Cars 1960-1961
1960 Prepared for Competizione
2012 SOLD 11.3 M$ including premium
Better than any other brand, Ferrari perfectly managed to entice their wealthy clients who dreamed being assimilated with the champions of the circuits.
The star model launched in 1958 cleverly maintains this ambiguity: the Ferrari 250 GT California Spider is a 250, like the Testa Rossa, and not even a spider as it is a cabriolet.
Two chassis versions existed: LWB (long wheel base) and SWB (short wheel base). These models often come in the auctions and provide opportunities to keep the odds on the favorite version of the market. Remember in this exciting exercise to make sure that the car is with "matching numbers", meaning that it is offered with its original equipment.
There are even better. 12 of these grand touring cars were made in a Competizione configuration, specially benefiting from a lightweight alloy body. 9 of them are LWB and 3 are SWB. They are the best Ferrari cars of their time, making a transition between the 250 TR and the fabulous 250 GTO, created in 1962.
In August 2010 at Pebble Beach, Gooding sold $ 7.26 million including premium a Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider Competizione of 1959.
The car of the same model for sale by Gooding on August 18, also at Pebble Beach, was made in the following year, 1960. It is estimated $ 7M. Here is the link to the catalog.
POST SALE COMMENT
There is no doubt: the rare configuration for "Competizione" provides an advantage over the basic model. The price obtained is remarkable: $ 10.25 million hammer, 11.3 million including premium.
The comparison with the 2010 result mentioned above concerning a similar example demonstrates the growth of the market for top end collection cars.
The star model launched in 1958 cleverly maintains this ambiguity: the Ferrari 250 GT California Spider is a 250, like the Testa Rossa, and not even a spider as it is a cabriolet.
Two chassis versions existed: LWB (long wheel base) and SWB (short wheel base). These models often come in the auctions and provide opportunities to keep the odds on the favorite version of the market. Remember in this exciting exercise to make sure that the car is with "matching numbers", meaning that it is offered with its original equipment.
There are even better. 12 of these grand touring cars were made in a Competizione configuration, specially benefiting from a lightweight alloy body. 9 of them are LWB and 3 are SWB. They are the best Ferrari cars of their time, making a transition between the 250 TR and the fabulous 250 GTO, created in 1962.
In August 2010 at Pebble Beach, Gooding sold $ 7.26 million including premium a Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider Competizione of 1959.
The car of the same model for sale by Gooding on August 18, also at Pebble Beach, was made in the following year, 1960. It is estimated $ 7M. Here is the link to the catalog.
POST SALE COMMENT
There is no doubt: the rare configuration for "Competizione" provides an advantage over the basic model. The price obtained is remarkable: $ 10.25 million hammer, 11.3 million including premium.
The comparison with the 2010 result mentioned above concerning a similar example demonstrates the growth of the market for top end collection cars.
1960 A Berlinetta for Competition
2013 SOLD 8.1 M$ including premium
The transition from LWB (long wheel base chassis) to SWB (short wheel base chassis) is a significant improvement for stability and therefore for the ratio of speed and power of the Ferrari 250 GT.
Designed in 1959 and generalized in the following year, the new chassis is well known at auction on the 250 GT California Spider convertibles. It equipped at the same time a berlinetta (closed coachwork), the 250 GT SWB, whose alloy variant is planned primarily for the competition.
The SWB Berlinetta Competizione received the attention of the best specialists, since it was styled by Pinin Farina and built by Scaglietti. It offered a driving pleasure that was not the main feature of previous models.
To assess the importance of this model, it is sufficient to say (simplifying a bit) that the most prestigious Ferrari, the 250 GTO released in 1962, is the association of the 250 SWB chassis with the engine of the 250 TR.
On August 20, 2011 in Monterey, RM Auctions sold for $ 5.3 million including premium a 250 GT SWB Berlinetta Competizione made in 1960, a remarkable price for a unit that had a complicated history of transformations. It had been estimated $ 3.8 M.
Another car of the same year is for sale on January 18 in Phoenix, also by RM Auctions. It has the rare quality for this model of having been well maintained with no accident. The gain that such an exceptional condition can bring is not easily predictable.
