Every two years the Auto Club of Monaco presents the Monaco GP Historique. The course is set up for the Monaco GP two weeks later with pits, paddock, grandstands and the track arranged for the GP but instead of Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc (congratulations Charles on your maiden hometown win) it’s old cars on the track.
Some are sleek and erect from the 20’s and 30’s, others have shapes and sponsor liveries old guys like me remember from our younger years.
The auctions follow the well-heeled participants and spectators. This year French auction house Artcurial made an infrequent appearance with a no reserve collection from Swedish collector Staffan Wittmark, Creative Director for fashion brand Gant. Bonhams and RM Sotheby’s put on their biennial shows with RM doing two days including cars from the collection of World Champion Jody Scheckter.
Results were notable for how many cars sold well short of their estimate ranges, or fell far enough short of expected values they didn’t sell at all. It is a compelling sign that collectors are regrouping after a couple years during Covid and after where the Covid financial stimulus money and the recognition of mortality induced by a worldwide pandemic, exaggerated by public health authorities’ dire predictions of civilization’s demise, caused the living (and well-heeled) to adopt an attitude of, “spend it now because I might not get to enjoy it later”.
That is o-v-e-r.
This report includes all three auctions with selected cars that are described here from their online descriptions and photos since no one was willing to underwrite travel to Monaco and a stay of five days, not to mention expensive meals. Two years ago covering the Bonhams and RM auctions and the GP Historique on Sunday I dropped six pounds on the nearly vertical hillsides of Monte Carlo and erratic opportunities to eat. I couldn’t afford to lose six pounds at my current weight, let alone the cost of five nights in Monaco even in an AirBnB.
These reports are sorted by the sale dates with Artcurial’s all no-reserve “W Collection” first followed by Bonhams and RM Sotheby’s with a brief introduction for each auction. Considering the GP Historique theme, many of the cars are race cars.
Photos are courtesy of the auction companies.
Artcurial Monaco, “The W Collection”, May 9, 2024
Artcurial hasn’t been in Monaco since 2021 when they held a largely remote, online, auction. The circumstances are sufficiently different that the prior sale has been left out of the summary.
| Year | Cars Sold/ Offered | Sale % | Sold < Low Est | Sold > High Est | Average Sale | Median Sale | Total $ | Exchange Rate |
| Artcurial, May 9, 2024 | ||||||||
| 2024 | 44/44* | 100% | 56.8% | 18.2% | $691,757 | $176,013
[25.5%] |
$29,745,559 | $1.0771 |
| One lot, 1955 300SL Gullwing, was omitted from Artcurial’s post sale results due to a “website problem.” Artcurial subsequently confirmed its sale and it is carried here as a Sold result at the reported all-in price.
These results differ from Artcurial’s because Artcurial includes 20% VAT on the stated commission. That’s like including state sales tax at Mecum or Barrett-Jackson, but it makes the numbers look better. |
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Lot # 13 1972 Porsche 911 Carrera 2.7 RS Coupe; S/N 36000074; Engine # 6630086; Grand Prix White, Red wheels and “Carrera” badging/Black leatherette, velour; Estimate $376,985 – $592,405; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $425,455 plus commission of 16.00%; Final Price $493,527. – 2,687/210hp, 5-speed, sport seats, driving lights, 3-point belts, Fuchs wheels, tool kit. – One of the earliest cars in Staffan Wittmark’s “W Collection”, the sole collection offered by Artcurial in Monaco. Largely original paint, reupholstered seats. Represented as the original engine. – An exceptionally well-preserved and largely original Carrera 2.7 litre RS with little reward for its preservation and originality.
Lot # 14 1963 Porsche 356C Carrera 2 Coupe; S/N 127697; Engine # P97369; Grey/Red leather; Estimate $538,550 – $753,970; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $393,142 plus commission of 16.00%; Final Price $456,044. – 1,966/230hp, 4-speed, woodrim steering wheel, Blaupunkt multiband radio, build card documented. – Excellent paint, interior and engine compartment. Documented history through two restorations. Represented as the original engine. – Almost half a million dollars is a lot of money, but for an original engined Carrera 2 in its original colors it is surprisingly modest, a good value from the Staffan Wittmark collection with excellent provenance.
