Cars 1954-1955 (to be later limited to 1955)
See also : Top 10 Cars Cars II Cars 1951-59 Ferrari Early Ferrari British cars Jaguar Mercedes-Benz Germany Germany II
Chronology : 20th century 1950-1959 1954 1955
Chronology : 20th century 1950-1959 1954 1955
1954 The Open Wheeled Champion
2013 SOLD 19.6 M£ including premium
Everything goes very fast, in any meaning of the word, for Mercedes-Benz at the beginning of 1954. Technology is the best asset to win competitions. For coming back to racing, the German brand aligns the 300SL model for endurance and the W196 single-seater model for Formula 1.
They must win. Mercedes managed to take the best driver, Juan Manuel Fangio, world champion in 1951 with Alfa Romeo, who had just won the first two grand prix of the season on a Maserati.
For their first collaboration, Mercedes and Fangio win the Reims grand prix on a W196 with enclosed wheels. Surrounding the wheel by a piece of bodywork is a theoretical advantage because it limits the impact of air friction. The top speed exceeds 200 km / h.
At that time, the skill of the pilot is prevailing on theories. The next grand prix, at Silverstone, is sinuous. Powerless against Ferrari, Fangio requires the withdrawal of the enclosing to improve his freedom of action. This is the right decision.
Thus are born the chassis 005 and 006 of the W196. With the open wheeled 006, Fangio wins the next two grand prix, in Germany at the Nürburgring and in Switzerland at Bremgarten.
The 006 has no rival for the title of most prestigious single-seater car of all time, formerly driven by the most skilful driver of all time. It is for sale on July 12 by Bonhams at Goodwood.
POST SALE COMMENT
006 is not far from being the most prestigious car of all time in all categories. Its result at auction is the highest of all time: £ 19.6 million including premium.
An open wheeled W196 (perhaps the 006) is driven by Fangio himself during a demonstration at the Nürburgring in 1986. The image below is licensed under Creative Commons with attribution By Lothar Spurzem [CC-BY-SA-2.0-de (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/de/deed.en)], via Wikimedia Commons.
They must win. Mercedes managed to take the best driver, Juan Manuel Fangio, world champion in 1951 with Alfa Romeo, who had just won the first two grand prix of the season on a Maserati.
For their first collaboration, Mercedes and Fangio win the Reims grand prix on a W196 with enclosed wheels. Surrounding the wheel by a piece of bodywork is a theoretical advantage because it limits the impact of air friction. The top speed exceeds 200 km / h.
At that time, the skill of the pilot is prevailing on theories. The next grand prix, at Silverstone, is sinuous. Powerless against Ferrari, Fangio requires the withdrawal of the enclosing to improve his freedom of action. This is the right decision.
Thus are born the chassis 005 and 006 of the W196. With the open wheeled 006, Fangio wins the next two grand prix, in Germany at the Nürburgring and in Switzerland at Bremgarten.
The 006 has no rival for the title of most prestigious single-seater car of all time, formerly driven by the most skilful driver of all time. It is for sale on July 12 by Bonhams at Goodwood.
POST SALE COMMENT
006 is not far from being the most prestigious car of all time in all categories. Its result at auction is the highest of all time: £ 19.6 million including premium.
An open wheeled W196 (perhaps the 006) is driven by Fangio himself during a demonstration at the Nürburgring in 1986. The image below is licensed under Creative Commons with attribution By Lothar Spurzem [CC-BY-SA-2.0-de (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/de/deed.en)], via Wikimedia Commons.
1954 The Fearsome 49
2014 SOLD 10.7 M£ including premium
The increase of power in motor racing seemed to have no limit. Each year, Ferrari improved his models. Top auction results enable to mark the story of this succession of new models that will be discontinued in 1955 by the regulation changes resulting from the accident at Le Mans.
In 1953, to follow the success of the 340MM, Ferrari prepares the 375MM. An intermediate specimen between these two models coachworked in berlinetta by Pinin Farina was sold for € 9.9 million including premium by RM Auctions on May 25, 2013. This car driven by Farina, Hawthorn, Ascari and Maglioli has a very good competition record.
Jim Kimberly is the most discerning customer. Appreciating that the performance of the 340MM had been limited by problems of overheating, he requests Ferrari to change the brake system of his new 375MM. This 1953 car coachworked in spider by Pinin Farina was sold for $ 9.1 million including premium by RM Auctions on August 16, 2013.
