Story Highlights
- The former French president’s bike, involved in a love scandal, was sold for double its listed price
- Former president Francois Hollande’s scooter, central to a presidential controversy, was auctioned for over €20,000
- The scooter, dubbed the “love scooter,” played a significant role in a political crisis in January 2014
Background of the Love Scooter
After two years of his presidential term, Hollande was caught visiting his lover on the scooter, sparking a scandal that led to legal actions and personal changes.
The Auction Event
On May 26, the infamous scooter was auctioned at a château in Montbazon, France, with a quick 10-minute bidding session attended by around 40 people.
The winning bidder, Denis Breheret, plans to display the scooter in his car museum in Jallais, alongside other historical vehicles.
Significance of the Scooter
The scooter, sold by the Elysee Palace in 2015, exceeded its estimated value, becoming a symbol of a nation grappling with power dynamics and its own narrative.
“It’s the Rolls (Royce) of scooters,” said auctioneer Aymeric Rouillac, highlighting the unique historical context attached to the vehicle.