Rétromobile 2026: Lifting the Veil on the Official Gooding Christie's Auction Catalogue
GoodingChristie's: the official Rétromobile 2026 auction is unveiled
On 29 January, as part of the 50th edition of Rétromobile, Paris Expo Porte de Versailles will host one of the most prestigious auctions dedicated to collector cars. For this anniversary edition, the world’s finest ephemeral garage will resonate to the rhythm of an exceptional auction, held under the aegis of Gooding Christie's.
The official Rétromobile 2026 auction will feature a number of exclusive lots, destined to be sold to collectors and enthusiasts from around the world. A key moment of the show, where history, rarity and emotion come together under the hammer.
While awaiting this unique experience, the official auction catalogue is already available to view.
Official auctions: Rétromobile’s highlights
1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta: the golden age of Maranello
Introduced at the end of the 1950s, the Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta quickly established itself as one of the most emblematic models to emerge from Maranello. Designed to excel both on road and track, it embodies the perfect balance between performance, elegance and competitive efficiency. Its short wheelbase, combined with the now-legendary Colombo V12 engine, has made it one of the most sought-after Ferraris among collectors — a symbol of an era when motor racing directly shaped road cars.
Completed in October 1960, chassis no. 2177 GT, offered by Gooding Christie's, was delivered new in Switzerland before being quickly entered in period competition. It later continued its career in the United States, competing in various SCCA events, before joining several leading American and European collections. This example also took part in the official 50th and 70th anniversary celebrations of Ferrari. Restored on several occasions with great care, this Berlinetta retains today its engine, gearbox and differential with matching numbers, confirmed by factory documentation.
1920 Ballot 3/8 LC Grand Prix Two-Seater: at the origins of Grand Prix racing
Designed for major international competitions in the early 20th century, the Ballot 3/8 LC Grand Prix Two-Seater bears witness to French ambition at a time when motorsport was still in its infancy. Entered in the most prestigious events of its era, it represents a formative period when mechanical innovation and technical audacity set the rules. A true pioneer, this Ballot holds an essential place in the history of Grand Prix racing and in the evolution of modern racing cars.
Entered from new in major international competitions, chassis no. 1006 boasts an exceptional competition record, highlighted by a major victory at Brescia in 1921. The only example sold new in the United Kingdom, it subsequently belonged to iconic figures of early motorsport such as Malcolm Campbell and Jack Dunfee. Restored with an outstanding level of research and historical accuracy, this Ballot retains a remarkably well-documented identity. Presented at Rétromobile in 2017, it now returns to the spotlight as it is offered at auction for the first time.
1964 Shelby Cobra 289: the original spirit
Conceived in the early 1960s under the impetus of Carroll Shelby, the Shelby Cobra 289 embodies a radical vision, combining the lightness of a British chassis with the raw power of an American V8. Designed to dominate both road and track, the Cobra 289 quickly established itself as one of the most formidable sports cars of its era, renowned for its balance, agility and uncompromising character.
Produced towards the end of the “small-block” Cobra run, this Shelby Cobra 289, chassis CSX2276, was delivered new in the United States in the spring of 1964 before arriving in Europe in the late 1990s. Restored on several occasions with consistent care, it has recently returned to its original specification and factory-correct colour scheme, while retaining its matching-numbers engine. Presented at prestigious events, it represents a rare opportunity to acquire a Shelby Cobra 289 that remains true to the model’s original spirit.
1938 Bugatti Type 57C Atalante: art in motion
An emblematic figure of Bugatti’s golden age, the Type 57C Atalante embodies the refinement and technical excellence championed by Ettore Bugatti and his son Jean. Produced on the eve of the Second World War, it combines timeless elegance with advanced mechanical solutions, notably through its supercharged engine. A true rolling work of art, the Type 57C Atalante remains one of the most admired and coveted Bugatti models within automotive heritage.
Completed in the summer of 1938, the Bugatti Type 57C Atalante, chassis no. 57718, was originally owned by Dr Jacques Kocher, one of Bugatti’s most loyal pre-war clients. Today, it stands out for its exceptionally rare combination of a factory-supercharged engine, an aluminium Atalante body, and a complete matching-numbers drivetrain, confirmed by the Molsheim factory archives. Rarely displayed, yet regularly presented at major events within leading private collections, it ranks among the most accomplished and desirable road-going Type 57 examples.
1984 Ferrari 288 GTO: the untamed thoroughbred
Launched in the mid-1980s, the Ferrari 288 GTO marked a turning point in the history of the Prancing Horse brand. Originally conceived for Group B homologation, it ushered in a new generation of radical supercars, combining cutting-edge technology, extreme performance and deliberately limited production. Rare, powerful and mythical, the 288 GTO possesses all the attributes of a legend — and paved the way for a lineage that would become truly iconic.
Delivered new in Rome in 1985, this Ferrari 288 GTO has had only two owners since leaving the factory. Preserved within the same family for more than thirty years, it displays an exceptionally low mileage of just over 1,500 km and remains in outstanding original condition. This example retains numerous factory-original components, including its original tyres fitted in 1985, and is accompanied by a comprehensive file, including the Ferrari Classiche Red Book.
