Image: RM Auctions
RM Auctions wrapped up their inaugural Paris auction on the 6th of February, setting new world records for a stunning 1955 Jaguar D-Type and ex-works 1982 Porsche 956. The event was packed with glorious historic race cars, and these are the top five.
1955 Jaguar D-Type
This absolutely gorgeous 1955 Jaguar D-Type, the seventh customer D-Type built, has an extensive early racing history at the hands of four-time open-wheel Australian Drivers’ Champion Bib Stillwell.
Running a 3,781cc dual overhead-camshaft inline six that puts out somewhere in the realm of 300bhp, it’s in great nick, ready to race and eligible for pretty much any historic racing event you could desire to enter.
It set a new world auction record for the model, selling for €3,696,000.
1982 Porsche 956 Group C Sports-Prototype
The Hurley Haywood, Al Holbert and Jürgen Barth driven third place member of Porsche’s iconic lockout of the 1982 24 Hours of Le Mans podium, this 1982 Porsche 956 Group C Sports-Prototype was another record setter at RM Auctions’ sale, going for €2,352,000 on the day.
That 24 Hours of Le Mans performance came in just its second race, and marked the beginning of a successful racing career that spanned close to four years at the highest level, and at the greatest endurance racing events in the world. Along with Hurley Haywood, Al Holbert and Jürgen Barth, it was driven by the likes of Derek Bell, Stefan Bellof, Alan Jones and even Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason.
A storied and awesome example of one of the greatest race cars of all time.
1955 Ferrari 750 Monza Spider
This beautiful machine claimed fifth place in the 12 Hours of Sebring in 1955, experienced great success in the United States with Phil Hill at the wheel, and enjoyed some sneaky steering at the hands of Carroll Shelby under the pseudonym of John S. Smith.
It’ll get its new owner past the bouncers at events like the Mille Miglia and Le Mans Classic, and more, and with its recent restoration to authentic Monza livery and excellent condition, it’ll be a lot of fun.
To pick it up at the Paris Sale you would’ve had to go higher than €1,960,000.
1964 Porsche 904 Carrera GTS
This 1964 Porsche 904 Carrera GTS is absolutely immaculate; a wonderful example of Porsche’s early sportscar racing history. It’s also the only 904 finished in irish Green, and that caused quite the commotion in its time!
Like most big-ticket cars, this 904 has a glittering period racing history. It was raced extensively and successfully by Frazer Nash works driver and Porsche privateer Dickie Stoop.
It has a 185 bhp DOHC air-cooled flat four sitting in mid-mounted configuration behind the driver which will be happy and magnificent at full song thanks to a recent restoration by Porsche four-cam specialist Bill Doyle.
1936 Delahaye 135 S
Last but certainly not least is this awesome vintage Delahaye 135 S, which is believed to be one of just seven surviving cars and which claimed an impressive €1,008,000.
It’s recently received a painstaking and accurate restoration and is now in breathtaking condition.
Advanced for its time, the Delahaye’s chassis featured boxed rectangular rails, central crossmember, welded-in floor and independent front suspension to keep things stiff and balanced and to handle the stonking 3, 557 cc six-cylinder up front.
The car has an unbroken lineage, impressive considering its age, and was campaigned extensively in motorsport throughout ’36 and ’37, including a second place overall and class win in the ’36 24 Hours of Spa.
It has spent some time as a road car throughout its near 80 years, but a painstaking and extensive restoration in 2005 returned it to its 1937 racing glory.
Via RM Auctions
Images courtesy of RM Auctions
Gallery: Top Five Historic Race Cars from RM Auctions Paris is a post from Motorsport Retro, bringing you classic motorsport, cars, motorcycles and gear every day.