Authentic Automobile Club De I'Ouest Sign
Item Details
- Seller: vo152
- Location: United Kingdom PH3 1RA
- Lot #: M-0030499-DT
Available for auction is a genuine Automobile Club de l'Ouest porcelain enamel sign. This is one of the most treasured and coveted pieces of Le Mans automobilia. The Automobile Club de l'Ouest (which translates into English as "Automobile Club of the West") is the organizing entity behind the 24 Hours of Le Mans (plus numerous other motor racing events held at the Le Mans race track) and the organization founding dates back to 1906. 
The club (sometimes abbreviated as ACO for short) is the largest automotive group in France and although it is most famous for being the organizing body behind the annual Le Mans 24 Hours race, the ACO also lobbies on behalf of French drivers on such issues as road building and maintenance, the availability of driving schools and road safety classes, and the incorporation of technical innovations into new vehicles. It also runs a roadside assistance service for its members.
This beautiful and significant historical piece of automotive history was the original sign made for the club that was given to select garages and institutions who were contributing members of the club itself. It is believed some individuals were able to purchase the sign but only for a substantial fee and in most cases it would have been to long-standing club members only. These signs are genuinely very rare. It is known to be very elusive to come by and so much so they are most certainly on the radar of automobile museums and astute collectors. 
The sign measures 28" along the top, 6.5" along the bottom, and a height of 18". The shape of the sign being an inverted triangle is also very unique. The sign is believed to have been produced in the 1950s though there are no markings of any kind. However, it's possible the sign may date back to the 1930s as some signs had two stars at the very top.
The sign is by no means perfect and does have damage in the form of corrosion along the very top of the sign and general sun fading. You will also see various chips and scratches. This sign has most definitely endured the elements and was most certainly displayed on the outside of a building for many years. That being said, it has serious significance and still looks very striking. It is a sign to put in a glass display cabinet and to be admired. 
The buyer is responsible for shipping, handling, and fees.
Auction Results
- Sold for: $1,200
- Auction End: Jun 29, 2023 12:09:42PM UTC
- Number of Offers: 2
Comments (9)
Sold for $1,200
Offer in the amount of $1,100
Offer in the amount of $1,000
Bid in the amount of $650
As the final moments of the auction approaches, I just want to say a special thank you to everyone for your bids, questions and the interest shown.
Kind regards
@MidOH911 Thank you so much for your bid tonight.
Bid in the amount of $550
Hello everyone and thank you for viewing this auction.
I would first of all like to say a very special thank you to @bespoke for your bid the other day and thank you for getting in touch.
Unfortunately I have a relative in hospital at the moment and an overload of commitments and I do sincerely apologize to everyone for my late introduction and for the lack of information regarding shipping.
I just want to let everyone know that worldwide shipping of this sign is available.
I have listed below an estimated cost of the shipping based on the dimensions and the potential size of the package:
UK - £50
Europe - €85
U.S.A. - $120
The price above is just an estimate and may vary slightly (possibly less and possibly a little more). I am always keen to make sure items are very well packaged and as a result the shipping estimation may change slightly. Due to the delicate nature of this sign I will be a little over zealous with the packaging as I want to make sure no damage is sustained while it is in transit.
I always use UPS and each item is fully insured against damage or loss. Furthermore, I do not charge for the actual packaging of the items as I have an abundance of packaging material in storage. The only cost would be for the actual courier itself.
If anyone has any questions please just let me know. Due to my current working and personal commitments and the time zone difference, there may be a slight delay in my response. However, I will always reply to any message as soon as I can.
I want to thank everyone once again for the interest you have shown and I wish you all the very best of success in the auction.
Kind regards
Bid in the amount of $500