Italian Cars
in addition to Ferrari.
See also : Cars II Cars 1930s Post war cars II Cars 1970s 1980s
Chronology : 1933 1934 1936 1938 1939 1948
See also : Cars II Cars 1930s Post war cars II Cars 1970s 1980s
Chronology : 1933 1934 1936 1938 1939 1948
1933 A New Strategy for Alfa Romeo
2016 SOLD for $ 12M including premium
On August 21 in Pebble Beach, Gooding sells an Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Monza, lot 128 estimated $ 12M. Here is the link to the press release.
This car had been sold for $ 6.7M including premium by the same auction house at lot 117 on August 15, 2010 and had been discussed at that time in this column. It had been illustrated in the article shared by Sports Car Digest
This Alfa Romeo is in an original condition which is quite rare for a car from that time, including its matching number engine and a great traceability of the other elements.
The nickname Monza originally applied to the short chassis version of the 8C 2300 since a victory in the Italian Grand Prix in the first year of the model in 1931.
The build of many early Monzas had been entrusted to Scuderia Ferrari which was a subsidiary of Alfa Romeo. It is not the case for the car for sale which is a rare factory built of 1933 coachworked by Brianza. It belongs to the third series when the 8C 2300 Monza had become a regular variant with a further shortened frame.
1933 had been a pivotal year for Alfa Romeo.
The 8C 2300 model begins to be replaced by the 8C 2600. Alfa Romeo goes under the effective control of the Fascist government desiring to make it a flagship of Italian industry. The brand does not maintain any more a works racing team despite the great success of the two previous years and a repositionment of the Scuderia Ferrari will be necessary.
Please watch the video shared by Gooding.
This car had been sold for $ 6.7M including premium by the same auction house at lot 117 on August 15, 2010 and had been discussed at that time in this column. It had been illustrated in the article shared by Sports Car Digest
This Alfa Romeo is in an original condition which is quite rare for a car from that time, including its matching number engine and a great traceability of the other elements.
The nickname Monza originally applied to the short chassis version of the 8C 2300 since a victory in the Italian Grand Prix in the first year of the model in 1931.
The build of many early Monzas had been entrusted to Scuderia Ferrari which was a subsidiary of Alfa Romeo. It is not the case for the car for sale which is a rare factory built of 1933 coachworked by Brianza. It belongs to the third series when the 8C 2300 Monza had become a regular variant with a further shortened frame.
1933 had been a pivotal year for Alfa Romeo.
The 8C 2300 model begins to be replaced by the 8C 2600. Alfa Romeo goes under the effective control of the Fascist government desiring to make it a flagship of Italian industry. The brand does not maintain any more a works racing team despite the great success of the two previous years and a repositionment of the Scuderia Ferrari will be necessary.
Please watch the video shared by Gooding.
1934 Single Seaters by Alfa Romeo
2017 SOLD for € 3.9M including premium
The prestige of car competitions increased considerably in the mid-1920s. The Grand Prix racing was dominated by the Alfa Romeo P2 and the Bugatti Type 35. For safety reasons it was however not until the very early 1930s that the driver remained single on board, without an assistant.
Alfa Romeo designs a monoposto based on the characteristics of the P2. Constructed in 4 units in 1931, the Tipo A is an immediate failure. It is immediately superseded by the Tipo B P3 which dominates during the season 1932 with its 5 cars built. In 1934 the modifications of the rules of the Grand Prix invite to heavier cars, changing the limit from 700 to 750 Kg. The second series of 7 units of Tipo B P3 is characterized by an increased width and a 2.9 liter engine.
It is also the time of the Great Depression. Alfa Romeo was put under receivership in 1933 by the Italian government which is reluctant to spend money for competitions. The Scuderia Ferrari company then becomes an essential partner of Alfa Romeo, of which it will remain a subsidiary until 1940.
It is not possible to find today a Grand Prix Alfa Romeo in full original condition. The traceability of the gradual installation of more efficient equipment on these cars is poorly documented. The identification of the chassis was not recorded by the administrations of the Grand Prix and in spite of the very limited number of Grand Prix cars it is impossible to identify which specific chassis had participated in which competition.
