Today, the annual Retromobile show kicked off in Paris. One of the highlights of the five-day show is the official auction, hosted by local specialists Artcurial. This year's sale is headlined by this fabulous Mercedes-Benz 710 SS with one-off Sport Tourer by Fernandez & Darrin. As a rolling chassis, it was shown at the New York Motor Show before being sent back to Europe for the coachwork to be fitted. The very rare 710 SS spent most of its life in North America but more recently returned to Europe. Certified by Mercedes-Benz Klassik, it is estimated to sell for €6-8 million on Friday.
Also consigned is one of just three Jaguar XJ220Cs built to race at Le Mans in 1993. This car led the class until 5 am when it hit trouble and was eventually forced to retire. It was raced at Le Mans again two years later but again mechanical issues ended the charge early. Chassis 003 was then sold to Japan and has more recently been comprehensively been restored by specialists Don Law Racing.
Another lot that captured our attention is a great example of what was the fastest French car built at the time; the Venturi 400 GT. The consigned example was used in period for the publicity photographs and its subsequent owners put just 54,000 km on the odometer in the last 25 years.
We were, of course, at Retromobile and a full report of the event and the auctions will follow in the next couple of days.

Enjoy the links:

1993 Jaguar XJ220C (003)

1929 Mercedes-Benz 710 SS Fernandez & Darrin Sport Tourer (36223)

1994 - 1996 Venturi 400 GT