What better place to sell a racing car … or any performance car for that matter … than at the historic Le Mans Circuit just two weeks after the annual endurance classic during the Le Mans Classic historic races?
It’s fair to say interest and awareness were higher than usual in 2023 following Ferrari’s overall win in the 24 Hours, its first in a half century.
Artcurial assembled an appropriate consignment although aside from a Porsche 962 it was notable for the absence of headline Le Mans 24 Hours veterans although there was no shortage of Le Mans history among the auction cars.
The auction was concluded with a collection of twenty-one Alfa Romeos that got my attention, interest further primed by another six Alfas in the 118-car consignment.
There are a couple of notes to keep in mind in looking at these results:
- Artcurial Motorcars’ buyer’s premium is 16% of the first €900,000 and 12% over that, well in excess of other auctions;
- The results reported here differ from those reported by Artcurial because they report with 20% Value Added Tax (VAT) on the premium added to the final result, a tax that isn’t included in these auction reports; and
- Several of the cars were essentially new and for cars with less than 6,000 km from new the 20% VAT may be charged on the entire transaction value including buyer’s premium in some EU countries, an impediment to enthusiastic bidding.
Le Mans Classic is one of the all-time great historic events, some say it’s even better than the Goodwoods. That opinion is individual but no matter, it’s an event worth attending and Artcurial’s auction only adds to the enjoyment.
Here are the numbers:
| Year | Cars Sold/ Offered | Sale % | Sold < Low Est | Sold > High Est | Average Sale | Median Sale | Total $ | Exchange Rate |
| 2023 | 84/118 | 71.2% | 60.7% | 9.5% | $123,583 | $55,736
[45.1%] |
$10,380,937 | $1.0920 |
These descriptions are from Artcurial’s catalog and website photos. Artcurial removes unsold lots from its post-sale website so there are no photos of unsold cars. Auction results are from observing on the internet confirmed with Artcurial, Hagerty and HammerPrice. Photos are copyright and courtesy of Artcurial and the respective photographers noted in the captions.
Lot # 40 1947 Triumph 1800 Roadster; S/N TRD905; Engine # TRD961E; Black/Beige; Beige cloth top; Estimate $16,380 – $27,300; Unrestored original 3- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $24,024 plus commission of 16.00%; Final Price $27,868. – RHD. 1,776/65hp four, single carburetor, column shift 4-speed, steel wheels, hubcaps, original manual. – One family owned from new. Sound original paint and upholstery. Serviced two years ago but needs more engine attention. A rare find for a Triumph fan. – This old Triumph with its characteristic dickey seat is, with some attention to the engine’s compression, usable as is and is so well-preserved that doing much more than that would compromise both its rarity and value. The result here is fair to both parties.
Lot # 41 1928 Alfa Romeo 6C 1500 Spider; S/N 110910; Engine # 110882; Red/Dark Red leather; Estimate $240,240 – $283,920; Cosmetic restoration 3 condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $212,940. – RHD. 1,487/44hp, unblown, single carburetor, 4-speed, black painted wire wheels, single rear spare. – Long in Argentina where it apparently got a different engine “of the correct type” and was separated from its bodywork which now has been returned to the chassis whence it came. Sound and thoughtfully maintained but used and aged. – A somewhat unclear history clouds the appreciation of this Alfa, the first creation for the firm by Vittorio Jano. Performance will be unimpressive, which is why later 6C 1500s got superchargers and over 50% more output. Given the checkered history the offer here at Artcurial seems fair, reasonable and worth taking if there was money behind it.
Lot # 44 1961 Lotus Elite Coupe; S/N EB1448; Red/Black; Estimate $174,720 – $196,560; Competition restoration 3+ condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $147,420. – RHD. 1,216/80hp, 4-speed, silver painted wire wheels, historic race prepared. – Bodywork modified by Frank Costin (notable for a flush-fitting windshield) for the 1961 Le Mans 24 Hours where it was a dnf. Later raced in period and in historic racing. Later engine with modifications and other updates. Stated to be race-ready with a new FIA HTP, tidy and professional – The history of this Elite is intriguing and its long competition history lends context and value. Like several other lots in this sale the bidders were modest but realistic and the consignor was conscientious in deciding to keep the car in preference to the money. The bid, however, is close enough to have been given serious consideration.
