RM Sotheby’s will offer the automotive collection assembled by the late Belgian entrepreneur Willy Michiels in an online estate sale running from September 8-15, 2026. The collection spans almost a century of motoring and 28 marques, with more than 100 cars and motorcycles being offered. The auction house’s current sale information states that the collection will be sold without reserve.
Nicknamed ‘Bingo Willy’ and also known as ‘Chipper’, Michiels was born in Haaltert, East Flanders, on June 19, 1937. His route into business was unusual: after initially working as a cherry picker in his father’s agricultural business, he became interested in American jukeboxes, importing machines and placing them in cafés during the late 1950s. He subsequently moved into jackpot and bingo machines, establishing Wimi Games in 1958 and building a substantial business around gaming and amusement machines.
Those activities ultimately developed into the businesses associated with Napoleon Games. Michiels remained closely involved as the group expanded from physical gaming into other parts of the Belgian gambling market, including online gaming. Waterland acquired control of Napoleon Games in 2015, bringing Michiels’ direct involvement in the business to an end.
Business was only one part of his public life, however. Michiels spent almost half a century in local politics around Haaltert. He became mayor of Kerksken in 1971 and, following municipal reorganisation, served as mayor of Haaltert from 1983 until 1988. He later served as an alderman until 2011 and remained a municipal councillor until 2018. Michiels died in Haaltert on June 5, 2020, shortly before his 83rd birthday.
His interest in collecting extended well beyond motor cars. Michiels accumulated horse-drawn carriages, tractors and other historic machinery, while his interest in local architectural heritage led him to acquire and restore several historic properties. In 1981 he bought the Renaissance water castle at Moorsel, near Aalst, subsequently undertaking extensive restoration work on a building that had fallen into poor condition.
Perhaps the clearest indication of the scale of Michiels’ collecting is provided by his wine cellar. More than 29,000 bottles were stored in seven purpose-built vaulted cellars beneath a Renaissance château in Belgium, covering vintages dating from 1925 to 2012. Sotheby’s began dispersing that collection in Paris in December 2025, with further sales in Hong Kong and London during 2026 and another Paris sale scheduled for later in the year.
The automotive collection follows a similarly broad approach. Rather than being assembled around a single marque, period or category, it developed across many decades and encompasses vehicles from numerous different areas of motoring history. There are several themes, most obviously Mercedes-Benz, but there are many examples of Rolls-Royces and Citroëns, too, plus a smattering of Americana from across several decades – there’s even some military vehicles. Oh, and arguably a modern-classic rarity for the next generation of RADwood – an Audi Q7 V12 TDi.
RM Sotheby’s notes that most vehicles in the Michiels Collection have been retained on static display for many years and are being sold in their as-found condition. The auction house advises that some will require mechanical servicing before returning to road use, and it recommends inspection before bidding. The sale will be conducted entirely online. Bidding opens at 9:00am CEST on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, with lots beginning to close from 6:00pm CEST on Tuesday, September 15. RM Sotheby’s will also hold two preview days at Affligemdreef 195 in Aalst, Belgium, from 10:00am until 5:00pm on Saturday, September 12 and Sunday, September 13. Access to the previews is restricted to registered bidders.
Here are a few of our favourite lots from one of the more curious collections we’ve seen in a while (including a Belgian-built Cadillac). What have you got your eye on?
This 2018 Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet, chassis WDB4632741X275492, is one of 99 examples produced. Ordered new in Belgium and completed in September 2017, it has covered just 200km.
It is finished in Designo Mystic White with a beige fabric folding roof and Beige Exclusive leather interior. Factory specification includes the Chrome Package, 22-inch immersion-polished alloy wheels with red brake calipers, carbonfibre-style exterior trim, smoked rear glass and a sidestep. The cabin combines Beige Exclusive leather with Black Nappa leather and AMG carbon trim, together with a Dinamica Black headlining, velour floor mats, heated front seats, Harman Kardon Logic 7 audio and smartphone integration. Power comes from AMG’s 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged V12, producing 621bhp and driving through a seven-speed automatic gearbox. The G 650 also uses portal axles, three locking differentials and reclining, electrically adjustable and massaging rear seats. It’s estimated at between €600,000-€700,000.
