Description
This car is Lot 131 to be auctioned by Bonhams|Cars at Les Grandes Marques du Monde à Paris Sale on 6 February, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Public Viewing:
Available Tuesday 4 February from 08:00 until 18:00 and Wednesday 5 February from 9 AM - 6 PM, at The Grand Palais Historique, Paris.
Lot 131
Unique prototype
1954 Autobleu 750 MM Coupé
Registration no.
Chassis no. 195475
Unique prototype
In-period Mille Miglia history
Professionally restored (invoices for approx 100. 000 on file)
Many-time Mille Miglia Storica participant
Dutch registration document
Established in 1950 by Maurice Mestivier and Roger Lepeytre (both members of the board of the Independent Racing Drivers' Association (AGACI), Autobleu was a minor short-lived motor manufacturer based in Paris, France, which began by making components to enhance the appearance and performance of the Renault 4CV before moving on to supplying complete bodies. Autobleu's re-bodied Renaults were comparatively expensive (costing more than double that of the donor vehicle) and the company ceased car production in 1957, although it continued to make components until 1971. The unique Autobleu racing prototype offered here is without question its finest achievement.
Not unnaturally, the company had turned to motor racing as a means of publicising its products. Named after the historic 1, 000-mile Italian endurance classic, the Autobleu 750 Mille Miglia employed a tubular chassis frame and a tuned 750cc Renault engine, and was clothed in a lightweight streamlined body designed by aerospace engineer Marcel Riffard and built by Carrosserie G. T. R. The car was given the nickname "Rainette", French for Tree Frog.
Driven by Jean Bianchi and Jean Sigrand, the Autobleu 750 MM took part in the Mille Miglia in 1954 (starting number #2353) but did not finish due to an accident between Padova and Ravenna and in 1955 (starting number #036) it was raced solo by Bianchi, but this time he left the race for unknown reasons between L'Aquila and Rome. It was entered again in 1956 by Bianchi [it is not likely that it was to be driven by Lucien Bianchi, He and Jean had no relation as far as we have been able to discover. Most likely it was entered by Jean again.] but did not arrive at the start (starting number #152). Furthermore, the car took part in the 12 Heures Internationales de Reims in 1956, driven by Bianchi/ Poirot, finishing 11th. It was also entered in the 1964 Coupe de Belgique for Andre Willem but again did not arrive. (Results from Carlo Dolcini Orizzonte Perduto, period Mille Miglia magazines and racingsportscars. com.)
Passing through the hands of several French owners and two German collectors, the Autobleu was eventually acquired by the current owner, a Dutch enthusiast. The car had never been restored and yet was still usable, and the owner entered it in the 2016 Mille Miglia. Nevertheless, the Autobleu was in need of a sympathetic conservative restoration, which was completed to 1955 specification. The work was done to exacting standards by MCW van der Mey, a specialist bodyshop which produced Pebble Beach class winners and worked also for several museums.
According to our vendor, the body was removed from the chassis and repaired where necessary. The chassis itself only needed cleaning, while all mechanicals including the suspension and brakes were rebuilt. The body was then repainted in cellulose paint of the correct colour (as found in the car). The aforementioned work is well documented with photographs and invoices totalling around 100, 000. After completion the Autobleu was exhibited at the 90 Anni 1000 Miglia exposition in the museum at Brescia, Italy. MM registry, FIVA papers and a very large history file come with it.
As well as its in-period racing history, the Autobleu has participated in the Mille Miglia Storica in 2005, 2006, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022 and 2023. A unique work of art and one of the Mille Miglia's little-known gems, Autobleu's prototype sports-racer is Dutch registered and recorded in the MM participants register.
All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams|Cars website for all pertinent auction information.
