The Petersen Automotive Museum’s newest exhibit, “Driven to Win: The Automobile in Competition,” is now open in the Charles Nearburg Family Gallery. The display showcases over 100 years of motorsport history across various competitive disciplines and highlights the technologies that propelled winning race cars across the finish line.

Vehicles on display include iconic racers, such as the 1946 Kurtis-Miller Ross Page Special, the 1968 AAR Eagle 68 driven by Denny Hulme, the 2018 McLaren MCL33, the 1966 Lola T70 MKII Spyder, and the 1993 AAR Toyota Eagle MKIII, which achieved 21 wins in 27 IMSA races. Also on display is the 1913 Mercer Type 35-J Raceabout, considered one of the U.S.’s first sports cars.

The exhibit also features the 1957 Teverbaugh & Kirkland Bonneville Special, a land speed racer that was the first equipped with a parachute, the 1957 Chevrolet 150 Utility Sedan “Black Widow” by SEDCO, the 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona raced by Buddy Baker in 1969 and 1970 when he became the first driver to achieve 200 mph on a closed course, the 1972 Alpine A110 1800 Group IV that competed in the inaugural World Rally Championship and the 2010 John Force Racing Ford Mustang driven by Force to his 15th NHRA Nitro Funny Car Championship.

Director Terry Karges comments

“Motorsports is a significant part of automotive history, and this display represents the ever-evolving journey of racing,” said Petersen Automotive Museum Executive Director Terry L. Karges. “We hope our guests enjoy a look at how auto racing has evolved over the last century.”

Race cars by year

• 1913 Mercer Type 35-J Raceabout, considered one of the U.S.’s first sports cars
• 1946 Kurtis-Miller Ross Page Special
• 1957 Teverbaugh & Kirkland Bonneville Special, land speed racer that was the first car equipped with a parachute
• 1957 Chevrolet One-Fifty Utility Sedan “Black Widow” by SEDCO
• 1966 Lola T70 MKII Spyder
• 1968 AAR Eagle 68 driven by Denny Hulme
• 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona raced by Buddy Baker in 1969 and 1970 when he became the first driver to achieve 200 mph on a closed course
• 1972 Alpine A110 1800 Group IV, competed in the inaugural World Rally Championship
• 1986 Porsche 962, competed in 22 IMSA races, achieving seven wins
• 2010 John Force Racing Ford Mustang driven by John Force to his 15th NHRA Nitro Funny Car Championship
• 2018 McLaren MCL33

“Driven to Win: The Automobile in Competition” will be displayed until 2025.

Museum information HERE

Gallery

The post Driven to Win is a winner appeared first on Sports Car Digest.

For Example…

This year’s Quail showcased cutting-edge automotive technology and design, featuring 21 vehicle debuts and demonstrations from top manufacturers and designers. Among the global unveilings were the Lamborghini Temerario, Maserati GT2 Stradale, Rimac Nevera R, Cadillac Opulent Velocity Concept, Acura Performance EV Concept, Integra Type S HRC Prototype, and the Hennessey F5 Stealth Series. Other highlights included the Rolls-Royce Phantom Scintilla, Automobili Pininfarina B95 Gotham and Battista Targamerica, Pagani Utopia Roadster, Porsche Sonderwunsch 993 Speedster, RUF Rodeo, GuntherWerks GWR, Touring Superleggera Veloce12, Karma Automotive Ivara, Meyers Manx 3-Cylinder Radial Engine, and the KALMAR Automotive 9×9. The Bugatti Tourbillion and Gordon Murray T.50s Niki Lauda and T.33 Spider also made their North American debuts at the show.

Celebrating Automotive Icons

The event also featured four special classes that added to the celebration. The 30th Anniversary of Koenigsegg highlighted the brand’s commitment to building some of the fastest and most advanced hypercars in the world. The 50th Anniversary of the Porsche 911 Turbo (930) honored the German sports car that changed the industry. The 100th Anniversary of MG celebrated the British brand that helped shape modern sports cars. The Tribute to World Rally Cars brought attention to the legendary rally machines from one of the most challenging racing series in motorsport. The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, also included seven traditional classes that displayed vehicles from the past and present, as well as futuristic concept cars.

And, of course, Best of Show

A 1937 Delahaye Type 135 earned “Best of Show” at the 2024 The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering. Owned by Sam and Emily Mann, the winning vehicle was inducted into the prestigious Rolex Circle of Champions on the pristine greens of The Quail Golf Club. At the 21st annual event were automotive enthusiasts, significant industry figures, and other motorsport greats. The 1937 Delahaye Type 135 was joined by dozens of individual class winners who highlighted diverse vehicles from various brands and eras.

The 1937 Delahaye Type 135 was originally constructed as an open-wheel race car to challenge contenders from Mercedes and other European marques. The vehicle’s revolutionary 12-cylinder engine was capable of 240 horsepower, and is believed by Delahaye Club historian Andre Vaucourt to be the car driven by Renee Dreyfus in the Prix du Million, 1938 Pau Grand Prix and Cork Grand Prix. It was later sold to Marius Franay to have new sports car coachwork built on the racer chassis, completely enclosing its original racing mechanicals. After its completion, the vehicle later won the “Prix du Honneur” at the 1947 Paris Salon.

Sports Car Digest Gallery

Award Recipients

Rolex Circle of Champions Best of Show

• Car: 1937 Delahaye Type 135
• Owner: Sam & Emily Mann

Spirit of The Quail

• Car: 1949 MG TC/PBS & Sons
• Owner: Aaron Shelby

Hagerty Drivers Foundation Award

• 1963 Jaguar E-Type FHC
• Buzz & Julia Lynn

30th Anniversary of Koenigsegg Automobile

• Car: 2005 Koenigsegg CCR
• Owner: Glenn Yuen

50th Anniversary of the Porsche 911 Turbo Type 930

• Car: 1975 Porsche 911 Turbo Type 930
• Owner: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG

100 Years of MG

• Car: 1925 Morris MG 14/28 Bullnose Supersports
• Owner: Michael Dacre

Tribute to World Rally Cars

• Car: 1985 Audi S1 E2
• Owner: Stephen Rimmer

The Evolution of the Supercar

• Car: 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK-GTR FASTRRR
• Owner: Damon Sueter

The Great Ferraris

• Car: 1952 340 Mexico
• Owner: Brian Ross

Pre-War Sports and Racing

• Car: Bugatti Type 57
• Owner: Bernard Kress

Post-War Racing

• Car: 2001 Chrysler Viper GTS-R
• Owner: Florent Moulin

Post-War Sports 1961-1975

• Car: 1967 Lamborghini Muira
• Owner: Tom Price

Post-War Sports 1945-1960

• Car: 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SC
• Owner: Vin DiBona

Custom Coachwork

• Car: 1934 Ford Model 40 5 Window
• Owner: Coby Gewertz

Sports and Racing Motorcycles

• Motorcycle: 1930 Indian Four Cylinder
• Owner: Mike Lynch

ArtCenter College of Design Award

• 1964 Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint Speciale
• Owner: Scott Leibow

The Art of Bespoke Award presented by Magneto Magazine

• 1975 Ferrari 365 GT4 2+2 Croisette Shooting Brake by Felber
• Owner: Andreas Wuest

Kai Lermen, Director, comments

“The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering is the epicenter of automotive excellence and luxury, and the diversity of our featured and traditional classes showcases our commitment to honoring all aspects of the industry. I’m proud to say that this was the best one yet,” said Kai Lermen, managing director of The Quail Golf Club. “We thank our sponsors, entrants, vendors, and beloved guests who travel from all over the world for their support in making The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering the most anticipated event of Monterey Car Week.”

Culinary Globe Trotting & more

Guests also enjoyed various culinary delights from five gourmet pavilions, award-winning wine and champagne vendors, and live music and entertainment. The popular Fireside Chat, moderated by Philip Kadoorie, featured renowned car collector and enthusiast Magnus Walker. Attendees were also invited to attend the 27th Annual Bonhams “The Quail Auction,” the longest-standing auction held during Monterey Car Week.

Bonus Gallery

Looking Ahead

The 2025 edition of The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, is scheduled for Friday, August 15, 2025. Please visit the event website for more information and follow The Quail Events on Facebook and Instagram to stay current on the event activities and announcements.

KSBW Coverage

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A fabulous 1957 Ferrari 335 S has won the coveted Best of Show award at this year’s Salon Privé Concours presented by Aviva Private Clients. Entered by American enthusiast Brian Ross, the Maranello sports-racer thrilled onlookers when it took part in the Tour Privé on Tuesday 27 August, and it proved to be just as popular with the expert judging panel when it appeared on the concours field the following day.

Event Highlights

• Ex-works Ferrari 335 S wins prestigious Best of Show prize
• Second place awarded to Lord Bamford’s 1933 Rolls-Royce Phantom II
• 1927 Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8AS Fleetwood Roadster secures third overall
• Class winners range from 1923 Rolls-Royce to 2004 Porsche 996
• 72-strong international entry gathered at the magnificent Blenheim Palace

Italian Royalty

Chassis number 0674 was raced by Scuderia Ferrari during the 1957 season, and by a stellar driver line-up. In March that year, dashing young Englishman Peter Collins took the Ferrari to sixth place in the Sebring 12 Hours, sharing with French veteran Maurice Trintignant. Two months later, Wolfgang von Trips finished second in the grueling Mille Miglia – the very race that has recently been immortalized in the Michael Mann blockbuster Ferrari.

Having been upgraded to 4.1-litre specification at the factory, the Ferrari was back in action in June 1957 at the Le Mans 24 Hours. Mike Hawthorn and Luigi Musso shared driving duties at La Sarthe, and although they failed to finish, ‘0674’ set the fastest lap of the race.

Its final outing as a works car was at the 1957 Caracas 1000km, when Hawthorn and Musso finished second. The car then passed to Luigi Chinetti – a hugely significant figure in Ferrari history, and founder of the North American Racing Team. Chinetti entered it for the Cuban Grand Prix in February 1958, when it was driven to victory in the shortened race by none other than English ace Stirling Moss.

Post Stardom

After competition, the Ferrari spent several years in the collection of renowned marque enthusiast Pierre Bardinon.

Second place overall in the Salon Privé Concours was presented to Lord Bamford’s magnificent Rolls-Royce Phantom II Sport Saloon by Freestone & Webb. Ordered new to the bespoke specification of cotton magnate Sir John Leigh in August 1933, it was built for fast touring in the UK and on the continent.

Sir John later sold the Phantom II after apparently ordering four brand-new Phantom IIIs in a single day! Having remained in the UK until the late 1950s, the Rolls-Royce subsequently spent 35 years in the ownership of an American enthusiast who lived in Toledo, Ohio. The Phantom II was bought by Lord Bamford in 2013 and returned to its original two-tone paint scheme. A regular concours prize-winner, it was awarded the Churchill Cup for Most Exceptional Design at Salon Privé in 2022.

Third place overall in the 2024 Concours was presented to the 1927 Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8AS Fleetwood Roadster of Nic and Shelley Schorsch. This hugely significant car was ordered new by movie heart-throb Rudolph Valentino, with unique roadster coachwork designed by LeBaron of New York and built by the Fleetwood Metal Body Company.

With its long, flared open fenders and low-slung lines, it was a showstopper deserving of a Hollywood icon, but sadly Valentino died before his Isotta Fraschini was completed. It was nonetheless exhibited at the New York Auto Salon, then put on display in the front window of Isotta Motors, to be admired by throngs of Valentino’s adoring fans.

“We are truly delighted with this year’s Best of Show Ferrari 335 S by Scaglietti,” said Andrew Bagley, Chairman of the Salon Privé Concours. “You only have to look at the great names who raced it to realize how significant sports car it was and appreciate what a cherished place it holds in Ferrari history. This beautiful Ferrari competed in a golden period for sports-car racing, and we all now look forward to its entry into the Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award.”

Diverse Entries

This year’s Salon Privé Concours presented by Aviva Private Clients was the largest and most prestigious to date, with 72 cars being entered across 14 different classes. They ranged from the ever-popular Pre-war categories to celebrations of Bugatti, Rolls-Royce and Ferrari. Fan favorites included Legendary Liveries – which showcased iconic color schemes such as a Silk Cut Jaguar XJR 8/9, an Alitalia Lancia Stratos HF, and a 555 Subaru Impreza WRC97 – while a new class for 2024 honored the 60th anniversary of the Ferrari 275.

All entries gathered on the beautiful South Lawn at Blenheim Palace, having come from as far afield as the USA, Thailand and even New Zealand. They were judged by an unrivaled panel of international experts, with all entries being adjudicated by the International Chief Judge Advisory Group (ICJAG). Salon Privé is one of four ICJAG Plus-designated events in the world, and the only one to be held in the UK.

Full List of Winners

2024 Salon Privé Concours presented by Aviva Private Clients

Best of Show

1957 Ferrari 335 S by Scaglietti entered by Brian Ross

Best of Show Runner-up

1933 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Sport Saloon by Freestone & Webb entered by Lord Bamford

Best of Show Third Place

1927 Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8AS Fleetwood Roadster entered by Nic & Shelley Schorsch

Chairman’s Award

1923 Rolls-Royce Springfield Silver Ghost Pall Mall entered by Jack Boyd Smith Jnr

Duke of Marlborough Award

1993 Lamborghini Diablo entered by Lars Nielsen

Most Iconic – The George Barry Gregory Trophy

1965 Rolls-Royce Phantom V by Mulliner Park Ward entered by Jody Klein

Class A: Pre-War Open

Winner: 1927 Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8AS Fleetwood Roadster entered by Nic and Shelley Schorsch

Honorable Mention: 1937 Cord 812 SC Convertible Phaeton entered by Yohan Poonawalla

Class B: Bugatti – Grand Prix to Grand Touring

Winner: 1939 Bugatti Type 57 Cabriolet by Saoutchik entered by Anne Brockinton-Lee

Honorable Mention: 1927 Bugatti Type 38 Philadelphia by Figoni entered by Luc Slijpen

Class C: Pre-War Closed/Elegance

Winner: 1938 Bentley 4¼ L Brougham de Ville by James Young entered by Axel Schroeter

Honorable Mention: 1930 Bentley 4½ L Sports Saloon by Freestone & Webb entered by Peter Little

Class D1: Inspiring Greatness – 120 Years of Rolls Royce (Pre-War)

Winner: 1933 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Sport Saloon by Freestone & Webb entered by Lord Bamford

Honorable Mention: 1911 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost ‘London-Edinburgh’ by Holmes entered by John Snook

Class D2: Inspiring Greatness – 120 Years of Rolls-Royce (Post-War)

Winner: 1954 Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn DHC by Park Ward entered by Volker Schumann

Honorable Mention: 1988 Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit 2-door by Hooper & Co. entered by Tony Robinson

Class E: Post-War Open

Winner: 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S Cabriolet A entered by Albert Streminski

Honorable Mention: 1960 Maserati 3500 GT Spyder by Vignale entered by Claudio Mosconi

Class F1: Post-War Closed (International)

Winner: 1960 Maserati 3500 GT by Touring entered by Greg Newman

Honorable Mention: 1968 Lamborghini Islero GT by Marazzi entered by John Day

Class F2: Post-War Closed (British)

Winner: 1952 Jaguar XK 120 Supersonic by Ghia entered by Bill Heinecke

Honorable Mention: 1986 Aston Martin V8 Vantage X Pack entered by Lee Malpass

Class G: Sports-Racers

Winner: 1957 Ferrari 335 S by Scaglietti entered by Brian Ross

Honorable Mention: 1954 Jaguar D-type entered by Vijay Mallya

Class H: Ferraris of the 1950s & ’60s

Winner: 1953 Ferrari 166 MM Spider by Vignale entered by Lord Bamford

Honorable Mention: 1963 Ferrari 400 Superamerica Coupé Aerodinamico by Pininfarina entered by Michael Korecky

Class I: 60th Anniversary of the Ferrari 275

Winner: 1965 Ferrari 275 GTB/C by Scaglietti entered by Private collector

Honorable Mention: 1965 Ferrari 275 GTB 6C by Pininfarina entered by James Cottingham

Class J: Legendary Liveries

Winner: 1996 Subaru Impreza WRC97 by Prodrive entered by Richard Coar

Honorable Mention: 1974 Lancia Stratos HF by Bertone – Alitalia, entered by Christian Gläsel

Class K: Supercar Icons – Prancing Horse

Winner: 1996 Ferrari F50 by Pininfarina entered by Karim Said

Honorable Mention: 1985 Ferrari 288 GTO by Pininfarina entered by Martin Allmand-Smith

Class L: Supercar Icons to 2005

Winner: 2004 Porsche 996.2 GT2 entered by Rob Howarth

Honorable Mention: 1993 Lamborghini Diablo by Gandini entered by Lars Nielsen

Honorary Awards

Spirit Award – The Margaret Bagley Trophy

1960 Maserati 3500 GT Spider by Vignale entered by Claudio Mosconi

Most Exceptional Coachwork

1966 Ferrari 500 Superfast by Pininfarina entered by Andrew Bagnell

Most Opulent

1969 Rolls-Royce Phantom VI Park Ward entered by Murad Salikhov

Coup de Coeur – The Matt Pearce Trophy

1958 AC Ace entered by Mike Dacre

Best Interior

1939 Rolls-Royce Wraith by Mann Egerton entered by Edward Iliffe

Most Elegant

1932 Bugatti Type 55 by Gangloff entered by Shane Houlihan

Best Works Car

1956 Lister-Maserati entered by Christian Jenny

Best Liveried Race Car

1967 MGC GTS Lightweight entered by Martin Block

Best Open Car

1965 Ferrari 275 GTS by Pininfarina entered by Joe Macari

People’s Choice

1996 Ferrari F50 by Pininfarina entered by Paul Hogarth

Event Information HERE

Above content © 2024 Salon Prive reviewed and edited by Rex McAfee

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Events

• Immaculately restored 1961 S2 Drophead Coupe becomes first Bentley-entered car into Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance
• New Continental GT Speed coupe and Convertible make US public at Monterey Car Week
• Speed Six Continuation Series makes on-road debut
• Bentley Environmental Foundation announces new kelp forest initiative with partner SeaTrees

Debut

The new, fourth-generation Continental GT Speed made its US debut at the event, with a personalized example from Bentley’s bespoke and coachbuilding division, Mulliner, spearheading a fleet of more than 30 pre-production examples at the event. Journalists and customers could sample the new GT Speed on the road for the first time anywhere globally, ahead of demonstrators being made available across Bentley’s worldwide retailer network.