The Michiels Collection contains three other G-Wagens, all offered without reserve. At the bottom of the scale is a 1983 300 GD, a short-wheelbase three-door W460 finished in Cypress Green and offered as a project requiring complete reassembly, together with assorted removed panels and parts; its estimate is €5000-€10,000. A 1989 300 GD, also from the W460 generation, retains its matching-numbers 3.0-litre five-cylinder diesel engine and five-speed manual gearbox, is finished in Fir Green and shows 77,614km. Equipped with front and rear differential locks, it is offered on a bill of sale only and estimated at €20,000-€25,000. The third example is a 1996 300 GE, an early W463 powered by the 3.0-litre M103 petrol straight-six teamed with a four-speed automatic gearbox. Finished in Spruce Green Metallic over Cream Beige, it shows 128,462km and carries a €25,000-€30,000 estimate.
This 1970 Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman, chassis 100.016.12.001002, is one of 42 six-door examples produced. RM Sotheby’s states that it is also believed to be one of just 11 six-door Pullmans factory-equipped with both a sunroof and air-conditioning.
The left-hand-drive car is finished in grey with a blue leather and grey cloth interior incorporating wood trim. Additional equipment includes a partition between the front and rear compartments, fold-out rear seats and a flag mount on the front wing. It’s estimated at €125,000-€175,000, no reserve.
The Michiels Collection contains three other Mercedes-Benz 600s, all short-wheelbase Saloons and all offered without reserve. The earliest is a 1965 example, chassis 100.012.12.000230, retaining a cancelled Dutch registration document; it is estimated at €30,000-€40,000. A 1968 car is offered as a restoration project, comprising an unpainted bodyshell accompanied by many of its major components and sold on a bill of sale only. Its estimate is €4000-€6000. Completing the group is a 1971 Saloon finished in its original Beige Grey Metallic, now with a black leather interior.
Equipped with a hydraulic sunroof, Behr air-conditioning, Becker Grand Prix radio, rear curtains and glassware set, it is thought to have initially served as a demonstrator before being sold to the Willy Michiels Collection in May 1972. It is estimated at €50,000-€70,000.
This 1952 Mercedes-Benz 300 Cabriolet, chassis 186.014.02130/52, is finished in black with a matching fabric folding roof, colour-matched wheel centres and a cognac leather interior with wood trim. Equipment includes a Becker Nürburg six-band radio, while the car is supplied with its cabriolet roof tonneau cover, spare wheel, jack and tool roll. Its earlier ownership history is not presently known, and it carries a €125,000-€150,000 estimate.
The collection contains five other Mercedes-Benz models from the 1950s, excluding the 300 SLs (we’ll come on to those). The earliest is a 1950 170 S Cabriolet A, one of 830 two-seat examples, finished in black and white over retrimmed red leather and estimated at €80,000-€120,000. A 1953 220 Cabriolet B, believed to have been delivered new in the Netherlands and retained by Jules Jacob Adriaan Schagen van Leeuwen until 1976, is estimated at €50,000-€60,000.
There is also a 1956 300 c Cabriolet D, one of 51 built, finished in black over beige leather and fitted with the optional three-speed automatic gearbox, at €125,000-€150,000. At the other end of the price range is a Belgian-registered 1958 220 S saloon with a 2.2-litre straight-six and four-speed manual gearbox, estimated at €5000-€8000. Finally, a 1959 190 SL retains its matching-numbers body and engine, plus its factory Black over Red colour scheme, as well as its optional third seat, extended steering column and Becker Mexico radio; it carries an €80,000-€100,000 estimate.
This 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 SL 6.0 AMG, identification number WDB1290661F016305, was ordered new through a Mercedes-Benz dealership in Schweinfurt, Germany and completed in July 1990. It was subsequently registered in Japan that December before later returning to Europe. The car was factory-finished in Blue-Black Metallic with a black soft-top over Anthracite leather. Its 5.0-litre M119 V8 was enlarged by AMG to 6.0 litres, increasing output to 375bhp.
Further AMG modifications include the bodykit with ducktail rear spoiler, three-piece OZ Racing alloy wheels, wood interior trim and AMG-branded instrumentation. The intervening period between completion and Japanese registration is believed to have been when the AMG conversion was carried out, although RM Sotheby’s notes that the car’s complete early history is not definitively known.
Its service book records work by Sven Junge in Kauern, Germany in February 2016 at 74,343km. The car has since formed part of the Willy Michiels Collection in Belgium and has covered 77,468km. it’s estimated at €50,000-€60,000.
Aside from the G-Wagens already covered, the collection contains seven other 1980s and 1990s Mercedes-Benz models in addition to the 500 SL 6.0 AMG. The R107 SLs comprise a 1986 560 SL, a US-market 5.6-litre V8 car finished in Signal Red over Palomino leather with 76,457 miles, estimated at €30,000-€40,000, plus two six-cylinder 300 SLs: a 1987 example in Barolo Red showing 308,113km and a 1988 car in Blue-Black Metallic with 143,041km, each estimated at €30,000-€40,000.
