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Collectors' items

Auctions of collectors' items slake a thirst for all kinds of fancies, from scent bottles, musical instruments, photo and film cameras and television sets to pens, pen holders and ink wells.
In these auctions of collectors' items, pipes, cigarette lighters, cigar boxes, snuff boxes and tobacco jars are highly sought-after objects.
"The only way to get rid of temptation is to yield to it", said Oscar Wilde. Smokers' kits always fire up the bidding. Collectors of enamelled plaques will be delighted. Philatelists know these sales as an excellent stamping ground for rare collectors' specimens, and taxidermy enthusiasts can ferret out stuffed animals. The red carpet of the Hôtel Drouot provides a festival of canes (with systems or pommels) and an elegant parade of automobiles, including cars and horse-drawn vehicles, not to mention planes, boats and motorcycles !
Auctions of collectors' items also encompass curiosities: those "new, rare, singular things" according to the littré dictionary – which include scientifica, or scientific instruments.
With drouot, curiosity can be a positive virtue!

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2002 – Aston Martin V12 Vanquish - French circulation permit Chassis n°SCFAC23312B500271 Engine n°00337 - Sleek lines, cutting-edge technology and a prestigious coat of arms - Superb color combination and 2+2 version - Barely 52,000 kms with regular network maintenance - Immobilized for a gearbox problem Location: Lyon region The example presented is an Aston Martin Vanquish V12 5.9L in the advantageous 2+2 version. Delivered new by the British Motors dealership in Monaco on May 31, 2002, this Vanquish was probably used as a demonstration car before being put on the road on November 13, 2002. According to the file and service book available, it remained in the south of France until 2012, before being registered in Belgium and Luxembourg, finally returning to France in 2022. It sports a magnificent and rare midnight blue metallic (Mendip Blue metallic) configuration with white leather interior and blue carpets, further enhancing the appeal of this splendid GT. Regularly serviced, the car has clocked up 52,008 kms and is in excellent condition. The bodywork is free from any noticeable defects, and is particularly well preserved and enhanced by the ceramic treatment it has received. The interior is equally well preserved, with upholstery in near-new condition, particularly in the rear seats. Mechanically, this Vanquish also appears to be in very good condition, as it has been serviced in the brand's network. It was last serviced in March 2022, when it had 49666 kms, and the ignition coils were changed in 2023. However, the car has been immobilized for around 4 months now, due to a sudden problem with the gearbox, which no longer responds and is the model's known weakness. It is therefore being sold as it is, non-functional, with no up-to-date MOT less than 6 months old, although the last one, dated 11/17/2022 at 50,582 kms, was clean. At the option of its future owner, it can either be reconditioned or converted to a manual gearbox, as has become Aston Martin's custom in the face of this type of recurring problem on the Vanquish, to enable the full potential of this exceptional automobile to be exploited with serenity. Once back in service, this Vanquish will gratify you with its bewitching sound, making it a fine collector's item for any enthusiast. All the more so as it comes in an unusual configuration (colors and 2+2), but is also complete, i.e. accompanied by its various manuals, notebooks and history file, as well as its spare keys, cover and original battery charger. The Vanquish made a notable appearance in the James Bond saga's "Die Another Day", which contributed to its renown. But it's still under-priced. So be as daring as the famous brand-bound secret agent to snap it up, without waiting for another day! Unveiled at the 1998 Detroit Auto Show as the "Project Vantage" concept car, the Aston Martin Vanquish was officially presented at the 2001 Geneva Motor Show in a form surprisingly close to that of the concept car. It was part of the firm's revival, replacing the Virage. The design was by Ian Callum, the father of the DB7, who had already worked with the Ford group, to which Aston Martin belonged at the time. The line is both muscular and elegant. It is in keeping with the tradition and elegance of the English brand, while exuding a resolutely modern impression of power. The Vanquish has been designed using the very best technologies available. In fact, the car features a new, high-performance, rigid chassis combining carbon, aluminum and composite materials. The bodywork is also in aluminum. Cosworth Racing's engine is a 5.9-liter V12 developing 460 hp and 540 Nm of torque. It is mated to a 6-speed sequentially-shifted robotized gearbox with steering-wheel-mounted paddles. Braking is provided by oversized Brembo discs, 355 mm at the front and 330 mm at the rear, both perforated and ventilated. At the same time, the Vanquish boasts excellent aerodynamics and a flat bottom, enabling it to run the kilometer from a standing start in less than 24 seconds and break the symbolic 300 km/h barrier! The interior is also highly polished, with a profusion of Connolly leather and Wilton carpeting, combined with aluminum to give the Vanquish an unmistakable look.

