Cars 1965-67
See also : Cars Cars of the 1960s Ferrari Ferrari > 1962 US cars Aston Martin Movies /
Chronology : 1965 1966 1967 /
Chronology : 1965 1966 1967 /
1965 Speciale for Pininfarina
2018 SOLD for $ 8.1M including premium
Battista Farina leaves in 1961 the management of his Carrozzeria Pininfarina company to his son Sergio and his son-in-law Renzo Carli. He officially takes in the same year the surname Pininfarina.
The two major subcontractors of Ferrari, Pininfarina and Scaglietti, are designers and manufacturers of bodywork but the repartition of tasks between these two companies is facilitated by the preference of Battista Pininfarina for development.
In 1964 the 250 GT chassis had terminated its great career. It is replaced by the 275 whose 3.3-liter engine is slightly more powerful, still in V12. It is now necessary to dress it in Berlinetta (GTB) and Spyder (GTS) and to foresee the adaptation of the GTB for the competition.
Two chassis are entrusted by Ferrari to Pininfarina. One of them is used for the development of the GTB. The other car will be a GTB Speciale fitted with all the modifications that will please Battista Pininfarina.
This one-off 275 GTB Speciale has the same shape as the original short nose GTB variant but differs in multiple details that enhance elegance and comfort. Its transfer of ownership from Ferrari to Carrozzeria Pininfarina is carried out in March 1965. Unveiled at St. Moritz in a press conference, this demonstrator of the taste and skill of Battista Pininfarina is exhibited in the motor shows of Frankfurt, Paris, Turin and Brussels.
Battista Pininfarina dies on April 3, 1966 without having stopped his activity. Unveiled in the previous month, the 1600 Duetto of Alfa Romeo is still attributed to his design. Sold in January 1966, the 275 GTB Speciale is no longer available at that time at the Carrozzeria. To pay homage to his father, Sergio presents the Automobile Club de l'Ouest with another Speciale also from 1965, the prototype of the Dino berlinetta, sold by Artcurial on February 10, 2017 for € 4,4M including premium.
Repainted in 1992 in its exquisite original Acqua Verde Metallizzato, the 275 GTB Speciale is estimated $ 8M for sale by Gooding in Scottsdale on January 20, lot 134. Here is the link to the press release.
The two major subcontractors of Ferrari, Pininfarina and Scaglietti, are designers and manufacturers of bodywork but the repartition of tasks between these two companies is facilitated by the preference of Battista Pininfarina for development.
In 1964 the 250 GT chassis had terminated its great career. It is replaced by the 275 whose 3.3-liter engine is slightly more powerful, still in V12. It is now necessary to dress it in Berlinetta (GTB) and Spyder (GTS) and to foresee the adaptation of the GTB for the competition.
Two chassis are entrusted by Ferrari to Pininfarina. One of them is used for the development of the GTB. The other car will be a GTB Speciale fitted with all the modifications that will please Battista Pininfarina.
This one-off 275 GTB Speciale has the same shape as the original short nose GTB variant but differs in multiple details that enhance elegance and comfort. Its transfer of ownership from Ferrari to Carrozzeria Pininfarina is carried out in March 1965. Unveiled at St. Moritz in a press conference, this demonstrator of the taste and skill of Battista Pininfarina is exhibited in the motor shows of Frankfurt, Paris, Turin and Brussels.
Battista Pininfarina dies on April 3, 1966 without having stopped his activity. Unveiled in the previous month, the 1600 Duetto of Alfa Romeo is still attributed to his design. Sold in January 1966, the 275 GTB Speciale is no longer available at that time at the Carrozzeria. To pay homage to his father, Sergio presents the Automobile Club de l'Ouest with another Speciale also from 1965, the prototype of the Dino berlinetta, sold by Artcurial on February 10, 2017 for € 4,4M including premium.
Repainted in 1992 in its exquisite original Acqua Verde Metallizzato, the 275 GTB Speciale is estimated $ 8M for sale by Gooding in Scottsdale on January 20, lot 134. Here is the link to the press release.
1965 Shelby competing with Ferrari
2009 SOLD 7.7 M$ including premium
After leaving the competition in 1960, the driver Carroll Shelby began building cars. His ambition was to compete with Ferrari, no less! He managed the development of its models by fitting British AC Cobra chassis with Ford engines.
