Post War Cars
See also : Early Ferrari Alfa Romeo
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
Ferrari
Intro
The Ferrari brand began in 1947 with the 125S model. Two cars were produced. They engaged in 14 races, won 6 and were later dismantled. Then came the 159S model, also built in two prototypes.
They optimize their range in late 1947 with the 166, so designated to indicate the volume of a cylinder in cc for an overall 1995 cc displacement of the V-12 Colombo engine which is 1,995 cc overall.
The chassis number restarts from number 1 with the 166, with odd numbers attributed to sport cars and even number to racing cars.
The model began with two variants, the 166 Sport and the 166 S Spyder Corsa. In May 1948 the 166 S Sport number 003 is the overall winner of the Mille Miglia, launching the fabulous racing reputation of the brand. This berlinetta coachworked by Allemano had been driven to victory by Biondetti and Navone.
In 1948 the first 166 S Inter has the odd chassis 005 S and the 166 MM starts another new even numbering. Inter is a reference to the Inter races and MM a reminder of the Mille Miglia.
The 1948 Spyder Corsa number 014 I had been raced by the Scuderia Ferrari in 1948 once by Righetti and then by Bianchetti who acquired it to Ferrari. Bianchetti had the chassis shortened and the engine re-bored to 2340 cc by the factory and raced it until 1951. He was at the same time the owner of the Mille Miglia winner 003 S.
Back in the Ferrari ownership, it was re-bodied by Scaglietti in 1955-1956 as a test car for the 500 TR. Some elements were kept from the original Ansaloni spyder. 014 I was sold for € 2.96M by Artcurial on February 10, 2017, lot 125. It keeps its Colombo V12 engine in matching numbers.
They optimize their range in late 1947 with the 166, so designated to indicate the volume of a cylinder in cc for an overall 1995 cc displacement of the V-12 Colombo engine which is 1,995 cc overall.
The chassis number restarts from number 1 with the 166, with odd numbers attributed to sport cars and even number to racing cars.
The model began with two variants, the 166 Sport and the 166 S Spyder Corsa. In May 1948 the 166 S Sport number 003 is the overall winner of the Mille Miglia, launching the fabulous racing reputation of the brand. This berlinetta coachworked by Allemano had been driven to victory by Biondetti and Navone.
In 1948 the first 166 S Inter has the odd chassis 005 S and the 166 MM starts another new even numbering. Inter is a reference to the Inter races and MM a reminder of the Mille Miglia.
The 1948 Spyder Corsa number 014 I had been raced by the Scuderia Ferrari in 1948 once by Righetti and then by Bianchetti who acquired it to Ferrari. Bianchetti had the chassis shortened and the engine re-bored to 2340 cc by the factory and raced it until 1951. He was at the same time the owner of the Mille Miglia winner 003 S.
Back in the Ferrari ownership, it was re-bodied by Scaglietti in 1955-1956 as a test car for the 500 TR. Some elements were kept from the original Ansaloni spyder. 014 I was sold for € 2.96M by Artcurial on February 10, 2017, lot 125. It keeps its Colombo V12 engine in matching numbers.
1
1950 166 MM / 195 S
2016 SOLD for $ 6.5M by Gooding
Ferrari maintains a preferred cooperation with Carrozzeria Touring which offers its patented Superleggera technology much ahead of its time. Touring equips a significant proportion of the 166 either with an open two-seater body that will be named Barchetta or as a coupe frequently referred as Berlinetta. The berlinetta Le Mans endurance racing variant was introduced in 1950.
A Ferrari Classiche certified 166 MM made in 1950 retains its original chassis, engine, gearbox, rear end and Superleggera berlinetta Le Mans body by Touring. It had been raced in rallies and hillclimbs by its first owners. It was sold for $ 2.2M by Gooding in August 2008, lot 42 and passed at the same auction house on August 19, 2022, lot 38. This fully operational veteran is illustrated in the 2022 pre sale press release and in the video shared by the auction house.
The history of the first competition cars by Ferrari is rich in factory upgrades of all kinds, to accompany the progress of the models and also on request by a demanding owner. The 166 MM/195 S that sold for $ 6.5M at Gooding on January 29, 2016 is a typical example.
The development of the engine is of paramount importance in the racing debut of Ferrari cars. The model 166 caused a sensation from its release in 1948. This figure indicates the displacement in cc of each of the twelve cylinders of the Colombo V12 engine for a total of 2 liters.
