During Retromobile, next week, three major auctions will take place in Paris; one on the show-floor and two others in spectacular venues nearby. Today we take a look at three French cars due to cross the block.
The rarest of the lot is the Gordini Type 24 S, which will be offered by RM Auctions on February 5th. Powered by a three-litre straight eight engine, it is one of just two examples built in 1953. This particular example was raced in all the major sports car races of the day like the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Carrera Panamericana and the Mille Miglia. With the sister car part of the government-owned Schlumpf collection, the example on offer is the only one in private hands and accordingly, it has a EUR 3 - 4 million estimate.
Local auctioneer Artcurial will host the largest ever automobile auction held in France, spread over two days with the second dedicated to Alfa Romeos. Among the many cars offered is a selection from the estate of Albert Prost. The finest of these is undoubtedly this Delage D8 S Pourtout Cabriolet. Built on one of the best chassis of the era, this elegant convertible crafted in Paris by Pourtout makes excellent use of the low slung suspension. The rare Delage D8 S had been part of the Prost collection since 1978 and has a pre-sale estimate of EUR 1 - 1.2 million.
Another Delage to be offered in Paris, is a D6-3L Grand Prix, which is part of Bonhams' line-up in their Grand Palais sale. It is one of five built and was campaigned by the works team immediately after the War. The chassis on offer was later owned and raced for several decades by Charles Pozzi. Our 28-shot gallery also includes images of the sister car that is currently on display in the Mullin Automotive Museum.
Today, Toyota also offered a first glimpse of the TS040 Hybrid, which will face Audi and Porsche at Le Mans this year. It features a hybrid drivetrain that consists of a naturally aspirated V8 engine combined with front and rear mounted electric motors.

Yesterday, the 2014 season kicked off at Jerez in Spain with the first of three official four-day test sessions. As a result of extensive rule changes, the class of 2014 very much represents a brand new generation of cars. Among the revisions are a brand new, highly complicated hybrid V6 turbo engine and tweaks to aerodynamics. The new power units should be the main focal point but the rather ugly noses have grabbed the limelight.
Running at Jerez was very limited with just 93 laps completed by all cars combined, compared to 657 last year on the first. This was due to the teams getting used to the new engine and its ancillaries. Fastest of all was Kimi Raikkonen in the Ferrari F14 T. Only completing three laps was the Red Bull Racing RB10 Renault with defending champion Sebastian Vettel behind the wheel. Following the dominance of its predecessors, this was undoubtedly the most highly anticipated car launched yesterday. Once again designed by Adrian Newey, it certainly is the most visually pleasing of the new cars. Also seen for the first time yesterday was the Mercedes-Benz W05, which is the first all-new Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix car since 1954. Lewis Hamilton was behind the wheel when the front wing failed sending him out into the barrier. Also out on track were Caterham CT05 Renault, the Sauber C33 Ferrari, the Toro Rosso STR9 Renault and the Williams FW36 Mercedes.
Nissan meanwhile released the first details of the drivetrain due to power the ZEOD RC at Le Mans. The experimental machine will feature an electric motor complemented by a very compact 1.5 litre, three-cylinder engine. Equipped with a turbo, it produces 400 bhp and weighs only 40 kg.

With Formula 1 switching to turbo V6 engines this season, it is inevitable to look back at the first turbo era and its original pioneer, Renault. Notoriously unreliable during the first seasons, the French cars were mockingly referred to as the 'yellow teapots'. By the early 1980s, the team look ready to clinch the driver's World Championship with Alain Prost. They came no closer than 1983 with the all-new Renault RE40. This was the first time Renault used a carbon fibre composite chassis. By mid-season, the title looked a sure bet for Prost but several turbo failures let him down in the end. He nevertheless has warm feelings for the RE40, especially praising its refined handling. In more recent years, one of the RE40s was restored by Renault Classic and this example is pictured in our 20-shot gallery. It is seen in action at the Goodwood Festival of Speed with among others, Alain Prost himself behind the wheel.
On Saturday, Ferrari revealed the first images and details of the F14 T due to make its testing debut tomorrow. Like all new-for-2014 cars, it features a very low nose to comply with the revised regulations. Retained from last year's car was the slightly unusual pull-rod front suspension. Due to drive the F14 T are former World Champions Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikonen.
Using the same drivetrain as the new Ferrari is the Sauber C33, which was previewed yesterday. From the angles available, it looks like the new Sauber boasts the most visually pleasing nose, although a lot is expected to change before the season starts in earnest in Australia.