Ford offered a particularly favorable context to second Shelby's project: the Mustang, created in 1964, needed to increase its dominance and its market share against Chevrolet and Plymouth.
Only six copies of the 1965 Daytona Cobra Coupe were built. This model is the most prestigious of Shelby. One of them came in an auction organized by Mecum on May 15 in Indianapolis.
A new press release indicates that this car has not been sold, but that an after-sale offer was made at $ 7.5 million. It was not enough. On the occasion of the very large sessions of auctions of mid-August, Mecum presents this vehicle again, on August 15 in Monterey.
POST SALE COMMENT
This morning, the auction house is rightly proud to announce that their Cobra broke the auction record for an American car: $ 7.25 million. Releases prior to the sale had correctly shown that this was an exceptional lot.
This price does not include fees. This would be consistent with the information that I indicated in my article saying that a proposal to $ 7.5 million had been refused.
Ford offered a particularly favorable context to second Shelby's project: the Mustang, created in 1964, needed to increase its dominance and its market share against Chevrolet and Plymouth.
Only six copies of the 1965 Daytona Cobra Coupe were built. This model is the most prestigious of Shelby. One of them came in an auction organized by Mecum on May 15 in Indianapolis.
A new press release indicates that this car has not been sold, but that an after-sale offer was made at $ 7.5 million. It was not enough. On the occasion of the very large sessions of auctions of mid-August, Mecum presents this vehicle again, on August 15 in Monterey.
POST SALE COMMENT
This morning, the auction house is rightly proud to announce that their Cobra broke the auction record for an American car: $ 7.25 million. Releases prior to the sale had correctly shown that this was an exceptional lot.
This price does not include fees. This would be consistent with the information that I indicated in my article saying that a proposal to $ 7.5 million had been refused.
1965 The First FAV Roadster
2019 SOLD for $ 7.7 M including premium
Ford's target was to beat Ferrari on its own ground, Europe. The GT40 project is entrusted to Ford Advanced Vehicles (FAV), a new subsidiary created in 1964 at Slough, near Heathrow Airport.
The development includes twelve prototypes, numbered GT/101 to GT/112. The first seven, in 1964, are coupes preparing the model for Le Mans. The last five are open-roofed roadsters. Ford's sporting goal is achieved with the full podium at Le Mans in 1966. FAV is dissolved and the Slough factory is sold to John Wyer as a subcontractor for Ford's commercial production.
The roadster prototypes aim to demonstrate the duality of use of the GT40 for road and competition. The roadster uses a special steel chassis. The production model will be the coupe, probably in a goal of industrial standardization.
The GT/108 and GT/109 roadsters are completed simultaneously in March 1965 and sent for testing to Carroll Shelby in California. GT/108 is demonstrated in a promotional tour while GT/109 is entered in Le Mans. Both cars will then be used as development models for the GT40 J-Car variant in another subsidiary of Ford, Kar Kraft.
Restored after 1983 in its original configuration, GT/108 was sold for $ 7M including premium by RM on August 15, 2014. It had been discussed in this column before the sale. It is estimated $ 7M for sale by RM Sotheby's in Monterey on August 16, lot 252. Please watch the video shared in 2014 by the auction house including an introduction by Edsel Ford II, the son of Henry Ford II.
GT/109 is also known in this column : it passed at Mecum on January 12, 2019.
The development includes twelve prototypes, numbered GT/101 to GT/112. The first seven, in 1964, are coupes preparing the model for Le Mans. The last five are open-roofed roadsters. Ford's sporting goal is achieved with the full podium at Le Mans in 1966. FAV is dissolved and the Slough factory is sold to John Wyer as a subcontractor for Ford's commercial production.
The roadster prototypes aim to demonstrate the duality of use of the GT40 for road and competition. The roadster uses a special steel chassis. The production model will be the coupe, probably in a goal of industrial standardization.
The GT/108 and GT/109 roadsters are completed simultaneously in March 1965 and sent for testing to Carroll Shelby in California. GT/108 is demonstrated in a promotional tour while GT/109 is entered in Le Mans. Both cars will then be used as development models for the GT40 J-Car variant in another subsidiary of Ford, Kar Kraft.
Restored after 1983 in its original configuration, GT/108 was sold for $ 7M including premium by RM on August 15, 2014. It had been discussed in this column before the sale. It is estimated $ 7M for sale by RM Sotheby's in Monterey on August 16, lot 252. Please watch the video shared in 2014 by the auction house including an introduction by Edsel Ford II, the son of Henry Ford II.