I invite you to play the video shared on YouTube by RM Auctions.
POST SALE COMMENT
The very good result, $ 7.4 million hammer price, rightly draws the attention to the competition berlinettas which immediately preceded the 250 GTO.
Designed in 1959 and generalized in the following year, the new chassis is well known at auction on the 250 GT California Spider convertibles. It equipped at the same time a berlinetta (closed coachwork), the 250 GT SWB, whose alloy variant is planned primarily for the competition.
The SWB Berlinetta Competizione received the attention of the best specialists, since it was styled by Pinin Farina and built by Scaglietti. It offered a driving pleasure that was not the main feature of previous models.
To assess the importance of this model, it is sufficient to say (simplifying a bit) that the most prestigious Ferrari, the 250 GTO released in 1962, is the association of the 250 SWB chassis with the engine of the 250 TR.
On August 20, 2011 in Monterey, RM Auctions sold for $ 5.3 million including premium a 250 GT SWB Berlinetta Competizione made in 1960, a remarkable price for a unit that had a complicated history of transformations. It had been estimated $ 3.8 M.
Another car of the same year is for sale on January 18 in Phoenix, also by RM Auctions. It has the rare quality for this model of having been well maintained with no accident. The gain that such an exceptional condition can bring is not easily predictable.
I invite you to play the video shared on YouTube by RM Auctions.
POST SALE COMMENT
The very good result, $ 7.4 million hammer price, rightly draws the attention to the competition berlinettas which immediately preceded the 250 GTO.
1960 Superamerican Grand Touring
2015 SOLD for $ 6.4M including premium
While their 250GT cars dominate the endurance competitions in accordance with the regulations of their time, Ferrari continues to deliver more powerful cars for road use, in very small series for wealthy clients. This new range is the Superamerica.
The 410 Superamerica is elegant and powerful, but too expensive. The 400 Superamerica succeeded it in 1959, including among other improvements a more modern engine displacing 4 liters through 12 cylinders.
The first 400 series is one of the most beautiful grand touring cars ever made by Ferrari. Only six cars are built. The third unit bodied in cabriolet in 1960 by Pinin Farina is estimated $ 6M for sale by RM Sotheby's in Amelia Island on March 14, lot 145.
This car is particularly desirable after a very careful restoration. It has not yet been shown in a concours d'elegance, and its owner sells it in favor of a foundation created by him for the education of children.
This first series of Ferrari 400 Superamerica is designated as SWB to distinguish it from the second series. Ferrari actually found that its short wheelbase was not optimal for the comfort of the cockpit and preferred to extend this setting before continuing this model.
The 410 Superamerica is elegant and powerful, but too expensive. The 400 Superamerica succeeded it in 1959, including among other improvements a more modern engine displacing 4 liters through 12 cylinders.
The first 400 series is one of the most beautiful grand touring cars ever made by Ferrari. Only six cars are built. The third unit bodied in cabriolet in 1960 by Pinin Farina is estimated $ 6M for sale by RM Sotheby's in Amelia Island on March 14, lot 145.
This car is particularly desirable after a very careful restoration. It has not yet been shown in a concours d'elegance, and its owner sells it in favor of a foundation created by him for the education of children.
This first series of Ferrari 400 Superamerica is designated as SWB to distinguish it from the second series. Ferrari actually found that its short wheelbase was not optimal for the comfort of the cockpit and preferred to extend this setting before continuing this model.
1960 The Small Porsche in Endurance Racing
2015 SOLD for $ 5.4M including premium
2019 SOLD for $ 5.1M including premium
PRE 2019 SALE DISCUSSION
In 1960 the Porsche brand is very active in competition. From 1957 their ambitions have been based on the 718 model, now split into two variants. Developed in 1959 for Formula 2 with a 1.5 liter engine, the 718/2 becomes competitive in Formula 1 thanks to a further limitation of engine displacement in this category.