Lot # 16 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster; S/N 1980427500119; Engine # 1989807500135; Grey/Beige leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $969,390 – $1,292,520; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $1,400,230 plus commission of 16.00%; Final Price $1,624,267. – 2,996/250hp, 4-speed, chrome Rudge centerlock wheels, fitted luggage, Becker Mexico multiband radio, Talbot outside mirrors. – First owned by actor Gunther Philipp (Gunther Placheta) and lightly raced in period. Restamped engine believed fitted by M-B in 1957. Like new engine compartment. Excellent paint and interior. – An early 300SL Roadster, the 51st built, restored with care in the U.S. and subsequently meticulously maintained for Staffan Wittmark. Generously valued here but not unreasonably for its quality.
Lot # 21 1962 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta; S/N 3169GT; Engine # 3169GT; Blu Tigullio/Red leather; Estimate $9,155,350 – $9,909,320; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $5,116,225 plus commission of 13.68%; Final Price $5,816,340. – 2,953/280hp, 4-speed, chrome spoke Borrani wire wheels, fog lights. – Represented as the original engine and transmission. Represented as the original engine and transmission. Ferrari Classiche certified. Pristine. – This is an $8 million car and there is absolutely no discernable reason why it should sell for such a sizable discount as it did in this transaction. It is hard to think of a nearly $6 million car as a “bargain” but in this case it is.
Lot # 28 1963 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster, hardtop; S/N 19804210003198; Engine # 19898210000162; Graphite Grey/Red leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $2,585,040 – $3,123,590; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $1,561,795 plus commission of 16.00%; Final Price $1,811,682. – 2,996/250hp, 4-speed, Euro headlights, two tops, disc brakes, aluminum block, tools, jack, fitted luggage. – Represented as matching numbers throughout. Freshly restored by M-B specialists in Germany retaining the original interior leather. The restoration cost some Euros 600,000 and it was completed only last year. – One of two 300SL Roadsters in Staffan Wittmark’s “W Collection”, the other being an early production example that sold for less than $200,000 less than this fresh, beyond perfect example. While the all-in price of this car is realistic the fresh restoration and comprehensive equipment could have more than justified a premium even if it wasn’t up to the optimistic pre-sale low estimate.
Lot # 29 1963 Ferrari 250 GT/L Lusso Berlinetta; S/N 5191GT; Engine # 5191GT; Grigio Fumo Metallizzato/Tan leather; Estimate $1,507,940 – $1,938,780; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $1,346,375 plus commission of 16.00%; Final Price $1,561,795. – 2,953/240hp, 4-speed, chrome spoke Borrani wire wheels. – Restored to high standards with an exterior color change by recognized specialists. Ferrari Classiche Red Book certified. – Sold by RM at Villa d’Este in 2011 for $714,269 in mediocre condition then commenced restoration ultimately finished for Staffan Wittmark. Still in excellent condition and bought for a modest price that could have been higher without being expensive. A good value in a very pretty car.
Lot # 32 1967 Ferrari 330 GTS Spider; S/N 10781; Engine # 10781; Blu Notte Metallizzato/Beige leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $1,938,780 – $2,369,620; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $1,798,757 plus commission of 16.00%; Final Price $2,086,558. – 3,967/300hp, 5-speed, chrome spoke Borrani wire wheels, power windows. – Restored by Ferrari specialists in Italy to high standards about ten years ago. Carefully used and maintained since. – The first of a pair of color-matched 330 GTs (the other being a GTC) in Staffan Willmark’s collection, bought at a reasonable price for its condition and the restoration’s age.
Lot # 33 1967 Ferrari 330 GTC Coupe; S/N 10585; Engine # 10585; Blu Notte Metallizzato/Red leather; Estimate $646,260 – $861,680; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $495,466 plus commission of 16.00%; Final Price $574,741. – 3,967/300hp, 5-speed, chrome spoke Borrani wire wheels, power windows. – One of two 330 GTs in Staffan Wittmark’s collection, the other being a 330 GTS in the same exterior colors that sold just before this. Restored in Italy in the teens by specialists and still like new. – The gorgeous color combination makes this GTC a show stopper, and it brought an appropriate price, although not to the extent Artcurial hoped in setting the highly optimistic pre-sale estimate.
