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About l'art et l'automobile
l’art et l’automobile specializes in vintage transportation-related categories that include drawings, paintings, photographs, posters, mascots, sculptures, models, toys, objects, programs, literature, magazines, and automobilia. We have something to offer for every automotive enthusiast and collector.
Jacques Vaucher, owner of l’art et l’automobile, in 2012 in his gallery on the ranch in Harper, TX
A view of l’art et l’automobile barn/gallery on the ranch in Harper, TX
Jacques Vaucher at the wheel of the Ford GT40 “Mirage” in 1989 at Watkins Glen
A little bit of history...
l'art et l'automobile is owned by Jacques Vaucher, who from the age of four was the unofficial test driver of pedal and motorized cars for "Eureka,” a toy manufacturer in France owned by his godfather. This fascination with speed continued, as did his dream of being a race car driver. His schooling at Winfield, France’s famous racing school, lead Jacques to different forms of racing. Jacques found his niche in touring car endurance championships in the U.S. and produced winning results at Limerock and Watkins Glen. Concurrently, he sold Maseratis for the importer Bob Grossman and later managed the New York Showroom of Ferrari importer Luigi Chinetti. Jacques turned the Showroom into a gallery, covering the walls with automotive art to complement the moving sculptures displayed on the floor.
Jacques Vaucher, early 1970s, in a Formula Car in Magny-Cours, France
Jacques Vaucher at Watkins Glen 1978
Jacques Vaucher in 1982 in his first gallery in New York City
Now with somewhat slower reflexes, Jacques continues to follow his passion as the owner of America's preeminent automotive art gallery and auction house. In the extensive collection, you will find the most important artists and automobilia from the 1890s to date. As its name implies, l’art et l’automobile has historically focused on automotive collectibles, however, recently they have expanded their selection and have begun to offer impressive collection of motorcycle, nautical, and aeronautical related items.
View of the interior of l'art et l'automobile previous gallery in East Hampton
Jacques & his wife Karen exhibiting at Laguna Seca in California
Jacques with LeRoy Neiman and his work at the opening of the Monte Carlo Chase show at l’art et l’automobile
Jacques & a few clients/friends in his 34th street penthouse gallery N.Y.C
Gallery opening 34th street in N.Y.C
Gallery opening on Madison Ave. in N.Y.C
For the neophyte collector or the one without the time to seek every individual piece on their own, Jacques has on numerous occasions provided consultation and decorating services. Just give him a budget, some ideas of what you might like, how big the space is, and he will do the rest. If a customized automotive library is what you are seeking, he can also amass enough books to fill all your shelves. Many of these treasures are acquired by Jacques, while others are sold on consignment.
l'art et l'automobile originally held automobilia auctions with items presented in a printed catalog and bids submitted by phone until technology made it possible to hold auctions through an online system. Although items are no longer offered by auction they are now available through the online store, the gallery and at exhibitions around the United States.
Collectors interested in viewing what l’art et l’automobile has to offer may visit the website at arteauto.com, find Jacques in person at any number of events annually, or schedule an appointment to see the gallery/barn in Harper, Texas. With a large current inventory of thousands of items of automobilia, there is something for every automotive enthusiast and collector–regardless of why they collect.
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