The Continental GT Speed was not the only Bentley Grand Tourer making a debut at Monterey Car Week. Following a two-year, bare-metal restoration, Bentley’s own 1961 S2 Drophead Coupe – one of just 15 examples created by Mulliner in the 1960s – became the first Bentley ever entered into the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance by the marque itself. Monterey Car Week was the first time the car, registration UFF 366, has been presented by Bentley after a painstaking rebuild as part of the three-year rejuvenation of Bentley’s Heritage Collection.

The S2 Drophead Coupe is a forebear of the new Continental GT Speed Convertible that also appeared in the US for the first time in two distinct ways. The new Continental GT Speed family utilizes Bentley’s new Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain – created around an all-new V8 engine paired to an electric motor – becoming the next member of a Bentley V8 bloodline that started with the S2, which introduced a 6.23-liter V8 to replace the straight-six engine of the S1.

Meanwhile, the new GT Speed returns Bentley’s design DNA to a clean pair of large headlamps, replacing the previous use of four smaller units that have defined the face of the Continental family – and indeed every mainstream Bentley – since 1963. The S2 was the last Bentley to use this elegant design.

One of Twelve

The latest project from Mulliner’s Classic division, the Speed Six Continuation Series, was also used on the road for the first time. An exact continuation of the Speed Six which won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1930, Speed Six ‘Car Zero’ is a newly-built example crafted by hand to the original drawings, original materials and using original manufacturing techniques. The car has been driven for several thousand miles during engineering development and sign-off ahead of the trip to Monterey to offer an authentic Speed Six experience to Mulliner customers who have ordered one of the 12 examples to be created.

Bentley’s presence at Monterey Car Week continues to be one of the most comprehensive of any brand. Nearly 90 Bentleys were brought together on the Peninsula for the week, and Bentley hosted more than 3,000 customers and friends across different events and evenings. The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering formalized the arrival of the new Continental GT Speed in the USA, alongside a new Bentayga S Black Edition finished in satin silver with orange accents. The Friday evening saw Bentley return to Seal Rock for its iconic Beach Dinner, in conjunction with brand partner The Macallan, at which it was announced that the Bentley Environmental Foundation will fund a US kelp forest initiative with its partner SeaTrees, restoring vital CO2-absorbing kelp forests along key coastal sites.

Pebble Beach

Several hundred VIPs joined Bentley’s famous Signature Party on Saturday night, and Bentley again guests at The Bench for the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on Sunday – where a small group of Bentley executives served as Honorary Judges and the 1961 S2 Drophead was showcased, while a new Continental GTC Speed appeared on the Concept Lawn. Meanwhile, a pair of Mulliner designers hosted specification sessions with clients across the events, with scores of new Bentleys imagined.

UFF 366

The Bentley S2, which succeeded the first-generation S-Type, was hailed as one of the world’s most luxurious and innovative saloons at its launch in 1959. On this platform, Mulliner created the rarest version – the S2 Drophead Coupe, of which only 15 examples were built. Bentley’s S2 Drophead Coupe was acquired from a French owner in 2022, as part of the work to rebuild the in-house Heritage Collection. However, the car was in poor condition and needed two years of restoration work with Bentley Heritage partners P&A Wood to bring it to Concours condition.

UFF366 was originally delivered in 1961, finished in Regal Red with a tan interior and a gold fine line. While originally being built as right-hand drive, at some time in its life the car was converted to left-hand operation and repainted in dark blue. During the restoration, the body was stripped to bare metal, and previous poor-quality repairs were cut out and rebuilt correctly. Meanwhile, the engine, gearbox, and rear axle were completely stripped, worn parts replaced, and the systems rebuilt. The wiring was rebuilt from scratch, using the original drawings and even identically colored wires as per the original specification.

Specialists restored the wood set, while the interior was retrimmed in Connolly Vaumol leather to match the original light tan using a shade called Fawn. The decision was taken to keep the car blue but repaint it in an original 1960s Bentley color—the lustrous Ming Blue. The original gold fine line was then reapplied by hand, along with blue and gold trims to the hub caps.

Pebble Beach Concours Highlights

The post Bentleys old and new grace Monterey Car Week appeared first on Sports Car Digest.

The Bugatti factory in 1927 was at the peak of its automobile production with multiple lines to handle the demand for the various Type 35 Grand Prix models; the blown and unblown Type 37 Sports and GP models; the Type 38, Type 38A, Type 40 and 40A touring cars, as well as the Type 43 Grand Sport and, later in the year, the Type 44. It also followed the year in which Bugatti began to manufacture their own sports-touring bodies, initially for the four-cylinder Type 40 Grand Sport followed by the Type 43 Grand Sport; before this point, completed chassis were delivered to any one of many domestic or foreign coachbuilders in or near Western Europe.

The introduction of the Bugatti Type 43 Grand Sport, however, created a sensation as it was the first true sports car with a genuine 100 mph capability, coupling a slightly detuned Type 35B 2.3-liter supercharged Grand Prix engine with a shortened and “waisted” T38 touring chassis frame contoured to the shape of the standard Grand Sport coachwork. Ettore Bugatti had created one of his masterpieces; indeed, the noted author and marque specialist, the late H.G. Conway said of the T43 over 60 years ago that “it was the model to be aspired to in the 1927–1932 period as a Ferrari may be today, as a road car with the qualities of its racing sister.”

Because of the roller-bearing crankshaft, the car was quite a bit more expensive than the plain-bearing Type 38 and 44 touring cars which overlapped production on either end of the Type 43, and shared many features–such as the radiator, front axle, gearbox, and back axle–with the 2-liter Type 38. Similarly, the axles and gearbox were utilized in the successor 3-liter Type 44 touring model, but the 385 units of the Type 38 and 1,095 units of the Type 44 far outsold the 160 units of the T43, particularly as world economies began to suffer from the fallout of the crash of the American stock market.

In 1929, Bugatti introduced the Jean Bugatti-designed roadster for the late Type 40 and 40A and the Type 43A, which many felt resembled some of the roadsters being built in America. Some have speculated that the Type 43A Roadster was intended for the American market, but of the mere 19 examples built, only two went to the US before WWII. Several remained unsold at Molsheim as sales slowed due to the economic uncertainty. Nevertheless, the total production eventually found new owners with some orders being filled from existing stock as late as 1935.

Chassis 43309

The example on offer is one of the last two T43s delivered, the chassis of which was constructed in April 1929 and the Jean Bugatti roadster body in December 1932; however, the completed car was not delivered to its first owner, Edouard Michel of Paris, until May 3, 1934, and registered “4848 RJ” the following day. M. Michel purchased the roadster in its original and very striking yellow and black livery, and at only 40,000 French francs, the car was sold for a “clearance sale” price.

Highlights

• Among the Most Rare and Desirable of All Bugatti Automobiles
• One of 10 Known Surviving Examples of the 19 Jean Bugatti Type 43A Roadsters Built
• Exceptionally Original and Well Preserved with One Repaint Many Years Ago
• Retains Matching-Numbers Frame, Lower Crankcase, Cambox, Gearbox, and Rear Axle per Accompanying History Reports by David Sewell, Mark Morris, and Kees Jansen
• Exceptional Condition and Features including Unique Dashboard Layout

Mechanical Specifications

• 2,262 CC SOHC Inline 8-Cylinder Engine
• Single Zenith 48K Carburetor
• Roots-Type Supercharger
• 120 BHP at 5,000 RPM
• 4-Speed Manual Gearbox
• 4-Wheel Cable-Operated Mechanical Drum Brakes
• Front Solid-Axle Suspension with Semi-Elliptical Leaf Springs
• Rear Live Axle with Reversed Quarter-Elliptical Leaf Springs

Ownership

Michel’s ownership was not lengthy and in 1936, chassis 43309 was sold to Jacques Dubois in Glageon, France, the grandson of the founder of the industrial glass manufacturer Edmond Dubois & Cie, and later Gaston Dubois et Cie (Gaston being Jacques’ father). Jacques would later manage the company from 1948 until its closure in 1966.

From Jacques Dubois, the Type 43A was sold to Denyse Rogeau acting for her husband, Louis Rogeau, on September 15, 1939, along with three other Bugattis: a Type 37 (chassis 37385), a Type 44, and a Type 49. They lived at 7 Boulevard Victor Hugo in Lille, France, where they operated a small garage. After the war, it was revealed that M. Rogeau had collaborated with the Nazis beginning in 1941 and bought cars which he then sold to the Germans. He consequently spent six months in jail, had his goods confiscated, and paid a fine of 120,000 French francs and suffered the inevitable disgrace and social ostracism.

The next known owner was Antoine Thibeau in Roubaix who purchased the Type 43A on May 31, 1944. M. Thibeau was an engineer from Arts et Metiers and son-in-law of Albert Motte of the well-known Motte textile family. During his ownership, 43309 was re-registered as “5400 BE 59” in the new system on June 28, 1955. The Thibeau family would own the car until they offered it to Serge Pozzoli for his proposed museum in Montlhéry. In the 1962 H.G. Conway Bugatti Register and Data Book, the Montlhéry Motor Museum was listed as the owner and noted that the car was now a two-tone gray and in excellent condition. It was right around the time of the 1962 register listing that the color scheme of the car was changed for the first and only time, as it appears with this paint today. Another special feature to be noted is that in place of the standard wooden dashboard is a two-piece aluminum dashboard. It is beautifully constructed, shifting all of the gauges from the center of the dash to a panel surrounding the steering column, giving unrestricted access to the centrally-mounted magneto ignition.

Mr. Pozzoli was one of the leading French collectors of his time and he amassed a considerable number of prewar Delage, Delahaye, Alfa Romeo, and Bugatti automobiles as well as many other more obscure French makes. This “museum” was filled with old and, in many cases, unwanted prewar cars under the banked track of Montlhéry, and he can be credited for undoubtedly saving a large quantity of these cars from an uncertain fate.

Around 1978, Mr. Pozzoli traded the Type 43A to the well-known Bugatti collector and historian, Uwe Hucke of Nettelstedt, Germany, for a Bugatti Grand Prix car built from parts. Mr. Hucke and his wife, Monica, cherished the unrestored, preserved Type 43A, but chose to sell the car after nine years of ownership to Dr. Joachim Jantzen of Essen who would actively use the car in numerous events, including the 1987 International Bugatti Rally based in Münster.

After 15 years of active use, Dr. Jantzen sold 43309 to another German collector, Manfred Dolleschel, who used it in several rallies. In 2009, at the International Bugatti Rally in Italy, the car went off the road and suffered damage to its front end. The car was carefully repaired and subsequently sold to the well-known British property developer and classic car connoisseur William Ainscough. After a four-year spell in Mr. Ainscough’s dynamic collection, it finally joined the stable of Jack Braam Ruben, noted dealer and collector of fine automobiles with a strong Bugatti emphasis. During Mr. Braam Ruben’s ownership, further detail and repair work was done by Bugatti specialist Simon Klopper.

Unquestionably one of the most original and best preserved of almost any model Bugatti in existence today, 43309 is offered with its original engine (no. 106), gearbox (no. 107), rear axle (no. 108), and frame (no. 114), per the accompanying reports by David Sewell, Mark Morris, and Kees Jansen on file. As only one of 10 survivors of the 19 Type 43A roadsters built, this offering from The Jack Braam Ruben Collection represents a rare, if not once-in-a-lifetime, opportunity to acquire one of the most desirable sports-touring Bugatti models ever produced.

Provenance

• Edouard Michel, Paris, France (acquired new in 1934)
• Jacques Dubois, Glageon, France (acquired from the above in 1936)
• Denyse and Louis Rogeau, Lille, France (acquired from the above in 1939)
• Antoine Thibeau, Roubaix, France (acquired in 1944)
• Serge Pozzoli, Montlhéry, France (acquired from the above circa 1960)
• Uwe Hucke, Nettelstedt, Germany (acquired from the above circa 1978)
• Dr. Joachim Jantzen, Essen, Germany (acquired from the above in 1987)
• Manfred Dolleschel, Germany (acquired from the above in 2002)
• William Ainscough, Jersey, UK (acquired from the above circa 2009)
• Jack Braam Ruben (acquired from the above in 2014)

Available now

Gooding & Co is now proud to offer this rarity at their London auction.  Information is available HERE.

2023 London auction Highlights

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Five Decades of Historic Motorsport

It’s a bit daunting to think five decades have past since the first Monterey Historics occurred in 1974. Laguna Seca wasn’t even 20 years old when vintage car enthusiast Steve Earle organized the first Historics at Laguna Seca, a race track built on property once part of U.S. Army’s Fort Ord. I once had an in-depth phone conversation with Steve about the impetus behind his first gathering, to which he commented, “Cars belong on the track, not the lawn.” It was this belief and passion that resulted in decades of phenomenal vintage racing that set a benchmark for the sport in North America.

The post 2024 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion appeared first on Sports Car Digest.

Eventually, Mr. Reigel graduated from being a simple enthusiast and is now a part owner and CEO of one of the most successful and monumentally historic race tracks in North America, Lime Rock Park.

A Historic Racing Landmark

Lime Rock Park, Located in naturally beautiful northwest Connecticut, is among some of the oldest speedways in the United States and has played a key role in the history of motorsport since 1957, when it first opened. Originally a sand and gravel quarry, ground was first broken in 1956, and since then, it has hosted some of the most famous and historically significant icons in motorsport, such as Mario Andretti, Derek Bell, Mark Donohue, Tom Kristensen, and countless others. Of the three major continuously operated North American road racing circuits established from 1955-1957, Road America, Laguna Seca, and Lime Rock, Connecticut’s own historic raceway remains the only one of the three to remain completely unchanged from its original track layout. Even after the complete re-paving of 2008, no apex was skewed, no turn was altered, and no other track aspect was modified.

A Timeless Setting

This mantra of tradition still shines through today. Tradition, beauty, and speed are Lime Rock’s main slogan. Being as old as it is, Lime Rock has nurtured generation after generation of motorsport and automobile enthusiasts. Lime Rock has hosted virtually every major North American race series, including IMSA, American Le Mans Series, Nascar, Trans Am, SCCA, and others. LRP pulls from its past to curate events that provoke the same feelings of tradition, beauty, and speed that have been felt since the original days of SCCA races in the 50s and 60s.

I took the time to meet with Mr. Reigel to discuss his connection with motorsport and Lime Rock Park, but also to capture the essence of Lime Rock as an environment of natural beauty and comfort and a feeling of nostalgia and history. Immediately as you enter the main paddock, you can see the original building from 1957. The stands are still intact, although unused, to ensure they remain preserved. Surrounded by mountains and guided along a river, the track truly is beautiful.

Adding to the beauty of the surroundings was the 2023 season pace car speeding around the track. The world’s fastest SUV, an Aston Martin DBX 707 provided by a long-time partner of the track, Miller Motorcars, wrapped in a bright green livery resembling the current Formula One Safety Car and nicknamed “Limey McQueen” as voted by Lime Rock fans.

I wanted to combine shots of Mr. Reigel speeding down the historic No Name Straight (now the Skip Barber Straight), flying through the uphill, and around Big Bend, followed by a series of shots compiled by the Lime Rock Historical Archives in order to portray the untouched figure of LRP. Many of these vintage shots are accumulations of Trans Am from 1970 and 1988, as well as SCCA clips from the 60s and early 70s. My hope is that this video evokes the senses of tradition, beauty, and speed and can help connect you to the history of racing and remind you of the first time a race car caught your eye.