Estim. 50,000 - 60,000 EUR

1956 – Jaguar XK140 Cabriolet SE - Monegasque circulation permit Chassis n°S818897BW Engine n°G8516-8S - Probably the best of the XK series and the most comfortable configuration - Rare left-hand drive, automatic gearbox and SE - High-quality restoration to be carried out - Numerous aesthetic and technical improvements Location: Nice region Our Jaguar XK was originally a rare XK140 in convertible body (Drophead Coupe/DHC) with left-hand drive and Borg-Warner automatic transmission in Special Equipment (SE) version with C-type cylinder head, as indicated by the Jaguar Heritage certificate in the car's file. The certificate also tells us that the car left the factory on September 13, 1956, and was shipped to Jaguar Cars' New York distributor on the following October 5. While its subsequent history is unknown, it is known to have been owned between 1994 and 2010 by U.S. Navy veteran, legal scholar and author Albert R. Pincus, and registered in his name in the state of Pennsylvania. It was during the latter's ownership that the car won several awards following its full restoration, in its current configuration, metallic grey with burgundy leather interior, grey soft top and whitewall tires, which differs from the original. It was then imported to France in late 2010 and maintained by Americo Automobile in Argenteuil, before being acquired by its current owner at a Paris auction in 2014. Today, this XK140 DHC is in satisfactory overall condition, both in terms of presentation and operation, although some work is required as the restoration carried out, while of high quality, is now old. The original engine block has been replaced by another (numbered G8515-8S) of the same type as the model, while the cylinder head, which is no longer the original one either, has been replaced by another which is not a C-type, but turns out to be a Jaguar Type S cylinder head (numbered 7B58197-8) of the same displacement (3.4L). On the other hand, the car retains its original gearbox. It has been fitted with an aluminum radiator with additional fan, an aluminum expansion tank, an alternator and power steering (hydraulic), as well as an electric fuel pump, aluminum fuel tank, gas-charged shock absorbers, larger-than-original front brake calipers and rear disc brakes, stainless-steel exhaust.... It also features a water temperature gauge, Moto-Lita steering wheel, Radiomobile radio and chromed spoke wheels. Thus equipped for long-distance travel, its owner enjoyed it on tourist rallies and had it serviced in 2021, but has not used it since. This 921-mile XK140 DHC therefore requires a little attention. Nevertheless, it represents a fantastic opportunity for enthusiasts wishing to indulge themselves and gain access to the XK family on a budget. All the more so as it is one of only 2310 left-hand drive XK140 cabriolet models produced between 1954 and 1957, few of which were ordered with both the automatic and "SE" gearbox options. A detailed appraisal report from 2022 is available on request, and interested parties are advised to consult it. The vehicle is being sold as is, without a technical inspection, and will need a complete overhaul before it can be driven again. The Jaguar XK120 roadster was presented at the London Motor Show in 1948, just two months after the chassis and body had been designed. At the time, there were few sports cars on the market, and most of those that did exist had been designed before the Second World War. So it came as a general surprise when this seemingly wind-blown sports car, powered by a new 160 hp double overhead cam engine capable of reaching 120 miles (hence the name), was unveiled. All the more so as its price is very competitive, even though its instrumentation is very complete and the interior is in Connolly leather. Like its price, its performance is also highly competitive, enabling the XK120 to shine in the most prestigious competitions. Initially available as a roadster, the XK120 came in a Fixed Head Coupe (FHC) in 1951, then a Drophead Coupe (DHC) in 1953, not forgetting the sportier "Special Equipment" version, which could be combined with any of these body styles as early as 1951. This version featured a m

Estim. 50,000 - 70,000 EUR

1937 – SS Jaguar 1,5 Litre berline - Monegasque circulation permit Chassis n°89047 Engine n°KB5321E Bodywork n°B9047 - Jaguar's first car, a true piece of automotive history - Early production example in beautiful configuration - Vehicle of English origin, already restored in the past - Turnaround with restart required Location: Nice region The SS Jaguar 1.5 Litre for sale is a right-hand drive saloon, launched in 1937. Restored in the past, it now sports a two-tone configuration, silver-gray and black with black spoked wheels, for a presentation that is both classic and at the same time quite modern. The upholstery is beige with blue piping, and the carpets are gray to match the bodywork. In addition to the already comprehensive equipment for its time on this classy sedan, which can be opened up thanks to its large panoramic sunroof and tilting windshield, this model features long-range headlamps which, combined with its configuration, enhance its racy allure. Without being perfect, this SS sedan with 80708 miles on the clock is in satisfactory condition, although turning but not rolling. The bodywork is generally well presented. Component flatness, alignment and fit are generally good, chromes are shiny and barely pitted, while joints are a little cracked and glazing well preserved. The paintwork was redone some time ago and has a few chips in places. There are a few blisters at the bottom of the doors and fenders, but the car is generally sound, even if traces of repair work are visible on the underside. Work such as underbody treatment was carried out in 2021. Inside, the upholstery, trimmings and carpets are in very good condition. The woodwork is also quite attractive, and the instrumentation appears to be functional. The large toolbox in the rear trunk, characteristic of the SS, is present and partially complete. Mechanically, this SS needs some work to be able to run smoothly, particularly on the electrics and brakes. The engine, which was overhauled in 2021, appears to be running normally, albeit with a leak. The radiator was also rebuilt in 2021. The 4-speed manual gearbox is apparently in good condition, despite some oil seepage and a slightly long clutch throw. This rare SS Jaguar 1.5 Litre saloon has an overall homogeneous patina, which will appeal to discerning enthusiasts who appreciate the model's historical interest, its rarity, its "discoverable" and accessible driving experience for a beautiful pre-war car, as well as the quality of this old-fashioned restoration. A detailed appraisal report from 2022 is available on request, which we advise interested parties to consult. The vehicle is sold as is, without a technical inspection, and must undergo a complete overhaul before it can be driven again. It was in 1931, after various experiments, that the "SS" brand, which stood for "Swallow Sidecar and Coachbuilding Company", until then a manufacturer of sidecars and a coachbuilder, became a genuine car manufacturer, creating its own type of car: the SS1. The chassis was built by Standard to SS specifications. The various SS1 bodies are both sporty and elegant, and the cars are sold at competitive prices. Success was great, and William Lyons decided to set up a new company dedicated to car building: SS Cars Limited. He also decided to develop a range of cars, some of them sports cars, others sedans and convertibles with sporting pretensions, from 1.5 to 3.5 liters, whose quality, price and prestige quickly brought the young brand fame and recognition. The Jaguar name was first used as a model name in September 1935, to designate the SS Jaguar 1 ½ Litre. Available both as a 4-door saloon and a 2-door cabriolet (Drop Head coupé), this was a refined car with top-of-the-range features and significant performance for an attractive price. Its production evolved rapidly from 1937 onwards, abandoning wood in favor of all-steel construction, but the body would always be mounted on a separate chassis. The displacement of the small 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine was increased from 1608 cm3 to 1776 cm3, and side valves were replaced by overhead valves.