In 1954, Ferrari is again increasing the power. The new model is the 375 Plus, with a volume of 4.9 liters which provides a tremendous power and earns it the nickname of Fearsome 49. Five cars are made.
The first of these five 375 Plus, coachworked in spider by Pinin Farina, is for sale on June 27 by Bonhams in London during the Goodwood festival of speed, lot 320. Used extensively in competition in 1954 notably with Maglioli, this car was owned for a short time in 1955 by Kimberly. Dismantled by a subsequent owner, it was restored in a satisfactory state of authenticity including the reassembly with its original engine.
The technological achievement of this line of models is the 410S, built in four units in 1955. This wonderful super-powerful car had an improved stability through a reduced chassis. The only 410S that was coachworked in berlinetta by Scaglietti was sold for $ 8.25 million including premium by RM Auctions on August 17, 2012.
I invite you to view the video shared by Bonhams.
POST SALE COMMENT
The importance of this car in the history of Ferrari was announced many months before the sale. It was sold for £ 10.7 million including premium.
In 1953, to follow the success of the 340MM, Ferrari prepares the 375MM. An intermediate specimen between these two models coachworked in berlinetta by Pinin Farina was sold for € 9.9 million including premium by RM Auctions on May 25, 2013. This car driven by Farina, Hawthorn, Ascari and Maglioli has a very good competition record.
Jim Kimberly is the most discerning customer. Appreciating that the performance of the 340MM had been limited by problems of overheating, he requests Ferrari to change the brake system of his new 375MM. This 1953 car coachworked in spider by Pinin Farina was sold for $ 9.1 million including premium by RM Auctions on August 16, 2013.
In 1954, Ferrari is again increasing the power. The new model is the 375 Plus, with a volume of 4.9 liters which provides a tremendous power and earns it the nickname of Fearsome 49. Five cars are made.
The first of these five 375 Plus, coachworked in spider by Pinin Farina, is for sale on June 27 by Bonhams in London during the Goodwood festival of speed, lot 320. Used extensively in competition in 1954 notably with Maglioli, this car was owned for a short time in 1955 by Kimberly. Dismantled by a subsequent owner, it was restored in a satisfactory state of authenticity including the reassembly with its original engine.
The technological achievement of this line of models is the 410S, built in four units in 1955. This wonderful super-powerful car had an improved stability through a reduced chassis. The only 410S that was coachworked in berlinetta by Scaglietti was sold for $ 8.25 million including premium by RM Auctions on August 17, 2012.
I invite you to view the video shared by Bonhams.
POST SALE COMMENT
The importance of this car in the history of Ferrari was announced many months before the sale. It was sold for £ 10.7 million including premium.
1954 Ferrari 375 America
2022 SOLD for $ 7.6M by RM Sotheby's
Released in 1953 by Ferrari as a speedy road car for wealthy customers, the Ferrari 375 America marks a new trend in the America range previously considered as a qualifier for high end sports car.
It uses a 4.5 liter long block V12 engine designed by Lampredi for the 375 MM and its top speed exceeds 250 km/h. Its population was only 10 cars plus 2 upgraded 250 Europa. The new AL suffix of the chassis number means America Lungo referring to the elongated wheelbase.
An Europa was upgraded in 1954 as a 375 America and fitted as a unique alloy cabriolet by Vignale for preparing a personal sale by Enzo Ferrari to a friend's daughter who put it in storage. All the other 375 were fitted as coupes, eight by Pinin Farina and three by Vignale.
Vignale executed a similar body on a 250 GT Europa with a shorter wheelbase sold to the Belgian royal Liliane de Réthy.
Retaining its matching number engine and its original gearbox, rear axle and body and accompanied by an original factory hard top, this special was sold for $ 7.6M from a lower estimate of $ 6.5M by RM Sotheby's on August 20, 2022, lot 321.
It uses a 4.5 liter long block V12 engine designed by Lampredi for the 375 MM and its top speed exceeds 250 km/h. Its population was only 10 cars plus 2 upgraded 250 Europa. The new AL suffix of the chassis number means America Lungo referring to the elongated wheelbase.
An Europa was upgraded in 1954 as a 375 America and fitted as a unique alloy cabriolet by Vignale for preparing a personal sale by Enzo Ferrari to a friend's daughter who put it in storage. All the other 375 were fitted as coupes, eight by Pinin Farina and three by Vignale.