The chassis are sent to subcontractors who assemble the cars as berlinetta, barchetta or spyder. The berlinetta is an early success because it can be used both on road and on track. All the elements that will make the tremendous success of the brand are already in place.
The Ferrari coming for sale is one of the six 166MM coachworked as Berlinettas Le Mans by Carrozzeria Touring. Completed in June 1950, it is first raced in the following month. Chinetti, who is already the agent of Ferrari in the United States, exhibits it at the Paris Motor Show in October for finding an American buyer.
The car is purchased by the sportsman and team leader Briggs Cunningham, after he had applauded the feat of Chinetti topping the early hours at Le Mans in 1950 with a 195S berlinetta. The major difference between 166 and 195 is its bore enlarged from 60 to 65 mm enabling a displacement of 2.3 liters.
Cunningham has immediately upgraded his 166 to the 195 specification by Ferrari. In December 1950, this car has the honor of becoming the first competition Ferrari imported in the USA. A few days later it begins its American career at Sebring.
A Ferrari Classiche certified 166 MM made in 1950 retains its original chassis, engine, gearbox, rear end and Superleggera berlinetta Le Mans body by Touring. It had been raced in rallies and hillclimbs by its first owners. It was sold for $ 2.2M by Gooding in August 2008, lot 42 and passed at the same auction house on August 19, 2022, lot 38. This fully operational veteran is illustrated in the 2022 pre sale press release and in the video shared by the auction house.
The history of the first competition cars by Ferrari is rich in factory upgrades of all kinds, to accompany the progress of the models and also on request by a demanding owner. The 166 MM/195 S that sold for $ 6.5M at Gooding on January 29, 2016 is a typical example.
The development of the engine is of paramount importance in the racing debut of Ferrari cars. The model 166 caused a sensation from its release in 1948. This figure indicates the displacement in cc of each of the twelve cylinders of the Colombo V12 engine for a total of 2 liters.
The chassis are sent to subcontractors who assemble the cars as berlinetta, barchetta or spyder. The berlinetta is an early success because it can be used both on road and on track. All the elements that will make the tremendous success of the brand are already in place.
The Ferrari coming for sale is one of the six 166MM coachworked as Berlinettas Le Mans by Carrozzeria Touring. Completed in June 1950, it is first raced in the following month. Chinetti, who is already the agent of Ferrari in the United States, exhibits it at the Paris Motor Show in October for finding an American buyer.
The car is purchased by the sportsman and team leader Briggs Cunningham, after he had applauded the feat of Chinetti topping the early hours at Le Mans in 1950 with a 195S berlinetta. The major difference between 166 and 195 is its bore enlarged from 60 to 65 mm enabling a displacement of 2.3 liters.
Cunningham has immediately upgraded his 166 to the 195 specification by Ferrari. In December 1950, this car has the honor of becoming the first competition Ferrari imported in the USA. A few days later it begins its American career at Sebring.
2
1950 166 MM / 212 Export
2017 SOLD for $ 4.5M including premium
The Marzotto family owns a very important textile factory at Valdagno in the Veneto region. The four sons of Count Gaetano enter very young in the automobile competition at the very moment when Enzo Ferrari is creating his company. They are the most important customers in Ferrari's beginning, owning and racing up to 20 cars of the new brand.
The young Count Giannino Marzotto bought as early as 1948 a Ferrari 166 Inter. There is no lack of flamboyance for him at this time when wealthy amateurs can still compete with professionals. His victory in full suit at the 1950 Mille Miglia on a Ferrari 195S remains in the annals.
The four brothers participated in that competition with Ferrari cars. The 166 MM of Umberto Marzotto, heavily crashed, returns to the factory and is supplied in the following year to Giannino. At the risk of displeasing Enzo, Giannino entrusts this chassis to the Carrozzeria Fontana which is not a usual partner to Ferrari.
Relying on the aeronautical training of Franco Reggiani, Fontana builds a berlinetta in the shape of a jet without wings, amicably nicknamed L'Uovo (the Egg), 150 Kg lighter than a regular Ferrari car. Marzotto's quest for efficiency pays off as he drives his Uovo to victory in the Giro della Toscana.
This Ferrari 166 MM upgraded to 212 Export that looks like no other car is estimated $ 5M for sale by RM Sotheby's in Monterey on August 18, lot 152. Please watch the video shared by RM.
