The Cartier Collection You Didn’t See Coming
Former Cartier CEO Bernard Fornas brings his stunning car collection to auction with Bonhams Cars featuring Ferraris, Aston Martins, and rare classics.
The former President and CEO of Cartier International and Co-Chief Executive Officer of the Richemont Group, Fornas has spent a lifetime shaping some of the most iconic maisons in the industry.
But beyond the boardroom, his discerning eye and refined sensibility have found another expression: a quietly cultivated yet world-class collection of motorcars.
Now, for the first time, Bonhams|Cars will unveil this remarkable assemblage of 15 vehicles, each one a study in engineering excellence, design innovation and historical significance.
Spanning from the golden era of post-war motoring to the cutting edge of modern performance, the Bernard Fornas Collection reads like a love letter to automotive artistry.
The collection will be offered across three major Bonhams|Cars international sales: The Bonmont Sale in Switzerland on 29 June, The Quail Auction in California on 15 August, and The Zoute Sale in Belgium on 12 October.
Each car is presented in outstanding condition, ready to grace the world’s finest concours lawns or be driven with the spirit in which it was originally conceived.
Among the collection’s centrepieces are three crown jewels of automotive design: a 1963 Ferrari 250 GT/L Lusso, a 1964 Aston Martin DB5 Convertible, and a 2010 Ferrari 599 GTO, each an exceptional collector’s piece in its own right.
"Monsieur Fornas possesses an innate sense of style, beauty, elegance, and detail, particularly evident in his passion for classic motorcars. His collection reflects a profound appreciation for automotive history, engineering, and design." - Mark Osborne, Bonhams|Cars Global Director of Motorsport
Mr Fornas’ passion for cars began in childhood, growing up in Morocco where he fondly recalls driving with his father in Alfa Romeos and American classics.
In 1984, well before the mainstream recognition of vintage cars, he acquired his first collector car, a Jaguar XK150 Coupé, marking the beginning of a lifelong journey in automotive collecting.
His private garage now spans what he considers the ‘golden era’ of motoring, from the late 1950s to the mid-1980s, with standout examples from Ferrari, Aston Martin, Maserati, Porsche, and classic American marques.
At The Bonmont Sale on 29 June, two Ferraris from the collection take centre stage. A 2010 Ferrari 599 GTO, Classiche Certified and delivered new in Switzerland via Garage Zenith in Lausanne, comes with an estimate of CHF 800,000 – 900,000.
This rare and versatile V12 grand tourer, chassis 174943, is revered for its prowess on both track and road and is regarded as a future blue-chip asset.
Alongside it is a 2022 Ferrari 812 GTS Hardtop, a limited-production open-top V12 with just 170 km from new.
Estimated at CHF 450,000 – 550,000, it is among Ferrari’s most desirable front-engine convertibles, in the lineage of the 550, 575 and 599.
Two of the most elegant grand tourers of the 1960s will headline The Zoute Sale on 12 October.
The 1964 Aston Martin DB5 Convertible, one of only 39 built in left-hand drive, was delivered new to the US and has undergone a full restoration by Bacchelli & Villa.
Presented in a rare and striking triple black configuration, it carries an estimate of €1,150,000 – 1,400,000.
It is joined by a 1963 Ferrari 250 GT/L Lusso, finished in an understated Grigio with black interior. Recently awarded Ferrari’s prestigious Classiche ‘Red Book’ certification, it is estimated at €1,250,000 – 1,500,000.
At The Quail Auction on 15 August, four pristine American classics, all restored to 100-point concours condition, will be offered.
A pair of showstopping Thunderbirds, restored by marque expert Amos Minter of Dallas at Mr Fornas’ request, lead the group.
The 1956 Ford Thunderbird in Torch Red is estimated at US$100,000 – 140,000, while the ultra-rare 1957 Ford Thunderbird F-Code, one of 196 factory supercharged examples and just 56 finished in Raven Black, is estimated at US$200,000 – 300,000.
Also featured are two concours-restored Chevrolet Corvettes: a 1960 model, meticulously restored by Dutch marque specialist Roger Reijngoud (estimated at US$110,000 – 160,000), and a 1963 Split Window Coupe (US$175,000 – 225,000), both epitomising the golden age of American sports car design.
The remaining cars from the collection will be presented at The Zoute Sale, many of them offered without reserve. Highlights include:
- 1969 Ferrari 365 GT 2+2, estimate: €200,000 – 220,000
- 1971 Maserati Ghibli SS, estimate: €165,000 – 210,000
- 1980 Ferrari 308 GTS, estimate: €85,000 – 110,000, no reserve
- 1990 Jaguar XJS Convertible, with only 7,000 km from new, estimate: €45,000 – 65,000, no reserve
- 1988 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2, estimate: €90,000 – 110,000, no reserve
- 1953 Buick Roadmaster Woodie, estimate: €40,000 – 60,000, no reserve
- 1975 Range Rover 3.5-litre, formerly owned by Alain Delon, estimate: €100,000 – 130,000, no reserve
With its breadth, rarity and curatorial precision, the Bernard Fornas Collection offers a singular opportunity for collectors to acquire historically significant, impeccably preserved automobiles; each one a reflection of the man’s dedication to timeless beauty and engineering brilliance.
