Italian Cars
1921 an alfa romeo in queensland
2018 sold for $ 445k including premium
During the First World War, car manufacturers were requisitioned for the military effort. The engineer Romeo took control of Alfa during that phase.
After the war the two manufacturers operating in Milan, Isotta Fraschini and Alfa, tried one after the other to enter the luxury car market by re-engineering their pre-war competition chassis. The high price of fuel and the excessive taxation on big engines nevertheless discouraged the European customers and slowed down a restart of the high end.
Alfa which became Alfa Romeo in 1920 create the G1 in the same year with two prototypes entered in the Coppa del Garda to launch the model. The production is made from 1921. Sales do not start and the 50 cars of the series are exported to Australia. Alfa Romeo give up their scheduled evolution of the G1.
Only one G1 has survived and it retains its matching number engine. It is for sale by RM Sotheby's in Phoenix on January 19, lot 236. Twice a barn find in the same Australian farm, this almost one century-old car had a rough existence. Its estimate is unpredictable.
Its first owner is a Queensland businessman who immediately hides it in the Outback to escape it from his creditors. It does not leave this farm when ranch workers discover it around 1947 and use it in their daily occupation. After an accident that broke the rear axle, the engine is removed to operate a water pump.
Resurfacing in 1964, it is recovered by an amateur who cannibalizes for it another G1. He made built for it a body in the style of a torpedo consistent with the period of the model. His reconstituted G1 is exhibited in the late 1970s in local events where it is timed at 134 Km/h, still in Queensland.
In 1995 a new owner is interested in this ancestor. For restarting it, he replaces worn parts and commissions Michelin to make new tires with old tooling. The G1 is again transformed after 2012, becoming a two-seater racing car with open wheels inspired by the Alfa Romeo 20/30 ES. The video shared by SuperCarClassics shows it in operation during the Mille Miglia Storica 2014.
After the war the two manufacturers operating in Milan, Isotta Fraschini and Alfa, tried one after the other to enter the luxury car market by re-engineering their pre-war competition chassis. The high price of fuel and the excessive taxation on big engines nevertheless discouraged the European customers and slowed down a restart of the high end.
Alfa which became Alfa Romeo in 1920 create the G1 in the same year with two prototypes entered in the Coppa del Garda to launch the model. The production is made from 1921. Sales do not start and the 50 cars of the series are exported to Australia. Alfa Romeo give up their scheduled evolution of the G1.
Only one G1 has survived and it retains its matching number engine. It is for sale by RM Sotheby's in Phoenix on January 19, lot 236. Twice a barn find in the same Australian farm, this almost one century-old car had a rough existence. Its estimate is unpredictable.
Its first owner is a Queensland businessman who immediately hides it in the Outback to escape it from his creditors. It does not leave this farm when ranch workers discover it around 1947 and use it in their daily occupation. After an accident that broke the rear axle, the engine is removed to operate a water pump.
Resurfacing in 1964, it is recovered by an amateur who cannibalizes for it another G1. He made built for it a body in the style of a torpedo consistent with the period of the model. His reconstituted G1 is exhibited in the late 1970s in local events where it is timed at 134 Km/h, still in Queensland.
In 1995 a new owner is interested in this ancestor. For restarting it, he replaces worn parts and commissions Michelin to make new tires with old tooling. The G1 is again transformed after 2012, becoming a two-seater racing car with open wheels inspired by the Alfa Romeo 20/30 ES. The video shared by SuperCarClassics shows it in operation during the Mille Miglia Storica 2014.
An #AlfaRomeo G1 from 1921 will be auctioned early next year, estimated at 1.5 M$. Only 52 copies of the model were assembled in 1921 pic.twitter.com/rDHYVakEbG
— Public Auctions (@auctionspublic) October 24, 2017
1931 The Six Cylinders of Alfa Romeo
2014 SOLD 3.1 M$ including premium
PRE SALE DISCUSSION
Alfa Romeo finds the path to success in 1926 with its new model with 6 cylinders, the 6C, which will get a continuous increase of the engine until the Second World War. The volume in cubic centimeters is directly displayed in the designation of the model.
The type 6C 1750 produced from 1929 to 1932 is equipped in different configurations in accordance with the practice of that time. The coachwork of high-end models is assigned to Zagato.
1931 was a great year for Alfa Romeo with its 8C 2300 whose variant 8C 2300 Monza is unrivaled with a top speed of 210 km/h. A 1933 car of this type coachworked by Brianza was sold for $ 6.7 million including premium by Gooding on August 15, 2010.
The 6C 1750 bodied by Zagato in Gran Sport Spider is one of the best variants designed for both daily use and competition. A rare supercharged car made in 1931 was found in 2007 sleeping in a barn for a quarter of a century.
Its successive owners so admired this little wonder that none of them dared to restore it and it remains in its original configuration. It was still untouched when it was sold for $ 950K including premium by Gooding in August 2007.
It has since undergone a thorough cleaning which makes it one of the most desirable examples of high end Alfa Romeo cars from the early 1930s. It is estimated $ 2.4 million, for sale by Bonhams in Scottsdale on January 16.Here is the link to the catalog.
POST SALE COMMENT
This great example of a car from the transition period between the 1920s and the 1930s was sold for $ 3.1M including premium.
Alfa Romeo finds the path to success in 1926 with its new model with 6 cylinders, the 6C, which will get a continuous increase of the engine until the Second World War. The volume in cubic centimeters is directly displayed in the designation of the model.
The type 6C 1750 produced from 1929 to 1932 is equipped in different configurations in accordance with the practice of that time. The coachwork of high-end models is assigned to Zagato.
1931 was a great year for Alfa Romeo with its 8C 2300 whose variant 8C 2300 Monza is unrivaled with a top speed of 210 km/h. A 1933 car of this type coachworked by Brianza was sold for $ 6.7 million including premium by Gooding on August 15, 2010.
The 6C 1750 bodied by Zagato in Gran Sport Spider is one of the best variants designed for both daily use and competition. A rare supercharged car made in 1931 was found in 2007 sleeping in a barn for a quarter of a century.
Its successive owners so admired this little wonder that none of them dared to restore it and it remains in its original configuration. It was still untouched when it was sold for $ 950K including premium by Gooding in August 2007.
It has since undergone a thorough cleaning which makes it one of the most desirable examples of high end Alfa Romeo cars from the early 1930s. It is estimated $ 2.4 million, for sale by Bonhams in Scottsdale on January 16.Here is the link to the catalog.
POST SALE COMMENT
This great example of a car from the transition period between the 1920s and the 1930s was sold for $ 3.1M including premium.
1932-1933 8C 2300 Cabriolet by Figoni
2022 unsold
An 8C 2300 by Alfa Romeo had been registered in 1932 and titled 1933.
It was coachworked as a cabriolet by Figoni on commission from its first owner who afterward used to regularly return it to that workshop for custom upgradings such as expensive leather upholstery and unique windshield wipers. It was lent to a dressmaker at the Concours d’Elégance Féminine en Automobile in June 1933.
The chassis and engine were swapped to a Le Mans raced 8C 2300 by its second owner, the racing driver Raymond Sommer, for use as a beautiful and powerful car to appeal the lady friends. A third car was possibly also involved in that reconstruction.
The car remains in that mixed configuration with many original components of the Tipo 8C 2300 below its rare Figoni body. It is estimated $ 4M for sale by RM Sotheby's on August 18, 2022, lot 131.
It is one of only seven 8C 2300 coachworked by Figoni.
It was coachworked as a cabriolet by Figoni on commission from its first owner who afterward used to regularly return it to that workshop for custom upgradings such as expensive leather upholstery and unique windshield wipers. It was lent to a dressmaker at the Concours d’Elégance Féminine en Automobile in June 1933.
The chassis and engine were swapped to a Le Mans raced 8C 2300 by its second owner, the racing driver Raymond Sommer, for use as a beautiful and powerful car to appeal the lady friends. A third car was possibly also involved in that reconstruction.
The car remains in that mixed configuration with many original components of the Tipo 8C 2300 below its rare Figoni body. It is estimated $ 4M for sale by RM Sotheby's on August 18, 2022, lot 131.
It is one of only seven 8C 2300 coachworked by Figoni.
1939 Alfa Romeo prepares the Future
2013 Unsold
PRE SALE DISCUSSION
1939 is a key year for Italy in general and more specifically for Alfa Romeo. The Fascist government follows Germany and seeks to promote the luxury car as a showcase of its technological capabilities. On the same year, Enzo Ferrari leaves Alfa Romeo.
The ultimate achievement before the war is the 6C 2500 chassis. On March 9 in Amelia Island FL, RM Auctions sells an early example coachworked as a sport berlinetta by Carrozzeria Touring.
This chassis will continue to be produced throughout the war years, but this specific ultralight variant is a great rarity.The styling of this berlinetta is especially elegant compared to other cars of the 1930s. It seems evident that Alfa Romeo and Touring are preparing a sensational entry in the next decade.