Lot # 34 1958 Ferrari 250 GT LWB Spider California, Body by Pinin Farina; S/N 1057GT; Canna di Fucile (Grey metallic)/Beige leather; Estimate $7,539,700 – $10,771,000; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $4,793,095 plus commission of 13.80%; Final Price $5,454,434. – 2,953/240hp, 4-speed, Ferrari Classiche certified, covered headlights, grille-mounted fog lights, chrome spoke Borrani wire wheels – Restored by specialists in Italy in the Teens with a replacement engine now stamped by Ferrari Classiche. Doesn’t look like it’s ever been sat in or driven seriously. Impeccable engine compartment and perfect paint. – OK, the engine is a Ferrari Classiche replacement but the rest of this LWB Spider California is presented to the highest standards. Its result here is impossible to comprehend for one of the most desirable dual purpose Ferraris ever built. And it’s beautiful, too. It should be a $9 million car yet it brought a hammer bid of only half that, an absolute bargain (if five and a half million is in your budget).
Bonhams, Monaco, May 10, 2024
Held at the former Karl Lagerfeld mansion on a rocky promontory overlooking Monte Carlo, it is hard not think that Bonhams was grievously disappointed with the result of this auction, a mere $6.5 million total that couldn’t have covered their site costs. There are only three cars in this report. The rest were irrelevant, or seriously disappointing.
The top-selling Maserati A6G/2000 was, however, enchantingly described in the catalog.
| Year | Cars Sold/ Offered | Sale % | Sold < Low Est | Sold > High Est | Average Sale | Median Sale | Total $ | Exchange Rate |
| Bonhams, Monaco, May 10, 2024 | ||||||||
| 2024 | 32/49 | 65.3% | 59.4% | 12.5% | $201,680 | $201,250
[99.8%] |
$6,453,748 | $1.0773 |
| 2022 | 27/35 | 77.1% | 37.1% | 17.1% | $509,433 | $314,252
[61.7%] |
$13,754,702 | $1.0410 |
Lot # 108 1957 Lotus-Climax Type 12 Formula 1, 2; S/N 353; Engine # FPF43030136; Green/Red; Estimate $312,417 – $420,147; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $188,528 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $216,807. – 1,475/141hp Coventry Climax FPF, 5-speed, yellow “wobbly” Lotus wheels. – The first F1 car raced by Graham Hill. History verified by Classic Team Lotus. Raced by Hill at Monaco 1958 (sixty-six years ago, some of you reading this aren’t that old yet). Offered in F2 specifications with correct size FPF engine. Used but also thoroughly maintained. – Whether with this 1,475 cc FPF for Formula 2 or the 1,964/175hp Formula 1 engine that is a bolt-in swap this is the first F1 competing single-seater built by Lotus. It has a well-documented history and will be a welcome competitor at any historic race for which it is eligible and is a sound value at this price.
Lot # 128 1956 Maserati A6G/2000 Coupe, Body by Allemano; S/N 2147; Engine # 2180; Alfa Red, Black/Black leather, Red piping; Estimate $888,773 – $996,503; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $872,613 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $1,003,505. – 1,985/160hp, 4-speed, chrome spoke Borrani wire wheels, Marchal fog lights, reversing lights, Halda Speedpilot, quick fill fuel tank, Becker Europa multiband radio, folding front seat armrest, Jaeger-LeCoultre chronograph. – Built as chassis 2144 and equipped by Maserati for rallying for first owner Dick Cicurel, the only rally-equipped Maserati built by the factory. Specified with 50 accessories and special details confirmed by the Maserati build sheets. Damaged and returned to Maserati where it was renumbered as 2147. Has engine 2180 from the prototype A6G Gran Sport Spider by Frua. Restored to original condition and configuration and ready for the road or concours lawn. – Sold by Bonhams at Gstaad in 2006 as an incomplete restoration for $188,106, then by Gooding at Pebble Beach in 2015 after restoration for $1.045,000. The top sale at Bonhams Monaco auction and would not have been expensive had it brought another bid or three.
