Wonderful find at Le Mans

[lowdrag]

Have a look at this. Chenard & Walcker won the first Le Mans in 1923 and gave these signs to the ACO in 1924. This dates from the old triangular circuit which was Le Mans - La Ferté Bernard - St. Calais. A truly emotive piece of memorabilia, and I am trying to buy it.

[ellroy]

That's a fantastic thing Lowdrag, where did you actually find it?

[Great Dane]

that is amazing... a true true find

[lowdrag]

I am astounded. The consensus of two major auction houses is £250 - £350 for the sign. I would have thought triple that at least. I shall now try and buy it myself since the auction charges are criminal in my view. Will let you all know.

[ellroy]

Good luck!

[Nick M]

I think it's great when stuff like this surfaces - a) because it's amazing it still exists at all !!, and b) because of the fact that a tiny bit of history has been found and saved.

Good luck acquiring it !

[lowdrag]

Too late! Someone offered £400 and he took it, being short of cash. I'd have given £500 willingly.

[ellroy]

Bugger! Hopefully someone who'll appreciate it.

[lowdrag]

It goes on! I will shortly have the starter flag from the Le Mans 24 hours (year ????) autographed, plus about a metre thick file of papers from Le Mans. Now I have absolutely no idea what is coming, but I told the chap that this time I need a couple of months at least to go through the paperwork, and that I will take a substantial commission because of how he messed me about this week. But I'll keep you all in touch.

[lowdrag]

Just to let you know that the "avid collector" who bought it a week or so back has now consigned it for auction at Retromobile. However, this time the reserve price is 20,000 euros.

[Nick M]

That sounds rather shabby behaviour

[DS240]

20,000 as a reserve price for the sign? !!

It may be rare and everything always has a value to a collector, but that does seem a bit optimistic!