Vignale executed a similar body on a 250 GT Europa with a shorter wheelbase sold to the Belgian royal Liliane de Réthy.
Retaining its matching number engine and its original gearbox, rear axle and body and accompanied by an original factory hard top, this special was sold for $ 7.6M from a lower estimate of $ 6.5M by RM Sotheby's on August 20, 2022, lot 321.
1955 Mercedes-Benz Uhlenhaut Coupé
2022 SOLD for € 135M by RM Sotheby's
Two special adaptations of the 3 litre 300 SLR coupé were made by Mercedes-Benz in 1955. Designed by Rudolf Uhlenhaut, they are known as the Uhlenhaut coupés. Capable of reaching 290 km/h, this model was the fastest road going car of its time.
Employed by Mercedes-Benz since 1931, Uhlenhaut had been a lead designer of the Silver Arrows, of the Formula One highly successful W196 of JM Fangio fame and of the open top Rennsport 300 SLR of Stirling Moss fame. He was also behind the scene of the Le Mans winner W194 and of the road going 300 SL gullwing.
The Uhlenhaut coupés were assembled as two seaters with gullwing doors on two W196 chassis left unused after the 1955 Le Mans crash and the subsequent withdrawal of the brand from motor sport.
Both prototypes were retained by Mercedes-Benz from new. Uhlenhaut had one as a company car. He once drove the 230 km on the autobahn between Stuttgart and Munich in less than an hour.
The first one is on display in the museum of the brand. The second car was used as a demonstration car and was restored in 1986. It was sold for € 135M on May 5, 2022 by RM Sotheby's in a private auction, lot 1. The proceeds help to create a Mercedes-Benz fund for young researchers in environmental science and carbon dioxide reduction.
Please watch the video shared by the auction house, featuring with the hammer Oliver Barker, chairman of Sotheby's Europe.
Employed by Mercedes-Benz since 1931, Uhlenhaut had been a lead designer of the Silver Arrows, of the Formula One highly successful W196 of JM Fangio fame and of the open top Rennsport 300 SLR of Stirling Moss fame. He was also behind the scene of the Le Mans winner W194 and of the road going 300 SL gullwing.
The Uhlenhaut coupés were assembled as two seaters with gullwing doors on two W196 chassis left unused after the 1955 Le Mans crash and the subsequent withdrawal of the brand from motor sport.
Both prototypes were retained by Mercedes-Benz from new. Uhlenhaut had one as a company car. He once drove the 230 km on the autobahn between Stuttgart and Munich in less than an hour.
The first one is on display in the museum of the brand. The second car was used as a demonstration car and was restored in 1986. It was sold for € 135M on May 5, 2022 by RM Sotheby's in a private auction, lot 1. The proceeds help to create a Mercedes-Benz fund for young researchers in environmental science and carbon dioxide reduction.
Please watch the video shared by the auction house, featuring with the hammer Oliver Barker, chairman of Sotheby's Europe.
1955 Ferrari 410 S CM
Intro
The variety of the races on road and track forced the leading brands in the 1950s to develop new solutions to win in all circumstances. The diversity of models, sometimes built in only a few units, is a direct consequence.
In 1950 the Mexican government created one of the most dangerous events, the Carrera Panamericana, an endurance race over 3,300 Km on the rough roads of Mexico. In 1954 the Pan-Am is won by Umberto Maglioli for Scuderia Ferrari with a Ferrari 375 Plus. That model was the technological sensation of the year, designed for power and endurance with its big 4.9 liter engine.
In 1955, Ferrari wants to do even better. The 410 Sports or 410 S CM is based on an engine in the following of the 375 Plus but the mechanical equipment around is highly changed. S in 410 S means Sports.
410 is the volume per cylinder of the Lampredi engine for its nearly 5.0 liter overall. CM meaning Carrera Messicana clearly indicates that Ferrari relied on the Pan-Am for demonstrating their superiority.
It is required that the car is stable. A new chassis lowers the center of gravity and the wheelbase is slightly reduced to a new standard that will be used two years later for the 250 Testarossa. The 410 S is equipped with a vast tank of 195 liters and large pipes to avoid refueling over long distances.
The production started in 1955 with a terminus ante quem before the January 29, 1956 1000 km Buenos Aires. They are titled 1955. The bodies designed and built by Sergio Scaglietti are wider than the 375 Plus.
