Christian
Philippsen
is a senior specialist in cars of exceptional interest, contemporary
and classic, and loves their mechanics and design.
Before
starting his own consultancy in 1988, he had been employed
by
Jacques Swaters at Garage / Ecurie Francorchamps
(1965-1969, Ferrari importer in Belgium, and racing
team with regular participations in long distance racing including
the 24 Hours of Le Mans). He then moved on to Michelin
(1970-1978, international career), after which he left the professional
universe of the automobile to set up a partnership with Albert
Uderzo, the father of Asterix, the comic strip
hero. He published the books, developed the licensing business
in the
world and, following the Disney model, was behind the
launch of the Parc Asterix north of Paris, a successful
investment of, at the time, over 150 million US$ / Euros (1979-1987).
Since
1988, Christian Philippsen's office has built
a reputation for conceiving and organising automobile events,
and
for advising the parties active in the world of car collecting
and automotive design, working for clients as diverse as Louis
Vuitton, Pininfarina,
Finpiemonte or Motor Presse
(see 'What We Do'). He has also been
a consultant and an auctioneer with Christie's for
thirteen years and closely involved with the success of their
worldwide motor cars sales. Last but not least, since 2005, he
has taken over the publication of Automobile
Year, 'the' bible for all enthusiasts.
Long
time 'soul' of the Club Ferrari France, chairman
of the jury for the Louis Vuitton Classic awards,
honorary judge at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance
in California, European advisor to the International Advisory
Council for the Preservation of the Ferrari Automobile,
he regularly publishes features in the specialised press and
is
an active participant in historic events.
Born
in Belgium and now 62, Christian Philippsen lives
in Monaco. He is fluent in French, English, German, has a
good
command of Italian and Swedish, and still understands Flemish/Dutch.
*
September 2006
