(ovviamente l'aereo , non il forumista )

François Curiel, Chairman of Christie's Europe, adds: "The Concorde auction at Christie's in Paris will pay tribute to aviation legend. It is a testimony to French and European technology, and we are proud to welcome in our saleroom admirers of the great white bird which made us all dream."

All lots will be offered without reserve and will therefore be auctioned to the highest bidder, whatever the preliminary estimate. The auction will be set around four major themes: the supersonic adventure, technical elements, souvenirs, and finally a special series of photographic prints.

The supersonic adventure

The aerodynamic surface, air-frame and extraordinary means of propulsive potential place the Concorde apart from all other air vessesls. Highlights of the sale will include two of Concorde's mythical motors, the Olympus 593 (estimate on request). The latter, built by Rolls-Royce (60%) and SNECMA (40%), was originally conceived to propel the Avro Vulcan, a military bomber aircraft. The Olympus 593 remains one of the most beautiful engines ever created.

The elegant curves of the supersonic aircraft have fascinated every generation since its creation. The thin tipped and pointy nose is highly symbolic of this aircraft and plane lovers will have the opportunity to acquire the radome elegant cone, 3.50 m long, that is situated at the end of the Concorde nose (estimate: €10,000-15,000). Aside from the nose, many parts of the aircraft when viewed individually become objects in themselves worthy of a contemporary art collection, these include the refined, slender design of the elevons from the wings of Concorde (€1,500-2,000).

Technical elements

Flying on Concorde for the first time, all passengers used to be mesmerised by the machmeter as the numbers reached 1 and 2 and then the airplane finally stabilised at 2.02, i.e. 600m/s, twice as fast as the speed of sound. The auction will allow admirers to acquire this cabin machmeter, a symbolic element of the supersonic adventure.

The sale will also include most of the control panel instruments from the cockpit, such as the machmeter, the radiation indicator, the nose control lever, the flight control indicator, the centre of gravity indicator, the side slip indicator and many more.

All lots will be offered for auction with estimates starting from €20. Please note that these lots will not be able to be used for their original purpose and are for exhibition only.

Souvenirs

Various souvenirs will be offered throughout the sale including models, some as tall as 1/26th of the original size of Concorde. The seats of the captain, the pilot, the co-pilot and the mechanic, accompanied by a collection of flight and instructor's manuals will also be offered.

Nostalgic passengers of the impeccable service on board will have the opportunity to acquire the complete Concorde galley. A special set of 48-piece porcelain service from the set designed exclusively by Andrée Putman will also be offered for sale.

Photographs

The sale will close with the dispersal of a set of photographic prints relating to the life of Concorde, from its conception to its last flight. Air France has re-edited this unique set exclusively for this commemorative sale.

Photographs and catalogue on request on Christie's website : www.christies.com

Public View:
November 8, 10, 12, 13 and 14 from 10am to 6pm at Christie's 9 Avenue Matignon, 75008, Paris

Auction:
Saturday November 15, 2003 at 3pm at Christie's 9 Avenue Matignon, 75008, Paris