The young Count Giannino Marzotto bought as early as 1948 a Ferrari 166 Inter. There is no lack of flamboyance for him at this time when wealthy amateurs can still compete with professionals. His victory in full suit at the 1950 Mille Miglia on a Ferrari 195S remains in the annals.
The four brothers participated in that competition with Ferrari cars. The 166 MM of Umberto Marzotto, heavily crashed, returns to the factory and is supplied in the following year to Giannino. At the risk of displeasing Enzo, Giannino entrusts this chassis to the Carrozzeria Fontana which is not a usual partner to Ferrari.
Relying on the aeronautical training of Franco Reggiani, Fontana builds a berlinetta in the shape of a jet without wings, amicably nicknamed L'Uovo (the Egg), 150 Kg lighter than a regular Ferrari car. Marzotto's quest for efficiency pays off as he drives his Uovo to victory in the Giro della Toscana.
This Ferrari 166 MM upgraded to 212 Export that looks like no other car is estimated $ 5M for sale by RM Sotheby's in Monterey on August 18, lot 152. Please watch the video shared by RM.
3
1950 275S / 340
2015 SOLD for $ 7.9M by RM Sotheby's
Mastering chassis and engine is the key of the first successes of Ferrari, eager and anxious to overcome Alfa Romeo. His two motorist engineers are subject to a fierce internal competition.
Colombo equips the first models by assembling a twelve-cylinder engine desired by Ferrari. They are low-volume but a 125 S brings the first victory in a local track competition in Piacenza on 25 May 1947. The Ferrari 166 MM engages in road racing, taking its acronym in reference to the Mille Miglia.
Lampredi designs an innovative engine for Ferrari, also as a twelve-cylinder. The 3.3 liter is for road sport and the 4.1 liter is at first for Formula 1.
In 1950, the first cars equipped with the Lampredi 3.3 liter engine are two Ferrari 275 S, bodied by Touring in barchettas. Despite a promising start in the Mille Miglia, both cars leave the race for the same defect, a broken rear axle. The boss does not like defeat: there will be no further 275 S.
Both 275 S returned to the factory to be upgraded with the 4.1 liter engine that turns them into Ferrari 340 America. They had afterward an acceptable racing history.
The first 275 S / 340 was sold for $ 7.9M by RM Sotheby's on August 14, 2015, lot 217.
Like many cars of this period, it underwent transformations. After retiring from competition, its body was remade by Scaglietti, again as a barchetta. The 4.1 liter engine was then removed by a conscientious collector who carefully maintained it, and it was later reinstalled.
Driven by Ascari as a 275 S in the 1950 Mille Miglia, this car has reappeared more than once in this competition since 2005. I invite you to watch the video shared by RM Sotheby's demonstrating its great working condition.
Colombo equips the first models by assembling a twelve-cylinder engine desired by Ferrari. They are low-volume but a 125 S brings the first victory in a local track competition in Piacenza on 25 May 1947. The Ferrari 166 MM engages in road racing, taking its acronym in reference to the Mille Miglia.
Lampredi designs an innovative engine for Ferrari, also as a twelve-cylinder. The 3.3 liter is for road sport and the 4.1 liter is at first for Formula 1.
In 1950, the first cars equipped with the Lampredi 3.3 liter engine are two Ferrari 275 S, bodied by Touring in barchettas. Despite a promising start in the Mille Miglia, both cars leave the race for the same defect, a broken rear axle. The boss does not like defeat: there will be no further 275 S.
Both 275 S returned to the factory to be upgraded with the 4.1 liter engine that turns them into Ferrari 340 America. They had afterward an acceptable racing history.
The first 275 S / 340 was sold for $ 7.9M by RM Sotheby's on August 14, 2015, lot 217.
Like many cars of this period, it underwent transformations. After retiring from competition, its body was remade by Scaglietti, again as a barchetta. The 4.1 liter engine was then removed by a conscientious collector who carefully maintained it, and it was later reinstalled.
Driven by Ascari as a 275 S in the 1950 Mille Miglia, this car has reappeared more than once in this competition since 2005. I invite you to watch the video shared by RM Sotheby's demonstrating its great working condition.
4
1951 Ferrari 340 America
2016 SOLD for € 7.3M by RM Sotheby's
The 24 hours of Le Mans is a sporting event and a showroom of the automobile. In 1951 the spectators admire the barchetta bodywork. Only one Ferrari barchetta had been inscribed in the previous year, a 195S driven by Luigi Chinetti and Pierre Louis-Dreyfus.
