A unique piece of music memorabilia featuring a storied past was auctioned off, drawing attention from collectors
Classic Johnny Hallyday Car Fetches €132,000 After Poker Loss
Classic Johnny Hallyday Car Fetches €132,000 After Poker Loss
Bespoke Panther De Ville once owned by the rock legend sold at auction for a significant sum
The late French rock icon Johnny Hallyday's lavish 1975 Panther De Ville, which he famously lost in a poker game, has been auctioned for an impressive €132,000 ($143,000; £110,000). The rarity of this custom vehicle, which was a gift from Hallyday's then-wife Sylvie Vartan, includes extravagant features such as seats upholstered in mink, a gold disc atop its grille, and hubcaps that showcase the musician's initials. The auction, conducted by French house Osenat, saw the car purchased by a local man for a undisclosed "specific project," with an addition of a buyer's premium totaling €26,400.
According to Osenat, the rock star had attempted to reclaim the car after his poker defeat in 1977, but was discouraged by his manager due to limited funds. The Panther De Ville, known for its luxurious 1930s-style design and powered by a V12 Jaguar engine, is one of 69 classic vehicles auctioned from Fontainebleau, near Paris. Initially expected to sell for between €55,000 and €80,000, it garnered much higher interest, reflecting Hallyday's enduring legacy. The gold disc, which celebrates his record success of that era, was a touching reminder of his connection to the vehicle.
Despite being a devoted car enthusiast, Hallyday's poker game led to the car's transfer to another owner, who preferred sportier vehicles and eventually traded it for a Ferrari to another admirer of Hallyday's music. After a marriage that ended in divorce in 1980, Hallyday continued to thrive as a musician and actor, amassing record sales of over 110 million before passing away from lung cancer in 2017 at the age of 74.
According to Osenat, the rock star had attempted to reclaim the car after his poker defeat in 1977, but was discouraged by his manager due to limited funds. The Panther De Ville, known for its luxurious 1930s-style design and powered by a V12 Jaguar engine, is one of 69 classic vehicles auctioned from Fontainebleau, near Paris. Initially expected to sell for between €55,000 and €80,000, it garnered much higher interest, reflecting Hallyday's enduring legacy. The gold disc, which celebrates his record success of that era, was a touching reminder of his connection to the vehicle.
Despite being a devoted car enthusiast, Hallyday's poker game led to the car's transfer to another owner, who preferred sportier vehicles and eventually traded it for a Ferrari to another admirer of Hallyday's music. After a marriage that ended in divorce in 1980, Hallyday continued to thrive as a musician and actor, amassing record sales of over 110 million before passing away from lung cancer in 2017 at the age of 74.