Estim. 20,000 - 25,000 EUR

TUDOR Submariner snowflake M.N. Marine Nationale Commando Hubert. Ref : 7021/0. N° 780720. Circa: 1973. Steel wristwatch, round case, blue lacquered 7021/0 snowflake dial, very nice homogeneous patina. Matching case and caseback references. Winding mechanism signed Rolex, screw-down caseback signed Rolex. Mechanical self-winding movement Tudor 2484. Original dial, hands, bidirectional bezel and movement. Steel bracelet Rolex oyster 7836/382. The watch is accompanied by the box, over-box and its original punched and stamped COMMANDO HUBERT papers dated September 1974. Diameter: 40 mm. Length: 20 cm. The Commando Hubert One of the seven most renowned marine commando units of the French Navy, was established in 1947 and transformed into a combat swimmer unit in 1953. Comparable to the American Seal-Team Six, the Italian Comsubin and the British Special Boat Service (MI5's action service), today it specializes in counter-terrorism, hostage rescue and offensive underwater intervention. The unit's badge, featuring an eagle, a dagger and a naval anchor, illustrates its versatility on land, in the air and at sea, its members being both combat swimmers and operational parachutists. In 1974, when the Submariner snowflake shown here was assigned to Commando Hubert, the unit was responsible for protecting the strategic oceanic force on Ile Longue near Brest. It was also temporarily deployed in the Suez Canal region during Operation Decan, which ran from November 15 to December 25, 1974, and again from March to May 1975, with the aim of clearing most of the sites on Lake Amer. Condition report: Case: very slight traces of wear, worn. Strap: original steel in good condition. Movement: not serviced, working. Dial: slightly cracked on the outside, original, good condition. Hands: original and relined. Bezel: beautiful, slightly gossamer patina.

Estim. 20,000 - 30,000 EUR

Austin Seven RM Saloon 1931 - Chassis n°136 411 Engine n°137 146 French registration The model shown is a type RM Saloon introduced in March 1930. It was purchased new by a Geneva police brigadier from SA Perrot, Duval et Compagnie at 12, rue du Général Dufour in Geneva (purchase invoice present). It crossed the border in 1936 and remained in France, in the hands of Charles Vernay, a Challex carpenter, until 1961, when it was acquired by Jean Tua. It was then restored by the Richard coachbuilder in Geneva and displayed in the Jean Tua museum. In 2005, the museum was forced to vacate its premises and the collection was dispersed. "My cars will go to true enthusiasts who know how to preserve and appreciate them", said Jean Tua at the time. It was on this occasion that the current owner acquired the car, spending lavishly and having it completely overhauled between 2005 and 2008, with the engine in particular being completely rebuilt by an engine builder in Zurich. The car was tested between Geneva and Lausanne, and then... never ran again! This is the car we're offering, untouched since the end of its restoration in 2008. A true 4th hand with a crystal-clear history, our charming Austin is an economical solution for a taste of pre-war charm. Not having been driven since 2008, like all good pre-war enthusiasts, the future owner will need to carry out the usual checks before taking to the road again. Driving a pre-war car is neither unimaginable nor untouchable in the eyes of this charming "Baby Austin". Time to break the bank! A special feature of our Austin 7 is its stylish aluminum wheel flanges, inside and out. The Austin Seven is undoubtedly one of the most important english cars ever produced. It's a kind of English Ford T, and nearly 300,000 units were sold worldwide. The model was designed by Herbert Austin (and Stanley Edge) in the early 1920s on the basis of a simple idea: to produce a car that took up no more space than a motorcycle, but with greater comfort and a very low price tag, all equipped with a real small engine and 4 brakes - equipment that was still uncommon in 1931! In the aftermath of the First World War, the Longbridge factory scored a real commercial and sporting success. The Austin Seven was produced between 1922 and 1939 - an impressive longevity, not least because the Austin was not just British. In France, Rosengart produced the little "5cv" under license between 1928 and 1939. In Germany, it was manufactured under the name "Dixi", in the USA under the name "American Bantam", and in Japan under the name "Datsun".