Watch The Interview

The post Racing Through Time: The Legacy of Richard Reigel and Lime Rock Park appeared first on Sports Car Digest.

Following the October 1960 Los Angeles Times Grand Prix at Riverside, California, successful Texan racer Jim Hall had a fruitful discussion with Dick Troutman and Tom Barnes, constructors instrumental in the creation of Lance Reventlow’s Scarabs. Having just struck out on their own with a shop in Culver City, California, Troutman and Barnes were eager to create and develop a successor to the Scarab. Hall agreed to fund the project, which would be named “Chaparral,” after the fleet West Texas roadrunner.

Troutman and Barnes constructed two cars for Hall, the prototype Chaparral, chassis 001, and this example, chassis 003. Hall’s maiden outing with 001 was at Laguna Seca on June 10, 1961, where he finished 2nd Overall and 1st in Class. A 3rd Place finish at that October’s Riverside Grand Prix and 2nd Place in the Governor’s Trophy preliminary race at Nassau in December 1961 confirmed the new Chaparral’s promise. Troutman and Barnes built three additional Chaparral Mk I cars for other customers – chassis 002 for Harry Heuer’s Meister Bräuser team, chassis 004 for Chuck Jones’ Team Meridian, and chassis 005 for British hill climber Phil Scragg.

Overview

• The Charismatic and Highly Successful Original Chaparral Design
• Built by Dick Troutman and Tom Barnes for the 1962–1963 Racing Seasons
• The Third of Five Chaparral Mk I Examples Constructed; Raced by Jim Hall
• Racing History Includes Outings at Sebring and Road America
• Accompanied by FIA Historic Technical Passport

Chassis Highlights

• 339 CID Chevrolet V-8 Engine
• Six Stromberg “97” 2-Barrel Carburetors
• 442 BHP
• 4-Speed T10 Manual Gearbox
• 4-Wheel Girling Hydraulic Brakes
• 4-Wheel Independent Coil-Spring Suspension

1962 and beyond

For the 1962 season, Hall continued development of his Chaparrals in conjunction with fellow Texan racing driver Hap Sharp. Hall entered both 001 and 003 at the 12 Hours of Sebring on March 24, 1962. Initially, Hall and Chuck Daigh co-drove 003, but they retired after eight hours due to steering issues and joined Sharp and Ronnie Hissom in 001 to secure a class victory and 6th Overall finish. The next documented outing for 003 came at the September 1962 Road America 500, where Hall and Sharp co-drove it to victory. Development continued on the Chaparral, with emphasis on bodywork and aerodynamics. When 003 was campaigned at the 12 Hours of Sebring in March 1963, it featured a pointed nose and tall tail fins to the rear. After 15 laps, however, 003 retired with engine issues. With the advent of the new mid-engine Chaparral 2, both 001 and 003 were sold; interestingly, they are the only 1961–1970 Chaparrals ever sold by Hall.

Chassis 003 was purchased by Gary Wilson of Kansas, who campaigned the Chaparral in SCCA and USRRC events for 1964, with the best result an 8th Place finish at the July 1964 USRRC race in Greenwood, Iowa. Following its sale to Joe Starkey, 003 returned to its winning ways, scoring a class win at the April 1965 SCCA National Lake Charles meet, followed by a win at the 1965 SCCA Nationals in Kingsville, Maryland, and a 2nd Place finish in the main event at the October 1965 Fort Sumner, New Mexico SCCA Regionals with Eugene Nearburg driving. Chassis 003’s front-line racing career ended in Mexico with a DNF resulting from an accident during the first Grand Prix Juarez and “Camino Real” Road Race in November 1965.

Dormant and in disrepair, 003 was eventually purchased by Dr. Gary Lund, who would retain the car for the next 30 years. In 1987, Lund offered a 50% stake in the car to Steve Schultz in exchange for restoration services. A restoration was completed over the next decade, including extensive research and particular attention to the replication of the car’s original bodywork. Following completion in 1997, chassis 003 was displayed at concours and vintage racing events for several years, prior to its sale to Skip Barber, the racer and driving school founder from Sharon, Connecticut. In 2002, 003 was displayed at Road America with Jim Hall in attendance.

The current owner purchased 003 in 2004 and subsequently entered the car into numerous vintage racing events, including the Monterey Historics in 2005 and 2017 as well as the Goodwood Revival in 2006 and 2007. Accompanied by an impressive history file containing historical documents, photographs, restoration and maintenance records, articles, and correspondence, this Chaparral Mk 1 stands ready for continued racing under a new custodian, and presents a compelling concours entry as the first of the many successful Chaparral sports racers built and raced through 1970.

Ownership

• Chaparral Racing Team, Dallas, Texas (acquired new)
• Gary Wilson, Kansas Racing Team (acquired from the above in 1963)
• Gene Nearburg (acquired from the above 1964)
• Joe Starkey Dale Deem (acquired from the above 1966)
• Mitch Nalda (acquired from the above 1967)
• Keith Hardy (acquired from the above 1968)
• Gene Nearburg (acquired from the above 1969)
• Dr. Gary Lund (acquired circa 1973)
• Steve Schultz / Dr. Gary Lund (partnership in 1987)
• Skip Barber, Sharon, Connecticut (acquired from the above in 2001)
• Current Owner (acquired from the above in 2004)

Now Available

Go HERE for more information from Gooding  & Co.

Jim Hall Video

The post 1961 Chaparral Mk 1 appeared first on Sports Car Digest.

By the late 1950s, sports racing cars were becoming increasingly sophisticated, transitioning from traditional front-engine production-based cars to a new generation of highly specialized purpose-built mid-engine machines. Faced with the challenging task of designing an all-new sports car on a shoestring budget, Alfieri courageously created the last of the great front-engine sports racers – and what is today regarded as a masterpiece of industrial design.

The genius of Alfieri’s design lay in its intricate space-frame chassis – an engineering marvel constructed from approximately 200 small-diameter chromoly steel tubes, welded in triangular formations and reinforced in highstress areas. Weighing less than 70 pounds, this chassis earned the new Maserati its “Birdcage” nickname and provided an extremely lightweight platform with exceptional torsional rigidity.

While its chassis represented a radical new direction, the rest of the Birdcage design made use of tried-and-true Maserati components. The car’s independent front suspension and De Dion rear axle were derived from the highly successful 250F Formula 1 car, as was its rear-mounted, five-speed transaxle. Advances in sports car design allowed Alfieri to utilize four-wheel disc brakes, rack and pinion steering, and Koni telescopic dampers at each corner, giving the featherweight Birdcage unmatched cornering and stopping power. This remarkable mechanical package was clothed in equally daring Allegretti coachwork, characterized by its low body line, protruding wheel arches, aerodynamically effective Kamm tail, and steeply raked windscreen, which not only complied with strict FIA regulations, but also offered a glimpse into the Birdcage’s complex inner workings.

As the Tipo 60 was intended for customer use, Alfieri decided to use the proven two-liter, four-cylinder engine from the earlier 200S. To lower the car’s center of gravity, the engine was mounted well behind the front axle, converted to dry sump lubrication, and canted over 45º to the right. After early tests showed that the chassis was capable of handling significantly more power, Alfieri decided to produce a 2.9-liter version of the Birdcage – with 50 additional horsepower – called the Tipo 61. The larger capacity Tipo 61 was extremely popular in North America and gave Maserati a real contender in the FIA World Sportscar Championship, where the Birdcage’s clever design provided an instant advantage on tight, technical circuits.

As Maserati had shuttered its factory racing program after the 1957 season, the fate of the Birdcage was left in the hands of well-heeled privateers like Briggs Cunningham and Lloyd “Lucky” Casner’s Camoradi Racing Team.

Despite the lack of factory backing, the Birdcage proved itself at the highest levels of sports car racing, dominating the Italian hill climb championship, winning the Nürburgring 1000 Km in 1960 and 1961, and capturing the 1960 SCCA D-Modified National Championship. Not only was the Birdcage successful in competition, but its outstanding dynamic qualities made it a favorite among amateur and professional racers alike.

Highlights

• Among the Most Iconic and Sought-After of All Maserati Racing Cars
• Ultimate-Specification Tipo 61 Birdcage – One of Only 17 Examples Built
• Campaigned by American Racers Loyal Katskee and Don Skogmo Through 1963
• Raced in Period at the Cuban Grand Prix, Bahamas Speed Week, and Pikes Peak Hill Climb
• Formerly Owned by Noted European Collectors Giulio Dubbini and Carlo Vögele
• Maserati Classiche Certified; Accompanied by Period Tipo 61 Engine (Disassembled) and Spare Reproduction Engine

Technical Specs

• 2,890 CC DOHC Twin-Plug Inline 4-cylinder Engine
• Twin Weber 45 DCO3 Carburetors
• Estimated 250 BHP at 6,800 RPM
• 5-Speed Manual Transaxle
• 4-Wheel Hydraulic Disc Brakes
• Front Independent Suspension with Coil Springs
• Rear De Dion Axle with Transverse Leaf Spring

Chassis 2454

According to Maserati records, this Tipo 61, chassis 2454, was completed on November 9, 1959, making it the third of just 17 examples built. Originally finished in black with red upholstery, the Birdcage was sold new to Loyal Katskee, an Omaha, Nebraska-based British car dealer, who had been campaigning a Ferrari 750 Monza since 1956.

On November 13, 1959, #2454 was flown from Italy to Miami, Florida, arriving in time for Katskee to debut the spectacular new Maserati at the annual Bahamas Speed Week in Nassau. Despite the new car suffering from a failing De Dion bridge, Katskee managed to place 11th Overall in the Governor’s Trophy and 16th Overall in the Nassau Trophy.

After Nassau, Katskee repainted the Birdcage white with fluorescent orange racing numbers. In February 1960, he entered it in the first La Libertad Grand Prix in Havana, Cuba. Facing a competitive field that included several Porsche 718 Spiders, a Ferrari TR59 driven by Pedro Rodriguez, and another Tipo 61 Maserati driven by Stirling Moss, Katskee had 2454 running in 4th Place when an engine failure forced his retirement after just 16 laps.

Throughout the remainder of the 1960 season, Katskee campaigned his Birdcage in USAC races across North America, beginning with Continental Divide in June and finishing the season that October following the Los Angeles Times Grand Prix at Riverside and the USAC Pacific Grand Prix at Laguna Seca. His best result with 2454 occurred at Road America, where he placed 3rd Overall behind two long-tail Birdcages.

Following the 1960 season, Katskee sold 2454 to Donald Skogmo of Minneapolis, an heir to the Gamble-Skogmo merchandising chain. Skogmo, who already owned another Birdcage and would go on to acquire at least two others, campaigned his fleet of Maseratis under the “Dirty Bird Racing Team” banner throughout the early 1960s.

For 1961, Skogmo installed a new engine in 2454 and entered it in a variety of events, from local SCCA races to the famous Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, finishing the racing season at Nassau. After two additional Birdcages joined Skogmo’s team for the 1962 season, 2454 was primarily kept as a backup car, taking part in a few additional SCCA races throughout the Midwest and one final edition of the Bahamas Speed Week before retiring after the 1963 season.

Racing History

• Nassau Governor’s Trophy, 1959, Katskee, No. 12 (11th Overall)
• Cuban Grand Prix, February 1960, Katskee, No. 17 (DNF)
• USAC Continental Divide, Colorado, June 1960, Katskee, No. 12 (DNF)
• USAC Road America, Wisconsin, July 1960, Katskee, No. 12 (3rd Overall)
• USAC Los Angeles Times Grand Prix, October 1960, Katskee, No. 12 (DNF)
• USAC Pacific Grand Prix at Laguna Seca, Heat 1, October 1960, Katskee, No. 12 (14th Overall)
• USAC Pacific Grand Prix at Laguna Seca, Heat 2, October 1960, Katskee, No. 12 (DNF)
• SCCA Wilmot Hills, Wisconsin, May 1961, Skogmo (2nd Overall)
• USAC Hoosier Grand Prix, Heat 1, June 1961, Skogmo, No. 31 (11th Overall)
• USAC Hoosier Grand Prix, Heat 2, June 1961, Skogmo, No. 31 (8th Overall)
• USAC Continental Divide, Heat 1, Colorado, July 1961, Skogmo, No. 31 (7th Overall)
• USAC Continental Divide, Heat 2, Colorado, July 1961, Skogmo, No. 31 (DNF)
• USAC Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, July 1961, Skogmo, No. 31 (8th in Class)
• SCCA Metropolitan Stadium, Minnesota, July 1961, Skogmo, No. 3 (1st Overall)
• Nassau Governor’s Trophy Prelim, December 1961, Skogmo, No. 61 (13th Overall)
• Nassau Governor’s Trophy, December 1961, Skogmo, No. 61 (8th Overall)
• Nassau International Trophy, December 1961, Skogmo, No. 61 (16th Overall)
• SCCA Road America June Sprints, Wisconsin, June 1962, Skogmo, No. 31 (15th Overall)
• SCCA Road America 500, Wisconsin, September 1962, Skogmo/Beckett, No. 31 (DNF)
• SCCA Rosemount, Minnesota, June 1963, Skogmo (1st Overall)
• SCCA Road America June Sprints, Wisconsin, June 1963, Skogmo, No. 34 (DNF)
• SCCA Lynndale Farms, Wisconsin, September 1963, Skogmo, No. 32 (6th Overall)
• Nassau Governor’s Trophy, December 1963, Skogmo, No. 31 (DNF)

Second Life

In 1965, Don Skogmo advertised 2454 for sale, asking $2,300 for the Maserati, which, by this point, had neither an engine nor transaxle fitted. The aging Tipo 61 was sold to a new owner in Florida, then passed through a subsequent owner in New York, before being purchased by an Englishman around 1970. Under his ownership, 2454 received a sympathetic restoration and was fitted with a two-liter engine and four-speed transaxle from a Maserati 300S. In the mid-1970s, the Birdcage was sold back to the US; renowned Italian collector Giulio Dubbini acquired it from there in 1978.

Based in Padova, Italy, Dubbini was well known for his impressive stable of sports and racing cars, which included important Alfa Romeos, Maseratis, and many of the finest Ferraris, including a 250 Testa Rossa, 250 MM Berlinetta, 500 TRC, and 250 GT SWB Berlinetta. In addition to his extraordinary automotive holdings, Dubbini was an avid enthusiast who helped organize many historic events including the Coppa d’Oro delle Dolomiti Storica. Chassis 2454 remained in his impressive collection for the next decade, during which time it was fitted with a correct-type Tipo 61 engine and five-speed transaxle.

In 1989, after Mr. Dubbini’s passing, 2454 was sold to Swiss collector Karl Blöchle. An avid car collector and fine artist specializing in automotive models, Mr. Blöchle campaigned the Tipo 61 in European historic events through 1997, when it was sold to German collector Hein Gericke.

In 2000, respected Swiss collector and historic racer Carlo Vögele acquired 2454. Under his ownership, the Maserati was entrusted to Capricorn Group, the German engineering company well known for producing high-quality restorations and reproduction racing engines. The restoration of the Tipo 61 was performed with the goal of competing at the highest levels of historic racing and Mr. Vögele did just that, entering it in several rounds of the Shell Ferrari Historic Challenge.

During his ownership, Mr. Vögele also had 2454 inspected and certified by Maserati Classiche. According to the accompanying Maserati Classiche Certificazione di Autenticità, this Birdcage retains its original chassis and bodywork, and has a correct-type engine and transaxle. It is believed that this Tipo 61 is one of as few as two examples certified by Maserati Classiche before the company ended the program.

Mr. Vögele owned 2454 until 2011, when it was sold to German collector Klaus Werner, who continued to race it in historic events at Spa, Nürburgring, and Goodwood.

Since 2012, the Birdcage has been a fixture in a prominent North American collection, benefiting from meticulous maintenance and sparing use. Soon after acquiring the Maserati, the consignor sent it to the renowned Canepa Motorsport of Scotts Valley, California, for a thorough inspection and race preparation. Detailed photos and invoices on file confirm that 2454 was carefully disassembled, inspected, and repaired as needed to prepare it for its debut at the 2014 Monterey Historic Automobile Races at Laguna Seca. For vintage racing purposes, the Birdcage is currently fitted with a reproduction engine built by UK-based Maserati specialist Steve Hart. Another reproduction race engine and the disassembled period Tipo 61 engine, no. 2477, accompany the car at auction.

Gooding & Co

Go HERE for more information.

Above content © 2024 Gooding & Co reviewed and edited by Rex McAfee

The post 1959 Maserati Tipo 61 Birdcage appeared first on Sports Car Digest.

