Bonhams Chantilly to Sell an Exotic Maserati and Bugatti

A masterpiece 1970’s Maserati Boomerang and a highly rare 1950’s Bugatti type 101C Coupé Antem is expected to go on sale this Saturday, September 5, in the Grand Stables of the Château de Chantilly. The auction is to be held at the upcoming Chantilly Arts & Elegance Richard Mille event, where Bonhams will present the first showcases of the concours.

These remarkable cars comprise just two of the 29 automobiles that are expected to be presented on the manicured lawns of the concours. The event is expected to attract many a car aficionado and potential buyer, as these cars hold historic significance as prime models of automotive technology and design for their respective eras.

The 1970’s Maserati Boomerang is the star of the event. Listed as item 11 on the auction schedule, the inconspicuous number is no give away for the magnitude appeal of this car. A product masterpiece from the Italian designer, Giorgetto Giugiaro, who continued to establish his ItalDesign firm with the creation of the Ghibli, Bora, Merak, and Series III Quattroporte. When first unveiled at the Turin Motor Show in 1971, the Boomerang was a hit, marking a new epoch in car design. Styled by flat planes, acute angles and sharp edges it remains to be the hallmark of the 1970’s design retinue. Combined with the fact that this 4.7 liter V8 engine still delivers a very smooth drive, it’s likely to attract a hefty sum as one of the finest pieces of rolling sculpture in the automotive industry.

With an estimated sales price at $1.7 million to $2 million, plus commission, the 1950 Bugatti Type 101C Coupé Antem, will be followed with scrutiny by many pundits in the market. The historic shooting brake signaled the end of the original Bugatti production. Engineered with a 3.3 liter V8 engine it was imbued with characteristics from Bugatti’s racing efforts that included a pre-war Type 57 chassis. While not maintaining a competitive edge with the newer post-war designs of other luxury models, Bugatti added features that would maintain this car’s stand in the market, including a supercharged version in the model C (standing for Compressor). Manufactured in highly limited production of just 6 cars and a concept, this unit, the Antem is the most attractive and is still in fabulous condition.