McLaren have become the first team to release actual images of their all-new 2014 Formula 1 car. Known as the MP4-29, it certainly will not win any beauty pageants. Especially the mandatory low nose is quite off putting. Hopefully, a tweak to the regulations will sort this out. Mechanically, the car is also all-new, using a Mercedes-Benz turbo V6 combined with a trick hybrid system. Tasked to drive the McLaren MP4-29 will be Jenson Button and rookie Kevin Magnussen.
To put today's launch into perspective, we have also taken a closer look at the team's very first Formula 1 car; the McLaren M2B. Powered by a sleeved Ford Indy V8 and built around a Mallite monocoque, it was quite unlike anything on the grid. Bruce McLaren drove the car exclusively during the 1966 season, scoring three points in the process. The featured M2B Ford currently resides in the Donnington Grand Prix Collection following a complete restoration by experts Hall & Hall.
Williams have also offered a glimpse of their new car with four renderings of the Mercedes-engined FW36. Like the McLaren, it will first be seen in public during Monday's official test at Jerez.
Meanwhile on the other side of the Atlantic, preparations for the first race of the United SportsCar Championship, the Daytona 24 Hours is well underway. Among the most interesting cars on the very colourful grid is the Mazda Prototype. Powered by the same Skyactiv-D diesel engine as last year's Mazda 6 Grand-Am car, the new Mazda is built around a Multimatic supplied Lola chassis. The two-car effort struggled for pace in yesterday's qualifying but a lot can happen in a 24-hour race.

With the Scottsdale auctions barely over, it is already time to look ahead to the three auctions to be held in Paris early in February in the same week as the Retromobile show opens its doors. RM Auctions will host a sale for the first time in the French capital and has assembled a fine selection of cars. Two Porsches captured our attention; an ex-works 956 and one of the rare 917/30. This prompted us to further expand our article on both these successful sports racers. The Porsche 956 article now boasts a 156-shot gallery with individual histories of 12 different examples. Among them is the ex-work chassis 956-004, which is estimated to sell for well over EUR 2 million in Paris.
Listed with a similar reserve is Porsche 917/30 chassis 005. This was one of the three cars intended to be raced in 1974 but never completed in period. It was later carefully assembled by Porsche themselves before being sold. With the addition of this car our Porsche 917/30 gallery now includes images of five of the six cars built.
Ahead of the official launch next week in Jerez, Force India have released a teaser image of the all-new VJM07. This is the first glimpse of a 2014-specification Formula 1 car, although technical director Andrew Green is adamant that the car will be substantially revised before it makes its competition debut in Australia. What will not change is the sophisticated new hybrid, turbo V6 engine supplied by Mercedes-Benz. It features a hybrid system driven by both the exhaust gasses and the braking energy. Some of the energy stored can be used to power the turbo. Rated at around 760 bhp, the whole drivetrain will be significantly more efficient than the V8s previously used.

This weekend, the MECC Maastricht exhibition centre hosted the annual Interclassics & Topmobiel; the leading classic car show in the Benelux. Among the highlights were the celebration of Maserati's 100th anniversary, a display of pre-War competition cars and a Coys auction. Last year the event broke the 20,000-visitor barrier for the first time and in 2014 did even better with a total of close to 28,000 spectators spread over three days. We were among the first on the scene and have captured our impressions in this concise report, illustrated by an 80-shot gallery.
One of the absolute stars on display in the MECC Maastricht was the A6GCS/53 Pinin Farina Berlinetta brought from Italy to The Netherlands by the Panini Maserati Collection. This prompted us to take a renewed look at the interesting history of this achingly beautiful Pinin Farina styled Maserati. Our detailed article includes the history of all six chassis originally built and/or currently fitted with the four Pinin Farina Berlinetta bodies originally built. Our 38-shot gallery includes four different examples.