Car Highlights

• Features Sublimely Beautiful Scaglietti Coachwork with Distinctive Tail Fin
• The Last of Just Four 857 Sports Built
• Multiple Podium Finishes in 1956 with Carroll Shelby and Jack McAfee
• Additionally, Driven by Olivier Gendebien, Richie Ginther, Masten Gregory, and Other Racing Luminaries
• Exactingly Restored in 2011 by the Renowned DK Engineering
• An Extremely Significant Competition Ferrari with Matching-Numbers Engine

Overview

Never resting on its laurels, Ferrari sought to improve upon the four-cylinder race cars that had won them the 1954 World Sportscar Championship. The 500 Mondial and 750 Monza would soon face new competition, including the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR. In response, Ferrari developed new, larger engines, including the Lampredi-designed 3.5 liter in the 857 Sport.

The 857 Sport debuted at the Royal Automobile Club Tourist Trophy in Ireland, and Scuderia Ferrari entered three new works 857s to compete with Mercedes-Benz. Included in the lineup was this example, chassis 0588 M, the last of the four 857 Sports built. On September 14, 1955, Ferrari’s new team driver, Olivier Gendebien, entered the circuit in 0588 M for Thursday morning practice and, unfortunately, crashed and rolled the Ferrari before the end of practice. Days later, chassis 0588 M was returned to Carrozzeria Scaglietti in Modena for repairs, during which Scaglietti fitted a tail fin to the headrest, giving the car its distinctive appearance. As with many ex-Scuderia Ferrari cars, 0588 M was sold to the US to partake in the country’s flourishing sports car racing scene.

Noted sports car team owner John Edgar of Hollywood, California, had amassed a group of significant Ferraris, including a 275 Sport Barchetta, 340 America, and the former Le Mans-winning 375 MM Plus. After seeing Phil Hill’s win for Ferrari in the 3.5-liter 857 S in Nassau, Edgar decided he needed a large-displacement four-cylinder for the upcoming season.

In 1956, Edgar placed an order with Luigi Chinetti in New York, and soon, he received 0588 M, as well as an invoice for $17,500. Once prepped, the team headed to Palm Springs, California, with the 857. On the starting grid, Edgar’s driver, Jack McAfee, sat poised in his new mount across from Carroll Shelby in Scuderia Parravano’s 410 S. Quickly after the start the two Ferraris pulled past a D-Type to take the lead, but McAfee could not keep up with Shelby on the Palm Springs circuit. Regardless, the 857 Sport’s first competitive outing brought the car a commendable 2nd Overall.

Several weeks later, at the Stockton Road Races, McAfee piloted the 3.5-liter Ferrari to a 1st Overall victory over another D-Type and John von Neumann in his Monza. With the finned Ferrari gaining popularity throughout California, fans were delighted to see the car lined up that April for the 7th Annual SCCA Pebble Beach Road Races. The grid included a full mix of four- and six-cylinder Ferraris in the hands of Hill, Shelby, and Ernie McAfee. Unfortunately for Ernie McAfee, it would be his last race and, as a result of his death, the last year of road races in the forest at Pebble Beach. Despite the dark air that day, Jack McAfee took the 857 Sport to a 3rd Overall.

From there, Jack McAfee took the car to a 6th Place finish at the SCCA National at Eagle Mountain Air Force Base in Fort Worth, Texas, but at Road America, on June 24, 1956, McAfee failed to finish. In July, McAfee managed a 5th Overall at the race at Beverly prior to the car’s return to the West Coast. For the SCCA National Seafair Road Races outside of Seattle, Edgar entrusted Masten Gregory to pilot the 857, although gearbox trouble ended his race.

The 857 Sport was quickly flown to New York in order to fix the gearbox prior to the race at Montgomery on August 19. McAfee had enjoyed continued success in the Porsche 550, and by now Carroll Shelby had come to join the team. For the New York race, Shelby would pilot the 857 for the first time, with fantastic results. In race four, he won outright and repeated the result in race nine ahead of a Maserati 300S and three Cunningham D-Types.

At Thompson Raceway the following month, Shelby ended up in the dirt after the Ferrari’s brakes failed. Back in the hands of McAfee that November, the car came in 5th Overall at the 1st Annual Palm Springs National Championship Races. In December, four starts at Nassau, piloted by Richie Ginther, yielded no podiums, and likewise for Shelby at Pomona to round out the year. However, the 857 S had served the team well in the 1956 season, and Edgar subsequently sold it to Stan Sugarman of Scottsdale, Arizona.

In April 1957, Jack McAfee drove it in the 2nd Annual Palm Springs National Championship Races where he took 5th Place. In November, McAfee took 4th, and then 5th in the main event. Later that month, Richie Ginther finished 5th in the main event at the inaugural race at Laguna Seca.

A few more outings over the next year brought an 8th Overall at Riverside and a 3rd Overall in Palm Springs, but by 1958 Mr. Sugarman knew he had an old race car. That year he replaced the four-cylinder Ferrari engine with that of a Chevrolet Corvette V-8. During the late 1950s, the car found its way to Texas, and by 1962, Jim Hall facilitated the purchase of 0588 M to the admired enthusiast Oscar Koveleski of Scranton, Pennsylvania. Koveleski fitted yet another Corvette V-8 engine and over the next three years went racing and brought home a few podium finishes from small events in the Northeast.

In 1966, the 857 Sport was sold to pop artist Andy Warhol. An unusual owner for an old racing Ferrari, Mr. Warhol wanted to make a parody of the film The Yellow Rolls-Royce. Chassis 0588 M was subsequently painted yellow with black wheels and a black grille. The film was never produced and the Ferrari was said to have been driven by Mr. Warhol’s agent around the streets of New York.

The car eventually passed to Tiny Gould, still finished in yellow and black, prior to its return to Italy. In the early 1970s, Christopher Renwick sold the car to Luigi P. Rezzonico Castelbarco of Imbersago, Italy, more commonly known as “Count Bobily”. During his ownership, the 857 S appeared at the 1973 Le Mans Historics driven by Corrado Cupellini, who later owned the car, eventually selling it to the respected collector Jean-Claude Bajol.

Meanwhile, by 1982, a Los Angeles attorney was offering the engine and gearbox of a so-called “Super Monza” out of Australia. During an inspection of the components, the engine was found to be 0588 M – the original 3.5-liter four-cylinder unit from this 857 S. After some negotiation, the engine and gearbox were sold to David Cottingham of DK Engineering in the UK.

After 13 years in his ownership, M. Bajol sold the Ferrari to Mr. Cottingham who had persistently tried to buy the car, intending to restore and reunite it with its original engine.

In 2011, the 857 S was disassembled and inspected prior to an extensive restoration by DK Engineering. The body was found to be exceptionally original and was expertly refinished. The original engine and transaxle were rebuilt and reunited with the chassis after more than 50 years apart. By September 2011, the 857 S was returned to its John Edgar livery and debuted at the Goodwood Revival.

In 2012, chassis 0588 M joined the collection of its current owner, where it has taken its place among a score of world-class competition Ferraris and has been maintained by his expert staff of caretakers. Today, in superb mechanical and cosmetic order, the 857 Sport represents a supremely finished example of a very significant and pure four-cylinder Ferrari. Having started life as a Scuderia Ferrari works car, the subsequent race record in the ownership of John Edgar marks a successful spell in the hands of both Jack McAfee and Carroll Shelby. Additionally owned by Oscar Koveleski, Andy Warhol, and Jean-Claude Bajol, 0588 M is certainly a unique example.

Furthermore, 0588 M boasts gorgeous and unique Scaglietti coachwork, a matching-numbers engine, and an exceptional history, having been raced by some of the greatest drivers of the era. This is quite possibly the best 857 in existence and one of the most important four-cylinder Ferraris ever produced. Beautifully restored and likely the finest of its kind, this is a chance to own one of the most compelling Ferrari sports racing cars of the 1950s.

Technical Specs

• 3,421 CC DOHC Tipo 129 4-Cylinder Engine
• Twin Weber 58 DCOA3 Carburetors
• 276 BHP at 6,000 RPM
• 4-Speed Manual Gearbox
• 4-Wheel Drum Brakes
• Front Independent Double-Wishbone Suspension with Coil Springs
• Rear De Dion Axle with Transverse Leaf Spring

Ownership

• Scuderia Ferrari (retained for racing)
• John Edgar, Sherman Oaks, California (acquired from the above via Luigi Chinetti in 1956)
• Stan Sugarman, Phoenix, Arizona (acquired from the above in 1957)
• Jim Hall, Dallas, Texas (acquired from the above in 1961)
• Oscar Koveleski, Scranton, Pennsylvania (acquired from the above in 1962)
• Andy Warhol, Long Island, New York (acquired from the above in 1966)
• Tiny Gould, New York, New York (acquired in late 1960s)
• Anthony Bamford, UK (acquired in 1970s)
• Luigi P. Rezzonico Castelbarco, Count Bobily Imbersago, Italy (acquired via Christopher Renwick in early 1970s)
• Giulio Dubbini, Padova, Italy (acquired circa early 1970s)
• Corrado Cupellini, Italy (acquired circa 1973)
• Jean-Claude Bajol, Toulouse, France (acquired in 1997)
• David Cottingham, Chorleywood, UK (acquired from the above via Jean Guikas in 2011)
• Current Owner (acquired from the above in 2012)

Race Highlights

• RAC Tourist Trophy, Ireland, 1955, Gendebien/Gregory, No. 9 (DNS)
• Palm Springs National Championship, Race 2, February 1956, McAfee, No. 98 (2nd Overall, 2nd in Class)
• Stockton Road Races, March 1956, McAfee, No. 98 (1st Overall)
• SCCA Pebble Beach Road Races, April 1956, McAfee, No. 98 (3rd Overall, 2nd in Class)
• SCCA National, Cumberland Hillclimb, May 1956, McAfee, No. 98 (DNS)
• SCCA National, Eagle Mountain, June 1956, McAfee, No. 79 (6th Place)
• SCCA National, Road America, June 1956, McAfee, No. 198 (DNF)
• SCCA National, Beverly, July 1956, McAfee, No. 93 (5th Overall)
• SCCA National Seafair Road Races, August 1956, Gregory, No. 23 (DNF)
• SCCA Regional, Montgomery, Race 4, August 1956, Shelby, No. 141 (1st Place)
• SCCA Regional, Montgomery, Race 9, August 1956, Shelby, No. 141 (1st Place)
• SCCA National, Thompson, September 1956, Shelby, No. 141 (DNF)
• SCCA National, 1 Hour Thompson, September 1956, Shelby, No. 141 (DNF)
• SCCA National, Palm Springs, November 1956, McAfee, No. 99 (5th Overall)
• Governor’s Trophy, Nassau, December 1956, Ginther, No. 88 (6th Place)
• Preliminary, Nassau, Sports over 2-Liter, December 1956, Ginther, No. 88 (DNF)
• Nassau, Ferrari Class, December 1956, Ginther, No. 88 (9th Place)
• Nassau Trophy, December 1956, Ginther, No. 88 (39th Place)
• Preliminary Pomona, January 1956, Shelby, No. 88 (DNF)
• Pomona, Sports, January 1956, Shelby, No. 88 (DNQ)
• Palm Springs National Championship, April 1957, McAfee, No. 58 (4th Overall)
• SCCA National, Palm Springs, November 1957, McAfee, No. 8 (5th Place)
• SCCA National, Laguna Seca, November 1957, Ginther, No. 190 (5th Place)

Above content © 2024 Gooding and Co reviewed and edited by Rex McAfee

Gooding & Co Pebble Beach Auction

Please go HERE for more information on the auction of this vehicle.

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Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion

The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, celebrating its golden milestone, will welcome more than 400 meticulously restored cars for four days of racing and displays. Established in 1974 as the Monterey Historic Automobile Races, the inaugural edition featured 66 entries. Today, the hundreds of selected entrants are presented with a coveted letter of acceptance, affirming their vehicle’s prestigious heritage. The event reunites motor racing heroes with the machines that drove them to success throughout their career. Over the decades, all five Rolex motor sport Testimonees – Sir Jackie Stewart, Tom Kristensen, Mark Webber, Jenson Button and Jamie Chadwick – have driven an array of cars at the track.

Button, the 2009 FIA Formula 1® Drivers’ World Champion, returns this year to drive his 1952 Jaguar C-Type, once owned by Juan Manuel Fangio. Eagerly anticipating the event, Button says: “Laguna Seca is a fantastic circuit to drive. It’s a fast-flowing and particularly challenging track given the elevation changes and the legendary corkscrew corner. Even when you’re in a car from the 1950s, circuits like Laguna Seca feel incredibly fast and I’m looking forward to racing my C-Type there next week. The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion is a spectacular event that offers some of the best racing you’ll ever see in historic cars.”

Rolex Testimonee Jenson Button behind the wheel of his 1952 Jaguar C-Type. Photo Credit: ©Rolex/Adam Warner

Pebble Beach Tour D’Elegance® Presented by Rolex

Held on the morning of Thursday 15 August, the Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance® presented by Rolex captivates motoring and watch aficionados alike. Often referred to as a rolling museum, the convoy traverses sections of the iconic 17-Mile Drive, showcasing the meticulous restoration and refinement of the historic vehicles.

A prelude to the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance®, the Tour provides the first glimpse of competing vehicles ahead of Sunday’s judging. Since 2007, Rolex has proudly supported this exhibition of timeless automotive excellence as the event’s Official Timepiece and Presenting Partner.

The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering

The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering exemplifies automotive sophistication and beauty. Here, esteemed manufacturers and coachbuilders unveil their visionary models and prototypes amid a display of vintage automobiles.Taking place on Friday 16 August, this year’s gathering commemorates significant milestones for several marques: the centennial of British icon MG, the 30-year anniversary of Swedish innovator Koenigsegg Automotive, and the enduring legacy of the Porsche 911 Turbo (930), which marks its 50th year. As the event draws to a close, class winners and the overall Rolex Best of Show are welcomed into the Rolex Circle of Champions. In 2005, the Swiss watchmaker became Official Timepiece of the event, which honours the motoring heritage that shapes the future of modern engineering.

Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance®

Enthusiasts will gather at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance® for the grand finale on Sunday 18 August to witness an array of pristine historic automobiles spanning across the centuries, from 1898 to 2023. The 73rd edition of this renowned showcase celebrates the Italian heritage of Maserati and Pietro Frua, the 125th birthday of the famed Packard marque, the GT racing greats of the 1990s, along with the contemporary Wedge-shaped concept cars. Set amid the greens and fairways of Pebble Beach Golf Links® – a course steeped in the legacy of Rolex icons such as Arnold Palmer and Tiger Woods – the vehicles on display embody timeless beauty and prestige. In recognition of the commitment to excellence and the meticulous preservation of automotive heritage, Rolex will present a specially engraved timepiece to the Best of Show recipient.

Sir Jackie Stewart, a Rolex Testimonee for more than 55 years and three-time FIA Formula 1® Drivers’ World Champion, shares his enthusiasm for the celebrations in California: “The atmosphere and genuine appreciation for cars is unparalleled and Rolex’s involvement throughout the week adds to the unique charm and culture of excellence. The brand only partners the best events at the best venues, and the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, and Monterey Car Week as a whole, are no exception. The 50th anniversary of historic racing at Laguna Seca is a truly wonderful milestone. I have a lot of special memories at the track from throughout my career. It isn’t only a showcase of the most remarkable vehicles in motor sport but also the drivers.”

Rolex and Motorsport

Rolex’s close ties with motor sport date back to Sir Malcolm Campbell’s World Land Speed Record successes in the 1930s, when he became the first driver to break the 300 mph barrier (483 km/h) at the wheel of his car, Bluebird. Since then, Rolex’s presence in motor racing has grown steadily, its support extending to revered endurance events such as the Rolex 24 At DAYTONA, the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the FIA World Endurance Championship. In 2013, Rolex became associated with Formula 1®, the pinnacle of motor sport, having supported Rolex Testimonee Sir Jackie Stewart since 1968. The three-time FIA Formula 1® Drivers’ World Champion has been joined by fellow high achievers from the world of motor sport: Tom Kristensen, the record nine-time 24 Hours of Le Mans winner, Mark Webber, the multiple Formula 1® race winner and 2015 FIA World Endurance Champion, and Jenson Button, the 2009 FIA Formula 1® Drivers’ World Champion. Most recently, Jamie Chadwick, Indy NXT driver, three-time W Series Champion and the sport’s most exciting young female talent, became part of the Rolex family. The brand also has a global appreciation for classic automotive events steeped in elegance, beauty and tradition, including the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance®, The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion and the Goodwood Revival.

2023 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion Highlights

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As would be expected of a $15,000 Italian thoroughbred, the 330 GTS was built to the highest standards by old-world craftsmen. The cockpit was beautifully finished with bucket seats trimmed in Connolly leather, a wood-rimmed, three-spoke steering wheel, and an attractive wood-veneer fascia with the full complement of Veglia instruments. When Road & Track tested the 330 GTS in August 1968, they found that the new model offered a healthy improvement in all-out performance when compared to the 275 GTS. Although it did not accelerate quite as fast as the 275 GTS/4 NART Spider (their test car was one of two alloy-bodied examples), it reached a higher top speed, had better low-end torque, and was more refined. The editors were so impressed with the new Ferrari that they encouraged readers to “go ahead, give yourself a treat, buy one.”

