April 26, 2024

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Artcurial Le Mans Classic 2022 Auction Catalog is Live

Image: Kevin Van Campenhout, courtesy of Artcurial

Image: Courtesy of Artcurial

The next auction for Artcurial Motorcars — the Le Mans Classic 2022 auction — is just two weeks away, and the auction company’s catalog is now live, highlighting the sale’s impressive offerings.

The sale is set for Saturday, July 2, in Artcurial’s tent located at the 24 Hours of Le Mans Circuit. The sale begins at 11 am with automobilia and motorcycles. Automobiles begin crossing the block at 1:30 pm, headlined by two race cars — appropriate for the legendary venue.

The first is the 1983 Renault RE40 Formula One racer that was driven by Alain Prost in the ‘83 season. Prost drove this car — chassis 03 — to victory at the Spa Grand Prix and third at the Monaco Grand Prix that same year. The racer is being sold directly from Renault in conjunction with a partnership between the automaker and Artcurial Motorcars. You can learn more about that here.

Image: Kevin Van Campenhout, courtesy of Artcurial

The other starring race car is a 1980 Porsche 935 “Baby” L1. Built by Swedish driver Jan Lundgardh, the car was created to compete in the 2-litre class at the Deutsche Rennsport Meisterschaft or DRM. Unlike Porsche’s original 935 “Baby,” Lundgardh’s design utilized a tubular frame to decrease weight while retaining the original 935 suspension. The 1.4-L engine equipped with a single turbo was swapped for the 1982 season to a 3.0-L six-cylinder turbo unit. The car took a first-place finish in the GTX class of the 1000 km at the Nürburgring in 1984.

Having remained with the consignor since 2004, the car regularly competed in events, including the Le Mans Classic and Oldtimer Grand Prix. Artcurial’s catalog states that some €700k have been spent on the 935 in recent years, including a full chassis restoration. Furthermore, it has never been crashed, retains its original body and is fully documented.

Other highlights include a beautiful 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster that benefits from a full mechanical restoration, and a rare 1948 Delahaye 135 M Cabriolet “El Glaoui” from the “barn find” Paul Héron Collection.

Delivered new in Germany, the silver over red leather 300SL retains its matching-numbers engine, body and chassis. The Delahaye is one of just 18 “El Glaoui” cabriolets built by Figoni & Falaschi. Displayed at the 1948 Paris Motor Show, the 135 M has been stored for many years but retains its original engine and remains a prime restoration candidate.

Check out the full Le Mans Classic 2022 catalog here

Image: Mathieu Bonnevie, courtesy of Artcurial
Image: Alexis Ruben, courtesy of Artcurial

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