(July 23, 2016) A 1931 Mathis motorcar, which was hidden in France during World War II, will be offered for sale by Silverstone Auctions at the Silverstone Classic taking place July 29-31.

The now rare and collectible Mathis PY 7CV has spent the last 72 years behind lock and key at a Chateau in Northern France, having been concealed from the invading German forces who stripped the area of valuable collectibles in the early 1940s.

After years in isolation, the sleeping Mathis motorcar was discovered by the current owner in 2014, who purchased it alongside two other cars found in the private collection. The time-warp Mathis had never been moved from its secure hiding place and until recently remained sat on blocks.



Today, over eight decades after it was manufactured, it is an extremely rare and authentic example of the French marque which was founded by Émile Mathis in 1910. His contemporary, the young Ettore Bugatti designed two models for him that were marketed under the brand Hermes, before their careers took different paths. The Mathis factory in Strasbourg went on to became the fourth largest in France, making more than 20,000 cars in 1927, with Citroën being the main competition, before eventually closing in 1950.

This 1931 barn-find example proves to be in remarkable preserved condition upon inspection, showing no substantial rust, with the only deterioration being age related, having stood still in time. Now transported to the United Kingdom, the Mathis will be offered on the open market at auction for the first time ever, without reserve.

Speaking ahead of the auction, Nick Whale, managing director of Silverstone Auctions, said “This is such an exciting discovery. The car appears to be very authentic, and it's extremely rare to find one in such preserved condition. Sadly there’s no paper work with the car other than a wonderful period photograph, but its story and the life this car has lived make it very special indeed.”

Presented in black and green paintwork with a grey cloth interior and black soft top, the period car has covered just over 25,000 miles in its 85 years of life.

“This car would make a wonderful edition to any period car collection” continues Nick. “It also offers the opportunity for a very fine and rewarding restoration project, as it has been left unloved for such a long time. We look forward to finding a deserving new owner for her at auction.”