The R129 generation is represented by a 1990 SL 500 in Blue-Black Metallic with just 20,645km, estimated at €30,000-€40,000, a US-delivered 1992 300 SL-24 in Malachite Green with 151,545 miles and an accident recorded in 2005 or 2006, estimated at €20,000-€30,000, and a 1992 SL 600 finished in Midnight Blue with a 6.0-litre V12 and 167,630km, estimated at €40,000-€50,000. Completing the group are a 1995 S 500 L, delivered new in Germany and acquired for the Michiels Collection in 1997, showing 106,352km and estimated at €3000-€6000, and a Belgian-delivered 1996 S 600 with a 389bhp 6.0-litre V12, 176,548km and an €8000-€12,000 estimate.
This 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster, chassis WDDAK76F29M001861, is one of approximately 520 Roadsters produced. Built for the North American market, it was delivered new in Canada in September 2008 and later sold through Ferrari Maserati Quebec.
The car is finished in Pure Black with a Grey fabric folding roof over a Black and Anthracite Exclusive leather interior. Its original specification included carbonfibre-style interior trim, 300 SL Red contrast stitching, extra-large seats with SLR-embossed headrests, red brake calipers and 19-inch nine-hole turbine wheels. RM Sotheby’s notes that the original wheels have since been replaced.The SLR was exported to Haaltert, Belgium in April 2014, when its mileage was recorded at 7754km. It has since formed part of the Willy Michiels Collection and has covered 16,350km. It’s estimated at €250,000-€300,000.
Excluding the SLR McLaren Roadster and G 650 Landaulet already covered, the collection contains four other Mercedes-Benz models built since 2000. A 2000 S 600, delivered new in Belgium and finished in Obsidian Black over Helios Exclusive leather, has covered 111,362km and has an €8000-€12,000 estimate. The 2004 CLS 55 AMG is a first-year example finished in Obsidian Black, and has covered 86,482km; it is estimated at €15,000-€20,000. A US-delivered 2009 R230 SL 65 AMG has covered 30,298km and carries an €80,000-€100,000 estimate. Finally, a Belgian-delivered 2010 SLS AMG is finished in Designo Agno Sylvanite Grey over brown leather, has covered 11,095km and is estimated at €200,000-€250,000.
The Michiels Collection also includes two Maybachs. The 2004 Maybach 62 was delivered new to the US in Caspian Black Metallic over Beige Exclusive leather with Fjord Brown ash trim. Equipment includes a panoramic sliding roof, refrigerator, folding rear tables and rear privacy curtains. It’s covered 92,562km and is estimated at €60,000-€80,000. The other is a 2008 Maybach 62 S, finished in Baltic Black over Black and Anthracite leather with Piano lacquer trim. Its specification includes a partition wall, panoramic sunroof and external communication system. Delivered new in Colorado in April 2008 and exported to Belgium in 2017, it has covered 8132 miles and is estimated at €200,000-€250,000.
This Mercedes-Benz 220 SE Cabriolet, chassis 111.023.12.033653, is presented in black with a matching folding roof, wheel centres and interior upholstery. Its factory data card, dated September 6, 1962, confirms that it retains its matching-numbers body and 2.2-litre straight-six engine, number 127.984.12.001019. The engine is coupled to a three-speed automatic transmission, while equipment includes a Becker Mexico TR radio. The car is accompanied by a copy of its factory data card, spare wheel and tonneau cover. It’s covered 28,263 miles at the time of cataloguing and is estimated at €60,000-€80,000.
Excluding the 190 SL and 600s already covered, the collection contains a sizeable group of 1960s and 1970s Mercedes-Benzes. A 1960 300 d ‘Adenauer’ Saloon, finished in black with a grey cloth interior and fitted with a sliding sunroof, is estimated at €40,000-€50,000, while a 1960 220 SE ‘Ponton’ Cabriolet in navy blue with a beige interior, acquired by the collection in 2010, carries a €60,000-€80,000 estimate.
Three W113 230 SLs follow: a 1964 car at €40,000-€50,000, a dark-red 1965 example at €60,000-€80,000 and a black 1966 car fitted with the later 2.8-litre M130 engine, also at €60,000-€80,000. A 1966 250 SE Cabriolet retains its matching-numbers 2.5-litre straight-six but has been refinished from Light Blue to beige; it is estimated at €60,000-€80,000, while a Beige Grey Metallic 1969 280 SE Coupé is offered on a bill of sale at €10,000-€15,000. The R107s comprise three 450 SLs, each estimated at €20,000-€30,000: a US-specification 1974 car in Icon Gold Metallic showing 118,208 miles, a US-delivered 1978 example in Classic White with 169,795 miles and a 1979 example. There is also a 1966 L 406 four-row bus, believed to have been restored and acquired by the collection in 2016, estimated at €35,000-€45,000.