Estim. 4,000 - 6,000 EUR

1987 – Mercedes-Benz 560 SL - French circulation permit Chassis n°WDBBA48D6HA058316 - Iconic Mercedes with a noble engine - Interesting configuration with options - Canadian car with 167,000 kms on the odometer - Hard-top and user manuals Location: Lyon region The Mercedes SL type R107 convertible on offer is a 560 version, equipped with the torquey 5.6L V8 producing 227 hp. It was launched in 1987. Of Canadian origin, this SL comes in Arctic White (147U) with Royal Blue (272) leather interior and matching carpets and soft-top fabric. This elegant presentation is complemented by body-colored light-alloy wheels for an even more polished look. Options include automatic air-conditioning, heated seats, electric and heated mirrors, and a hard-top with heated rear window, for optimum comfort in all seasons. This 560 SL cabriolet was imported to France, following its acquisition from a Canadian professional, by its current owner in 2018. On arrival in France, the car was serviced and the catalytic converter replaced with a new one. Its owner has since covered several thousand kilometers on board, and this 560 SL now boasts just over 167,000 kms on the odometer. The car is in generally satisfactory condition, both in terms of appearance and operation, although it could still do with some cosmetic attention and a few interventions. Indeed, the latest technical inspection, dated February 21, 2024, indicates several anomalies (6) classified as major faults, which will have to be repaired if the inspection is to be favourable, but which are unlikely to require any major work, given the nature of the faults in question. We nevertheless invite interested parties to consult it on request. As a version intended for the American market, where it is compulsory equipment, this 560 SL has the 3rd brake light on the rear trunk and energy-absorbing bumpers, which complete the safety package that includes ABS as standard on this model. A car renowned for its reliability and ease of use in all circumstances, this healthy example, with its hard-top, will enable you to take full advantage of the qualities promised by its badge. The Mercedes SL R107 is universally acclaimed for its driving pleasure, but in this 560 SL version, which is both affordable and particularly accomplished as the ultimate evolution of the model, as well as torquey and quiet, that pleasure is multiplied tenfold. The 560 SL: a true Mercedes star! Succeeding the SL "Pagoda" type W113, the SL convertible type R107 was unveiled in the spring of 1971. It marked a stylistic break with the previous generation, without losing the elegant hard-top so characteristic of the star brand's cabriolet. It's also no longer quite in the spirit of Sport Leicht for "light sports car", for which SL is the abbreviation, since it's more the Grand Touring philosophy that prevails on this generation. Its excellent build quality, comfort and luxury explain its success, particularly in the USA, where it was a true symbol of success and had a major film and TV career. From the outset, the SL R107 cabriolet was powered by large V8 engines, 3.5L in Europe and 4.5L on the other side of the Atlantic, whose displacement continued to increase, but which evolved towards greater sobriety, while at the same time six-cylinder variants appeared for Europe. As demand for the SL R107 continued to grow, it was constantly upgraded and improved. In 1986, Mercedes finally delivers its last R107-type SL evolution for its chosen market: the 560 SL, reserved for the American market. In line with the expectations of North American customers, this SL is equipped with an automatic gearbox. It comes with a high level of standard equipment, including leather upholstery, an alarm system, airbags, air conditioning and ABS. The car also features a new rear suspension and a limited-slip differential to better manage the high torque. After just under 50,000 units produced, this final version of the SL R107 bowed out in 1989. The SL R107 cabriolet thus had a long and successful life.

Estim. 20,000 - 25,000 EUR

JAGUAR XJ 12 Series 2 In the mid-60s, Jaguar's charismatic CEO, Sir William Lyons, felt that his sedan range was slowly beginning to age, and that they were cannibalizing each other. Indeed, the 240 & 340 (ex MK 2), S-Type and 420 were all in the same category, with the exception of the larger 420 G, which lasted until 1970. To remedy this situation, a completely new car was designed. It would replace the 3 models mentioned above. Called the XJ 6, it was the master's latest baby. Presented at the 1968 Paris Motor Show, it was unanimously acclaimed by the public and journalists alike, and quickly became known as "the most beautiful sedan in the world". In addition to its racy styling, the 420 G's sophisticated rear axle, with double coil springs and inboard disc brakes, was retained. Its double-wishbone front axle and rack-and-pinion steering are new. It is available with the usual 4.2-liter twin-shaft 6-cylinder engine, as well as a new 2.8-liter version, with manual or automatic gearbox. It stands out for its excellent roadholding and high level of comfort. More luxurious versions are also available under the "Daimler" brand. In 1972, the model adopted the new 5.3-liter V12 engine previously used in the E-Type. It was only available with an automatic gearbox. A few months later, a version with a 10 cm longer wheelbase appeared. Total production of this first series reached 82,209 units (or 82,217, depending on the source). At the 1973 Frankfurt Motor Show, Jaguar presents the Series 2, available with the 6-cylinder 4.2 l and the 5.3 l V12. The aesthetic change was to raise the front bumper, mainly to meet American safety standards, a very important market for the brand. Raising the bumper means reducing the height of the grille by the same amount. Inside, a new dashboard groups all the dials in front of the driver's eyes. A brand-new body version makes its appearance, the 2-door coupé, without pillars. For 1975, a smaller 3.4-liter engine is offered. Electronic fuel injection now powers the V12 engine. The career of this second model continued until 1979, when 92,376 units were produced in all body styles. The XJ's life continued with the Series 3, redesigned with the help of Pininfarina. The model presented here was first registered on August 1, 1977. It is in good overall condition. It has a beautiful patina, both inside and out. It comes from an important collection in which it has been kept for 7 years and has 14,963 km on the odometer.

