Report: Artcurial classic car auction, Paris, 20 October

Artcurial's final auction of the year, the grandly titled 'Automobiles sur les Champs VI', which took place in Paris on 20 October managed to realise a sales total of €4.6m, with 88% of the cars finding buyers. Artcurial has also reported that its year-end results are strong, with a 14% rise in sales. This backs up the current market trend for an improving classic car market.

Top seller was the 1962 Maserati 3500 GTI Vignale convertible, selling for €553,500 - a world record price for the model. and well above the pre-sale estimate of €300,000-400,000. One of 242 examples built, this rare matching numbers GT car has been beautifully restored.

Maître Poulain, who conducted the sale, commented: 'This sale produced some wonderful results with the presence of so many committed enthusiasts. There was great interest in the automotive-inspired objects, with record-breaking prices for the radiator mascots including the creation by René Lalique that sold for seven times its estimate. The automobile sale alone realised €214,000.'

Managing Director of Artcurial Motorcars, Matthieu Lamoure said: 'Another highly successful result for the 6th Automobilies sur les Champs sale with more world record prices achieved, rounding off a year that has seen a growth of 14% for the department.'

Top 10, Artcurial, Paris, 20 October 2013

• 1962 Maserati 3500 GTI Vignale convertible with hard top     €553,500
• 1968 Lamborghini Miura P400 €459,700
• 1972 Dino 246 GT €250,300
• 1962 Ferrari 250 GTE €209,400                                                            
• 1965 Ferrari 330 GT 2+2 Coupe €186,500
• 1956 Austin Healey 100M factory car €175,700
• 1934 Citroën Traction 7B cabriolet €156,400
• 1954 Porsche 356 Pre-A Coupé €152,800
• 2007 Ferrari 599 Fiorano F1 Berlinetta €115,500
• 1990 Lamborghini LM002 injection    €98,700