Later today, Bonhams will hold their annual Scottsdale auction and as a warm up we have featured three of the highlights today. Certainly very highly anticipated will be the Ferrari 212 Export Touring Berlinetta, which has benefitted from a recent restoration and has not been seen in public for nearly four decades. It is one of just a handful of 212 Export chassis clothed by Touring with this lovely Berlinetta body and was extensively raced in Italy early in its life. Bonhams estimate the 212 Export to change hands for at least $3 million.
Another Italian thoroughbred to cross the block today is this Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 GS Zagato Spider. Originally sold to a French Baron, it was also briefly raced when it was new and has remained in French ownership until very recently. Since then it has been meticulously restored at the expense of over $600,000. Following its restoration, it has been shown at Pebble Beach and Villa d'Este. One of the high profile cars of the sale, the 6C 1750 GS Zagato Spider is estimated to sell for anywhere between $2.4 - $2.7 million.
Certainly not restored is this diminutive Simca 1000 Coupe, which was one of the final examples built of this Giugiaro styled pocket rocket. Beautifully preserved in the South of France, it remains in highly original condition. It comes with the hand-painted license plates that were supplied when the car was new and there are just over 22,000 km on the odometer. It was awarded the FIVA Trophy for the best preserved car at The Quail in 2013 and this superb Simca has a relatively modest estimate of $35,000 - $50,000.

Following the all-new WRX launched in Los Angeles late last year, Subaru have now introduced the even more poised WRX STI in Detroit. It is powered by the familiar 2.5 litre flat four engine, which is good for 305 bhp. The WRX STI is also equipped with the latest technology like active torque vectoring.
Mercedes-Benz meanwhile introduced the company's new flagship model; the S 600. As can be expected, it is even more refined and also slightly more powerful than its predecessor.
One of the funkier cars on display in Detroit's Cobo Hall is the Kia GT4 Stinger. The compact, two-door coupe is powered by a 315 bhp engine that drives the rear wheels. Although the styling may not appeal to everyone, it does look like an absolute blast to drive.
Nissan offered a preview of the company's future design language with the Sport Sedan Concept. The front wheel drive machine boasts a 300 bhp V6 and a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
Alongside the pre-production TLX road car, Acura also showcased the TLX GT Race Car, which is due to compete in the Pirelli World Challenge. Powered by a twin-turbo V6, it will line up against the likes of the Audi R8 LMS and Ferrari 458.
Specifically for the European market, Bentley has introduced the limited edition Birkin Mulsanne. This is a tribute to the legendary 'Bentley Boy' Tim Birkin, who was responsible for the creation of the Blower Bentley and famously raced this Blower Birkin Monoposto. Limited to just 22 examples, the Birkin Mulsanne is available in three distinct colour schemes and also features a special 'sport' setting.

The annual North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit kicked off today with the main press day. Taking centre stage in 2014 were the all-new Corvette Z06 and its race-ready C7.R derivative. Based on the highly acclaimed Corvette Stingray introduced last year, the new high performance model is powered by a supercharged V8, which is good for a staggering 625 bhp. This is fed to the rear wheels through a seven-speed manual or an eight-speed gearbox. The exact performance figures of the Corvette Z06 will become available once it enters production at the end of the year. The new Corvette C7.R will get its day in the sun much sooner as it will line up for the Daytona 24 Hours in little over a week.
Porsche used the NAIAS to launch the 911 Targa 4 and the Targa 4S. Although sporting a classic appearance with a wraparound rear window a and T-bar roof, the new Targa uses sophisticated technology that enables the driver to open or close the car with a simple push of the button.
One of the pleasant surprises this year was the striking Toyota FT-1, which not only stars on the Toyota stand but is also available in the popular computer game Gran Turismo 6. Although no technical details have been released, it does not take much imagination to see the FT-1 as a Supra successor.
Today also several previously previewed concept cars broke cover like the Audi Allroad Shooting Brake, Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge and Volkswagen Beetle Dune.

In a few days, the Cobo Hall in Detroit will open its doors for the annual North American International Auto Show. Set to be one of the stars on display is the high performance Lexus RC F. Based on the RC introduced in Tokyo late last year, it will be powered by a five-litre, naturally aspirated V8 engine good for at least 450 bhp. The two-door coupe also boasts a very aggressive body kit. Among the many concept cars due in Detroit are the Volkswagen Beetle Dune Concept and the 315 hp Kia GT4 Stinger.
Rolls-Royce, meanwhile, have announced the introduction of the limited edition Ghost V-Specification. Included in the package, available only from January through to June of 2014, is a boost in power of 30 bhp.
At this week's Autosport Show in Birmingham many eyes were no doubt on the all-new Zenos E10. Designed by former Lotus and Caterham employees, this lightweight sports car promises to be a lot of fun. Priced at just under GBP 25,000 for the entry level version, the E10 is by no means expensive either.
Ahead of the launch of the new WRX at Detroit, Subaru have released the first details and rendering of the WRX STI, which is due to race in this year's Nurburgring 24 Hours. It will make its official debut at the Tokyo Auto Salon.

