Le Mans 7 July, 2018

The 5th edition of Le Mans Classic by Artcurial Motorcars began just after 14.00 on Saturday 7 July, with sunshine pouring into a packed saleroom at le Circuit de la Sarthe. This biennial auction is held as part of the prestigious historic motor racing event Le Mans Classic, attracting enthusiasts and collectors from around the world.

On the rostrum, Maitre Hervé Poulain was accompanied by his magnificent duo, Matthieu Lamoure and Pierre Novikoff. They had worked with their team to present an exceptional programme, comprising a range of popular classics, sports cars and icons of automobile design. Lasting over four hours, with 13 lots changing hands for over €200,000 €, including two over €1,0mio, with 4 world record prices, the sale realised €12,6mio / $14,7mio - the best sale result for any auction held at Le Mans.

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Bidding battles started early in the sale, with lot 6, a rare flag used to start the Le Mans 24 Hour race in 1967. Offered with an estimate of €1,000 - €1,500, a telephone bidder finally outbid someone in the room, to win the flag for €32,500 / $38,200 !

Mercedes was the indisputable star of the sale, and in particular lot 39, the 1963 Mercedes 300SL Roadster. This automobile was exceptional for having covered a mere 1 380 km in the hands of just one owner from new. This lot attracted serious and sustained bidding and finally changed hands for €3,143,000 / $3,695,000, over double its estimate, establishing a new world record for this model at auction! Its sister, the 1956 300 SL Gullwing (lot 40), sold to an European enthusiast for €1,013,000 / $1,190,000. This provided double satisfaction for Artcurial Motorcars, having been commissioned by the Swedish government to sell these automobiles to raise funds for a charity supporting the education of children in need.

Two other descendants of the 300 SL, the SLS AMG Coupé (lot 68) and Roadster (lot 69), both from 2014, found new owners for €488,700 / $574,000 and €554,300 / $651,000 respectively.

And the Italians? Lamborghini shared the limelight, starting with the 1965 tractor (lot 28) which sold above the high estimate for €35,800€ / $42,000 including premium. There were also some classic models including lot 30, the 1968 Lamborghini Miura P400 which sold for €834,400 / $981,000, and lot 95, the stunning 1975 LP400 Countach « Periscopio », an icon of 1970s design that joined a private European collection for €977,400 / $1,149,000.

Matthieu Lamoure, Managing Director Artcurial Motorcars
"This Le Mans sale, in which we have achieved the world record price for a Mercedes Benz 300 SL Roadster, has been hugely rewarding! An exceptional atmosphere that Artcurial Motorcars alone has the secret for, with superb results allowing Artcurial to celebrate victory amongst the greatest champions at Le Mans!"



Related Material


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