Artcurial’s sale of 11 classic and collector cars last weekend at the Hotel Hermitage in Monte Carlo generated $753,234 in sales, twice the pre-auction estimate.
Featured in the sale were a pair of Mercedes-Benz limousines that were used to transport famed soprano Maria Callas for her opera tours of Europe.
A 1971 Mercedes 600 formerly owned and used by the diva sold for $119,200 while a 1966 Mercedes 600 went for $114,588. Prices include buyer’s premium.
“This evening, the bids matched the scale of the Prima Donna’s immense talent,” Matthieu Lamoure, Artcurial’s managing director said in a news release. “A dynamic salesroom, numerous telephone bids and a white-glove result! Monaco is an exceptional playground.”
The top sale of the auction was a 1989 Aston Martin Lagonda that changed ownership for $169,884 and a 1992 Lamborghini Diablo sold for $148,068. Also in the top five was a 1990 Rolls-Royce Corniche III for $83,700.
All 11 lots sold.
Paris-based Artcurial’s next sale is November 11 in its home city.