- Paris, Rétromobile 2023

1896 Daimler 4 HP Marseilles Phaeton -Exhibit Lukas Huni-

This Daimler whose chassis was built for Daimler by its associate the Great Horseless Carriage Company in the Coventry Motor Mills is a rare survivor, one of the very earliest British production cars. This car is powered by a twin cylinder 4 HP engine.

1912 Rolls Royce Silver Ghost 2121 -Exhibit Lukas Huni-

The London to Edimburg Silver Ghost 2121 was produced in 1912 with identical specification to the experimental record car 1701 that served to the development of the car by Claude Johnson. In particular the car was driven from London to Edimburg in top gear only and then, without any mechnical alteration achieved over 78 mph at Brooklands and 101 mph over the flying half mile. The 13th chassis was completed in April 1907 and at Claude Johnson request was fitted with a Barker Tourer body painted silver and with silver fittings. The engine was 7036 cc six cylinder.

1928 Maserati 26B -

This car is the first Maserati ever produced. It was entered at 1926 Targa Florio and finished 9th overal and first in 1500 cc Class. It was propelled by a 1980 cc eight cylinder engine producing 155 hp at 5300 rpm. Claimed top speed is 180 kph. At least nine examples were built. more information : Maserati Tipo 26 and Tipo 26B 1926-1930

1933 Hispano Suiza Junior by Vanvooren -

This car was sold for Euros 256,280 at Artcurial auction. Today, only 13 surviving Hispano-Suiza Juniors are recorded, making this a particularly rare car.The Junior presented here (chassis no. 7109) left the factory on the Boulevard Brune on 28 December 1933. Vanvooren was commissioned to build its body, a 'four-door, four-seat pillarless saloon'.

1935 Bugatti Type 57 Coupe Atalante.

This car was proposed at Artcurial auction with an estimate between 2,000,000 and 3,000,000 Euros but was not sold. It is one of three surviving examples fitted from new with a sunroof. See Car Review Bugatti Type 57S Atalante 1938

1935 Peugeot 401 Eclipse -Exhibit Aventure Peugeot.

The Peugeot 401 was produced at 13,545 examples between 1934 and 1935. Peugeot built an electric folding metal roof for the Eclipse Coupe version. A total of 79 Peugeot 401 Eclipse were made.

1936 Jaguar SS100 2,5 L Roadster .

This car was sold for Euros 363,560 at Artcurial auction. This particular car is one of the first SS100 produced: the seventh to be precise. . Its "100" name says it all, meaning that it has a top speed of "100 mph", equivalent to 160 km/h: a brilliant performance for its era.

1937 Citroen Traction 11BL Cabriolet-Exhibit Aventure Citroen-

Launched in 1934, the Traction Avant featured a host of surprising technical innovations and quickly became a success. It was the first volume produced vehicle tfeature a highly rigid integral unutized body. The independent front wheels with torsion bar suspension were unusual for the time, as was the rack and pinion steering. 4327 examples of the Citroen Traction Avant Cabriolet in different mechanical versions were made. The Citroen Traction Avant was produced at 759,111 examples between 1934 and 1957.

1938 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900 Berlinetta by Touring -Exhibit KIDSTON .

The Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B was a grand touring version of a racing car. Propelled by a eight cylinder 2905 cc 220 hp engine. see Car Review Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Berlinetta

1938 Delage DS120 by Vanvooren

This car was proposed for an estimated value beween Euros 650,000 and 850,000 at Artcurial auction but was not sold. The car had been ordered new by the Shah Aga Khan III.

1950 Delahaye 135 MS Cabriolet by Saoutchik -

This car was proposed at Artcurial auction but bidding did not reach reserve value.

1950 Delahaye 175S Coupe by Carrozzeria Motto - Exhibit AVC Prague.

This Delahaye 175 was ordered by racing driver Jean Trevoux. Mr. Trevoux decided to enter his Delahaye to the 1951 Monte Carlo Rally and sent his custom made chassis of Delahaye 175 to the Carrozeria Motto in Torino to be fitted with light and stylish aluminium body.