GT/109 is also known in this column : it passed at Mecum on January 12, 2019.
1965 The Most Clever Car in the World
2019 SOLD for $ 6.4M including premium
The third James Bond film will be based on Goldfinger, a novel published by Ian Fleming in 1959. In the book, 007 was driving an Aston Martin DB3. A delegation from the production team decides that the most recent model, the DB5 coupe, will suit the new movie. With its bodywork designed by Touring, this English car has an Italian elegance.
In the previous film, From Russia with Love, the special effects were concentrated in a faked briefcase. The DB5 will accommodate gadgets, for example the emission of a smoke screen. Everyone adds his idea. The rotating license plate operated from the dashboard comes from a participant's dream of leaving a parking lot without paying.
The team in charge of the scenario retains thirteen gadgets for the car. The nail ejector is abandoned to avoid giving bad ideas to car users. Two DB5 are purchased. One of them incorporates all the gadgets. The other, intended for scenes of fast driving, will be equipped later.
Released in 1964, Goldfinger is an immediate success. Both cars are collectively referred to as The Most Famous Car in the World. The sales of the DB5 exceed all expectations and its model by Corgi Toys is a huge success. The first Bond car mysteriously disappeared in 1997. The other was sold for £ 2.9M including premium by RM on October 27, 2010.
Thunderball, released in 1965, is featuring the same cars. To promote the film by touring the United States, the production team buys two additional cars. This time the gadgets are built by Aston Martin, the repetition of the demonstrations requiring a robustness that was not necessary for the shooting. They are identified as DB5 James Bond Works Replica in the Aston Martin archives.
One of them is in a Dutch museum. The other was sold for $ 2.1M including premium by RM on January 20, 2006. After a meticulous restoration including the full operation of the thirteen gadgets, it is estimated $ 4M for sale by RM Sotheby's in Monterey on August 15, lot 111. Please watch the video shared by the auction house, with a journalist named Florence in the role of 007.
In the previous film, From Russia with Love, the special effects were concentrated in a faked briefcase. The DB5 will accommodate gadgets, for example the emission of a smoke screen. Everyone adds his idea. The rotating license plate operated from the dashboard comes from a participant's dream of leaving a parking lot without paying.
The team in charge of the scenario retains thirteen gadgets for the car. The nail ejector is abandoned to avoid giving bad ideas to car users. Two DB5 are purchased. One of them incorporates all the gadgets. The other, intended for scenes of fast driving, will be equipped later.
Released in 1964, Goldfinger is an immediate success. Both cars are collectively referred to as The Most Famous Car in the World. The sales of the DB5 exceed all expectations and its model by Corgi Toys is a huge success. The first Bond car mysteriously disappeared in 1997. The other was sold for £ 2.9M including premium by RM on October 27, 2010.
Thunderball, released in 1965, is featuring the same cars. To promote the film by touring the United States, the production team buys two additional cars. This time the gadgets are built by Aston Martin, the repetition of the demonstrations requiring a robustness that was not necessary for the shooting. They are identified as DB5 James Bond Works Replica in the Aston Martin archives.
One of them is in a Dutch museum. The other was sold for $ 2.1M including premium by RM on January 20, 2006. After a meticulous restoration including the full operation of the thirteen gadgets, it is estimated $ 4M for sale by RM Sotheby's in Monterey on August 15, lot 111. Please watch the video shared by the auction house, with a journalist named Florence in the role of 007.
1966 Ferrari versus FIA
2017 SOLD for $ 14.5M including premium
The tussle between Enzo Ferrari and the FIA begins in 1962 with the 250 GTO whose very name, O meaning Omologato, indicates Ferrari's challenge to force the hand regarding the compliance with the rules. The best car can not be excluded from competitions, can it ? The FIA gives up. Momentarily only : in 1964 the approval of the 250 LM in GT is rejected.
Also in 1964 the 275 range with a 3.3 liter engine succeeds the 250 without interrupting the development of competition models in small or very small series.
The 275 GTB/C Speziale (C meaning Competizione) was realized in 1964 to prepare for the 1965 season. It was essentially an adaptation of the engine of the 250 LM on a shortened chassis of the 275 GTB. The effort is already focused on any possibility of weight gain. The FIA accepts its homologation with reluctance.