Same as after the First World War, the progress of the luxury car will be interrupted for many years. Well ahead of its time, this berlinetta anticipates by nearly fifteen years the great Italian sports cars of the 1950s.
Through the releases, we are well aware that this Alfa Romeo is a preferred lot of RM in this sale. It is estimated $ 1.5M. Here is the link to the catalog.
1939 is a key year for Italy in general and more specifically for Alfa Romeo. The Fascist government follows Germany and seeks to promote the luxury car as a showcase of its technological capabilities. On the same year, Enzo Ferrari leaves Alfa Romeo.
The ultimate achievement before the war is the 6C 2500 chassis. On March 9 in Amelia Island FL, RM Auctions sells an early example coachworked as a sport berlinetta by Carrozzeria Touring.
This chassis will continue to be produced throughout the war years, but this specific ultralight variant is a great rarity.The styling of this berlinetta is especially elegant compared to other cars of the 1930s. It seems evident that Alfa Romeo and Touring are preparing a sensational entry in the next decade.
Same as after the First World War, the progress of the luxury car will be interrupted for many years. Well ahead of its time, this berlinetta anticipates by nearly fifteen years the great Italian sports cars of the 1950s.
Through the releases, we are well aware that this Alfa Romeo is a preferred lot of RM in this sale. It is estimated $ 1.5M. Here is the link to the catalog.
1948 the rolling sculpture
2016 unsold
Piero Dusio goes fast. Former footballer and manager of the Juventus, former car racer, he does not wait for the peace to prepare the post-war. His Compagnia Industriale Sportiva Italia is specialized in the sale of sportswear. By surrounding himself with brilliant engineers from Fiat, he redirects his company to the production of racing cars. The Cisitalia brand was born.
In the context of the immediate post-war inviting to imagine a new life, Cisitalia is highly innovative. Their first model is the D 46 for the Formula One. The sport model Cisitalia 202 can be equipped with the Spyder bodywork, a term coined by Cisitalia that will be reused by Porsche who was personally closely linked to Dusio.
The body is designed after wind tunnel tests, with observations of the airflow altogether over the body and below the chassis. In 1946 Cisitalia is assisted by Alfredo Vignale then a foreman at Stabilimento Farina. Dusio is so pleased with the achievement of Vignale that he presents him with an extra gratification which enables the coach builder to create his own business.
In 1947 the 202 CMM (Coupe Mille Miglia) is a joint project of Cisitalia and Vignale. The car is spectacular with its aerodynamic shape of a coupe reinforced by two very high rear fins anticipating the stabilizers that will much later make the glory of the Jaguar D-Type.
Only one other car is made on this model, in 1948. It participates in some prestigious competitions in Italy and follows Dusio in 1949 when he transfers his company in Argentina due to financial issues. This car is estimated $ 2M for sale by Gooding in Pebble Beach on August 21, lot 123. It is illustrated in the press release beside the previously discussed Fiat Abarth and an Aston Martin.
A 202 which had not however the fins of the CMM is described in 1951 as a Rolling sculpture by a curator of the MoMA and rewarded by a permanent exhibition in the museum.
In the context of the immediate post-war inviting to imagine a new life, Cisitalia is highly innovative. Their first model is the D 46 for the Formula One. The sport model Cisitalia 202 can be equipped with the Spyder bodywork, a term coined by Cisitalia that will be reused by Porsche who was personally closely linked to Dusio.
The body is designed after wind tunnel tests, with observations of the airflow altogether over the body and below the chassis. In 1946 Cisitalia is assisted by Alfredo Vignale then a foreman at Stabilimento Farina. Dusio is so pleased with the achievement of Vignale that he presents him with an extra gratification which enables the coach builder to create his own business.
In 1947 the 202 CMM (Coupe Mille Miglia) is a joint project of Cisitalia and Vignale. The car is spectacular with its aerodynamic shape of a coupe reinforced by two very high rear fins anticipating the stabilizers that will much later make the glory of the Jaguar D-Type.
Only one other car is made on this model, in 1948. It participates in some prestigious competitions in Italy and follows Dusio in 1949 when he transfers his company in Argentina due to financial issues. This car is estimated $ 2M for sale by Gooding in Pebble Beach on August 21, lot 123. It is illustrated in the press release beside the previously discussed Fiat Abarth and an Aston Martin.
A 202 which had not however the fins of the CMM is described in 1951 as a Rolling sculpture by a curator of the MoMA and rewarded by a permanent exhibition in the museum.
1951 Maserati with Orsi and Frua
2019 SOLD for $ 2.75m including premium
After the war, the main shareholder of Maserati is Adolfo Orsi. The brand begins the production of a sports car, the A6 1500. With its 1.5-liter engine displacement, it is not powerful enough. The transition to the A6G 2000 with a displacement of 2 liters is studied in 1950. The G inserted in the reference indicates a technological modification of the engine block.
The bodies of the sixteen first A6G 2000 are divided between Pinin Farina, Frua and Vignale. In this set, Frua is the only one to make spiders.
The first group of three spiders is assembled in 1951 on shortened A6 1500 chassis. Frua adds a spectacular innovation that will remain limited to these three cars : a third light in the middle of the front grille. The next cars will also have a specific chassis model.
In 1997 one of these first three spiders reappears in California, carefully preserved in a one-car garage by the daughters of its former owner. In 2001 Adolfo Orsi's nephew begins a painstaking restoration based on the factory archives. A previous owner had installed a Corvette engine. Orsi fits in the Frua spider the engine of a Pinin Farina coupe of the same series.
This car is now entered in concours d'elegance where the quality of its restoration is rewarded. By its earliness it appears as a precursor of the famous Italian craze for sports cars with open cockpit. It is estimated $ 2.8M for sale by Bonhams in Scottsdale on January 17, lot 54. Please watch the video prepared by the auction house. The image below is shared by Wikimedia with attribution 'James Bond' [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons.
A Maserati spider assembled by Frua in 1955 on the A6GCS/53 competition model was sold for $ 5.2M including premium by Gooding on August 25, 2018.
The bodies of the sixteen first A6G 2000 are divided between Pinin Farina, Frua and Vignale. In this set, Frua is the only one to make spiders.
The first group of three spiders is assembled in 1951 on shortened A6 1500 chassis. Frua adds a spectacular innovation that will remain limited to these three cars : a third light in the middle of the front grille. The next cars will also have a specific chassis model.
In 1997 one of these first three spiders reappears in California, carefully preserved in a one-car garage by the daughters of its former owner. In 2001 Adolfo Orsi's nephew begins a painstaking restoration based on the factory archives. A previous owner had installed a Corvette engine. Orsi fits in the Frua spider the engine of a Pinin Farina coupe of the same series.
This car is now entered in concours d'elegance where the quality of its restoration is rewarded. By its earliness it appears as a precursor of the famous Italian craze for sports cars with open cockpit. It is estimated $ 2.8M for sale by Bonhams in Scottsdale on January 17, lot 54. Please watch the video prepared by the auction house. The image below is shared by Wikimedia with attribution 'James Bond' [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons.
A Maserati spider assembled by Frua in 1955 on the A6GCS/53 competition model was sold for $ 5.2M including premium by Gooding on August 25, 2018.
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1953 doppia bolla on a FIAT
2017 sold for $ 1.48m including premium
A Fiat with a competition history was sold for $ 1.13M including premium by Gooding at Pebble Beach in August 2011. It comes back with the same auction house at the same location on August 19, lot 149 estimated $ 1,4M.
I discussed this car as follows before it passed at Bonhams on January 18, 2016 from an unpublished estimate, lot 60 :
The restart of the European industry after the Second World War is not without mistakes in strategic appreciation. FIAT does not know what to do with its new Tipo 104 engine designed for the project of a sedan which was not realistic.
The Tipo 104 is however a fair technical achievement, developing 2 liters with 8 cylinders in a V opening at 70°. Bypassing the reluctance of its commercial directors, FIAT decides to offer under its brand name a coupe in GT class. The development is subcontracted to SIATA, an automaker of special models. Colloquially known with his Italian pronunciation Otto Vu, the FIAT 8V is released in 1952.
The observers are surprised by such a model so far away from the common use vehicles of the FIAT brand. They are right. The management decides in 1954 to stop the product line. 114 units of the FIAT 8V had been manufactured and the remaining Tipo 104 engines equipped SIATA cars including the 208S spider, for a global figure of 200 engines made by FIAT.
From 1955 or early 1956 Zagato rebuilt the coachwork of 5 units of the FIAT 8V to his 8V Elaborata design. The car for sale is a 8V Elaborata that had been originally assembled by Fiat in 1953.
The Carrozzeria Zagato is famous for its bodies altogether aerodynamic and light that are conducive to GT competition. The 8V Elaborata displays the doppia bolla, a twin hump stiffening the roof which is a feature of Zagato's innovations at that time. It has a good racing history and was driven to the second place in the Coppa Internazionale delle Dame by Anna Maria Peduzzi in 1956.