For endurance, the 718 is much modified in 1960. The spyder 718 RS 60 is built in 18 units of which 4 are attributed for the factory team. Porsche want their cars to win with their own team. The RS 60 works cars receive exclusive aerodynamic improvements. They are driven by champions including Graham Hill, Stirling Moss and Jo Bonnier.
The 718 and its evolutions RS 60 and RS 61 are light and handy to drive, well adapted to difficult roads. It is really competitive against more powerful competitors but the accumulation of mechanical issues penalizes its achievements. It nevertheless wins the Targa Florio in 1959, 1960 and 1963.
For Le Mans 1960 two RS 60 works cars are equipped with 1,606 cc engines. In 1961 one of them receives a 1,678 cc engine for Sebring and for the Nürburgring. Meanwhile it amazingly performed at the Targa Florio with a 2-liter engine : driven by Stirling Moss, it was leading at the entrance of the last lap but had to stop a few kilometers before the finish line. This car is unique in its kind : it was the only RS 60 that could accommodate a 2-liter engine, thanks to a stiffening of the chassis.
It was discussed in this column before being sold for $ 5.4M including premium by Gooding on August 16, 2015. Recently restored, it is estimated $ 5.75M for sale by RM Sotheby's in Monterey on August 17, lot 348.
In 1960 the Porsche brand is very active in competition. From 1957 their ambitions have been based on the 718 model, now split into two variants. Developed in 1959 for Formula 2 with a 1.5 liter engine, the 718/2 becomes competitive in Formula 1 thanks to a further limitation of engine displacement in this category.
For endurance, the 718 is much modified in 1960. The spyder 718 RS 60 is built in 18 units of which 4 are attributed for the factory team. Porsche want their cars to win with their own team. The RS 60 works cars receive exclusive aerodynamic improvements. They are driven by champions including Graham Hill, Stirling Moss and Jo Bonnier.
The 718 and its evolutions RS 60 and RS 61 are light and handy to drive, well adapted to difficult roads. It is really competitive against more powerful competitors but the accumulation of mechanical issues penalizes its achievements. It nevertheless wins the Targa Florio in 1959, 1960 and 1963.
For Le Mans 1960 two RS 60 works cars are equipped with 1,606 cc engines. In 1961 one of them receives a 1,678 cc engine for Sebring and for the Nürburgring. Meanwhile it amazingly performed at the Targa Florio with a 2-liter engine : driven by Stirling Moss, it was leading at the entrance of the last lap but had to stop a few kilometers before the finish line. This car is unique in its kind : it was the only RS 60 that could accommodate a 2-liter engine, thanks to a stiffening of the chassis.
It was discussed in this column before being sold for $ 5.4M including premium by Gooding on August 16, 2015. Recently restored, it is estimated $ 5.75M for sale by RM Sotheby's in Monterey on August 17, lot 348.
1961 The Delon-Baillon California Spider
2015 SOLD for € 16.3M including premium by Artcurial
narrated in 2020
The Ferrari 250 GT California Spider with chassis 2935GT was exhibited in October 1961 at the Paris Motor Show. It is very elegant with the new short wheel base SWB chassis, now systematic for this model, and the rare option of covered headlights. The actor Gérard Blain bought it one week after the Salon closed.
Its second owner is Alain Delon, who uses it in Monaco and Los Angeles and is pictured with it with lovely passengers : Jane Fonda, Shirley MacLaine, his wife Nathalie. Delon sold it in 1965 with 37,000 km on the clock.
After several intermediaries, the car is acquired in 1971 by Roger Baillon and his son Jacques, contractors in truck bodywork and transport. In 1950, more than ten years before the Schlumpf brothers, Roger had started to recover and restore automotive masterpieces, with a view to create a museum.
Baillon puts the Ferrari in the barn. He probably does not use it, although he paid for its tax disc until 1975. The Baillon collection is secret, in large part because of the bankruptcy of the company. Some elements of the collection were seized and sold at auction near Niort in 1979 and 1985. The others remained hidden.
Jacques Baillon died in 2013. The heirs opened the hangar for an expertise by Artcurial on September 30, 2014, thus creating the most sensational "barn find" of modern times.
