Coming up soon is Bonhams Retromobile sale www.bonhams.com at Paris on February 9, and the team have been lining up a mouthwatering selection of cars for the occasion. For Group C sports racers there can be little more special than a chance to buy the only example of the 1989 World Sports Car Championship-winning Sauber-Mercedes C9 likely to go on public sale in the foreseeable future. Raced by, among others, Jean-Louis Schlesser and Jochen Mass, this car was fifth at Le Mans and won at Jarama, Nurburgring, Donington, Mexico and Suzuka. It is also the actual car that holds the world record for a top speed achieved during a race, being officially timed at 407km/h at Le Mans. Serviced by Sauber and on the button, its up for 1.1-1.9 million.

The Dutch collection of Pim Hascher adds some splendid Vintage and classic quality, including a 1929 Bugatti T43, a 1928 Hispano-Suiza H6B and a 1951 Bugatti Type 101.

These are complemented by further consignments, including the top money 1928 Mercedes S-type Supercharged, exquisitely bodied by Parisian coachbuilder Saoutchik for the Paris Salon 80 years ago and estimated at 1.7-2.4 million.

Just two examples survive of the 10.6-litre 1905 Panhard-Levassor and bids are invited of 375-450,000; the same estimate is on the 1921 Farman, a rare and highly advanced beast that is said to be the last in private ownership. With a 6-litre 6-cyl engine, four-speed gearbox and four-wheel brakes, it was built for the Maharajah of Idar, who later gave it to his brother-in-law. It's only changed hands twice more since.

The oh-so-stylish Parisian classic car show runs from February 8-17 in halls 4 and 3.1 at Paris Expo, Porte de Versailles. Entry costs 12.50 for adults, 7 for children: more info on http://www.retromobile.fr. .

Malcolm McKay, Motorbase News Editor