Lot # 53 1934 Aston Martin Ulster Le Mans Lightweight Sports; S/N C4403S; Engine # C4403S; Green/Dark Green; Estimate $1,201,200 – $1,419,600; Competition restoration 3+ condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $928,200 plus commission of 16.00%; Final Price $1,076,712. – RHD. 1,495/85hp, 4-speed, cycle fenders, dual aeroscreens, tapered tail. – Originally built for first owner Richard Barton, then modified at Aston with a prepared and tuned engine. Later fitted with a drilled and lightened Le Mans chassis (s/n LM11) which was later damaged and replaced by another LM chassis (s/n LM12). The engine, too, was swapped for a different Le Mans engine in the late 50’s but the original engine was discovered in another Aston in the same collection and reunited with this chassis in the 2010’s. Restored in the UK by Ecurie Bertelli and subsequently used but carefully maintained. – Mixed up a lot over its long life but ultimately with its original engine and 1934 replacement lightened chassis raced at Le Mans, it has meaningful history and attests to the value that enthusiasts of the marque have always felt for these cars. It was sold by Brooks at Goodwood in 1993 for $83,382 (£55,220 at the time, this is £847,200) but time and treasure have been deployed to make it as pure as possible and that is reflected in the price it brought here.
Lot # 54 1954 Lancia Aurelia B20 GT Series IV Coupe, Body by Farina; S/N B203364; Engine # B204149; Navy Blue/Light Grey leather; Estimate $98,280 – $131,040; Cosmetic restoration 3 condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $87,360 plus commission of 16.00%; Final Price $101,338. – RHD. 2,451/110hp Becker Europa TR multi-band radio, Nardi floor shift and steering wheel, alloy wheels, Vredestein tires, bucket seats. – Tired, stone-chipped paint, pitted chrome, good interior. Orderly but used and aged engine compartment. Engine rebuilt and new clutch last year. An attractive model known for punching over its weight but this one is aged and is said to need sorting. – Offered by Artcurial at Retromobile four months ago where it was reported bid to $108,250, the successful hammer bid here of $87,360 is a big expectation reset and emblematic of a stalling marketplace even in these desirable cars. The bidders took its mixed condition into account and weren’t appropriately cautious.
Lot # 58 1978 Ferrari 308GTB Berlinetta, Body by Pininfarina-Scaglietti; S/N 24861; Engine # 1065; Red/Beige leather, Black stripes; Estimate $54,600 – $76,440; Visually maintained, largely original 4+ condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $54,600 plus commission of 16.00%; Final Price $63,336. – 2,927/255hp, 5-speed, Weber carburetors, dry sump, 5-spoke alloy wheels, Pioneer cassette stereo, air conditioning. – Steel body, dry sump engine. Same family owned since 1984. Microblistered old repaint, sound original interior. Neglected recently and needs recommissioning. Spare missing. – A project Ferrari, but a deserving project with its carbureted engine and limited ownership history. The pre-sale estimate is realistic, and so was the successful bid but the mechanical recommissioning it needs will be expensive as will the repaint and any more than this would be irresponsible, which the Le Mans Classic bidders didn’t seem to be.
Lot # 59 1985 Ferrari Testarossa Monospecchio Berlinetta, Body by Pininfarina; S/N ZFFTA17B000056697; Engine # 0175; Rosso Corsa, /; Beige leather top; Estimate $120,120 – $174,720; Visually maintained, largely original 3- condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $109,200 plus commission of 16.00%; Final Price $126,672. – 4,942/380hp, 5-speed, 5-spoke alloy wheels, cassette stereo, air conditioning, single high-mount outside mirror, books, manual, jack, tool kit. – Sound older repaint and original interior. Clean, orderly engine compartment. Single Ferrari mechanic owner for 35 years and it looks like it but it hasn’t been serviced in some time. Speedometer is broken so the 44,000 km showing are highly suspect. – A valued model with the original high-mount single outside mirror, this Testarossa’s condition is good but not spectacular with meaningful Ferrari specialist bills in its future which makes the price it brought here at Le Mans a realistic compromise between desirability and uncertainty.