The car for sale by RM Sotheby's in Paris on February 8 is the penultimate Tipo B P3 of the 1934 group. It was registered as number 46 by the Scuderia Ferrari during the seasons 1934 and 1935.
The bodywork, narrowed in 1932 style by one of its owners, was rebuilt in its correct 1934 configuration by another one a few years later. The engine was changed but the lot for sale includes beside the car a ancient 3.2-liter engine that had previously been fitted to this chassis. The authenticity of this car can hardly be surpassed by another example of its category. It is estimated € 3.8M, lot 161.
Alfa Romeo designs a monoposto based on the characteristics of the P2. Constructed in 4 units in 1931, the Tipo A is an immediate failure. It is immediately superseded by the Tipo B P3 which dominates during the season 1932 with its 5 cars built. In 1934 the modifications of the rules of the Grand Prix invite to heavier cars, changing the limit from 700 to 750 Kg. The second series of 7 units of Tipo B P3 is characterized by an increased width and a 2.9 liter engine.
It is also the time of the Great Depression. Alfa Romeo was put under receivership in 1933 by the Italian government which is reluctant to spend money for competitions. The Scuderia Ferrari company then becomes an essential partner of Alfa Romeo, of which it will remain a subsidiary until 1940.
It is not possible to find today a Grand Prix Alfa Romeo in full original condition. The traceability of the gradual installation of more efficient equipment on these cars is poorly documented. The identification of the chassis was not recorded by the administrations of the Grand Prix and in spite of the very limited number of Grand Prix cars it is impossible to identify which specific chassis had participated in which competition.
The car for sale by RM Sotheby's in Paris on February 8 is the penultimate Tipo B P3 of the 1934 group. It was registered as number 46 by the Scuderia Ferrari during the seasons 1934 and 1935.
The bodywork, narrowed in 1932 style by one of its owners, was rebuilt in its correct 1934 configuration by another one a few years later. The engine was changed but the lot for sale includes beside the car a ancient 3.2-liter engine that had previously been fitted to this chassis. The authenticity of this car can hardly be surpassed by another example of its category. It is estimated € 3.8M, lot 161.
1936 Alfa Romeo's Reply to the Silver Arrows
2013 SOLD 5.9 M£ including premium
In 1936, Germany and Italy are politically allied but are rivals for technology. The Grand Prix single-seater car is one of the symbols by which the Reich wants to show its strength. With the financial resources granted to them, Mercedes-Benz and Auto Union were no longer allowed to lose.
Clearly the acceleration of the German technological effort is annoying Alfa Romeo and the team sponsored by that brand, the Scuderia Ferrari. Fortunately for the greatness and excitement of sport, the skill of a great driver can reverse the situation. The public enjoys the feats of Tazio Nuvolari.
Nuvolari is the leader of the Scuderia Ferrari in a lesser annual race named the Coppa Ciano. His car, an Alfa Romeo 12C36, broke its transmission in the second lap. What follows is incredible when comparing with the conditions and constraints of today's competitions.
Nuvolari will not give up. He stops one of his teammates and takes his car, an Alfa Romeo Tipo C 8C-35. Despite the triple handicap of the time lost during the change, of the lower power of his new car and of a seat adjustment not suitable for this little man, Nuvolari wins the race.
The car used in this extraordinary sporting achievement is estimated £ 5.5 million, for sale by Bonhams at Goodwood on September 14. Here is the link to the press release shared by Sports Car Digest.
POST SALE COMMENT
The estimate was ambitious but this racing car of the 1930s is exceptional. It was sold for £ 5.9 million including premium.
Clearly the acceleration of the German technological effort is annoying Alfa Romeo and the team sponsored by that brand, the Scuderia Ferrari. Fortunately for the greatness and excitement of sport, the skill of a great driver can reverse the situation. The public enjoys the feats of Tazio Nuvolari.
Nuvolari is the leader of the Scuderia Ferrari in a lesser annual race named the Coppa Ciano. His car, an Alfa Romeo 12C36, broke its transmission in the second lap. What follows is incredible when comparing with the conditions and constraints of today's competitions.
Nuvolari will not give up. He stops one of his teammates and takes his car, an Alfa Romeo Tipo C 8C-35. Despite the triple handicap of the time lost during the change, of the lower power of his new car and of a seat adjustment not suitable for this little man, Nuvolari wins the race.
