RM Sotheby’s has revealed early highlights from its forthcoming Paris auction, which takes place as part of Retromobile Week on February 7, 2018.
Amongst the vehicles already announced are two beautifully preserved cars appearing on the market for the first time in their histories.
First is an unrestored 1958 BMW 507 Roadster Series II, originally owned by Elisabeth Bartels, who was presented it as a gift by her husband Wilhelm back in 1958.
The BMW quickly became "a cherished member of the family", and was treasured by Elisabeth for more than 45 years before she eventually sold it in 2004.
The current owner had admired the 507 himself for more than 20 years, and had often tried to persuade Elisabeth to sell.
Having finally acquired his dream car, he then made regular return visits to see Elisabeth in the BMW, and it remained part of her life until her passing in 2007.
The car now comes to public auction for the first time with two owners from new – and just one mechanic, who regularly serviced it for almost 60 years!
"Loved by not only those who have been lucky enough to own it, the car has received the same level of adoration from a singular BMW-trained mechanic its whole life, something that almost no other car in existence today can boast," said the auction house.
Never fully restored, and presented in remarkably original condition, the BMW is expected to sell for €1.6 – €1.8 million ($1.9 – $2.1m).
Another car hitting the block for the first time, after decades of single ownership, is a 1967 Lamborghini 400 GT 2+2.
The current owner bought the car directly from the Lamborghini factory in Sant’Agata Bolognese in 1967, during a trip with his son where they met with Ferruccio Lamborghini himself.
He then shipped it back to the Netherlands, and racked up almost 50,000 km on the clock before retiring to the South of France in 1971.
The Lamborghini went with him, and spent the majority of the next 35 years in careful storage, only occasionally venturing out onto the road to maintain it in running condition.
Having returned to the Netherlands in May 2016, the car is now freshly serviced and ready to be regularly enjoyed once again.
Still showing just 62,000 km on the clock, and impeccably preserved with most of its original paint, the car is estimated at €450,000 – €500,000 ($535,450 – $595,000) and has been described as "truly the most remarkable 400 GTs to come to auction in recent memory".
"We’re excited that we’re able to bring so many of these cars to auction for the very first time, whether it is for their original or long-term owners," said Augustin Sabatié-Garat, Car Specialist and European Auction Manager at RM Sotheby’s.
"In today’s buyer’s market, it is the truly special examples like the 507 and the 400 GT that stand out."