The storage had not been homogeneous. Two cars had been preserved from mist during these four decades, the Ferrari and a Maserati A6G 2000 Gran Sport berlinetta. Under its layer of dust, the Ferrari is in matching numbers, with intact bodywork except for the hood distorted under stacks of magazines, and with its original upholstery and documentation.
Artcurial is managing the auction in Paris on February 6, 2015, making a hype with the former belonging of the Ferrari to Delon. Connoisseurs are not mistaken : this car is an extremely rare untouched California Spider. Estimated € 9.5M, it is sold for € 16.3M including premium, lot 59. The Maserati fetched € 1.96M including premium. In a near collapse condition, an exceptional Talbot Lago T26 Grand Sport by Saoutchik was sold for € 1.7M including premium.
Its second owner is Alain Delon, who uses it in Monaco and Los Angeles and is pictured with it with lovely passengers : Jane Fonda, Shirley MacLaine, his wife Nathalie. Delon sold it in 1965 with 37,000 km on the clock.
After several intermediaries, the car is acquired in 1971 by Roger Baillon and his son Jacques, contractors in truck bodywork and transport. In 1950, more than ten years before the Schlumpf brothers, Roger had started to recover and restore automotive masterpieces, with a view to create a museum.
Baillon puts the Ferrari in the barn. He probably does not use it, although he paid for its tax disc until 1975. The Baillon collection is secret, in large part because of the bankruptcy of the company. Some elements of the collection were seized and sold at auction near Niort in 1979 and 1985. The others remained hidden.
Jacques Baillon died in 2013. The heirs opened the hangar for an expertise by Artcurial on September 30, 2014, thus creating the most sensational "barn find" of modern times.
The storage had not been homogeneous. Two cars had been preserved from mist during these four decades, the Ferrari and a Maserati A6G 2000 Gran Sport berlinetta. Under its layer of dust, the Ferrari is in matching numbers, with intact bodywork except for the hood distorted under stacks of magazines, and with its original upholstery and documentation.
Artcurial is managing the auction in Paris on February 6, 2015, making a hype with the former belonging of the Ferrari to Delon. Connoisseurs are not mistaken : this car is an extremely rare untouched California Spider. Estimated € 9.5M, it is sold for € 16.3M including premium, lot 59. The Maserati fetched € 1.96M including premium. In a near collapse condition, an exceptional Talbot Lago T26 Grand Sport by Saoutchik was sold for € 1.7M including premium.
1961 Oggi the Ferrari
2016 SOLD for $ 17.2M including premium
On March 11 in Amelia Island, Gooding sells a California Spider. Such event is not unusual but this specific example has many qualities that make it one of the most desirable Ferrari cars. It is estimated $ 15M, lot 069. Here is the link to the press release.
This car built in 1961 has the two outstanding aesthetic achievements by Scaglietti : the bodywork on the shorter frame and the covered headlights. Its color is the best symbol of the brand: it is painted in red and the leathers are black.
It had only three owners from new who carefully maintained and serviced it without modification and it so remains one of the most original from that model. It had probably never left Italy.
This California Spider is the dream car in the film Ieri, Oggi, Domani released in 1963. The movie is composed of three episodes of the Italian life unconnected in location or time, whose only common point is the leading couple, Sophia Loren and Marcello Mastroianni.
The central story, Oggi, was inspired from a short novel by Moravia whose title Troppo Ricca demonstrates the intention of social criticism. The woman drives with her lover the Rolls-Rolls of her husband and suddenly considers that she must make a choice between man and car. Relationships become nervous and Sophia crashes the Rolls.
The woman leaves on the road both car and lover and makes hitchhiking. They are near to Milan and the car that boards Sophia is our Ferrari, lent by its owner of that time to the film producer. Italy did not need to rely on concept cars to show on screen the ideal car : they had the 250 GT SWB California Spider.
This car built in 1961 has the two outstanding aesthetic achievements by Scaglietti : the bodywork on the shorter frame and the covered headlights. Its color is the best symbol of the brand: it is painted in red and the leathers are black.
