Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Hobbies and Interests
Section name
Languages
Timeline
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ADRIEN DURBAN

Manhattan Beach,CA

Summary

Experienced automotive specialist with over two decades of experience in the collector car industry. Proven track record in acquiring high-value consignments, managing international auctions, and building long-lasting client relationships. Bilingual proficiency allows for effective consulting with esteemed collectors in Europe and North America. Known for skilled negotiation strategies, effective leadership skills, and ability to cultivate meaningful connections in the industry.

Overview

25
25
years of professional experience

Work History

Senior Car Specialist & Private Sales Manager

Bonhams Cars
03.2022 - Current
  • Oversaw private sales and consignments across North America and Europe for Bonhams' automotive platform.
  • Attended prominent auctions including Quail Lodge, Amelia Island, Scottsdale, Paris, and inaugural Miami Formula 1 Auction.
  • Managed three major no-reserve collections: Golden State Collection ($4.2M, 100% sell-through), Messenger Collection ($3.8M, 100% sell-through), Canadian Collection ($800K, 100% sell-through).
  • Achieved total sales of $28.8M through auctions and private treaty transactions with a sale rate exceeding 80%.
  • Provided expert advice on valuations, acquisitions, and liquidation strategies to collectors.
  • Worked with cataloging, marketing, and logistics teams for smooth execution.

Private Sales Specialist

RM Sotheby's
03.2020 - 02.2022
  • Sourced and brokered world-class collector cars throughout North America and Europe.
  • Generated over $30M in total sales through private transactions and auction consignment.
  • Tailored sales strategies based on client needs: private sale, auction, or direct purchase offer.
  • Advised on collection curation, asset value growth, and portfolio planning.

Business Owner / CEO

LTI Associates
01.2012 - 02.2020
  • Operated classic and exotic car dealership and restoration shop in France and California.
  • Specialized in Porsche, Mercedes, Jaguar, Ferrari. Managed 5 employees.
  • Brokering/consigning approx. 100 classic cars per year across North America and Europe.
  • Oversaw 2 Porsche 911 restorations annually. Provided concierge storage and collection services.

Sales Manager

Volvo/Jaguar/Land Rover
09.2000 - 12.2011
  • Led 25 employees across three cities; implemented team-based performance culture.
  • Improved customer retention, complaint resolution, and strategic competitor tracking.
  • Managed regional marketing plans, operations, and sales growth targets.

Education

Bachelor - Process Communication

Process Communication
Strasbourg, France
01.2002

Technical Bachelor - Mechanics and Repair

Bugatti School
Illzach, France
01.1999

Skills

  • Bilingual communication skills
  • Fluent in English and French
  • Strong verbal skills
  • Effective leadership
  • Strong negotiation skills
  • American and European cultural expertise
  • Effective team collaboration
  • International sales assistance
  • Strong technical skills
  • Skilled in identifying leads
  • Skilled in building networks

Accomplishments

  • $28.8M in total sales generated at Bonhams since 2022, across live auctions and private treaty transactions, with a consistent 80%+ sale rate .
  • Successfully secured and sold three major no-reserve collections , including:
    • The Golden State Collection – $4.2M
    • The Messenger Collection – $3.8M
    • The Canadian Collection – $800K
  • Represented Bonhams at flagship international events including The Quail, Amelia Island, Paris, Scottsdale, and the inaugural Miami Formula 1 Auction.
  • $20M in sales generated at RM Sotheby's (2020–2022) through private placements and auction consignments.
  • Built long-term relationships with high-net-worth collectors, brokers, and dealers across Europe and North America.
  • Recognized for deep market expertise , valuation accuracy, and strategic portfolio advisory for collector clients.
  • CEO of LTI Associates France/USA, over 100 cars sold per year and an average of 2 cars restored/year
  • Supervised team of 25 staff members.

Hobbies and Interests

Surf | Golf | Car Events | Rally

Section name

Updated June 2025

Languages

English
Native or Bilingual
French
Native or Bilingual

Timeline

Senior Car Specialist & Private Sales Manager

Bonhams Cars
03.2022 - Current

Private Sales Specialist

RM Sotheby's
03.2020 - 02.2022

Business Owner / CEO

LTI Associates
01.2012 - 02.2020

Sales Manager

Volvo/Jaguar/Land Rover
09.2000 - 12.2011

Bachelor - Process Communication

Process Communication

Technical Bachelor - Mechanics and Repair

Bugatti School