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Paris Rétromobile – First European Classic Car Auctions of the Year

The Paris Rétromobile Week in early February is the traditional start to the European classic car auctions year with sales by Artcurial, Bonhams, and RM Sotheby’s.

The Paris Rétromobile Week in early February is the traditional start to the European classic car auctions year with sales by Artcurial, Bonhams, and RM Sotheby's.

While Bonhams and RM Sotheby’s auctions concentrate mostly at the top end of the market at the Paris Rétromobile week sales, local auctioneer Artcurial Motorcars cover the full spectrum from simple runabouts to the million-dollar sports and racing cars. The atmosphere is quite different from Scottsdale that traditionally opens the American classic car auction year.

Note: In 2022 the Paris Rétromobile is from 16 – 20 March 2022 (postponed from the originally planned 2 to 6 February 2022).

Rétromobile and Artcurial Motorcars Auctions

1957 Ferrari 335 Sport at Auction
© Artcurial

Rétromobile week is the first major European gathering of classic cars, classic-car enthusiasts, clubs, museums, restorers, and related service providers. Altogether, around 500 cars are on display with around 400 exhibitors, including over 100 clubs.

In 2022, the Salon Rétromobile is held in the Paris Expo at Porte de Versailles from 6 – 20 March 2022 (postponed from the originally planned 2 to 6 February 2022).

The official auction linked to the Rétromobile is by the French auctioneer Artcurial Motorcars. Invariably, it is the Ferraris and classic Mercedes Benz cars that attract the highest prices but far more interesting are often the classic (and much cheaper) French cars on sale – many models are rarely seen on non-European streets.

1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider at Auction
1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider © Artcurial

Artcurial often springs surprises: in 2015, the Baillon Collection of 60 barn-find cars included a 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider that sold for a model record €16.3 million ($18.5 million).

In 2016, the new Paris (and European) auction record was set when a 1957 Ferrari 335 Sport sold for €32,075,200 ($35,711,359) at the Artcurial Rétromobile auction.

Festival Automobile International and RM Sotheby’s Auctions

A second Parisian car event early in the year is the Festival Automobile International with an exhibition of concept cars. It describes itself as the fashion week of cars. Prizes are given in a wide range of categories – beautiful designs are the main criteria; practicality is of no real concern.

The official auction linked to the Festival Automobile International since 2014 is the Paris Sale of RM Sotheby’s Auctions.

Bonhams Les Grandes Marques du Monde

British auctioneer Bonhams started holding annual Paris auctions during the Rétromobile week from 2011. The not immodestly titled Les Grandes Marques du Monde auction is usually held in the Grand Palais in the center of Paris.

Paris Rétromobile Week Auctions 2022

Classic Car Auctions

The traditional Paris Rétromobile Week was postponed from early February to 16 – 20 March 2022. The Artcurial auction was postponed too but currently, Bonhams and RM Sotheby’s are maintaining the early February dates.

  • Bonhams: Les Grandes Marques à Paris Sale on 3 February 2022.
  • Artcurial: Rétromobile Sale on 18 – 20 March 2022.
  • RM Sotheby’s: Paris Auction 2 February 2022.

Paris Auctions 2022 Results

Paris Auctions 2022 Previews

Paris Auctions 2022 Announcements

Previous Paris Rétromobile Week Auction Results

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