“I was born with a silver Bugatti in my mouth. And my only wish is that my children will have a chance to drive it.”

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He was an architect for ten years before he decided to quit his job and follow his passion for classic cars. It was the French auction house Osenat that gave him this opportunity when he started a career with them as their consultant.

This is the story of Baptiste Nicolosi. His childhood was marked by Bugatti, the workshop and, of course, Retromobile, which his father had founded. “I was born with a silver Bugatti in my mouth. And my only wish is that my children will have a chance to drive it.” So was it a surprise that he dared to make the switch? We don't think so.

The next generation

When he participated in the Beforty rally in Netherlands for the first time in 2017, it was like a breath of fresh air to him to meet young people who are involved in classic cars. “It made me realise that there is a future for us! And at that moment the idea was born to step into this world professionally.” In 2019, together with Olivia, Camille and Shirine, three fantastic ladies, he organised the Beforty rally in France. We can tell you from our own experience that it was a great success.

Making new memories with friends and family by just hitting the road is what is most enjoyable. “Taking the time and if you have a mechanical failure (which is an essential part of a trip) repairing the car and getting back on the road!” That is what we call passion. One of his most spectacular moments (so far) is driving the family car with his sister and his dad at Le Mans Classic. “I remember crossing the finish line just a few minutes before the end of our session and enjoying an extra lap alone in the night, the slowest I’ve ever done!”

Baptiste hopes to be the new generation, he says, who have been nurtured by values that are at odds with our world: taking the time, being rewarded after a few hours of work, sometimes being led by chance, being spontaneous and, above all, being humble having a 100-year-old car.

In his current position he learns something new every day and meets enthusiasts from all walks of life. He would like to pass on his own enthusiasm by finding a new home for the cars where they will be loved and used. He feels there is great potential and that the opportunity exists to bring a new and different experience to the world of auctioneering. One example of this is that Osenat now employs a full-time mechanic who takes the time to help each customer discover the cars on offer.

The young Frenchman sees a bright future: “Classic cars exemplify values that I believe are more important than ever for the world of tomorrow. Aren’t they the most ecological way of travelling and having fun? We are using cars that are decades old,  which means there is no waste in our industry! Please let young people drive your cars, it’s the best way to pass on your passion!”

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