Historic Hollande scooter fetches £22,000 at auction
The scooter once ridden by former French president Francois Hollande found a new owner during a Sunday auction. It was sold for £22,000, which is significantly higher than the usual price for such vehicles.
The history of this scooter is closely tied to events from a decade ago when the media revealed the then-president's affair with actress Julie Gayet.
The scooter named desire
In 2014, this scooter, with Francois Hollande on board, appeared on the cover of Closer magazine. This magazine first informed the world that the president was using the scooter to make "discreet escapades" to Gayet's apartment.
At that time, Hollande's official partner, though they were not married, was journalist Valerie Trierweiler. The scandal that erupted after the affair was revealed, followed by the breakup with Trierweiler, negatively impacted the president's public image.
The scooter, which became the centre of media attention in 2014, was later sold by the Élysée Palace along with other vehicles. It changed hands until it finally landed at the auction organized by the Rouillac auction house. The starting price was £8,900, but an anonymous buyer purchased it for £22,000, outbidding more than 10 other bidders.
"Legendary vehicle" sold well above market value
The scooter, which is 14 years old and has 34,000 kilometres on it, is a Piaggio model. Its market value would be just under £1,100, but due to its history, the auction house placed it in the "legendary vehicles" category. Hollande himself confirmed the scooter's authenticity, dedicating a book to the retired couple who previously owned the vehicle.
In 2022, Hollande and Gayet decided on a discreet wedding. Hollande served as president from 2012 to 2017. By the end of his term, his ratings had significantly fallen, and he decided not to run for a second term.