The car used in this extraordinary sporting achievement is estimated £ 5.5 million, for sale by Bonhams at Goodwood on September 14. Here is the link to the press release shared by Sports Car Digest.
POST SALE COMMENT
The estimate was ambitious but this racing car of the 1930s is exceptional. It was sold for £ 5.9 million including premium.
1938 The Response of Milan to the Silver Arrows
2019 SOLD for € 16.7M including premium
At the time of totalitarianism, motor racing became a major showcase of high-tech know-how. To compete with the Silver Arrows, Alfa Romeo develops a stiffened chassis and an independent suspension with which it equips the Tipo C for the grand prix and the 6C 2300 B for grand touring. Introduced in 1935 the 8C 2900 A targets the endurance racing.
In Milan also, Carrozzeria Touring patented its Superleggera technology : after advanced aerodynamic studies, this company offers all-metal bodies, a novelty at that time.
In 1937 Touring designs two bodies for the new 8C 2900 B : a spider for the short chassis and a berlinetta for the long chassis. The closed cockpit allows a body made entirely of aluminum unlike the spider which requires reinforcements in steel. For this reason the spider is heavier than the coupe. It will also be built for the long chassis.
The total population of 8C 2900 B Touring berlinettas is five units. The second, built in 1938, is titled 1939, the date of its registration in the United Kingdom. It was used sparingly except for a brief period in the 1950s and was carefully maintained by its successive owners without ever being disassembled.
Remaining since 1976 in a single collection, it is estimated € 16M for sale by Artcurial in Paris on February 8, lot 20. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
Two other 8C 2900 B berlinettas were awarded the highly prestigious Best Of Show of Pebble Beach's Concours d'elegance, in 2008 and 2018 respectively. An 8C 2900 B Lungo Spider by Touring was sold for $ 19.8M including premium by RM Sotheby's on August 20, 2016.
In Milan also, Carrozzeria Touring patented its Superleggera technology : after advanced aerodynamic studies, this company offers all-metal bodies, a novelty at that time.
In 1937 Touring designs two bodies for the new 8C 2900 B : a spider for the short chassis and a berlinetta for the long chassis. The closed cockpit allows a body made entirely of aluminum unlike the spider which requires reinforcements in steel. For this reason the spider is heavier than the coupe. It will also be built for the long chassis.
The total population of 8C 2900 B Touring berlinettas is five units. The second, built in 1938, is titled 1939, the date of its registration in the United Kingdom. It was used sparingly except for a brief period in the 1950s and was carefully maintained by its successive owners without ever being disassembled.
Remaining since 1976 in a single collection, it is estimated € 16M for sale by Artcurial in Paris on February 8, lot 20. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
Two other 8C 2900 B berlinettas were awarded the highly prestigious Best Of Show of Pebble Beach's Concours d'elegance, in 2008 and 2018 respectively. An 8C 2900 B Lungo Spider by Touring was sold for $ 19.8M including premium by RM Sotheby's on August 20, 2016.
1939 A Spider by Alfa Romeo and Touring
2016 SOLD for $ 19.8M including premium
Under the direct control of the Italian government, Alfa Romeo improves the performance of its luxury and sports cars throughout the 1930s. The 6-cylinder version (6C) grows in several stages from 1750 to 2500 cc. Aimed at the high end, the 8-cylinder version (8C), created in 1931 with 2300 cc, is fitted with 2900 cc from 1935. The 8C 2900B is available in two lengths from 1937 : Corto and Lungo.
Alfa Romeo has special relationships with two body shops that offer dissimilar products. A 8C 2900B assembled by Pinin Farina in cabriolet was sold for $ 4,07M including premium by Christie's on August 28, 1999, a great price for that time.
In Milan, Carrozzeria Touring patented in 1936 theSuperleggera technology. Alfa Romeo actively supports this development that must enable its Lungo variant to compete advantageously with the too massive Mercedes-Benz 540K. The war interrupted this activity. Note however that in 1939 Alfa Romeo is already offering the features that will make the success of sports cars after the war: the spider from as early as 1931, and the berlinetta.
On August 20 in Monterey, RM Sotheby's sells the culmination of this evolution : an 8C 2900B Lungo bodied in spider superleggera by Touring. It is estimated $ 20M, lot 234.
