Cars 1956-1957
Except otherwise stated, all results include the premium.
See also : Cars Cars of the 1950s Ferrari Aston Martin Jaguar Mercedes-Benz
Chronology : 1956 1957
See also : Cars Cars of the 1950s Ferrari Aston Martin Jaguar Mercedes-Benz
Chronology : 1956 1957
1956 Aston Martin DBR1
2017 SOLD for $ 22.6M by RM Sotheby's
When David Brown buys Aston Martin and Lagonda in 1947, his ambition is to lead Aston Martin to win at the 24 hours of Le Mans by relying on the innovative achievements of both brands. Twelve years of stubborn efforts will follow.
The valiant DB3S manages to sneak into the podiums of the endurance competitions but is not powerful enough against Ferrari, Jaguar and Maserati. The changes in Le Mans regulation for limiting the volume in the prototype category are favorable to Ferrari and Aston Martin. The two brands launch ambitious developments : the 250 TR in 1957 for Ferrari and the DBR1 (David Brown Racing 1) in 1956 for Aston Martin.
The first DBR1 car (DBR1/1) is assembled in 1956 with a 3-liter engine sometimes replaced until 1958 by a 2.5-liter engine to comply with the new regulations of some competitions. In 1957 a second DBR1 is made, along with two DBR2 equipped with a larger engine that will be upgraded in two phases to 4.2 liters. Three additional DBR1 will follow.
This model is perfect for the 1000 Km Nürburgring won in 1957 by DBR1/2, in 1958 by DBR1/3, and in 1959 by DBR1/1 with Stirling Moss and Jack Fairman. Taking advantage of Ferrari's misfortune, DBR1/2 realizes at last its boss's dream by winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1959. After a final DBR1/2 victory at Goodwood, Aston Martin stops the competition probably due to financial difficulties and the cars continue their careers with private teams.
Painstakingly maintained as close as possible to its 1959 configuration with the cooperation of the former chief designer of the DBR project, DBR1/1 was sold for $ 22.6M by RM Sotheby's on August 18, 2017, lot 148. It is equipped with a replica engine of the correct configuration and accompanied by its 3-liter engine of 1959.
Please watch in the RM tweet the very short video shared by the auction house.
Wikimedia shares an image of DBR1/1 driven by Carroll Shelby at Sebring in 1958. Attribution : By C5813 (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
The valiant DB3S manages to sneak into the podiums of the endurance competitions but is not powerful enough against Ferrari, Jaguar and Maserati. The changes in Le Mans regulation for limiting the volume in the prototype category are favorable to Ferrari and Aston Martin. The two brands launch ambitious developments : the 250 TR in 1957 for Ferrari and the DBR1 (David Brown Racing 1) in 1956 for Aston Martin.
The first DBR1 car (DBR1/1) is assembled in 1956 with a 3-liter engine sometimes replaced until 1958 by a 2.5-liter engine to comply with the new regulations of some competitions. In 1957 a second DBR1 is made, along with two DBR2 equipped with a larger engine that will be upgraded in two phases to 4.2 liters. Three additional DBR1 will follow.
This model is perfect for the 1000 Km Nürburgring won in 1957 by DBR1/2, in 1958 by DBR1/3, and in 1959 by DBR1/1 with Stirling Moss and Jack Fairman. Taking advantage of Ferrari's misfortune, DBR1/2 realizes at last its boss's dream by winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1959. After a final DBR1/2 victory at Goodwood, Aston Martin stops the competition probably due to financial difficulties and the cars continue their careers with private teams.
Painstakingly maintained as close as possible to its 1959 configuration with the cooperation of the former chief designer of the DBR project, DBR1/1 was sold for $ 22.6M by RM Sotheby's on August 18, 2017, lot 148. It is equipped with a replica engine of the correct configuration and accompanied by its 3-liter engine of 1959.
Please watch in the RM tweet the very short video shared by the auction house.
Wikimedia shares an image of DBR1/1 driven by Carroll Shelby at Sebring in 1958. Attribution : By C5813 (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
1956 Ferrari 290 MM
2015 SOLD for $ 28M by RM Sotheby's
Mercedes-Benz stopped its involvement in competition at the end of the 1955 season. Ferrari watched around the corner and managed to sign a contract with Juan Manuel Fangio. Aged 45 in 1956, the Argentine champion felt that his future was unassured due to the fall of Peron and could not any more consider to retire.