The car was fitted with ex Le Mans racing engine supplied by Delahaye factory. Jean Trevoux with Roger Crovetto entered the Delahaye in 1951 Monte Carlo Rally and took overall victory at this major event.

1950 Jaguar C Type Aluminium

The car was sold for Euros 193,104 at Artcurial auction. The first Jaguar XK 120 cars were produced by hand, with an aluminium bodywork on a wooden structure. 242 examples were manufactured, including 184 of them in left-hand drive. See Car Review Jaguar XK 120 1950

1951 FIAT 500C Topolino

This car was sold for Euros 110,856 at Artcurial auction. At the start of the 1950s, many young people dreamt of becoming racing drivers, but had limited means in a Europe which still bore the deep scars of the Second World War. Carlo Siciliani was one of them and managed to buy a new Fiat 500C Topolino in December 1951 with which to go racing. This car won 750 Class in the 1952 Giro di Sicilia. It was entered at 1952 Mille Miglia.

1960 Aston Martin DB4 Series II Superleggera Touring-

This car was estimated between Euros 350,000 and 500,000 but was finally sold for Euros 524,480 at Artcurial auction. The car has 99,289 km on the clock and is in extraordinarily well-preserved condition

1961 Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato MP208 Special Lightweight- Exhibit Lukas Huni .

Project MP209 Grand Turismo Super Lightweight was prepared under John Wyer and John Horsman and was an extensively modified for weight saving. Three cars qere prepared as 2VEV and for R. Kerguen. See Car Review Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato 1960

1963 Jaguar Type E Serie I 3,8 L Coupe preparation lightweight.

This car was solde for Euros 125,160 at Artcurial auction. This Series 1 E-Type coupé was the subject of a very extensive " lightweight " preparation some twenty years ago, carried out by a British preparer. Stripped of its bumpers, the car was fitted with an exterior circuit-breaker, a quick-release fuel cap, bolted-in roll-bar and various elements of aluminium bodywork, including the lengthy front bonnet fastened with leather straps. The famous 6-cylinder twin-cam engine has also been modified to improve its performance. This has included fitting triple Weber carburettors with their six intake trumpets and a special aluminium exhaust manifold and radiator. The interior is in good condition with two beautifully-crafted black leather seats, and a leather-clad steering wheel. See Car Review Jaguar E Type 1961 1975

1967 Fiat Dino Spider 2000 Pininfarina -

this car was sold for Euros 100,128 at Artcurial Auction. The Fiat Dino 2000 was produced between 1966 and 1973 in two versions, a coupé designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro for Bertone and this spider designed by Filipo Sapino for Pininfarina. According to wikipedia, the Dino name refers to the Ferrari Dino V6 produced by Fiat and installed in the cars to achieve the production numbers sufficient for Ferrari to homologate the engine for Formula Two  racing.

1969 Lamborghini 400 GT Espada Serie 1.

This car was sold for Euros 184,760 at Artcurial auction. The Lamborghini Espada is the four seats production model translating Bertone Marzal design theme. It is front engine rear wheel drive when the Marzal had transverse rear engine and propulsion. 1227 Espada were produced between 1968 and 1978 according to wikipedia.

1971 De Tomaso Pantera Pré-L -

This car was sold for Euros 59,600 at Artcurial Auction. The Pantera was produced at 7260 examples between 1971 and 1992. Powered by a Ford V8 it was distributed in the USA through Ford dealers.

1973 Maserati Bora 4700 -

This car is the first mid engined Maserati and was proposed at Artcurial Auction but bidding did not meet reserve value. Estimate value between 130,000 and 160,00 Euros. 564 examples were produced between 1971 and 1978. The Maserati Bora was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro of Ital Design.

