Lot 7999: 1934 Lancia Belna Eclipse

Based on my research, here’s the fascinating history behind the 1934 Lancia Belna Eclipse:

The History: The Lancia Belna Eclipse was born during the Art Deco era in 1930s Paris, when the city was a hotbed of creative energy. The car was designed by Georges Paulin, a remarkable French-Jewish dentist who was also an artist and inventor. After witnessing someone struggling with a convertible top in the rain, Paulin invented the retractable hardtop system and patented it in 1932.

Paulin collaborated with Marcel Pourtout, a respected Parisian coachbuilder, to create stunning vehicles with this innovative roof system. The Lancia Belna Eclipse was one of his masterpieces - a French-built version of the Lancia Augusta with custom coachwork by Pourtout featuring Paulin’s patented disappearing hardtop.

Tragically, Paulin’s story ended heroically during WWII. He joined the French Resistance but was captured and executed by the Germans in 1942. A note found in his pocket read: “I love you – do not avenge me.”

Production Numbers: Approximately 5 Lancia Belna Eclipse models were built with the Paulin-designed, Pourtout-constructed Eclipse convertible body. Today, only 2 are known to survive - one in the United States (the car currently listed) and another in pieces in the Netherlands.

This particular example has a rich provenance, having been owned by Dr. Eugene Nobles of Memphis, then renowned collector John Moir, before joining a prestigious private collection in 2015.

Would you like to know more about the technical specifications or see similar vehicles from this era?