Archive
11/02/2021
Europe. Great start… actually a good one for Artcurial in Paris
The recent auction at Artcurial Paris started off strong with 25 out of 26 lots sold and 107% of the estimated value reached, but the sale reversed with just one lot out of the next 13 sold. Despite this, the auction was still successful, with a total of €18.2 million in sales, a 14% decrease from last year but with 75% fewer cars. The Matra Simca MS670, which won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1972, was the highlight of the auction, selling for €6,907,200. A 1959 Aston Martin DB4 GT and a 1995 Ferrari 355 Challenge were also sold, but with mixed results. The auction followed a new trend of few, high-quality cars with reasonable reserves, resulting in a stratospheric average sale price of €700,692 per sale.
08/02/2021
Bimotore and 158. Enzo: making a virtue out of need. The Scuderia became a manufacturer to try to stop the mighty Germans
This article discusses the challenges of complying with car regulations in the 1930s, which set a minimum car weight that was also the maximum.
06/02/2021
Pure emotion
This article discusses the concept of the "sublime" and its connection to classic car events that offer real adventure and uncertainty. The author laments the loss of authenticity in modern events, which are often too planned and organized. They highlight the Peking-Paris and Dakar Classic rallies as examples of events that offer the ultimate sublime experience. The article also mentions other upcoming events for classic car enthusiasts, both high-profile and less well-known, and provides information about organizers and training opportunities. The author acknowledges the uncertainties of the current times but encourages readers to hope for the continuation of these events.
04/02/2021
Youngtimer spritz!
The market for "Youngtimers", cars produced between 1980 and 2000, is on the rise as a new collectible limbo that still manages to fill new impulses with irresistible memories. The percentage of Youngtimers on sale has tripled in volume from 4.98% to 14.45% over the past 11 years, and total turnover has risen from a paltry 1.58% to a substantial 8.15%. The article provides examples of how this segment interests young millionaires from Silicon Valley and highlights some of the successful sales and bidding wars at Scottsdale’s auctions. The market also offers good deals, with some Youngtimers still highly underestimated, like the 1990 Jaguar XJ-S 5.3 V12 Convertible, which sold for only $14,000.
01/02/2021
The turning point. Ferrari takes advantage of the German offensive to prepare to become a constructor
The article discusses the history of Enzo Ferrari and the Scuderia Ferrari racing team from 1930 to 1935.
30/01/2021
Did Ferrari have a Mini? No, two
This article tells the story of Enzo Ferrari's fascination with the Mini Cooper when it was first introduced in 1959 and his eventual acquisition of a specially customized Mini Cooper 1300S.
28/01/2021
Scottsdale. Everybody wins. The Market wins
This article discusses the recent Arizona Week, which is known for its annual automobile auctions in Scottsdale. Due to the pandemic, some events were postponed and others had to make changes to their approach. Gooding organized an online-only auction, Bonhams had a physical sale, RM moved to a new location, and Worldwide organized their auction online. The article compares the sales figures and approaches of each auction house, declaring RM the winner due to a higher turnover despite offering only half the number of cars. The article also offers insights into the market and provides examples of cars that were sold at the auctions.
25/01/2021
1929-1932. Ferrari: The Scuderia, The Prancing Horse, Dino and the retirement
This article tells the story of Enzo Ferrari and the founding of Scuderia Ferrari amidst the global crisis of 1929.
23/01/2021
Parade-style finishes
The article reflects on the tradition of parade-style finishes in endurance racing, particularly in the 24 Hours of Daytona, Le Mans, and Spa.
21/01/2021