PARIS.- The Grand Palais will once again play host Bonhams Grande Marques du Monde sale on 9th February. With lots ranging from the veteran 1900 Benz Ideal 4.5 HP to a brace of modern Bentleys, the sale spans more than a century of the finest motor cars from all over the world.

Representing the best of British motoring is the star lot, a 1935 Aston Martin Ulster. ‘CML 719’ was one of the 7 Ulster works cars – this one driven by C.T Thomas and M. Kenyon at the 1935 Le Mans 24H – and came fifth in its class. With such provenance, it is unsurprisingly eligible for many prestigious events and concours, and recently participated in the 2004 Mille Miglia.

Another British great comes in the form of a 1957 Bentley S1 Continental Drophead Coupe, first owned by the Greek shipping magnate George Embiricos. One of only 31 left-hand drive drophead coupés, this elegant motor car has had three former owners who managed a mere 98,382 miles between them.

Rallying was never the same again after the 1985 Audi Sport Quattro burst on to the scene – it is the 4WD car which irrevocably altered the motoring world. This example is one of only 164 built for road use, and with an estimate of €330,000-400,000, is a chance to own a genuine piece of motoring history.

Another sports car to be offered is the 1923 Bugatti Type 27 Brescia Torpedo, which was delivered new to France. It is a delightful example and retains its original coachwork, likely by Lavocat et Marsaud. Widely documented by Bugatti historians, it is estimated at €380,000-540,000.

An equally elegant Italian offering, the 1934 Alfa Romeo 6C 2300 Pescara spider is an outstanding recreation of a lost Zagato design, fully certified by Zagato. With matching numbers and chassis, this car is eligible for Mille Miglia and estimated at €550,000-750,000.

Arguably the world’s first supercar, the 1955 Mercedes 300SL Gullwing is nothing short of iconic. With matching colours and numbers, this beautiful car is estimated at €1,100,000 – 1,300,000.

Other highlights include:

- 1959 Ferrari 250 GT ‘Series I’ Coupé. One of only 353 cars built, with matching numbers and timeless Pininfarina design. €350,000-5500

- 1958 Talbot Lago T14 America Coupé. One of approximately 12 produced with BMW’s 2½-litre overhead valve V8 engine. €450,000-500,000

- 1973 Ferrari 365GTB/4 Daytona Berlinetta. The last great front engined V12 berlinetta Ferrari and the fastest road car of its time. €620,000-680,000