Osenat Automobiles, a historic department of the Auction House!
The Collectible Automobiles Department: “At the service of your passion!”
A pioneer in its field, Jean-Pierre Osenat was among the very first to create a “Collectible Automobiles” department within his auction house in 1976, barely one year after setting up as an auctioneer. Fifty years later, this experience has enabled Osenat to rank among the three leading French auction houses in the field of automobiles.
The department has notably been responsible for the dispersal of several landmark collections, such as the Gombert collection, which resulted in an unrivalled auction record for an Alpine (A 210 prototype sold for €872,800). More recently, the JWA collection, “Golden Age of French Coachbuilding”. It has also handled an exceptional Alfa Romeo collection, allowing the department to break its own record with the sale of an Alfa Romeo Tipo 33/2 Daytona for €2,100,000. Many other auction records have been achieved as well, including a 1939 Bugatti 57 C Stelvio sold for €1,269,000 and a world auction record for a 1939 Citroën Traction 15/6 Cabriolet, sold for €612,440.
Osenat also benefits from a major asset in this field: its own dedicated exhibition space for entrusted vehicles, a true showcase located at the foot of the Château de Fontainebleau.
With an extensive network of leading collectors in France and abroad, close ties with automobile clubs and renowned historians, the Fontainebleau-based auction house is able to appraise, value and sell all types of automobiles, of every style and period, reinforcing the reputation it enjoys today. Supported by a team of passionate specialists and several expert consultants in cars and motorcycles, the Osenat Automobiles Department places its expertise at the service of its clients, assisting them with both sales and acquisitions at auction.
Specialist auctions throughout the year
The auctions held in Fontainebleau cover a wide range of vehicles:
- vintage and prestige cars,
- sports cars,
- highly sought-after youngtimers,
- pre-war vehicles,
- private collections, estates and rare pieces.
Each sale benefits from international exposure, professional promotion and a presentation tailored to both enthusiasts and institutional buyers.
Presence at major automotive events
The Osenat Automobiles Department regularly takes part in the most important automotive events in France:
- Rétromobile (Paris)
- Époqu’Auto (Lyon)
- Linas-Montlhéry Autodrome
- Regional shows and gatherings
Osenat is also an official partner of the Coupe Autolégende, further strengthening its presence among collectors and enthusiasts of historic and sporting automobiles.
Valuations and department contact
Our specialists assist private individuals and collectors with the valuation, sale or acquisition of vintage and collectible vehicles.
Valuations are free of charge, confidential and without obligation, by appointment or remotely.
💬 Do you own a classic car, a sports car or a youngtimer?