Estim. 6,000 - 12,000 CHF

Lancia Belna Coupé «Paul Née» 1936 - Châssis n°F34 1322 Moteur n°1403 Type F88 Boite de vitesse n°1412 Type F127 Carte Grise Française March 12, 1936, Mr. Alexandre Lecamus orders his Lancia Belna for 35,000 francs. 
At the time, Lancia enjoyed a solid reputation for innovation that the Belna did not usurp. 
It is equipped with hydraulic brakes, a self-supporting body and Lancia's V4 cylinders, among others. Notable of the city of Castres, Mr. Lecamus did not opt in for the standard factory sedan, but will have his chassis bodied by Paul Née in a coupé if you may. The Lecamus couple enjoyed it for many years and when Mr. Lecamus died in 1955, his wife registered the car under her maiden name, Marie Charvet. Years later, in the 1970s, Madam Charvet gave the car to the grandson of her caregiver, the young man we see behind the Belna while Madame Lecamus poses in front of the car with the City Hall of Castres behind. The Lancia Belna is none other than a Lancia Augusta renamed for the French market, although with some specific features, but we will come back to that later. The Augusta was designed just after the 1929 crisis, in an economic context that was not conducive to eccentricity. It was an economical model with smaller dimensions than its predecessors, while retaining technical innovations (among others: self-supporting body, independent suspensions, hydraulic brakes, etc.), Lancia's trademark. She will save the brand in this difficult period, in particular thanks to its success in Italy. But back to Belna. Following the crisis, import duties were prohibitive, to continue selling abroad, it was necessary to build a factory to sell “on site”. Two choices were available for the future buyer, a sedan (code F231) or a chassis ready to be bodied (code F234). Pourtout, Paul Née, ... are some of the French bodybuilders who will be asked to dress the Belna. Around 3000 Belna were manufactured during the four years of existence of Lancia France, including 2500 F231 sedans and 500 F234 chassis. For the record, the Lancia Augusta had a real competitive career, notably participating in the Mille Miglia, the Copa d'Oro and the Targa Florio. It was said to be the favorite car of Tazio Nuvolari and Achille Varzi. He decided to have the car restored and entrusted it to the Bruni workshop, but he never registered the car. Called by the sirens of the American dream, he left France and gave the car to his sister, Florence Alba. She registered the car in 1984 without modificate Madam Lecamus' registration. Therefore, the car never left Castres ! Years later, the current owner, cousin of Florence Alba and whose father was an apprentice at Brumi, acquired the car and scrupulously kept it in the same condition as he took possession. This extremely rare Lancia Coupé designed and produced by Paul Née has only had two families of owners as it celebrates its 88th birthday (proof if any is needed, that is a car you become attached!). It is in extremely healthy condition (no corrosion) thanks to the restoration it benefited in the 1970’s. Since then, it has almost never been driven and it is complete. It is awaiting a new family of enthusiasts who, after the usual checks and restarting the engine, will once again be able to admire its lines on the roads of France. The 1955 registration is still present! Paul Née was a French coachbuilder who had his heyday between the wars. Hispano Suiza, Bugatti and Mathis are some of the major manufacturers whose cars he has dressed. Without forgetting Lancia, with whom he had a special relationship. The small rear jump seat, which accommodates a third passenger in the event of an emergency. Note the assembly numbering of the original wooden panels from the coachbuilder and all the trim of the original car in good condition. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of the driver and passenger seats which will have to be restored. The 1.2l V4 proves to be an excellent engine, capable of reaching more than 3500 rpm, which few of its competitors could match. Having been dormant for several years, it will need to be checked before restarting. The engine serial number matches the one of the block. An intriguing “Vesuve” inscription is painted on the cylinder head cover. For the hot summer days in Castres, a windshield with an opening system had been installed, to ventilate the passenger compartment. By some miracles, the Belna still has its original owner's manual, complete with numerous technical drawings. The chassis plate and the cold stamping on the self-supporting shell match. The manufacture of radiators was entrusted to the Chausson companies, which also supplied Bugatti, among others. Cibié lighthouses are also a French specificity. Another particularity of the Belna, all the instruments on the dashboard are signed Jaeger and not Metron as in Italy, we won't complain! Oil pressure, speed, chrono and fuel gauge, the dashboard has no shortage of information. One more particularity for our Belna: its black and ivory livery as specified on its 1936 order form. The original key the purchase order, which allows us to learn the different options and supplements requested by Mr. Lecamus.

Estim. 20,000 - 25,000 EUR

CHEVROLET CORVETTE "C1 Introduced in 1953, the "first American sports car" was designed to appeal to drivers with a taste for sporty vehicles, in particular "GIs" returning from Europe where they had discovered the famous little English roadsters. The first version was equipped with an in-line 6-cylinder engine taken from the brand's wise sedans. Although redesigned for the Corvette, it lacked power (150 hp) and failed to deliver what the sleek bodywork promised. Chevrolet quickly rectified the situation with a 4.3-liter V8 producing almost 200 hp for the second series, as well as simplified styling. This was enough to quickly establish the Corvette as America's "sports car". Small modifications were made on a regular basis, including the adoption of 4 round headlamps in 1958, as well as increasingly powerful powertrains, including a fuel-injected engine. All these constant improvements prolonged the model's success. The last model appeared in 1961, with a sloping rear end and 4 round lights, foreshadowing those of the Stingray. For its final year of production in 1962, the Corvette was equipped with a new 327 ci V8. This was enough to set the model's all-time production record! Over 14,000 were sold that year. The model shown was launched in June 1962. It is equipped with the most powerful carburetor engine available, rated at around 340 hp, with the interesting option of a mechanical 4-speed gearbox. It has 15,100 km on the clock. Its bright red interior blends perfectly with its distinguished metallic gray exterior. A fully restored car, it will take you anywhere, devouring the asphalt to the raucous sound of its powerful V8. A timeless myth!