In 1966 another 275 GTB/C model goes further for a new weight gain of about 150 kg. The engineer Forghieri, who had developed the 250 GTO, now designed a chassis and body in very thin aluminum while the robustness of the rear is managed with fiberglass. The realization of the bodywork is a tour de force by Scaglietti. Its Achilles heel is the wire wheel. The approval is partial due to inconsistencies in the dossier concerning the carburetors.
Twelve 275 GTB/C are produced. Most of them will have a good competition history. One of them, maintained in great condition and considered as the most original of the group after a limited use, was sold for € 5,7M including premium by RM Auctions on May 10, 2014.
Collectors prefer cars with a racing history in period. The skill of Wayne Obry and his MPI company in Wisconsin enables to restore the used Ferraris in their original ex-factory configuration and performances. A 275 GTB/C restored by Obry is estimated $ 12M for sale by Gooding at Pebble Beach on August 19, lot 120.
Please watch the video in still views shared by the auction house. Here is also the link to the press release.
Also in 1964 the 275 range with a 3.3 liter engine succeeds the 250 without interrupting the development of competition models in small or very small series.
The 275 GTB/C Speziale (C meaning Competizione) was realized in 1964 to prepare for the 1965 season. It was essentially an adaptation of the engine of the 250 LM on a shortened chassis of the 275 GTB. The effort is already focused on any possibility of weight gain. The FIA accepts its homologation with reluctance.
In 1966 another 275 GTB/C model goes further for a new weight gain of about 150 kg. The engineer Forghieri, who had developed the 250 GTO, now designed a chassis and body in very thin aluminum while the robustness of the rear is managed with fiberglass. The realization of the bodywork is a tour de force by Scaglietti. Its Achilles heel is the wire wheel. The approval is partial due to inconsistencies in the dossier concerning the carburetors.
Twelve 275 GTB/C are produced. Most of them will have a good competition history. One of them, maintained in great condition and considered as the most original of the group after a limited use, was sold for € 5,7M including premium by RM Auctions on May 10, 2014.
Collectors prefer cars with a racing history in period. The skill of Wayne Obry and his MPI company in Wisconsin enables to restore the used Ferraris in their original ex-factory configuration and performances. A 275 GTB/C restored by Obry is estimated $ 12M for sale by Gooding at Pebble Beach on August 19, lot 120.
Please watch the video in still views shared by the auction house. Here is also the link to the press release.
1966 Triumph for the Mk II
2018 SOLD for $ 9.8M including premium
In 1963 Ferrari is for sale. Ford Motor Company is interested but Enzo Ferrari himself is frustrating the negotiations. Henry Ford II (HF2) is furious. He wants to beat Ferrari in its most prestigious playground, at Le Mans.
Ford, which does not have an experience in developing a competition car, finds the necessary alliances including with Lola Cars, Shelby and Kar Kraft, and hires as project manager John Wyer who had ensured the achievements of Aston Martin. The development is entrusted to the new Ford Advanced Vehicles division created in England for this project identified with the reference GT40.
The first series, in 1964, is the Mk I with a 4.7 liter V8 engine. Aerodynamics is poorly designed and the results are bad. Meanwhile the arch-rival Ferrari won at Le Mans in 1965 for the sixth year in a row.
HF2 is stubborn. In 1966 you have to win at any price. The Mk II series is equipped with a 7-liter Ford V8 engine. Carroll Shelby replaced Wyer and transferred the maintenance to the United States. The technical problems observed on the early Mk I have been dealt with and the performances of the Mk IIs at Daytona and Sebring are promising.
The triumph occurred at the 24 Hours of Le Mans 1966 in the presence of the boss. No less than eight Mk II and five Mk I entrusted to several private teams are qualified after the practice. Of these cars only three finish the race, all of them Mk II, but they occupy brilliantly the first three positions. For the first time an American brand has won the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
There is no reason to minimize this success, and the GT40 will win again the next three editions, in 1967 with a Mk IV and with a return of the Mk I in 1968 and 1969 following a rule change limiting the power. However it should also be reminded the very poor result of Ferrari in 1966, the first car of this brand being outpaced not only by the three Ford but also by four Porsche 906.