Completed in 1967 and finished in Rosso Cina (China Red) with black leather upholstery, this 330 GTS, chassis 10703, was delivered through US distributor Luigi Chinetti Motors to its first owner, Emil Martini Jr., of New Jersey.

Car Highlights

• A Rare and Exclusive Open Ferrari; One of Only 99 Examples Built
• Originally Delivered to the US with Known Provenance from New
• Striking Appearance in Black with Green Upholstery and Borrani Wire Wheels
• Retains Matching-Numbers Engine and Features Optional Air-Conditioning
• Recent Service by Rod Drew’s Francorchamps of America Inc.
• Offered with Tool Roll, Records, and Massini Report

Technical Specs

• 3,967 CC SOHC Tipo 209/66 V-12 Engine
• Three Weber 40 DCZ6 Carburetors
• 300 BHP at 6,600 RPM
• 5-Speed Manual Transaxle
• 4-Wheel Ventilated Girling Disc Brakes
• 4-Wheel Independent-Wishbone Suspension with Coil Springs and Shock Absorbers

Ownership trail

President of the Bergen Brunswig Corporation, one of the country’s largest pharmaceutical distributors, Mr. Martini was an avid Ferrari enthusiast who owned several desirable models, including a 365 GTB/4 Daytona and a Dino 246 GTS. He kept this 330 GTS until 1974, when it was sold to his brother, Robert, then living in Hillsdale, New Jersey. A photograph of 10703 is featured on Robert Martini’s profile page in the 1975–1976 Ferrari Owners Club membership roster.

In 1976, Robert Martini sold the Ferrari to FAF Motorcars in Tucker, Georgia, which paid $11,923 for the car, and noted that it featured air-conditioning – a rare and desirable option for the 330 GTS. Later that year, the car was sold to James L. Shuman of Atlanta, who displayed it that June at the FCA Southeast Regional Meeting in Pine Isle, Georgia. The Ferrari remained in the Atlanta area until the late 1980s, when it was sold to Carlo Perego’s Auto Avenir SA in Switzerland. In the early 1990s, Mr. Perego sold 10703 to Kamel Braik, a banker in Geneva, and from there, the car passed to Claude De Marche of Lausanne.

In 1994, the Ferrari returned to the US when East Coast collector Peter Hosmer acquired it. At the time of his acquisition, the Ferrari was well-kept, still finished in red, and reportedly showing just over 20,000 original miles. Remarkably, the 330 GTS remained in Mr. Hosmer’s care for over 20 years. During that time, it was refinished in its current color scheme of black with green leather upholstery – a handsome combination perfectly suited to the Pininfarina design.

Since joining a prominent Southern California collection in early 2018, this Ferrari has benefited from thorough detailing and professional maintenance, including recent services carried out by Rod Drew’s renowned Francorchamps of America Inc. Invoices for this work, and other cosmetic and mechanical attention overseen by Beverly Hills Hi Line Inc., are included in the car’s ample documentation file.

Offered with a tool roll, service records, correspondence, and a history report produced by Marcel Massini, 10703 is sure to impress the discerning Ferrari collector. Refined and elegant, this 330 GTS is the ideal mid-century open sports car – perfectly suited for a variety of events, from prestigious Concours to the most selective tours.

Limited Production

Classic twelve-cylinder Ferraris with open coachwork, disc brakes, and the refined torque-tube driveline are a rare breed, comprised solely of the 330 GTS, 365 GTS, 275 GTS/4 NART Spider, and 365 GTB/4 Daytona Spider. The combined total production of these models is just over 250 individual cars.

Without a doubt, the 330 GTS is among the most sought-after sports cars of the 1960s; fast, beautiful, and rare, these Ferraris embody the finest qualities of classic Italian sports cars. The car presented here is a truly outstanding example, one worthy of serious consideration.

Now Available

Now available from Gooding & Co at this year’s Pebble Beach Auction, go HERE for more information.

Above content © 2024 Gooding & Co, reviewed and edited by Rex McAfee

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New exhibits

Alternating Currents: The Fall and Rise of Electric Vehicles

This exhibit, supported by BMW and Clarios, will showcase the progression of electric vehicles from the late 1800s to modern concepts. Located in the Propulsion Gallery on the second floor, “Alternating Currents” traces the evolution of electric vehicle production and use from the early days to the modern resurgence and future advancements.

Highlighted vehicles on display include 1896 Riker electric roadster, 1928 Auto Red Bug electric roadster, 1969 GM XP 512E, 1970s Zagato Zele 1000, 1981 HMV FreeWay, 1991 BMW E2 concept, 1992 GM Impact, 1996 AC Propulsion tZero, 2009 Mini E and 2021 Lanark DS Roadster. The exhibit will also feature the Clarios x OPTIMA Batteries Rivian R1T and OPTIMA Power Station, a custom Turtleback Trailer designed to power the camp and provide level 2 charging for the Rivian.

From leading the largest EV ride – OPTIMA Unplugged powered by Clarios – through the treacherous terrain of Johnson Valley to scaling the summit of Pikes Peak, this Rivian has elevated EV adventuring to an unprecedented level. Clarios is the world’s largest manufacturer and supplier of low-voltage batteries and solutions and their batteries are found in one in three vehicles on the road globally.

Modern Concepts: Future Visions from the Recent Past

Modern Concepts delves into the past marvels of concept cars produced since Petersen’s opening in 1994. Notable vehicles on display include the 2002 XENO III, 1999 Ford 021C, 1995 Ford GT90, 2002 Cadillac Cien, 2004 Chrysler ME Four-Twelve and 2008 Honda FC Sport.

Super/Hyper: The Ultimate Automobiles

The museum will celebrate the pinnacle of automotive performance with a rotating display of iconic supercars and hypercars, including some of the fastest, most powerful and most audacious models from the 1960s to the present day. Highlighted vehicles in will include a Bugatti Divo and Koenigsegg CCXR.

Driven by Possibility: Waymo’s Road to Autonomous Transport

This exhibit will focus on Waymo’s groundbreaking advancements in autonomous driving technology, from its beginnings as the Google self-driving car project to its status as a global leader in autonomous ride-hailing. Located in the Production Gallery, visitors can catch a glimpse behind the scenes of Waymo’s development process through never-before-seen objects.

Featured vehicles include Waymo’s Firefly prototype, the first autonomous vehicle to pilot a passenger without an accompanying driver, a prototype version of Waymo’s next-generation Zeekr platform, and the Terregator, a six-wheeled mobile robot built by the Carnegie Mellon University Robotics Institute in 1984.

Petersen’s Executive Director Terry L. Karges comments

“This near-simultaneous launch of four incredibly diverse exhibits marks a milestone for our museum,” said Petersen Automotive Museum Executive Director Terry L. Karges. “We are committed to showcasing all elements of the automotive world–past, present and future–and this collection of unique vehicles will bring that experience to life for our guests.”

Online tickets

Go HERE for more information.

Above content © 2024 Kahn Media / Petersen Automobile Museum reviewed and edited by Rex McAfee

Petersen Highlights

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Subaru Motorsports USA’s “WRX: Project Midnight,” the standout entry at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, will make its North American appearance at the 5th annual Velocity Invitational at Sonoma Raceway, Oct. 4-6, 2024.

Fastest WRX ever

The quickest and fastest ever WRX race car from Subaru Motorsports USA, which placed second at the 2024 Festival of Speed Timed Shootout, will tackle Sonoma Raceway’s 12-turn road course throughout the weekend.

Hot Shoe Scott Speed

Piloted by Scott Speed, a Northern California native, Project Midnight takes things to a new level with a singular directive: outright speed. Project Midnight features ultra-wide aerodynamic bodywork and a radically enlarged version of the wing found on the team’s WRX ARA24 gravel rally car. The carbon fiber body and a significantly lightened chassis give it a curb weight of well under 2,500 pounds – nearly 1,000 pounds lighter than a standard WRX. Under the hood, a turbocharged and inter-cooled 2.0-liter flat-four engine produces 670 hp and 680 lb-ft of torque, revving to 9500 rpm and spitting flames from its hood-exit exhaust. The powerplant is the most recent and top-performing evolution of Subaru Motorsports USA’s highly successful rallycross engine that helped Speed earn Subaru the Nitro Rallycross Teams Championship in 2021.

“Watching Scott put Project Midnight through its paces at Goodwood was incredible, and I’m thrilled we can bring this ground-breaking machine to our guests,” said Velocity Invitational Founder Jeff O’Neill.  “Partnering with a brand like Subaru and hosting world-class cars like Project Midnight highlights the exceptional caliber of entertainment we will feature this year as we celebrate our fifth annual event.”

Velocity Invitational

This year’s Velocity Invitational will feature an unparalleled lineup of the world’s rarest cars, including modern hypercars, a Jaguar D-Type anniversary class, a historic NASCAR class, historic Formula 1 race cars, and other popular historic racing groups. The three-day event will also feature local cuisine and beverage options, such as a variety of wines from local vintners, in a luxurious, family-friendly setting.

General admission tickets and premium packages, including the opportunity to ride along in a Group B Rally Car, are on sale now. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit velocityinvitational.com. Stay up to date on event news on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

Above content © 2024 Velocity Invitational/Kahn Media, reviewed and edited by Rex McAfee

Goodwood Appearance

Highlights from 2023

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When the Frankfurt Motor Show opened in late 1955, the principal BMW attractions were two sporting variations of the V-8-powered 502: the 503 and the 507. Though both models were designed by Count Albrecht von Goertz, it was the spectacular 507 Roadster that stole the show.

BMW’s striking roadster was so pure and perfect from all angles that it immediately took its place among the all-time great automotive designs. Possessing sweeping, harmonious lines, a purposeful revision of the classic kidney grille, uniquely styled side vents, and aggressive rear haunches, the 507’s lightweight aluminum body appeared to be stretched over its mechanical underpinnings and evoked speed and efficiency even at rest.

Initially intended to fill the gap between the low-priced English imports and Mercedes-Benz’s expensive 300 SL Roadster, the 507 commanded a princely $8,988 in the US and 26,500 deutsche marks in Germany, making it one of the costliest cars of its day. Production of the 507 commenced in November 1956 and ended in May 1959, after just 254 examples were built. While it was never intended as a long-term, commercially viable endeavor, the 507 certainly accomplished the goal of raising BMW’s profile. Today, the limited-production V-8 roadster is undoubtedly the most desirable postwar model built by the Munichbased company.

Car Highlights

• Concours-Level Restoration Performed by BMW Classic
• Finished in Original Colors of Papyrus over Blue Leather
• Sequestered in 40-Year Northern California Ownership
• One of Very Few 507s with Period Racing History
• Equipped with Factory Hardtop and Rudge-Style Knock-Off Wheels
• Among the Finest Restored Examples of BMW’s Most Revered Model

Technical Specs

• 3,168 CC OHV Alloy V-8 Engine
• Twin Zenith 32 NDIX Carburetors
• 150 BHP at 5,000 RPM
• 4-Speed ZF Manual Gearbox
• Front Hydraulic Disc, Rear Drum Brakes
• Front Independent Suspension with Parallel Wishbones and Torsion Bars
• Rear Live Axle with Torsion Bars, Panhard Rod, and Transverse A-Arm

Race History

• Alpen-Bergpreis Rossfeld Hill Climb, Race 2, Germany, May 1958, Glöckler, No. 24 (3rd Place)
• Freiburg-Schauinsland Hill Climb, Germany, July 1958, Glöckler, No. 81 (3rd Place)
• Alpen-Bergpreis Wallberg Hill Climb, Germany, May 1959 Glöckler, (2nd Place)
• Alpen-Bergpreis Rossfeld Hill Climb, Race 2, Germany, June 1959, Glöckler, No. 101 (4th Place)
• Freiburg-Schauinsland Hill Climb, Germany, July 1959, Glöckler, No. 141

Chassis 70089

This BMW 507, chassis 70089, an early second-series example, was completed at the BMW factory on October 16, 1957, finished in Papyrus with a blue leather interior and, according to BMW records on file, the following month it was displayed at the BMW Pavilion in Munich. In early 1958, the 507 made its way to Autohaus Wilhelm Glöckler in Frankfurt and was retained by the dealership for some time.

In Glöckler’s possession, 70089 competed in several hill climb events in southern Germany during the 1958 and 1959 racing seasons. Ex-Porsche factory driver and Wilhelm’s son, Helm Glöckler, campaigned 70089 in events on the scenic roads of the Alpen-Bergpreis, near Salzburg, Austria, and the epic, 127-corner circuit of Freiburg-Schauinsland in the Black Forest. It was at these events that 70089 first became associated with another 507, chassis 70079, that would play an important role in its future decades later. Competing against Glöckler in several of these events was the famed Grand Prix driver and “King of the Mountains,” Hans Stuck Sr. Having struck an agreement to drive for BMW in early 1957, Stuck was issued a 507, chassis 70079, and on the whole, placed a bit higher than Glöckler, creating a friendly rivalry. Notably, following its racing days with Stuck during 1958, 70079 was later sold to Elvis Presley.

American residency

Following time with owners in Germany, 70089 was purchased by Nat A. Kalt of San Antonio, Texas, by 1968 and was shipped across the Atlantic. Mr. Kalt owned as many as three 507s and kept two at once at his Texas home. For reasons lost to time, Mr. Kalt exchanged the engines between the 507s, and 70089 continues to be fitted with the engine of his other 507, chassis 70247, to this day.

In 1974, 70089 was sold to Dick McGraw of Carmel, California, and it has resided in California ever since. Mr. McGraw quickly sold it on to Jack Castor and his brother Tom of nearby Santa Clara. Incredibly, Jack Castor had purchased 70089’s former racing rival, 70079, six years prior. After just a couple of years on the road, 70089, now finished in dark metallic blue, was placed in storage with the aspirations of someday restoring both cars to their former splendor. Over the ensuing decades, scores of letters and emails with the BMW factory and 507 historians revealed not only the competition history that very few 507s can claim but also the fact that the cars had raced together, by drivers with now legendary automotive names.

Following years of protracted negotiation between Jack Castor and BMW, an agreement was finally made in 2014. Both cars would be flown to the factory in Germany and restored in the newly opened BMW Classic workshops, with the long-term plan that 70079 would remain with BMW for public display and 70089 would be returned to Jack Castor in California for his enjoyment. While, sadly, Mr. Castor did not live to see the cars completed, one of his heirs has maintained the factory-fresh 507 since 2016, when both cars were sent to Pebble Beach and took part in numerous press events and exhibitions for their official unveiling to an elated public. During the restoration, 70089, in addition to being returned to its as-delivered colors, was also fitted with an NOS Becker Mexico radio, the later-optional front disc brakes, and a new set of Rudge-style knock-off wheels.

In the years since the public fanfare of the two cars’ re-emergence, 70089 has mostly led a quiet, pampered life on the Monterey Peninsula, with only about 900 km having been added to the factory restoration. Some of those kilometers were driven on camera when Jerry Seinfeld selected it to be featured on his television series Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee as the perfect automotive pairing to his guest, the Academy Award®-winning Austrian actor Christoph Waltz.

Now Available

This very special 507 is being offered publicly for the first time in over 50 years by Gooding & Co at the Pebble Beach Auctions. With its fascinating history file, BMW Classic restoration, status as one of a minuscule number of 507s to have raced in period, and eligibility for nearly every automotive event worldwide, 70089 represents an opportunity essentially impossible to repeat.

Go HERE for details.

Above content © 2024 Gooding & Co reviewed and edited by Rex McAfee

Gooding & Co Highlights from 2023 Pebble Beach CA

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The 355 by Evoluto® represents a new era in the realm of bringing automotive classics back to life, distinguishing itself through a design and re-engineering process usually reserved for an OEM-grade new product engineering program, a first in this sector. With a level of sophistication typically reserved for major luxury automotive brands. This meticulous process ensures that every aspect of the 355 by Evoluto®—from its enhanced performance and reliability to its cutting-edge technology and luxurious design—meets the highest standards of quality and precision, setting a new benchmark for excellence.

Evoluto’s bespoke automotive services are applied to one of the most iconic supercars of the 90’s. Beginning with a customer-supplied Ferrari 355, serving as the donor car, each commission undergoes a personalized journey, meticulously disassembled to its core chassis, thoroughly assessed, cleaned, strengthened with carbon fusing, and prepared for the next stages of customization.

The enhancements honor the legacy of the legendary Italian supercar while integrating cutting-edge advancements that propel it into the future of high-emotion driving.

Carbon Fusing – Remarkable Composure

The 355 by Evoluto® is a ground-up commission that begins with the core integrity of the donor chassis. Through an extensive torsional rigidity study, a comprehensive carbon fusing program is implemented, achieving a remarkable 23% increase in overall torsional stiffness. This enhancement ensures that all critical hard points on the chassis are fortified and chassis flex is minimized, providing a robust foundation for the enhanced driving dynamics Evoluto® aimed to achieve.

