Bonhams' sale at the Grand Palais in Paris on February 7 gave bidders the chance of an aerial thrill, among the array of classic automobiles on offer.
Crossing the auction block was a 1929 American Moth Corp Gipsy Moth biplane with an Oscar-winning provenance - having appeared in the award-winning 1985 film Out of Africa.
 The 1929-built plane has a top speed of 105 mph |
The aircraft dates from a golden period in private aviation, and the design by aviation pioneer Geoffrey de Havilland was described as "unsurpassed" in its aesthetics and quality.
Still in fine working order, the plane had been flown across the stunning landscapes of Kenya and Tanzania during the filming of Out of Africa - winner of seven Academy awards - and was expected to attract collectors with a passion for both aviation and cinema history.
It didn't disappoint, and easily surpassed its valuation to sell for an impressive €201,250 ($270,117) - 42.9% above its estimate of €149,000 ($200,000) and an auction record for a Gipsy Moth.
For news on the automobiles sold at the Paris auction, visit our classic cars section.
View our Charles Lindbergh signed menu for sale.