1975 Lamborghini Countach LP400 Bertone.

The car was sold for Euros 953,600 at Artcurial auction. The Lamborghini Countach LP400 was exhibited at 1975 Paris Motor Show. The car is a rare garage find. See Car Review Lamborghini Countach by Bertone 1971 1978

1982 Lancia Rally 037 Groupe B - Exhibit Lancia Classiche- 2111 cc in line four cylinder producing 305 hp at 8000 rpm.

The car was prepared by Abarth in 1982-1983 and was presented at the 1982 Turin Auto Show with the prospect of producing 200 examples in view of the homologation in Groupe B. The Lancia Rally 037 won the 1983 World Manufacturers Championship. Fifty three examples were prepared for the competition. See also Car Reviews Lancia Beta Monte Carlo 037 Stradale & Group 5 to Group B 1980 -1984.

1991 Jaguar XJR 14 -Exhibited by Art & News.

The Jaguar XJR 14 was entered for Le Mans 24 Hours but was substituted at the last minute by a Jaguar XJR12 judged more reliable. 1991 World Championship winner with Theo Fabi Martin Brundle and Derek Warwick. 1992 IMSA GTP Championship winner.

1992 Lancia Delta Integrale Group A - Exhibit RM Sotheby.

The Lancia Delta Group A Group A rally car was built for the Martini Lancia to compete in the World Rally Championship. The car was introduced for the 1987 season and dominated the World Rally Manufacturer Championship six time in a row from 1987 to 1992. The engine is 1995 cc in line four cylinder with single turbo .

1997 De Tomaso Guara Spyder designed by Carlo Gaino of "Synthesis Design".

This car powered by a 4 Litre BMW V8 was proposed at Artcurial Auction but bidding did not reach reserve value. Estimate value was between 200,000 and 30,000. This particular car has an exclusive interior design finish. 52 examples were produced between 1994 and 2004.

2023 Bugatti Chiron Profilee - RM Sotheby

The Bugatti Chiron Profilee, a one-of-a-kind piece of Bugatti history and the last W16- powered car available from the factory, was sold for an incredible price of 9,792,500 Euros net. This sale took place at the RM Sotheby's auction in Paris on February 1st.

100 Years for the 24 Hours Le Mans endurance race-

The first edition occured in 1923.Thirty seven automobiles participated to this edition and thirty completed the 24 hours race. The following editions gathered some sixty cars at a time which give an idea of the great variety of automobiles that participated to this endurance race. For the 100 years of Le Mans, this 2023 Retromobile was the opportunity to see a large number of cars that participated or are identical to the cars entered in the race. We show here a few examples of cars that participated at Le Mans 24 Hours; others appears under the manufacturer's section of this review.

1925 Amilcar CGS -four cylinder 1100 cc engine .

An identical car participated in 1925 Le Mans 24 Hours but unfortunately finished in a fatal accident.

1926 Lorraine Dietrich B3-6 Sport.

The company Lorraine Dietrich participated between 1923 and 1935 to Le Mans 24 Hours. The car is propelled by 3446 cc six cylinder engine producing 110 hp. The car won the 1925 edition of Le Mans endurance race. The car also won 1926 Le Mans edition. Lorraine Dietrich participate at Le Mans 24 Hours endurance race betwwen 1923 and 1935.

1927 Tracta Type 4 Gephy with 1000 cc four cylinder engine producing 40 hp. +

This Tracta participated in 1928 and 1929 editions of Le Mans 24 hours. The real innovation of this car was that it was equiped with a front wheel drive propulsion developed by engineer Jean Albert Gregoire. The new development was the homokinetic joint which allowed the front shaft to propell the car and also allowing steering the wheels.

1936 Delahaye 135S- Exhibit Fiskens-

One of seventeen competition spepiales built- Four time Le Mans entrant with notable results including 4th in 1938 and 6th in 1939.

1936 Simca Gordini Type Cinq- 568 cc four cylinder engine producing 30 hp.

Claimed top speed 110 kph. This car modified by Gordini with a very light aluminium body; the weight of the car is no more than 450 kg. The Simca Gordini is the smallest car in the history of the 24 Hours of Le Mans by its weight and size.

