2023 Sales Highlights In The EU

Last year, the EU saw our biggest team growth, giving us a physical presence in more locations than ever around the world – including Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, France, Italy, Belgium, and Spain. Not only that, but the total sales exceeded more than €55 million, including classics with incredible provenance, rare supercars, and sought-after modern classics from the ‘80s and ‘90s.

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The biggest sale in the EU last year – and the fourth highest globally – was the sensational 2019 Porsche 935; an incredible GT2 RS-based racer, of which just 77 were built. This car was even more special having been ordered with the costly exposed carbon-fibre body option, and it attracted significant global interest (€1.3m).

The 935 could be considered one of the ultimate evolutions of the turbocharged Porsche, tracing its lineage back to the original 930 that went into production in 1975. A 1982 example of the 930 Turbo sold in January last year was offered in freshly restored condition, with pristine paintwork, interior trim and an overhauled engine and gearbox (€120k). Sticking with the forced induction models, the 1996 993 Turbo with the rare ‘WLS II’ performance pack was a particularly desirable consignment, and the low mileage made it even more appealing (€176k).

When it comes to rare Porsches, the ‘Rennsport’ models are always sought after by collectors and keen drivers alike. A 1991 964 Carrera RS was an especially well-presented example, with low mileage and being an original German-delivery car (€180k). A smart example of its successor, the 993 Carrera RS also found a new home, with the 1996 car fitted with a few discreet upgrades and benefiting from an engine and gearbox rebuild (€188k).

The 996 GT3 RS is the sixth rarest ‘Rennsport’ Porsche ever, with just 682 having left the factory. The 2004 car sold in April boasted a 3.9-litre Manthey engine upgrade and had just shy of 31,000 km on the clock (€155k). In the same month, the platform also hosted the sale of a 2010 997.2 GT3 RS, offered from 11-year ownership with a strong service history (€164k).

Perhaps just as hallowed as the ‘RS’ moniker is the ‘GT2’ badge. Signifying the pinnacle of rear-wheel drive, turbocharged production variants, these models have always been among the most extreme Porsche road cars. A 2002 996 GT2 in exceptionally rare Clubsport specification was fresh from a major service and 111-point inspection at a main dealer (€132k). In March, a 2010 997.2 GT2 RS was listed in Switzerland; one of just 500 cars produced and with a mere 14,547 km on the clock (€323k). The 700hp 991.2 GT2 RS remains the most powerful Porsche road car ever built, and the 2018 car sold in November boasted not only a full Manthey Racing Performance Kit, but was previously owned by F1 driver and 2015 Le Mans 24 Hours winner Nico Hulkenberg (€422k).

Numerous high-value exotics change hands in the EU via the platform in 2023, including more than 50 Ferraris, but we have selected just a handful of our favourite supercar sales from the last year below.

In September, we offered a one-owner example of the sensational Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series. While the 2014 car had covered just over 38,000 km, it was supported by a comprehensive maintenance history at the same main dealer (€580k). Another rare one-owner Mercedes-Benz was the 2005 SLR McLaren, with low mileage and a recent dealer service (€267k).

Exactly the same price was paid earlier in the year for a 2016 McLaren 675LT, sold as part of our global ‘Supercar Sunday’ event. One of just 500 coupes built, it also boasted a desirable MSO specification (€267k). The 2018 McLaren 650S Spider Can-Am was one of only 50 such cars, manufactured to celebrate five decades of the racing series, and had covered just over 3,000 km (€180k).

Among the Ferrari highlights was the 2019 488 Pista sold in Sweden, elegantly specified in Argento Nürburgring over Blu Scuro Alcantara, and with extensive carbon-fibre options (€387k). Just before the end of the year, a 2002 Ferrari 575M Maranello was consigned by our Dutch team; especially sought-after given its manual transmission, Fiorano Handling Pack option, and carbon-fibre racing seats (€280k). While the 2008 599 GTB Fiorano sold in February was delivered with the automated manual setup, the conversion to a full manual ‘three pedal’ system saw bidding soar far beyond an equivalent paddle-shift car (€243k).

Two British favourites round out the selection here, including the 2004 Lotus Esprit V8 that was an exceptionally rare Final Edition car; one of just 79 built. Its unique specification of Racing Green Metallic over bold red leather attracted significant interest from collectors, as did the lesser-seen glass roof and odometer reading of just 998 miles from new (€97k). In August, our team sold a well-used 2017 Aston Martin Vantage GT8, supported by a strong maintenance history (€165k).

While the likes of the E46-generation M3 represent perhaps one of the best-value performance cars, with good examples around the €30k mark, BMW has also produced far rarer models – many of which command substantial sums in the secondary market.

In April, our EU team consigned one of the most sought-after variants of the M3: the E90 CRT, of which just 67 cars were built. Featuring the M3 GTS engine, along with adjustable suspension, uprated brakes, and special ‘cellular carbon honeycomb’ components, this 2013 car attracted great interest from marque collectors (€173k). The 1988 M3 Evo II offered later in the year was one of just 500 examples, equipped with thinner rear and side window glass, a lighter boot lid, the power increase to 220hp and longer final drive gearing. It also benefited from a specialist restoration between 2012 and 2014, and remained in excellent condition (€123k).

