If there is one word on every classic car collector's lips in the run-up to the New Year, then that word is "Retromobile".

The large-scale Paris auction is scheduled for January 22-31, 2010.

We've already looked at some of the prized automobiles on offer - including the 1920s supercharged Talbot-Darracq, the Ferrari 400 Superamerica and, bizarrely, a Bugatti Brescia Type 22 Roadster salvaged from a watery grave.

The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Butterfly series will appear at Retromobile 2010

This year's Retromobile promises to be huge, featuring 300 exhibitors including old manufacturers and European importers, and more than 90,000 car loving visitors.

It will also mark a special occasion: two centuries of urban locomotion. The event promises to celebrate all of man's automotive achievements over the past 200 years.

Naturally, the biggest names in motoring will be present, including Mercedes-Benz. A special expo dedicated to its iconic Mercedes Gullwing is expected to include the legendary 1950s 300 SL Butterfly series.

The Ferrari 400 Superamerica will auction with an estimate of €800k-1m

Auctioneers Bonhams will also be in attendance. Aside from its salvaged Bugatti Brescia, other highlights in Bonhams' sale will include:

• The c1930 Bentley 4-Litre/8-Litre Le Mans-style Tourer, estimated at €450,000-550,000
• A 1929 Mercedes Benz 630K "Town Car", estimated at €400,000-600,000
• The 1935 Hispano-Suiza T56 torpédo Fiol, estimated at €450,000-600,000
• A 1931 Cadillac V16 série 452 dual-cowl phaeton, estimate at €350,000-450,000
• The 1920 Rolls Royce Silver Ghost 40/50HP Double Phaeton, estimated at €250,000-350,000.

Bonhams will no-doubt be hoping that this year's sale matches the staggering €11.8m it achieved in 2009. Either way, these exceptional and rare autos are guaranteed to make a big impact on the auction block.

Retromobile will take place in Paris, at the Porte de Versailles. Watch this space for further details on these cars, and other breaking Retromobile 2010 news.