1939 Talbot Lago T26 ex Le Mans- Exhibit Fiskens.

Recommissioned as a biplace sport in 1951 by the factory. 4 appearances at Le Mans including 2nd overall in 1951. See Car Reviews Talbot T26 GS 1950 1951

1951 Renault 4 CV Le Mans 1952.

The small popular 4 CV was introduced in 1946 and was a success. Some examples modified for higher performances participated in racing events like Le Mans 24 Hours. This car is equipped with a 748 cc four cylinder engine producing 43 hp. Top speed was claimed at 140kph. A sister car with N°52 with Regibus and Porta finished 15th overall in 1952 edition of Le Mans 24 Hours while Rédélé and Lapchin finished 17th overall in car N°51. Cars N°50 in exhibit did not finish. 62 cars were entered and only 17 completed the event.

1960 D.B. Panhard HBR-4 propulsed by a 702 cc twin cylinder engine producing 165 hp.

Claimed top speed is 200 kph. This car is one of the last two authentic D.B. prototypes built in 1959 for the World Endurance Championship events. Drivers Gerard Laureau and Paul Armagnac finished at the first place for the performance index, and 15th overall during 1960 Le Mans 24 Hours race with ab average speed of 141,894 kph (88,168 mph).

1963-1965 ISO Bizzarini A3C- Exhibit Fiskens and FIA Historic Cars.

See also Car Review Iso Grifo and Bizzarini 5300 GT

1967 Alpine Renault A210- 1470 cc four cylinder engine producing 165 hp.

Claimed top speed 252 kph. This car is produced in 1967 and participated three times in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. In 1967 with the Rosinski-Grandsire lineup, they finished 9th overall. In 1968, the Andruet and Nicolas rally team arrived at at 14th place and won the performance index. Finally, in 1969, the car had to give up during the second hour because of the rupture of its cylinder head gasket. Only 8 examples of the Alpine A210 are still existing.

1968 Howmet TX Gas Turbine prototype-

The Howmet TX was developed for the World Endurance Championship. It is powered by a helicopter turbine: this was considered a possible alternative to piston engines. In 1968, this singular car participated in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. See Car Reviews Howmet TX 1968

1970 Porsche 917 works entry for Mike Haiwood and David Hobbs.

This Gulf Porsche was fully restored to its Le Mans sspecification by Lanzante. Exhibit Fiskens. See also Car Review Porsche 917

1972 Matra Simca 660-670- 2999 cc 12 cylinder engine producing 440 hp.

Top speed claimed at 350 kph. Supported by Jean Luc Lagardere, the French armament company Matra took on the challenge of the automobile, with the aim of making France shine. This has been achieved by founding the Matra Sports team: they won the 24 Hours of Le Mans three times in 1972, 1973 and 1974. The chassis of this car is a Matra 660. The bodywork is from the Matra MS 670 which won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1972. It was driven by Henri Pescarolo and Graham Hill.

1977 Inaltera Rondeau- 2993 cc 8 cylinder engine pruducing 460 hp.

Claimed top speed 310 kph. The Inaltera is the first car developed by the Sarthe driver and manufacturer Jean Rondeau. Entirely made in France (except the engine) it was built in Le Mans. Their sponsor gave its name to the car: Ilaltera. It was driven in 1977 by Lella Lombardi and Christine Beckers, an all female linup. They finished in 11th place, covering 3815,29 kilometers. In 1980 Jean Rondeau is the first driver winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans with a car that he built himself.

1981 LOLA T600 -3300 cc eight cylinder engine produced 480 hp.

Claimed top speed 318 kph. This Lola was one of the first ground effect prototypes participating in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Ground effect is an aerodynamic principle that aims to maintain the vehicle's grip, both in the straights and turns while ensuring stability. These technological advances were later used in the development of numerous prototypes. The use of aluminium honeycomb was generalized in Group C, before being replaced by carbon fiber. See Car Reviews Lola T600 IMSA GTP FIA Group 6 1981

1982 Porsche 956-001-

This is the Porsche factory prototype and development car-the first of Porsche's masterful group C Design.-Exhibit Fiskens .