The authenticity of this car is the result of patient and painstaking work by the best specialists of the brand. The oldest traces of its eventful existence date back to the early 1950s in South America. As often, this car had been dismantled by owners seeking the best combination for their cars in competition.
In 1994, convinced that chassis 412041 and body 2027 may come from the same original car, the collector Sam Mann, passionate about automotive engineering, acquires both. The reassembly proves him right : the positions of the bolt holes are consistent, resulting from the work done by Touring workmen around 1939. Despite the extreme rarity of this model, Mann was able to complete this work by assembling an engine and a fuel pump from the original 8C 2900B series.
Please watch the video shared by Sotheby's TV and another videoshared by RM introducing five vehicles from the Mann collection.
Alfa Romeo has special relationships with two body shops that offer dissimilar products. A 8C 2900B assembled by Pinin Farina in cabriolet was sold for $ 4,07M including premium by Christie's on August 28, 1999, a great price for that time.
In Milan, Carrozzeria Touring patented in 1936 theSuperleggera technology. Alfa Romeo actively supports this development that must enable its Lungo variant to compete advantageously with the too massive Mercedes-Benz 540K. The war interrupted this activity. Note however that in 1939 Alfa Romeo is already offering the features that will make the success of sports cars after the war: the spider from as early as 1931, and the berlinetta.
On August 20 in Monterey, RM Sotheby's sells the culmination of this evolution : an 8C 2900B Lungo bodied in spider superleggera by Touring. It is estimated $ 20M, lot 234.
The authenticity of this car is the result of patient and painstaking work by the best specialists of the brand. The oldest traces of its eventful existence date back to the early 1950s in South America. As often, this car had been dismantled by owners seeking the best combination for their cars in competition.
In 1994, convinced that chassis 412041 and body 2027 may come from the same original car, the collector Sam Mann, passionate about automotive engineering, acquires both. The reassembly proves him right : the positions of the bolt holes are consistent, resulting from the work done by Touring workmen around 1939. Despite the extreme rarity of this model, Mann was able to complete this work by assembling an engine and a fuel pump from the original 8C 2900B series.
Please watch the video shared by Sotheby's TV and another videoshared by RM introducing five vehicles from the Mann collection.
1939 An Alfa Romeo coachworked by Pinin Farina
2014 SOLD 4 M$ including premium
Alfa Romeo developed in parallel two product lines for competition, in 6-cylinder and 8-cylinder. The engine volume increases over the years, for the 6C from 1.5 liters in 1926 to 2.5 liters in 1939.
In 1939, the new rules of competition no longer favor the supercharged cars that had built the glory of Alfa Romeo. The Italian manufacturer adapts its new 6C 2500 chassis to create a Super Sport model, also known as Tipo 256.
Twenty Tipo 256 are manufactured simultaneously. They aim to be used in race by both teams sponsored by Alfa Romeo, the Alfa Corse and the Scuderia Ferrari, some cars being also promised to their best customers including the Duce, Benito Mussolini. Note that the recent creation of the Alfa Corse competing with the Scuderia is one of the causes of the final quarrel between Enzo Ferrari and Alfa Romeo.
Some customers prefer to have the Tipo 256 as a cabriolet. One of these cars rebodied in July 1939 by Pinin Farina was perhaps the most expensive Italian car of its time.
Pinin Farina had probably entrusted the design of this one of its kind Alfa Romeo to the most innovative stylist of his time, Count Mario Revelli de Beaumont. Certainly very proud of this masterpiece, Pinin Farina published it as an ad in the July 1940 issue of the Auto Italiana magazine.
This particular car is a true precursor of the admirable postwar Italian cars. Piero Dusio, who created Cisitalia in 1946, owned it from 1940 to 1946.
Well preserved, the Tipo 256 bodied by Pinin Farina is estimated $ 5 million, for sale by Gooding at Pebble Beach on August 17, lot 144.
POST SALE COMMENT
The final list of results brings good news for the Alfa Romeo : sold for $ 4M including premium, probably a transaction after the floor session.
In 1939, the new rules of competition no longer favor the supercharged cars that had built the glory of Alfa Romeo. The Italian manufacturer adapts its new 6C 2500 chassis to create a Super Sport model, also known as Tipo 256.