Lot # 60 1972 Ferrari 246GT Dino E-series Berlinetta, Body by Pininfarina-Scaglietti; S/N 04858; Rosso Chiaro/Black leatherette; Estimate $283,920 – $327,600; Visually maintained, largely original 3 condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $267,540 plus commission of 16.00%; Final Price $310,346. – 2,419/195hp, 5-speed, Blaupunkt radio, open headlights, 6-spoke alloy wheels. – Decent older but journeyman repaint. Good dash and gauges. Burnished and stretched driver’s seat upholstery. Tired engine compartment with major paint loss and aged. The catalog notes that, “In the 1980s,… he drove it from Paris to Cahors without any problem” a whole 600km. Wow. Big Whoop. And three decades ago. – The new owner might think about driving this Dino 600km, but only after an extended and expensive visit to a Ferrari specialist. This is a tired car that doesn’t benefit much from originality. On the other hand given recent Dino values this is something of a bargain even if it puts the new owner’s mechanic’s kid through college.
Lot # 63 1980 Ferrari 512BB Berlinetta, Body by Pininfarina-Scaglietti; S/N 29823; Engine # 0515; Silver-Grey, Black sills/Red leather, Black bars; Estimate $251,160 – $283,920; Unrestored original 3 condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $218,400. – 4,942/360hp, Weber carbureted, 5-speed, Cromodora wheels, Michelin XWX tires, Daytona-style seats, power windows, air conditioning, Momo leather-wrapped steering wheel. – Described as just over 58,000 km and matching numbers. Represented with a 2020 mechanical overhaul but no other details. In 2020 there were a handful of light scratches and chips in the paint and light scratches on one marker lens. Some dirt on the wheels. Light wear and deep wrinkling on both seats and lightly worn carpets. An unusual and attractive color combination on a desirable carbureted BB, but this is a used car. – In 2020 the odometer showed 58,032 km and it is said to have added “just over 500 km” since then. It brought $279,444 then (Euros 262,240), a handsome price for its condition three and a half years ago. Today’s bidders were more cognizant of its condition issues and unwilling to step up enough even to make the consignor whole, a prudent decision.
Lot # 69 1971 Maserati Ghibli SS Spyder, Body by Ghia; S/N AM115S491255; Engine # AM115S491255; Metallic Grey/Grey leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $655,200 – $873,600; Cosmetic restoration 3- condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $546,000 plus commission of 16.00%; Final Price $633,360. – 4,930/355hp, Weber carburetors, Euro spec, 5-speed, chrome spoke wire wheels, power windows, air conditioning. – Represented as the original engine. Part of a multi-Maserati collection, engine rebuilt in the late 80’s. Accident damage in the 1990’s, recently repaired with sound recent repaint, sound interior showing some age and use and orderly but dirty engine compartment. Said to be one of only about 15 Euro spec stick shift 4.9 Ghiblis, a desirable car burdened by age and unspecified accident repairs. – By most standards this is a modest price for a Ghibli SS, but this is a modest Ghibli SS with more than a little uncertainty about its damage and what followed in the long term (ten years) repair process. The bidders were appropriately reticent to take a high amount of risk, and the consignor appreciated their rationale by accepting this fair to both price.
Lot # 76 2007 Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Coupe; S/N VF9SA15B96M795097; Metallic Blue, Dark Blue/Black, Grey leather; Estimate $1,365,000 – $1,638,000; Unrestored original 2 condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $1,255,800 plus commission of 15.13%; Final Price $1,445,808. – 7,998/987hp W-16, 4 turbos, 7-speed AutoManual, all-wheel drive, chrome alloy wheels, Michelin tires. – 8,412 km from new, serviced nine months ago at Bugatti, essentially like new. – By any standard the Veyron 16.4 is the poster child for supercars combining ridiculous performance and instantly recognizable design with fine, consistent attention to the finest details. The November 2022 service cost almost Euros 29,000, putting even maintenance out of reach of ordinary mortals even if both this result and the pre-sale estimate range reflect a softening market and increasing supercar competition for Bugattis.
