By Daily Mail Reporter
Published: | Updated:
This fantastic array of classic, sporty, unusual and downright down-to-earth cars offers millionaires and the common man alike a 'unique opportunity' to own a piece of motoring history.
They are being auctioned off tomorrow by the Prince of Monaco, whose late father Rainer III spent years assembling one of the most famous collections in the world.
The vehicles range from immaculate examples of a 1953 Cadillac and a 1950s Bentley S1 through to a number of bargain basem*nt models such as a Fiat 500 and a Citroen estate.
Vintage: This 1953 Cadillac is among 38 cars from the late Rainier III's collection being put up for auction
Classic: The cars, which include this 1937 Jaguar, are currently on display at the Terrace of Fontvieille Museum in Monaco
Clear-out: Rainier's son, Albert II, has decided to 're-organise' the fleet and is selling them with no reserve
Long-held passion: Rainier, who married Grace Kelly, spent 30 years assembling a collection of more than 100 cars which are on display at the museum
Pristine: A 1950s Bentley S1. The prince had a collection of cars by makers from all over the world
Grab it while you can: The auction house has described the sale as a 'unique opportunity to acquire a motor car from one of the most well known collections, from the most famous and prestigious Principalities'
More than 100 of his vehicles have been on display at the Terrace of Fontvieille Museum in Monaco, but now his son, Albert II, has decided to sell 38 of them - with no reserve.
While there are a number of classic cars, the bulk of the vehicles on offer are 'real world' models which are affordable to the man on the street.
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The eclectic mix has everything from cute city cars to American muscle along with a retro Mercedes built specially for the Prince.
Among the strangest cars for a Royal to own is a 1971 Fiat 500 with the diminutive Italian model expected to fetch around £4,800.
Quite a collection: More than 100 of Rainier III's vehicles are on display at the Terrace of Fontvieille Museum in Monaco
Avid fans: Prince Albert II said the Princes of Monaco have always been passionate about motor cars
Heritage: Prince Pierre initiated the Grand Prix in 1929 and this was developed by Rainier III one of the most prestigious events in the world
Diverse: The eclectic mix has everything from cute city cars to American muscle along with a retro Mercedes built especially for the Prince
In his memory: Prince Rainier III, who once married Grace Kelly, died in 2005 at the age of 81
Imminent sale: The auction will be held at Museum Terrasses de Fontvieille in Monaco on July 26
Another working man's car is a 1976 Volkswagen Beetle, described as being in 'very good condition' but with a minor fault with the fuel pump. It has a guide price of just £3,200.
There is also some 1970s American muscle in the form of a Chevrolet Camaro, a 4.1-litre coupe which is expected to sell for £6,500.
And there are two classic French family cars on offer.
A 1981 Citroen CX Reflex D Break with a mere 75bhp has an £8k price-tag while a 1980 Citroen CX 2400 Pallas is expected to fetch £3,200.
The collection also has a few sporty vehicles including a retro Porsche 928 S Coupe.
Something for everyone: While there are a number of classic cars, the bulk of the vehicles on offer are 'real world' models which are affordable to the man on the street
Eccentric: The collection also has some of the more unusual models from through the years
King of the road: This 1971 Fiat 500 owned by the Prince of Monaco is expected to fetch £4,800
Under the hammer: Prince of Monaco's VW Beetle is expected to fetch £3,200
A 1980 Citroen CX is also part of the selection of bargain basem*nt cars being auctioned off
This is a 1964 Dodge Dart the late Rainier III, who married Grace Kelly, added to his collection
Retro: A Porsche 928 was one of the high-lights of the sale, and is expected to fetch £312,000
A 1983 Mercedes 500 SEC AMG owned by the Prince of Monaco is expected to fetch £12,000
Designed initially as a replacement for the Porsche 911, the 928 S has a 4.7-litre V8 engine with the auction house describing it as a 'very fine tourer'.
It is one of the more expensive of the cars being sold off but is still only expected to fetch around £12,000.
Another of the sporty cars is a 1983 Mercedes-Benz 500 SEC AMG which was bought new for the Prince, who died in 2005 at the age of 81.
Rainier III, who once married Grace Kelly, ordered a special finish at AMG which included a special steering wheel, a rear spoiler, special side sills, the rims, suspensions with lowered springs, an integral paint covering the entire car, including grille and window surrounds.
The Prince's 1939 Simca 5 is estimated to go for between £8,000 and £12,000
Car enthusiasts are expected to pay between £12,000 and £16,000 for Rainier III's black 1955 Citroën Traction 11C Commerciale
A classic 1969 Siata Spring roadster is priced at between £8,000 and £14,000
Dealers expect this vintage 1913 Panhard & Levassor X19 roadster to go for between £25,000 and £35,000
Royal roadster: A 1925 Citroën 5 HP torpédo Trèfle, Super-culasse is priced at £12,000 to £15,000
At £8,000 to £12,000, this 1968 NSU Sport Prinz coupé is part of the stunning collection of more than 100 cars which are on display at a museum in Monaco
It is expected to fetch around £12,000 when it is auctioned off by Artcurial Motorcars on July 26 in Monaco.
The auction house has described the sale as a 'unique opportunity to acquire a motor car from one of the most well known collections, from the most famous and prestigious Principalities'.
Prince Albert II added: 'The Princes of Monaco have always been passionate about motor cars. Prince Pierre initiated the Grand Prix in 1929, and competed in it, in a Torpedo.
'My father, Prince Rainier, took over the development of the race, which has today become one of the most prestigious events in the world.
'He also supported the Historic Grand Prix, which was established in 1997 and has enjoyed enormous success.
'Together, we established a private collection of classic cars which is particularly close to my heart. I now wish to add some new models to the collection.'
