RM Sotheby’s is delighted to announce the incredible Timeless Collection, which will be offered at RM Sotheby’s annual Paris auction, held at the Salles du Carrousel du Louvre in the Golden Triangle of Paris, taking place on 31 January 2024.

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The Timeless Collection is led by the remarkable ex-King Alfonso XIII 1919 Hispano-Suiza H6 Torpédo by Duvivier. The first production H6 to be sold, this example was delivered new to King Alfonso XIII of Spain, one of the most famous customers of the historic Hispano-Suiza marque. It was then owned for a number of years by Patricio Chadwick of Spain before passing into the hands of the consignor. Beautifully restored in rich green and black, complete with the royal crest of the House of Bourbon on the rear doors, this example is estimated to sell for between €400,000 – €500,000. This is complemented by a 1934 Hispano-Suiza J12 Coupé Chauffeur by Kellner, arguably the finest and most desirable French chassis of the Classic Era and a wonderful J12 with long-term known history. Originally delivered to French textile magnate Marcel Boussac, owner of Christian Dior, this fine example has its provenance documented by noted historian Marc Rabineau (Estimate: €300,000 – €400,000).

Among the many special pre-war cars within the collection is a stunning 1934 Packard Twelve 2/4-Passenger Coupé. This is a desirable body style on one of the greatest American chassis of its era, with this example being presented in largely original condition throughout. With only ten authentic examples thought to exist, this is an extraordinarily rare motor car (Estimate: €200,000 – €250,000). The 1947/9 Bigata Douze Special is a fascinating early post-war Franco-American special. Built to promote Georges Bigata’s compressed natural gas firm, it is equipped with an American Auburn V-12 engine and a handmade aluminium bodywork by Dassault (Estimate: €150,000 – €200,000).

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Surely one of the finest motor cars of its era is the 1920 Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP Silver Ghost Tourer by Rothschild et Fils. Boasting unusually rakish and dramatic French coachwork, it is highly eligible for numerous prestigious tours and rallies. Equipped with its original engine, it is estimated to sell for between €350,000 – €450,000. The 1930 Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A Transformable Cabriolet by Castagna, formerly owned by noted enthusiasts Paul Cofrancesco and Bernard Berman, boasts beautifully appointed Castagna coachwork, in addition to a marvellous older restoration with wonderful fine details (Estimate: €300,000 – €400,000). Another Rolls-Royce on offer is the 1933 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental Berline, which is the only Phantom II Continental bodied by Fernandez et Darrin. Retaining its original engine and coachwork, this example was originally delivered to Lieutenant Marshall Owen Roberts at the Tower of London (Estimate: €100,000 – €125,000). The 1936 Rolls-Royce Phantom III Saloon by Barker, which boasts numerous unique touches at the request of the original owner, renowned socialite Hélène Beaumont, is another car sure to attract collectors. Featured in several reference books and accompanied by copies of build documents, the example offered is estimated to sell for between €150,000 – €200,000.

Will Smith, RM Sotheby’s Car Specialist, commenting on the collection, said: “We are delighted to announce the astounding Timeless Collection, coming to Paris in January. What I find truly remarkable about the collection is the wide breadth of examples offered, representing over seventy years of automotive history, with many examples being the finest cars offered by the various marques in period.”