Estim. 80,000 - 120,000 CHF

Lambert CS Roadster Grand Sport 1950 - Chassis n°24
 Engine No.DSP-24
 Gearbox n°2152
 To be registered as a collector’s vehicle Very pretentious is anyone who thinks they can explain the life of Germain Lambert in a few pages. He himself wrote a 364-page self-cri- tique, and despite everything, many mysteries persist! He is said to have built 20 cars during his life, from 1926 to 1951. In 2012, four of the surviving Lamberts were recognized as being of major heritage interest, and it is well deser- ved. Because the man is as fascinating as his cars, like Ettore or Gabriel. I therefore invite you to find his self-criticism, or read the various quality articles which tell his story, you will not be disappointed. Promised. There are eight Lam- bert survivors. Four have therefore found eternal rest in natio- nal museums. The other four remaining copies are in private hands, including the one offered for this sale. Of the entire Lam- bert production, three cars were used for the race: the 16 chassis number 21, which won the Bol d’or in 1952, the Type CS Sport convertible from a customer chassis number 29, with which Germain Lambert will make his last stand, win- ning his class at the 1953 Bol d’or (the anecdote of this story is worth the detour). And our example, chassis number 24 with which Chotin finished 2nd (Sport category) at the 1951 Bol d’or, won by Sca- ron on Simca Gordini. Chassis number 24 (out of a total of eight) was among the first Type CS to be completed, around May 1950. It was therefore immediately entered into competi- tion, to promote the new model. -June 11, 1950 / Vosges Rally
 July 2 / Rallye des Villes d’Eaux (2nd in its category) - July 9 and 10, 1950 / Haut Jura and Faucille Rally (6th)
 June 3 and 4, 1951 / Bol d’or (2nd in its category) The car initially equipped with a Lambert / Ruby DS engine will inherit Germain Lambert’s most da- ring creation in May 1951, the overturned engine with a hemispherical (bronze) cylinder head. She will participate in the 1951 Bol d’or with this extre- mely rare engine. The engine broke in 1953, it was replaced by a Lambert / Ruby DS “P” (the same as the 16) still present in the car. The current owner, after extensive research, was able to recover: - rally plates, including that of the Vosges rally and the Villes d’eau circuit, with a cup that the car won for its 2nd place. - the unique special Cylinder block engine with a “mechanically welded” hemispherical detachable bronze cylinder head invented and manufactured by Germain Lambert and assembled to participate in the Bol d’Or in 1951. This entire set will accompany the car. The «32» will remain in the Lambert family for a long time, we will see it in particular at the «Vieux Volants Franc-Comptois» rally in 1986 in the hand of one of Germain Lambert’s sons. It was sold in 1992 to its current owner. What is exceptional about this car is obviously its state of conservation, it re- mains almost identical and in the same condition as it was when it participated in the 1951 Bol d’or. We got behind the wheel and although the car requires a general service, it feels very pleasant to drive, it is
 well-made car with healthy behavior. The expression unique opportunity
s not overused for the acquisition of this car. Highlighted by the work of several enthusiasts, the Lamberts have always been cherished by automobile enthusiasts, including the current owner; So advice to lovers, we can’t wait to see this Lambert again on the road! Although our example is not equipped with one, Germain Lambert proudly claims his invention of “Shock-Free” independent wheel suspension. Everything for lightness.
ermain Lambert understood it well, Lambert/ Ruby would not be enough to win races. Tubular chassis, aluminum bodywork and hollowed-out wood and steel parts made it possible to obtain an extremely light, maneuverable and lively car despite its small engine capacity. The DS Lambert/Ruby type engine was profoundly modified by Germain Lambert. Here its “racing” ver- sion with the inscription DS “P” which could mean Special according to Michel Piat. As on the 16 racing car, it is probably equipped with a custom-made crankshaft and lighter connecting rods. Furthermore, Germain Lambert had, among other modifications, had the crankcase foundries redone to be able to mount a magneto, an installation im- possible on the standard DS versions of the Ruby. Both the bridge and the gearbox are of Lambert de- sign, we can clearly see the inspiration of his mas- ters Bugatti and Voisin, what is efficient is beautiful!