On August 24 in Monterey, RM Sotheby's sells a car from the winning trio : the Mk II ranked 3rd at Le Mans in 1966. After that race it was used as a promotional car and then as a development car for the Mk IIB series. Timed at 326 Km/h at Mulsanne in 1967, it meets HF2's target that his GT40 exceed 320 Km/h. It is estimated $ 9M, lot 124.
Ford, which does not have an experience in developing a competition car, finds the necessary alliances including with Lola Cars, Shelby and Kar Kraft, and hires as project manager John Wyer who had ensured the achievements of Aston Martin. The development is entrusted to the new Ford Advanced Vehicles division created in England for this project identified with the reference GT40.
The first series, in 1964, is the Mk I with a 4.7 liter V8 engine. Aerodynamics is poorly designed and the results are bad. Meanwhile the arch-rival Ferrari won at Le Mans in 1965 for the sixth year in a row.
HF2 is stubborn. In 1966 you have to win at any price. The Mk II series is equipped with a 7-liter Ford V8 engine. Carroll Shelby replaced Wyer and transferred the maintenance to the United States. The technical problems observed on the early Mk I have been dealt with and the performances of the Mk IIs at Daytona and Sebring are promising.
The triumph occurred at the 24 Hours of Le Mans 1966 in the presence of the boss. No less than eight Mk II and five Mk I entrusted to several private teams are qualified after the practice. Of these cars only three finish the race, all of them Mk II, but they occupy brilliantly the first three positions. For the first time an American brand has won the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
There is no reason to minimize this success, and the GT40 will win again the next three editions, in 1967 with a Mk IV and with a return of the Mk I in 1968 and 1969 following a rule change limiting the power. However it should also be reminded the very poor result of Ferrari in 1966, the first car of this brand being outpaced not only by the three Ford but also by four Porsche 906.
On August 24 in Monterey, RM Sotheby's sells a car from the winning trio : the Mk II ranked 3rd at Le Mans in 1966. After that race it was used as a promotional car and then as a development car for the Mk IIB series. Timed at 326 Km/h at Mulsanne in 1967, it meets HF2's target that his GT40 exceed 320 Km/h. It is estimated $ 9M, lot 124.
1966 Ferrari 275, after the 250
2014 SOLD 5.7 M€ including premium
Ferrari's success was due to the care taken to vary the models depending on the desired performance for each type of competition: endurance, top speed, cornering stability, hill climb.
The early years saw a scattering of references. Then for ten years the 250, well adapted to the racing rules, is their great product line. This generic series include very different cars bodied in barchetta, spyder or berlinetta.
Some cars are provided specifically for competition, without disturbing or weighting equipment. They are now among the most sought after by the discerning collectors.
The brands are engaged in a fierce competition so that the dominance in motor sport requires a continuous technological improvement. In order to supersede the 250, Ferrari develops the 275 in 1966.
Twelve 275 cars are made in the competition berlinetta variant named Ferrari 275 GTB/C. Most of them were subjected to wear or damage by a significant racing history. One of them, lesser used in competition, remains the most authentic copy of that group. It is estimated € 4.3 million, for sale by RM Auctions in Monaco on May 10, lot 169. It is a superb car bodied by Scaglietti.
The most prestigious variant in the 275 series is however not a berlinetta but a spyder, the 275 GTB/4*S NART, manufactured in 1967 in ten units for the American market. One of them, another masterpiece by Scaglietti, was sold for $ 27.5 million including premium by RM Auctions on August 17, 2013.
POST SALE COMMENT
This beautiful example of Berlinetta Competizione of the mid-1960s by Ferrari was sold for € 5.1M before fees.
The early years saw a scattering of references. Then for ten years the 250, well adapted to the racing rules, is their great product line. This generic series include very different cars bodied in barchetta, spyder or berlinetta.
Some cars are provided specifically for competition, without disturbing or weighting equipment. They are now among the most sought after by the discerning collectors.
The brands are engaged in a fierce competition so that the dominance in motor sport requires a continuous technological improvement. In order to supersede the 250, Ferrari develops the 275 in 1966.
Twelve 275 cars are made in the competition berlinetta variant named Ferrari 275 GTB/C. Most of them were subjected to wear or damage by a significant racing history. One of them, lesser used in competition, remains the most authentic copy of that group. It is estimated € 4.3 million, for sale by RM Auctions in Monaco on May 10, lot 169. It is a superb car bodied by Scaglietti.
