Description
For sale in our forthcoming auction in Paris, on 17 June 2019:
French title
Chassis No VF9BERLHD7A519047
• Only 15 examples still in existence
• Road legal model
• Authentic and fun racing car
Inspired by the marvellous work of cartoonist Jean Graton, the Vaillante "Grand défi" was revealed at the 1999 Paris Motorshow. Based on the brilliant Hommell roadster, the car was designed by Philippe-Charles Toussaint and his associates to race in the Stars Challenge, a competition dedicated only to celebrities. 16 cars in total were built and raced during the 2000 season. However, this series was terminated in 2001 and only 15 cars remained at the end, with their ownership shared between the partners.
Built according to the will of a great driver and racing enthusiast, certainly known as a visionary and charismatic leader, the Hommell berlinetta was fitted with the mid-mounted Peugeot 306’s S16 170bhp rear engine and connected to a short-shift gearbox. This car weighs less than a ton and turns out to be quite an efficient racing car, without losing sight of its playful appeal. When the proven abilities of the Hommell barchettas are combined with a design straight out of Michel Vaillant’s drawing sketches, as well as a discreet production run, the result can only be seen as highly collectible.
Purchased in 2012 by its current owner, a major enthusiast of French sports cars, the car holds the right papers to be driven directly on the road and towards the most beautiful race tracks. It was one of the most prominent Vaillante of the Stars Challenge, sponsored by “OLLA” magazine and driven by Marie Fugain, Alexandre Debanne, JM Bigard, Caroline Barclay and Stephane Collaro. Serviced by the owner’s mechanic in 2017 it hasn’t been driven much since. Well-thought, original and fun, it is indeed a true representation of the ideal “French” sports car.
Auction estimate: €80 000 / 100 000
To see all the pictures available: - details above
