcurial sell the first unit of Matra MS650. Made in 1969, this car was designed for endurance competitions, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans where it participated.
The objective of the French firm Matra was to bring something new in this sector of the car market, and it succeeded. Its engine type V-12 had a special buzz, announcing to the ear the passage of the car before it was visible.
Moreover, its very low and very compact shape did not take the wind, with the wheels being well protected under the bodywork. Designed to be functional, it is a beautiful object, color blue sky.
The auctioneer who presents it on behalf of Artcurial, Hervé Poulain, is an experienced pilot who perhaps even competed against this "monster", a term he uses himself passionately in the video published on the site of Artcurial. Wikipedia indicates several participations of Hervé Poulain in Le Mans between 1975 and 1998. The Matra brand left Formula 1 at the end of the 1972 season and endurance race two years later.
How much will this car be valued? We must wait for the catalog to get an idea.
Endurance and Formula 1 are different markets. I remind for information only the sale of the unique copy of Matra MS 9 by Artcurial, 245 K € excluding charges, on 20 June 2005. This Formula 1 car dates of 1967-1968. It could be considered as a test vehicle.
POST SALE COMMENT
Artcurial had announced that the Matra could exceed € 1.5 million. This price was recorded, but including the costs.
My article supposed that the price of such a scarcity is hardly predictable. In addition, circuit cars are often at lower prices than road cars. I therefore consider that this price is excellent.
2007 Peugeot sells a Car
2012 SOLD 1.7 M€ including premium
Motor racing is always tempting for car brands. It helps developing new technologies, demonstrating their reliability and attracting public attention.
Peugeot achieved success with the 905. They stopped it in 2005 to focus efforts on new developments. The model 908 HDi FAP has enjoyed a great success since its first competition in 2007.
Designed for endurance, it enters the LMP1 category (Le Mans Prototype). It inaugurates the success at the highest level of diesel based technologies (HDi FAP is the name of the engine). Note that the nomenclature of vehicles often creates confusion: the Peugeot 908 HDi FAP has nothing in common with the Peugeot 908.
In January 2012, Peugeot announced their withdrawal from endurance racing. Ten Peugeot 908 HDi FAP had been built.
The parent company PSA sells for the first time one of these vehicles. To be auctioned in Monaco on May 12 by RM Auctions, this car with an outstanding competition history is the first to be offered for private ownership. It is estimated € 1.5 M. It is illustrated on the article shared by Speed.
POST SALE COMMENT
The Peugeot car was sold exactly at its lower estimate: € 1.5 million hammer price.
Peugeot achieved success with the 905. They stopped it in 2005 to focus efforts on new developments. The model 908 HDi FAP has enjoyed a great success since its first competition in 2007.
Designed for endurance, it enters the LMP1 category (Le Mans Prototype). It inaugurates the success at the highest level of diesel based technologies (HDi FAP is the name of the engine). Note that the nomenclature of vehicles often creates confusion: the Peugeot 908 HDi FAP has nothing in common with the Peugeot 908.
In January 2012, Peugeot announced their withdrawal from endurance racing. Ten Peugeot 908 HDi FAP had been built.
The parent company PSA sells for the first time one of these vehicles. To be auctioned in Monaco on May 12 by RM Auctions, this car with an outstanding competition history is the first to be offered for private ownership. It is estimated € 1.5 M. It is illustrated on the article shared by Speed.
POST SALE COMMENT
The Peugeot car was sold exactly at its lower estimate: € 1.5 million hammer price.
2017 Chiron after Veyron
2018 SOLD for € 3.3M including premium
The performances of the supercars are more and more amazing. These road going models now arrive at auction in the months following the first deliveries. After the Bugatti Veyron, the LaFerrari and the LaFerrari Aperta, here is now the Bugatti Chiron.
The Chiron has the same engine as the Veyron, 8 liters with 16 cylinders in W. For the rest it benefits from all the improvements imagined by the brand in its ten years of experience of the Veyron. It is taller and wider, for an better comfort and an impeccable handling up to the highest speed and in braking.
The top speed of the Chiron is currently electronically limited to 420 km/h for remaining below the critical threshold of tire wear but the brand lets know that studies are ongoing to go faster. At maximum speed the fuel tank gets dry in 7 minutes. Driven on the road by Juan Pablo Montoya, a Chiron was timed in 41.96 seconds on the maneuver 0 - 400 km/h - 0, over a total distance of only 3,112 m.
The model had been unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2016 and a total production target of 500 vehicles was announced, to be spread over several years starting in 2017. For that first year it is estimated that 70 Chiron have been delivered.
The first Chiron exported to the US was sold for $ 3.8M including premium by RM Sotheby's on December 6, 2017. Not yet registered, it had only run at that time the 400 km of its factory tests.
The next Chiron at auction will be sold by Mecum in Kissimmee on January 13, lot S85.1. Its record at the odometer is the same as for the example above. Another Chiron with less than 1000 Km from new is estimated € 3,2M for sale by RM Sotheby's in Paris on February 7, lot 151. And another one at Mecum in Los Angeles, on February 17, lot S98.
The story will not stop at that point. The Bugatti records are already beaten or threatened by Koenigsegg.
RESULTS :
Mecum (Kissimmee) : unsold
RM Sotheby's : SOLD for € 2.95M before fees
Mecum (Los Angeles) : withdrawn
The Chiron has the same engine as the Veyron, 8 liters with 16 cylinders in W. For the rest it benefits from all the improvements imagined by the brand in its ten years of experience of the Veyron. It is taller and wider, for an better comfort and an impeccable handling up to the highest speed and in braking.
The top speed of the Chiron is currently electronically limited to 420 km/h for remaining below the critical threshold of tire wear but the brand lets know that studies are ongoing to go faster. At maximum speed the fuel tank gets dry in 7 minutes. Driven on the road by Juan Pablo Montoya, a Chiron was timed in 41.96 seconds on the maneuver 0 - 400 km/h - 0, over a total distance of only 3,112 m.
The model had been unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2016 and a total production target of 500 vehicles was announced, to be spread over several years starting in 2017. For that first year it is estimated that 70 Chiron have been delivered.
The first Chiron exported to the US was sold for $ 3.8M including premium by RM Sotheby's on December 6, 2017. Not yet registered, it had only run at that time the 400 km of its factory tests.
The next Chiron at auction will be sold by Mecum in Kissimmee on January 13, lot S85.1. Its record at the odometer is the same as for the example above. Another Chiron with less than 1000 Km from new is estimated € 3,2M for sale by RM Sotheby's in Paris on February 7, lot 151. And another one at Mecum in Los Angeles, on February 17, lot S98.
The story will not stop at that point. The Bugatti records are already beaten or threatened by Koenigsegg.
RESULTS :
Mecum (Kissimmee) : unsold
RM Sotheby's : SOLD for € 2.95M before fees
Mecum (Los Angeles) : withdrawn