I discussed this car as follows before it passed at Bonhams on January 18, 2016 from an unpublished estimate, lot 60 :
The restart of the European industry after the Second World War is not without mistakes in strategic appreciation. FIAT does not know what to do with its new Tipo 104 engine designed for the project of a sedan which was not realistic.
The Tipo 104 is however a fair technical achievement, developing 2 liters with 8 cylinders in a V opening at 70°. Bypassing the reluctance of its commercial directors, FIAT decides to offer under its brand name a coupe in GT class. The development is subcontracted to SIATA, an automaker of special models. Colloquially known with his Italian pronunciation Otto Vu, the FIAT 8V is released in 1952.
The observers are surprised by such a model so far away from the common use vehicles of the FIAT brand. They are right. The management decides in 1954 to stop the product line. 114 units of the FIAT 8V had been manufactured and the remaining Tipo 104 engines equipped SIATA cars including the 208S spider, for a global figure of 200 engines made by FIAT.
From 1955 or early 1956 Zagato rebuilt the coachwork of 5 units of the FIAT 8V to his 8V Elaborata design. The car for sale is a 8V Elaborata that had been originally assembled by Fiat in 1953.
The Carrozzeria Zagato is famous for its bodies altogether aerodynamic and light that are conducive to GT competition. The 8V Elaborata displays the doppia bolla, a twin hump stiffening the roof which is a feature of Zagato's innovations at that time. It has a good racing history and was driven to the second place in the Coppa Internazionale delle Dame by Anna Maria Peduzzi in 1956.
1953 Alfa Romeo withdraws from Competition
2019 unsold
After the war, production resumes in Italy. Alfa Romeo is looking to redefine their catalog. Luckily, they have a pre-war voiturette model that perfectly fits the rules of the all-new Formula 1, with a 1.5-liter engine.
The first two editions of the Formula 1, 1950 and 1951, are a triumph for Alfa Romeo. The constructor fails however to get a financial support for new developments from the Italian government and stops the Formula 1 after the 1951 season.
For endurance racing, Alfa Romeo prepare in 1952 about eight prototypes that reuse the components of a saloon car whose project was abandoned in 1948. The saloon had been named 6C 3000 for its 3-liter 6-cylinder straight engine. The new model is the 6C 3000 CM, where CM (Competizione Maggiorata) is related to the increased displacement of 3.5 liters.
The first results are convincing for speed but not for endurance, despite the participation of Fangio. Alfa Romeo which are then developing the Giulietta do not want to disperse their efforts and withdraw all their models from competition after the 1953 season. The 6C 3000 CM are scattered.
Two of them are used for developments. One of them, staying at Alfa Romeo, is equipped with disc brakes in 1955. The other is used as a show car by Pinin Farina.
Built in 1953, the 6C 3000 CM entrusted to Pinin Farina was originally a berlinetta bodied by Colli. It is modified four times by Pinin Farina : for the motor shows of Turin and Paris in 1956 and of Geneva in 1959 and 1960.
Restored after 2006 in its Superflow IV configuration of 1960, this car appears like an ultimate contribution of Alfa Romeo to the competition.
It is estimated $ 6M for sale by Gooding at Pebble Beach on August 17, lot 135. Here is the link to the press release. Please watch the video shared by the auction house. Its image is shared by Wikimedia with attribution Rex Gray [CC BY-SA 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)
The first two editions of the Formula 1, 1950 and 1951, are a triumph for Alfa Romeo. The constructor fails however to get a financial support for new developments from the Italian government and stops the Formula 1 after the 1951 season.
For endurance racing, Alfa Romeo prepare in 1952 about eight prototypes that reuse the components of a saloon car whose project was abandoned in 1948. The saloon had been named 6C 3000 for its 3-liter 6-cylinder straight engine. The new model is the 6C 3000 CM, where CM (Competizione Maggiorata) is related to the increased displacement of 3.5 liters.
The first results are convincing for speed but not for endurance, despite the participation of Fangio. Alfa Romeo which are then developing the Giulietta do not want to disperse their efforts and withdraw all their models from competition after the 1953 season. The 6C 3000 CM are scattered.
Two of them are used for developments. One of them, staying at Alfa Romeo, is equipped with disc brakes in 1955. The other is used as a show car by Pinin Farina.
Built in 1953, the 6C 3000 CM entrusted to Pinin Farina was originally a berlinetta bodied by Colli. It is modified four times by Pinin Farina : for the motor shows of Turin and Paris in 1956 and of Geneva in 1959 and 1960.
Restored after 2006 in its Superflow IV configuration of 1960, this car appears like an ultimate contribution of Alfa Romeo to the competition.
It is estimated $ 6M for sale by Gooding at Pebble Beach on August 17, lot 135. Here is the link to the press release. Please watch the video shared by the auction house. Its image is shared by Wikimedia with attribution Rex Gray [CC BY-SA 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)
1954 A Prototype by Maserati
2013 SOLD 3.1 M$ including premium
PRE SALE DISCUSSION
The prototypes are a very specific category of the collection cars. During a usually short career, they are widely processed to experience the most innovative ideas of the brand.
Such is the case of a brave small Maserati for sale by Gooding on January 19 in Scottsdale.
Built in 1954 as a racing sports car, it had a good competition record. In 1956, it was chosen as the prototype of a model that will be successful, the Maserati 300 S.
It was not enough for the Italian company that wanted to develop a high end road car. Radically changing its style, it became in 1957 the prototype of a Maserati 150 GT Spider.
Its story as a prototype stops at that point. Maserati did not follow the estimate of the production cost of the 150 GTSpider whose prototype will then remain as the only car built on this model.
It kept from this last mission its main equipment such as the engine, the gearbox, brakes and the coachwork made by Fantuzzi. Carefully restored in this configuration, it is estimated $ 3M.
I invite you to play the video shared by Gooding & Company on YouTube.
POST SALE COMMENT
Prototypes are sometimes difficult to sell. The result obtained by this Maserati, $ 3.1 million including premium, is excellent.
The prototypes are a very specific category of the collection cars. During a usually short career, they are widely processed to experience the most innovative ideas of the brand.
Such is the case of a brave small Maserati for sale by Gooding on January 19 in Scottsdale.
Built in 1954 as a racing sports car, it had a good competition record. In 1956, it was chosen as the prototype of a model that will be successful, the Maserati 300 S.
It was not enough for the Italian company that wanted to develop a high end road car. Radically changing its style, it became in 1957 the prototype of a Maserati 150 GT Spider.
Its story as a prototype stops at that point. Maserati did not follow the estimate of the production cost of the 150 GTSpider whose prototype will then remain as the only car built on this model.
It kept from this last mission its main equipment such as the engine, the gearbox, brakes and the coachwork made by Fantuzzi. Carefully restored in this configuration, it is estimated $ 3M.
I invite you to play the video shared by Gooding & Company on YouTube.
POST SALE COMMENT
Prototypes are sometimes difficult to sell. The result obtained by this Maserati, $ 3.1 million including premium, is excellent.
1954 Otto Vu with Vignale
2018 sold for € 2.15m including premium
The Fiat 8V phonetically nicknamed Otto Vu is a GT model released in 1952 to use the engine Tipo 104 V8 and the chassis Tipo 106 developed for a sedan project rejected by the management. It soon becomes clear that Fiat is not competitive in producing limited series of bodies and the best Italian specialists are rushing to offer concept cars and prototypes.
By lightening chassis and body and removing unnecessary accessories for the competition, the 8V berlinetta can become a leader in the 2 liter class. This option appeals Vignale who produces a unique coupe corsa 8V in 1954 and Zagato who makes in 1955-1956 five 8V Elaborata with the roof stiffened by the doppia bolla.
Vignale's coupe corsa could have been the first unit of a prestigious series but it was not ready in time for the Paris Motor Show in 1954. Around the same time Fiat fearing the additional costs of this model that does not enter its core business stops the 8V and supplies the remaining pieces of equipment to SIATA. The coupe corsa 8V by Vignale will have no following.
This Vignale coupe corsa was used intensively in competition from 1955 to 1960, including a performance spectacular but cut short by an accident at the 1955 Mille Miglia. The mishandled original body was replaced in 1957. After a mechanical revision by Maglioli in 1987 it appears in many veteran contests and remains eligible for the most prestigious events.
This one-off car will be sold by Finarte on May 14 in Brescia. The sale is held at the Museo Mille Miglia. It is estimated € 2M, lot 134. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
By lightening chassis and body and removing unnecessary accessories for the competition, the 8V berlinetta can become a leader in the 2 liter class. This option appeals Vignale who produces a unique coupe corsa 8V in 1954 and Zagato who makes in 1955-1956 five 8V Elaborata with the roof stiffened by the doppia bolla.
Vignale's coupe corsa could have been the first unit of a prestigious series but it was not ready in time for the Paris Motor Show in 1954. Around the same time Fiat fearing the additional costs of this model that does not enter its core business stops the 8V and supplies the remaining pieces of equipment to SIATA. The coupe corsa 8V by Vignale will have no following.
