French Cars
not including Ettore Bugatti
Except otherwise stated, all results include the premium.
See also : Birth of automobile Cars 1910s Cars 1936-37 Cars 1938-39 Cars 1970s 1980s Hypercars Inventions
Chronology : 1914 1939
Except otherwise stated, all results include the premium.
See also : Birth of automobile Cars 1910s Cars 1936-37 Cars 1938-39 Cars 1970s 1980s Hypercars Inventions
Chronology : 1914 1939
1884 La Marquise
2011 SOLD for $ 4.6M by RM Auctions
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 $ 3.5M by Gooding from an estimate of $ 1.5 M. It was sold for $ 4.6M on October 7, 2011 by RM Auctions. Please watch the video shared before the sale by RM Auctions :
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 $ 3.5M by Gooding from an estimate of $ 1.5 M. It was sold for $ 4.6M on October 7, 2011 by RM Auctions. Please watch the video shared before the sale by RM Auctions :
1914 Peugeot L45
2017 SOLD for $ 7.3M by Bonhams
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, 2017, Bonhams sold an L45 in an authenticity which is pitstanding 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 was sold for $ 7.3M from a lower estimate of $ 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, 2017, Bonhams sold an L45 in an authenticity which is pitstanding 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 was sold for $ 7.3M from a lower estimate of $ 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
1937 Delahaye 135 Roadster
2014 SOLD for $ 6.6M by RM Auctions
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.
The Goutte d'Eau (Teardrop) is a gorgeous specialty of the Carrosserie Figoni et Falaschi, with a lowered center of gravity. While a production line is established for the Delahaye long chassis, a very small number of Goutte d'eau were assembled over the short chassis, mainly as prototypes or demonstrators.
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, 2014, RM Auctions sold for $ 6.6M a Delahaye 135 Compétition Court Torpedo Roadster, even rarer than the coupe from the same frame, lot 167.
This car was bodied by Figoni et Falaschi who delivered it back to Delahaye in 1937. It is one of few examples where the coachmaker has formally recognized the participation of Géo Ham.
This gorgeous and rare Delahaye was for half a century the favorite of an American collector who nicknamed it his French Mistress.
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.
The Goutte d'Eau (Teardrop) is a gorgeous specialty of the Carrosserie Figoni et Falaschi, with a lowered center of gravity. While a production line is established for the Delahaye long chassis, a very small number of Goutte d'eau were assembled over the short chassis, mainly as prototypes or demonstrators.
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, 2014, RM Auctions sold for $ 6.6M a Delahaye 135 Compétition Court Torpedo Roadster, even rarer than the coupe from the same frame, lot 167.
This car was bodied by Figoni et Falaschi who delivered it back to Delahaye in 1937. It is one of few examples where the coachmaker has formally recognized the participation of Géo Ham.
This gorgeous and rare Delahaye was for half a century the favorite of an American collector who nicknamed it his French Mistress.
Talbot-Lago T150-C Goutte d'Eau
Intro
An 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 some support from the automotive artist Géo Ham.
In 1935 also, Bugatti introduces at the Salon de l'Auto a prototype named "Aérolithe". The quest for obtaining high speed from aerodynamic features have led to a style all in curves, with a semi-spheric cockpit. The catalogued model will be the Bugatti Atlantic, made in three units in 1936.
At the same time, two new high-end chassis appear on the French market : the Type 135 by Delahaye and the T150 by the newly incorporated Talbot-Lago. Each of them is also available in a short wheel base version specifically designed for competition.
Figoni et Falaschi developed for these two types a range of bodies unique in their kind known as Goutte d'eau for the teardrop shape of the inner contour. This rolling work of art is indeed contemporary with the culmination of the Parisian Art Déco style.
In 1935 also, Bugatti introduces at the Salon de l'Auto a prototype named "Aérolithe". The quest for obtaining high speed from aerodynamic features have led to a style all in curves, with a semi-spheric cockpit. The catalogued model will be the Bugatti Atlantic, made in three units in 1936.
At the same time, two new high-end chassis appear on the French market : the Type 135 by Delahaye and the T150 by the newly incorporated Talbot-Lago. Each of them is also available in a short wheel base version specifically designed for competition.
