Retromobile is the premier car show in France, held in Paris in conjunction this year with the first auction staged by Bonham’s in that country. By any measure, the auction was a stunning success. It brought in total sales 40% above those of any previous year, headlined by the sale of a 1928 Mercedes-Benz S for 2.3 million Euros, which is about $3.5 million dollars.

The Mercedes featured coachwork by Saoutchik, one of the premier custom body builders of the classic era who was based in Paris and known for unrestrained, flamboyant designs. The buyer was European.

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Other highlights of the auction:

A 1929 Bugatti Type 43 sold for 1.33 million Euros – almost $2 million – which set a new world record price for this model.

A 1936 Mercedes-Benz 500K Cabriolet brought 887,500 Euros – a little more than $1.3 million – from an American buyer.

The 1926 Rolls-Royce once owned Barbra Striesand sold for 134,550 Euros, about $200,000.

Even a more modern vehicle – a 1973 Porsche Carrera 2.7 Carrera RS 911 coupe which competed in both the Monte Carlo and East African Safari rallies sold for 293,500 Euros, $435,000 - again, a world record for the model.

Bonham’s, which is based in London, has been making a serious effort to become predominant in the classic car auction market and now holds auctions in Scottsdale, Arizona, as well as various venues in Europe including, of course, London.

They can be expected to return to Retromobile next year. The success of this year’s auction is likely to attract an even richer line-up for next year’s auction.