Twenty Tipo 256 are manufactured simultaneously. They aim to be used in race by both teams sponsored by Alfa Romeo, the Alfa Corse and the Scuderia Ferrari, some cars being also promised to their best customers including the Duce, Benito Mussolini. Note that the recent creation of the Alfa Corse competing with the Scuderia is one of the causes of the final quarrel between Enzo Ferrari and Alfa Romeo.
Some customers prefer to have the Tipo 256 as a cabriolet. One of these cars rebodied in July 1939 by Pinin Farina was perhaps the most expensive Italian car of its time.
Pinin Farina had probably entrusted the design of this one of its kind Alfa Romeo to the most innovative stylist of his time, Count Mario Revelli de Beaumont. Certainly very proud of this masterpiece, Pinin Farina published it as an ad in the July 1940 issue of the Auto Italiana magazine.
This particular car is a true precursor of the admirable postwar Italian cars. Piero Dusio, who created Cisitalia in 1946, owned it from 1940 to 1946.
Well preserved, the Tipo 256 bodied by Pinin Farina is estimated $ 5 million, for sale by Gooding at Pebble Beach on August 17, lot 144.
POST SALE COMMENT
The final list of results brings good news for the Alfa Romeo : sold for $ 4M including premium, probably a transaction after the floor session.
1948 On the Italian Roads
2013 SOLD for $ 4.84M including premium by Gooding
2018 SOLD for $ 3.5M including premium
PRE 2018 SALE DISCUSSION
After the war, Italians rediscover their passion for motor racing. The Mille Miglia restarts in 1947, followed in 1948 by the Targa Florio which takes the form of a tour of Sicily. Several city-to-city competitions are also organized.
Alfa Romeo is competing with Maserati and also with two new Italian brands, Cisitalia and Ferrari. Aerodynamic improvements revive the popularity of coupes. In parallel, new developments of single-seaters anticipate the Formula 1 which will be created in 1950.
The production of Alfa Romeo had been interrupted by the bombing of the plant in 1944. The evolution of the traditional 6C range of models equipped with a 6-cylinder in line engine is however not forgotten. Alfa Romeo builds in 1948 for competition a small series of three coupes 6C 2500 with a 2.5 liter engine assembled on a chassis 8C 2900 that was shortened and lightened. The bodywork is not subcontracted.
Only one of these three cars survives. It has a rich competition history including four successive participations in the Mille Miglia. It was later one of the Sleeping Beauties of the Dovaz collection where it waited for four decades under the dust a renewed interest in classic cars.
A later collector found, restored and reinstalled its original engine, and re-established this car close to its original configuration. It was sold for $ 4.84M including premium by Gooding in August 2013 over a lower estimate of $ 2.8M. It is estimated $ 3M for sale by Bonhams at Quail Lodge (Carmel) on August 24, lot 99.
Please watch the video prepared by the auction house. The image at Retromobile is shared by Wikimedia with attribution By Thesupermat [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], from Wikimedia Commons
After the war, Italians rediscover their passion for motor racing. The Mille Miglia restarts in 1947, followed in 1948 by the Targa Florio which takes the form of a tour of Sicily. Several city-to-city competitions are also organized.
Alfa Romeo is competing with Maserati and also with two new Italian brands, Cisitalia and Ferrari. Aerodynamic improvements revive the popularity of coupes. In parallel, new developments of single-seaters anticipate the Formula 1 which will be created in 1950.
The production of Alfa Romeo had been interrupted by the bombing of the plant in 1944. The evolution of the traditional 6C range of models equipped with a 6-cylinder in line engine is however not forgotten. Alfa Romeo builds in 1948 for competition a small series of three coupes 6C 2500 with a 2.5 liter engine assembled on a chassis 8C 2900 that was shortened and lightened. The bodywork is not subcontracted.
Only one of these three cars survives. It has a rich competition history including four successive participations in the Mille Miglia. It was later one of the Sleeping Beauties of the Dovaz collection where it waited for four decades under the dust a renewed interest in classic cars.