This Vignale coupe corsa was used intensively in competition from 1955 to 1960, including a performance spectacular but cut short by an accident at the 1955 Mille Miglia. The mishandled original body was replaced in 1957. After a mechanical revision by Maglioli in 1987 it appears in many veteran contests and remains eligible for the most prestigious events.
This one-off car will be sold by Finarte on May 14 in Brescia. The sale is held at the Museo Mille Miglia. It is estimated € 2M, lot 134. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
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.
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 The 2-liter Maserati
2010 SOLD 2.64 M$ including premium
2015 UNSOLD
PRE 2015 SALE DISCUSSION
A Maserati 200 SI released in 1955 on the 1956 model was sold for $ 2.64M including premium by Gooding in August 2010. It is now listed by the same auction house for sale in Amelia Island on March 13, lot 56. Here is the link to the press release.
Here is how I discussed it in 2010 :
In the mid-1950s, everything changes for racing cars: engines, bodywork, regulations. It is not enough to be the best driver, they must also have the best machine.
The new rules aim to improve the safety of the races by limiting the volume of engines. Ferrari adapted it perfectly and got a lasting supremacy.
Maserati is also "in the race". In 1956, the range of vehicles of this brand is impressive. For Formula 1, the 250 F (2.5 liters) still looks like a shell on external wheels, but its body has become more elegant.
For endurance racing, Maserati introduced the 200 S (2 liters). It looks much more modern, with bulging fenders that protect the wheels.
The car for sale is a Maserati 200 SI which has an extensive race history and has been driven by Stirling Moss.
We see it in two views (with the number 32) in the article shared in 2010 by Turbo.fr.
A Maserati 200 SI released in 1955 on the 1956 model was sold for $ 2.64M including premium by Gooding in August 2010. It is now listed by the same auction house for sale in Amelia Island on March 13, lot 56. Here is the link to the press release.
Here is how I discussed it in 2010 :
In the mid-1950s, everything changes for racing cars: engines, bodywork, regulations. It is not enough to be the best driver, they must also have the best machine.
The new rules aim to improve the safety of the races by limiting the volume of engines. Ferrari adapted it perfectly and got a lasting supremacy.
Maserati is also "in the race". In 1956, the range of vehicles of this brand is impressive. For Formula 1, the 250 F (2.5 liters) still looks like a shell on external wheels, but its body has become more elegant.
For endurance racing, Maserati introduced the 200 S (2 liters). It looks much more modern, with bulging fenders that protect the wheels.
The car for sale is a Maserati 200 SI which has an extensive race history and has been driven by Stirling Moss.
We see it in two views (with the number 32) in the article shared in 2010 by Turbo.fr.
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.
1956 A Transition at Maserati
2018 unsold
Maserati first approached Grand Touring with the traditional methods of competition models. The A6 and A6G series were limited, with an average of less than 15 vehicles per year from 1946 to 1956. The bodies are distributed by subcontracting between the best Italian specialized craftsmen.
The market is changing. In 1957 the 3500 GT road car model announces the transition of Maserati to series production. The standardized bodywork designed by Touring is elegant and modernized, with a lowered tail making an angle with the cockpit.
Before this change of strategy, Carrozzeria Zagato had equipped twenty A6G/54 chassis, one third of the total for that model. These berlinettas in the lightweight technology developed by this coachbuilder were the high end, inviting for the use in GT competition.
One of these cars began its career with an accident at the Mille Miglia in 1956. At the end of 1957 it was sent back again to Zagato for repair after another accident in competition. A few months later Elio Zagato's brother damaged the bodywork during a test.
Zagato replaces this body with a model that will remain unique and will be the last work done at that time by this carrozzeria on a Maserati : it retains the double bubble stiffener in the top while imitating the less bulky forms designed by Touring for the 3500 GT.
This Maserati Zagato berlinetta has retained its original engine and its 1958 body. It is estimated $ 4.3M for sale by Gooding at Pebble Beach on August 24, lot 37. Here is the link to the press release. The image is shared by Wikimedia with attribution By Rex Gray [CC BY-SA 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
The market is changing. In 1957 the 3500 GT road car model announces the transition of Maserati to series production. The standardized bodywork designed by Touring is elegant and modernized, with a lowered tail making an angle with the cockpit.
Before this change of strategy, Carrozzeria Zagato had equipped twenty A6G/54 chassis, one third of the total for that model. These berlinettas in the lightweight technology developed by this coachbuilder were the high end, inviting for the use in GT competition.
One of these cars began its career with an accident at the Mille Miglia in 1956. At the end of 1957 it was sent back again to Zagato for repair after another accident in competition. A few months later Elio Zagato's brother damaged the bodywork during a test.
Zagato replaces this body with a model that will remain unique and will be the last work done at that time by this carrozzeria on a Maserati : it retains the double bubble stiffener in the top while imitating the less bulky forms designed by Touring for the 3500 GT.
This Maserati Zagato berlinetta has retained its original engine and its 1958 body. It is estimated $ 4.3M for sale by Gooding at Pebble Beach on August 24, lot 37. Here is the link to the press release. The image is shared by Wikimedia with attribution By Rex Gray [CC BY-SA 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
1956 praise of the maserati 300s
2017 unsold
Stirling Moss used to give his critical opinion on the cars raced by him. His praise of the Maserati 300S, with which he won many competitions, is significant : "one of the easiest, nicest, best balanced sports racing cars ever made".
Released in 1955, the 300S with its 3-liter 6-cylinder in-line engine is both a continuation of the 250F single-seater, Maserati's culmination for Formula 1, and of the 2-liter A6GCS sports model. Development is not easy and the first cars require some improvements in stiffness. The total population of the 300S is around 26 units.
In Formula 1, Juan Manuel Fangio could not continue with Mercedes-Benz who gave up after the Le Mans accident and he did not get along with Ferrari. He returned in 1957 to Maserati where he piloted again the 250F model that he had led to success three years earlier.
Fangio has no commitment with Maserati for the sports car competitions but same as Moss he likes the cars of that brand. One of his friends buys for the use of the champion a 300S manufactured in 1956 and factory upgraded in the configuration of the 1957 season. With this car Fangio wins in 1957 the Grand Prix in Portugal and Brazil.
The car is immediately resold in South America where the prestige of Fangio is immense and it continues for a long time its career in the local races. It is not in matching numbers : its original engine was probably switched in 1957 with another 300S also owned by Fangio's sponsor.
This Maserati 300S coachworked as a two-seater in the style of Fantuzzi is estimated $ 6M for sale by Bonhams at Quail Lodge - Carmel on August 18, lot 38. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
Released in 1955, the 300S with its 3-liter 6-cylinder in-line engine is both a continuation of the 250F single-seater, Maserati's culmination for Formula 1, and of the 2-liter A6GCS sports model. Development is not easy and the first cars require some improvements in stiffness. The total population of the 300S is around 26 units.
In Formula 1, Juan Manuel Fangio could not continue with Mercedes-Benz who gave up after the Le Mans accident and he did not get along with Ferrari. He returned in 1957 to Maserati where he piloted again the 250F model that he had led to success three years earlier.
Fangio has no commitment with Maserati for the sports car competitions but same as Moss he likes the cars of that brand. One of his friends buys for the use of the champion a 300S manufactured in 1956 and factory upgraded in the configuration of the 1957 season. With this car Fangio wins in 1957 the Grand Prix in Portugal and Brazil.
The car is immediately resold in South America where the prestige of Fangio is immense and it continues for a long time its career in the local races. It is not in matching numbers : its original engine was probably switched in 1957 with another 300S also owned by Fangio's sponsor.
This Maserati 300S coachworked as a two-seater in the style of Fantuzzi is estimated $ 6M for sale by Bonhams at Quail Lodge - Carmel on August 18, lot 38. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
1956 Larger Engines for Maserati
2014 unsold
The diversification by Ferrari could not let Maserati idle. Beyond the 250 (2500 cc), Maserati contemplates in 1954 the racing models 350 (3500 cc) and 450 (4500 cc). The accident at Le Mans delays these developments.
A prototype 350 S with a six-cylinder engine is prepared in 1956. At its first release in April for the Mille Miglia, it throws Stirling Moss and his co-driver into a tree. They are not injured but the car is damaged.
This car is then available to test new projects of the Maserati engineers. It is the very first to receive a V-8 engine making it in August 1956 the prototype of the most powerful Maserati in that time, the 450 S. It is not satisfactory but it encourages the engineers to restart the Tipo 54 project for a chassis specifically designed for the big engine.
Sold afterward without engine, it will be much later restored to its 450 S configuration with another V-8 engine and some security enhancements. This car is estimated € 4M for sale by RM Auctions in Monaco on May 10, lot 147 in the catalog.
Such a reuse of a chassis for experimental purposes is not an isolated case. On 19 January 2013, Gooding sold for $ 3.1 million including premium another Maserati car with a double prototype history, 300 S in 1954 and 150 GT Spider in 1957.