Figoni et Falaschi developed for these two types a range of bodies unique in their kind known as Goutte d'eau for the teardrop shape of the inner contour. This rolling work of art is indeed contemporary with the culmination of the Parisian Art Déco style.
1
1937 SS Coupe
2017 SOLD for € 3.36M by RM Sotheby's
A 1937 Talbot-Lago T150-C SS fitted as a goutte d'eau coupe in the same year by Figoni et Falaschi was sold for € 3.36M by RM Sotheby's on May 27, 2017, lot 151.
This example has the ghost-like enclosed front fenders which are highly rare on the Talbot teardrops with only one other example known, but less uncommon on the Delahaye teardrops.
Another Talbot-Lago T150-C SS Goutte d'eau was sold for € 3.14M on May 21, 2011 by RM Auctions, lot 127. Delivered in 1938, it has the short version of the chassis and the highly rare sunroof.
In the reference, C SS refers to the Super Sport Competition short chassis. The model embed a 4 liter 6 cylinder engine.
This example has the ghost-like enclosed front fenders which are highly rare on the Talbot teardrops with only one other example known, but less uncommon on the Delahaye teardrops.
Another Talbot-Lago T150-C SS Goutte d'eau was sold for € 3.14M on May 21, 2011 by RM Auctions, lot 127. Delivered in 1938, it has the short version of the chassis and the highly rare sunroof.
In the reference, C SS refers to the Super Sport Competition short chassis. The model embed a 4 liter 6 cylinder engine.
2
1938 SS Cabriolet
2013 SOLD for $ 7.15M by RM Auctions
The open body Talbot-Lago T150-C SS teardrop cabriolet is the rarest and most spectacular coachwork made by Figoni et Falaschi. Made in 1938 and painted in cream color, one of them was sold for $ 7.15M on November 21, 2013 by RM Auctions, lot 122.
3
1938 Lago Speciale Coupe
2010 SOLD for $ 4.6M by RM Auctions
16 Talbot-Lago cars were assembled with a Figoni et Falaschi teardrop, in two series. The first series was made of three on the T150-C SS chassis, one on the three-litre T23 chassis and one on the T150-C Lago Speciale 30 cm longer chassis. Four of them are remaining.
Made in 1938, the unique Talbot-Lago T150-C Lago Speciale teardrop coupe by Figoni et Falaschi was sold twice by RM Auctions, for $ 3.7M on August 20, 2005, lot 251, and for $ 4.6M on August 14, 2010, lot 359. The long chassis enabled to accommodate a third passenger. The car has a full size sliding sunroof.
This Speciale had been purchased by its first owner for the very high price of 165,000 francs.
Made in the same year, the unique T23 from the first teardrop series was sold twice by RM Auctions, for £ 1.8M on October 27, 2010, lot 187, and for $ 2.64M on August 17, 2012, lot 121.
Made in 1938, the unique Talbot-Lago T150-C Lago Speciale teardrop coupe by Figoni et Falaschi was sold twice by RM Auctions, for $ 3.7M on August 20, 2005, lot 251, and for $ 4.6M on August 14, 2010, lot 359. The long chassis enabled to accommodate a third passenger. The car has a full size sliding sunroof.
This Speciale had been purchased by its first owner for the very high price of 165,000 francs.
Made in the same year, the unique T23 from the first teardrop series was sold twice by RM Auctions, for £ 1.8M on October 27, 2010, lot 187, and for $ 2.64M on August 17, 2012, lot 121.
1939 Talbot-Lago T150-C Aerocoupé
2008 SOLD for $ 4.8M by Bonhams
The Goutte d'Eau of Figoni et Falaschi had a follow in 1939 with another team. On the same chassis Talbot-Lago T150-C SS as the Goutte d'eau, Georges Paulin designed the Aerocoupé aiming to improve the aerodynamics for a purpose of racing. Four Aerocoupés were hand made by Marcel Pourtout.
One of them was certainly not finished when the war broke out. It surfaced after the war and was raced by Ecurie Nice in 1950 and 1951. It was sold for $ 4.8M by Bonhams on August 15, 2008, lot 330.
