Cars 1966-67
1966 Ferrari 275 GTB/C
1
2017 SOLD for $ 14.5M by Gooding
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.
Three 275 GTB/C Speziale (C meaning Competizione) are prepared for the 1965 season. They are 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, but too late in the season.
In 1966 another 275 GTB/C series 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.
That 1966 275 GTB/C series is made of 12 cars. The sixth was raced in Italy by Renzo Sinibaldi, winning 1st in GT class in 8 events in its first year. It was sold for $ 14.5M by Gooding on August 19, 2017, lot 120. Please watch the video in still views shared by the auction house.
Collectors prefer cars with a racing history. For comparison, the ninth example was not raced in period. Arguably the most original of the group, it is maintained in full matching numbers. It was sold for € 5.7M by RM Auctions on May 10, 2014, lot 169.
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.
Three 275 GTB/C Speziale (C meaning Competizione) are prepared for the 1965 season. They are 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, but too late in the season.
In 1966 another 275 GTB/C series 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.
That 1966 275 GTB/C series is made of 12 cars. The sixth was raced in Italy by Renzo Sinibaldi, winning 1st in GT class in 8 events in its first year. It was sold for $ 14.5M by Gooding on August 19, 2017, lot 120. Please watch the video in still views shared by the auction house.
Collectors prefer cars with a racing history. For comparison, the ninth example was not raced in period. Arguably the most original of the group, it is maintained in full matching numbers. It was sold for € 5.7M by RM Auctions on May 10, 2014, lot 169.
2
2015 SOLD for $ 9.4M by Bonhams
The eleventh car from the 12 Ferrari 275 GTB/C of the 1966 series was raced in period in international events by the factory supported Swiss based Scuderia Filipinetti. It won 1st in class in 24h Le Mans in 1967 and Francorchamps 1000 km and Imola 500 km in 1969.
It was sold for $ 9.4M by Bonhams on January 15, 2015, lot 128, and for $ 7.7M by RM Sotheby's on August 13, 2021, lot 238. In the mean time the engine and transaxle have been replaced for a better performance in vintage competition. The original equipments accompany the car.
It was sold for $ 9.4M by Bonhams on January 15, 2015, lot 128, and for $ 7.7M by RM Sotheby's on August 13, 2021, lot 238. In the mean time the engine and transaxle have been replaced for a better performance in vintage competition. The original equipments accompany the car.
3
2022 SOLD for $ 7.6M by RM Sotheby's
The limited series of GT sports models that succeeded to the Ferrari 250 GTO were built for the race, although a dual road and racing purpose was still suitable. In 1966 the 275 GTB/C was the last racing GT model built by Ferrari’s competition department. It was made for the privateers with no works cars scheduled.
Cars with a racing pedigree are appealing the collectors. The ninth 275 GTB/C from the 1966 series of 12, coachworked by Scaglietti, is a good example of a competition car that was not raced in period, entering its first veteran competition in 1988.
Arguably the most original of the group, it is maintained in matching numbers for the engine and gearbox. It was sold for only € 5.7M by RM Auctions on May 10, 2014, lot 169. It was sold for $ 7.6M by RM Sotheby's on August 20, 2022, lot 346. It had been submitted in the mean time to a three year restoration.
Cars with a racing pedigree are appealing the collectors. The ninth 275 GTB/C from the 1966 series of 12, coachworked by Scaglietti, is a good example of a competition car that was not raced in period, entering its first veteran competition in 1988.
Arguably the most original of the group, it is maintained in matching numbers for the engine and gearbox. It was sold for only € 5.7M by RM Auctions on May 10, 2014, lot 169. It was sold for $ 7.6M by RM Sotheby's on August 20, 2022, lot 346. It had been submitted in the mean time to a three year restoration.
1966 Ford GT40 Mk II
1
2018 SOLD for $ 9.8M by RM Sotheby's
The first GT40 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, 2018, RM Sotheby's sold at lot 124 for $ 9.8M 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.
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, 2018, RM Sotheby's sold at lot 124 for $ 9.8M 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.
2
2016 SOLD for $ 4.4M before fees by Mecum
In 1966, while a new version Mk II is developed for competition, the original variant Mk I is converted for the road.
Ford hopes that the commercial success of this vehicle will be at the level of its performance and the arrival from UK in the USA of a first demonstration car in the road legal version is eagerly awaited. Its promotional tour is extensive with a culmination at Sebring where it makes the parade throughout the weekend of the event. Four pages are devoted to it in Playboy magazine in July 1966.
This specific car appeals the customer with an additional care provided to comfort, including air conditioning, layout of luggage and increased use of leather.
It traveled less than 18,000 km from new, significantly for its promotional activities. When it was to restore it the experts were astonished by its authentic condition. This restoration that just ended had lasted four years and the car was established in the most detailed configuration from its glorious exhibition at Sebring half a century earlier.
This historically important example of one of the most elegant road cars of the twentieth century was sold for $ 4.4M before fees by Mecum on August 20, 2016, lot S103.
Ford hopes that the commercial success of this vehicle will be at the level of its performance and the arrival from UK in the USA of a first demonstration car in the road legal version is eagerly awaited. Its promotional tour is extensive with a culmination at Sebring where it makes the parade throughout the weekend of the event. Four pages are devoted to it in Playboy magazine in July 1966.
This specific car appeals the customer with an additional care provided to comfort, including air conditioning, layout of luggage and increased use of leather.
