A lot has been happening at this year’s Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in Cernobbio, Italy, next to the picturesque lake Como. Apart from BMW celebrating the 75th anniversary of its original 328 by showing the 328 Hommage, Zagato showed its interpretation of Aston Martin’s Vantage V12.
The other big news was the debut auction held by one of the leaders in its field, RM Auctions.
In around two hours, 32 cars are auctioned for a total amount of close to R230 million! It goes without saying that some of the most sought after, and extremely rare, cars found new homes during this event. Here are some of the highlights.
1955 Ferrari 375 MM Berlinetta by Pinin Farina
As usual, it was a Ferrari that fetched the highest amount at this auction. What makes this specific car special is that it is the last 375 MMs ever built and that it is only one of ten 375 MM Berlinettas. Furthermore, it was shown at the Turin Motor Show in 1955.
As is the case with most cars that has such a rich history, the car has been looked after and even fully restored as late as 2004. Since then it has received several awards at concourses and similar events. The 4,5-litre V12 engine produced 254 kW while power is sent to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual gearbox.
Auctioned for: R33,6 million
1938 Talbot-Lago T150-C SS Teardrop Coupé by Figoni et Falaschi
There are a couple of cars in history that should, with a doubt, be able to make your knees go weak. This is one of them. Whenever Figoni coachwork has plied its trade with the styling of a car, the resulting work of art is almost worth bowing down to.
This example is one of only 11 units featuring Second-Series “New York” Figoni coachwork. It even has the rare factory sunroof. In 1937, Figoni and Lago signed an agreement to work together exclusively, and for a time they did. The finest product of their collaboration was the landmark Teardrop or “goutte d’eau coupé,” with just 16 ultimately produced in two series. As is the case with the Ferrari, this Talbot-Lago earned several awards at some of the most prestigious concourse events.
Under the louvered bonnet is a 104 kW 4,0-litre inline six-cylinder engine. The engine is equipped with triple Stromberg carburettors while the gearbox is a Wilson four-speed pre-selector.
Auctioned for: R31,36 million
1965 Ford GT40 Works Prototype Roadster
If you know your Ford GT40 history, you will know about its very successful Le Mans history as well. This isn’t the usual coupé though, but a very rare – one of only five – GT40 prototype roadster. This specific car’s history includes taking part in the Targa Florio. Back then the drivers thought that the open cockpit whould offer better driving conditions compared to a closed cockpit in the warm Italian sun.
Although this car ran as high as third position in the race, a knock-off spinner came undone and a wheel front wheel came off. The driver was able to re-attach the wheel, but crashed out in the last lap due to gravel scattered on the road by a previous car. After the car crashed out, it was stripped of some of its parts, only offered for sale as late as 2006. It was then restored as closely to its original condition as possible. It is believed that only four of the original five prototype roadsters are still in existence.
Once production of the GT40 started, the idea of having a Roadster put into production was bandied about for some time, but ultimately dismissed.
That mid-mounted 4,7-litre V8 engine produces 331 kW. It has four Weber twin-choke carburettors and drive is sent to the rear wheels via a ZF five-speed manual.
The estimated auction price for this car was between R24 and R29 million, but was not sold at a high bid of R21 million.
Auctioned: Not sold
For the full results of the auction, visit RM Auction’s website.
