With the Panther De Ville now in the hands of a new owner, fans eagerly await the details of the mysterious “specific project” that will involve the iconic vehicle
A luxury classic car once owned by the late French rock star Johnny Hallyday before he lost it in a poker game has sold for €132,000 ($143,000; £110,000) at an auction in France. The Panther De Ville, a rare and extravagant vehicle, was initially gifted to Hallyday in 1975 by his then-wife, singer Sylvie Vartan.
The vehicle, which features custom-made mink seats, a gold disc celebrating Hallyday’s music career, and hubcaps engraved with his initials, was sold by the French auction house Osenat in Fontainebleau, near Paris, on Monday.
The buyer, a French man, purchased the car for a “specific project” that he plans to reveal soon, according to Osenat. In addition to the sale price, the buyer had to pay a €26,400 premium.
The Panther De Ville, known for its 1930s-inspired luxury design, was produced in Britain between 1974 and 1985. It was equipped with a powerful Jaguar V12 engine, combining elegance with high performance. Hallyday’s particular model was painted in a striking yellow and black color scheme, making it a standout among classic cars.
Vartan, Hallyday’s first wife and a fellow music icon, had the vehicle personalized with a gold disc mounted on the grille in honor of his best-selling records in 1975. The car became one of the many symbols of Hallyday’s lavish lifestyle and passion for automobiles.
Despite his love for the Panther De Ville, Hallyday was forced to part with it in 1977 after losing a poker game at a friend’s house. According to Osenat’s expert Stéphane Pavot, Hallyday later attempted to repurchase the vehicle, but his manager advised against it due to financial constraints at the time.
Following Hallyday’s loss, the car changed hands multiple times. The winner of the poker game, who preferred sportier models, later traded it for a Ferrari owned by a dedicated Hallyday fan. Over the years, the Panther De Ville remained a sought-after collector’s item, linked to one of France’s most beloved entertainers.
Osenat had initially estimated the vehicle’s value between €55,000 and €80,000. However, strong interest from bidders drove the final price well above expectations. The auction featured a total of 69 classic cars, with Hallyday’s Panther De Ville standing out as one of the highlights.
Hallyday, who sold over 110 million records and had a career spanning 57 years, was known not only for his music but also for his love of luxury cars and motorcycles.
His career included numerous sold-out tours, acting roles in films, and a dedicated fan base that extended beyond France. Even after his passing in 2017 from lung cancer at the age of 74, his legacy continues to thrive, as demonstrated by the intense interest in his memorabilia.
With the Panther De Ville now in the hands of a new owner, fans eagerly await the details of the mysterious “specific project” that will involve the iconic vehicle. Until then, Hallyday’s legend lives on, both in his music and in the relics of his extravagant life.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
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