It traveled less than 18,000 km from new, significantly for its promotional activities. When it was to restore it the experts were astonished by its authentic condition. This restoration that just ended had lasted four years and the car was established in the most detailed configuration from its glorious exhibition at Sebring half a century earlier.
This historically important example of one of the most elegant road cars of the twentieth century was sold for $ 4.4M before fees by Mecum on August 20, 2016, lot S103.
Shelby 427
Intro
AC Cobra is the brand for the cars assembled by Shelby American from 1962 to 1967 with Ford engines on British rolling chassis by AC Cars. Its rise in power led in 1965 to the 427 Cobra competition roadster with a 7 liter (427 cubic inches) engine on the new Mk III chassis. They are not street legal because the superfluous equipment such as windshield, fender and muffler have been removed.
The new model targeted the Group 3 GT class of the FIA for which the homologation required 100 competition cars. Only 51 were available for the FIA inspection and the 1965 homologation was not granted. Shelby American gives up and downgrades some unsold cars to 427 S/C (semi-competition), a road legal Shelby specification with a less efficient engine.
The new model targeted the Group 3 GT class of the FIA for which the homologation required 100 competition cars. Only 51 were available for the FIA inspection and the 1965 homologation was not granted. Shelby American gives up and downgrades some unsold cars to 427 S/C (semi-competition), a road legal Shelby specification with a less efficient engine.
1
1966 ex Carroll Shelby
2021 SOLD for $ 5.9M by Mecum
The road model of the 1965 Mk III 427 is using another Ford engine. The failure of the competition version is not commercially favorable to this roadster, despite an excellent performance in its category. The boss wants to buy one.
The 1965 427 Street Cobra CSX3178 is assembled from January to March 1966. It is delivered to home to Carroll Shelby who will use it regularly and will never part with it. It has retained its original body and chassis and has been repainted in its rare Charcoal Gray original color.
Carroll Shelby's personal Cobra was sold for $ 5.9M by Mecum on January 15, 2021, lot F145. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
The 1965 427 Street Cobra CSX3178 is assembled from January to March 1966. It is delivered to home to Carroll Shelby who will use it regularly and will never part with it. It has retained its original body and chassis and has been repainted in its rare Charcoal Gray original color.
Carroll Shelby's personal Cobra was sold for $ 5.9M by Mecum on January 15, 2021, lot F145. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
2
(1965)-1967 Super Snake
2021 SOLD for $ 5.5M by Barrett-Jackson
One of the original Competition Cobras, finished in September 1965, had another fate. Carroll Shelby decided in 1967 to push it to the highest possible performance on the road. It was referred as the Super Snake and titled 1966.
The Super Snake retained its original engine and was fitted with a twin supercharger and a three speed automatic transmission while receiving the required pieces of equipment for road homologation.
This car which has retained its original engine block was sold three times by Barrett-Jackson : for $ 5.5M on January 21, 2007, lot 1301, for $ 5.1M on January 17, 2015, lot 2509. and for $ 5.5M again on March 27, 2021, lot 1396. Please watch the video shared by Barrett-Jackson.
The only other car upgraded to Super Snake specification had got the opposite transformation : it was built from a street car, on request from a showbiz celebrity. It was accidentally destroyed by falling off a cliff into the Pacific ocean.
The Super Snake retained its original engine and was fitted with a twin supercharger and a three speed automatic transmission while receiving the required pieces of equipment for road homologation.
This car which has retained its original engine block was sold three times by Barrett-Jackson : for $ 5.5M on January 21, 2007, lot 1301, for $ 5.1M on January 17, 2015, lot 2509. and for $ 5.5M again on March 27, 2021, lot 1396. Please watch the video shared by Barrett-Jackson.
The only other car upgraded to Super Snake specification had got the opposite transformation : it was built from a street car, on request from a showbiz celebrity. It was accidentally destroyed by falling off a cliff into the Pacific ocean.
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 Ford GT40 by JWA
2012 SOLD for $ 11M by RM Auctions
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, the former head of FAV as a subcontractor for Ford's commercial production with the company name John Wyer Automotive (JWA).
There were only 133 GT40 overall, cumulating all variants. One of these GT40, sold for $ 11M by RM Auctions on August 17, 2012, is related to the JWA phase of the model. Please watch the video shared by RM Auctions .
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 by Wyer, 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.
There were only 133 GT40 overall, cumulating all variants. One of these GT40, sold for $ 11M by RM Auctions on August 17, 2012, is related to the JWA phase of the model. Please watch the video shared by RM Auctions .
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 by Wyer, 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.
1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 ex Steve McQueen
2014 SOLD for $ 10.2M by RM Auctions
2023 for sale on August 18-19 by RM Sotheby's
waiting for catalogue
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 was sold for $ 10.2M from a lower estimate of $ 8M by RM Auctions on August 16, 2914. I invite you to admire it at full speed in the video shared by the auction house.
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 was sold for $ 10.2M from a lower estimate of $ 8M by RM Auctions on August 16, 2914. I invite you to admire it at full speed in the video shared by the auction house.
The ᴋɪɴɢ ᴏꜰ ᴄᴏᴏʟ lives on in this Ferrari. Steve McQueen's 1967 @Ferrari 275 GTB/4 will be among the star car offerings at RM Sotheby's Monterey auction this summer. https://t.co/BhfPp5vtbg pic.twitter.com/zRn6Q6wbE2
— RM Sotheby's (@rmsothebys) April 13, 2023