It had only three owners from new who carefully maintained and serviced it without modification and it so remains one of the most original from that model. It had probably never left Italy.
This California Spider is the dream car in the film Ieri, Oggi, Domani released in 1963. The movie is composed of three episodes of the Italian life unconnected in location or time, whose only common point is the leading couple, Sophia Loren and Marcello Mastroianni.
The central story, Oggi, was inspired from a short novel by Moravia whose title Troppo Ricca demonstrates the intention of social criticism. The woman drives with her lover the Rolls-Rolls of her husband and suddenly considers that she must make a choice between man and car. Relationships become nervous and Sophia crashes the Rolls.
The woman leaves on the road both car and lover and makes hitchhiking. They are near to Milan and the car that boards Sophia is our Ferrari, lent by its owner of that time to the film producer. Italy did not need to rely on concept cars to show on screen the ideal car : they had the 250 GT SWB California Spider.
1961 The Rest of a Spider
2015 SOLD for $ 16.8M including premium
Until last year, I believed that the top prices among the Ferrari 250 GT California Spiders rewarded the examples in perfect condition. The highest result recorded so far on this model at auction, € 16.3M including premium by Artcurial on February 6, 2015, definitely contradicts such a view.
This car released from factory in 1961 was in the same collection since 1971. Hidden in a barn since 1975 after the bankruptcy of its owner, it had been retrieved under stacks of magazines that had distorted its hood. Ferraris are vehicles of an exceptional robustness: it had valiantly withstood four decades of neglect in the wet French countryside.
More important : it has never been disassembled. Despite its pitiful look, it has everything to become through a careful restoration the best car in its glorious class. Its short belonging in 1963 to a movie star, widely reported by the media before and after the sale, probably had no impact on its price.
Another wonder of the same model and same year is estimated $ 16M for sale by Gooding in Pebble Beach on August 16, lot 129. Here is the link to the press release.
This car has the same highly desirable original characteristics as the Artcurial specimen : SWB chassis, covered headlights. Its early history is less documented but it also remained untouched, until an engine overhaul in 2014. Moreover, it has never been forgotten by its owners.
The SWB spider is a great achievement by Scaglietti. Its differences with the LWB spider are not spectacular but are extremely important, including a road handling that reaches perfection, a better suspension and luxurious comfort. Cars earlier than the excellence of the SWB can no longer claim the highest prices on the overall Ferrari second hand market.
The car for sale in Pebble Beach has all the assets to be submitted to a full restoration according to the best current practice and to start a new career at the highest level in the Concours d'Elegance.
This car released from factory in 1961 was in the same collection since 1971. Hidden in a barn since 1975 after the bankruptcy of its owner, it had been retrieved under stacks of magazines that had distorted its hood. Ferraris are vehicles of an exceptional robustness: it had valiantly withstood four decades of neglect in the wet French countryside.
More important : it has never been disassembled. Despite its pitiful look, it has everything to become through a careful restoration the best car in its glorious class. Its short belonging in 1963 to a movie star, widely reported by the media before and after the sale, probably had no impact on its price.
Another wonder of the same model and same year is estimated $ 16M for sale by Gooding in Pebble Beach on August 16, lot 129. Here is the link to the press release.
This car has the same highly desirable original characteristics as the Artcurial specimen : SWB chassis, covered headlights. Its early history is less documented but it also remained untouched, until an engine overhaul in 2014. Moreover, it has never been forgotten by its owners.
The SWB spider is a great achievement by Scaglietti. Its differences with the LWB spider are not spectacular but are extremely important, including a road handling that reaches perfection, a better suspension and luxurious comfort. Cars earlier than the excellence of the SWB can no longer claim the highest prices on the overall Ferrari second hand market.
The car for sale in Pebble Beach has all the assets to be submitted to a full restoration according to the best current practice and to start a new career at the highest level in the Concours d'Elegance.
1961 A California Spider at the Salon de l'Auto
2014 SOLD 15.2 M$ including premium
The Ferrari 250 GT California Spider is one of the models that are the most often found in the auctions of luxury cars and in my column. Released in 1958, it targeted the market of wealthy Californian customers wishing to have a vehicle usable altogether for city and sport. The body was designed by Pininfarina and executed by Scaglietti.