Four cars are built, the first two for private clients and the other two for the Scuderia Ferrari. Buenos Aires was their only race for the Scuderia. The first, third and fourth cars are spiders. The second car is a berlinetta. The works cars are arguably the most powerful racing cars of the period with an uprating from 335 to 375 hp by twin plug cylinders for a top speed just over 300 km/h.
The final cancellation of the Panamericana for safety and cost reasons after the 1955 Le Mans disaster ruined Ferrari's expectation that the 410 S CM becomes the demonstrator of their unprecedented know how. The 1000 km Nürburgring was also cancelled. Some experts view that model as the best Ferrari ever made.
In 1950 the Mexican government created one of the most dangerous events, the Carrera Panamericana, an endurance race over 3,300 Km on the rough roads of Mexico. In 1954 the Pan-Am is won by Umberto Maglioli for Scuderia Ferrari with a Ferrari 375 Plus. That model was the technological sensation of the year, designed for power and endurance with its big 4.9 liter engine.
In 1955, Ferrari wants to do even better. The 410 Sports or 410 S CM is based on an engine in the following of the 375 Plus but the mechanical equipment around is highly changed. S in 410 S means Sports.
410 is the volume per cylinder of the Lampredi engine for its nearly 5.0 liter overall. CM meaning Carrera Messicana clearly indicates that Ferrari relied on the Pan-Am for demonstrating their superiority.
It is required that the car is stable. A new chassis lowers the center of gravity and the wheelbase is slightly reduced to a new standard that will be used two years later for the 250 Testarossa. The 410 S is equipped with a vast tank of 195 liters and large pipes to avoid refueling over long distances.
The production started in 1955 with a terminus ante quem before the January 29, 1956 1000 km Buenos Aires. They are titled 1955. The bodies designed and built by Sergio Scaglietti are wider than the 375 Plus.
Four cars are built, the first two for private clients and the other two for the Scuderia Ferrari. Buenos Aires was their only race for the Scuderia. The first, third and fourth cars are spiders. The second car is a berlinetta. The works cars are arguably the most powerful racing cars of the period with an uprating from 335 to 375 hp by twin plug cylinders for a top speed just over 300 km/h.
The final cancellation of the Panamericana for safety and cost reasons after the 1955 Le Mans disaster ruined Ferrari's expectation that the 410 S CM becomes the demonstrator of their unprecedented know how. The 1000 km Nürburgring was also cancelled. Some experts view that model as the best Ferrari ever made.
1
0592 CM Spyder
2014 SOLD for $ 23M by Rick Cole
The first 410 S CM is a spyder made in 1955. It waits in vain for the Mexican race which is canceled after the accident at Le Mans, for the great frustration of Enzo Ferrari. It has been little raced and has an incident-free history.
It was offered by Rick Cole on August 17, 2014 without a floor session. It is illustrated on the article shared by Sports Car Digest. It was reported as unsold with a maximum bid of $ 22.111M. Sports Car Digest later caught the information that it was sold in post block sale for a final price of $ 23M. This price is confirmed by barchetta.com.
Its image is shared by Wikimedia with attribution Sicnag, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons.
It was offered by Rick Cole on August 17, 2014 without a floor session. It is illustrated on the article shared by Sports Car Digest. It was reported as unsold with a maximum bid of $ 22.111M. Sports Car Digest later caught the information that it was sold in post block sale for a final price of $ 23M. This price is confirmed by barchetta.com.
Its image is shared by Wikimedia with attribution Sicnag, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons.
.jpg)
2
0598 CM Spyder
2022 SOLD for $ 22M by RM Sotheby's
Within the low population of four 410 S considered as the best Ferrari ever made and the still lower population of two with twin plug cylinders, the chassis 0598 CM has by far the best racing history, entering nearly 40 events in period and recording 11 victories.
The car was used by the works team in only one event, the 1956 1000 km Buenos Aires where it was driven by Fangio and Castellotti. It was then raced for the privateer John Edgar. Its most successful driver was Carroll Shelby with 8 wins. The car was sold in 1960 by Edgar to Chinetti.
Carroll Shelby inscribed in 2006 on its fuel tank : "Mr Ferrari told me that this car was the best Ferrari he ever built". He said in period "Nothing can touch this Ferrari if it runs" and much later "It was the best Ferrari I ever drove".
