Archive
18/02/2021
RM Paris. Few but good
The 2021 season of classic car auctions in Europe has started at a slower pace compared to the US. Despite the fewer cars on offer, average prices per car sold have increased to €322,000 compared to €300,000 one year ago. At RM's auction, only 57.50% of the cars on offer sold with a turnover of €7.65m, less than half of last year's result. However, the average price per car sold increased, and turnover rose to 61% of the estimated value on offer compared to 47% last year. The top lot was a 1971 Lamborghini Miura SV, selling for €2,423,750, followed by a 1993 Isdera Commendatore 112i, selling for €1,113,125. The article also mentions that the Countach's clear revaluation potential is worth keeping an eye on.
15/02/2021
815, a war machine
This article discusses the significance of Enzo Ferrari's departure from Alfa Romeo in 1938 and how it impacted his future career as a car manufacturer.
13/02/2021
What do they have in the garage?
The article follows the stories of three collectors - The Cautious, The Sober, and The Wealthy - as they each build a collection of cars purchased at auctions in 2021 with different budgets. The article explores the reasons behind their purchase decisions, in terms of the market, car use, and available events. The article also presents nine cars that were purchased by the collectors at various auctions, highlighting their unique features and historical significance.
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