Lot # 77 2000 Spyker C8 Aileron Coupe; S/N XL9BA12G39Z363253; Black/Red leather; Estimate $409,500 – $491,400; Unrestored original 2- condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $414,960 plus commission of 16.00%; Final Price $481,354. – 4,172/395hp Audi V8, 6-speed AutoManual, alloy wheels, scissor doors, red calipers. – Two owners and 22,500 km from new showing barely any age or use, appropriate for a car that probably was treated as an object and displayed for appreciation of its details rather than actually being driven. – Bugatti’s Veyron may well have taken inspiration from the Spyker which showed leading edge attention to details in design, fit and finish that have remained one of the marque’s signature attributes. The Audi drivetrain, however, doesn’t do much to back that up even with 400hp and 4.5 seconds 0-100 kph. It is a design exercise but one that remains cutting edge and commands a premium price even after almost a quarter century although the gaping maw of the air intake looks like the mouth of a plankton feeding undersea creature.
Lot # 78 1984 Audi Quattro 2.1 Coupe; S/N WAUZZZ85ZFA900517; Alpine White/Black leather; Estimate $65,520 – $109,200; Unrestored original 2- condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $81,900 plus commission of 16.00%; Final Price $95,004. – 2,133/200hp, FI, turbocharged, 5-speed, sunroof, air conditioning, power windows, white 5-spoke alloy wheels, Vredestein tires, books, jack, electric tire inflator. – Given by Audi to the CEO of Adidas, Horst Dassler, Audi’s partners in the Olympic Games. Original except for a repainted front bumper and showing little use except for the 88,342 km on the odometer. Owned by Dassler and his family until 2021, then recommissioned after sitting for a decade costing Euros 12,000. A desirable model rarely found in this condition. – Whether it’s about preservation or the Horst Dassler provenance (or both) this is a generous price and brought well over the low estimate that would have been normal for an UR (in German, “primeval or “the original”) Quattro with this equipment. The short wheelbase original Quattro is the one to have and it still makes an impression for its engineering and rally success. Even without Dassler its preservation and condition substantiate the handsome price it brought.
Lot # 88 1961 Jaguar XKE SI flat floor Roadster; S/N 876070; Engine # R2491-9; Opalescent Bronze/Beige leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $218,400 – $273,000; Recent restoration 2 condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $207,480 plus commission of 16.00%; Final Price $240,677. – 3,781/265hp, 4-speed, chrome wire wheels, Motorola radio, tools, jack. – Represented as the matching numbers engine and gearbox. Recently restored in its original colors to high standards. JDHT Certificate. A beautiful car in exceptional colors. – Sold by RM at Paris in 2018 before restoration for $197,724 (Euros 161,000 at the time, this result is Euros 220,400). The price it brought here hardly compensates for what was spent on its restoration but is representative for similar E Types today.
Lot # 90 1978 Ferrari 512 BB Berlinetta, Body by Pininfarina-Scaglietti; S/N 25773; Engine # 0329; Rosso Corsa, Black sills/Black leather; Estimate $196,560 – $262,080; Visually maintained, largely original 3 condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $185,640 plus commission of 16.00%; Final Price $215,342. – 4,942/360hp, Weber carburetors, 5-speed, 5-spoke alloy wheels, air conditioning, power windows. – Rosso Corsa repaint, creased original upholstery. Clean and tidy engine compartment. A sound and conscientiously maintained and presented example. – Its recent use and maintenance history is uncertain but this is a realistic result for the car presented.
Lot # 94 1996 Subaru Impreza 555GT Group N Rally; S/N JF1GC8LD3TG050752; Dark Blue/Black cloth; Estimate $43,680 – $65,520; Modified for competition during restoration 2 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $32,760 plus commission of 16.00%; Final Price $38,002. – Roll cage, Prodrive bucket seats, PIAA lights, Sparco strut brace, exhaust, gauges, wing, Superchips EMS chip, gold alloy wheels, power mirrors, power windows. – Not a factory Group N, an owner upgraded car with Group N features. Little used and mostly like new. – A cafe racer but highly original and barely used. A car with no history, limited performance, but a great look.
Lot # 100 1990 Nissan R90 CK Prototype Group C; S/N R90C07; Yellow, “From-A”/Black cloth; Estimate $546,000 – $873,600; Competition restoration 3 condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $491,400 plus commission of 16.00%; Final Price $570,024. – 3,496/800hp twin turbo V8, Hewland VGC 5-speed, black alloy wheels. – Indifferent racing history with three second places in the 1990 Japan Sports Prototype Championship races, three more seconds in Japan in 1991, 8th at Daytona in 1992. Updated to R93 specs for 1993 finishing 2nd at Suzuka. A decade later bought by Charlie Agg, later by others and raced in historic events. Includes parts, spares, wheels, tires, body parts and molds. Fuel tanks tested, current safety equipment. A fast and usable Group C. – Fast and usable but unrecognized by most and with a vanishingly small base of parts and service support. This is a generous price for a fast and capable car that no one remembers.