A later collector found, restored and reinstalled its original engine, and re-established this car close to its original configuration. It was sold for $ 4.84M including premium by Gooding in August 2013 over a lower estimate of $ 2.8M. It is estimated $ 3M for sale by Bonhams at Quail Lodge (Carmel) on August 24, lot 99.
Please watch the video prepared by the auction house. The image at Retromobile is shared by Wikimedia with attribution By Thesupermat [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], from Wikimedia Commons
1955 A Lovely Spider by Frua
2018 SOLD for $ 5.2M including premium
Maserati specializes in racing cars. The single-seater A6GCM (Corsa Monoposto) with a 2-liter Colombo engine is exceptionally robust, finishing more than half of its races from 1952 to 1954.
The first model of road cars had appeared in 1947. The A6GCS/53 (Corsa Sportivo) introduced in 1953 is targeting the endurance races with technical solutions inspired by the A6GCM. The spider designed by Fantuzzi is essentially a two-seater version of the A6GCM.
Italians love pretty cars. In 1954 the official dealer of Maserati in Rome had assembled on chassis A6GCS/53 four berlinettas by Pinin Farina and one spider by Carrozzeria Frua. He is delighted with the elegance and balance of the Frua spider and orders two more that are assembled in 1955.
Frua is not lucky in that operation : his client is in financial difficulty and loses the Maserati franchise. Frua keeps the cars and looks for other customers. One of these cars sold in 1957 crossed the Atlantic in 1959 to charm a Californian. Appreciated for its glamorous appearance, it is very early exhibited in concours d'elegance. This spider is older, rarer and cuter than Ferrari's California.
Unfortunately its playboy owner was not a good mechanic : around 1964 he irreparably destroys the engine by a lack of maintenance in water. It is replaced by a similar engine from an A6G/54.
The Maserati Frua is estimated $ 5.5M for sale by Gooding at Pebble Beach on August 25, lot 135. Here is the link to the press release.
The first model of road cars had appeared in 1947. The A6GCS/53 (Corsa Sportivo) introduced in 1953 is targeting the endurance races with technical solutions inspired by the A6GCM. The spider designed by Fantuzzi is essentially a two-seater version of the A6GCM.
Italians love pretty cars. In 1954 the official dealer of Maserati in Rome had assembled on chassis A6GCS/53 four berlinettas by Pinin Farina and one spider by Carrozzeria Frua. He is delighted with the elegance and balance of the Frua spider and orders two more that are assembled in 1955.
Frua is not lucky in that operation : his client is in financial difficulty and loses the Maserati franchise. Frua keeps the cars and looks for other customers. One of these cars sold in 1957 crossed the Atlantic in 1959 to charm a Californian. Appreciated for its glamorous appearance, it is very early exhibited in concours d'elegance. This spider is older, rarer and cuter than Ferrari's California.
Unfortunately its playboy owner was not a good mechanic : around 1964 he irreparably destroys the engine by a lack of maintenance in water. It is replaced by a similar engine from an A6G/54.
The Maserati Frua is estimated $ 5.5M for sale by Gooding at Pebble Beach on August 25, lot 135. Here is the link to the press release.
1955 Spider by Maserati
2013 SOLD 4 M£ including premium
The sports racing car is transformed in the early 1950s. The spiders are great with their very low open body. Before the disaster of Le Mans and the regulatory restrictions on the power, some exceptional cars are released, including the Maserati 300S equipped with a 3-liter engine and six cylinders.
In 1955 the best cars are still equally effective on track and on road. Beautiful, well balanced and easy to drive, the 300S spider is one of the favorite models of Stirling Moss. It is difficult to find a better reference!
28 copies of the Maserati 300S were manufactured between 1955 and 1958. A spider made in the first year is estimated £ 3.5 million, for sale on July 12 by Bonhams at Goodwood. Here is the link to the catalog.
This car has undergone some changes, such as for improving comfort, but they were made very carefully for not to deviate from the original configuration. It also retained its engine.
POST SALE COMMENT
Very good price, £ 4M including premium, for this formidable competitor of Ferrari.
In 1955 the best cars are still equally effective on track and on road. Beautiful, well balanced and easy to drive, the 300S spider is one of the favorite models of Stirling Moss. It is difficult to find a better reference!
28 copies of the Maserati 300S were manufactured between 1955 and 1958. A spider made in the first year is estimated £ 3.5 million, for sale on July 12 by Bonhams at Goodwood. Here is the link to the catalog.