Lot # 144 2002 Toyota TF102 Formula 1; S/N 03; Engine # DYXC23100302B01S1181; White, Red “Panasonic”/Black; Estimate $323,190 – $430,920; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $274,712 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $315,918. – 2,998/800hp at 18,200 rpm fuel injected V10, 6-speed, missing much of its hydraulic systems and electronics. – Despite the missing stuff this is a largely complete Toyota F1 car, with internal parts still in the engine and gearbox. It was a development car during 2002 driven by Mika Salo, Allan McNish, Stephane Sarrazin and Alan Brisco with 1,384 km recorded at Silverstone, Jerez and Monza. – It will take a committed new owner to return this Toyota TF102 to the track but the effort and expense should be well worth it when it finally fires up. This price is well more than would be justified for a garage queen display car giving some hope the new owner really intends to see it back on track.
RM Sotheby’s, Monaco, May 10-11, 2024
RM featured cars from the collection of Jody Scheckter, all formula cars except for a single anomalous Alfa Giulietta SZ.
Eleven lots were bid to $1 million or more. Nine of them sold bringing an all-in total of $29,390,092.
Nine lots were passed on the block and later reported by RM as sold at undisclosed prices. They are included here at their reported block high bids plus the stated commissions.
| Year | Cars Sold/ Offered | Sale % | Sold < Low Est | Sold > High Est | Average Sale | Median Sale | Total $ | Exchange Rate |
| RM Sotheby’s, Monaco, May 10-11, 2024 | ||||||||
| 2024 | 92/104 | 88.5% | 60.9% | 12% | $579,176 | $247,779
[42.8%] |
$53,284,230 | $1.0773 |
| 2022 | 53/68 | 77.9% | 43.4% | 17% | $632,071 | $227,459
[36%] |
$33,499,786 | $1.0410 |
Lot # 115 1985 Audi Sport quattro S1 E2 Rally; S/N WAUZZZ85ZGA905018; White, Yellow/Black cloth; Estimate $538,650 – $754,110; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $603,288 plus commission of 13.39%; Final Price $684,086. – 2,110/550hp turbocharged inline 5-cylinder, – Campaigned only once in WRC, at the Portugal Rally in 1986 driven by Walter Rohrl from which Audi withdrew after a fatal accident. Converted to run the European Rallycross Championship and the 1989 and 1990 Race of Champions driven by Anders Carlsson, Bjorn Waldegard, Walter Rohrl, Ari Vatanen, Hanu Mikkola, Stig Blomqvist, Timo Salonen, Juha Kankkunen, Miki Biasion and Carlos Sainz, all rally legends. One of 20 S1 E2s built. In clean, orderly as-rallycrossed condition, complete and needs restoration. – This is the highest evolution of the quattro Group B, a short wheelbase handful that will tax the capability of any driver. It has tested the best during its active career and is the image of the Audi quattro rally, a reputation and instant credibility that caught the attention of the RM Monaco bidders and brought a handsome price, especially considering how much restoration it needs.
Lot # 126 1972 Porsche 911S 2.4 Coupe; S/N 9112301120; Engine # 6321641; Light Yellow/Black leather, houndstooth inserts; Estimate $53,865 – $80,798; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $96,957 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $111,501. – 2,341/210hp, 5-speed, Fuchs wheels. – Represented as the numbers-matching engine. Static displayed in Kuwait since about 2008 and needs attention. – First Bonhams and now RM are taking in a stream of consignments that were snapped up by Middle Eastern consignors twenty or so years ago and then left to gather desert sand since without being used. Realistically estimated, the final result reflected the innate appeal of a 911S without recognizing what it will cost to get it back on the road.
Lot # 148 1981 Porsche 917 K-81 Group 6; S/N 917K81; Engine #;, /; Estimate $3,770,550 – $5,386,500; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $2,531,655 plus commission of 12.71%; Final Price $2,853,499. – Type 912 H-12, 4,998/600hp naturally aspirated, 5-speed. – Built by Kremer with a naturally aspirated Porsche flat twelve and updated chassis, suspension and bodywork. Raced at Le Mans in 1981 but did not finish, or at the Brands Hatch 1,000 km. Engine rebuilt in 2019 and in very good original condition. – Remarkably unsuccessful with two dnfs in its only two races despite drivers like Bob Wollek and Henri Pescarolo this is recognizable Kremer 917. Not used in some time, it needs comprehensive attention, a combination of attributes recognized in this far below estimate price. With one 600hp and refined suspension it might take the measure of 917Ks in historic racing.
