During Retromobile, next week, three major auctions will take place in Paris; one on the show-floor and two others in spectacular venues nearby. Today we take a look at three French cars due to cross the block.
The rarest of the lot is the Gordini Type 24 S, which will be offered by RM Auctions on February 5th. Powered by a three-litre straight eight engine, it is one of just two examples built in 1953. This particular example was raced in all the major sports car races of the day like the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Carrera Panamericana and the Mille Miglia. With the sister car part of the government-owned Schlumpf collection, the example on offer is the only one in private hands and accordingly, it has a EUR 3 - 4 million estimate.
Local auctioneer Artcurial will host the largest ever automobile auction held in France, spread over two days with the second dedicated to Alfa Romeos. Among the many cars offered is a selection from the estate of Albert Prost. The finest of these is undoubtedly this Delage D8 S Pourtout Cabriolet. Built on one of the best chassis of the era, this elegant convertible crafted in Paris by Pourtout makes excellent use of the low slung suspension. The rare Delage D8 S had been part of the Prost collection since 1978 and has a pre-sale estimate of EUR 1 - 1.2 million.
Another Delage to be offered in Paris, is a D6-3L Grand Prix, which is part of Bonhams' line-up in their Grand Palais sale. It is one of five built and was campaigned by the works team immediately after the War. The chassis on offer was later owned and raced for several decades by Charles Pozzi. Our 28-shot gallery also includes images of the sister car that is currently on display in the Mullin Automotive Museum.
Today, Toyota also offered a first glimpse of the TS040 Hybrid, which will face Audi and Porsche at Le Mans this year. It features a hybrid drivetrain that consists of a naturally aspirated V8 engine combined with front and rear mounted electric motors.

Enjoy the links:

1946 Delage D6-3L Grand Prix - Images, Specifications and Information

1933 Delage D8 S Pourtout Cabriolet - Images, Specifications and Information

1953 Gordini Type 24 S - Images, Specifications and Information

2014 Toyota TS040 Hybrid - Images, Specifications and Information