1992 Peugeot 905- 3499 cc ten cylinder engine producing 650 hp.

Claimed top speed 318 kph. The Peugeot 905 represents the golden ageof the French manufacturer at Le Mans. The chassis , designed with the participation of Dassault Aviation, is made of carbon fiber. The Peugeot 905 is designed for the greatest endurance races. With Jean Todt at the helm of Peugeot Sport, the 905 scored its first victory at Le Mans in 1992, before getting a real triumph in 1993 with a hat-trick at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. See Car Review Peugeot 905 1990 1993

1993 Jaguar XJ220C TWR Works Le Mans GT Class winner-Exhibit RM Sotheby.

In January 1993, the Auto Sports International Show at Birmingham NEC saw the public launch of the competition version of the Jaguar XJ220 designated the XJ220C. The car was developed by TWR and Jaguar Sport for GT racing. Examples of the XJ220C were at the time to be made available for sale with a price tag of £380,000. In 2020, the Jaguar XJ220C N°52 was sold foe Euros 1,085,760 at Artcurial auction during Retromobile. Car N°50 was designated winner of 1993 Le Mans GT class but was disqualified a few month later due to unproper catalytric converter.

2018 MISSIONH24 LMPH2G Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric prototype.

480 kW 653 hp claimed top speed 300 kph.LMPH2G, Le Mans Prototype Hydrogen (H2) Gaseous is an experimental car of the MISSIONH24 program, a collaboration between the ACO (Automobile Club de l'Ouest- Le Mans race organizer) and Green GT, for the creation of a category dedicated to hydrogen prototypes by 2025 in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It is an electric car that produces its own electricity . In the fuel cell the reaction between the hydrogen, stored in the tanks, and the oxygen in the air produces electricity, water and heat.

2022 Peugeot 9x8 FIA WEC Hybrid LMH Hypercar-

As planned, the car has a rear-mounted, 2.6-litre, bi-turbo, 500kW (680hp), 90-degree V6 – the internal-combustion engine part of the PEUGEOT HYBRID4 500KW powertrain. The car is expected to participate at 2023 Le Mans 24 Hours as well as full WEC Championship races after an early start in some 2022 events. See Car Review Peugeot 9X8 FIA WEC hybrid LMH hypercar Le Mans 2022.

U.S.A. review of some American exceptional automobiles on show at Retromobile. A few of these cars are competition models that were entered at Le Mans 24 Hours.

1933 Chrysler CO Convertible Sedan.

This car is propelled by a 3,670 liter six cylinder with side valves producing 83 hp at 3400 rpm. There is a three speed gearbox and the brakes are hydraulically operated. This convertible versxion was produced in 207 examples. The sale price at the time was French Franc 69.000 compared to French Franc 32.500 for a Citroen 15 or FF 58.500 for a Delage D6.

1963 AC Cobra 289 -Exhibit Fiskens.

This AC Cobra was entered at Le Mans 24 Hours in 1963 for Ninian Sanderson and Peter Bolton who finished 7th overall and 1st in Class . It was run by Willment Automobiles in the 1964 season for Jack Sears.

1997 Chrysler Viper GTS-R ORECA - Exhibit Historic Cars.

The Viper C3 raced with ORECA team at the 1997 Daytona 24H in GTS1 class and finished 15th overall and 3rd in GTS1. It also raced with N°63 in the ORECA team in the 1997 Le Mans 24 Hours in GT2 where it finished 14th overall and 1st of the throf the team.ee Vipers

1997 Panoz Esperante GTR-1-Exhibit JMB Classic.

One of the fastest made, fighting against the Mercedes CLK GTR, Porsche GT1 and McLaren F1 GTR. Winner of the 1998 IMSA Championship and 12 Hours of Sebring (GT1 Class). One of three remaining Panoz Esperante GTR-1.

2000 Chevrolet Corvette C5 R -Exhibit JMB Classic.

Works C5-R only raced by Corvette Racing. 3rd in the 2000 24 Hours of Le Mans GTS class.

2000 Chrysler Viper GT1- Exhibit Gipimotor. Chassis C34 -delivered in 2000 to Belmondo Racing.

This car particioated in 2000 and 2003 editions of Le Mans 24 Hours.

2001 Chrysler Viper GTS-R - Exhibit ART & REVS.

The car was raced at 2002 Le Mans 24 Hours with Belloc, Cochet and Treluyer finishing 14th overall and 3rd in LM GTS Class. This Playstation Viper is often considered most iconic and recognizable GTS-R ever. Restored by Art & Revs.

