Next week, all eyes in the classic car world will be on Paris because of the upcoming Retromobile show and also the three associated auctions. British auctioneer Bonhams will once again stage a sale in the spectacular Grand Palais. One of the absolute highlights in their catalog is this Bentley R-Type Continental Franay Coupe. This unique machine is built on the very last of the highly acclaimed R-Type Continental chassis produced. After nearly two decades in German ownership, one-off is estimated to sell for at least EUR 850,000.
Canadian rival, RM Auctions, has one of the other four Franay bodied R-Type Continentals; this Sports Saloon. Also sporting a unique bodywork, this D Series Continental benefits from the larger 4.8-litre engine, which is good for close to 180 bhp. Although used extensively since its late-1990s restoration, the Franay Sports Saloon still looks the part. Another one-off Bentley due to cross the block at RM Auctions is this slightly earlier 4 1/4 Park Ward Sports Coupe. Originally shown at the 1938 Earls Court London Motor Show, it was commonly referred to as 'The Honeymoon Express.' Having benefitted from a no-expense-spared restoration, the Park Ward Sports Coupe has a sharp estimate of EUR 600,000 - 725,000.
Like last year, RM Auctions has one of the rare and successful Delahaye 135 S Competition Roadsters in its catalog. Well raced in recent years, the example on offer has a period competition record of over 50 events, scoring several outright victories along the way.
Responsible for the official Retromobile sale is local company Artcurial Motorcars, who have already grabbed numerous headlines because of the Baillon barn-find collection that will kick off the sale. Offered later in the day is this Mercedes-Benz 380 K Cabriolet A. Shown at the 1934 Geneva Motor Show, it is one of just 16 Cabriolet As built on the 380 K chassis and one of just three or four remaining today. The meticulously restored 380 K has a pre-sale estimate of EUR 1.3 - 1.6 million.

Enjoy the links:

1955 Bentley R-Type Continental Franay Coupe - Images, Specifications and Information

1954 Bentley R-Type Continental Franay Sports Saloon - Images, Specifications and Information

1938 Bentley 4 Park Ward Sports Coupe - Images, Specifications and Information

1936 Delahaye 135 S Competition Roadster - Images, Specifications and Information

1933 - 1934 Mercedes-Benz 380 K Cabriolet A - Images, Specifications and Information