Earlier this week, we looked ahead to the first of the major Arizona auctions, and today it is time to explore some of the highlights that will cross the block at Gooding's Scottsdale Auctions. Certainly among the stars of the sale will be this unique Ferrari 250 GT Pininfarina Coupe Speciale. Built by Pininfarina on Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet underpinnings, it combined a 250 GT nose with the aerodynamic tail of the 400 SuperAmerica. The luxuriously appointed machine starred at the London Motor Show and was sold soon after. It has been coveted throughout its life and has only had two custodians in the last few decades. Gooding estimates the 250 GT Coupe Speciale, which we captured at Pebble Beach last year, will sell for over $2.4 million.
Also on offer on January 17th will be one of less than two dozen Cunningham C-3 Continental Vignale Coupes built. This has prompted us to take a renewed look at this Cunningham road car, which only came to being as the Le Mans organisers would only allow Briggs Swift Cunningham to run cars under his own name if he was a proper manufacturer. Combining sturdy underpinnings including a HEMI engine with a coachbuilt Vignale body, it was not only the fastest but also the most expensive American car of the day. The example due to be sold in Scottsdale is one of no less than six examples that are featured in our in-depth article. We have also added the complete lot list, which is part of our ever expanding auctions section.
In addition to the Scottsdale auctions, the other major event due to kick off next week is the NAIAS in Detroit. Among the most recent cars announced for the event are the 360 hp Mercedes-Benz GLA 45 AMG and the Volvo XC Coupe of which additional images have been released this morning.

With auctions in Scottsdale, Arizona in less than a fortnight and three major sales in Paris early in February, it promises to be a very busy month. In the coming weeks, we plan to feature many of the highlights that will cross the block on both sides of the Atlantic.
Today we kick off with two very spectacular racing cars that will be offered by RM Auctions in Scottsdale on January 16th and 17th. The rarest of the two is the Toyota Celica Turbo GTO built for the Japanese manufacturer by Dan Gurney's All American Racer. It uses a purpose-built spaceframe chassis and a 450 bhp turbocharged Toyota engine. After some teething problems, the car came good in 1987 when Chris Cord won the drivers championship and the team clinched the manufacturers trophy. Only three were built, one of which was sold to Cord in 1989. This car is in the RM Auctions sale with a modest estimate of $100,000 - $150,000. Our 20-shot gallery includes images of two different examples, including the one that is due to cross the block in Scottsdale.
Built for Jim Hall by Troutman-Barnes in 1961, the Chaparral 1 Chevrolet is one of the very last front-engined sports cars built. The compact and lightweight machine was nevertheless raced with considerable success by Hall himself and also by privateers in customer cars. It holds the distinction as being the first ever Chaparral and today the five examples are highly sought after and only very rarely come to the market. The example on offer is one of the two works cars, which won its class in the 1962 Sebring 12 Hours. In more recent years, it has been campaigned with considerable success by its current owner. Our 37-shot gallery also includes images of the other four cars built.

We have kicked off 2014 with a loud roar by taking a detailed look at the Chevrolet DeKon Monza. This silhouette racer was created for Chevrolet by DeKon Engineering during the mid-1970s for the newly established All American GT (AAGT) class. Only the shell of the road-going Monza was retained for what was effectively a purpose built competition car. Following a difficult debut, the V8-engined machines dominated the 1976 and 1977 seasons with Al Holbert winning the IMSA GT Championships in both years. Today, some of the 14 the DeKon Monzas built are still raced in historic events and five of these star in our 62-shot gallery.
In what was effectively a palace revolt, several key members of the Shadow staff left the Formula 1 team at the end of the 1977 season to form Arrows. In record time, they created the FA1 Cosworth, which debuted in round two of the 1978 season in the hands of Ricardo Patrese. Shadow immediately filed a lawsuit as they believed the car was virtually a carbon copy of the Shadow DN9 designed by the same people before their departure in 1977. The judge ruled in their favour and Arrows was forced to hand the cars, excluding the bodywork, to Shadow. Fortunately, a set of bodywork has been reunited with the original chassis over two decades later to create the only complete Arrows FA1 in existence. Expecting to loose in court, Arrows had already started work on a new car and the day after the verdict, they presented the Arrows A1. Raced for the final rounds of the 1978 season and the opening races of 1979, it was not quite as quick as the FA1.
Nissan have released a first sketch of the Sport Sedan Concept, which is due to be released at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit later this month. It will be shown alongside the IDx Nismo and IDx Freeflow concepts.