The World Sportscar Championship arouses a similar interest as Formula 1. Faced with the formidable challenge from the Maserati 300S, Ferrari prepares the 290 MM, certainly with some recommendations by its new driver. As usual for Ferrari at that time, the race for which the model is specifically prepared is indicated in the description: MM means Mille Miglia. Four cars are built.
The 1956 Mille Miglia are disturbed by heavy rain that causes no less than three fatalities. The competition is won by a 290 MM driven by Castellotti. Fangio is fourth with his car of the same model.
That 290 MM will not be reused later by Fangio but will have a significant history with other top drivers from the Scuderia Ferrari such as Portago, Phil Hill and Gendebien. Sold to a US private owner in the middle of the 1957 season, it is raced until 1964 without any crash.
This car has retained all its original features: chassis, engine, gearbox and its body by Scaglietti. It was sold for $ 28M by RM Sotheby's on December 10, 2015, lot 221.
Fangio failed to cooperate permanently with Enzo Ferrari and came back to Maserati just after his one-year contract. The Ferrari cars driven in competition by this champion are indeed extremely rare and the example for sale has an amazing authenticity.
The World Sportscar Championship arouses a similar interest as Formula 1. Faced with the formidable challenge from the Maserati 300S, Ferrari prepares the 290 MM, certainly with some recommendations by its new driver. As usual for Ferrari at that time, the race for which the model is specifically prepared is indicated in the description: MM means Mille Miglia. Four cars are built.
The 1956 Mille Miglia are disturbed by heavy rain that causes no less than three fatalities. The competition is won by a 290 MM driven by Castellotti. Fangio is fourth with his car of the same model.
That 290 MM will not be reused later by Fangio but will have a significant history with other top drivers from the Scuderia Ferrari such as Portago, Phil Hill and Gendebien. Sold to a US private owner in the middle of the 1957 season, it is raced until 1964 without any crash.
This car has retained all its original features: chassis, engine, gearbox and its body by Scaglietti. It was sold for $ 28M by RM Sotheby's on December 10, 2015, lot 221.
Fangio failed to cooperate permanently with Enzo Ferrari and came back to Maserati just after his one-year contract. The Ferrari cars driven in competition by this champion are indeed extremely rare and the example for sale has an amazing authenticity.
1956 Ferrari 860 Monza / 290 MM
2018 SOLD for $ 22M by RM Sotheby's
The 1956 edition of the Mille Miglia is a triumph for the Scuderia Ferrari whose four entered cars, two 860 Monza and two 290 MM, win the first four places.
One of the 290 MM was driven by Fangio to the fourth place. It was sold for $ 28M by RM Sotheby's on December 10, 2015.
Ranked second in the above event, one of the two 860 Monza had been driven by Collins. For the 1957 season it remains at the Scuderia but is transformed by the factory into a 290 MM. It was sold to a privateer in August 1957 and then got its first win with Stirling Moss. During its time with the Scuderia it had been driven by the same amazing lineup as the example above.
This car then underwent further transformations, including the pontoon bodywork which ensured in 1957 the success of the 250 Testa Rossa. It was restored by Ferrari Classiche in its 290 MM configuration of early 1957 with the engine, gearbox and bodywork in matching numbers from that phase.
It was sold for $ 22M by RM Sotheby's on December 8, 2018, lot 241. Please watch the video shared by Sotheby's, showing its great road going condition. The image shared by Wikimedia with attribution Tino Rossini from Toronto, Canada [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons is earlier than the last restoration.
The 290 MM model is prestigious but scarce : only four cars ever received this configuration. It was replaced in 1957 by the 315 S in 3.8 liters and the 335 S in 4 liters which are equally rare. A 315 S transformed into 335 S was sold for € 32M by Artcurial on February 5, 2016.
One of the 290 MM was driven by Fangio to the fourth place. It was sold for $ 28M by RM Sotheby's on December 10, 2015.
Ranked second in the above event, one of the two 860 Monza had been driven by Collins. For the 1957 season it remains at the Scuderia but is transformed by the factory into a 290 MM. It was sold to a privateer in August 1957 and then got its first win with Stirling Moss. During its time with the Scuderia it had been driven by the same amazing lineup as the example above.
This car then underwent further transformations, including the pontoon bodywork which ensured in 1957 the success of the 250 Testa Rossa. It was restored by Ferrari Classiche in its 290 MM configuration of early 1957 with the engine, gearbox and bodywork in matching numbers from that phase.
