Artcurial Retromobile Results
During the 49th edition of Retromobile in Paris Artcurial held the official Retromobile auction. A surprisingly large number of cars were offered without reserve including one of their most expensive sales of the event. Certainly Artcurial lived up to the expectations of Retromobile, as evidenced by the five most expensive cars sold at their auction.
The 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB represented a significant step in Ferrari’s progression from the early 1960s grand tourers to more sophisticated road and racing vehicles. Introduced in 1964, this model was designed by Pininfarina and constructed by Scaglietti, boasting a sleek and aerodynamic body with long, flowing lines that conveyed an aggressive stance.
A key advancement of the 275 GTB was its innovative transaxle layout, which integrated the five-speed gearbox and differential at the rear. This design improved weight distribution and handling characteristics. The car was powered by a 3.3-liter Colombo V12 engine, delivering approximately 280–300 horsepower, depending on the specific variant. In 1966, Ferrari unveiled the enhanced 275 GTB/4, featuring dual overhead camshafts (DOHC) and six carburetors, which elevated both performance and refinement levels.
The 275 GTB was available with both short-nose and long-nose designs, with the latter improving high-speed stability. The example offered by Artcurial features a matching-numbers engine and transmission and is finished in the factory-correct Celeste Metalizzato. It was certified by Ferrari Classiche and includes its Ferrari Red Book.
Sold for €2,371,640
The Ferrari 275 GTB is celebrated as one of the most iconic grand tourers produced by Ferrari in the 1960s. Unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in 1964, it succeeded the Ferrari 250 series and represented a major leap forward in both design and engineering for Ferrari’s road vehicles.
In 1965, the Ferrari 275 GTB Long Nose was introduced as an evolution of the original model, designed to address aerodynamic challenges encountered at high speeds. Crafted by Pininfarina and built by Scaglietti, this version featured an extended front section, refined bodywork, and improved handling capabilities. It housed a 3.3-liter Colombo V12 engine, capable of producing up to 300 horsepower, with a rear-mounted transaxle and independent rear suspension—a groundbreaking setup for Ferrari’s road cars.
Artcurial offered a vehicle identified by Chassis no. 08151, which is among just 93 models manufactured with complete aluminum bodies. This car retains matching-numbers authenticity and has a comprehensive history. Restoration work on the vehicle was completed in the 1990s.
Sold for €2,159,600
The Bugatti Type 51, a legendary Grand Prix race car developed as the successor to the highly successful Bugatti Type 35, debuted at the beginning of the 1930s. This model introduced significant advancements, particularly with its 2.3-liter supercharged inline-8 cylinder engine, which drew on Bugatti’s experience with twin-cam technology acquired from racing Miller cars. The double overhead camshaft (DOHC) design enhanced power and efficiency, generating approximately 160 horsepower, making it a formidable contender on the track.
Visually, the Type 51 maintained much of the elegant aesthetic seen in the Type 35, including its lightweight build and iconic horseshoe grille. However, it featured refinements such as larger wheels and improved handling characteristics. Successfully campaigned in major European races, including Grand Prix events and endurance competitions, the Type 51 competed against notable marques like Alfa Romeo and Maserati.
Despite its technological advancements, the Type 51 did not achieve the same dominance as its predecessor, largely due to rising competition from emerging automotive technologies. Nevertheless, it remains one of Bugatti’s most esteemed racing machines, celebrated for its engineering brilliance and timeless design. Today, the Type 51 is a sought-after collector’s car, often displayed at prestigious concours events.
Sold for €1,587,600
In 1991, Bugatti made a triumphant return to the automotive scene with the introduction of the EB110 GT, a groundbreaking supercar that marked the brand’s resurgence after years of inactivity. To commemorate Ettore Bugatti’s 110th birthday, the EB110 GT was aptly named and became the first new model to emerge from the revived company under the leadership of Italian entrepreneur Romano Artioli. The car’s design, penned by renowned designer Marcello Gandini – famous for his work on the Lamborghini Countach – boasted an aggressive yet refined wedge-shaped profile, complete with distinctive scissor doors.
The EB110 GT’s powertrain was equally impressive, featuring a 3.5L quad-turbocharged V12 engine that produced 552 horsepower. When paired with its advanced all-wheel-drive system and six-speed manual transmission, the car could accelerate from 0-60 mph in approximately 3.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 213 mph (343 km/h), earning it a place among the fastest cars of its time.
Notable features of the EB110 GT included its innovative carbon-fiber chassis, sophisticated aerodynamics, and luxurious interior appointments, which seamlessly blended high-performance capabilities with comfort and refinement. However, despite its technological advancements, the EB110 ultimately fell victim to Bugatti’s overly ambitious expansion plans, leading to the company’s financial downfall and eventual collapse in 1995.
Artcurial offered the 99th example of the EB110 GT produced at their recent Paris auction, the only one finished in Bianco Monaco. It’s spent its entire life before crossing the auction block with its original owner and showed just 19,387 km since new.
Sold for €1,530,400
In 2000, Ferrari unveiled the exclusive 550 Barchetta Pininfarina, a limited-production roadster designed to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the renowned Italian design house and its long-standing partnership with Ferrari. Based on the 550 Maranello, this stunning open-top grand tourer was aptly named “Barchetta,” which translates to “little boat” in Italian. The car’s sleek and aggressive design featured a unique twist – it had no fixed convertible roof, instead offering a temporary soft top for emergency use only.
The 550 Barchetta’s performance was equally impressive, thanks to its powerful 5.5L naturally aspirated V12 engine, which produced 485 horsepower and 419 lb-ft of torque. This enabled the car to accelerate from 0-60 mph in approximately 4.4 seconds, with a top speed of 186 mph (300 km/h). The retention of the six-speed gated manual transmission made it a dream come true for driving purists, while its front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout provided a perfect balance of handling and comfort, ideal for long-distance drives.
With a production run of just 448 units, the 550 Barchetta has become a highly coveted and rare Ferrari model. Its unique blend of classic Ferrari V12 grand touring performance and the unbridled, open-air driving experience of a traditional barchetta makes it stand out among modern Ferrari offerings. As a result, the 550 Barchetta remains a highly sought-after collector’s item, cherished by enthusiasts who appreciate its exclusivity, performance, and timeless design.
The example offered by Artcurial is finished in the rare Grigio Alloy color and traveled just 915 km since it was new, making it likely the lowest mileage example of the 550 Barchetta Pininfarina extant.
Sold for €807,360