Performance – Elevated Power and 21st-Century Reliability

The 355 by Evoluto® is engineered to offer an extraordinary blend of increased performance and 21st-century reliability. The soul of the car is the naturally aspirated flat plane crank V8 engine, now delivering an impressive 420hp and revving up to 8,500rpm. With over 200 new and redesigned engine components, the thoroughly reworked powertrain provides increased power, response, and 21st-century reliability.

Upgrades include an all-new engine management system and Evoluto® bespoke tuning. Evoluto’s new coil-on-plug ignition solution improves performance by delivering precise ignition timing, stronger spark energy, increased fuel efficiency, and 21st-century reliability through direct control of each cylinder’s ignition. The result is an explosive throttle response and an enhanced connection between engine and driver.

The original engine is distinguished by its use of a quill shaft; a notable feature that connects the engine to the transmission, enabling a more compact and efficient design. The upgraded engine enhances this concept with a proprietary Evoluto® designed quill shaft, which reduces vibration, provides 21st-century reliability through thermal optimization, and improves engine performance through a more efficient transfer of power.

Furthermore, Evoluto’s fully CNC ported head with larger inlet valves enhances engine performance by improving airflow and combustion efficiency, leading to increased power output and better thermal management. These upgrades also contribute to 21st-century reliability by reducing mechanical stress and ensuring consistent, high-quality performance.

As one of the best-sounding Italian supercars, Evoluto® has paid particular attention to the acoustic and performance attributes of an all-new lightweight titanium sports exhaust system. Equal-length headers improve performance by ensuring exhaust gases from each cylinder arrive at the collector at evenly spaced intervals, enhancing exhaust flow and reducing back pressure. This leads to more consistent cylinder pressure, balanced power output, and improved engine breathing. The result is increased horsepower and torque, especially at higher RPMs, along with optimized engine tuning and an emotional acoustic profile.

Additionally, Evoluto® has developed solid cam lifters coupled to a bespoke inlet camshaft, that increase performance by enabling higher RPM stability and delivering precise, consistent power. This enhancement further increases power output and responsiveness and the ability to fine-tune the engine’s performance to match Evoluto’s target driving characteristics.

The engine enhancements are designed not just for more power but also to deliver 21st-century reliability, making the car both a joy to drive and a reliable companion on any journey.

Optimized Weight and Handling

With a target weight of 1250kg, the 355 by Evoluto® promises exceptional agility and responsiveness. Each donor Ferrari 355 is subject to the extensive strengthening of the chassis through the strategic application of carbon bracing and fusing in key areas of the platform. Additionally, the carbon fiber body panels significantly reduce weight while enhancing stiffness, contributing to the 23% improvement in torsional rigidity. The material choice ensures hard points critical to the vehicle’s dynamics and suspension tuning are improved for enhanced handling and stability.

New Electronic Architecture

The 355 by Evoluto® features an entirely new wiring and electronic architecture developed in-house. This comprehensive overhaul of the wiring harness delivers numerous benefits, including 21st-century reliability and improved performance. The Evoluto® proprietary design ensures optimal power distribution and communication between the car’s systems, reducing the risk of electrical failures and increasing overall efficiency. Additionally, the streamlined architecture simplifies maintenance and upgrades, offering easier access for diagnostics and repairs.

Reworked Transmission and Advanced Braking

In line with targeting the ‘Peak Analogue®’ driving experience, transmission refinement, weight, and feel were paramount in the development of the Evoluto® driving experience. Particular focus was applied to the tactility of the reworked 6-speed manual gearbox, intended to make every gear shift an occasion, delivering an engaging connection between car and driver while offering precise control over the car’s performance.

As standard, Brembo GT 6 Piston slotted discs are fitted at the front, and 4 piston calipers at the rear, together with uprated Brembo pads, lines, and performance fluids. Optional carbon CCMR brakes are available, offering stunning stopping power and minimizing brake fade, ensuring consistent performance even under the most demanding conditions. These upgrades ensure the 355 by Evoluto® can handle the increased power and speed with confidence while contributing to performance closer in line with contemporary supercars.

Wheels and Tires – Grip and Slip

During the development of the car, one of the most crucial attributes was maintaining a playful nature. It was essential to have enough grip in reserve to instill confidence when driving at high speeds while also allowing the ability to break traction and explore the dynamics of the revised chassis in environments suitable for sliding. Therefore, the choice of wheel and tire size, along with the tire compound and purpose, was imperative. Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires were selected for their road-biased compound, fitted to custom forged alloys—19 inches at the front and rear, 235/35/19 and 305/30/19 fitment, respectively. The result is an ideal balance of speed and playfulness, providing maximum enjoyment in all conditions.

Bolder by Design

The interior and exterior of the 355 by Evoluto® were created by the famed design team at Callum Designs. True to the iconic Italian supercar’s original ethos, the exterior design is a balanced expression of power and beauty, integrating the heritage of the classic Ferrari 355 while showcasing proportions suggestive of a modern interpretation of the icon supercar.

The remastered design features a more muscular physique to signify the power that lies beneath, with an increase in track width enhancing its stance. The all-new front-end design includes larger and deeper cooling intakes and a re-shaped front splitter, framed by new LED pop-up headlights with a distinctive new DRL signature and intricate surface detailing. The wide-track stance is complemented by standard-fit 19-inch forged alloy wheels at the front and 19-inch at the rear, new wing mirrors improve the aerodynamic profile of the car, while new flush-fitting door release mechanisms welcome occupants into the ultra-luxurious cabin.

For customers looking to put their own stamp on the 355 by Evoluto®, endless possibilities for personalization are available. Customers are invited to take a unique personal commissioning journey, from selecting distinguishing details to custom paint and interior options. The Evoluto®  design team offers endless possibilities to create a true one-of-a-kind commission.

Interior Craftsmanship and Technology

The interior of the 355 by Evoluto® blends timeless design with modern luxury. Owners can personalize their vehicle with bespoke paint, leather, and material finishes, creating a driving environment that is both immersive and intuitive. The state-of-the-art interior design focuses on a driver-centric cockpit, seamlessly integrating modern technology with luxury craftsmanship and materials.

Further Comments

Ian Callum, renowned designer of the Peak Analogue®, 355 by Evoluto®, states: “Creating a special and updated version of an iconic car such as the 355 is challenging. It requires a total understanding of the boundaries of change. However, the team at CALLUM enjoyed combining new forms and details to produce a beautiful design while fully respecting the original.”

Darren McDermott, Executive Chair, DRVN Automotive Group, notes: “This is an exciting time for the DRVN automotive group. The Peak Analogue®, 355 by Evoluto® program not only honors the classic legacy of an iconic Italian supercar but also offers our customers a unique journey of personalization for each commission.”

Amjad Ali, Technical Director of Evoluto Automobili “The 355 was iconic in 1995, now 30 years later, we’ve re-engineered it to OEM standards, utilizing contemporary technology and materials to create a car that comes alive when driven hard. In a world dominated by turbochargers, hybrids, electronic gears, and multi-stage dampers, Evoluto’s Peak Analogue® philosophy breathes new life into this classic 355, delivering an engaging driving experience that’s unparalleled today.”

As Technical Director at GuntherWerks for 7 years, Amjad carved out a niche in the automotive world by blending classic car aesthetics with modern performance and technology.

His philosophy at GuntherWerks revolved around maintaining the soul of the classic 911 while incorporating cutting-edge technology to enhance performance and drivability. This positioned GuntherWerks as one of the leaders in the restomod segment, influencing trends and standards in the customization of classic cars.

Amjad’s personal passion for cars drives his dedication to creating vehicles that honor the heritage of the brand while pushing the boundaries of what these cars can achieve.

Price & Availability

Each restoration is unique, tailored to the owner’s specific preferences and requirements. Prices for Evoluto’s restoration services vary based on these individual requests. To ensure exclusivity, only 55 units of the Peak Analogue®, 355 by Evoluto® will be commissioned, each supported by a concierge-level customer journey

In Public

For those eager to witness the Peak Analogue®, 355 by Evoluto® in person, apply to attend the launch of the car at a private preview during the Festival of Speed in the UK from July 11-14 2024, or Monterey Car Week in Northern California in August 2024. For more information, go HERE.

Top Gear F355 Review

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If there is one manufacturer that has dominated the endurance racing landscape over the first two decades of the 21st Century, then it is certainly Audi. The German automaker burst onto the endurance racing scene in 1999 with its R8R, in open Spyder format, and the R8C, a Coupé. The pair of R8Rs claimed third and fourth places in their debut race, while the two R8Cs posted DNFs in the same race.

It is not just in the Le Mans 24 Hours that Audi excelled, it was also the name to beat in the World Endurance Championships (WEC), American Le Mans Series (ALMS) and the European Le Mans Series (ELMS). Between 1999 and 2016, when Audi officially withdrew from the WEC at the end of that season, each new iteration of the Audi endurance racer was dominant, and it all began with the R8, seventeen years earlier.

As author Ian Wagstaff put it, Audi went from being a beginner to favourites in just one year. This was, coincidently, at the start of the new Millennium, and so Audi rose to prominence when the attention of so many motorsport enthusiasts were looking for some new blood in the sport, and it was the Audi R8 that obliged in the most unforgettable way possible.

While the Audi ‘R8-405’, the subject of this book, cannot claim the highest number of victories, it was nevertheless a multiple race winner and had perhaps the longest active life in the R8 family. R8-405 entered the heady world of endurance racing at the 2000 Le Mans 24 Hours, leading the race for six hours in the hands of Laurent Aïello, Allan McNish and Stéphane Ortelli. Thanks to the tenacity of these three drivers, they brought R8-405 home in second place, one lap behind the winning sister car and two laps ahead of the similar third-placed sister car, providing a memorable 1-2-3 for Audi.

While R8-405 first ran at Le Mans as a works car, it was entered by Joest Racing at Le Mans in subsequent years and also by them in the ALMS. Even when a race car performs outstandingly in its debut season, by the end of the season it is often considered obsolete by the factory, and for R8-405 this was no exception. The R8 had provided and exceptionally good platform on which to build the next and successive evolutions of the racer.

The 2001 season saw chassis R8-405 being allocated to the American privateer team of Champion Racing (driven mostly by Johnny Herbert and Andy Wallace), the new series Audi racer being taken by the works team. Ironically, in a corporate twist where the factory called the shots, Champion’s R8-405 was ‘recalled’ for factory duty in 2002 to race against the privateer team!

The list of Audi works drivers who spent time behind the wheel of R8-405 reads like a who-is-who of the world’s best endurance racers, and a profile and a detailed list of achievements by each driver is provided in the text. These names include the likes of Allan McNish, Stéphane Ortelli, Laurent Aïello, Emanuele Pirro, Frank Biela, Tom Kristensen, Rinaldo Capello, Andy Wallace, Johnny Herbert, Ralf Kelleners, Dorsey Schroeder and Jamie Davies.

Of interest to enthusiasts in this form of racing, the author has provided official period Le Mans intermediate and final classification time sheets, and other assorted, similar official documents. Not only are these interesting and provide a supporting role to the text, but they are also a source of accurate information to the enthusiast.

The author has gone to great lengths, right from the beginning of the book, to paint an accurate picture of the arena in which the R8s competed, interviewing drivers, team and personnel connected  with the squad. The book then includes a section devoted to the successors to the R8s. As is now the norm, the world of historic racing has taken off as one of the fastest growing categories in the world of racing today. After R8-405’s in period racing life was over, it was acquired by an enthusiast who is himself a keen racer, and the car continues to entertain the crowds wherever it is seen.

Mention must be made of the truly excellent photography throughout the book, the author using many of his own images taken during his travels to these races around the world. Additional imagery has been sourced from regular professional photographers and photo libraries, enhancing the visual experience. The final section of the book comprises a studio photo study of R8-405, showing the car liveried in both its 2000 Le Mans 24 Hours colours and that of Champion Racing.

The author has done an exceptional job of recalling the life and times of R8-405, and the final presentation is a well-crafted balance of words and images. This book is the 15th in the ‘Great Cars’ series by Porter Press, and comes highly recommended to racing enthusiasts who enjoyed seeing these cars racing. Whether collecting the whole ‘Great Cars’ series or just wanting to add a quality title to your motorsport library, this is well worth your attention.

Book information

• Title: Audi R8 – The Autobiography of R8-405
• Author: Ian Wagstaff
• Publisher: Porter Press International
• Published: 5 December 2022
• ISBN: 978-1-913089-61-0
• Page count: 320 pages
• Image count: More than 350 images
• Format: 285 x 235 mm portrait, hardback with dust jacket
• Language: English
• Price: £69.00 GBP
• Available: www.porterpress.co.uk

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Where do we start with the story of the March 761? In true Sound of Music fashion—at the very beginning. In the late 1960s, a band of four guys, Max Mosley (a barrister), Alan Rees (a former racing driver), Grahame Coaker (engineer and racing driver) and lastly, Robin Herd (a designer), came together to form March. Their dream was to design, build and sell competitive “customer” Formula One racing cars, as well as running a “works” team. It seemed so simple; a Cosworth DFV engine, a Hewland gearbox, an in-house chassis, aluminum body and four lumps of rubber courtesy of Dunlop, Goodyear or Firestone at each corner and anyone could go racing. Funding had now become available to Formula One through sponsorship, as the FIA had relaxed rules governing Grand Prix racing teams, which were now on a similar financial road as American racing series where commercial backing and advertising had been the norm for many years.

The 1970 season started incredibly well, of five race starts (two heats at the International Trophy Races, Silverstone) March managed three poles and four wins, a record on a par with the dominant 1954 Mercedes Silver Arrows! So, there was no surprise in Round Three of the championship, when Jackie Stewart again put his March on pole with Chris Amon sharing the front row at the “Jewel in the Crown” Monaco GP. Enter Swedish racing driver Ronnie Peterson, a young, bright, superstar in the making who hit the Formula One grid at Monte Carlo, driving a sixth March entered by Colin Crabbe’s Antique Automobiles racing team. Peterson had given March its racing debut at Cadwell Park, driving the 693 Formula Three car—so he was part of their DNA. He would have been racing earlier in the 1970 season, but his car wasn’t ready. Making the cut for the race was his first hurdle—only 16 cars were allowed to start at Monaco that year—which he did in 13th position. For March, however, the Monaco race showed flaws, only Peterson was classified as a finisher, in 7th place. Siffert and Amon, the works drivers, together with Jackie Stewart’s Tyrrell March all retired (Servoz-Gavin, Stewart’s teammate failing to qualify).

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Lamborghini’s Miura S, an iconic masterpiece of automotive design, was conceived by Marcello Gandini of Bertone. Gandini’s genius is evident in the Miura S’s aesthetics and non-traditional drivetrain layout. Introduced in 1968, the Miura S represents a significant evolution from its predecessor, the Miura P400, both in terms of performance and refinement. The car’s design, characterized by its low-slung profile, flowing curves, and distinctive “eyelash” headlights, epitomizes Italian automotive design.

Why follow the rules?

One of the most unique features of the Miura S is its transversely mounted mid-engine layout. The 4.0-liter V12 engine, producing 370 horsepower, was placed just behind the driver and passenger seats. This configuration provided exceptional weight distribution, enhancing the car’s handling and performance. The Miura S could achieve a top speed of 170 mph and accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just under six seconds, remarkable statistics for its time.

Upon its release, the Miura S received acclaim from automotive magazines. Road & Track praised its “combination of speed, style, and technical sophistication,” noting its ability to “redefine the boundaries of high-performance sports cars.” Motor Trend echoed this sentiment, highlighting the Miura S’s “exquisite design and exhilarating driving experience” and calling it “a testament to Lamborghini’s commitment to pushing the envelope of automotive engineering.”

Blue-chip collectible

The Miura S’s blend of engineering and stunning design has contributed to its status as a highly collectible sports car. Its pioneering mid-engine design set a precedent for future supercars, and its performance capabilities remain impressive even by modern standards. The limited production numbers further add to its allure, with only 338 units produced, making it a rare and sought-after gem among collectors.

Moreover, the Miura S embodies the spirit of the golden era of sports car design, a period marked innovation and widely varied design approaches. Its legacy endures as a symbol of Lamborghini’s dedication to creating extraordinary machines that transcend mere transportation, offering an unparalleled driving experience and a timeless work of art. As such, the Lamborghini Miura S remains a cherished asset among car enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.

Chassis 4614

This 1970 Lamborghini Miura P400 S, chassis 4614, is an especially exciting discovery in recent memory, freshly unearthed in Long Island, New York, where it was kept in its long-term owner’s living room for over 35 years. This late-series Miura S benefits from the myriad improvements made during the original production run, including a strengthened chassis, revised suspension, and ventilated braking system – making for the ultimate narrow-bodied Miura. This unrestored, Bertone-bodied example is presented in its striking original color of Luci del Bosco, complimented with two-tone beige and cloth upholstery. Retaining its matching-numbers engine and stamped body panels per factory documentation, 4614 presents a unique opportunity to acquire an unrestored, previously unknown Miura S in a wonderful color combination strongly evocative of the period from which it originates.

