Rétromobile at the starting blocks

Over the years, Retromobile, an annual show dedicated to classic cars, has become an unmissable event for all lovers and collectors of collector cars. At the next edition, which will take place on 7 February 2020 at the Parc des Expositions Porte de Versailles in Paris, Matthieu Lamoure, director of the Artcurial Motorcars department, discusses the department’s relationship with the Retromobile show, and offers some anecdotes that have marked the last nine years.

Can you tell us a little about Artcurial Motorcars’ relationship with the Retromobile show?

The show, which was created by Marc Nicolosi and François Melcion, is the world’s largest classic car show. Over the years, a professional, friendly and trusting relationship has developed between the department and the organisers. This relationship, based on seamless cohesion and cooperation, will bring some great surprises for this ninth year.

Artcurial has the largest stand in a location that lends itself to dynamic auctions, in line with the house’s image. With the cars driving onto the stage and a show naturally orchestrated by the master Hervé Poulain, Pierre Novikoff and myself, Artcurial will present a marathon auction lasting from seven to eight hours. Members of the public as well as collectors, meaning roughly 2,000 to 5,000 people, will be able to witnesses this eagerly awaited collaboration.

2020 marks the ninth edition of Retromobile. What does maintaining this partnership mean for you?

2020 marks the ninth time that Artcurial has participated in the show, and as for the department, we will be celebrating our tenth birthday next April. The partnership represents a relationship based on trust and which is sure to live on. The department and the organisers are pleased to collaborate each year, like a musical symphony that fits together perfectly.

This auction is eagerly awaited because the different actors, including both the show’s organisers and Artcurial Motorcars, are French. By taking its place at the heart of the City of Light, it embodies French glamour. The appeal of the show also lies in the fact that the automobile was born in France. Every year, Artcurial Motorcars pays tribute to the greatest invention of the twentieth century, which revolutionised our perception of time, travel and distance. During the golden age of the automobile, in the interwar period, all the great coachbuilders and names of the automobile world, such as Henri Chapron and Figoni & Falaschi, were based in France.

The event aims to pay tribute to this artistic automobile heritage, which, like a master artist’s painting, is a magnificent demonstration of design and technique.

What are the three most memorable moments you’ve experienced over the last ten years?

One of the most memorable moments was undoubtedly the creation of Artcurial Motorcars in 2010. This trigged a small revolution in the classic car market. The challenge was quickly turned into a success, thanks to the auctions and the team.

The moments that thrill me the most are definitely when cars are discovered. It’s something I’ve been passionate about since childhood. I was always convinced I was born too late to discover cars in barns, but the ten years I’ve spent at Artcurial Motorcars have proven me wrong. For example, it was a huge honour to discover the Roger Baillon collection, whose sale will remain forever in the memories of collectors. This collection is of a unique kind, and is a real revelation in terms of how to represent one’s car, its history and its beauty. These cars, taken out of their garages, are worn by time. They have physical defects, like an elderly person who has so much to tell. That’s what we’ve been trying to convey for the last ten years – to tell the story behind every car that’s presented.

Although ten years have passed, the team is still the same. Over time, it’s grown, and that’s what makes Artcurial Motorcars so strong. The contacts don’t change, and we have absolute confidence in each other. It’s a professional family.

The next Retromobile auction will take place on 7 February. What are your three favourites among the lots for the next auction?

The first thing that comes to mind is the collection that was rediscovered in Sweden which includes two AC Cobras, one of which is a yellow 1965 AC Cobra 289 roadster. These cars are extraordinary, and extremely well preserved. Finding cars in this condition is actually very rare, as these cars have generally seen a lot of races.

Of course, I was also especially fond of Johnny Hallyday’s two Fords, including the Mustang GT290 that he owned (we also have a copy of the car registration in the name of Jean-Philippe Smet) and in which he raced for the Ford France team alongside Henri Chemin, the director of Ford France. This is the best-known car in France. When you see its original interior you can easily imagine the glorious hours of enjoyment the star would have experienced at its wheel. We’re also putting forward a Ford Mustang GT hardtop coupe, which he bought new and drove in France and then in Los Angeles. Well known by all fans, it contains various customisation options that Johnny Hallyday had added, including an ashtray and his initials. It’s very rare to have two cars in the same auction, and we’re delighted to be taking part in this event.

Finally, there are two remarkable last lots: Mariska and Mariquita. These two boats are certainly the two most beautiful classic yachts sailing in the Mediterranean. Mariska wins 15M.J class regattas every year. Putting these two boats forward for auction means entering a very closed world of great lovers of sailing, of noble

Information

Auction in Paris at the Salon Rétromobile
The Official Auction

Friday 7 February 2020 at 2:00 pm

Racing, Flying & Yachting

Saturday 8 February at 3:00 pm

Auction Contact
Anne-Claire Mandine

Tel. +33 1 42 99 20 73