The most prestigious variant in the 275 series is however not a berlinetta but a spyder, the 275 GTB/4*S NART, manufactured in 1967 in ten units for the American market. One of them, another masterpiece by Scaglietti, was sold for $ 27.5 million including premium by RM Auctions on August 17, 2013.
POST SALE COMMENT
This beautiful example of Berlinetta Competizione of the mid-1960s by Ferrari was sold for € 5.1M before fees.
1967 The North American Ferrari
2013 SOLD 27.5 M$ including premium
Ferrari has always endeavoured to flatter its American customers. The designations America, Superamerica and California attributed to high end variants are a convincing evidence of that fact.
Former winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Luigi Chinetti was a skilled agent of Ferrari in the United States. In 1958, he created the North American Racing Team (NART) that got very good results, in Europe also.
For his network of passionate customers, Chinetti negotiated in 1967 with Ferrari a special order for a new sports model to be built by Scaglietti on the 275GTB chassis.
Ten Ferrari 275GTB / 4 NART Spider cars were produced, a quantity certainly lesser than Chinetti's demand. Times are tough for Ferrari, who had to put an end to the 250GTO and escaped very narrowly an acquisition by Ford.
This rare NART Spider appears as an outstanding post-GTO model fitted to arouse passions. This small convertible is very efficient and highly elegant, and would later be imitated. Some owners of 275GTB in more standard variants will even wish to rebuild their car as a NART Spider.
One of the ten original 275GTB / 4 NART Spider cars remained in the family of the original owner who adored it. It is sold for the benefit of charities by RM Auctions in Monterey on 16 and 17 August.
I invite you to play the video shared on YouTube by Petrolicious for RM Auctions.
POST SALE COMMENT
This Ferrari was sold for $ 25M before fees. It is in very good condition and was sold to benefit charities, but this price is especially recognizing one of the best models that followed the 250 GTO.
Former winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Luigi Chinetti was a skilled agent of Ferrari in the United States. In 1958, he created the North American Racing Team (NART) that got very good results, in Europe also.
For his network of passionate customers, Chinetti negotiated in 1967 with Ferrari a special order for a new sports model to be built by Scaglietti on the 275GTB chassis.
Ten Ferrari 275GTB / 4 NART Spider cars were produced, a quantity certainly lesser than Chinetti's demand. Times are tough for Ferrari, who had to put an end to the 250GTO and escaped very narrowly an acquisition by Ford.
This rare NART Spider appears as an outstanding post-GTO model fitted to arouse passions. This small convertible is very efficient and highly elegant, and would later be imitated. Some owners of 275GTB in more standard variants will even wish to rebuild their car as a NART Spider.
One of the ten original 275GTB / 4 NART Spider cars remained in the family of the original owner who adored it. It is sold for the benefit of charities by RM Auctions in Monterey on 16 and 17 August.
I invite you to play the video shared on YouTube by Petrolicious for RM Auctions.
POST SALE COMMENT
This Ferrari was sold for $ 25M before fees. It is in very good condition and was sold to benefit charities, but this price is especially recognizing one of the best models that followed the 250 GTO.
1967 A Ford behind Steve McQueen
2012 SOLD 11 M$ including premium
There were only 133 copies of Ford GT40, including all body variants. Fans of this legendary model are delighted: some exceptional cars are presented in three auctions to be held next month in California.
The model was developed in the United States but the cars were manufactured by an English department of Ford called Ford Advanced Vehicles (FAV). When Ford left the series in 1967, the former head of FAV tried to continue the operation by creating John Wyer Automotive (JWA).
One of these GT40, for sale by RM Auctions in Monterey on August 17, is related to this last phase of the model.
It successfully started its career by winning at Spa in May 1967 in a Mirage M configuration. Due to one of these changes in race regulations which we so often discuss in this group, it was rebuilt in the following year by Wyer under a configuration identified as 1968 Ford GT40 Gulf / Mirage Lightweight Racing Car.
It is one of two survivors from three lightweight GT40, and one of the earliest racing cars to use carbon fiber.
It then went to the movies industry, but not in the star role which its supreme elegance would have earned. In 1970, its roof was cut to allow the use of a 35mm camera by an operator on the passenger seat, and it was launched in the pursuit of the Porsche 917 of Steve McQueen as a camera car for the preparation of the film Le Mans.