Lot # 101 1994 De Tomaso Pantera SI ADA GT1; S/N 9628; Red/Black cloth; Estimate $382,200 – $491,400; Competition restoration 3 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $280,644 plus commission of 16.00%; Final Price $325,547. – 6 litre/635hp Ford-based V8, 5-speed, Kinsler fuel injection, roll cage, fire system. – Built by ADA Engineering for Le Mans 1994 where it did not finish. 1995 British GT1 Champion. Later sold without an engine or gearbox and recently restored with the current engine and Porsche G50-based transaxle and historic raced in Europe. Comes with spares and FIA safety equipment and shows its age and race track use although the engine compartment is clean and tidy. – An odd duck but one that will be welcomed in historic events and has enough period racing history to be a valued as well as loud participant. It looks to be something of a good value in this transaction based on what’s been spent on resuscitating and preparing it.
Lot # 102 1992 Lancia Delta Integrale Martini V 4-Dr. Sedan; S/N ZFA831AB000568644; White, Martini graphics/Black Alcantara; Estimate $109,200 – $163,800; Unrestored original 3 condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $102,648 plus commission of 16.00%; Final Price $119,072. – 1,995/212hp, turbocharged, 5-speed, all-wheel drive, white painted alloy wheels, Sony radio, number 382 of 400 built. – Represented as 49,865 km from new and little used since 2016. In condition appropriate to its mileage but because of little use it is in need of comprehensive attention before hitting the road. – A somewhat magnanimous price but one that takes into account the rarity of its Martini V edition and its preservation. The work it requires should be straightforward, but could also be surprising. It is, however, a legendary model.
Lot # 109 1973 Studebaker Avanti II Coupe; S/N RQB1903; Metallic Violet/Beige velour; Estimate $19,656 – $26,208; Visually maintained, largely original 3 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $19,656 plus commission of 16.00%; Final Price $22,801. – 400/245hp Chevy, Holley 4-barrel, automatic, chrome wire wheels, woodrim steering wheel. – Old repaint, original-appearing upholstery and interior trim, good major chrome. Pitted interior chrome bits. Orderly but aged engine compartment. A driver. – At least it’s not the ’74 with net-rated engine of 180hp. This is a decent, presentable and usable Avanti II that brought more money here than it would have on the Atlantic’s western shores, but here it is much more unusual.
Lot # 113 1950 Jaguar XK 120 Alloy Roadster; S/N 670117; Red/Black; Black cloth top; Estimate $163,800 – $218,400; Older restoration 3+ condition; With Reserve; Not sold at Hammer bid of $141,960. – Later SE engine, steel wheels, skirts, fog lights. – In the same family since the mid-90’s. Good cosmetics, shiny polished engine compartment. Cosmetically restored – Reported sold by Artcurial at Retromobile in February for $203,423 but represented here as still coming from the long term owner’s estate. The pre-sale estimate is down Euros 25,000 from there but it still got no one excited here, particularly with the replaced engine. Bottom feeders perceive an injured offering and are looking for even more discount. The seller probably should have taken the money (if there was any) and moved on.
Lot # 116 1987 Ferrari Mondial 3.2 Cabriolet, Body by Pininfarina; S/N ZFFWC26B000069465; Red/Black leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $49,140 – $70,980; Unrestored original 3+ condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $41,496 plus commission of 16.00%; Final Price $48,135. – 3,186/270hp, 5-speed, Blaupunkt cassette stereo, 5-spoke alloy wheels. – Represented as 59,815 km from new with four owners. Good original paint and lightly stretched and burnished upholstery. Unusually clean engine compartment. Needs new tires. A clean, apparently well-maintained original car. – More love here in France for this Mondial 3.2 Cab than in the States where this result, even for such a well-maintained example, would be $10-15,000 too much.
