Think you’re struggling for garage space? One classic car collector is about to make room in his by selling a selection of his vehicles – almost 100 of them, in fact.
Frenchman Marcel Petitjean, who is a former racing driver, is offering 96 prized motors that he’s amassed over the last 50 years to the highest bidder at a single auction later this month in Germany.
Having hoped to create his very own museum, he has now decided to part ways with the jaw-dropping collection, which experts estimate it to be worth a total of £8million.
One man’s £8million car collection for sale: Some 96 classic and hugely desirable vehicles (some of which are pictured here) owned by one man is being auctioned over the course of a weekend at the end of March
Among the vehicles are several hugely-collectible Lamborghinis, Masaratis and Aston Martins with other famous names including Porsche, Alfa Romeo and Jaguar also being put before the auction room.
As it was initially planned to display the vehicles to the paying public, all of them are in pristine original condition and have spent their time with Petitjean being carefully maintained in dry storage.
Monsieur Petitjean, originally from the Strasbourg region, was a racing driver who competed in sports car and hill climb races around Europe in the 1960s and 1970s.
His cars are now set to sell with auctioneers RM Sotheby’s who are expecting huge levels of interest from collectors.
The most valuable lot in the collection is a 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster worth almost £1million alone.
The silver convertible – powered by a 2.9-litre straight six engine – is one of just 30 examples delivered new with with Rudge wheels, which makes it super desirable to well-heeled enthusiasts.
Frenchman Marcel Petitjean, pictured during his days as a racing driver, is offering 96 prized motors that he has amassed over the last 50 years to the highest bidder at a single auction later this month in Germany
The most valuable lot in the collection is this 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster
Auctioneers estimate that the one of only 30 examples ever built will sell for a fee in the region of £1million
The silver convertible – powered by a 2.9-litre straight six engine -retains its original Rudge wheels, which makes it super desirable to well-heeled enthusiasts
Another highlight from the collection is a 1968 Lamborghini Miura P400.
The Miura, considered by many as the world’s first supercar, has been owned by Petitjean for 40 years.
Finished in a stunning ‘Giallo Flay’ yellow paint, it is predicted to fetch £700,000.
For fans of Lambos from more recent eras, there are also immaculate examples of a 1979 Countach LP400S and a 1991 Diablo, also in a brazen tone of yellow.
Another high-value motor is a 1964 Porsche 904 GTS owned by Petitjean since 1991, which is due to sell for £780,000. And if you fancy something a little different, there are also a couple of classic tractors with the famed sportscar emblem.
Another highlight from the collection is this 1968 Lamborghini Miura P400. The Miura, considered by many as the world’s first supercar, has been owned by Petitjean for 40 years
Finished in a stunning ‘Giallo Flay’ yellow paint, it is predicted to fetch £700,000 when it goes under the hammer
For fans of Lambos from more recent eras, there are also immaculate examples of a 1979 Countach LP400S (left) and a 1991 Diablo (right), also in a brazen tone of yellow
There is also a 1964 Porsche 904 GTS up for grabs. It has been owned by Petitjean since 1991 and is due to sell for £780,000
Petitjean pictured racing a period Porsche 904. The car pictured here isn’t the one being sold in Essen at the end of the month
The collection has been brought together from all over Europe with a number of British cars set to appeal to potential buyers.
Among the motors available are two Jaguar E-Types as well as classic examples cars from Lotus, Austin, Triumph, MG and TVR. The most valuable British-built model is an Aston Martin DB2/4 Drophead Coupe.
The 1958 motor, which has a pale blue body, is expected to sell for £175,000 and has a black folding roof and chrome wire wheels.
A 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 with less than 8,000 miles on the clock is also part of the collection for sale.
The most valuable British-built model being offered to bidders is this Aston Martin DB2/4 Drophead Coupe, said to be worth £175,000
A 1960 Austin-Healey Sprite Mk I (left), owned by Petitjean for the last 8 years is also being sold. As is this 1969 Triumph TR6 (right), which has been in his ownership for 27 years
Petitjean has owned this 1963 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 3.8-Litre Fixed Head Coupé – in right hand drive – for 34 years
Among the British car offering is this lovely 1982 TVR Tasmin (left) and 1970 Lotus Elan S4 (right)
This 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 – a car famed for its appearances in the Back to the Future movie franchise – has covered just 7,680 miles from new
Mr Petitjean started purchasing the finest motorcars he could in the late 1960s.
Instead of making conservative investments in life insurance, mutual funds, or real estate, he put all his savings into the collection.
Though considered an unconventional strategy at the time, Petitjean’s decision helped him to avoid the worldwide savings and loan scandal and the European debt crisis altogether.
Mr Petitjean occassionly drove the models he bought and has kept the collection of exotic cars near his home in Strasbourg.
Some of the vehicles have not been driven for several years and will require recommissioning if owners plan to run them on the road.
Every lot in the sale in being offered without reserve by RM Sotheby’s, who are expecting the collection to raise up to £8million.
This is a 1956 Porsche-Diesel Allgaier AP22 – one of two classic tractors in the collection that were made by the iconic sportscar manufacturer
Oliver Camelin, a car specialist with the auctioneers, said: ‘We are pleased to bring to market these highly original European cars that represent Marcel Petijean’s passion for the hobby and many of which have not been seen in decades.
‘Monsieur Petitjean has put together an incredibly diverse and yet focused collection, with something for every kind of bidder, from desirable entry-level classics through to highly collectible staples of the market and quirky rarities.
‘The Collection is an exciting addition to our auction, and we’re thrilled to offer it entirely without reserve.
‘We are inviting bidding from a range of suitors, whether they are seasoned collectors or first-time auction goers.’
The sale takes place over two days during the Techno-Classica Essen classic motor event held in the Germany city on March 26 and 27.
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