Fabuleuses collections oubliées

Halfway between urbex and automotive reporting, this book unveils some of the most hidden collections in the world—a spine-tingling revelation for lovers of classic cars!  

Among the treasures unearthed are a Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder once owned by Alain Delon and sought after by experts for 40 years, Delahaye cars with Chapron coachwork, Talbot-Lago vehicles, including the T26 cabriolet by Saoutchik, Delage models, and even Renault and Citroën cars from the 1920s, abandoned in open fields. The recent discovery of a remarkable forgotten collection under corrugated metal sheets captivated enthusiasts worldwide. Rust and peeling paint vie for attention with lichen-covered surfaces, ivy creeping into interiors, moss embracing bodywork, and ancient dials hidden beneath layers of dust.  

After decades of stillness, rare automobiles have emerged from the shadows of barns, from Roger Baillon’s collection—his life’s work—to other slumbering beauties of inestimable value. The Baillon collection, auctioned in 2015 by Artcurial, fetched over €25 million. Christian Martin masterfully captures and revives these sleeping beauties, which continue to fascinate.  

About the Author

Christian Martin, born December 17, 1954, graduated from the French Institute of Photography in 1972. Starting as an assistant at Studio Carnot, he went on to sell paintings in Place du Tertre and in the USA.  

In 1979, he became an assistant to Francis Giacobetti and began contributing to *Lui* magazine in 1980, managing its automotive section. His work has appeared in magazines such as *Elle*, *Auto Journal*, *Newlook*, *VSD*, *L’Équipe Mag*, *Gala*, *Vélo Mag*, *Jeune & Jolie*, *Sport Auto*, *Auto Plus*, *Automobiles Classiques*, *Rétroviseur*, and *Auto-Rétro*.  

He has also collaborated with car manufacturers such as Peugeot-Citroën, Audi, Opel, and BMW. Christian Martin is the author of more than ten books devoted to his passion for automobiles.  

Specifications

Number of Pages: 308  

Number of Illustrations: Over 250 photos  

Author(s): Christian Martin  

Languages: French and English  

Release Date: November 2024  

Dimensions: 25 cm x H 33 cm x D 4 cm  

Weight: 3 kg  

Materials: Matte coated paper (200 gsm), linen fabric cover, hot stamping, embossed printing  

ISBN: 978-2-487507-00-5