Lot # 118 1986 Ferrari Testarossa Monospecchio Berlinetta, Body by Pininfarina; S/N ZFFTA17B000064375; Engine # 0642; Grigio Ferro/Cream leather; Estimate $196,560 – $283,920; Unrestored original 2- condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $196,560 plus commission of 16.00%; Final Price $228,010. – 4,942/380hp, 5-speed, Pioneer cassette stereo, air conditioning, single high-mount outside mirror, centerlock alloy wheels, tools, jack, books. – Represented as 14,584 km with backup from years of service invoices. Very good paint in an unusual color for a Testarossa and which looks good on its design. The upholstery is lightly stretched and slightly burnished but sound. The engine compartment is clean, tidy and has no visible paint loss in the online photos. This is a prime Testarossa. – The monospecchio Testarossas are particularly appealing, an idiosyncratic feature that complements the groundbreaking Pininfarina design with its side strakes that accentuate the mid-engine placement. This is an unusually nice one in an unusual color that demonstrated both its quality and its distinctiveness by bringing well more than the tired, neglected Rosso Corsa Testarossa monospecchio that sold earlier today for $126,672. It’s not hard to see the hundred thousand dollar difference between these two Testarossas, and this is the better if much more expensive value.
Lot # 126 1969 Lotus 61 Formula Ford; S/N 61FF200; Yellow/Black; Estimate $21,840 – $32,760; Competition restoration 3+ condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $48,048 plus commission of 16.00%; Final Price $55,736. – Lotus-Holbay engine, Hewland Mk6 transaxle. – Moved around plenty before being restored in England in the 90’s. Stored again the last ten years and restored again with a rebuilt engine. FIA papers and HTP valid (but not for long). Said to be race ready. – The sketchy history and lack of specifics about equipment don’t commend this Lotus FFord but the on-site bidders overlooked that and paid a generous price for it. It must have looked better than it sounded in the catalog.
Lot # 127 1973 Alfa Romeo 2000GT Veloce Sprint, Body by Bertone; S/N AR2442156; Engine # AR00512S11035; Grigio Chiaro Metallizzato/Black Skai; Estimate $43,680 – $54,600; Visually maintained, largely original 3 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $34,944 plus commission of 16.00%; Final Price $40,535. – 1,962/130hp, Weber carburetors, 5-speed, sump guard, woodrim steering wheel, 185/70R14 Kleber tires. – Clean and orderly. Good repaint and original upholstery and interior trim. Attractive but aged engine compartment. A driver’s car but with some paint bubbles in the bottom of the doors and wavy fender legs. – Flaws were not hidden, just minimized and the price this Alfa brought recognized them as it should have. This is real money for a real car.
Lot # 130 1963 Alfa Romeo 2600 Spider, Body by Touring; S/N 191778; Engine # 2314; White/Brown leatherette; Black cloth top; Estimate $54,600 – $76,440; Unrestored original 4- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $30,576 plus commission of 16.00%; Final Price $35,468. – 2,584/145hp, Solex carburetors, 5-speed, AM-FM radio. – Rusty body. Neglected, rusty, dirty old engine compartment and chassis. Needs restoration but appears to be all there. – This might be a $200,000 Alfa someday, but it will take many years of days and buckets of money to get it there. This result is about what the car is, and what it will take to get it where it might be.
Lot # 131 1960 Alfa Romeo 2000 Spider, Body by Touring; S/N AR1020401234; Graphite Grey/Tan; Black top; Estimate $76,440 – $109,200; Older restoration 2+ condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $125,580 plus commission of 16.00%; Final Price $145,673. – 1,975/115hp, 5-speed, 40DCOE9 Webers, chrome spoke Borrani wire wheels, Avon tires, full tool kit, wheel hammer, jack. – Replacement engine, original engine comes with it. Gorgeous paint, even gaps, perfectly aligned body panels. Gorgeous engine compartment. Done to beyond perfect condition, if not the finest one in the world it is close. – Every once in a while as you’re getting tired at the end of a long sale, and looking at another twenty or so Alfas interest wanes. The temptation is to tune out, “Just another old Alfa 2000 Spider”. That was wrong in this case. This is a superb Alfa 2000 Spider with everything done and no corners cut but without going too far. This is what a 1960 buyer wanted to buy and it found a ready audience here at Le Mans who bid it well beyond its pre-sale estimate range but even at that it is a good value for money. A car to be owned, driven and displayed with pride and confidence.
