In brief
The Panther De Ville, lost at a poker game in 1977, has captivated buyers with its unique features and Hallyday's celebrity legacy.
A stunning 1975 Panther De Ville, once belonging to the legendary French rock star Johnny Hallyday, has been sold at auction for an impressive €132,000 (approximately $143,000 or £110,000). This luxury vehicle was a gift from Hallyday's then-wife, pop singer Sylvie Vartan, and is known for its bespoke features, including plush mink seats and a gold disc adorning the grille, which celebrates Hallyday's record achievements.The auction took place at French auction house Osenat in Fontainebleau, near Paris. The winning bidder, a French man, has plans to utilize the vehicle for a specific project, details of which will be revealed soon. He was also responsible for an additional buyer's premium of €26,400.The Panther De Ville has a colorful history, having been lost during a poker game with a friend back in 1977. Reports indicate that Hallyday made attempts to reclaim the vehicle but was advised against it by his manager due to financial constraints.This model was notable not only for its exquisite design, showcasing a retro 1930s aesthetic but also for its powerful V12 Jaguar engine. Out of the only 69 classic cars auctioned that day, Hallyday’s model exceeded expectations, which had estimated it would sell for between €55,000 and €80,000.The iconic gold disc is engraved with Hallyday's name, making the car all the more special. Vartan had the disc placed on the car to commemorate Hallyday’s successful year in music. Post their divorce in 1980, Hallyday maintained his status as a famed car enthusiast, but after losing this classic, he briefly exchanged it for a Ferrari owned by a fellow Hallyday admirer.In his lifetime, Hallyday sold over 110 million records and made a significant mark in cinema, continuing to perform until shortly before his passing from lung cancer in 2017 at the age of 74.
