This was billed as an intermediate sale linking the €7-million Classic Le Mans sale held on 9 July 2010 to the team’s next event at Rétromobile on 4 February 2011. The results demonstate the strength and breadth of this exciting new department: a €2.7-million sale total with 85% of the cars and 96% of the automobilia sold.

The sale was held in the private garage of the prestigious Hotel Dassault (Artcurial Headquarters), a new location opening its doors to the public for the first time. The saleroom was expanded to include a second room as hundreds of collectors and VIPS crowded in to take part in the auction. With Hervé Poulain wielding the hammer and Matthieu Lamoure introducing each lot, the pair conducted the sale together, giving a rousing performance that earned warm applause and enthusiastic bidding.

Sérézin Mascot 'Amour à Califourchon' €8700

The buzz in the room started early, with a bidding battle over lot 7, estimated at €2,000 – 2,500. The coveted mascot finally sold for €8,700.

Lamborghini Miura - a legend as always – sells for €379,600

Top price in the sale went to the spectacular 1970 Lamborghini P400 Miura S, which sold to a French collector for €379,600.

Aston Martin and CitroΫn always in demand

All four Aston Martins found new homes, with the 1958 DB2/4 MkIII making €190,100, the ‘barn-find’ 1952 DB2 Vantage, delivered new to France and offered in totally original and unrestored condition, selling for €106,100, and the two DBS Vantages for €60,100 (lot 144) and €75,000 (lot 110).

Italian elegance always commands a high price: €165,100 for the 2009 Ferrari 599 GTB, €74,300 for the 1966 Ferrari 330 GT 2+2 and €53,100 for the 1988 Ferrari 328 GTB. The English charm also had its admirers, with the superb 1950 Jaguar Mark V Drophead Coupe changing hands for €70,800. And the passion for all things CitroΫn remained as strong as ever with the 1971 DS21 ‘Lorraine’ by Henri Chapron selling for €68,400.