Lot # 133 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 GTA Station Wagon; S/N 201770; Metallic Black/Black, Blue leather inserts; Estimate $27,300 – $38,220; Original, modified for competition or performance 2 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $19,656 plus commission of 16.00%; Final Price $22,801. – 3,179/247hp V-6, fuel injection, 6-speed, CD stereo, modified engine management, lowered suspension, stainless steel exhaust, limited slip, upgraded clutch, 330mm brakes, Bose stereo. – 25,734 km and one owner. Barely used and elegant, practical and fast. – I want this car! And at a price like this I might even be able to afford it (at least the acquisition cost if not the upkeep on a modified orphan in America.) No one else cared, more’s the pity and it was wasted on the Le Mans audience. I watched online and was mortified I hadn’t registered to bid.
Lot # 136 1995 Alfa Romeo GTV 2.0 Turbo V6 Coupe, Body by Pininfarina; S/N ZAR91600006005965; Rosso Alfa/Black leather; Estimate $16,380 – $27,300; Unrestored original 3 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $8,736 plus commission of 16.00%; Final Price $10,134. – 1,996/202hp V6, fuel injection, turbocharged, 5-speed, front wheel drive, alloy wheels. – Original, one owner, 43,132 km. Good original paint. Stretched and creased front seat upholstery. – An odd little car with its Busso V-6 reduced to 2 litres to fit lower taxation in Italy although why that’s needed in a car sold in France is not clear. Its limited appeal is clear from the modest price it brought.
Lot # 137 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C Coupe; S/N ZAR9600000M184078; Rosso Alfa/Red leather; Estimate $76,440 – $98,280; Unrestored original 2 condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $70,980 plus commission of 16.00%; Final Price $82,337. – 1,742/237hp turbo four, paddle shift dual clutch 6-speed, telephone dial alloy wheels, luggage, carbon fibre cluster hood, HiFi system, auxiliary socket and USB port, “Lusso” pack, “Racing” pack, Quadrifoglio logo on the front fenders, parking sensor, rear spoiler, cover and Alfa charger. – One owner, never used, 160km from new. Qualifies as “new” in France with 20% VAT on the purchase price due from a French buyer. – A coveted model but paying VAT (again?) is a major impediment to a premium price at auction and would add something like $16,000 to the all-in cost for a French buyer. While that discourages said Gallic Alfa nut it creates an opening for one from Germany, Italy or the UK to get a meaningful discount, which this result seems to reflect.
Lot # 138 1983 Alfa Romeo 2000 Spider, Body by Pininfarina; S/N ZAR11538002478404; Red/Brown leatherette; Beige top; Estimate $21,840 – $32,760; Visually maintained, largely original 3 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $19,656 plus commission of 16.00%; Final Price $22,801. – 1,962/116hp, Dell’Orto carburetors, 5-speed, 5-spoke alloy wheels. – Two owners since 1990, 86,000 km showing and believable. Clean and orderly but aged and used. Crack in the rear spoiler and a tear in the top noted. Good repaint and original interior. A sound but used car. – Better money than car, but not by a lot.
Lot # 140 1981 Alfa Romeo GTV 2.0 Grand Prix Edition Coupe; S/N 53552; Red/Grey cloth; Estimate $13,104 – $19,656; Visually maintained, largely original 3- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $10,920 plus commission of 16.00%; Final Price $12,667. – 1,962/116hp, Dell’Orto carburetors, 5-speed, JVC CD stereo, Ronal alloy wheels, “Grand Prix” appearance package. – Repainted. Repaired left front fender and replaced rear fenders. Custom paint and upholstery by Maggiora. Used but reasonably maintained although recommissioning is needed. – In the States this was the Alfetta GT, sharing the platform and body of the GTV6. It’s not interesting but it is different and can’t be seriously faulted at this price.
Lot # 141 2003 Alfa Romeo 147 GTA 3.2 V6 Hatchback; S/N ZAR93700005104872; Black/Black; Estimate $16,380 – $27,300; Unrestored original 3 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $16,380 plus commission of 16.00%; Final Price $19,001. – 3,179/250hp V-6, 5-speed, aftermarket alloy wheels, Bose stereo, front wheel drive. – 146,174 km and looks like it although it’s had good care. Originally Japanese delivered with books and manuals in Japanese. – Not nearly as cute, unusual or practical as the 156 GTA Shooting Brake that crossed the block at the start of this section of the sale and with many more miles on its odometer yet it brought only Euros 3,000 less on the hammer. For what it is, it is expensive.