In 1960, a significant improvement is made on the chassis for both spiders and berlinettas : a shortened wheelbase improving the driving stability when cornering. The SWB supersedes the previous chassis now designated LWB.
Prices go up at auction. The highest price reported up to now for a 250 GT California Spider is $ 11.3 million including premium by Gooding on August 18, 2012 for a 1960 LWB in Competizione configuration.
In the usual configuration, the top price is € 7M including premium on May 18, 2008 by RM Auctions and Sotheby's for the 1961 SWB that had belonged to the actor James Coburn from 1964 until his death in 2002.
Another 1961 SWB is estimated $ 13M, for sale by Gooding at Pebble Beach on August 16, lot 18.
This car was exhibited at the Salon de l'Automobile at the Grand Palais in October 1961. It briefly belonged to actress Barbara Hershey. Owned by a suite of careful collectors since 1974, it has been from 1993 one of the most regular stars of the Concours d'Elegance.
This spider has a rare option, the removable hardtop, which allows if needed to use it as a coupe.
POST SALE COMMENT
The estimate was ambitious and the result, $ 15.2 million including premium, confirms the rising of the prices, but this car had been maintained in exceptional condition.
In 1960, a significant improvement is made on the chassis for both spiders and berlinettas : a shortened wheelbase improving the driving stability when cornering. The SWB supersedes the previous chassis now designated LWB.
Prices go up at auction. The highest price reported up to now for a 250 GT California Spider is $ 11.3 million including premium by Gooding on August 18, 2012 for a 1960 LWB in Competizione configuration.
In the usual configuration, the top price is € 7M including premium on May 18, 2008 by RM Auctions and Sotheby's for the 1961 SWB that had belonged to the actor James Coburn from 1964 until his death in 2002.
Another 1961 SWB is estimated $ 13M, for sale by Gooding at Pebble Beach on August 16, lot 18.
This car was exhibited at the Salon de l'Automobile at the Grand Palais in October 1961. It briefly belonged to actress Barbara Hershey. Owned by a suite of careful collectors since 1974, it has been from 1993 one of the most regular stars of the Concours d'Elegance.
This spider has a rare option, the removable hardtop, which allows if needed to use it as a coupe.
POST SALE COMMENT
The estimate was ambitious and the result, $ 15.2 million including premium, confirms the rising of the prices, but this car had been maintained in exceptional condition.
1961 Aston Martin for Competizione
2015 SOLD for $ 14.3M including premium
It seemed difficult to compete with Ferrari without using Italian coachbuilders. In 1960, Aston Martin chose Zagato to equip 25 DB4 GT chassis.
The DB4 GT Zagato is a lightweight car in which most of the elements previously in steel have been replaced by aluminum. With its rounded forms specially designed for aerodynamics, it looks like an Italian car without being close to a Ferrari.
Designed for the road with a willingness of compatibility with the competition, it is stripped of all unnecessary equipment and can be directly compared with the 250 GT SWB Berlinetta Competizione developed by Ferrari in 1959.
The racing success did not meet the expectations of Aston Martin and the release of the Ferrari 250 GTO diverted from the English brand the customers of high-end Italian cars. The production of the DB4 GT Zagato is stopped after the 19th unit. Due to the popularity of cars from this prestigious period, the six remaining Zagato bodies are assembled from 1988 on old DB4 chassis upgraded to DB4 GT specification.
On December 10 in New York, RM Sotheby's sells the 14th Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato, completed in December 1961 to prepare for the 1962 season in which it had a significant racing history in Australia. It was restored in 2002 with the collaboration of the Carrozzeria Zagato.
This car is estimated $ 15M, lot 215. I invite you to watch the short video shared by the auction house.
The DB4 GT Zagato is a lightweight car in which most of the elements previously in steel have been replaced by aluminum. With its rounded forms specially designed for aerodynamics, it looks like an Italian car without being close to a Ferrari.