This 1960 Porsche 356 B 1600 Super Roadster, chassis 87593, is documented by a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity. It was originally finished in Ruby Red over Light Grey leatherette and specified with reclining seats and Continental tyres. The car still has its factory-correct Ruby Red exterior colour with a black interior. It retains its matching-numbers Type 616/2 1.6-litre flat-four engine, number 85963. The original gearbox has been replaced. Its complete ownership history is not currently known, although RM Sotheby’s notes that the car appears previously to have been registered with FIVA. It’s estimated at €100,000-€130,000.
The Michiels Collection’s other German cars include three further Porsches. A 1983 911 Turbo (930), retaining its matching-numbers engine and gearbox and showing 45,518 miles, is estimated at €90,000-€120,000, while a German-market 1996 911 Turbo (993), finished in Polar Silver Metallic and showing 133,602km, carries a €60,000-€80,000 estimate. The third is a Belgian-delivered 2003 Cayenne S, on 176,506km, estimated at €3000-€5000. Audi is represented by a 2009 Q7 V12 TDI quattro, whose 6.0-litre twin-turbo diesel V12 produces 493bhp and 738lb ft; delivered new in Belgium and showing 165,054km, it is estimated at €5000-€8000.
A 1955 BMW 502 with its 2.6-litre V8 is offered part-way through restoration, with the body and engine separated, at €5000-€10,000, while a pale green-blue 1959 Opel Kapitän with a 2.6-litre straight-six is estimated at €4000-€6000. Two Volkswagen Beetles complete the group: a Belgian-built 1965 1200 with a replacement 1192cc engine and a 1973 1300 with semi-automatic transmission, each estimated at €6000-€8000.
This 1990 Rolls-Royce Corniche III Drophead Coupé, chassis SCAZD02A9LCX30274, was completed in left-hand-drive form in June 1990. Its Mulliner Park Ward bodywork was factory-finished in Ebony with twin Silver Metallic fine lines and a Black Everflex folding roof. The interior is trimmed predominantly in black hide, with matching carpets, deep-pile lambswool rugs and a non-standard black headlining, together with burr-walnut veneer. The car was delivered to its first owner on July 26, 1990.
Its complete early history is not presently known, although a Bentley Motors history report records that it is believed to have returned to an official dealership for maintenance in early 1993 before being offered for sale through Bentley Munich. While part of the Willy Michiels Collection, the Corniche was serviced by Bentley Belgium in September 2009, when its mileage was recorded at 45,889km. It showed 50,089km at the time of cataloguing. It’s estimated at €50,000-€60,000.
Beyond the 1990 Corniche III covered above, the collection contains ten other cars from British marques. Rolls-Royce accounts for six: a 1929 Phantom I long-wheelbase Limousine by Thrupp & Maberly, retaining its matching-numbers engine and estimated at €35,000-€50,000; a US-delivered 1976 Corniche Drophead Coupé in black at €25,000-€35,000; a 1981 Corniche I Drophead Coupé in Walnut Metallic, showing 34,685 miles and estimated at €40,000-€50,000; and a US-specification 1982 Silver Spur showing 68,858 miles at €10,000-€15,000.
The later Rolls-Royces comprise a Belgian-delivered 1994 Silver Spur III in Midnight Blue with 49,974km, estimated at €15,000-€20,000, and a 1997 Silver Spur IV, delivered new to Japan, also at €15,000-€20,000. Jaguar is represented by a 1964 S-Type 3.4-litre Saloon requiring reassembly, retaining its matching-numbers engine and estimated at just €500-€1000, plus a Belgian-delivered 2000 S-Type 4.0 V8 with 47,876km at €2500-€3000. A Belgian-delivered 1977 Daimler Sovereign Series 2 Coupé, fitted with a non-original engine and lacking a key, is estimated at €2500-€5000, while a left-hand-drive 1955 MG TD is estimated at €15,000-€20,000. Finally, a 2003 Range Rover Vogue, an early L322 with the 4.4-litre BMW V8 and 113,325km, carries a €5000-€10,000 estimate.
This 1957 Peugeot 203 Découvrable, chassis 1844753, is presented with matching engine number 1844753 and is currently registered in Belgium. Power comes from the later 1290cc four-cylinder engine; it is one of little more than 2500 final-year examples. It’s covered 56,966km and is estimated at €40,000-€50,000.