The other excitement of 1951 is the Ferrari 340 America equipped with a V-12 engine that carries the expectations of the brand. It is the first ever Ferrari model to use the qualifier of America showing the brand's ambitions on the other side of the Atlantic.
No less than four Ferrari 340 America Barchetta are at the start of the race, including a car coachworked by Touring delivered a few days earlier to Louis-Dreyfus and co-piloted by Louis Chiron. Caught by the passion of the event, the Vieux Renard of the pre-war competitions misses a refueling pit and runs dry.
In 1952 this car was entered again with the same number #16 and retired after five hours for an issue with the clutch.
Carefully restored to its 1951 Le Mans configuration, this authentic survivor of postwar endurance racing retains its matching number equipment. It was sold for € 7.3M by RM Sotheby's on May 14, 2016, lot 232.
The other excitement of 1951 is the Ferrari 340 America equipped with a V-12 engine that carries the expectations of the brand. It is the first ever Ferrari model to use the qualifier of America showing the brand's ambitions on the other side of the Atlantic.
No less than four Ferrari 340 America Barchetta are at the start of the race, including a car coachworked by Touring delivered a few days earlier to Louis-Dreyfus and co-piloted by Louis Chiron. Caught by the passion of the event, the Vieux Renard of the pre-war competitions misses a refueling pit and runs dry.
In 1952 this car was entered again with the same number #16 and retired after five hours for an issue with the clutch.
Carefully restored to its 1951 Le Mans configuration, this authentic survivor of postwar endurance racing retains its matching number equipment. It was sold for € 7.3M by RM Sotheby's on May 14, 2016, lot 232.
5
1951 Ferrari 340 America
2023 SOLD for € 5.7M by Artcurial
The Ferrari cars are equipped with various bodies made by the best workshops. From the model 166, Carrozzeria Touring is one of their leading coachbuilders. Touring offers its pre war patented Superleggera technology in the open two-seater body that will be named barchetta and in the coupe frequently referred as berlinetta.
The 340 America is released in 1951 with a Lampredi V-12 4.1 liter 300 hp engine developed for the Formula One. It is in period the most powerful racing car of the brand.The production run is 23 including 8 by Touring, 11 by Vignale and 4 by Ghia.
A 340 America Barchetta Superleggera purchased by a privateer made a promising debut, being the fastest Ferrari at the 1951 Le Mans 24 qualifications in a fair competition with Moss's Jaguar and Fangio's Talbot. It did not finish that race due to a failure of the starter. It exceeded 218 km/h at Daytona during the 1954 Speed Week.
Still fitted with its original engine, carburettors and exterior body panels, this car was sold for € 5.7M by Artcurial on February 3, 2023, lot 43. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
The 340 America is released in 1951 with a Lampredi V-12 4.1 liter 300 hp engine developed for the Formula One. It is in period the most powerful racing car of the brand.The production run is 23 including 8 by Touring, 11 by Vignale and 4 by Ghia.
A 340 America Barchetta Superleggera purchased by a privateer made a promising debut, being the fastest Ferrari at the 1951 Le Mans 24 qualifications in a fair competition with Moss's Jaguar and Fangio's Talbot. It did not finish that race due to a failure of the starter. It exceeded 218 km/h at Daytona during the 1954 Speed Week.
Still fitted with its original engine, carburettors and exterior body panels, this car was sold for € 5.7M by Artcurial on February 3, 2023, lot 43. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
6
1951 212 Export
2023 SOLD for $ 3.9M by Bonhams
In 1951, Ferrari's new chassis 212 is ambitious. It includes the Inter grand tourer variant previously used for the 166, and a new Export variant with a reduced wheelbase that increases the stability in competition. The 212 Export is produced in 27 units in 1951 and 1952.
Carrozzeria Touring specializing in super-light (superleggera) construction is one of the leading coachbuilders for Ferrari at that time. Eight 212 Export are built in barchetta by them. The barchetta prefigures the spiders.
A 212 Export barchetta by Touring made in 1951 was raced in that year at the 24 hours of Le Mans and Watkins Glen grand prix in the Class 3.0. Its engine was changed in 1954 whatever the reason. Its last racing season was 1955 in the USA with that less powerful engine recuperated from a crashed 195.
This barchetta keeping an original body and chassis was sold for $ 3.9M by Bonhams on August 18, 2023, lot 55. It was refinished in rossa corsa and retrimmed in black leather.
Another example also made in 1951 was sold for $ 3.2M by Bonhams on January 16, 2014, lot 173.
