Led by a pair of million-dollar 300 SLs, Artcurial Motorcar’s auction held in collaboration with Mercedes-Benz France posted an 80 percent sell-through rate with total sales of $10.33 million.
Nearly 60 cars were offered, representing the 130 years of the German automaker’s production. Among those vehicles were 20 from the French distributor’s collection.
“Mercedes-Benz has always built cars that make collectors dream,” Artcurial Motorcars’ managing director Matthieu Lamoure said in a news release.
“Following our sale of the Rolf Meyer collection in 2003, the success of the Mercedes-Benz France collection illustrates the growing enthusiast interest in a marque that stands apart for its technical and aesthetic innovations.”
Auctioneer Herve Poulain noted during the sale that he had brought the hammer down on 700 Mercedes-Benz cars during his career.
Joining that list were those selling Sunday in Paris, led by a pair of 1963 300 SLs, a roadster going for $1.67 million and a coupe with its iconic gullwing doors for $1.33 million (prices include buyer’s fees). Both cars were purchased by bidders who reside outside Europe.
Artcurial noted that many of the cars sold for more than their pre-sale estimated values, including a 1934 380 K sports roadster that brought $661,060 and a 1988 500 SL that went for $108,324.
Top 5 sales, Artcurial/Mercedes-Benz France 2017
- 1961 300 SL roadster, $1,670,880
- 1961 300SL gullwing coupe, $1,333,400
- 2009 McLaren SLR 722 S roadster, $970,550
- 1934 Nurburg 500 sport tourenwagen, $801,692
- 1938 320 Cabriolet A, $689,238
- 1934 380 K sport roadster, $657,950
- 1955 300 S cabriolet, $433,959
- 1961 300 D cabriolet, $377,938
- 2015 SL 63 AMG Hamilton edition, $322,034
- 2014 SLS GT roadster, $307,940
(Prices include buyer’s fees.)
Artcurial Motorcars’ next sale — Automobiles sur les Champs-Elysees II — is scheduled for November 5 in Paris.
Awesome article that will be an awesome car.