2002 Chevrolet Corvette C5R - Exhibit Art & Revs.

One of only 11 C5R GT1 built by Pratt & Miller between 1999 and 2004. Considered the most successful GT1 car from that era.

2004 Chrysler Viper GTS-R Exhibit JMB Classic.

One of the privateer GTS-R built by ORECA after their extensive wins in all major endurance races. 2004 Italian GT Championship winner.

1950 Ferrari 195S Inter Berlinetta by GHIA - exhibit Ruote de Sonho.

One of Only 36 Ghia-Bodied Ferraris Ever Built. Such a berlinetta was sold for US$ 775,000 at Gooding & Co Amelia Island 2022 auction. 2,341 CC SOHC Alloy V-12 Engine. Three Weber 36 DCF/3 Carburetors. Estimated 130 BHP at 6,000 RPM. See Car Review Ferrari 195 Inter berlinetta GHIA.

1953 Ferrari 250 MM Spider Serie II by Vignale- Exhibit Gooding & Co .

This car estimated between US$ 2,000,000 and 3,000,000 shall be proposed at Gooding & Co Amelia Island 2023 auction. One of 12 Vignale Spiders Built on the Legendary 250 MM Chassis. 2,953 CC SOHC Alloy V-12 Engine. Three Weber 4-Barrel Carburetors. 240 BHP at 7,200 RPM. 4-Speed Manual Gearbox

1955 Ferrari 857S Barchetta Works car 0578M -Exhibit Lukas Huni

Only two Ferrari 857S have been produced. Between 1953 and 1956 Ferrari utilized a four cylinder engine rather than twelve cylinder unit. This car was driven by Castellotti (1st Bolzano-Mendola), Hawthorn Maglioli (2nd overall Monza), Gendebien Trintignant ( 8th Tourist Trophy),

Phil Hill, Peter Whitehead and Ross Jensen (1956,1957 Australia) and John Kvarnström and Joachim Bonnier in Scandinavia 1959 1960.

1964 Ferrari 250 GT Lusso Pininfarina-

The car was sold for Euros 1,702,000 at Artcurial auction. 350 examples built.

1964 Ferrari 250 LM Pininfarina.

The car was proposed for auction sale by Artcurial but did not meet reserve bidding value. See Car Review Ferrari 250 LM 1964 by Pininfarina. 32 examples built..

1970 Ferrari 365 GTB4 Daytona Scaglietti-

This car was owned by singer Christophe from 1983 to 1993. It was sold for 688.000 Euros at Artcurial auction. See also Car Review Ferrari 365 GTB4 Daytona prototype 1967.

RENAULT- 30 Years of the Renault Twingo and the Electric Retrofit Project for some existing Renault models

Porsche - This year represent the 75 anniversary of the Company and 60 years of the Porsche 911.

1956 Porsche 356 A

Prepared for the racing driver and philantropist Renee Brinkershoff for Team Valkyrir Racing after 356 miles tour in Antartica. It is aimed at covering a total distance of 30,000 kilometres on seven continents. The car is equipped with skis and caterpillar tracks to drive on ice. The initiative is aimed to raise awareness all over thez world to the scourge of human trafficking.

1970 Porsche 917 works entry for Mike Haiwood and David Hobbs.

This Gulf Porsche was fully restored to its Le Mans sspecification by Lanzante. Exhibit Fiskens. See also Car Review Porsche 917

1991 Porsche 962C .

This car was sold for Euros Euros 1,072,800 at Artcurial auction. One of the 77 cars built by Porsche factory. See Car Review Porsche 962C 1984

2022 Porsche 911 AWD Off-road DAKAR. Exhibit Porsche France.

The new Porsche 911 Dakar, introduced at 2022 Los Angeles Auto Show, is just as comfortable off-road as it is on the highway. The exclusive model, limited to 2,500 units, not only shows that there are hardly any limits to the concept of the Porsche 911.Ground clearance increased by 80 millimetres with lift-function chassis