PARIS.- On 5th February 2027, Artcurial Motorcars will present in Paris one of the most remarkable private collections ever offered on the European market.
Entitled In praise of excellence, this auction will bring together the entire collection assembled by Thierry Dehaeck over more than four decades of passion, meticulous research and unwavering dedication.
Estimated at €15–25 million, this exceptional ensemble comprises 60 collector cars, more than 100 Automobilia items, and a spectacular 1953 carousel of extraordinary scale.
For the occasion, Artcurial’s headquarters at the rond-point des Champs-Élysées, in the heart of Paris’s Golden Triangle, will be transformed into a prestigious showcase for this unique universe, offering collectors from around the world a rare opportunity to acquire pieces from a collection widely regarded as one of the most coherent, thoroughly documented and discerning ever assembled.
A discreet collector, driven by passion and an uncompromising pursuit of perfection, Thierry Dehaeck devoted decades to assembling not merely a collection of exceptional automobiles, but the finest examples of each: the rarest, the most authentic, the best preserved, the most comprehensively documented, and the most historically significant.
This relentless pursuit of excellence is reflected not only in every car offered for sale, but also in the extraordinary research undertaken by Thierry Dehaeck. Each automobile is accompanied by a historical dossier of remarkable depth and precision, painstakingly assembled over the years with near-museum standards of scholarship: original factory archives, correspondence, ownership records, period photographs, press articles, technical documentation, certificates and expert reports. Few private collections today can claim such an exacting level of documentary rigour.
“Some collections impress by their size. Thierry Dehaeck’s collection impresses by its exceptional standard of excellence—in terms of condition, rarity and historical documentation. Every car was acquired as the benchmark example of its model. Each tells a unique story and is distinguished by exceptional provenance or outstanding historical documentation.” -- Matthieu Lamoure, President of Artcurial Motorcars
Developed alongside the remarkable entrepreneurial success of Pidy, the family-owned company that became the world leader in ready-to-fill pastry products – the collection was built according to the very same principles that guided its founder: passion, uncompromising standards and a constant pursuit of perfection.
Its diversity is matched only by its coherence. Organised by automotive marques and themes, the collection notably includes: A unique ensemble dedicated to Citroën, and in particular to its iconic SM, featuring some of the rarest examples ever built. Highlights include one of only seven SM Opéra saloons, one of just five SM Mylord convertibles, the spectacular SM Espace by Heuliez, and "The Rig", the SM that set the Bonneville Salt Flats speed record at 325.6 km/h (202.3 mph) in 1987.
The collection also includes several Chapron DS Cabriolets, including examples that were exhibited at major international motor shows when new.
Five important Ferraris spanning five generations of the marque, including one of only six 365 GTB/4 Daytona Spiders delivered in this original specification.
A selection of significant Maseratis, notably an exceptionally rare Quattroporte II, exhibited at several international motor shows.
A distinguished group of Rolls-Royce and Bentley convertibles, among the most prestigious post-war motor cars.
An outstanding collection of Jaguars tracing the marque's stylistic evolution, from the XK120 to the legendary E-Type.
Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing and Roadster models, presented alongside their modern successors, the SLS AMG.
Several American icons, ranging from the Chevrolet Impala to the legendary pair of Shelby GT500 King of the Road models.
A spectacular fully operational Belgian carousel dating from 1953, complete with its original fairground vehicles.
Selected with the same uncompromising standards as the motor cars themselves, the automobilia completes this remarkable collection. Vintage enamel signs, advertising memorabilia, rare documents, period accessories and motoring artefacts recreate the collector's personal world, reflecting a passion that extended far beyond the automobiles themselves.
Unlike many collections kept in static display, Thierry Dehaeck's automobiles have always been meticulously maintained in outstanding running order, thanks to a dedicated in-house workshop and a team of mechanics devoted exclusively to the collection.
Regularly entered in rallies, concours d'élégance and international motoring events, they have appeared at some of the world's most prestigious gatherings, including Villa d'Este, Chantilly Arts & Élégance, Hampton Court, Knokke, Château de Coppet and Pebble Beach.
“This collection represents the achievement of a lifetime devoted to the automobile. Every piece was chosen with patience, conviction, and emotion. Today, I wish to travel and part with this collection, entrusting it to fellow enthusiasts so that these automobiles may continue to live on – to be driven, admired and inspire future generations.” -- Thierry Dehaeck
The sale will be preceded by an exceptional public exhibition on 3, 4 and 5 February 2027 at Artcurial's headquarters, 7 rond-point des Champs-Élysées.