The 2022 M4 CSL was one of the most hotly anticipated BMWs in recent memory, and the car sold in Spain in June was a delivery-mileage example in pristine condition (€179k inc local taxes).

In the Netherlands, a 2000 BMW Z8 was brought to market with just 49,000 km from new, and supported by an impressive maintenance history. Believed to retain its factory paintwork throughout, it had also been fitted with the Performance Package to enhance the handling (€227k).

While Alpinas cars remain very rare, they are among the most popular consignments on the platform, always attracting high traffic and keen interest. In May we sold a 1998 Alpina B12 5.7, which had a claim to fame being used for a car chase in the movie ‘Dykaren’ starring Izabella Scorupco. One of just 202 examples built, and with modest mileage, its price reflected the regard in which these Alpinas are held (€63k).

Our EU-based team is also responsible for handling consignments in Switzerland, and no doubt the most significant sale there last year was the 1988 Lamborghini Countach LP5000 QV. One of just 610 built, and believed to remain highly original, it also benefited from an engine overhaul (CHF 460k).

Sticking with the modern classic supercar theme, just a few days later the platform found a new home for a 1989 Ferrari Testarossa. This car was particularly special, having covered just 997 km from new, retaining ‘first paint’, and with Classiche certification on file (€227k). The 1994 Ferrari F355 Berlinetta had been used and enjoyed, but was still low mileage for its age. It was a particularly desirable example given the open-gate manual transmission, non-airbag steering wheel, and rare Rosso Barchetta factory colour (€120k).

While hot hatches can often be the affordable entry point to modern classic ownership, the rarest homologation specials can often fetch substantial prices. In April, the team sold a 1983 Renault 5 Turbo 2, subtly re-tuned to 200hp. Freshly recommissioned and with just over 48,000 km, it was reported to be in excellent condition (€108k). From the early 1990s came the Lancia Delta Integrale Evo II sold in Switzerland. Sporting a handsome Bleu Lord finish, it was a well-preserved car with Eibach suspension being the only modification (€87k).

In September, the team in France brought to market a superb 1998 Mercedes-Benz G500 Cabriolet. These rare convertibles are highly sought-after, and this example had just shy of 14,000 km, remained entirely original, and was finished in the striking combination of Alexandrite Green over a green and black leather interior (€221k).

Older classics are what many people think of when they hear the words ‘collector car’, and there was no shortage of great vehicles from the 1950s, ‘60s and ‘70s sold in the EU during 2023.

One of the highlights was the 1957 Porsche 356A Speedster; a matching-numbers example, benefiting from a prior restoration in the 1990s and offered from cherished 15-year ownership (€244k). Similar money was paid for a 1964 Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman. It was one of just 304 long-wheelbase cars built, was kept by its first owner for a remarkable 51 years, and was reported to be one of the most original examples in the world (€225k).

In February, a particularly striking E9-generation 1972 BMW 3.0 CSL in Taiga Green was listed, which was a rare City Package equipped variant and believed to be one of only 429 left-hand-drive cars with fuel injection (€150k). Later in the year, a sought-after 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray was sold in Sweden, in sought-after ‘Split Window’ specification and having been previously restored (€124k).

While the most famous Shelby might well be the modified coupe known as ‘Eleanor’ from the ‘Gone In 60 Seconds’ film, the 1969 GT500 Convertible sold in September was an impressive example of the later model, benefiting from a significant overhaul and with a sought-after Marti Report on file (€105k). Another American icon was the 1940 Indian Four motorcycle listed in Belgium. While these vintage motorcycles are desirable among collectors, this bike attracted a substantial premium given its provenance of formerly being owned by Steve McQueen, acquired from his estate in 1984 (€119k).

Not everything that sells on the platform is a car or a motorbike. Occasionally we receive enquiries for items of automobilia that are special enough to merit being listed for sale, some of which boast incredible history, while others are beautifully designed or crafted making them rare or often unique.

In March, bidders had the chance to acquire a fantastic piece of Formula One memorabilia, with a 1988 Stand21 racing suit worn by three-time Formula One World Champion Ayrton Senna on several occasions for testing and training during the season. Never previously offered for sale on the public market, it was accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and photo documentation (€40k).

Racing fans would also have been impressed by the Carrera Digital 1/24 race track setup listed in Belgium. This incredible custom-made slot car track had been beautifully designed and built with a ‘diorama’ aesthetic, with Armco-style railings, ‘trackside’ lighting, and a charming ‘patina’ inspired by the dusty classic circuits of California (€12k).

Created to delight the junior enthusiast, a wonderful vintage Bentley-style children’s car was sold in April. Designed in tribute to the iconic Cricklewood-era Bentleys, this elegant tourer featured a box-section chassis, steel wings, and even a retractable hood. Power came from a 650-watt electric motor fed by 235Ah Lucas batteries, giving it a top speed of 8mph (€13k).

If you have a high-value, high-performance, or rare classic vehicle to sell in 2024, then you can contact our Consignment Specialists to find out how to get a great result at auction, with your car expertly marketed to our global audience of enthusiasts.