Available now

Go HERE for more information.

Photos © 2024 Mike Maez. Above text © 2024 Gooding & Co reviewed and edited by Rex McAfee

Related Content

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If you’re truly looking for one of the most iconic sports car racers of the 1950s, look no further than the 3.0 litre Ferrari 250 “Testa Rossa.” Within just a few short years, it became one of the most iconic and successful racing cars in automotive history. Born out of Ferrari’s ambition to dominate the World Sportscar Championship, the 250 TR is still hailed as a masterpiece of design. Its origins trace back to Ferrari’s need to comply with new regulations introduced by the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), which required sports cars to use production-based engines. Enzo Ferrari and his team took the already potent 3.0-liter V12 engine from the 250 GT and optimized it for racing, resulting in a powerplant capable of producing around 300 horsepower.

The 250 TR’s development was marked by meticulous attention to aerodynamics and weight reduction. The car featured a distinctive “pontoon” fender design, created by Scaglietti, which not only gave it a unique and aggressive look but also improved airflow and cooling. The lightweight tubular steel chassis and aluminum bodywork yielded impressive performance.

Race Proven

Ferrari 250 TRs were extremely competitive during its time, winning 10 World Sportscar Championship races including the 1958, 1960, and 1961 24 Hours of Le Mans, and the 1958, 1959 and 1961 12 Hours of Sebring. Top-shelf drivers included Phil Hill, Olivier Gendebien, Luigi Musso, Peter Collins, Dan Gurney, Wolfgang von Trips and Mike Hawthorn. These results earned Ferrari the 1958, 1960 and 1961 Constructor’s World Sportscar Championship titles.

Period reviews

Road tests and reviews from the era were glowing. “Road & Track” lauded the 250 TR’s performance and handling, stating, “The Ferrari 250 TR is a marvel of engineering and a joy to drive. Its V12 engine delivers immense power smoothly and reliably, making it a formidable competitor on any track.” “Car and Driver” echoed these sentiments, highlighting the car’s balance and agility: “The 250 TR is not just about raw power; it’s about the finesse and precision with which it handles. Ferrari has created a car that is both beautiful and brutally effective.”

The quest to recreate the past

GTO Engineering was founded in 1983 by Mark Lyon as an independent specialist in classic Ferraris. The business flourished, attracting a steady stream of cars. In 1996, Mark was joined by his friend and colleague Kevin Jones, and together they started manufacturing their own parts. In the early 2000s, the business became a family affair with the involvement of Mark and Kevin’s sons, including Lee Jones. They also acquired Tony Merrick’s workshop near Twyford, Berkshire, which remains the company’s home base today. In 2011, James Crossland joined the team, and together they expanded GTO into the world’s largest classic Ferrari specialist, with international operations in Twyford, UK; Atlanta, Georgia; Los Angeles, California; and Maranello, Italy.

Enter the 250 TR Revival

Because of extremely limited production, not to mention eye-watering values, the ability to own a “real” Ferrari 250 TR is simply not within the reach of most. However, GTO Engineering has carefully recreated Ferrari’s milestone racer with exacting standards such that the average enthusiast wouldn’t be able to tell the difference. This example is one such masterpiece, and is currently available through Pagani of Beverly Hills.

Above content © 2024 GTO Engineering LTD reviewed and edited by Rex McAfee

Overview of GTO Engineering

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Countach, the one and only

This Lamborghini Countach LP 400 S was produced forty-five years ago in November 1979. With a Nero (black) exterior and Senape (mustard) interior, this Countach was shipped to the then SEA dealership in Rome and, from there, it was most likely sold directly in the US, ending up in Florida. Its owner was a friend of the movie’s director and was signed on to begin its legend that led it to capture a place in American history.

As “stage make-up”, it was given a wing and two full-beam headlights on the nose, a spoiler, three antennas and 12 exhaust pipes in back, along with two supplementary fake instruments in front of the passenger’s seat. After the filming ended, the Countach was returned to its legitimate owner, but didn’t shed its unique transformations especially made for it. In 2009, the car found a new owner, Jeff Ippoliti, an enthusiast originally from New York but now living in Florida who, as a boy, when watching the opening scene of the movie in 1981 never imagined that he would one day own the same car that had made him dream on the screen. “I had always been crazy about cars,” Ippoliti recalled, “but the opening of the movie was the first time I got to see and hear the Countach in motion, and I was captivated! I didn’t see it in person for the first time until twenty-six years later, and it took me another eighteen months of negotiations before I managed to take it home.”

The movie

“The Cannonball Run” was inspired by the actual Cannonball race, in which the participating cars had to cross the United States, starting off from New York and finishing in Los Angeles, in the shortest possible time. To say the least, the movie’s cast was outstanding, with actors such as Roger Moore, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr., and Jackie Chan, and actresses such as Farrah Fawcett, Adrienne Barbeau and Tara Buckman. The latter two played the race’s only all-female crew and drove the Countach, which won the race. Among the most memorable scenes is the initial three-minute police chase, in which the Countach’s 12-cylinder engine fitted with carburetors was added to the soundtrack. Also during the movie’s opening is a scene in which the Countach stops abruptly and the passenger gets out of the cockpit to spray-paint an “X” on a road sign. These scenes became a legendary reference among car lovers, so much so they became part of American tradition and ensured the Countach would become one of the very few cars “registered” at the Library of Congress.

The US Library of Congress

Any artifact that is the fruit of human genius can be registered so that all the knowledge connected to it is filed to remain available, protected for future generations, in one of the most respected and traditional institutions of the United States of America, the Library of Congress. To do so, however, it must first be acknowledged as an object of extraordinary importance for American history, society and tradition. Once this recognition has been obtained – and as of today there are just over 30 cars that have achieved it – all the knowledge linked to that specific car, from the construction design to the photos, from the original documents to those that relate its history, are preserved and archived in the halls of the Library of Congress. The Countach LP 400 S of the movie was deemed worthy of this honor and became the 30th car to receive it in 2021, the year when the movie’s 40th anniversary was celebrated.

Memories of the stars

They hadn’t met in person since they acted in the movie together in 1981. This is why the interview and account given by the stars Adrienne Barbeau and Tara Buckman can be considered extraordinary. The same Countach that they had driven back then, serving as the backdrop, made it all even more fascinating. And their memories began to surface. They admit that neither one had seen, or much less driven, a Lamborghini before. On the other hand, it shouldn’t be forgotten that at the time Lamborghini produced little more than fifty cars a year. “I immediately thought it was beautiful, simply beautiful, and it still is,” began Adrienne Barbeau, who played the part of Marcie Thatcher in the movie. “We had the best car and it was definitely the most beautiful of all,” added Tara Buckman, who was Jill Rivers in the movie. On why it was precisely the Countach chosen to win the race, Barbeau said, “I think that the Countach has the look of a winner, none of the others could have won. They were not in its league. And then the opening scene, with that soundtrack and the sight of the Countach racing along and playing hide-and-seek with the police car. Only the Countach could achieve an effect like that.”

Success exceeds expectations

In answer to the question of whether they ever would have expected the movie to arrive at the legendary status that surrounds it today, they both said, “Never, not even for a second, and not just us. No one during the filming would have expected this incredible, long-lasting success!”

“I had never realized how successful the movie was until when people started to ask me for my autograph. Still today,” Barbeau added, “in spite of my success as an actress in horror movies and playing Cat Woman in the Batman movie, people ask me above all to autograph Countach model cars.”

“It’s impossible for me, too, to remember how many times I signed a photo or a model car of the Countach!,” Buckman added.

A few of their favorite scenes: “The one where Tara gets out of the car and sprays an X on the road sign,” said Barbeau. Whereas for Tara Buckman it was, “the opening scene, with the police car chasing the Countach. There are lots of movies with great opening scenes, but this is definitely one of the best ever.”

When asked how they thought this movie has impacted American culture and society, Barbeau replied, “Everyone knows it. And everyone knows this Lamborghini.” “Not only that. Everyone also knows the two girls in the Lamborghini. We are inextricably tied to that role,” Buckman added.

Lamborghini Polo Storico

Lamborghini Polo Storico is the in-house department of Automobili Lamborghini in charge of the company’s historical heritage, managing and studying the company’s archive, and restoring and certifying historical Lamborghinis. Inaugurated in spring 2015 at the headquarters in Sant’Agata Bolognese, Lamborghini Polo Storico is the point of reference for collectors of classic Lamborghinis coming from all over the world, and it takes care of models from the first 350 GTV of 1963 up to the last Diablo produced in 2001.

Polo Storico’s activities focus on three main areas: the Archives, consisting of Automobili Lamborghini’s historical patrimony of technical and commercial information and documents; Certifications, representing the culmination of an in-depth process of documentary, archival and technical analyses of the car, concluding with the issue of a dedicated book certifying the authenticity of the car examined; and Restorations, carried out in full observance of the originality of the cars by a team of specialized technicians who work mostly in the Polo Storico workshop.

Alessandro Farmeschi, After Sales Director of Automobili Lamborghini, commented, “As far back as when I was working for Lamborghini in the US, I had the opportunity to get to know this Countach LP 400 S and its extraordinary history. It’s a car that ignited a passion for the Lamborghini brand and for the Countach model in many young enthusiasts who, after growing up, came to us as customers of our brand and our cars. Although its specifications are not exactly the same as when it left the factory, it is undoubtedly historically important for Automobili Lamborghini and, as its entry into the Library of Congress certifies, for automotive culture and beyond, for the culture of an entire nation. As Lamborghini, we can only be filled with pride and we are happy to celebrate its 45th anniversary by reuniting the car with its unforgettable crew from the “Cannonball” movie”.

Above content © 2024 Automobili Lamborghini reviewed and edited by Rex McAfee

Movie Intro

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Benetton’s standing in F1 

Like many of today’s Formula One teams, the Benetton outfit morphed from an existing team, Toleman, then itself became Renault and today it is operating under the banner of Lotus F1. Benetton first began competing in its own right beginning in 1986 with the Benetton B186-BMW. The team’s first drivers were Teo Fabi and Gerhard Berger, with the latter giving the team its first win at the Mexican GP, the penultimate race of the year, following a season that had been dominated by the Williams and McLaren teams. Prior to competing under its own name, the Italian clothing brand Benetton had sponsored Tyrrell, Alfa Romeo and Toleman, bringing along a certain vibrancy to the outward appearance of the cars with their striking liveries. This joie de vivre embraced the team as a whole in later years with the charismatic Flavio Briatore at the helm, flamboyant car launches and disco music booming from their pit garages. Benetton portrayed a totally different speed of Formula One, way ahead of its time and with a style that, indeed, is now emulated up and down today’s F1 pit lane. During its history it courted controversy too, as well as changing the team nationality from British to Italian in 1996.

Their first car, the Benetton B186, was simply a Toleman in Benetton clothing—sorry about the pun! It was designed by Rory Byrne, Toleman’s chief engineer, who would become a key component of the future for both Benetton and Ferrari as well as, more importantly, Michael Schumacher. Formula One at that time embraced turbo engine power, and the B186 was fitted with BMW’s version. The following season Benetton turned to Ford for its engine, but “the writing was on the wall” for turbo power as it was to be banned from the start of the 1989 season. The team would become virtually a Ford “works” team with regard to engines during this transitional time, and as such was a force to be reckoned with, regularly finishing right behind the might of Williams and McLaren in the Constructors table.

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Type 35 background

Unveiled in 1924, the lightweight, powerful and brilliantly balanced Bugatti Type 35 achieved an incredible feat: securing more than 2,500 racing victories across its relatively short racing career, a remarkable accomplishment that today stands alone in the annals of racing history. A marvel of cutting-edge design and pioneering engineering, the Type 35 embodied Bugatti’s spirit of high-performance, exquisite craftsmanship and trailblazing innovation and still inspires Bugatti’s modern-day creations.

Five Type 35 models were entered into the 1924 Grand Prix at Lyon, heralding a new era in motorsports and setting a trend in which speed, agility, and elegance converged perfectly. Organized by the Automobile Club de France over 35 laps of a 23.1km road circuit, the 1924 Grand Prix at Lyon will forever be entwined with Bugatti’s storied motorsports heritage. Ettore kept a sixth Type 35 – the original prototype – in reserve. To pay homage to such a momentous anniversary, Bugatti Club France curated a special event that started in Molsheim on May 13 and concluded in Lyon on May 20.

Guests arrive

Christophe Pichon, President of Bugatti Automobiles, welcomed the guests and their exquisite 49 classic cars – including 23 examples of Type 35, among them one of the five cars that raced in 1924, and 12 additional Bugatti Grand Prix historic models comprising several Type 37 and 51 – around the Château Saint-Jean. On display at the hallowed grounds for Bugatti Club France guests to visually enjoy as they arrived on the morning of the first day of the tour were six elegant models of the Baby II Type 35 Centenary Edition, a celebratory creation that beautifully commemorates the 100th anniversary of the Bugatti Type 35’s debut at the Grand Prix de Lyon in 1924

Having taken in the wonderment of the Château Saint Jean and enjoyed a fine breakfast, ensuring they were energized, inspired and set for the road ahead, the guests embarked on a 1000 km adventure to Lyon, retracing the exact journey that Bugatti Type 35s used to make from factory to track in period.

The largest public Bugatti collection

At Mulhouse, the guests were allowed to explore the impressive Musée National de l’Automobile, a treasure trove of automotive history where one of the world’s largest collections of Bugatti masterpieces resides. Here, more than 600 revolutionary and emblematic automotive creations call home, including more than 100 of Bugatti’s most acclaimed models – each one painstakingly acquired by the Schlumpf brothers over a period of three decades. From the Bugatti Type 28 to the Bugatti Royale conceived in 1930, each car is hand-picked for its historic significance and breathtaking proportions.

The sereneness of Lac de Saint-Point

After being enchanted by the Type 28 and Royale masterpieces at Musée National de l’Automobile, the tour headed to Malbuisson to enjoy the beauty of Saint-Point lake. A gorgeously calming stillness flowing from the open water set the tone for the evening.

An emotional week

Full of symbolism for all its protagonists, this journey is traced from the Vosges mountains to the plateau of Lyon, at the mercy of the elements. From the sun warming the leathers of the jackets to the freezing rain challenging the crews, each participant emerged from this experience like a victorious gladiator in the arena. It is hard to imagine driving such machines in the pouring rain, with only the soundtrack of the water slapping against the bodywork and the traditional goggles allowing the crews to see only a few dozen meters ahead. However, as the participants were able to testify, the experience left them feeling more alive than ever, having conquered the elements at the wheel of their racing cars.

Retracing the legend of Lyon

On the third and final leg, the curated journey took the guests into the gateway of Lyon, where the tour joined the celebrations of the 1924 Grand Prix de Lyon gathering 120 pre-war cars and 50 Bugatti automobiles, organized by the Amis du Vieux Brignais association in collaboration with the 3A- Amateurs d’Automobiles Anciennes Club and the Association Forezienne d’Amateurs d’Automobiles de Collection. A fine-dining gala evening marked the end of this exceptional week, filled with emotion and passion.

Mountain inspiration

The tour ended with a captivating drive into the Monts du Lyonnais, giving guests one final chance to make the most of their iconic racing cars and the curated driving experience. With outstanding French natural beauty nestled into the backdrop, the breathtaking mountain passes and dynamic roads were a fitting end to a magical journey that started at the home of Bugatti in Molsheim.

“We are delighted to have brought together Bugatti enthusiasts from across the globe, traveling from nine countries, to celebrate the historic milestone of the Bugatti Type 35” said Olivier Bohin, organizer of the tour and member of the Club Bugatti France.

“For us to have been able to commence our specially curated event in Molsheim, where Ettore’s adventure first started, was simply the perfect way to start the experience. Connecting the past to the present is a value that is intrinsically important for both the Bugatti brand and Club Bugatti France, allowing for our guests to feel the connection and experience emotional moments that will last a lifetime.”

All content © 2024 Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S.

Bugatti Type 35 at Goodwood

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The gentle shimmer of the Cote d’Azur sun on the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean. The shimmer of gold facades at designer boutiques lining the streets. The shimmer of heat haze exuding from exhaust pipes, working hard to cope with the demands of the most famed street circuit of them all. Everywhere you look, a shimmer of some sort can be seen.

Monaco, the tiny principality nestled between the Mediterranean and the imposing Alpes-Maritimes, is intrinsically linked with the storied history of F1 racing. The Grand Prix held here is considered one of the highest accolades in motorsport, forming part of the Triple Crown,  alongside the Indianapolis 500 and the 24h du Mans. The circuit, run exclusively on public roads, is a tight, treacherous and unforgiving 3.3km lap, with undulations and tight corners galore, unforgiving armco barriers lining the track, with the quickest lap times found by the brave, who dance closest to the armco, chasing each apex whilst breathing on barriers.