A prototype 350 S with a six-cylinder engine is prepared in 1956. At its first release in April for the Mille Miglia, it throws Stirling Moss and his co-driver into a tree. They are not injured but the car is damaged.
This car is then available to test new projects of the Maserati engineers. It is the very first to receive a V-8 engine making it in August 1956 the prototype of the most powerful Maserati in that time, the 450 S. It is not satisfactory but it encourages the engineers to restart the Tipo 54 project for a chassis specifically designed for the big engine.
Sold afterward without engine, it will be much later restored to its 450 S configuration with another V-8 engine and some security enhancements. This car is estimated € 4M for sale by RM Auctions in Monaco on May 10, lot 147 in the catalog.
Such a reuse of a chassis for experimental purposes is not an isolated case. On 19 January 2013, Gooding sold for $ 3.1 million including premium another Maserati car with a double prototype history, 300 S in 1954 and 150 GT Spider in 1957.
1956 A Maserati like Fangio's
2009 Unsold
PRE SALE DISCUSSION
Juan Manuel Fangio was the most famous motor racing driver of all time. This reputation is well justified by the extraordinary skill of his driving.
The Maserati 250F is a single-seater with a 2500 cc engine, designed in 1953 to meet the new standards in Formula 1. As soon as 17 January 1954, Fangio won the Gran Premio de la Republica Argentina with a Maserati 250F.
27 copies were produced. Today we look at one of them which was built at the end of 1955 and which led Stirling Moss to victory in the Grand Prix de Monaco in 1956.
This car estimated € 1.7 million is one of the two Maserati announced in the sale Ferrari - Leggenda e Passione, organized by RM Auctions in association with Sotheby's on May 17 at Maranello. The two rival brands were merged into the Fiat group in 1997. This superb Maserati is welcomed in the headquarters of Ferrari.
Juan Manuel Fangio was the most famous motor racing driver of all time. This reputation is well justified by the extraordinary skill of his driving.
The Maserati 250F is a single-seater with a 2500 cc engine, designed in 1953 to meet the new standards in Formula 1. As soon as 17 January 1954, Fangio won the Gran Premio de la Republica Argentina with a Maserati 250F.
27 copies were produced. Today we look at one of them which was built at the end of 1955 and which led Stirling Moss to victory in the Grand Prix de Monaco in 1956.
This car estimated € 1.7 million is one of the two Maserati announced in the sale Ferrari - Leggenda e Passione, organized by RM Auctions in association with Sotheby's on May 17 at Maranello. The two rival brands were merged into the Fiat group in 1997. This superb Maserati is welcomed in the headquarters of Ferrari.
1957 A Maserati for Carroll Shelby
2013 SOLD 2.13 M£ including premium
The 1950s had started well for Maserati. The prestige of the brand and the efficiency of its cars attracted the best drivers. In Formula 1, Fangio often uses a 250F.
1957 is a year of transition in endurance racing. Maserati seems to be confused by the rapid changes in regulations. Its range is too wide, from the powerful and impressive 450S to the small 150S.
Strategic choices must be made. The 200S is released but the targeted range of competition is not obvious. The 300S needs some improvements that are long overdue. So why not a 250S?
Four 250S were built, but only one was originally equipped with a 2.5 litre engine. The other three are 200S (more precisely 200SI in the new terminology of the brand) that have been modified.
In Dallas, Jim Hall and Carroll Shelby are associated, both as distributors for Maserati and as competition pilots. They appreciate the 450S and immediately see the potential qualities of the 250S of which they buy two units.
One of these two cars is the unit with the original 2.5 litre engine. They used it in races for nearly one and a half year. It is estimated £ 2.5 million, for sale by RM Auctions in London on September 9.
Discouraged by the accident in the Mille Miglia, Maserati suspends its competition program at the end of 1957, but the future will smile at its astute customers. Hall is one of the two founders of Chaparral and Shelby will create the brand that bears his name.
I invite you to play the video shared by the auction house.
POST SALE COMMENT
This interesting Maserati was sold for £ 1.9 million before fees, far below its lower estimate. It is however a good price for a model that has not been followed.
1957 is a year of transition in endurance racing. Maserati seems to be confused by the rapid changes in regulations. Its range is too wide, from the powerful and impressive 450S to the small 150S.
Strategic choices must be made. The 200S is released but the targeted range of competition is not obvious. The 300S needs some improvements that are long overdue. So why not a 250S?
Four 250S were built, but only one was originally equipped with a 2.5 litre engine. The other three are 200S (more precisely 200SI in the new terminology of the brand) that have been modified.
In Dallas, Jim Hall and Carroll Shelby are associated, both as distributors for Maserati and as competition pilots. They appreciate the 450S and immediately see the potential qualities of the 250S of which they buy two units.
One of these two cars is the unit with the original 2.5 litre engine. They used it in races for nearly one and a half year. It is estimated £ 2.5 million, for sale by RM Auctions in London on September 9.
Discouraged by the accident in the Mille Miglia, Maserati suspends its competition program at the end of 1957, but the future will smile at its astute customers. Hall is one of the two founders of Chaparral and Shelby will create the brand that bears his name.
I invite you to play the video shared by the auction house.
POST SALE COMMENT
This interesting Maserati was sold for £ 1.9 million before fees, far below its lower estimate. It is however a good price for a model that has not been followed.
1958 Maserati 450S
2022 sold after auction
The diversification by Ferrari could not let Maserati behind. Beyond the 250 (2500 cc), Maserati contemplates in 1954 the big volume racing models 350 (3500 cc) in V-6 and 450 (4500 cc) in V-8. The accident at Le Mans delays these developments.
The first example of the 450 S is made in 1956. The body is designed in spider by Medardo Fantuzzi in the follow of the 300S. The last two examples are made in 1958 for an overall total of 10 cars. In the mean time Maserati withdraw its works team after the 1957 Mille Miglia crash and re-concentrates on the commercial GT models.
The penultimate 450S, coachworked by Fantuzzi, was sold new through Shelby to a US privateer who had it raced in SCCA and USAC. It was repainted from original Italian red to the striking blue and white of its new team, bringing it the moniker Micro-Lube Special.
Keeping its V-8 engine in matching numbers and much of its original mechanical equipment, it is estimated $ 9M for sale by RM Sotheby's on August 19, 2022, lot 248.
The 450S is considered as the fastest sports racing car in period with a 320 km/h top speed that exceeded the Ferrari 410S CM.
The first example of the 450 S is made in 1956. The body is designed in spider by Medardo Fantuzzi in the follow of the 300S. The last two examples are made in 1958 for an overall total of 10 cars. In the mean time Maserati withdraw its works team after the 1957 Mille Miglia crash and re-concentrates on the commercial GT models.
The penultimate 450S, coachworked by Fantuzzi, was sold new through Shelby to a US privateer who had it raced in SCCA and USAC. It was repainted from original Italian red to the striking blue and white of its new team, bringing it the moniker Micro-Lube Special.
Keeping its V-8 engine in matching numbers and much of its original mechanical equipment, it is estimated $ 9M for sale by RM Sotheby's on August 19, 2022, lot 248.
The 450S is considered as the fastest sports racing car in period with a 320 km/h top speed that exceeded the Ferrari 410S CM.
1960 princess for 72 hours
2016 unsold
After the breakdown of Cisitalia, Carlo Abarth created a car brand in his own name in 1949. In 1951 the company settled in Turin and began a fruitful association with Fiat. Abarth specializes in transforming commercial models of small volumes such as the Fiat 600 and from 1958 the Fiat 500. He increases the displacement of the engine to the maximum tolerable for the chassis.
Carlo Abarth uses his expertise to build endurance records in the classes of small volumes. This initiative quite unique of its kind pleases the specialized press. The first experiment took place in 1956. On the Monza track, a Fiat Abarth 750 bodied by Bertone traveled 3,743 km in 24 hours.
Abarth interested Pininfarina to his vision. They built some prototypes for the only purpose of endurance records. The closed body is strictly designed according to the results of aerodynamic calculations and wind tunnel tests. In 1965 Carlo Abarth had to lose 30 kg of his own overweight to find his place in the cockpit of one of his own vehicles.
La Principessa is a Fiat Abarth 1000 monoposto built with Pininfarina in 1960 using the new Bialbero engine in the 1 liter category. Its body can still excite the fans of anticipation thrillers. Its top speed is 220 km/h. From 28 September to 1 October 1960 in Monza it traveled 13,440 km in 72 hours. It had filled its mission and will not be reused.
La Principessa will be sold by Gooding in Pebble Beach on August 21, lot 148. It is illustrated from several angles in the article shared by Business Insider. Long preserved by Pininfarina, it is offered for the first time on the open market.
