Nice, Côte d’Azur — During the vibrant car show season on the French Riviera, CITY for VIP met Hervé Valliet, founder and president of Devalliet—a rising name in the world of boutique automotive craftsmanship. For collectors and connoisseurs, his vision blends nostalgia, engineering precision, and a forward-looking approach to luxury mobility.
A Company Born from Frustration—and Passion
Devalliet is not just another automotive startup. As Valliet explains, the company was born from a personal challenge.
“I have loved cars since I was a child,” he recalls. “But when I wanted to drive unique vehicles, I faced difficulties registering them in France. That frustration became the starting point.”
With a background in metal transformation and access to advanced industrial tools, Valliet saw an opportunity. What began as a personal project evolved into a full-scale manufacturing venture.
Founded around six years ago, the company faced a major hurdle: homologation. “Registration took nearly four years,” Valliet notes. “But once we achieved it, production could truly begin.”
Today, Devalliet has approximately 30–50 registered vehicles on the road and continues to produce limited numbers annually—positioning itself firmly within the exclusive niche of collectible automotive design.
The Art of Limited Production
For VIP collectors, scarcity defines value—and Devalliet understands this perfectly.
With small production runs (around 15 cars per series), each model is designed to remain rare. Valliet confirms that demand is growing not only in France but internationally, with early sales already reaching the United States and Belgium, and strong interest from Germany, Switzerland, Italy, and Spain.
“We started in France to build credibility,” he explains. “Now we are preparing to expand across Europe.”
For collectors, this trajectory matters. Early-stage manufacturers with limited production often become highly desirable in the secondary market.
A Unique Position in the Automotive Landscape
In a market increasingly dominated by electric vehicles, De Valliet takes a different approach—while still addressing modern concerns.
“Our cars are mechanical, but we maintain very low CO₂ emissions,” Valliet says. “This places us in a unique ecological position.”
The brand’s philosophy is clear:
- Classic aesthetics
- Modern engineering
- Functional luxury
Designed for with generous luggage space, these vehicles are built for long-distance road trips—combining comfort, performance, and exclusivity.
A Collector’s Perspective: Investment Potential
For collectors considering entry into boutique automotive investments, Valliet offers a pragmatic insight.
“With very small production volumes, the value of these cars can increase rapidly over time,” he notes.
Devalliet clients are not typical buyers—they are:
- Established collectors
- Enthusiasts of rare vehicles
- Investors seeking unique assets
The brand’s positioning aligns closely with the growing trend of “museum-grade” automobiles—vehicles that are both functional and collectible.
The Vision Ahead
Looking forward, Valliet confirms that the company is already working on new models and design concepts, while exploring collaborations within the broader automotive ecosystem.
Despite being a young manufacturer, Devalliet is strategically positioning itself:
- Expanding into European markets
- Strengthening its collector base
- Maintaining strict production limits
“We are in a good position,” Valliet concludes. “Step by step, we are building something lasting.”
Final Thoughts for CITY for VIP Readers
In a world where luxury is increasingly digital and mass-produced, Devalliet offers something rare: authenticity.
For VIP readers and car collectors, this is not just about owning a vehicle—it is about becoming part of a story at its beginning.
And in the collector world, that is often where true value lies.Hervé Valliet, founder and president of De Valliet