One of them was certainly not finished when the war broke out. It surfaced after the war and was raced by Ecurie Nice in 1950 and 1951. It was sold for $ 4.8M by Bonhams on August 15, 2008, lot 330.
1972 Matra
2021 SOLD for € 6.9M by Artcurial
Jean-Luc Lagardère has been Matra's operational manager since 1963 with the position of Directeur général. His mission is to diversify the activities of this company previously focused to the aeronautical and military sector. In 1964 he declares his ambition for Matra to become the leader in automobile competitions within ten years. In the same year, Matra buys the company of the Automobiles René Bonnet.
In a gradual approach, Matra indeed manages to win successively in Formula 3, Formula 2 and Formula 1. In 1969 Jackie Stewart is world champion with a Matra MS 80 equipped with a V8 Cosworth engine. In the following year Matra Sports joins forces with Simca.
For endurance, Matra's learning is a bit slower. In 1972, after several years of failure, the Matra team enters four cars at Le Mans. The race is won by an MS 670 fitted with the 1972 version of the Matra Sports V12 engine. It was piloted by Henri Pescarolo and Graham Hill. The latter thus becomes the only motorsport champion to have won the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the 500 miles of Indianapolis and the Formula 1 World Championship.
Matra's victory revives French motorsport. Introduced for Formula 1 in 1968, the V12 played an important role in the popularity of the brand. Lagardère wanted its noise to be a roar, which spectators cannot ignore each time a Matra passes through Mulsanne straight.
This car ended its racing career in the following year but was retained by the company. Its many modifications are consistent with the period configuration. It was sold for € 6.9M from a lower estimate of € 4M by Artcurial on February 5, 2021, lot 5. Please watch the video shared by the auction house and discover therein the howl of the Matra, described by Artcurial as a fabulous symphony.
Matra Sports largely won its challenge and ceased competition after the 1974 season but supplied engines to Ligier until 1978. Lagardère became Chairman and CEO of Matra in 1977.
In a gradual approach, Matra indeed manages to win successively in Formula 3, Formula 2 and Formula 1. In 1969 Jackie Stewart is world champion with a Matra MS 80 equipped with a V8 Cosworth engine. In the following year Matra Sports joins forces with Simca.
For endurance, Matra's learning is a bit slower. In 1972, after several years of failure, the Matra team enters four cars at Le Mans. The race is won by an MS 670 fitted with the 1972 version of the Matra Sports V12 engine. It was piloted by Henri Pescarolo and Graham Hill. The latter thus becomes the only motorsport champion to have won the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the 500 miles of Indianapolis and the Formula 1 World Championship.
Matra's victory revives French motorsport. Introduced for Formula 1 in 1968, the V12 played an important role in the popularity of the brand. Lagardère wanted its noise to be a roar, which spectators cannot ignore each time a Matra passes through Mulsanne straight.
This car ended its racing career in the following year but was retained by the company. Its many modifications are consistent with the period configuration. It was sold for € 6.9M from a lower estimate of € 4M by Artcurial on February 5, 2021, lot 5. Please watch the video shared by the auction house and discover therein the howl of the Matra, described by Artcurial as a fabulous symphony.
Matra Sports largely won its challenge and ceased competition after the 1974 season but supplied engines to Ligier until 1978. Lagardère became Chairman and CEO of Matra in 1977.
2017 Bugatti Chiron
1
2018 SOLD for € 3.3M by RM Sotheby's
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 story will not stop at that point. The Bugatti records are already beaten or threatened by Koenigsegg.
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.
A Chiron with less than 1,000 Km from new was sold for € 3,3M by RM Sotheby's on February 7, 2018, lot 151.
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 story will not stop at that point. The Bugatti records are already beaten or threatened by Koenigsegg.
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.
A Chiron with less than 1,000 Km from new was sold for € 3,3M by RM Sotheby's on February 7, 2018, lot 151.
2
2017 SOLD for $ 3.8M by RM Sotheby's
The first Chiron exported to the US was sold for $ 3.8M by RM Sotheby's on December 6, 2017, lot 137.
Not yet registered, it had only run at that time the 400 km of its factory tests. It is titled 2018.
Not yet registered, it had only run at that time the 400 km of its factory tests. It is titled 2018.
