Bonhams Paris Sale Features ‘Les Belles Endormies’ Dormant Collector Cars at Polo de Paris (January 30, 2026)
January 30 @ 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Free
Bonhams|Cars will present “Les Belles Endormies,” a collection of 11 dormant collector cars offered without reserve, at The Paris Sale on 30 January 2026 at Polo de Paris. This prestigious auction will showcase a diverse array of 80 vehicles, from pre-war classics to modern examples, during Retromobile week in Paris.
Starting Lineup
The Pierre Strinati Collection forms the cornerstone of this sale. These vehicles were discovered in a Swiss garage, having been carefully preserved on axle stands since their acquisition in the late 1950s and early 1960s.
The collection represents a cross-section of European automotive manufacturing at its peak. Examples include a 1952 Willys Overland, a 1934 Citroën C4 Autochenille, and a 1951 Citroën 11BL Traction Avant.
According to Maximilien Gagnebin, Senior Specialist at Bonhams|Cars, these vehicles showcase “the heyday of car manufacturing.” Their condition reflects decades of meticulous long-term storage and preservation.
The collection has never been publicly offered before. Specialists recommend careful restoration to maintain originality while allowing these classics to be driven and displayed as originally intended.
A 1951 Citroën 11 BL ‘Traction Avant’ Saloon (Chassis 577.556) from the Pierre Strinati Collection, estimated at €5,000–€10,000 and offered without reserve.
Top 5 Highlight Vehicles
- 1934 Mercedes-Benz 500K Coupé Vanvooren — Estimate: €1,500,000 – €2,500,000 (US$1,800,000 – US$2,900,000). A pre-war engineering masterpiece representing the pinnacle of 1930s German automotive design and craftsmanship from the Strinati Collection.
This is a 1934 Mercedes-Benz 500K Coupé Vanvooren from the Pierre Strinati Collection, estimated at €1,500,000–€2,500,000 and offered at The Paris Sale on January 30, 2026.
- 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL ‘Gullwing’ Coupé — Estimate: €1,200,000 – €1,500,000 (US$1,400,000 – US$1,800,000). An iconic post-war sports car with distinctive gullwing doors, representing one of the most sought-after Mercedes-Benz models among international collectors.
- 1937 Mercedes 320N Cabriolet — Estimate: €400,000 – €450,000 (US$470,000 – US$530,000). A pre-war open-air classic showcasing German luxury automotive engineering during the interwar period.
- 1962 Aston Martin DB4 Series V SS — Estimate: €350,000 – €450,000 (US$410,000 – US$530,000). A British sports car of significant rarity and historical importance, representing the golden age of hand-built performance vehicles.
- 1923 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost Piccadilly Roadster — Estimate: €170,000 – €200,000 (US$200,000 – US$240,000). An early post-war example of the world’s most prestigious luxury marque, reflecting timeless British craftsmanship.
- View All Vehicles
About the Venue
The Polo de Paris, founded in 1892, stands as one of Europe’s most prestigious sporting venues. Located in the Bois de Boulogne, just 15 minutes from Retromobile, the historic club hosted polo competitions during the 1900 Paris Olympics.
The venue offers complimentary shuttle service to Retromobile. The auction will be held within walking distance of the Château de Bagatelle, creating an elegant setting befitting the caliber of vehicles on offer.
About Bonhams Auction
Bonhams is a leading international auction house with deep expertise in fine art, antiques, and collector vehicles. Bonhams|Cars specializes in automotive auctions, conducting annual sales across Europe and North America.
The Paris Sale represents Bonhams|Cars’ flagship European collector-car event. The auction house is known for curating high-quality collections with verified provenance and historical significance.
Ticket Prices & Auction Schedule
- Exhibition Dates: 27–30 January 2026
- Auction Date: 30 January 2026
- Auction Times: 11:00 AM (Automobilia) and 12:00 PM (Collector Cars)
- Location: Polo de Paris, Paris, France
Event Summary
- What: The Paris Sale featuring 80 vehicles, including the 11-car “Les Belles Endormies” collection offered without reserve.
- When: 30 January 2026 (Preview: 27–30 January)
- Where: Polo de Paris, Bois de Boulogne, Paris, France
- Highlight: The Pierre Strinati Collection of dormant European classics from the 1920s–1960s, never previously offered publicly.
- Context: Held during Retromobile week with convenient shuttle access to the main fair.
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