Johnny Hallyday’s Poker-Lost Classic Car Fetches €132,000 at Auction

A rare 1975 car once owned by French music legend Johnny Hallyday, which he lost while playing poker, has sold at auction for €132,000.

In a remarkable sale, a classic car previously owned by the iconic French rock musician Johnny Hallyday went for €132,000 ($143,000; £110,000) at auction. The 1975 Panther De Ville, a luxurious and bespoke model, was gifted to Hallyday by his then-wife, famed singer Sylvie Vartan. The car is notable for its extravagant customizations, including mink seats, a unique gold disc atop the grille, and hubcaps emblazoned with Hallyday's initials.

The auction took place at Osenat, a French auction house, and the vehicle was purchased by a Frenchman for a "specific project," which remains under wraps for now. The sale also included a buyer's premium of €26,400. Notably, Hallyday lost the car in a poker game with a friend in 1977, a story that adds to its provenance.

Osenat reported that Hallyday had once sought to reclaim the vehicle but was advised against it by his manager due to financial constraints. The Panther De Ville, characterized by its neo-classical design reminiscent of the 1930s, was powered by a V12 Jaguar engine. The specific yellow-and-black model sold was one of only 69 classic cars auctioned by Osenat in Fontainebleau on Monday.

This car was originally expected to sell for between €55,000 and €80,000. The gold disc on its grille was placed there to honor Hallyday's best-selling records in 1975, with Vartan involved in the decision. Despite Hallyday's passion for automobiles, he lost the Panther to a friend, who later swapped it for a sportier Ferrari that was more to his liking.

Hallyday, often referred to as the "French Elvis," enjoyed immense fame with over 110 million records sold and an extensive film career lasting 57 years. He continued to entertain audiences until shortly before his passing from lung cancer in 2017, at the age of 74.