One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. But in this case, it’s one man’s treasure buried under another man’s trash.
Discovered under piles of newspapers, and left rusting in sheds and barns was a collection of millions-worth of classic automobiles.
When owner (of the collection) and entrepreneur Roger Baillon passed away around a decade ago, the cars were passed on to his family. And it wasn’t until his grandchildren called in auctioneers did they find out that what they left neglected in their grandfather’s farm (since the 1970s) are worth millions.
A press release by Artcurial Motorcars on May 12, 2014 announced the incredible discovery of 60 classic cars that have been tucked away under makeshift corrugated iron shelters and in various outbuildings in a family farm in the western part of France.
Neglected for 50 years, the “collectors’ automobiles” are of major labels such as Ferrari, Maserati and dozens other vintage sports cars.
Take a look at this amazing discovery:
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Roger Baillon’s grandchildren called in car specialists and Artcurial Motorcars auctioneers Matthieu Lamoure and Pierre Novikoff to evaluate the extent of the collection and estimate its value.
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Classic car experts Matthieu Lamoure and Pierre Novikoff
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On the left is a vintage Ferrari which was once sat in by Jane Fonda. On the right is one of only three Maserati A6G 200 Berlinetta Grand Sport Frua ever made.
via DailyMail │ photo: Artcurial Motorcars / BNPS
Baillon intended to build a museum with his collection but things didn’t go as he planned. He had to sell 50 cars and the rest, as we now know, were left forgotten.
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Ferrari 250 GT California SWB. In 2008, Chris Evans bought one of the Ferraris for £5.5 million.
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Mr. Baillon was a transport and truck company owner.
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He collected most of his classic cars from the 1950s – 1970s.
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Hispano Suiza H6B Cabriolet Millio
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Left: Facel Vega / Right: Talbot Lago
DailyMail │ photo: Artcurial Motorcars / BNPS
A Talbot-Lago T26 Cabriolet that was owned by King Farouk of Egypt.
via DailyMail │ photo: Artcurial Motorcars / BNPS
via DailyMail │ photo: Artcurial Motorcars / BNPS
Some of the collection’s vehicles are too rusted to be restored.
via DailyMail │ photo: Artcurial Motorcars / BNPS
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The collection of classic cars, thought to be worth up to £12 million will be sold by Artcurial Motorcars in Paris on February 6, 2015.
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