Lot # 154 1967 Bizzarrini 5300 GT Strada Alloy Berlinetta; S/N IA30264; Red/B;acl; Estimate $807,975 – $915,705; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $700,245 plus commission of 13.27%; Final Price $793,162. – 327/500+hp Corvette V8, Edelbrock cylinder heads and intake manifold, Holley 4-barrel, 4-speed, chrome spoke Borrani wire wheels, power windows, Talbot outside mirrors, covered headlights, two spare engines. – One of 86 alloy-bodied examples, road equipped. Restored twice, most recently within the last three years at a cost of CHF 246,000. Gorgeous paint, panels and fit. Like new upholstery and engine compartment. A carefully restored and like new car. – This was money well-spent. It bought a rare alloy bodied Bizzarrini restored to high standards while retaining important details and originality, a 2+ condition car bought for a 3 condition price.
Lot # 157 1972 Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spider Convertible, Body by Pininfarina-Scaglietti; S/N 15383; Gunmetal Grey/Red leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $3,016,440 – $3,447,360; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $3,285,765 plus commission of 12.66%; Final Price $3,701,872. – 4,390/352hp, six Weber carburetors, 5-speed, chome spoke alloy wheels, air conditioning, later underdash CD stereo, power windows, headrest seats, painted nose panel, popup lights, SF shields. – Fresh restoration (its second) and like new everywhere. Striking color combination. Its stance in photos suggests that the recently rebuilt suspension has included lowering. Ferrari Classiche Red Book documented, Marcel Massini report. – Sold at Barrett-Jackson in 1998 for $339,045 when it was yellow and in decent driver condition, then at Gooding’s Scottsdale auction in 2011 for $1,017,500 after a cosmetic restoration. It has had the benefit of both thirteen years of appreciation and yet another do-over but in effective colors and brought a healthy price appropriate to its dramatic appearance.
There’s a lot of BS about “Scaglietti” bodied Daytona Spiders. They were built by Pininfarina as berlinettas then sent to Scaglietti to be decapitated, reinforced and made into Spiders.
Lot # 218 1959 Lister-Chevrolet Knobbly Sports Racer; S/N BHL127; Light Green/Black; Estimate $377,055 – $430,920; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $333,963 plus commission of 14.11%; Final Price $381,095. – Chevrolet V8 of unstated displacement, Holley 4-barrel, 4-speed, side exhausts, centerlock Halibrand-style kidney bean alloy wheels, wraparound windscreen, driver’s paperclip rollbar, covered headlights. – Originally built for Chevrolet power with more streamlined Costin-designed bodywork, this faintly “Knobbly” looking body is a later addition. Uncertain history until found as a semi-complete chassis in the 80’s and restored in this configuration. A serious historic racing competitor with numerous successes in the U.K. in clean as-raced condition. Dormant the last five years. – Sold by RM at Arizona in 2013 for $528,000, then from the Andrews collection in 2015 for $412,500, this result continues a gradual decline in value from ten years ago. The decline reflects its uncertain early and middle life ownership and racing history, body style change to this vaguely “Knobbly” configuration and recent dormancy that will require extensive inspection and restoration before it will again be capable of being the Goodwood lap record holder it once was. All things consider this is a fair price, but a significant historic racing opportunity.
Lot # 219 1959 Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet Series II, Body by Pinin Farina; S/N 1941GT; Engine # 1941GT; Rosso Cordoba/Black leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $1,077,300 – $1,292,760; With Reserve; Reported sold but not confirmed $915,705 plus commission of; Final Price $1,035,555. – 2,953/240hp, 4-speed, chrome spoke Borrani wire wheels, Tom Meade modified nose with large grille and covered headlights, multiband radio. – Tired old repaint with dirt inclusions and small chips. Worn and loose but sound old upholstery and even older and more worn top. The engine is presentable but it is in a cosmetically resprayed compartment. The Tom Meade nose is definitely not an improvement on Pinin Farina’s standard nose and looks exactly like what it is, an expedient and badly proportioned repair even with the covered headlights. Represented as matching numbers engine, gearbox, rear axle and body but not, for obvious reasons, offered with Ferrari Classiche certification. – To complement the poorly proportioned Tom Meade nose this “Rosso Colorado” is more like Eggplant. Sold for $1,289,498 (Euros 1,141,250 at the time, this result is Euros 961,300 including commission) by RM at Paris two years ago. It was passed on the block with this hammer bid of $915,705 (Euros 850,000) and reported subsequently by RM as being sold at an undisclosed price. However it is posted on RM’s website (May 25) as offered for Euros 995,000, making for a record as confused as the car is.