What will be its price? With no sale history, the auction house does not publish an estimate. The car is too unusual to interest a classic collector. I discussed in 2009 a Rocket Car Hydrogen auctioned by Artcurial. This vehicle that had traveled in 2006 a quarter mile in 3.58 seconds with a speed of 621 km/h on arrival did not find a buyer despite a very low estimate.
Carlo Abarth uses his expertise to build endurance records in the classes of small volumes. This initiative quite unique of its kind pleases the specialized press. The first experiment took place in 1956. On the Monza track, a Fiat Abarth 750 bodied by Bertone traveled 3,743 km in 24 hours.
Abarth interested Pininfarina to his vision. They built some prototypes for the only purpose of endurance records. The closed body is strictly designed according to the results of aerodynamic calculations and wind tunnel tests. In 1965 Carlo Abarth had to lose 30 kg of his own overweight to find his place in the cockpit of one of his own vehicles.
La Principessa is a Fiat Abarth 1000 monoposto built with Pininfarina in 1960 using the new Bialbero engine in the 1 liter category. Its body can still excite the fans of anticipation thrillers. Its top speed is 220 km/h. From 28 September to 1 October 1960 in Monza it traveled 13,440 km in 72 hours. It had filled its mission and will not be reused.
La Principessa will be sold by Gooding in Pebble Beach on August 21, lot 148. It is illustrated from several angles in the article shared by Business Insider. Long preserved by Pininfarina, it is offered for the first time on the open market.
What will be its price? With no sale history, the auction house does not publish an estimate. The car is too unusual to interest a classic collector. I discussed in 2009 a Rocket Car Hydrogen auctioned by Artcurial. This vehicle that had traveled in 2006 a quarter mile in 3.58 seconds with a speed of 621 km/h on arrival did not find a buyer despite a very low estimate.
1964 Bizzarrini with Iso
2018 unsold
Founded in 1939 by Renzo Rivolta, Iso managed the Isothermos brand of household equipment before focusing also on motorcycles. Iso was then the designer of the highly popular Isetta microcar unveiled in 1953 at the Turin Motor Show.
In 1961, to close out an internal dispute, Ferrari dismissed five of his most brilliant collaborators including Giotto Bizzarrini who had been deeply involved in the 250 Testarossa and was then in charge of the development of the 250 GTO. Bizzarrini immediately created a consulting firm. Rivolta caught this opportunity to launch in 1962 a GT with a Chevrolet Corvette engine and a body designed by Carrozzeria Bertone, the great rival of the network of coachbuilders around Ferrari.
Since 1963 the Iso Rivolta company is targeting the luxury and racing car markets with the Iso Grifo A3/L (Lusso) and A3/C (Corsa) coupes. The A3/L is bodied by Bertone. Bizzarrini designs the A3/C as a lower and wider rival to the 250 GTO, and aesthetically catchy in the taste of Bertone. The A3/C Stradale is the road legal version of the A3/C.
For being efficient the A3/C must be light. The metal plates of its bodywork assembled by Drogo are in duralumin, incompatible with an industrial welding : they are riveted as in an aeronautical construction.
This collaboration between Rivolta and Bizzarrini terminates in 1965. According to the agreement of their separation, Bizzarrini maintains a road legal A3/C by the model 5300 Strada of his own brand which ceases in 1969. Iso Rivolta stops the automotive manufacture in 1974.
With only 29 cars built, the Iso Grifo A3/C is extremely rare. One of them was delivered new in fall 1964 to Johnny Hallyday, the rock singer who was at the peak of his glory at 21 with the nickname L'Idole des Jeunes. This car in very good condition with less than 27,000 km on the clock still retains its original seats in black leather. It is estimated € 2.5M for sale by RM Sotheby's in Paris on February 7, lot 142.
In 1961, to close out an internal dispute, Ferrari dismissed five of his most brilliant collaborators including Giotto Bizzarrini who had been deeply involved in the 250 Testarossa and was then in charge of the development of the 250 GTO. Bizzarrini immediately created a consulting firm. Rivolta caught this opportunity to launch in 1962 a GT with a Chevrolet Corvette engine and a body designed by Carrozzeria Bertone, the great rival of the network of coachbuilders around Ferrari.
Since 1963 the Iso Rivolta company is targeting the luxury and racing car markets with the Iso Grifo A3/L (Lusso) and A3/C (Corsa) coupes. The A3/L is bodied by Bertone. Bizzarrini designs the A3/C as a lower and wider rival to the 250 GTO, and aesthetically catchy in the taste of Bertone. The A3/C Stradale is the road legal version of the A3/C.
For being efficient the A3/C must be light. The metal plates of its bodywork assembled by Drogo are in duralumin, incompatible with an industrial welding : they are riveted as in an aeronautical construction.
This collaboration between Rivolta and Bizzarrini terminates in 1965. According to the agreement of their separation, Bizzarrini maintains a road legal A3/C by the model 5300 Strada of his own brand which ceases in 1969. Iso Rivolta stops the automotive manufacture in 1974.
With only 29 cars built, the Iso Grifo A3/C is extremely rare. One of them was delivered new in fall 1964 to Johnny Hallyday, the rock singer who was at the peak of his glory at 21 with the nickname L'Idole des Jeunes. This car in very good condition with less than 27,000 km on the clock still retains its original seats in black leather. It is estimated € 2.5M for sale by RM Sotheby's in Paris on February 7, lot 142.
1971 Lamborghini Miura SV Speciale
2020 SOLD for £ 3.2M including premium by Gooding
narrated in 2015 before the sale of a Miura SVJ by RM Auctions (see below)
Ferruccio Lamborghini, an industrialist specializing in tractors, had a passion for fine automobiles. When he launched his business into the latter specialty, he voluntarily went opposite to the strategy of the major manufacturers : Lamborghini sports cars will be perfect, using techniques similar to racing cars, but will remain road vehicles without specific adaptation to track racing.
The Lamborghini Miura is a masterpiece by the coachbuilder Bertone. When the prototype was released in 1965, it was the precursor of the current era of supercars. The prestige of the new brand was immediate.
Lamborghini developed in 1970 a high-end variant, the Miura SV, meaning Super Veloce and so clearly identifying which market was targeted.
The boss accepted the SVJ project of a competition variant of the SV. His intention concerning the SVJ was probably to test new solutions which can then be reused in later high-end road cars. When the SV is released in 1971, Lamborghini requires the destruction of the only SVJ prototype. The car escaped the sentence but was destroyed in an accident shortly after.
Discretion was not total, and the SVJ had created some desires. For three years, Lamborghini accepted exceptionally to transform some SV cars into the SVJ configuration. The population of this ultimate Miura does not exceed seven vehicles.
A 1971 Miura SV factory converted in SVJ was sold for $ 1.9M including premium by RM Auctions on January 15, 2015. An SV Speciale with the lubrication and the differential of the SVJ was sold for £ 3.2M including premium by Gooding on September 5, 2020, lot 2 (auction postponed from April 1). Here is the link to the pre sale press release.
The Lamborghini Miura is a masterpiece by the coachbuilder Bertone. When the prototype was released in 1965, it was the precursor of the current era of supercars. The prestige of the new brand was immediate.
Lamborghini developed in 1970 a high-end variant, the Miura SV, meaning Super Veloce and so clearly identifying which market was targeted.
The boss accepted the SVJ project of a competition variant of the SV. His intention concerning the SVJ was probably to test new solutions which can then be reused in later high-end road cars. When the SV is released in 1971, Lamborghini requires the destruction of the only SVJ prototype. The car escaped the sentence but was destroyed in an accident shortly after.
Discretion was not total, and the SVJ had created some desires. For three years, Lamborghini accepted exceptionally to transform some SV cars into the SVJ configuration. The population of this ultimate Miura does not exceed seven vehicles.
A 1971 Miura SV factory converted in SVJ was sold for $ 1.9M including premium by RM Auctions on January 15, 2015. An SV Speciale with the lubrication and the differential of the SVJ was sold for £ 3.2M including premium by Gooding on September 5, 2020, lot 2 (auction postponed from April 1). Here is the link to the pre sale press release.
1971 Miura into the Track
2015 SOLD for $ 1.9M including premium
Ferruccio Lamborghini, an industrialist specializing in tractors, had a passion for fine automobiles. When he launched his business into the latter specialty, he voluntarily went opposite to the strategy of the major manufacturers : Lamborghini sports cars will be perfect, using techniques similar to racing cars, but will remain road vehicles without specific adaptation to track racing.
The Lamborghini Miura is a masterpiece by the coachbuilder Bertone. When the prototype was released in 1965, it was the precursor of the current era of supercars. The prestige of the new brand was immediate.
Lamborghini developed in 1970 a high-end variant, the Miura SV, meaning Super Veloce and so clearly identifying which market was targeted.
The boss accepted the SVJ project of a competition variant of the SV. His intention concerning the SVJ was probably to test new solutions which can then be reused in later high-end road cars. When the SV is released in 1971, Lamborghini requires the destruction of the only SVJ prototype. The car escaped the sentence but was destroyed in an accident shortly after.