Beyond the Découvrable, the collection’s French cars are dominated by Citroën. Four Traction Avants are offered: a black 1951 15/6 with the 2.9-litre straight-six at €15,000-€20,000, 1952 and 1954 11B Saloons with 1.9-litre four-cylinder engines, each estimated at €15,000-€18,000, and a 1955 15/6 H with the 2.9-litre six and self-levelling rear suspension, also at €15,000-€18,000.
Four DS models follow: a light-green 1972 DS 21 Pallas with fuel injection at €30,000-€40,000, plus three 1973 DS 23s, each estimated at €20,000-€30,000. One is a fuel-injected automatic, another is finished in grey with a white roof and brown leather, and fitted with a sunroof, while the DS 23 Pallas is believed to have been delivered new in southern Italy and also has a sunroof. A Belgian-registered 1983 Citroën 2CV6 Club is estimated at €1500-€3000, while Peugeot is additionally represented by a matching-numbers 1959 203 Saloon with a 1290cc four-cylinder engine and four-speed manual transmission, estimated at €2500-€5000.
This 1956 Ford Thunderbird, chassis P6FH206266, was built at Ford’s Dearborn factory and dispatched by rail to Hayward Motors in Hayward, California in January 1956. Its accompanying factory order invoice records that it was finished in Peacock Blue, the colour it wears today. Power comes from a 312ci (5112cc) V8 coupled with a three-speed Ford-O-Matic automatic transmission with a floor-mounted shifter. Factory equipment listed on the invoice includes a heater and defroster, together with a radio and antenna. The car remained in the US for much of its life. Its later history is not fully documented, although a previous Texas title records it in Cameron before it was acquired by the Willy Michiels Collection and exported to Europe in 2015. It’s estimated at €50,000-€60,000.
Beyond the Ford Thunderbird, the remaining cars from marques outside Germany, Britain and France are predominantly American, with two Toyotas representing Japan. The US group includes a 1943 Ford GPW military Jeep with four-wheel drive and a 54bhp four-cylinder engine, estimated at €15,000-€20,000, plus three Willys Jeeps: a 1948 CJ2A and 1950 CJ3A, both at €12,000-€15,000, and a 1957 M38A1 at €2500-€5000. A 1942 Dodge WC-Series Command Vehicle is estimated at €8000-€12,000, while Chevrolet is represented by a 1948 Stylemaster Sport Sedan at €2500-€5000 and a 1953 3100 Pickup at €5000-€7000.
The two Buicks comprise a 1950 Super Sedan at €5000-€8000 and a 1951 Super Convertible, fitted with the 4.3-litre straight-eight and Dynaflow transmission, at €20,000-€25,000. Cadillac contributes a Belgian-assembled 1977 Fleetwood Brougham d’Elegance at €2500-€5000 and a 1984 Fleetwood Limousine by O’Gara Coachworks, also at €2500-€5000. A Canadian-delivered 2005 Hummer H2 is estimated at €20,000-€25,000. Finally, Toyota is represented by a 1992 J70 Land Cruiser, a three-door 2.4-litre diesel showing 336,078km and estimated at €20,000-€25,000, and a 1995 RAV4 Commercial with four-wheel drive, a 2.0-litre petrol engine and an estimate of €2000-€3000.
And so to the star of the Michiels Collection, the above 1962 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster. Chassis 198.042.10.003070, was completed on June 4, 1962 and delivered new to Switzerland. Its factory data card records an original White Grey finish and the desirable combination of an alloy-block engine and disc brakes. The car is believed to have remained in Switzerland until at least 1990. Between 1991 and 1996 it underwent a restoration by Robert Bayer, reportedly costing €90,000, after which further mechanical work was carried out by Garage Dupertuis in Aigle in 2005. It changed hands again in Switzerland in 2007 before being sold at auction in France in July 2010.
During subsequent Belgian ownership it received further work from Mercedes-Benz Classic in Feldbach before being sent to Kienle Automobiltechnik in Germany for another restoration between 2014 and 2018. It was refinished in its present Anthracite Grey Metallic with ivory leather and a black soft-top, and it joined the Willy Michiels Collection in 2019. The car retains its matching-numbers body, gearbox, rear axle plus left and right kingpins. Its engine incorporates a factory-replacement alloy block dated October 1965 and a non-original cylinder head, while the steering box is also non-original. It is accompanied by a colour-matched hard-top, owner’s manual, two restoration binders and a copy of its factory data card. It is estimated at €900,000-€1,200,000.
Further details
For more information on RM Sotheby’s Willy Michiels Collection sale 2026, head here.
