A unique Panther De Ville once owned by legendary French singer Johnny Hallyday has been sold for €132,000 at auction, reflecting significant interest from collectors and fans alike. The car’s history, including its bespoke design and connection to Hallyday's celebrity status, contributed to its high auction value.
Johnny Hallyday's Poker-Lost Panther De Ville Fetches €132,000 at Auction
Johnny Hallyday's Poker-Lost Panther De Ville Fetches €132,000 at Auction
The late French rock icon's prized car, once lost in a poker game, has captivated bidders, ultimately selling for over double its expected price.
A classic car once owned by the renowned French rock star Johnny Hallyday has made headlines after selling for €132,000 ($143,000; £110,000) at auction. The Panther De Ville, which was gifted to Hallyday by his then-wife Sylvie Vartan in 1975, features bespoke elements such as mink seats, a gold disc on the grille, and personalized hubcaps that bear his initials.
The auction was conducted by Osenat, a French auction house that noted the car was purchased by a French buyer for "a specific project" that he plans to unveil soon. It is important to note that the buyer incurred an additional premium of €26,400 on top of the purchase price.
Intriguingly, Hallyday lost the Panther De Ville at a poker game in 1977. According to reports, he had tried to reacquire the vehicle from its subsequent owner but was dissuaded by his manager due to financial constraints. The Panther De Ville, recognized for its neo-classic luxury aesthetic and powered by a Jaguar V12 engine, was produced in Britain between 1974 and 1985.
The car auction took place in Fontainebleau, near Paris, where Osenat offered a total of 69 classic cars. Expectations for the Panther De Ville had been between €55,000 and €80,000, indicating the surprise at its final sale price. The gold disc atop the grill, which honors Hallyday's successful records in 1975, adds a sentimental value to this significant piece of automotive and music history.
Notably, Hallyday, known for his passion for automobiles, had to part with the car two years after its acquisition due to financial reasons following the poker game. Interestingly, the lucky subsequent owner later traded the Panther for a Ferrari, indicating a preference for sportier vehicles.
Johnny Hallyday, who passed away from lung cancer in 2017 at the age of 74, remains a cherished figure in French music, having sold over 110 million records and starred in numerous films during his prolific 57-year career. He continued to be active in music well into his later years, with a legacy that continues to resonate with fans worldwide.
