A 1975 Panther De Ville, with custom features, has auctioned for €132,000, reflecting its storied past and connection to the iconic rock star.
Lost Treasure of Rock: Johnny Hallyday's Poker-Lost Panther De Ville Fetches €132,000
Lost Treasure of Rock: Johnny Hallyday's Poker-Lost Panther De Ville Fetches €132,000
A unique piece of music history has resurfaced as a rare automobile once owned by Johnny Hallyday is auctioned successfully.
A classic vehicle once owned by the late French rock legend Johnny Hallyday has been sold for an impressive €132,000 ($143,000; £110,000) at a recent auction. The Panther De Ville, a bespoke model gifted to Hallyday in 1975 by his then-wife singer Sylvie Vartan, boasts luxurious features including mink seats, a gold disc atop the grille, and custom hubcaps that display his initials.
The auction, held by French house Osenat, attracted the attention of a French buyer who intends to repurpose the classic car for a "specific project", although details remain under wraps. Along with the purchase price, the buyer also incurred an additional premium of €26,400.
This particular car had an interesting backstory; Hallyday lost it while engaged in a poker game with a friend in 1977. Reports indicate that Hallyday attempted to reclaim his beloved vehicle but was advised against it by his manager due to financial constraints. The Panther De Ville, characterized by its neo-classical design and powered by a V12 Jaguar engine, was produced in the UK between 1974 and 1985. Notably, only 69 Panther De Villes were sold in Fontainebleau, France, making them a rare find.
The gold disc atop the grille commemorates Hallyday's successful music career with an inscription of his name. Vartan had it positioned to celebrate his musical achievements in 1975. Despite Hallyday's passion for cars, he sold the Panther De Ville after his poker loss, and it eventually traded places with a Ferrari, highlighting the car's substantial allure even among fellow enthusiasts.
Hallyday, known as the "French Elvis," sold over 110 million records and starred in numerous films throughout a remarkable career that lasted 57 years. He continued to perform until his death from lung cancer in 2017 at the age of 74, leaving behind a rich legacy in music and culture.
