A galaxy of cars from a different world

Thousands of vintage car enthusiasts flock each year to the Paris Retromobile classic car show to feast their eyes on a large array of rare automobile models that have made history.

(The five-day exhibition) also features an auction of more than 100 motor cars, automobilia and motorcycles

This year’s five-day exhibition, which closes tomorrow, takes a unique look at the history of the car and its heritage.

It also features an auction of more than 100 motor cars, automobilia and motorcycles.

The auction is headlined by the sale of cars from the former collection of Jean-Claude Bajol.

They include a Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder with factory hardtop (formerly owned by the French film-maker Roger Vadim), a Bizzarrini 5300 GT Strada Aluminium, a Lancia B24 S Cabriolet and many other rarities.

Complete with its original hardtop and cover-ed headlights, the 1959 Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder was purchased new by Roger Vadim, celebrated French screenwriter, director, producer and actor who discovered and later married Brigitte Bardot.

The long-wheelbase 1959 Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder is offered in immaculate condition.

Highlights from the pre-war period include a 1948 Delahaye 135M Cabriolet by Pourtout (€280,000 – €380,000) that has appeared in countless events, and a 1947 Delahaye 135MS Cabriolet by Franay (€500,000 – €600,000), restored to Concours condition by top French restorer Bonnefoy 10 years ago.

Also from that era are two German cars, a 1938 Horch 853A Cabriolet (€320,000 – €380,000) and a 1937 Mercedes Benz 540K Cabriolet (€450,000 – €550,000) from a private Italian collection.

An ex-Nigel Mansell 1989 Ferrari F40 (€320,000 – €400,000) is also being offered for auction.

The car has been certified by Ferrari and is offered with a full history file.

Also on offer is a 1965 Citroen 2CV (€30,000 – €40,000) that was delivered new to Beverley Hills and has covered just 120 miles from new.

This “California version” was part of the Bill Harrah collection for many years.

Other notable offerings include a collection of 15 principally French cars, untouched for 40 years, all offered at no reserve.

Protected from the elements, they remained in remarkable condition.

They include five Talbots, two Hotchkiss and two Panhard & Levassors, as well as a 1937 Rolls Royce Phantom III Coupe Chauffeur.

This Retromobile’s 37th edition is showing for five days in Hall 2/2, Hall 2/3 and Hall 3 of Paris’s Porte de Versailles, providing even more space and facilities for over 350 exhibitors, promising a host of surprises for an estimated 90,000 visitors from all over the world.