It was sold for $ 22M by RM Sotheby's on December 8, 2018, lot 241. Please watch the video shared by Sotheby's, showing its great road going condition. The image shared by Wikimedia with attribution Tino Rossini from Toronto, Canada [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons is earlier than the last restoration.
The 290 MM model is prestigious but scarce : only four cars ever received this configuration. It was replaced in 1957 by the 315 S in 3.8 liters and the 335 S in 4 liters which are equally rare. A 315 S transformed into 335 S was sold for € 32M by Artcurial on February 5, 2016.
1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Alloy Gullwing
2024 SOLD for $ 9.4M by RM Sotheby's
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Alloy Gullwingl 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.
In a stunning condition with its matching number engine and original body, the 13th example was sold for $ 6.8M by RM Sotheby's on January 27, 2022, lot 159. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
The 26th, completed in January 1956, had been delivered new to Chinetti who kept it for two decades. After five decades in the confidential Rudi Klein collection, that barn find car keeps its original interior, body, engine, gearbox, rear axle, steering box and front spindles. It was sold for $ 9.4M from a lower estimate of $ 4.5M by RM Sotheby's on October 26, 2024, lot 290.
In a stunning condition with its matching number engine and original body, the 13th example was sold for $ 6.8M by RM Sotheby's on January 27, 2022, lot 159. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
The 26th, completed in January 1956, had been delivered new to Chinetti who kept it for two decades. After five decades in the confidential Rudi Klein collection, that barn find car keeps its original interior, body, engine, gearbox, rear axle, steering box and front spindles. It was sold for $ 9.4M from a lower estimate of $ 4.5M by RM Sotheby's on October 26, 2024, lot 290.
1957 Ferrari 315 S / 335 S
2016 SOLD for € 32M by Artcurial
The Prototipi class in endurance racing enables Ferrari to develop in the mid-1950s a range of powerful and spectacular vehicles made in very small quantities. The top goal is to win the Mille Miglia. In 1956 Ferrari's efforts were rewarded by a return to victory with a 290 MM driven by Castellotti.
In 1957 the 315 S with a 3.8-liter engine and the 335 S with a 4-liter engine appear as the successors to the 290 MM. A 315 S driven by Taruffi won the race ahead of another 315 S driven by Von Trips. Unfortunately the most prestigious Italian endurance competition is forbidden by the Italian government following the accident of the 335 S of De Portago.
Other competitions continue and the cars are subject to the improvements necessary to maintain their competitiveness. The Ferrari 315 S which had been used by Von Trips receives a 4-liter engine, becoming a 335 S. It is also equipped with the fender pontoon front intended to reduce the overheating, which makes the glory in the same year of the 250 Testarossa .
After a very good competition history, the 315 S / 335 S enters the collection of Pierre Bardinon who restores it in its spider configuration while separately keeping the pontoon fender that still accompanies the car today. It was sold for € 32M by Artcurial on February 5, 2016, lot 170.
In 1957 the 315 S with a 3.8-liter engine and the 335 S with a 4-liter engine appear as the successors to the 290 MM. A 315 S driven by Taruffi won the race ahead of another 315 S driven by Von Trips. Unfortunately the most prestigious Italian endurance competition is forbidden by the Italian government following the accident of the 335 S of De Portago.
Other competitions continue and the cars are subject to the improvements necessary to maintain their competitiveness. The Ferrari 315 S which had been used by Von Trips receives a 4-liter engine, becoming a 335 S. It is also equipped with the fender pontoon front intended to reduce the overheating, which makes the glory in the same year of the 250 Testarossa .
After a very good competition history, the 315 S / 335 S enters the collection of Pierre Bardinon who restores it in its spider configuration while separately keeping the pontoon fender that still accompanies the car today. It was sold for € 32M by Artcurial on February 5, 2016, lot 170.
Ferrari 250 GT TdF
Intro
By bringing the FIA to revise the competition regulations, the terrible accident at Le Mans in 1955 paves the way for the greatest period of Ferrari. The Ferrari 250 GT Europa, released in the previous year, is perfectly matching the new requirements. Ferrari manages its overwhelming dominance in the category Grand Touring by enhancing this product line.
Ferrari is ready. They equip the 250 GT chassis in berlinetta and later name this model Tour de France (TdF). This wording highlights the intention of the brand to respect the spirit of the new rules that favor dual-purpose cars for road and race.