Remaining highly original with its engine, chassis and Scaglietti body in matching numbers, it was sold for $ 22M by RM Sotheby's on August 20, 2022, lot 355. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
Its sister car in the Scuderia Ferrari is the 0596 spider which also entered and did not finish the 1956 1000 km Buenos Aires. It was sold for $ 3.8M by RM Auctions on August 18, 2001.
The car was used by the works team in only one event, the 1956 1000 km Buenos Aires where it was driven by Fangio and Castellotti. It was then raced for the privateer John Edgar. Its most successful driver was Carroll Shelby with 8 wins. The car was sold in 1960 by Edgar to Chinetti.
Carroll Shelby inscribed in 2006 on its fuel tank : "Mr Ferrari told me that this car was the best Ferrari he ever built". He said in period "Nothing can touch this Ferrari if it runs" and much later "It was the best Ferrari I ever drove".
Remaining highly original with its engine, chassis and Scaglietti body in matching numbers, it was sold for $ 22M by RM Sotheby's on August 20, 2022, lot 355. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
Its sister car in the Scuderia Ferrari is the 0596 spider which also entered and did not finish the 1956 1000 km Buenos Aires. It was sold for $ 3.8M by RM Auctions on August 18, 2001.
3
0594 CM Berlinetta
2012 SOLD for $ 8.25 M$ by RM Auctions
On special order for its original owner, the second 410 S was realized as a road car with a body designed and built by Scaglietti. This berlinetta is the only closed car of this model. Aesthetically speaking, with its very long bonnet, it can be considered as a masterpiece of Scaglietti.
It was sold for $ 8.25M on August 17, 2012 by RM Auctions. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
It was sold for $ 8.25M on August 17, 2012 by RM Auctions. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
1955 Short Nose for Ecurie Ecosse
2016 SOLD for $ 21.8M including premium
In the early 1950s, Jaguar targets Le Mans. The C-Type perfectly meets this ambition. Design changes are frequent to maintain competitiveness and to follow the rule changes made necessary to ensure the safety.
The C-Type Lightweight from 1953 is a transition model preparing the 1954 D-type. In 1955, the D-Type Long Nose carries the expectations of the brand. In the same year, for meeting the requirement to engage commercially available models in competition, Jaguar begins to produce in series the D-Type model with its 1954 "short nose".
The first two commercial D-Type, chassis XKD 501 and 502, are delivered in 1955 to Ecurie Ecosse, a private team that works closely with Jaguar. Due to an accident, XKD 501 cannot participate at Le Mans in its first year.
The disaster of Le Mans significantly changes the game. Mercedes-Benz will not return. In 1956, a regulatory limitation of the fuel creates a headache for high volume engines. The XKD 501 of the Ecurie Ecosse wins the race one lap ahead of an Aston Martin. The feat of the Ecurie Ecosse is of high merit because the car is equipped with a big 3.4-liter engine.
Still more important changes are being considered in the rules. In 1957 Jaguar terminates its racing team. In 1958 Le Mans limits the size of engines to 3 liters, precipitating the end of career of the glorious chain of the C-Types and D-Types. It is funny to note that "C" meant Competition while "D" is simply the next after C in the alphabet.
XKD 501 was maintained in its configuration and its engine of the 1956 Le Mans victory. Its condition is certainly the most authentic among the five Jaguar that won at Le Mans in the 1950s. It had been fitted before Le Mans with the engine from the third D -Type of Ecurie Ecosse, XKD 561, a car that the team mostly used as a spare.
XKD 501 is estimated $ 20M for sale by RM Sotheby's in Monterey on August 19, lot 114. In its class, glory brings an added value : in very good condition, XKD 561 was sold for £ 2.6M including premium by Bonhams on December 1, 2013. Please watch the video shared by RM.
The C-Type Lightweight from 1953 is a transition model preparing the 1954 D-type. In 1955, the D-Type Long Nose carries the expectations of the brand. In the same year, for meeting the requirement to engage commercially available models in competition, Jaguar begins to produce in series the D-Type model with its 1954 "short nose".
The first two commercial D-Type, chassis XKD 501 and 502, are delivered in 1955 to Ecurie Ecosse, a private team that works closely with Jaguar. Due to an accident, XKD 501 cannot participate at Le Mans in its first year.
The disaster of Le Mans significantly changes the game. Mercedes-Benz will not return. In 1956, a regulatory limitation of the fuel creates a headache for high volume engines. The XKD 501 of the Ecurie Ecosse wins the race one lap ahead of an Aston Martin. The feat of the Ecurie Ecosse is of high merit because the car is equipped with a big 3.4-liter engine.
