To most North Americans, the name Rétromobile is all but unknown, yet for Europeans it is one of the most important collector car shows of an event-packed season. Held in Paris, Rétromobile proves once again that great classic car shows can be held indoors "when the weather outside is frightful." (Thank you Les Brown and Doris Day for that long-forgotten hit.) As at many such shows the world-over, auctions are becoming an important anciliary event. After all, if so many collector car owners and enthusiasts plan to gather in one place, why not give them an opportunity to buy and sell their rare and special vehicles? Therefore Bonhams will be at the 2008 Rétromobile on February 09 with some spectacular offerings. Classic Driver Magazine made me aware of this in its most recent newsletter, highlighting two unique vehicles, one of which is the exquisite 1928 26/120/180 supercharged Mercedes S-type Torpedo Roadster by Jacques Saoutchik. The designer would become famous for his flamboyant late-30's styling but with this Mercedes-Benz he hit a perfect 10. Classic Driver editor Steve Wakefield writes "[it] marries the company's potent 'blown' 6.8-litre engine with what could be described as 'Hollywood' styling – were it not for the fact that the coachbuilder Saoutchik was located in Paris and the car's first customer a New Yorker."
Lovely Lines! Hollywood?
February 4, 2008 @ 9:24 am