Discretion was not total, and the SVJ had created some desires. For three years, Lamborghini accepted exceptionally to transform some SV cars into the SVJ configuration. The population of this ultimate Miura does not exceed seven vehicles.
A 1971 Miura SV factory converted in SVJ is estimated $ 2M for sale by RM Auctions in Arizona on January 15, lot 119.
The Lamborghini Miura is a masterpiece by the coachbuilder Bertone. When the prototype was released in 1965, it was the precursor of the current era of supercars. The prestige of the new brand was immediate.
Lamborghini developed in 1970 a high-end variant, the Miura SV, meaning Super Veloce and so clearly identifying which market was targeted.
The boss accepted the SVJ project of a competition variant of the SV. His intention concerning the SVJ was probably to test new solutions which can then be reused in later high-end road cars. When the SV is released in 1971, Lamborghini requires the destruction of the only SVJ prototype. The car escaped the sentence but was destroyed in an accident shortly after.
Discretion was not total, and the SVJ had created some desires. For three years, Lamborghini accepted exceptionally to transform some SV cars into the SVJ configuration. The population of this ultimate Miura does not exceed seven vehicles.
A 1971 Miura SV factory converted in SVJ is estimated $ 2M for sale by RM Auctions in Arizona on January 15, lot 119.
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
1994 Tragic Victory at Imola
2013 SOLD 620 K£ including premium
PRE SALE DISCUSSION
On May 1, 1994 at Imola, Ayrton Senna is killed at 210 Km / h after losing control of his Williams-Renault. A few meters behind him, Michael Schumacher is driving a Benetton B194. Schumacher won the Grand Prix.
Senna had died and Prost had retired. Schumacher then became the new super-champion of Formula 1. In the same year with the same car, he won three other official grand prix for the world championship and twice finished at the second place.
This prestigious car has undergone a careful revision that keeps it fully operational. Its Cosworth-Ford engine has been rebuilt but the car retains its look from 1994 including the mark of its sponsor the cigarette maker Mild Seven.
This B194 is for sale by Bonhams in London on December 1. The press release cautiously states that it is difficult to predict its price but their experts expect more than £ 600K. The enthusiasm at auction for Formula 1 single-seaters is a recent phenomenon which may make them right.
I invite you to play the video shared by Bonhams, where this ex-Schumacher car is filmed on the Circuito de Ascari near Ronda.
POST SALE COMMENT
The market for recent Formula 1 cars remains difficult but this prestigious unit has been sold: £ 620K including premium.
On May 1, 1994 at Imola, Ayrton Senna is killed at 210 Km / h after losing control of his Williams-Renault. A few meters behind him, Michael Schumacher is driving a Benetton B194. Schumacher won the Grand Prix.
Senna had died and Prost had retired. Schumacher then became the new super-champion of Formula 1. In the same year with the same car, he won three other official grand prix for the world championship and twice finished at the second place.
This prestigious car has undergone a careful revision that keeps it fully operational. Its Cosworth-Ford engine has been rebuilt but the car retains its look from 1994 including the mark of its sponsor the cigarette maker Mild Seven.
This B194 is for sale by Bonhams in London on December 1. The press release cautiously states that it is difficult to predict its price but their experts expect more than £ 600K. The enthusiasm at auction for Formula 1 single-seaters is a recent phenomenon which may make them right.
I invite you to play the video shared by Bonhams, where this ex-Schumacher car is filmed on the Circuito de Ascari near Ronda.
POST SALE COMMENT
The market for recent Formula 1 cars remains difficult but this prestigious unit has been sold: £ 620K including premium.
2006 A Concept Supercar
2017 sold for $ 1.32M including premium
2019 UNSOLD
PRE 2019 SALE DISCUSSION
The first and final operational and street legal Lamborghini Concept S was sold for $ 1.32M including premium by RM Sotheby's at Monterey on August 19, 2017, lot 233. It is now estimated $ 1.3M for sale by RM Sotheby's in Abu Dhabi on November 30, lot 134.
I previously discussed it as follows before it passed with the same auction house in New York on December 10, 2015.
In 1998 Volkswagen buys Lamborghini for strengthening its Audi luxury division. Through the new models designed by Luc Donckerwolke, the Italian brand restarts. Launched in 2004 the Lamborghini Gallardo becomes the best commercial success of the brand and is the subject of additional special series.
In 2005, Lamborghini unveils its Concept S at the Geneva Motor Show with a single example without engine. This concept car is a two seater open top spyder based on the Gallardo with the idea of a dual Formula 1 monoposto. Its greatest originality is indeed its dual cockpit separated by a full length bar between driver and passenger.
The Concept S is a futuristic artwork that is much enjoyed by the public. A pre-series car numbered 00001 is built in 2006 with some modifications necessary for road homologation and Lamborghini does not counter the rumor that a series of one hundred is scheduled. Please watch the interview of Donckerwolke shared by Earthflix on YouTube during an operational show.
The car is very difficult to build and the project is stopped. Only one customer has placed an order and the pre-series car is sold to him. We may consider that its central bar is indeed not ideal for the dating use of a supercar while assuring some social quietness to the driver !
This experimental model had definitely not the vocation to rest in the traffic jams. The prototype without engine is kept in that state by Lamborghini and the pre-series car accumulates in its first ten years of existence only 180 km (updated to 200 km in 2019) achieved in initial testing, concours d'élégance and shows.
Please watch the video shared by RM before the New York auction, also with the participation of the designer.
The first and final operational and street legal Lamborghini Concept S was sold for $ 1.32M including premium by RM Sotheby's at Monterey on August 19, 2017, lot 233. It is now estimated $ 1.3M for sale by RM Sotheby's in Abu Dhabi on November 30, lot 134.
I previously discussed it as follows before it passed with the same auction house in New York on December 10, 2015.
In 1998 Volkswagen buys Lamborghini for strengthening its Audi luxury division. Through the new models designed by Luc Donckerwolke, the Italian brand restarts. Launched in 2004 the Lamborghini Gallardo becomes the best commercial success of the brand and is the subject of additional special series.
In 2005, Lamborghini unveils its Concept S at the Geneva Motor Show with a single example without engine. This concept car is a two seater open top spyder based on the Gallardo with the idea of a dual Formula 1 monoposto. Its greatest originality is indeed its dual cockpit separated by a full length bar between driver and passenger.
The Concept S is a futuristic artwork that is much enjoyed by the public. A pre-series car numbered 00001 is built in 2006 with some modifications necessary for road homologation and Lamborghini does not counter the rumor that a series of one hundred is scheduled. Please watch the interview of Donckerwolke shared by Earthflix on YouTube during an operational show.
The car is very difficult to build and the project is stopped. Only one customer has placed an order and the pre-series car is sold to him. We may consider that its central bar is indeed not ideal for the dating use of a supercar while assuring some social quietness to the driver !
This experimental model had definitely not the vocation to rest in the traffic jams. The prototype without engine is kept in that state by Lamborghini and the pre-series car accumulates in its first ten years of existence only 180 km (updated to 200 km in 2019) achieved in initial testing, concours d'élégance and shows.
Please watch the video shared by RM before the New York auction, also with the participation of the designer.
2007 the entertainment of speed
2017 unsold
The makers of sports cars face a paradox. Their joint improvement of speed and security is no longer enjoyable by their wealthy customers. In normal use on road or street the authorized speed does not allow to release the power and the acceleration. Competitions are reserved for professionals.
Ferrari's FXX program is an entirely new concept for true enthusiasts. The customer owns the car but can only use it on track in special event days organized by the brand.
The Corse Clienti department thus operated in 2006 the FXX based on the Enzo, in 2011 the 599 XX based on the 599 GTB, in 2015 the FXX K based on LaFerrari. These cars built in very small series are expensive. The 23 FXX K were all sold within 48 hours at € 2,18M per unit.
Maserati reveals the MC12 Corsa at the time when Ferrari starts the FXX, with the same concept of accompanied ownership. This is indeed not a coincidence. Since 1999 Maserati is only a luxury car brand controlled by Ferrari in the Fiat group. The MC12 Corsa is derived from the Maserati MC12 and its MC12 GT1 competition variant. The MC12 and the Ferrari FXX were both designed from the chassis of the Ferrari Enzo, nevertheless deeply modified.
Twelve Maserati MC12 Corsa were built. They are similar to each other up to the Victory Blue color of their body. Their selling price was € 1M worth US $ 1.57M at that time.
The first Corsa produced by Maserati was sold by Coys on May 10, 2008 for € 1,42M including premium after being modified to be road legal in Germany. A Corsa dated 2008 was sold for € 770K including premium by RM Auctions on May 17, 2009.
Since 2009 no MC12 Corsa appeared in the auction databases. One of them dated 2007 is now estimated $ 2,3M for sale by Mecum in Monterey on August 19, lot S85.
Ferrari's FXX program is an entirely new concept for true enthusiasts. The customer owns the car but can only use it on track in special event days organized by the brand.
