170 car Trigano collection goes back around the block

Jaguars, Triumphs and Austins among huge French haul

Ahuge stash of 170 classics built up over several decades by a French businessman and politician is going under the hammer – months after their original sale was put back by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Artcurial is hammering away a collection amassed by André Trigano – who was also a keen racing driver – in the town of Gibel, near Toulouse. The sale was originally planned as a live auction ( CCW, 11 March), but will now sell them on 13 September, with online bids encouraged.

The lots range from projects with starting estimates as low as ¤100 (£89) for a 1984 BMW 5 Series to the sale’s a star lot, a 1967 Lamborghini 400GT that M Trigano owned from new and which is expected to fetch ¤400-600k (£358-540k). British classics include a right-hand-drive 1993 Jaguar XJ6, a 1965 Triumph TR4A, a 1966 Mini Moke and a 1951 Austin A90 Atlantic.

All of the cars are described as having been off the road for some time and in need of recommissioning before being used again, in a similar fashion to a collection of 43 classic Citroëns owned by M Trigano, which the auctioneer sold in 2016.

The classics can be viewed by arrangement during the four days leading up to the sale, although it’s worth noting that anyone returning from France to the UK is currently subject to 14-day quarantine rules.

An auction spokesman said: ‘This devoted lover of beautiful cars has put his heart and soul into this collection and his passion is bound to rub off on those lucky enough to acquire these vehicles.

‘As the collection is very varied, it will appeal to enthusiasts of all ages and from all walks of life. Everyone should be able to find something corresponding to their means. There are restoration projects as well as sports cars in perfect condition.’