Hommell Barquette

1996 Hommell Barquette

Offered by Artcurial | Le Mans, France | July 2, 2022

Photo – Artcurial

Michel Hommell’s small cottage industry sports car company existed from 1990 to 2003. The Barquette was a track car launched in 1994 alongside a road-going version called the Berlinette, which was essentially produced to homologate this racing version.

The 2.0-liter inline-four produced 155 horsepower, enough to push this car to 130 mph. Competition events included a one-make racing series that was in action from the mid-1990s through the early 2000s.

This is the fourth of 52 examples produced. From the timeline in the catalog, it appears this car was originally black but was bought by the current owner in 1998 and repainted this blue. The wheels have been more recently painted, and now the car has an estimate of $31,000-$42,000. It’s like an off-brand Renault Sport Spider. Click here for more info.

Hommell Vaillant

1999 Hommell Vaillant Grand Defi Coupe

Offered by Bonhams | Francorchamps, Belgium | May 18, 2014

Photo - Bonhams

Photo – Bonhams

The Hommell Berlinette might be a car you know of it you actually owned one (or are a more-than-casual fan of the Gran Turismo series on PlayStation, where the car is among those you can purchase and race). But outside of those two limited circles, Automobiles Michel Hommell isn’t really well known.

The Berlinette was shown in prototype form in 1990 and in production form in 1994. The company lasted until the end of 2003. The Vaillant is a special racing edition of the Berlinette (although this car is road-registered and street-legal – in Europe anyway). It is named for the comic book character Michel Vaillant, of whom I know nothing about. The mid-mounted powertrain mirrors that of the standard Berlinette, featuring a 2.0-liter straight-four making 167 horsepower.

About 16 examples of the Vaillant were built and they were intended for a Celebrity racing series featuring celebrities that I’m sure I don’t know. At any rate, Hommells are very rare and are an attractive late-90s sports car for those who like them. This one should sell for between $83,000-$110,000. Click here for more info and here for more from Bonhams at Spa.

Update: Not sold.

Update: Not sold, Artcurial Paris, June 2019.

Update: Sold, Aguttes June 2021, $66,230.