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The six bespoke masterpieces that make up the Baby II Type 35 Centenary Edition family have each been elegantly crafted and uniquely designed with a livery inspired directly by the six Bugatti Type 35 racecars that left a lasting legacy on both the automotive and motorsports world 100 years ago. Hand-built by The Little Car Company artisans at their headquarters in Oxfordshire, UK, the scaled Bugatti models feature aluminum bodies, brass identification plates within the cockpit and a stunning Bleu de Lyon paint scheme reminiscent of the six original Type 35 racecars.

Using the top-of-the-range Pur Sang Bugatti Baby II architecture, the Baby II Type 35 Centenary Edition examples are decorated with a unique chassis number to match each of the original cars, confirmation of the power output and a unique designation of ‘1 of 1’ for each model. In addition, the Baby II Type 35 Centenary Editions are decorated with hand-painted entry numbers on the radiator, hood and boat tail in Blanc. Each model’s hand-constructed body is intricately coupled with exclusive detailing, such as lock-wire additions and custom louvers to match each original Type 35, further paying homage to Bugatti’s relentless pursuit of excellence on the racetrack.

Respecting the past

The legendary Type 35’s dynamic debut at the 1924 Grand Prix de Lyon will forever be remembered when these remarkable race cars made an instant impact, driven with high-performance skill by Leonico Garnier (#21), Jean Chassagne (#7), Pierre de Vizcaya (#18), Meo Costantini (#22) and Ernest Friderich (#13). A sixth Type 35 – the original prototype – was kept in reserve by Ettore Bugatti. The Type 35 went on to achieve over 2,500 victories and podium finishes over a 10-year period, becoming the most successful racing car ever. An homage to founder Ettore Bugatti’s original design, the Bugatti Baby II is a 75% scale, electrified reimagining of the famous Type 35. The Bugatti Baby II has quickly become a modern-day design icon, representing an acclaimed contemporary tribute to Ettore’s original masterpiece, the Bugatti Baby, built in 1926.

Authentically created

To ensure added authenticity – and as has been the case with previous modern-day Bugatti Baby II creations, The Little Car Company developed the Baby II Type 35 Centenary Edition using a 3D scan of the original 1924 Bugatti Grand Prix car. Powered by an advanced high-performance electric motor, the Baby II Type 35 Centenary Edition encapsulates a modern take on an unforgettable Bugatti classic.

“Each Bugatti Baby II Type 35 Centenary Edition pays homage to the iconic Bugatti Type 35 racecars that shaped automotive and motorsports history,” said Wiebke Ståhl, Managing Director of Bugatti International. “With meticulous attention to detail, these anniversary examples are individually customized, reflecting the very essence of the brand’s historic racing pedigree whilst showcasing an unparalleled level of craftsmanship. They are beautiful one-of-a-kind masterpieces embodying the spirit of the Type 35.”

Ben Hedley, CEO of The Little Car Company, added: “We are thrilled to continue our longstanding partnership with Bugatti to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Type 35, with the Bugatti Baby II Type 35 Centenary Edition. These limited-edition creations honor the legendary cars that raced at the 1924 Grand Prix de Lyon, marking a pivotal moment in automotive history.” All six of the Bugatti Baby II Type 35 Centenary Editions have been sold to private collectors across the globe.

More information

Go HERE

All content © 2024 Bugatti / The Little Car Company

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McLaren started the 1973 Formula One season with drivers Denny Hulme and Peter Revson piloting the soon to be obsolete M19 while they waited for the highly anticipated and developed M23. By the third round of the year Hulme was equipped with the first chassis and for the following round both drivers had what was to be McLaren’s best Grand Prix car to date at their disposal. Little did they or indeed anyone know how successful the M23 would be but in that first year Hulme won in Sweden while Revson took his maiden victory at the British Grand Prix and what was to be his final victory at the Canadian Grand Prix.

The 1974 season saw the change from a Yardley livery to Marlboro and the M23 took a further four wins with Hulme and Emerson Fittipaldi, with the latter claiming the World Championship and McLaren their first Constructors’ title. McLaren continued upgrading the car as they learned more, and applied developments based on the sporting regulations. Despite entering their third season with the M23, 1975 saw further wins for Fittipaldi with Jochen Mass scoring his sole Grand Prix victory at the Spanish Grand Prix. For 1976, a lower airbox configuration and gutsy driving brought James Hunt the World Championship in one of the most memorable seasons ever. Despite now being at the end of its fourth year of Grand Prix racing the M23 was clearly still the car to beat at the front of Formula One.

Chassis No. M23-12

This car, M23-12, is the penultimate car of the 13 built and the last M23 built for “works” use. It was introduced for Jochen Mass to use at the 1977 US Grand Prix West held at Long Beach in California. A disappointing qualifying and retirement at just before half distance was a disappointing debut for the chassis but the following round at Jarama in Spain was far more fruitful for the German. Starting 9th, he battled his way up to fight the Wolf WR1 of Jody Scheckter for the final spot on the podium, narrowly missing out with the pair finishing less than three-tenths apart as they crossed the line. Denis Jenkinson described the battle as “valiant” in the Motorsport Magazine race report. Monaco saw another points finish with a 4th place for Mass and at the following race in Belgium M23-12 briefly lead before retiring with an engine failure. The 1977 Swedish Grand Prix represented the best result for M23-12 with Mass coming within eight seconds of winning the Grand Prix and taking a fine podium with a 2nd place finish. With the introduction of the M26, the final race for chassis number 12 was at the French Grand Prix where Mass finished in 9th place. The car was taken to the British, German, and Austrian Grands Prix where it was used in practice, but the team reverted to the newer M26 for qualifying and the races themselves.

Race History 1977

• USA GP West Long Beach, Jochen Mass, DNF
• Spanish GP, Jarama, Jochen Mass, 4th
• Monaco GP, Monte Carlo, Jochen Mass, 4th
• Belgian GP, Zolder, Jochen Mass, DNF
• Swedish GP, Anderstorp, Jochen Mass, 2nd
• French GP, Dijon-Prenois, Jochen Mass, 9th
• British GP, Silverstone, Jochen Mass, Practice only
• German GP, Hockenheim, Jochen Mass, Practice only
• Austrian GP, Österreichring, Jochen Mass, Practice only

Life after F1

In its current ownership M23-12 has enjoyed a “no expense spared” approach to preparation and has been campaigned competitively across Europe in the FIA Masters Historic Formula One Championship. With Austrian Lukas Halusa behind the wheel chassis number 12 captured the 2021 Masters Historic Championship. Preparation by Hall & Hall and skilled driving by Halusa saw weekend sweeps at Donington Park, Brands Hatch, and Silverstone with an additional round 10 victory at Spa that October. The car was also invited to the McLaren 60th Anniversary celebrations at the Goodwood Festival of Speed where it represented the marque in their dedicated class. Most recently the car was raced at the Grand Prix Historique de Monaco 2024, where it achieved a fantastic 4th place finish. As a 1976 specification M23, it runs as the youngest car in Serie E making it an attractive proposition for anyone looking to race at the front of the grid in the world’s most prestigious historic Formula One event.

Looked after by respected experts Hall & Hall in the UK, the car has a Geoff Richardson Ford-DFV engine which has just been refreshed to the tune of over £30,000, leaving any prospective buyer with a turn-key Grand Prix car to enjoy the balance of the 2024 race season and beyond. It is also offered with a handsome package of spares to include wheels, bodywork, wishbones, shock absorbers, and a host of running spares.

Additionally, it is supplied with a report from 3.0-liter Grand Prix car authority Allen Brown illustrating M23-12’s fantastic period history and known ownership history from new. With a proven contemporary track record, M23 chassis number 12 is an uncommon opportunity to acquire a rare and significant McLaren Formula One car.

Ownership History

• 1976-1978 Bruce McLaren Motor Racing Ltd
• 1978-1986 Harley Cluxton, USA
• 1986-2007 Steve Earle, USA
• 2007-2015 Richard Griot, USA
• 2015-2020 David Clark, UK
• 2020-Current Owner, UK

More information

For more information on the availability of this historic racer, go HERE

All content © 2024 Collectors Garage Ltd.

Example of M26 F1 Cosworth

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The heart of a sports car

At the heart of the 300SL Roadster lies a formidable 3.0-liter inline-six engine, a direct descendant of the legendary powerplant that propelled its predecessor, the 300SL Gullwing, to victory on both road and track. This potent engine churns out an impressive 215 horsepower, delivering exhilarating acceleration and a top speed exceeding 140 mph. Mated to a responsive four-speed manual transmission, the Roadster offers a driving experience characterized by seamless power delivery and agile handling, ensuring thrills at every turn.

Bosch mechanical injection

One of the most significant technical innovations of the 300SL Roadster is its pioneering fuel injection system, a groundbreaking feature developed by Bosch. This system optimizes fuel delivery, enhancing both performance and fuel efficiency while simultaneously reducing emissions—a remarkable achievement for its time. Complementing this innovation is the Roadster’s advanced independent suspension setup, which provides exceptional ride comfort and stability, even when pushing the car to its limits.

Performance

In terms of performance statistics, the 300SL Roadster’s capabilities speak for themselves. With a 0-60 mph time of around 8 seconds and a quarter-mile sprint completed in just over 16 seconds, the Roadster offers blistering performance that continues to impress enthusiasts and critics alike.

Period reaction

Media reviews from reputable sources such as Road & Track magazine further attest to the 300SL Roadster’s acclaim. Critics laud its exceptional performance and handling dynamics, praising its precise steering and confidence-inspiring brakes. Road & Track described the Roadster as a “masterpiece of engineering,” highlighting its innovative design and advanced features. Moreover, the magazine commends the Roadster’s sumptuous interior, noting its lavish appointments and ergonomic layout, ensuring comfort and style.

Modern-day collectability

Beyond its accolades and performance credentials, the Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster holds significant collectability status in today’s automotive market. Its timeless design, groundbreaking engineering, and limited production numbers make it highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike. Pristine examples fetch top dollar at auctions, with values continuing to appreciate over time.

Moreover, the 300SL Roadster’s vintage rally usability further adds to its allure. The Roadster is a formidable contender in classic car rallies and events with its robust construction, agile handling, and potent performance. Its endurance and reliability make it popular among enthusiasts looking to experience the thrill of historic motorsport competitions.

Available example

Currently available through HK Engineering is a 1958 example with the following highlights:

• Finished in a silver-grey color combination with red leather interior in fully restored condition with very detailed documentation
• First delivery via the Mercedes-Benz Stuttgart branch with a special version for USA SA 10013-149, sealed beam headlights and Radio-Becker-Mexico SA 55154/4
• Ownership history with only six owners as well as original historical registration cards from California from 1974-1981, 1st hand until 1996
• Very rare color combination ex works in light blue 334 combined with blue leather 333 and blue soft top, completely restored in 2004 in the current color combination
• Overhauled by HK-ENGINEERING for 150,000 EURO in 2022, maintained by HK-ENGINEERING for over 17 years
• Coveted “matching numbers” including Mercedes-Benz certificate, data card, original US title and on-board literature

Go HERE for more information

Photo © 2024 HK Engineering

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Automobiles Martini tasted success in the French Formula Three Championship on a regular basis. Race wins and championship success were commonplace for cars designed and manufactured by “Tico” Martini and his loyal team. Race victories around the streets of Monte Carlo were common too, with the most important Formula Three race in the world being won 10 times by a Martini. The 1982 MK37 is one of those winning designs.

CONTINUING THE WINNING WAYS

Martini Formula Three cars were winners, and everyone involved in French motorsport wanted it to stay that way. Each year, when a new Martini MK chassis was launched, the question asked was, “Can it win at Monaco?” In those days, the Monaco F3 race was the race to win, more important than any single championship success and it was a race that Martini cars were very good at winning.

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The Porsche 356 is really the car that “started it all” for the iconic Porsche marque. Manufactured between 1948 and 1965, the Porsche 356 is the automobile that allowed the company to develop. This car is responsible for starting the world’s love affair with rear-engined machines. These rear-engined cars remain as popular with people today as ever before. The 356 is the car that took the Porsche marque from humble beginnings to that of an iconic manufacturer. Versions of the 356 car competed at Le Mans and started the marque’s love affair with the famous 24-hour race. This love affair will start all over again for the company this year, when two factory-supported LMP1-specification 919 cars will compete at La Sarthe in the 2014 Grand Prix d’Endurance.

A CAR IS BORN

The Type 356 can be regarded as the first real Porsche sports car. Prior to the outbreak of World War ll, Porsche designed and built three Type 64 cars for the Berlin to Roma race—but this event was cancelled due to the outbreak of European hostilities. After the war, Porsche built a mid-engined, tubular-chassis car, called “No. 1”—this car was the prototype 356. The car is considered by the marque, and its enthusiasts, to be the first production example.

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The JaguarSport XJR-15 is a two-seater roadgoing sports car produced by JaguarSport, a subsidiary of Jaguar and Tom Walkinshaw Racing. The supercar, of which just fifty cars were produced, was based on Jaguar’s Group C racers and was produced between 1990 and 1992.

Tom Walkinshaw, the larger-than-life and colourful character with so much racing a commercial experience behind him, met with designer Peter Stevens at the NEC Motor Show in October 1988. The motivation behind the meeting was to probe Stevens about an idea he had to develop a roadgoing supercar based on Jaguars then current XJR-9 Group C race car. After studying the Jaguar XJ220, designed by Keith Helfet, Walkinshaw and Stevens set about compiling some potential designs. Jaguar was in the process of rising to the top of the international motorsport pyramid, again, and so Walkinshaw had his mind set on playing a part in that climb up the ladder.

The story behind the successful development of the JaguarSport XJR-15 is, inevitably, the result of some ‘big sky’ thinking. Numerous other major manufacturers (Porsche, Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz and others), have over the years been inspired by their motorsport success and converted lessons learned on the race track into iconic road cars. In this way, the JaguarSport XJR-15, was brought into the world. Not averse to taking a risk to develop something special, Walkinshaw drove the JaguarSport XJR-15 project forward with his usual energy, fortunately with Peter Stevens at his side.

The Book

As the book’s subtitle suggests, A Personal History of the Design and development of the Legendary Supercar, it is a study of the early thinking of how this supercar was conceived and eventually delivered into the world. The reader will find within the pages, an entertaining backstory of how Peter Stevens came to be a celebrated automotive designer. With parents who were both artists, his eye was trained from an early age to appreciate design and to understand perspective. Having an uncle in Denis Jenkinson, the celebrated motorsport journalist, it comes as no surprise to find Peter Stevens excelling in the field of automotive design.

Powered by a naturally-aspirated 6-litre V12 engine, the JaguarSport XJR-15 was launched in November 1990 at Silverstone in Northampton, England. The launch was followed by a supporting series, the Intercontinental Challenge, a one-make cup which served as a support event atselected Formula One Grand Prix races in 1991. Use was made of some of the finest sports car drivers of the day, including the likes of Bob Wollek, David Brabham, Derek Warwick, Cor Euser, Tiff Needell, Armin Hahne, and other top drivers. Such a high quality cast was coaxed into the series thanks to the huge international exposure and an attractive purse.

What You Get

JaguarSport XJR-15 is a superb publication about a little-known supercar, often dubbed the ‘supercar that time forgot’. The author reveals how he started his career, progressing swiftly into the top echelons of the automotive design industry. Stevens includes a chapter on his relationship with Tom Walkinshaw, and influences such as racing at Le Mans, before he launches into the nitty gritty of the car’s design and development. Chapters then follow on the model’s launch, production and sales, the 1991 Intercontinental Challenge, ‘further developments,’ and the XJR-15 today. The 240-page book is printed on superior quality paper, and the page designs allow for easy reading, the narrative being well supported by excellent photo selection. Of great interest and value for the story of the JaguarSport XJR-15, is the use of numerous original drawings, showing the development of the car through the design phase.

Recommendation

If you are a Jaguar enthusiast, a motorsport enthusiast, or simply a sportscar enthusiast, then this is a book you won’t want to be without. It is a sizeable publication, and take its place on your automotive library bookshelf with pride. The print run is limited to just 400 signed copies, so make sure you get your copy while the going is good.

Book Information

• Title: JaguarSport XJR-15
• Sub-title: A Personal History of the Design and development of the Legendary Supercar
• Author: Peter Stevens
• Publisher: Porter Press International
• ISBN: 978-1-913089-66-5
• First published: March 2024
• Page count: 240 pages
• Images: 270 images
• Format: Hardback with Dust Jacket
• Dimensions: 315 x 270 mm (portrait)
• Language: English
• Print: Limited and signed by author – 400 copies
• Price: £149.00
• Collector’s and Owner’s Editions also available
• Website: https://porterpress.co.uk/collections/all-books/products/jaguarsport-xjr-15

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