Lot # 222 1969 Merlyn Mk11a Formula Ford; S/N 238; Green, /; Estimate $48,479 – $70,025; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $48,479 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $55,750. – 1,558/115hp Ford Cortina, 4-speed, upgraded in 1970 to Mk17 specs. – Initially raced by Emerson Fittipaldi for Denny Rowland, later sold to Colin Vandervell, winning 24 races in 1970. Acquired by Jody Scheckter in 1971, his first European/UK race car. He sold it to Frank Sytner in mid-season. Later owned by Racer Magazine publisher Paul Pfanner for whom it was restored, then sold back to Scheckter. An outstanding race history, successful for several drivers and in good restored condtion. – The first of the Scheckter collection to be offered and Jody Scheckter’s first European/UK race cars, this car has a storied history, even earning the nickname “The Magic Merlyn”, and was a sound acquisition at this price for a car that based on its history alone will be a welcome entrant anywhere it wants to go.
Lot # 223 1977 Tyrrell P34 Formula 1; S/N 8; Blue, “elf”/Black; Estimate $484,785 – $700,245; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $991,116 plus commission of 13.04%; Final Price $1,120,392. – Cosworth DFV, 5-speed. – Project 34 was a successful is short-lived innovation with the small front wheels reducing aero drag by the calculated equivalent of 40hp, significant when almost everyone was using Cosworth DFV V8s. Jody Scheckter won the 1976 Spanish GP in a P34. This was built up from an original monocoque and some parts in the 1990’s by Bud Bennett of RM Motorsport. Successful at the Monterey Historics in 2008 and appeared again in 2010. Essentially pristine, as a newly constructed 1977 F1 car should be. Jody Scheckter collection – This is one of few, very few, cars in the Monaco auctions that surpassed their pre-sale estimates, and it not only surpassed the estimate it blew it into smithereens. That’s largely down to its storied history and nearly unique (and successful) deviation from the accepted 4-wheel pattern. The bidders seemed infatuated by the opportunity and this is one of the exceptional sales of the Monaco auctions.
Lot # 225 1960 Alfa Romeo Giulietta SZ Coupe, Body by Zagato; S/N AR1012600012; White/Black vinyl; Estimate $344,736 – $484,785; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $210,074 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $241,585. – 1,290/115hp, 5-speed, alloy wheels. – Successfully raced in Italy by a succession of owners and freshly restored to its 1961 Targa Florio condition and specs (with the possible exception of the 5-speed), this is the only full-bodied car in the Jody Scheckter Collection. – A sweet little Alfa Giulietta SZ1, in exceptional freshly restored condition and a notable value at this price that could have hammered sold on a bid Euros 100,000 more… and still been a good value. No one is claiming numbers-matching but no one should expect that except perhaps for one in some grotty, dirty barn find festering away in a grotto for the last half-century. This is a bargain.
Lot # 226 1979 Ferrari 312 T4 Formula 1; S/N 040; Engine # 43; Red, White accent/Black; Estimate $5,655,825 – $7,002,450; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $7,325,640 plus commission of 12.57%; Final Price $8,246,732. – 2,992/515hp flat 12, 5-speed. – Jody Scheckter’s 1979 Formula 1 driver’s and Constructor’s championship winning car, preserved as it was raced with an engine rebuilt in 2019 for demonstration. Driven only by Jody Scheckter in its lifetime, purchased directly from Ferrari in 1982. – The last F1 championship-winning Ferrari of the Enzo Ferrari era, a three-time winner driven by Jody Sheckter at Spa, Monaco and Monza – which is as much as anything the triple crown of Formula One. More than that, however, this 312 T4 is largely as-raced and never restored. It has been maintained, the engine rebuilt, and demonstrated but otherwise is as it was in 1979, forty-five years ago, and still pristine. This was the headline sale of the Monaco auctions. It was introduced by Scheckter and is, if anything can be, blessed with great Ferrari history when drivers would campaign one or two chassis throughout a single season. It brought a noteworthy price but it deserved every cent of it.