This car has undergone some changes, such as for improving comfort, but they were made very carefully for not to deviate from the original configuration. It also retained its engine.
POST SALE COMMENT
Very good price, £ 4M including premium, for this formidable competitor of Ferrari.
1956 The Excitement of the Mille Miglia
2018 SOLD for $ 4.5M including premium
Maserati created in 1950 the model A6G 2000 with a 2 liter engine. The ultimate evolution, informally referenced A6G/54, appears in 1954. About sixty A6G/54 chassis are built between 1954 and 1956. Most are bodied in berlinettas. Twenty of them are made in lightweight alloy by Carrozzeria Zagato.
One of these cars is used by the factory as a demonstrator at the 1956 Mille Miglia. Sold to private owners, it has a history of competition quite intense until 1960, with more incidents than success. However its original engine and gearbox are still intact when it retires.
It is bought in 2012 by a collector whose project is to exhibit a Zagato during the celebration at Pebble Beach of the 100th anniversary of the Maserati brand, created in 1914. The restoration is facilitated by its very high level of authenticity and the archives of the manufacturer are consulted to painstakingly reestablish its original configuration. This operation costed more than $ 800K.
The Italian beauty is fully operational as if it was just leaving the factory, transferring a current driver into the excitement of the penultimate traditional edition of the Mille Miglia on open road. It is estimated $ 4.25M for sale by RM Sotheby's in Monterey on August 25, lot 234. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
One of these cars is used by the factory as a demonstrator at the 1956 Mille Miglia. Sold to private owners, it has a history of competition quite intense until 1960, with more incidents than success. However its original engine and gearbox are still intact when it retires.
It is bought in 2012 by a collector whose project is to exhibit a Zagato during the celebration at Pebble Beach of the 100th anniversary of the Maserati brand, created in 1914. The restoration is facilitated by its very high level of authenticity and the archives of the manufacturer are consulted to painstakingly reestablish its original configuration. This operation costed more than $ 800K.
The Italian beauty is fully operational as if it was just leaving the factory, transferring a current driver into the excitement of the penultimate traditional edition of the Mille Miglia on open road. It is estimated $ 4.25M for sale by RM Sotheby's in Monterey on August 25, lot 234. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
1971-1972 The Sharp Angles of the Boomerang
2015 SOLD for € 3.3M including premium
From his early career, Giorgetto Giugiaro introduced sharp angles in car bodies. Employed by Bertone and afterward by Ghia, he worked on many brands and continued with the same diversity after he created his own company Italdesign in 1968.
In 1971 Italdesign draws for Citroën the body of the Maserati Bora. Giugiaro takes a chassis without engine to assemble a futuristic body known as the Maserati Boomerang. The concept car is on display at the 1971 auto show in Turin.
This car is created to dream. Maserati apparently did not intend to build further copies but made the effort in 1972 to make functional the unique Boomerang concept car. A major achievement was reached in 2003 when a new owner commissioned the changes required to its registration for French roads, still valid today.
The Maserati Boomerang is for sale by Bonhams in Chantilly on September 5, lot 11.
This low and tapered coupé is still highly futuristic 44 years after its conception. It recently participated in several concours d'elegance where it is hard to overcome. I invite you to watch the video shared by the auction house. It has a dedicated page in Wikipedia.
Here is the image shared by Herranderssvensson (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
In 1971 Italdesign draws for Citroën the body of the Maserati Bora. Giugiaro takes a chassis without engine to assemble a futuristic body known as the Maserati Boomerang. The concept car is on display at the 1971 auto show in Turin.
This car is created to dream. Maserati apparently did not intend to build further copies but made the effort in 1972 to make functional the unique Boomerang concept car. A major achievement was reached in 2003 when a new owner commissioned the changes required to its registration for French roads, still valid today.
The Maserati Boomerang is for sale by Bonhams in Chantilly on September 5, lot 11.
This low and tapered coupé is still highly futuristic 44 years after its conception. It recently participated in several concours d'elegance where it is hard to overcome. I invite you to watch the video shared by the auction house. It has a dedicated page in Wikipedia.
Here is the image shared by Herranderssvensson (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