This magnificent car is illustrated on the blog post shared by Road and Track.
I invite you to play the video shared by RM Auctions on YouTube.
POST SALE COMMENT
This wonderful Ford is one of the most desirable cars in the world. It was sold $ 10M hammer price, 11M including premium.
The model was developed in the United States but the cars were manufactured by an English department of Ford called Ford Advanced Vehicles (FAV). When Ford left the series in 1967, the former head of FAV tried to continue the operation by creating John Wyer Automotive (JWA).
One of these GT40, for sale by RM Auctions in Monterey on August 17, is related to this last phase of the model.
It successfully started its career by winning at Spa in May 1967 in a Mirage M configuration. Due to one of these changes in race regulations which we so often discuss in this group, it was rebuilt in the following year by Wyer under a configuration identified as 1968 Ford GT40 Gulf / Mirage Lightweight Racing Car.
It is one of two survivors from three lightweight GT40, and one of the earliest racing cars to use carbon fiber.
It then went to the movies industry, but not in the star role which its supreme elegance would have earned. In 1970, its roof was cut to allow the use of a 35mm camera by an operator on the passenger seat, and it was launched in the pursuit of the Porsche 917 of Steve McQueen as a camera car for the preparation of the film Le Mans.
This magnificent car is illustrated on the blog post shared by Road and Track.
I invite you to play the video shared by RM Auctions on YouTube.
POST SALE COMMENT
This wonderful Ford is one of the most desirable cars in the world. It was sold $ 10M hammer price, 11M including premium.
1967 That Red Italian Thing
2014 SOLD 10.2 M$ including premium
Steve McQueen had a fabulous collection of all kinds of motorcycles. In his passion for speed, he also wanted to own and drive the best cars. A valiant Ferrari 250 GT/L Lusso generated his interest for the Italian brand.
The new 275 series is more powerful than the 250. In 1967, the 275 NART Spyder is the upscale, specially manufactured for the American market. McQueen buys one but it is damaged during delivery. Repair is long, and McQueen is not patient. He will not use it.
He then bought a car from the closest production model : a 275 GTB/4 coupe bodyworked by Scaglietti. The color does not please him and he had it repainted even before accepting to see it. His car becomes chianti red, inspired by a NART that he had enjoyed in his film The Thomas Crown Affair nicknaming it 'one of those red Italian things'.
McQueen used extensively his GTB/4 until 1971. A subsequent owner tried to reconfigure it in NART but now it has been restored to its original configuration. To be again exactly as McQueen had wanted, it received an underlayer of the refused color before being repainted in chianti red.
The 275 GTB/4 is not a rare model, but it is very pretty with its elongated nose needed to maintain its stability despite the increase in power. Through its relationship with McQueen, this car had a great success with the public during a prolonged exhibition in the Museo Ferrari in Maranello.
It is estimated $ 8M for sale by RM Auctions in Monterey on August 16. I invite you to admire it at full speed in the video shared by the auction house
POST SALE COMMENT
The anecdotal provenance of that Ferrari pushed it up to $ 9.25 million before fees, 10.2 million including premium.
The new 275 series is more powerful than the 250. In 1967, the 275 NART Spyder is the upscale, specially manufactured for the American market. McQueen buys one but it is damaged during delivery. Repair is long, and McQueen is not patient. He will not use it.
He then bought a car from the closest production model : a 275 GTB/4 coupe bodyworked by Scaglietti. The color does not please him and he had it repainted even before accepting to see it. His car becomes chianti red, inspired by a NART that he had enjoyed in his film The Thomas Crown Affair nicknaming it 'one of those red Italian things'.
McQueen used extensively his GTB/4 until 1971. A subsequent owner tried to reconfigure it in NART but now it has been restored to its original configuration. To be again exactly as McQueen had wanted, it received an underlayer of the refused color before being repainted in chianti red.
The 275 GTB/4 is not a rare model, but it is very pretty with its elongated nose needed to maintain its stability despite the increase in power. Through its relationship with McQueen, this car had a great success with the public during a prolonged exhibition in the Museo Ferrari in Maranello.
It is estimated $ 8M for sale by RM Auctions in Monterey on August 16. I invite you to admire it at full speed in the video shared by the auction house
POST SALE COMMENT
The anecdotal provenance of that Ferrari pushed it up to $ 9.25 million before fees, 10.2 million including premium.