Carrozzeria Touring specializing in super-light (superleggera) construction is one of the leading coachbuilders for Ferrari at that time. Eight 212 Export are built in barchetta by them. The barchetta prefigures the spiders.
A 212 Export barchetta by Touring made in 1951 was raced in that year at the 24 hours of Le Mans and Watkins Glen grand prix in the Class 3.0. Its engine was changed in 1954 whatever the reason. Its last racing season was 1955 in the USA with that less powerful engine recuperated from a crashed 195.
This barchetta keeping an original body and chassis was sold for $ 3.9M by Bonhams on August 18, 2023, lot 55. It was refinished in rossa corsa and retrimmed in black leather.
Another example also made in 1951 was sold for $ 3.2M by Bonhams on January 16, 2014, lot 173.
7
1952 212 Export
2015 SOLD for € 6.7M by RM Sotheby's
On May 23, 2015, RM Sotheby's sold for € 6.7M a 212 Export from 1952 bodied by Touring in barchetta, lot 110. The V12 engine Tipo 212, the gearbox and the axle are is in matching numbers. This car had a good history in competition until 1956.
Its image at the 2015 Retromobile is shared by Wikimedia with attribution Thesupermat, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Its image at the 2015 Retromobile is shared by Wikimedia with attribution Thesupermat, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
8
1952 Ferrari with Lampredi and Vignale
2017 SOLD for $ 6.4M by Bonhams
Enzo Ferrari was extremely demanding but his very good selection of collaborators and subcontractors ensured his success in the early 1950s.
Aurelio Lampredi develops the Ferrari V12 engine by increasing the displacement and power. The brand can now pursuit a legitimate ambition in Formula 1 and endurance racing while appealing the private customers of sports cars.
In 1950 the Ferrari 340 equipped with a Lampredi 4.1 liters engine is the first model offering an America version. By economy of money for that very recent brand, some earlier cars are converted in 340 America. The culmination of this product line is the 410 Superamerica with a Lampredi of 5 liters, released in 1955.
Ferrari uses a network of subcontractors for the bodywork : Vignale, Touring, Ghia. The elite cars in this range are equipped in barchetta or spider with a minimalist design targetting the effectiveness. Out of a total of twenty-two 340 America, three units receive an exclusively Competizione configuration.
A 340 America was sold for € 7,3M including premium by RM Sotheby's on May 14, 2016. It had retained its original engine and its body had been recently restored in its 1951 Le Mans configuration as a Touring barchetta.
On January 19 in Scottsdale, Bonhams sells a 340 America from 1952 equipped with its original engine and re-established in 2000 in its 1952 Mille Miglia configuration as a Vignale spider competizione. It is estimated $ 7.5M, lot 44.
Please watch the video shared by Petrolicious and Bonhams.
The image of this car in its current body is shared on Wikimedia with attribution:
By paPisc from Bologna (178 293XUCUploaded by High Contrast) [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Aurelio Lampredi develops the Ferrari V12 engine by increasing the displacement and power. The brand can now pursuit a legitimate ambition in Formula 1 and endurance racing while appealing the private customers of sports cars.
In 1950 the Ferrari 340 equipped with a Lampredi 4.1 liters engine is the first model offering an America version. By economy of money for that very recent brand, some earlier cars are converted in 340 America. The culmination of this product line is the 410 Superamerica with a Lampredi of 5 liters, released in 1955.
Ferrari uses a network of subcontractors for the bodywork : Vignale, Touring, Ghia. The elite cars in this range are equipped in barchetta or spider with a minimalist design targetting the effectiveness. Out of a total of twenty-two 340 America, three units receive an exclusively Competizione configuration.
A 340 America was sold for € 7,3M including premium by RM Sotheby's on May 14, 2016. It had retained its original engine and its body had been recently restored in its 1951 Le Mans configuration as a Touring barchetta.
On January 19 in Scottsdale, Bonhams sells a 340 America from 1952 equipped with its original engine and re-established in 2000 in its 1952 Mille Miglia configuration as a Vignale spider competizione. It is estimated $ 7.5M, lot 44.
Please watch the video shared by Petrolicious and Bonhams.
The image of this car in its current body is shared on Wikimedia with attribution:
By paPisc from Bologna (178 293XUCUploaded by High Contrast) [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
1952 Jaguar C-Type
2013 SOLD for £ 2.9M by Bonhams
In 1948 Jaguar develops a sports car. The XK120 is first supplied with a two-seater roadster body. The wooden frame will soon be replaced by metal. It is the fastest production car of its time.
