LONDON.- RM Auctions, the world’s largest collector car auction house for investment-quality automobiles, is delighted to announce the addition of a new sale to its established roster of European events. The new auction will take place during the world-famous Retromobile show week in Paris, and will become a permanent fixture on RM’s global events calendar. The inaugural sale is scheduled to feature a preview on 4th February, 2014, with the auction to be held on the evening of 5th February. In keeping with RM’s reputation for spectacular venues, the event will take place within the magnificent surroundings of the L'Hôtel national des Invalides, a former hospital more commonly known as ‘Les Invalides’, which is famously the final resting place of Napoleon Bonaparte.

Anticipation for the new sale, which will mark the official start of RM’s 2014 European calendar, is high. RM is particularly delighted to announce the early consignment of a beautiful and historically significant ex-Works Gordini 24S, chassis 36. A wonderful, streamlined barchetta featuring a three-litre DOHC, eight-cylinder engine, the example on offer is one of the first racing cars in history to feature disc brakes all round. It was entered in the 1953, 1954 and 1955 24 Heures du Mans races, as well as numerous other well-known events including the 12 Heures de Reims; the Tour de France, where it finished 1st overall in 1953; the 1953 and 1954 1000 km Buenos Aires; the 1955 Mille Miglia; and the 1953 Carrera Panamericana. Extensively campaigned in period by well-known driver, Jean Behra, the car’s entire racing history is spectacular as well as being one of the most complete and well-documented that any collector could hope to find.

Max Girardo, managing director, RM Europe, says: “We are truly delighted to have secured a sale in Paris, particularly during the Retromobile week, which attracts many of the world’s most respected collectors and enthusiasts to the city. It promises to be another highlight on the global auction calendar and RM will bring its usual high level of expertise and attention to detail which mark its sales out from the rest of the industry. To have already consigned a car as significant as the Gordini is a strong indication it will be a sale not to be missed”.

The auction will take place at ‘Les Invalides’ immediately after the International Automobile Festival which takes place between 29th January and 2nd February, 2014. This exciting event will gather a stunning display of beautiful concept cars and pay tribute to car designers from around the world.