Still more important changes are being considered in the rules. In 1957 Jaguar terminates its racing team. In 1958 Le Mans limits the size of engines to 3 liters, precipitating the end of career of the glorious chain of the C-Types and D-Types. It is funny to note that "C" meant Competition while "D" is simply the next after C in the alphabet.
XKD 501 was maintained in its configuration and its engine of the 1956 Le Mans victory. Its condition is certainly the most authentic among the five Jaguar that won at Le Mans in the 1950s. It had been fitted before Le Mans with the engine from the third D -Type of Ecurie Ecosse, XKD 561, a car that the team mostly used as a spare.
XKD 501 is estimated $ 20M for sale by RM Sotheby's in Monterey on August 19, lot 114. In its class, glory brings an added value : in very good condition, XKD 561 was sold for £ 2.6M including premium by Bonhams on December 1, 2013. Please watch the video shared by RM.
1955 Ferrari 250 GT
2021 SOLD for € 6.2M by RM Sotheby's
In the GT class, the Ferrari 250 was originally made in two series, the 250 Europa released in 1953 with a Lampredi V12 engine, and the 250 Europa GT released in 1954 with a V12 Colombo.
For the GT competition, the successful 250 MM will need a successor. In 1955 Ferrari prepares in four prototypes a Speciale 250 Europa GT Competizione with the V12 Colombo.
The third prototype is fitted by Pinin Farina as a berlinetta similar to the 375 MM. This forerunner of the TdF was sold € 6.2M by RM Sotheby's on November 19, 2021, lot 152. The engine, gear box and rear axle are in matching numbers.
For the GT competition, the successful 250 MM will need a successor. In 1955 Ferrari prepares in four prototypes a Speciale 250 Europa GT Competizione with the V12 Colombo.
The third prototype is fitted by Pinin Farina as a berlinetta similar to the 375 MM. This forerunner of the TdF was sold € 6.2M by RM Sotheby's on November 19, 2021, lot 152. The engine, gear box and rear axle are in matching numbers.
1955 Ferrari 250 GT
2013 SOLD 7.2 M$ including premium
The risk was with technical developments that increased the power and speed of the cars. The accident at Le Mans in 1955 led the organizers to create more stringent regulations. In Mexico, the very dangerous Carrera Panamericana is prohibited.
The Ferrari 250 GT supersedes at that time the glorious 250 MM, and will be as successful or even more. The berlinettas aim to win on the road. Pinin Farina designs for the competition a light aluminum body.
One of the earliest examples of 250 GT berlinetta competizione was delivered to Alfonso de Portago. Known to be mad of speed both on the road and in bobsleigh, the young marquess went to belong to the Scuderia Ferrari.
He sought the extreme speed, the rest did not matter. His berlinetta was white, without unnecessary equipment. It was restored as close as possible to its original configuration. It never had a major accident and retains its original engine.
This Ferrari is estimated $ 6.5 million, for sale on August 18 at Pebble Beach by Gooding, lot 143. It is a wonderful witness to its tragic year.
Two years later on 12 May 1957, Portago enters the worst sporting legend with another Ferrari. A tire explodes at 240 Km/h. He and his co-pilot are killed along with ten spectators. The accident, one of the most serious in the history of car racing, generates the definitive suspension of the prestigious Mille Miglia race.
POST SALE COMMENT
Great Ferrari cars find buyers. This one was sold for $ 7.2 million including premium, which corresponds to its lower estimate.
The Ferrari 250 GT supersedes at that time the glorious 250 MM, and will be as successful or even more. The berlinettas aim to win on the road. Pinin Farina designs for the competition a light aluminum body.
One of the earliest examples of 250 GT berlinetta competizione was delivered to Alfonso de Portago. Known to be mad of speed both on the road and in bobsleigh, the young marquess went to belong to the Scuderia Ferrari.
He sought the extreme speed, the rest did not matter. His berlinetta was white, without unnecessary equipment. It was restored as close as possible to its original configuration. It never had a major accident and retains its original engine.
This Ferrari is estimated $ 6.5 million, for sale on August 18 at Pebble Beach by Gooding, lot 143. It is a wonderful witness to its tragic year.