Lot # 142 2008 Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione Coupe; S/N ZAR92000000034099; Rosso 8C Competizione/Red leather; Estimate $218,400 – $327,600; Unrestored original 2 condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $262,080 plus commission of 16.00%; Final Price $304,013. – 4,691/450hp fuel injected V8, 6-speed paddle shift, red “Alfa Romeo” calipers, Schedoni luggage, Bose stereo, Quadrifoglio, fire extinguisher, charger. – One owner and 3,765 km from new with all that implies for condition. – Essentially a new car and changed hands from its original owner to a new one here at a realistic price fair to both.
Lot # 143 1964 Alfa Romeo Giulia GT Sprint, Body by Bertone; S/N 605965; Engine # AR0052652369; Red/Black vinyl; Estimate $32,760 – $43,680; Visually maintained, largely original 3- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $19,656 plus commission of 16.00%; Final Price $22,801. – 1,570/104hp, 40DCO4 Webers, 5-speed, steel wheels, later stereo. – Indifferent old repaint and bodywork. Pitted chrome and pitted chrome instrument rings. Replacement seats. Dirty engine compartment, but compete and correct. Stepnose body. – It’s just a car with obvious needs and shortcomings to the work that’s been done on it. Even at that, however, it brought an unusually moderate price here and is a good value to the new owner who now has plenty to keep him or her busy through next winter to realize its potential.
Lot # 144 1966 Alfa Romeo Giulia Spider, Body by Pininfarina; S/N AR378744; Engine # AR0011214230; Red/Black leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $54,600 – $76,440; Older restoration 3+ condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $53,508 plus commission of 16.00%; Final Price $62,069. – 1,570/96hp, single Weber carburetor, 5-speed, front disc brakes, luggage rack, steel wheels, hubcaps, dual band pushbutton radio. – An older restoration with paint that is holding up well but showing age, decent chrome and good surface creased leather upholstery. Good engine compartment. The top is noted to have small tears on both quarters. A classic Alfa that hasn’t been used in a while and needs to be serviced. – Not a Veloce, it is a Normale and the recipient of a normale restoration some time ago that is holding up well but won’t impress anyone. A Veloce would have a little more power but this normale has more than enough to be a satisfying driver and it brought a reasonable price.
Lot # 149 2021 Alfa Romeo GTAm 4-Dr. Sedan; S/N ZAREAEHV4M7656706; Etna Red, White/Black leather, Red stripe; Estimate $240,240 – $283,920; Unrestored original 2 condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $223,860 plus commission of 16.00%; Final Price $259,678. – 2,891/540hp twin turbo V-6, 8-speed paddle shift, black centerlock alloy wheels, yellow calipers, front seats only, wing, roll bar, 4-point belts, fire system, matching Etna Red/white Bell helmets, Eberhard wristwatch, carbon fiber outside mirrors, #85 of 500, Silverstone 1972 livery. – One owner, 77 km, like new. 20% VAT due (again?) on the full purchase price because of the low mileage. Cost Euros 221,000 as-delivered. – A gorgeous car that should earn a U.S. Show and Display import permit for its rarity, aggressiveness and connection with the 2021 European Touring Car Championship Alfa GTAs. One of the last rear wheel drive supercars and impossible to overlook on the road, track day or show field.
Lot # 153 1981 Alfa Romeo GTV6 2.5 Coupe, Body by Bertone; S/N 2894; Metallic Grey/Light Grey velour; Estimate $16,380 – $27,300; Visually maintained, largely original 3- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $12,012 plus commission of 16.00%; Final Price $13,934. – 2,492/154hp V6, 5-speed, AEZ alloy wheels, sunroof, woodrim steering wheel, rooftop radio antenna. – Stone chipped old repaint, worn upholstery. Dirty engine compartment. A used car. – Worth what was paid for it although the pleasure of owning and driving it will exceed the price as long as the service required after sitting for several years in this collection doesn’t break the back of the price paid. I know from experience that a GTV6 can be driven a hundred thousand miles with minimal maintenance as long as it was set up right when it was new.