In brief
A bespoke Panther De Ville once owned by Johnny Hallyday, the iconic French rock star, has been sold for €132,000 at auction, reigniting the tale of its interesting past.
The 1975 Panther De Ville, customized for the legendary musician and gifted to him by his then-wife Sylvie Vartan, fetched an impressive €132,000 ($143,000) during an auction conducted by the French house Osenat. With luxurious features such as mink seats and gold accents, the vehicle symbolizes not just a high-end car but also the extravagant lifestyle of Hallyday. The rock star famously lost this vehicle during a poker game in 1977 with a friend. Osenat shared that French high bidder acquired it for a particular project, coming with an additional premium for the auction fees totaling €26,400. The auction house had anticipated bids between €55,000 and €80,000 but was pleasantly surprised by the final sale price. The Panther De Ville is renowned for its neo-classic design reminiscent of the 1930s, boasting a powerful V12 Jaguar engine. Hallyday, an avid car lover, owned one of only 69 models sold by Osenat in a recent auction in Fontainebleau, near Paris. The unique car features a gold disc with Hallyday's name, commemorating his successful records released in 1975, an emblem illustrating the intertwining of artistry and glamor.Despite attempts to reacquire the vehicle after its poker-induced loss, Hallyday, advised by his manager regarding financial constraints, was unable to retrieve it. The winning bidder, who prefers sportier cars, later exchanged the Panther De Ville for a Ferrari that belonged to a devoted Hallyday fan, indicating that even the missed connections of the past can resonate within the community today.Hallyday, often hailed as a French musical icon, sold over 110 million records during his extensive career and acted in various films. He remained active in music until shortly before passing away from lung cancer in 2017 at the age of 74, leaving behind a legacy that blends music, media, and high-profile relationships.