Two years later on 12 May 1957, Portago enters the worst sporting legend with another Ferrari. A tire explodes at 240 Km/h. He and his co-pilot are killed along with ten spectators. The accident, one of the most serious in the history of car racing, generates the definitive suspension of the prestigious Mille Miglia race.
POST SALE COMMENT
Great Ferrari cars find buyers. This one was sold for $ 7.2 million including premium, which corresponds to its lower estimate.
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Alloy Gullwing
2022 SOLD for $ 6.8M by RM Sotheby's
In 1954 Mercedes-Benz releases the 300 SL coupe. 300 refers to a 3-liter engine and SL (Sport Leicht) is a skilled summary of the targeted market. Its unprecedented gullwing doors have their hinge in the axis of the roof. Access to the seat is not really easy and rainwater pours on the passenger's head when he gets out of the car. From 1954 to 1957, 1,400 cars were produced before a come back to a more classical design.
The Alloy version also identified as Leichtmetall was released in 1955 for road going competition. The weight reduction is 80 kg from the basic steel model. 24 cars were produced in 1955 and 5 in 1956.
The 13th Alloy Gullwing had been delivered to the Mercedes-Benz agent in Casablanca. It was not used in competition in period and escaped the usual wear of its thin aluminum based body.
In a stunning condition with its matching number engine and original body, it was sold for $ 6.8M by RM Sotheby's on January 27, 2022, lot 159. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
Another 1955 300 SL Alloy Gullwing that also retains its matching number engine was sold for $ 4.6M by Gooding on January 20, 2012, lot 27.
The Alloy version also identified as Leichtmetall was released in 1955 for road going competition. The weight reduction is 80 kg from the basic steel model. 24 cars were produced in 1955 and 5 in 1956.
The 13th Alloy Gullwing had been delivered to the Mercedes-Benz agent in Casablanca. It was not used in competition in period and escaped the usual wear of its thin aluminum based body.
In a stunning condition with its matching number engine and original body, it was sold for $ 6.8M by RM Sotheby's on January 27, 2022, lot 159. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
Another 1955 300 SL Alloy Gullwing that also retains its matching number engine was sold for $ 4.6M by Gooding on January 20, 2012, lot 27.
1955 Jaguar for Privateers
2021 SOLD for $ 6M including premium
Jaguar is hoping to make a commercial profit from the great performance of the D-Type in 1954 at Le Mans : second position overall for Hamilton and Rolt and top speed record at 278 Km/h by Moss. In the following year the brand accepts orders from private teams. The improved 'long nose' variant will however remain for the exclusive use of the works team.
A little more than 50 short nosed cars are produced for the trade. After the 1956 season Jaguar observes the saturation of the market and all the chassis remaining in the factory are converted into the road going XKSS limited series. Ecurie Ecosse's victories at Le Mans in 1956 and 1957 do not revert the termination of the D-Type.
Selling it was never easy. A red painted D-Type sent to a dealer in Manchester in December 1955 cannot find a buyer. Returned to London, it finally dazzles a driver who buys it to Bernie Ecclestone acting as a trader. After a significant participation in British races from 1956 to 1958, the car becomes the property of the female driver Jean Bloxham who races it twice.
This D-Type has never been modified or damaged and has even been repainted in its original factory red. Former owners praised its comfort and its ideal handling in heavy rain. It is estimated $ 5.75M for sale by RM Sotheby's in Scottsdale AZ on January 22, 2021, lot 141. It had passed from a much higher estimate at Gooding on January, 19, 2018, lot 55.
A little more than 50 short nosed cars are produced for the trade. After the 1956 season Jaguar observes the saturation of the market and all the chassis remaining in the factory are converted into the road going XKSS limited series. Ecurie Ecosse's victories at Le Mans in 1956 and 1957 do not revert the termination of the D-Type.
Selling it was never easy. A red painted D-Type sent to a dealer in Manchester in December 1955 cannot find a buyer. Returned to London, it finally dazzles a driver who buys it to Bernie Ecclestone acting as a trader. After a significant participation in British races from 1956 to 1958, the car becomes the property of the female driver Jean Bloxham who races it twice.
This D-Type has never been modified or damaged and has even been repainted in its original factory red. Former owners praised its comfort and its ideal handling in heavy rain. It is estimated $ 5.75M for sale by RM Sotheby's in Scottsdale AZ on January 22, 2021, lot 141. It had passed from a much higher estimate at Gooding on January, 19, 2018, lot 55.
