FRANCIS STAUB COLLECTION

French registration papers (as a historic vehicle)
Chassis no. 10702412001866
- Ex-Claude François!
- V8 engine: 4520 cc and 217 bhp
- A car of the stars at a bargain price …

The car we are offering is none other than that owned by Claude François! “Cloclo”, for his fans, was one of the most popular French singers, whose fame remains as great as ever today, with songs which are still at the top of the charts in France. “Alexandrie, Alexandra”, “Magnolias for Ever”, “Le lundi au soleil” or the original version of “My Way” (“Comme d’habitude”), a title known around the world thanks to Frank Sinatra ... these are just some of his greatest hits. During his career, he sold more than 70 million albums throughout the world before his tragic death in 1978. A lover of fine cars, he owned several sports cars, convertibles and prestige saloons. His magnificent Mercedes-Benz 450 SEL 6.9 comes to mind, thanks to which he escaped an assassination attempt when he was behind the wheel in 1977, when a gang of organised criminals tried to kill him during a chase, their bullets only narrowly missing the star. The Mercedes was sold at auction in 2015 for 92,000 €, showing the place he still holds in the hearts of an entire generation!

Bought by Claude François in June 1973 and often used by him when travelling, the singer kept this Mercedes-Benz 450 SLC until the end of 1974. The 450 SLC was part of the 107 series and had the daunting task of replacing the superb Pagoda from the 1960s, which had been brilliantly designed by the French stylist Paul Bracq, who was working at the time in the design studios in Stuttgart. A symbol for a generation of the American success story, all the most famous personalities could be seen in films and TV series at the wheel of an R107-series SL: Bobby Ewing in Dallas, Richard Gere in American Gigolo, Jonathan Hart in Hart to Hart, and even Eddy Murphy in the first series of Beverly Hills Cop. A true star on four wheels, of which “Cloclo” was especially fond.

In order to return to its former glory, the car will need substantial attention to the body as well as the interior, with work to revive the leather and some of the plastic trim. Fitted with Mercedes wheels, but which are not to the original specification, this car is a modern classic which combines power, discretion and comfort, as well as being a safe bet for a collector thanks to its famous owner …

Aguttes – Auction House in Paris
The Spring Sale 2020 / 15th of March

Public Viewing:
Friday 13 March: 18:00 PM to 22:00 PM
Saturday 14 March: 10:00 AM to 19:00 PM
Sunday 15 March: 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM

Hall B / Espace Champerret - 75017 Paris

Contact: +33 6 16 91 42 28 / [email protected]

The Auction Sale:
Sunday 15 March: 15:00 PM
Hall B / Espace Champerret - 75017 Paris

Contact: +33 6 16 91 42 28 / [email protected]

For more information and photos:
https://expertise.aguttes.com/estimation-automobiles-de-collection/