Bonhams Paris Auction Showcases Historic Racing Legends
The prestigious Bonhams auction at Paris’s Grand Palais Historique presented an exceptional collection of historic and collector automobiles, featuring some of motorsport’s most significant vehicles.
Notable Auction Highlights
The auction’s standout offerings included several remarkable racing cars:
- 1950 Ferrari 166MM – A pristine example of early Ferrari engineering
- 1954-55 Ferrari Tipo 555 ‘Super Squalo’ – 2.5-litre Formula 1 Racing Single-Seater
- 1969 Matra MS640 Continuation – Representing French racing heritage
- 1986 Audi 5000 CS Quattro – Set a new world record at auction
Featured Marques
The event showcased vehicles from prestigious manufacturers:
- Ferrari
- Porsche
- Lamborghini
- Mercedes
- Bugatti
- Alfa Romeo
Historical Significance
The Ferrari Tipo 555 ‘Super Squalo’ represents a pivotal moment in Formula 1 history, featuring the advanced 2.5-litre engine configuration that defined mid-1950s grand prix racing.
Auction Highlights Table
| Year | Model | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1950 | Ferrari 166MM | Early Ferrari masterpiece |
| 1954-55 | Ferrari Tipo 555 ‘Super Squalo’ | F1 Single-Seater |
| 1969 | Matra MS640 Continuation | French racing heritage |
| 1986 | Audi 5000 CS Quattro | World record holder |
Venue and Setting
The Grand Palais Historique provided an elegant backdrop for this prestigious automotive auction. The historic venue’s architecture complemented the classical nature of the vehicles on display, creating an atmosphere that celebrated both automotive and architectural heritage.
The Grand Palais auction has become a cornerstone event for collectors and enthusiasts seeking the finest examples of automotive history.
Collection Overview
The auction represented a carefully curated selection of vehicles spanning multiple decades of automotive excellence. From the early post-war period represented by the Ferrari 166MM to the modern era exemplified by the record-setting Audi Quattro, the collection showcased the evolution of automotive design and engineering.
The presence of both racing cars and road-going vehicles demonstrated the breadth of automotive history on offer, appealing to various collector interests and preferences.
