ULTRA RARE GORDINI TYPE 15S BARQUETTE TOPS THE SALE LIST AT BONHAMS CHANTILLY SALE
An ultra-rare 1952 Gordini Type 15S Barquette (Sport Barchetta), proved to be the Chatelaine of Chantilly and the top lot in today's Bonhams sale taking place at the prestigious Arts et Elegance concours, in the grounds of the famous Château.
Following extensive national interest prior to the sale and a bidding battle, the Gordini 15S sold for an impressive total of €708,000 to a European buyer in the room, who earned applause from the chic visitors attending the motoring garden party.
The purchaser, a private collector and historic racer, is now the proud owner of a rare and important piece of French motoring and motorsport history, with his new acquisition being one of only two four-cylinder barchettas built by the legendary French sports car manufacturer. The other belongs to the renowned Schlumpf Collection in France's national motor museum in Mulhouse.
This remarkable motor car also has a fascinating history of competing in two top motorsport series – firstly as one of only five 'Type 11' single-seater 'monopostos' built in 1947 by the legendary Amédée Gordini for his Grand Prix racing team, driven, among others by the great Juan-Manuel Fangio, Jen Behra, Robert Manzon, Prince Bira of Siam and Aldo Gordini.
In 1952 the car was transformed, by Gordini himself, into a two-seat Barchetta, known as '15S', within 11 months an 'Équipe Gordini' challenger in the legendary Le Mans 24 hours race and leading sports car series.
Following an extensive restoration in the early 2000s, as a patriotic act by collector and former director of Renault Formula 1, Jean Sage, the 15S competed in the Mille Miglia tribute rally, Monaco Historic Grand Prix and Le Mans Classic event, until 2009.
Philip Kantor, Bonhams Head of European Motoring, said: "We are delighted that the Gordini will remain in Europe and we look forward to perhaps seeing it displayed at Chantilly in the near future!"
Other highlights from the Bonhams Chantilly Sale include:
• 1953 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mark 1, first owned by the Belgian Baron Maurice Solvay, realised €212,400.
• 1962 Citroën DS Décapotable, a rare and highly-desirable early 'ashtray' model, achieved €182,900.
• 1965 Fiat 500 Elégance Beach Car, built by Carrozzeria Savio and displayed at the 1965 Turin Motor Show, achieved €87,320.
• 1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta SS Coupé, designed by Bertone and offered in stunning condition, realised €89,680.
Bonhams' next European motor car sales will be The Bonmont Sale in Geneva on 29 September and The Zoute Sale on 11 October.
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