Estim. 110,000 - 150,000 EUR

Chevallier 1100 Bol d’or Circa 1930 - Chassis n°1 Engine no. 2945-DS French registration Prize list : 24-25 May 1931 Bol d'Or - category 1.100 race N°101 - 6th - 1111,080 km 24-27 July 1931 Meeting de Dieppe - category 1500 N°28 - 4th in class and 12th overall - 289.684km (36 laps) 6th September 1931 Grand Prix des Voiturettes de Monza N°30 - Retired after 1 lap 13th September 1931 Meeting des Routes Pavées - category 1.100 with compressor N°58 - non-starter (consequence of an engine failure at Monza?) 15th-16th May 1932 Bol d'Or - category 1.100 N°54 - retired before the halfway point 5th June 1932 Grand Prix de Picardie - category 1.100 N°43 - 5th - 1h 05min 50sec to cover the 15 laps and 144, 825km 26th June 1932 Grand Prix de Lorraine - N°84 - retired 28th May 1933 Circuit d'Orléans - race category (2nd series) N°6 - result unknown (not 1st) 4th-5th June 1933 Bol d'Or - category 1.100 race N°43 - more than 8th or retired, following a collision while in the lead 17th September 1933 Grand Prix de France des M.C.F - class 1100 with compressor to 1500 without compressor - N°16 - 7th 3 laps down 25th February 1934 Bol d'Or Qualifiers - N°2 - 1100 cars 20th-21st May 1934 Bol d'Or - category 1.100 race N°45 - 1st ex-aequo , 434 laps, 1814.120km, average speed 75.588km 3rd March 1935 Bol d'Or heats - N°6 18th-19th May 1935 Bol d'Or - category 1.100 race N°11 - 4th - 463 laps (calculated with the length of the circuit), 1939.157km Between the wars, France saw the birth of dozens of car brands. Some endured, others disappeared as quickly as they appeared. For the most part, they were the result of assembling parts that already existed, so it was more a question of assembly or optimisation than of real creative genius. In the midst of this motoring madness, where everyone thought they could do better than everyone else, there were a few brilliant craftsmen, like Lambert and Chevallier. His stated objective is clear : winning the Bol d'Or. He wasn't going to win on engine power, so he focused all his efforts on road holding. Two solutions, ahead of their time, were chosen for the design of the car: front-wheel drive and wheels with independent suspension. He was convinced that these solutions would give him a major advantage over his competitors. Paul Chevallier entered his first race at Bol d'Or in 1931. Paul Chevallier surely outclassed them all, creating a car entirely designed and built by himself, adopting technical solutions that were revolutionary for the time. This is the story of a modern “chevalier” (pardon the pun) and his creation. 
Veni Vidi Vici as the Romans say! Paul Chevallier tackles the creation of a racing car in the late 1920s. Zooming in on the traction system, the wheels are driven by half-shafts fitted with universal joints, designed by Chevallier. On the suspension side, each wheel is attached to a large lever arm which, on the wheel side, receives the steering pivot and universal joint by means of a fork, then articulates to the chassis by means of leaf springs. The DALILA cyclecar had already used this principle in the early 1920s, and it was later used on the 2CV. Legend said that while Chevallier was in good position, he broke a cardan shaft shell, because of a road accident the day before. Without missing a beat, Chevallier went back to his garage in Saint-Cloud, made a new shell, reinstalled it and started again at the eighth hour. He finished sixth (see L'auto 26 May 1931). All hopes were high and Chevallier had made a strong impression, with the press talking about him with great enthusiasm! He then participated in the Dieppe Grand Prix in July, where he raced in the under 1500cc category alongside the Bugatti and Lord Earl Howe's Delage Grand Prix 1500. Far from being ridiculous, he finished 4th ahead of the Bugatti ! Feeling (perhaps) that he was growing wings, he entered the Monza small car race on September the 6 of 1931, but the Italian romance quickly turned sour as he retired on the first lap. Fagioli in Maseratti won the race ahead of Borzacchini in Alfa and Varzi in Bugatti. The following week, he entered the Meeting des routes Pavées in the 1100 compressor category, but was announced as a non-starter, probably because the engine failure at Monza had not been completely repaired. No more glory at the Bol d'Or in mid-May 1932. He was suspected of carrying out secret tests at Montlhéry just after the 1932 Bol d'Or, as this delicious newspaper extract proves. The Grand Prix de Picardie et Lorraine and the Circuit d'Orléans followed with various results. The 1933 Bol d'Or started well... But it ended badly, with damages in the front end of the Chevallier while in the lead. He missed a golden opportunity and even if the Chevallier had improved over the years, it was already 3 years old, and other cars were evolving fast. On 17 September 1933, Chevallier took part in the Grand Prix de France organised by the MCF at the Montlhéry autodrome in the 1100 compressor/1500 class. The track was perhaps too good and he finished the race only at the 7th place. The 1934 Bol d'Or was certainly one of Chevallier's last chance of winning the coveted title. The Chevallier ran well in qualifying, which augured well for the rest of the race. The start of the race was less glorious and Chevallier was stuck behind Duray and Blot in their Amilcar C6 and Bodoignet in his Bugatti. Don’t forget, the Bol d'Or is a marathon (, it's a 24-hour race with only one driver!) and following the various retirements of the competitors in the lead, Chevallier had a three-lap lead over Maillard-Brune 15 minutes before the end of the race, so he had won the race! Then the tragedy happened: with 13 minutes to go, the public could no longer see Chevallier pass by! One valve broke down, he sat on the side of the road and thinking it was over. But the Bol d'Or is won by the number of laps covered, and Chevallier had a three-lap lead with 13 minutes to go. Despite all his efforts, Maillard-Brune failed to cross the finish line another time by just 10 seconds, and Chevallier and Maillard-Brune had exactly the same number of laps, so they were both declared winners ! With a bit of luck, but mostly with all a lot of perseverance, Chevallier succeeded in his bet. Paul Chevallier took part in the 1935 Bol d'Or for the last time, but his car could no longer compete, especially with Maillard-Brune's MG Magnette K3, although he finished at a decent 4th position. It was now the time to give his creation a well-deserved rest. At the end of the 60s, a Parisian collector came across Mr Chevallier’s advertising, who wanted to sell his famous car. Without an hesitation, the collector charged his son to go and collect the car in the West Parisian side. By this time, Mr Chevallier transformed his car into a two-seater, so it could be used in a more conventional way. They finished the rear bodywork together. The collector used the car for many years (Paris-Nice, Montlhéry, etc.) before selling it at auction. We were able to get his testimony, and he confirmed that the car was fitted with a Cozette number 7, which Chevallier had entrusted to him at the time of the sale. An enthusiast from the South of France then took possession of the car. He had the rear bodywork changed in the early 1990s to give it a more racing look, close to what it was looking as a single-seaters. He used it until the end of the 90s, when he broke the Ruby engine. At the time, no parts were available, so he sold the car to the current owner, who fitted an original Ruby block. Once again ready to drive, its fourth and last owner used the car very little. With only four owners, the Chevallier may have been forgotten by the majority, but it has always been cherished by its successive owners, each passing on a piece of French motor sport history. This car left its mark on pre-war French motoring in its own way. Following our research, it has its rightful place alongside the other great French brands, as it raced and won against them even though it was made by just one man. Long forgotten, we are proud to have been able to bring it to light, this French diamond richly deserved it. It's up to its next owner to restore the Chevallier legend to its former glory. The Chevallier today, almost unchanged since its creator's last modifications, with the exception of the tip. The engine keystrokes match numbers, and the Ruby DS is just waiting to find a number 7 Cozette compressor. Note the special exhaust pipe, home-made by Chevallier. The gearbox and steering linkages are a labyrinthine system. The front axle and gearbox assembly on the quadrangular chassis are clearly visible. The Chevallier today seen from the rear, with the Bordino tip made in the 90s in place of the Morgan rear. Thanks to vintage slides, we can confirm that the car still has its original steering wheel.

