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First Look: 10 Stellar Cars at RM Sotheby’s Paris

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RM Sotheby’s 2017 European auction calendar is set to start in spectacular fashion, with a return to Paris, for its fourth annual sale during the world-famous Rétromobile show week. Held at the historic Place Vauban in the city’s centre, the stunning grounds offer the perfect setting for the finest sports, racing and touring cars from both pre- and post-war periods. Ahead of the sale, we chose ten automobiles with exceptional rarity and provenance. Click ahead to discover these exciting auction highlights.

RM Sotheby's: Paris
8 February | Paris

First Look: 10 Stellar Cars at RM Sotheby’s Paris

  • 1934 Alfa Romeo Tipo B P3. Estimate €3,800,000–5,000,000.
    One of the three second series Alfa Romeo Tipo B P3’s originally fitted with Dubonnet independent front suspension, Chassis 50006 was campaigned by Scuderia Ferrari during the 1935 Grand Prix season. Driven by celebrated drivers such as Tazio Nuvolari and Pierre Louis-Dreyfus, complete with an unbroken history of ownership and confirmed factory-original components, this P3 is a sensational example of the first monoposto Grand Prix model.  

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  • 1964 Porsche 901 Cabriolet Prototype by Karmann. Estimate €850,000–1,000,000.
    Offered for the first time at a public sale, this car is the only open-topped example of the thirteen Porsche 901 Prototypes built in the 1960s. Presented in largely original condition, this prototype has undergone no significant cosmetic restoration since leaving Porsche in 1967 and has had only three private owners.  

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  • 1988 Porsche 959 Sport. Estimate €1,500,000–2,000,000.
    Offered from an exceptional Swiss collection, this Porsche 959 Sport is just one of 29 959s built to Sport specifications, making it one of the rarest Porsches available. Despite 959s being non-compliant with United States regulations, original owner and race driver Vasek Polak managed to import and register this car. Since Polak’s ownership, the vehicle has been scrupulously maintained in original condition and has even been displayed at the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart.  

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  • 1956 Inter 175A Berline. Estimate €50,000–70,000.
    A distinctive ‘microcar’ brimming with aeroplane design elements, this Inter 175A Berline is one of just 30 surviving examples – all of which are unique. Designed by a French aeronautics firm, the Inter is a fascinating bit of automobile history.  

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  • 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III BJ8 Works Rally Car. Estimate €340,000–450,000.
    Winner of the 1964 Spa-Sofia-Liège rally, BMO 93B is one of three Austin-Healey Works cars prepared for the 1964 season and one of only five to win a major event. Offered for the first time in twelve years, after undergoing a complete restoration between 2009 and 2014, BMO 93B is ready to make its return to the vintage racing scene.  

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  • 1941 SS 100 Jaguar 2½-Litre Roadster. Estimate €385,000–445,000.
    One of the last SS 100s to be built, Chassis 49061 is thoroughly documented and comes with an extensive history file complete with invoices, letters between owners and a buff logbook. In full running condition and with its original engine, this SS 100 has been exhibited at the Henry Ford Museum three times and is undoubtedly one of the finest survivors of the marque.  

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  • 1998 Ruf CTR2 Sport. Estimate €450,000–550,000.
    Based on the Porsche 993 Turbo, the RUF CTR2 launched in 1995 and was one of the fastest production cars in the world, second only to the McLaren F1. After placing second overall in the 1997 Pikes Peak Hill Climb, RUF sent test driver Steve Beddor this Yellowbird Yellow CTR2 for his personal use. Recently imported into the United Kingdom, this CTR2 has an unparalleled ownership history and is still more than capable of hitting its blistering top speed of 217 mph.  

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  • 1933 Rolls-Royce 20/25 Three-Position Drophead Coupé by Barker. Estimate €165,000–220,000.
    Originally displayed by Barker at the 1933 Paris Salon de l’Automobile, Chassis GTZ 48 is certainly one of the most original 20/25s available today. Complete with its original interior, along with the hand and road tools, this 20/25 has been well maintained by marque experts P&A Wood. 

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  • 1989 Ferrari F40. Estimate €950,000–1,050,000.
    Ferrari Classiche certified, this desirable F40 – without catalytic converters or adjustable suspension – has had only two owners and is one of the best maintained models available. 2014 saw the F40 undergo a complete and full service by Motor Service S.r.l., and it now features in truly exceptional condition. 

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  • 2003 Aston Martin DB7 Zagato. Estimate €350,000–400,000.
    The very first of 99 production models, this Aston Martin DB7 Zagato is a single-owner car with a fascinating history. The original purchase agreement for Serial No. 001 was signed on a napkin after the current owner dined with Aston Martin CEO Dr. Bez – this napkin then hung in Dr. Bez’s office as encouragement to complete the Zagato project. Carefully maintained and complete with the original presentation book, the DB7 Zagato represents the opportunity to own a symbol of one of the greatest brand partnerships in the motoring world.   

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