Designed for the road with a willingness of compatibility with the competition, it is stripped of all unnecessary equipment and can be directly compared with the 250 GT SWB Berlinetta Competizione developed by Ferrari in 1959.
The racing success did not meet the expectations of Aston Martin and the release of the Ferrari 250 GTO diverted from the English brand the customers of high-end Italian cars. The production of the DB4 GT Zagato is stopped after the 19th unit. Due to the popularity of cars from this prestigious period, the six remaining Zagato bodies are assembled from 1988 on old DB4 chassis upgraded to DB4 GT specification.
On December 10 in New York, RM Sotheby's sells the 14th Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato, completed in December 1961 to prepare for the 1962 season in which it had a significant racing history in Australia. It was restored in 2002 with the collaboration of the Carrozzeria Zagato.
This car is estimated $ 15M, lot 215. I invite you to watch the short video shared by the auction house.
1961 The British Berlinetta
2018 SOLD for £ 10M including premium
After the great successes of 1959 Aston Martin terminates its works teams in Grand Touring and then in Formula 1. The development efforts concerning the DB4GT include however competition versions. The domination of Ferrari calls for weight reduction for which Aston Martin cooperates with Carrozzeria Zagato. The DB4GT Zagato coupe was unveiled at the 1960 London Motor Show.
John Ogier, owner of the Essex Racing Stable private team, desired to maintain a full British participation in international competitions. He bought two DB4GT Lightweight in 1960 and two DB4GT Zagato in 1961 and obtained for his team the support of the factory. At the same time the American sportsman Briggs Cunningham was trying a comparable approach to Jaguar.
In 1962 Aston Martin feels that it will not be enough for winning. Under the project reference MP209, Zagato goes even further in lightening including major changes in body shape.
One of the two 1961 Zagato of Team Essex is heavily damaged in May 1962 at Spa. Major repairs are needed and Aston Martin turns this car into the DP209 configuration. It is again crashed in August 1962 in Gooodwood, this time by the future world champion Jim Clark.
In the high end the victories generate sales. The Aston Martin berlinetta has a lot of issues in competition, including with handling and with tire wear. The collaboration between Aston Martin and Zagato is ended after the 19th car while 25 had been originally planned. Only three cars had received the DP209 configuration. They can be considered as prototypes for the P214 chassis released by Aston Martin in 1963.
The ex-Ogier Zagato DP209 was restored to its 1962 configuration after a road accident in the 1990s. It will be sold as lot 335 by Bonhams at Goodwood on July 13. Please watch the videoprepared by the auction house. The rear view is shared by Hipwell on Wikimedia.
The 14th Zagato, which was not a DP209, was sold for $ 14.3M including premium by RM Sotheby's on December 10, 2015.
John Ogier, owner of the Essex Racing Stable private team, desired to maintain a full British participation in international competitions. He bought two DB4GT Lightweight in 1960 and two DB4GT Zagato in 1961 and obtained for his team the support of the factory. At the same time the American sportsman Briggs Cunningham was trying a comparable approach to Jaguar.
In 1962 Aston Martin feels that it will not be enough for winning. Under the project reference MP209, Zagato goes even further in lightening including major changes in body shape.
One of the two 1961 Zagato of Team Essex is heavily damaged in May 1962 at Spa. Major repairs are needed and Aston Martin turns this car into the DP209 configuration. It is again crashed in August 1962 in Gooodwood, this time by the future world champion Jim Clark.
In the high end the victories generate sales. The Aston Martin berlinetta has a lot of issues in competition, including with handling and with tire wear. The collaboration between Aston Martin and Zagato is ended after the 19th car while 25 had been originally planned. Only three cars had received the DP209 configuration. They can be considered as prototypes for the P214 chassis released by Aston Martin in 1963.
The ex-Ogier Zagato DP209 was restored to its 1962 configuration after a road accident in the 1990s. It will be sold as lot 335 by Bonhams at Goodwood on July 13. Please watch the videoprepared by the auction house. The rear view is shared by Hipwell on Wikimedia.
The 14th Zagato, which was not a DP209, was sold for $ 14.3M including premium by RM Sotheby's on December 10, 2015.