Estim. 120,000 - 150,000 EUR

Lafont Spéciale (G.A.R.) Circa 1928 - Chassis n°1 Engine n°18819 Type CST4 Gearbox n°3947 French registration number The birth of this Lafont Spéciale remains a mystery for the time being. That said, following a lengthy investigation and numerous testimonials, we have been able to put together the various pieces of the jigsaw and imagine what happened at the end of the 1920s. Emile Lafont was a key player in the G.A.R. (Gardahaut) adventure. The brand made a name for itself in the early 1920s by building cyclecars powered by Chapuis-Dornier, with a sporting vocation, and many GARs were entered in races, notably the Bol d'Or. Emile Lafont was an engineer and driver for GAR, and took part in many races with them until 1928. It was then that the company took a turn that it would never recover from. Mr Gardahaut decided to design his own engine and launch a new range of cars. But the company began to decline and closed its doors in 1934. Lafont, sensing that the deal was coming to an end, decided to leave in 1928. For his departure, he negotiated several chassis and Chapuis-Dornier 12-valve engines in order to build his own cars. He took part in the Armistice Cup in 1930 as an independent (not affiliated to a car manufacturer) and won the race. We can deduct from this that the car in the photo is one of his creations, with an angled chassis (a modified GAR chassis?). The first photo of the Lafont Spéciale that we can identify with certainty is from the end of the 1950s. At that time, the car was part of the Pozzoli collection, stored under the Montlhéry ring. It was used by a well-known Bugatti collector during his leave from the Algerian war. Pozzoli wrote about his two GARs, the Blue Elephant and the Lafont (see text), so it's highly likely that he mentioned our Lafont Spéciale, as it was fitted with a 12-valve at the time and belonged to him. Next we find an undated photo of our Lafont Spéciale, where time has unfortunately taken its toll... We can see the same plate number as on the photo from the 1950s, which leaves no doubt as to its origin. It is thought that the Chapuis-Dornier 12-valve had already disappeared by this time. Why and how did this car end up at the bottom of a field? This question remains unanswered. It was then recovered in the 1970s by a collector in Burgundy, who undertook a complete restoration, dressing it in bodywork inspired by the GAR B5 roadster, our man probably recognising in the car the special features of the GAR. Next came a collector in the South of France, who, intrigued by this counter-angled chassis, and it has to be said, because it was fashionable, fitted it with a bordino tip. He sold it over twenty years ago to its current owner, but after taking part in a few historic events, the car fell asleep at the back of the garage. So here's an opportunity to acquire a cyclecar with quite a history, and one that hasn't yet revealed all its secrets. The car was woken from its deep sleep in the proper manner and the engine is running perfectly smoothly, and the few kilometres we drove it gave us a lot of pleasure. The car still deserves the usual checks before setting off on long road trips. This G.A.R. Lafont Spéciale vice et versa is a real alternative for driving something different, and at a reasonable price compared to the other Bordino Pointes of the 1920s. Note the specific front axle of the second-generation G.A.R., used on some racing G.A.R.s. Emile Lafont after winning the 1930 Armistice Cup. The dashboard contains the essentials: rev counter, speedometer, clock and oil pressure. The Chapuis-Dornier CST4 1100cm2 on the admission side. Less advanced than the 12-valve model, it is also more reliable. Our example is fitted with a tailor-made exhaust pipe to gain a few more horsepower. The gearbox and pedal assembly. The clutch pedal has been modified to fit a starter motor. This photo, taken at the home of a collector in the Burgundy region, shows that the car still has its original bonnet, recognisable by the interruption in the bonnet louvres. The chassis plate shows the manufacturer's address, the chassis number and a Chapuis-Dornier engine number that does not match the current one. Perhaps this is the number of the 12-valve engine originally fitted! It is important to note that GAR made both straight and curved chassis, see Pozzoli Auto passion 1989. The special mounting of the leaf springs at the rear allows the car to be lowered as much as possible, leaving space for the axle to be positioned as low as possible.

Estim. 60,000 - 80,000 EUR