PARIS.- The « Automobiles sur les Champs » series of sales has become a regular fixture in the auction calendar, having grown steadily in stature over the last five years. The eighth edition will take place at the historic Théâtre du Rond-Point, just a stone’s throw from the Artcurial Headquarters on the Champs Élysées in the centre of Paris, and will feature some 70 collectors’ cars and a selection of automobilia.

Earlier this year Artcurial Motorcars categorically confirmed its position as leader in continental Europe for collectors’ cars, with the resounding success of the 2015 Retromobile sale in February. This featured the team’s extraordinary barnfind discovery, the Baillon Collection of 59 cars, starring the 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider that sold for a world record auction price of 16.3 M€ / 12.1 M£ / 18.5 M$.

« Automobiles sur les Champs VIII » will tempt international collectors to Paris once more, boasting a line-up of rare and highly sought after makes and models. « In recognition of our sale at Le Mans Classic, held alternately with this sale in Paris, we are delighted to be offering an historic Alpine, the A210 chassis 1720, that represented France so successfully at international circuits between 1966 and 1969. In a strong market, our selection of cars will range from the Eden Roc Autobianchi to the 8,000 km Ferrari F40 and the Porsche 356 Carrera 2 that was sold new in France. » enthused Matthieu Lamoure, Managing Director of Artcurial Motorcars.

Cars with Le Mans racing history are always in demand and the 1966 Alpine A210 (estimate 300 000 – 500 000 € / 335 000 – 558 000 $) is no exception. The French manufacturer Alpine produced a string of highly successful rear-engined sports prototypes, and the A210 was produced between 1966 and 1969. This example’s first outing was in the 1966 Monza 1000km where it finished 18th overall, driven by Vinatier and De Lageneste. The car competed in the 24H race at Le Mans in 1966 and 1967 and recorded class wins at Spa, Montlhéry and Kyalami during that period. It has an equally impressive record in recent competitive events, with numerous class wins at Le Mans Legend, Paul Ricard Classic and CER events at Spa, Nürburgring and Valencia. It took part in the 2005 Goodwood Festival of Speed and has been a regular competitor at Le Mans Classic since 2002.

Another exceptional car on offer is the 1970 Porsche 911 ST (estimate 770 000 – 920 000 € / 850 000 – 1 000 000 $ ). This is the 6th example of a very limited number built for competition by Porsche’s racing department Werks 1. It sold originally to a privateer who competed in the car in rallies and races in Germany, and was later owned by the legendary race and rally driver Walter Röhrl. Offered completely restored to factory specification, the provenance of this genuine and extremely rare ST has been verified by Jürgen Barth. This car will be welcomed at all international historic motoring events.

Also extremely rare is the 1962 Maserati 3500 GTI Coupé Frua (estimate 400 000 – 600 000 € / 450 000 – 670 000 $) that is one of just four examples of this model bodied by Frua. It is in wonderfully original condition and has been in the same family ownership since 1967.