The bodies of the TdF were designed by Pininfarina and built by Scaglietti in successive series whose most visible distinct feature is the number of ventilation slots or louvers on both rear lateral walls of the cockpit. The first variant had no slot. To improve the venting, the second variant includes fourteen oblique louvers on the rear of each side panel. The third series, in 1957, has three louvers. The prestigious option of the covered headlamps is first available for that series. In fact one louver was enough, as offered in 1958 as the ultimate version.
Ferrari is ready. They equip the 250 GT chassis in berlinetta and later name this model Tour de France (TdF). This wording highlights the intention of the brand to respect the spirit of the new rules that favor dual-purpose cars for road and race.
The bodies of the TdF were designed by Pininfarina and built by Scaglietti in successive series whose most visible distinct feature is the number of ventilation slots or louvers on both rear lateral walls of the cockpit. The first variant had no slot. To improve the venting, the second variant includes fourteen oblique louvers on the rear of each side panel. The third series, in 1957, has three louvers. The prestigious option of the covered headlamps is first available for that series. In fact one louver was enough, as offered in 1958 as the ultimate version.
1
1956 first series
2015 SOLD for $ 13.2M by RM Sotheby's
The first series of the new 250 GT berlinetta in 1956 is primarily devoted to competition. Seven cars are bodied by Scaglietti on a design by Pinin Farina. After a few more units, this model will also receive significant improvements including the signature vents called louvers on the sides of the bodywork.
The fifth of these first seven 250 GT LWB (a designation made after the development of the SWB chassis in 1959) is one of the most glorious cars in all the history of Ferrari.
It was sold by Ferrari on 23 April 1956 to the Marquis de Portago who led it to victory in all competitions in which it participated. Its most spectacular achievement is the Tour de France in 1956 where, driven by Portago and Nelson, it won five of the six circuits of the event. In the following year, the victory of Gendebien with another 250 GT LWB consolidated the moniker Tour de France (TdF) now attributed to these berlinettas.
This undefeated car survived without any damage to Portago, the most extreme driver in the history of motor racing, killed with Nelson in the Mille Miglia in 1957 by the explosion of a tire of their Ferrari 335 S. When they recruited Portago in early 1956 among the official pilots of the brand, Ferrari had taken the challenge to demonstrate the exceptional strength of their new cars.
The TdF was sold for $ 13.2M by RM Sotheby's on August 15, 2015, lot 332.Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
The fifth of these first seven 250 GT LWB (a designation made after the development of the SWB chassis in 1959) is one of the most glorious cars in all the history of Ferrari.
It was sold by Ferrari on 23 April 1956 to the Marquis de Portago who led it to victory in all competitions in which it participated. Its most spectacular achievement is the Tour de France in 1956 where, driven by Portago and Nelson, it won five of the six circuits of the event. In the following year, the victory of Gendebien with another 250 GT LWB consolidated the moniker Tour de France (TdF) now attributed to these berlinettas.
This undefeated car survived without any damage to Portago, the most extreme driver in the history of motor racing, killed with Nelson in the Mille Miglia in 1957 by the explosion of a tire of their Ferrari 335 S. When they recruited Portago in early 1956 among the official pilots of the brand, Ferrari had taken the challenge to demonstrate the exceptional strength of their new cars.
The TdF was sold for $ 13.2M by RM Sotheby's on August 15, 2015, lot 332.Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
2
1957 14-louver
2013 SOLD for $ 9.5M by Gooding
Made in 1956, the very first 250 GT 14 louver TdF was sold for $ 6.7M by RM Auctions on August 18, 2012.
Nine cars of this variant were produced, bodied by Scaglietti. Made in 1957, the penultimate was sold for $ 9.5M by Gooding on August 17, 2013.
Both cars have retained their original engine and got a professional restoration. The price difference may be explained by the fact that the specimen sold last year had been left abandoned for some time in the late 1960s. The car sold by Gooding has retained its original Scaglietti bodywork.
1957 was a key year for the high-end product lines of Ferrari. The California Spider was released on the same chassis as the TdF, to be a posteriori identified as LWB chassis. It was also the development year of the 250 TR.
Nine cars of this variant were produced, bodied by Scaglietti. Made in 1957, the penultimate was sold for $ 9.5M by Gooding on August 17, 2013.
