PARIS.- Artcurial Motorcars invites all those with a passion for American cars to attend the On the Road sale on 9 October. The 80 automobiles in the collection will be offered at very attractive prices, and with no reserve ! This special collection was set up by the pioneer André Weber who, over a period of some fifty years, sought out particular American vehicles so loved by Europeans.
« Rarity, authenticity, history... these are the criteria that give a collection its value. However it is the extra measure of passion that makes Mr Weber’s collection so special. In recent years he has been able to house his collection in one place. This location has been designed and decorated for the purpose, giving a feel more of a museum than simply an enthusiast’s collection of cars.
This collection takes us back to the good old days of rock ’n’ roll and is a fantastic tribute to this golden age of automobile production. We are thrilled to be sharing this passion and passing on a small part of the American Dream ! » --Matthieu Lamoure, Managing Director, Artcurial Motorcars
André Weber, who started his career dealing in scrap metal and later in automobiles, began collecting cars in the early 1960s. He quickly developed a taste for American vehicles, with their ample curves and strong personalities, offering an extravagance and high build quality that so appealed to Europeans.
American models in all their glory can be found in André Weber’s collection from stunning 1950s models to powerful muscle cars from the 1970s. There are nine Cadillacs, including the oldest from 1936 which was offered to the Dutch Consul in Antwerp in the 1940s by the Royal Court in the Netherlands (estimate : 18 000 – 26 000 € / 19 800 – 28 600 $). The collection also features eight Chevrolets, three Chryslers, two Buicks and twelve Fords, including six Vedettes (three of which are rare cabriolets) ! Mr Weber was married in a Vedette, explaining the number of examples in his collection.
It is rare to find a collection such as this in Europe, spanning a wide period of American automobile history. The earliest model is a 1928 Hudson (estimate : 8 000 – 14 000 € / 8 800 – 15 400 $), and the most recent is a 1989 Chrysler (estimate: 3 000 – 6 000 € / 3 300 – 6 600 $).
In addition to the American vehicles are examples of some popular French models that Weber has always admired and wanted to include in his collection. Marques represented include Peugeot, Renault, Panhard Levassor and Talbot Lago.
1952 Ford Vedette Cabriolet
Estimate : 15 000 – 25 000 € / 16 500 - 27 500 $
No reserve
This was one of the last Vedette cabriolets to be built, as production ceased in November 1952, and it is believed to have had just three owners from new ! Restored some years ago, the car remains in good condition with excellent paintwork and a sound body. The chromework has kept its shine, and the lovely red and white vinyl interior enhances its American styling.
1957 Cadillac Series 75 Limousine
Estimate : 14 000 - 18 000 € / 15 400 - 19 800 $
No reserve
The standard of luxury found in the generously equipped Series 75 limousines remains astonishing today. The height of refinement, an opening grille allows communication with the driver when the glass partition is closed. Imported from Canada, this Cadillac remains in remarkable original condition !