Customers are enthusiastic about this powerful car, which is the fastest production model of its time. Privateers obtain very good results in endurance events. After the 24 hours of Le Mans 1950, Jaguar takes the plunge and decides to develop a racing chassis.
The new Jaguar is the XK120C. This designation can be confusing, but the 120 which referred to a guarantee of reaching 120 mph did not need to be modified. The XK120C is known as the C-Type. In both references the C stands for Competition.
Le Mans is specially targeted. For its first outing in 1951, a C-Type wins the 24 hours of Le Mans. In the following year, the long nose improves the aerodynamics at the expense of the cooling. The C-Type model wins again at Le Mans in 1953 with a lightweight body.
The C-Type also caused a sensation on the circuits by the unequaled purity and simplicity of its barchetta-type bodywork, for which the superfluous elements were eliminated. The windshield, which prevents reaching the maximum top speed, becomes an option. The stabilization fin will appear in 1954 on the next model, the D-Type.
53 C-Types were produced including 43 for private customers, all variants combined. Most have undergone a heavy use and cars that have kept their original configuration are highly appreciated.
Despite its racing success, the C-type still had a great deal of progress.
C was meaning Competition while the later D and E were simply the next two after C in the alphabet.
Ecurie Ecosse is a private team established in 1952 that achieved considerable success in competition, especially with the Stewart brothers. On December 1, 2013, Bonhams dispersed a collection of eight vehicles that had belonged to that group. Please watch the video shared by the auction house, in which the consignor discusses all the lots of that sale.
Seven of these vehicles are racing cars. The eighth also deserves attention. This is a transporter truck made in 1960 by Commer to carry together three cars of the Ecurie Ecosse. This custom design has been popularized by a Corgi toy. It was sold for £ 1.8M, lot 11.
This collection includes two outstanding Jaguar cars. One is a C-Type made in 1952 with chassis number XKC042, lot 5 and the other a short nose D-Type made in 1956 with chassis number XKD561, lot 7. They are visually very similar, in two-seater configuration with this metallic dark blue paint that was the color of the team.
The C-Type was sold for £ 2.9M from a lower estimate of £ 2M and the D-Type for £ 2.6M.
Customers are enthusiastic about this powerful car, which is the fastest production model of its time. Privateers obtain very good results in endurance events. After the 24 hours of Le Mans 1950, Jaguar takes the plunge and decides to develop a racing chassis.
The new Jaguar is the XK120C. This designation can be confusing, but the 120 which referred to a guarantee of reaching 120 mph did not need to be modified. The XK120C is known as the C-Type. In both references the C stands for Competition.
Le Mans is specially targeted. For its first outing in 1951, a C-Type wins the 24 hours of Le Mans. In the following year, the long nose improves the aerodynamics at the expense of the cooling. The C-Type model wins again at Le Mans in 1953 with a lightweight body.
The C-Type also caused a sensation on the circuits by the unequaled purity and simplicity of its barchetta-type bodywork, for which the superfluous elements were eliminated. The windshield, which prevents reaching the maximum top speed, becomes an option. The stabilization fin will appear in 1954 on the next model, the D-Type.
53 C-Types were produced including 43 for private customers, all variants combined. Most have undergone a heavy use and cars that have kept their original configuration are highly appreciated.
Despite its racing success, the C-type still had a great deal of progress.
C was meaning Competition while the later D and E were simply the next two after C in the alphabet.
Ecurie Ecosse is a private team established in 1952 that achieved considerable success in competition, especially with the Stewart brothers. On December 1, 2013, Bonhams dispersed a collection of eight vehicles that had belonged to that group. Please watch the video shared by the auction house, in which the consignor discusses all the lots of that sale.
Seven of these vehicles are racing cars. The eighth also deserves attention. This is a transporter truck made in 1960 by Commer to carry together three cars of the Ecurie Ecosse. This custom design has been popularized by a Corgi toy. It was sold for £ 1.8M, lot 11.
This collection includes two outstanding Jaguar cars. One is a C-Type made in 1952 with chassis number XKC042, lot 5 and the other a short nose D-Type made in 1956 with chassis number XKD561, lot 7. They are visually very similar, in two-seater configuration with this metallic dark blue paint that was the color of the team.
The C-Type was sold for £ 2.9M from a lower estimate of £ 2M and the D-Type for £ 2.6M.