Both cars have retained their original engine and got a professional restoration. The price difference may be explained by the fact that the specimen sold last year had been left abandoned for some time in the late 1960s. The car sold by Gooding has retained its original Scaglietti bodywork.
1957 was a key year for the high-end product lines of Ferrari. The California Spider was released on the same chassis as the TdF, to be a posteriori identified as LWB chassis. It was also the development year of the 250 TR.
1957 Ferrari 250 TR
1
prototype
2011 SOLD for $ 16.4M by Gooding
A series of fatal accidents paved the way for significant changes in racing regulations, limiting engine capacity to 3000 cc. With its model 250 TR inaugurating the aerodynamic form known as "pontoon fender", Ferrari took the lead under the new rules.
TR stands for TestaRossa, designating for red valve cover). 22 units were made.
The prototype was sold for $ 16.4M by Gooding on 20/21 August 2011. Its image is shared by the auction house on Ow.ly.
With an outstanding racing pedigree, it has had only two owners in the last 40 years and has been maintained in superb condition with its original engine.
TR stands for TestaRossa, designating for red valve cover). 22 units were made.
The prototype was sold for $ 16.4M by Gooding on 20/21 August 2011. Its image is shared by the auction house on Ow.ly.
With an outstanding racing pedigree, it has had only two owners in the last 40 years and has been maintained in superb condition with its original engine.
2
2009 SOLD for € 9M by RM Auctions
A Ferrari 250 TR was sold for € 9M by RM Auctions in cooperation with Sotheby's on May 17, 2009.
1957 Jaguar XKSS
2023 SOLD for $ 13.2M by RM Sotheby's
Success on track is not enough to ensure the profitability of a production line. Moreover it is announced in 1956 that the maximum capacity for the World Sportcar Championship will be reduced in 1958 to 3 liters, below the 3.4 liters of the Type D engine.
In 1956 the last 25 units in various assembly phases of the highly efficient Jaguar XKD (D-Type) are no longer able to find acquirers.
The company decides to modify them with a target on the North American market including all the characteristics necessary for road homologation. The new XKSS will have a full windscreen, a passenger side door, and some weather equipment.
Over its three years in production, the population of the D-Type had been 6 works cars plus 54 cars for trade.
The transformation begins in January 1957. On the following month a fire in the factory destroys 9 cars. The population of the XKSS will thus be limited to 16 units.
With no technological innovation in comparison with the D-Type, the XKSS is improved in the comfort of its two-seater cockpit and of the windscreen, and the stabilizing fin is removed. With its aerodynamical body similar to the D-Type, it is the most stunning road car of its time.
The XKSS deserves to be compared to the masterpiece of the following decade, the Ferrari 250 GTO. Both are dual for competition and road, in limited series. Their owners keep them jealously and they are extremely rare at auction.
An XKSS retaining in matching numbers its bodywork, most of the engine, the gearbox and the rear axle was sold for $ 13.2M by RM Sotheby's on August 19, 2023, lot 351. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
An enthusiast former owner obtained in Scotland the wink plate number JAG 1 which the car still retains today. He had also made it repainted in the metallic blue of the Ecurie Ecosse Type C and Type D fame.
In 1956 the last 25 units in various assembly phases of the highly efficient Jaguar XKD (D-Type) are no longer able to find acquirers.
The company decides to modify them with a target on the North American market including all the characteristics necessary for road homologation. The new XKSS will have a full windscreen, a passenger side door, and some weather equipment.
Over its three years in production, the population of the D-Type had been 6 works cars plus 54 cars for trade.
The transformation begins in January 1957. On the following month a fire in the factory destroys 9 cars. The population of the XKSS will thus be limited to 16 units.
With no technological innovation in comparison with the D-Type, the XKSS is improved in the comfort of its two-seater cockpit and of the windscreen, and the stabilizing fin is removed. With its aerodynamical body similar to the D-Type, it is the most stunning road car of its time.
The XKSS deserves to be compared to the masterpiece of the following decade, the Ferrari 250 GTO. Both are dual for competition and road, in limited series. Their owners keep them jealously and they are extremely rare at auction.
An XKSS retaining in matching numbers its bodywork, most of the engine, the gearbox and the rear axle was sold for $ 13.2M by RM Sotheby's on August 19, 2023, lot 351. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
An enthusiast former owner obtained in Scotland the wink plate number JAG 1 which the car still retains today. He had also made it repainted in the metallic blue of the Ecurie Ecosse Type C and Type D fame.
