Last May, we interviewed Christian Philippsen (https://www.oldcar24.com/magazine/378/intervista-al-fondatore-di-lebolide-com-christian-philippsen), the car enthusiast who had just launched leBolide.com (https://www.lebolide.com/). Remember, leBolide is an online auction platform connecting sellers and buyers of cars of special interest, classic and modern, small and big, expensive and affordable. 

We recently met with Christian for an update.

Christian, what happened to you and leBolide since we last met?
Good to see you again. We are still alive and well! I would say that, like many others, we did not expect the Covid to last. We thought that, by now, life would have returned to normal. It is not the case. There will be sunshine after rain, but we will further suffer from restrictions for, I guess, most of the year 2021. Given the circumstances, leBolide is doing well. We have sold cars ranging from Fiat 500s to Jaguar E-Types. We have grown our community. More importantly, the site is functioning properly and our services have been lauded by sellers and buyers alike. We must be doing something right.

Interview with Christian Philippsen, ranked 24th in the list of the 50 most influential people in the world of collector cars

Seems that most auction houses are now having online sales. Are you suffering from their competition?
Clearly, when we started developing leBolide, we were going to occupy a niche on our own. Today, as you rightly say, everybody is online. Our terms of business are still the most attractive in the market though. Sellers may keep their cars at home and don’t pay a commission. Buyers pay a premium of 5% only. We work hand in hand with all parties and go for maximum transparency. Progress may be slower than originally planned, but I don’t mind. The platform on which we are building is solid. 

What is coming next?
The plan, obviously, is to keep growing. We are now ready to handle more cars and cars of greater value. In March, from the 15th to the 21st, we’ll have whole week dedicated to Porsche, only Porsches and all Porsches. I love cars in general but have developed a special affinity for Porsches -I own and drive a 991-2. There are certainly enough in the market to keep us busy for a whole week! The good thing with a theme is that we can focus our communication on a clear target. We also look forward to welcoming more involvement of the community in our comments section. 

Interview with Christian Philippsen, ranked 24th in the list of the 50 most influential people in the world of collector cars
Interview with Christian Philippsen, ranked 24th in the list of the 50 most influential people in the world of collector cars

So, plenty on your plate!
Plenty indeed, and I haven’t mentioned yet that we’ll soon start selling motorbikes and introduce the overdue English version of leBolide. Let’s meet again in a few months for another update.

We wish the very best to Christian and his leBolide team.