The Corse Clienti department thus operated in 2006 the FXX based on the Enzo, in 2011 the 599 XX based on the 599 GTB, in 2015 the FXX K based on LaFerrari. These cars built in very small series are expensive. The 23 FXX K were all sold within 48 hours at € 2,18M per unit.
Maserati reveals the MC12 Corsa at the time when Ferrari starts the FXX, with the same concept of accompanied ownership. This is indeed not a coincidence. Since 1999 Maserati is only a luxury car brand controlled by Ferrari in the Fiat group. The MC12 Corsa is derived from the Maserati MC12 and its MC12 GT1 competition variant. The MC12 and the Ferrari FXX were both designed from the chassis of the Ferrari Enzo, nevertheless deeply modified.
Twelve Maserati MC12 Corsa were built. They are similar to each other up to the Victory Blue color of their body. Their selling price was € 1M worth US $ 1.57M at that time.
The first Corsa produced by Maserati was sold by Coys on May 10, 2008 for € 1,42M including premium after being modified to be road legal in Germany. A Corsa dated 2008 was sold for € 770K including premium by RM Auctions on May 17, 2009.
Since 2009 no MC12 Corsa appeared in the auction databases. One of them dated 2007 is now estimated $ 2,3M for sale by Mecum in Monterey on August 19, lot S85.
2014 Pagani in the Storm
2017 SOLD for $ 2.4M including premium
The mastery of engineering allows very small car brands to reach the highest range of the grand standing, provided to limit the production to small series and to apply a great care up to the smallest details. Pagani and Koenigsegg, both founded in the early 1990s, are the best examples.
The Pagani Zonda was created in 1999 and the Huayra coupe replaced it in 2012. Each of these models has evolved over time through a practice of continuous improvement of the composite materials and of weight balancing. Packages become available for upgrading to more recent standard the previously delivered cars.
Like the Koenigsegg, the Pagani are road cars. The Huayra reaches 370 Km/h at top speed. It is road legal in the United States, which was not the case of the Zonda. 100 Huayra were built, limited in the deal with Mercedes-Benz which supplied Pagani in that quantity with the custom hand made engine.
The new feature of the Huayra is its active aerodynamics handled by computer to ensure an impeccable stability. On the same principle as an airplane wing, independent flaps at the four corners automatically change the shape of the car according to its speed, acceleration, rotation and to the throttle position.
A 2014 Pagani Huayra including desirable options was sold for $ 2,03M including premium by RM Sotheby's on March 12, 2016.
Another Huayra of the same year 3 serial numbers below the above example is estimated $ 2.2M for sale by the same auction house in Monterey on August 19, lot 229. Announced as the first Huayra delivered to North America, it is equipped with the Tempesta upgrading package released by Pagani in 2016. Tempesta means storm and Huayra is the Quechua god of the wind.
Please watch the short video shared by RM.
The Pagani Zonda was created in 1999 and the Huayra coupe replaced it in 2012. Each of these models has evolved over time through a practice of continuous improvement of the composite materials and of weight balancing. Packages become available for upgrading to more recent standard the previously delivered cars.
Like the Koenigsegg, the Pagani are road cars. The Huayra reaches 370 Km/h at top speed. It is road legal in the United States, which was not the case of the Zonda. 100 Huayra were built, limited in the deal with Mercedes-Benz which supplied Pagani in that quantity with the custom hand made engine.
The new feature of the Huayra is its active aerodynamics handled by computer to ensure an impeccable stability. On the same principle as an airplane wing, independent flaps at the four corners automatically change the shape of the car according to its speed, acceleration, rotation and to the throttle position.
A 2014 Pagani Huayra including desirable options was sold for $ 2,03M including premium by RM Sotheby's on March 12, 2016.
Another Huayra of the same year 3 serial numbers below the above example is estimated $ 2.2M for sale by the same auction house in Monterey on August 19, lot 229. Announced as the first Huayra delivered to North America, it is equipped with the Tempesta upgrading package released by Pagani in 2016. Tempesta means storm and Huayra is the Quechua god of the wind.
Please watch the short video shared by RM.
2015 Head in the Wind at 355 Km/h
2020 UNSOLD
The Geneva Motor Show of March 2013 marks the start of a new era. Three brands offer coupes capable of extreme speeds without losing the road approval. With a price of $ 4.6M announced in Geneva, the Lamborghini Veneno will be three times more expensive than its competitors, the Ferrari LaFerrari and the McLaren P1.
The industrial target is not the same, however. The production for trade of the Veneno coupe is limited to three cars. Very active to celebrate its 50th year, Automobili Lamborghini discloses in October 2013 its project of a Veneno roadster to be built in nine units. The announced price is € 3.3M excluding taxes, which is in the region of the estimated final price of the coupe.
This achievement of a roofless car maintaining up to 355 km/h the legally required safety and the compliance with anti-pollution standards is a technical feat, for which Lamborghini is three years ahead of the LaFerrari Aperta. The vendor argument is the feeling like flying on the road.
Based on the Aventador, a roadster version of which is also launched in 2013, the Veneno is specially designed for optimizing the air circulation and the stability when cornering. The strengthening of the chassis makes the Veneno roadster 50 kg heavier than the coupe but the performances are identical.
The nine roadsters are produced as planned. The first one is unveiled in Abu Dhabi in December 2013. Titled 2014, the seventh was sold for CHF 8.3M including premium over a lower estimate of CHF 5.2M by Bonhams on September 29, 2019, with 325 km on the odometer. With 450 km from new, the second Veneno roadster, titled 2015, is estimated € 4.5M for sale by RM Sotheby's in Paris on February 5, lot 153.
The industrial target is not the same, however. The production for trade of the Veneno coupe is limited to three cars. Very active to celebrate its 50th year, Automobili Lamborghini discloses in October 2013 its project of a Veneno roadster to be built in nine units. The announced price is € 3.3M excluding taxes, which is in the region of the estimated final price of the coupe.
This achievement of a roofless car maintaining up to 355 km/h the legally required safety and the compliance with anti-pollution standards is a technical feat, for which Lamborghini is three years ahead of the LaFerrari Aperta. The vendor argument is the feeling like flying on the road.
Based on the Aventador, a roadster version of which is also launched in 2013, the Veneno is specially designed for optimizing the air circulation and the stability when cornering. The strengthening of the chassis makes the Veneno roadster 50 kg heavier than the coupe but the performances are identical.
The nine roadsters are produced as planned. The first one is unveiled in Abu Dhabi in December 2013. Titled 2014, the seventh was sold for CHF 8.3M including premium over a lower estimate of CHF 5.2M by Bonhams on September 29, 2019, with 325 km on the odometer. With 450 km from new, the second Veneno roadster, titled 2015, is estimated € 4.5M for sale by RM Sotheby's in Paris on February 5, lot 153.
2022 Lamborghini Aventador
2022 SOLD for US$ 1.6M by RM Sotheby's
On December 3, 2017 at Maranello, Ferrari managed successfully the sale of a car before it was produced, in a special charity event for Save the Children. The final LaFerrari Aperta was sold for € 8.3M by RM Sotheby's.
On April 21, 2022, Automobili Lamborghini manages a similar auction from their premises at San't Agata Bolognese. The hammer is also entrusted to RM Sotheby's. The single lot is the very last Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimae coupe, scheduled to be completed with special technical and design features by September 2022.
The top speed of the Ultimae model released in 2021 was 355 km/h with 0 to 100 km/h in 2.8 seconds. It was limited to 350 coupes and 250 roadsters.
In 2017 nobody took an attention to the new NFT technology. Progress cannot be halted. The winner of the auction will receive a one of one NFT displaying the car in a high resolution Martian sunset. The NFT visual artist Krista Kim, the music artist Steve Aoki and Lamborghini chairman and CEO Stephan Winkelmann comment that Lamborghini Ultimate project in the video shared by the car brand.
If the NFT is sold for over € 5M, Lamborghini will hold a delivery celebration event for the buyer.
This car will be the very last naturally aspirated V12 Lamborghini before the brand shifts to hybrid power.
On April 21, 2022, Automobili Lamborghini manages a similar auction from their premises at San't Agata Bolognese. The hammer is also entrusted to RM Sotheby's. The single lot is the very last Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimae coupe, scheduled to be completed with special technical and design features by September 2022.
The top speed of the Ultimae model released in 2021 was 355 km/h with 0 to 100 km/h in 2.8 seconds. It was limited to 350 coupes and 250 roadsters.
In 2017 nobody took an attention to the new NFT technology. Progress cannot be halted. The winner of the auction will receive a one of one NFT displaying the car in a high resolution Martian sunset. The NFT visual artist Krista Kim, the music artist Steve Aoki and Lamborghini chairman and CEO Stephan Winkelmann comment that Lamborghini Ultimate project in the video shared by the car brand.
If the NFT is sold for over € 5M, Lamborghini will hold a delivery celebration event for the buyer.
This car will be the very last naturally aspirated V12 Lamborghini before the brand shifts to hybrid power.