Lot # 228 1975 Tyrrell 007 Formula 1; S/N 0076; Engine # DFV158; Blue, “elf”/Aluminum; Estimate $700,245 – $969,570; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $667,926 plus commission of 13.31%; Final Price $756,803. – 2,993/408hp fuel injected Cosworth DFV V8, Hewland FG400 5-speed gearbox. – Tyrrell team car driven by Jody Scheckter in 1975-76 with a best finish of 3rd at Silverstone in 1975, later a spare car and sold to Otto Stuppacher who failed to qualify at three races in 1977. Bought by Scheckter in 1997 and apparently unused since with some age and edge chips and scrapes but overall clean and well-maintained. – With no consistent competition success the value is a connection with the elf/Tyrrell team and provenance with Jody Scheckter’s ownership. The result here is all about the team and owner history and how competitive it will be in historic F1 racing, which makes its offering here in Monaco during the GP Historique a marketing master stroke.
Lot # 229 1973 McLaren M23 Formula 1; S/N M232; Engine # DFV265; White, Orange “Yardley” /; Estimate $1,885,275 – $2,423,925; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $980,343 plus commission of 13.05%; Final Price $1,108,272. – 2,993/408hp Cosworth-Ford DFV, Hewland FG400 5-speed. – Winner of the British GP in 1973 driven by Peter Revson. Later converted to F5000 with Rover V-8 power and driven by John McCormack in Australia, then converted again to a center-seat Can-Am car. Restored by McLaren to F1 configuration, then acquired by Jody Scheckter who had driven it three times in F1 for Yardley McLaren. A long and diverse history and in condition appropriate to its somewhat aged McLaren restoration. – Long-lived hardly begins to describe the competition history of this McLaren which records 61 significant race appearances across four continents (Europe, Africa, Australia, America) over six racing years in three separate categories. An F1 race winner with Peter Revson, it has event eligibility that few cars can claim and an illustrious provenance. Its history of modifications detracts from its appeal, and it can’t claim originality as an attribute although the McLaren restoration remedies some of that. “Yardley” livery will always identify it to F1 fans as a McLaren and the price endorses its recognition if not this chassis’ success.
Lot # 232 1971 McLaren M19A Formula 1; S/N M19A1; Engine # DFV993; White, Orange “Yardley”/Black; Estimate $807,975 – $1,077,300; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $797,202 plus commission of 13.18%; Final Price $902,239. – 2,993/408hp Cosworth-Ford DFV, Hewland FG400 gearbox, Willans 4-point belts, fire system. – Aside from the iconic (and I do not use that word lightly) Yardley McLaren livery this car’s chassis has seen a litany of world class drivers including Hulme, Gethin, Oliver, Donohue, Hobbs, Revson, Redman, Scheckter, Arnoux and as an F5000 car Tony Trimmer and Gordon Spice in a history of 29 races over four seasons in both F1 and F5000 configuration. Restored to original condition and (cosmetically at least) ready to appear on an historic racing grid. – It is always refreshing to see one of these legendary DFV-powered F1 cars with Smiths gauges like those in MGs and Triumphs and the characteristic coolant piped running outside the bodywork along the sides: just enough to do the job. Bought right for its history, its condition and its historic racing opportunities.
Lot # 236 1975 Lancia Stratos HF Stradale Coupe, Body by Bertone; S/N 829AR0001832; Engine # 829A000001227; Azzuro Chiaro/Black Alcantara; Estimate $592,515 – $700,245; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $560,196 plus commission of 13.46%; Final Price $635,607. – 2,419/190hp V6, 5-speed, Britax 3-point belts, gold Campagnolo alloy wheels, Michelin tires, Carello fog lights. – Original throughout, unrestored and represented as the matching number engine. Lancia Classiche documented. Four owners from new. Remarkably preserved and showing little age or use appropriate to the 12,074 km on its odometer. – Sold by RM at Essen in 2019 for $616,068 (Euros 545,000 all-in at the time, this result is Euros 590,000) this is a modest result for a nearly miraculously preserved original Stratos HF that credits the car for what it is but not for its preservation and originality.
Lot # 237 1985 Lancia Delta S4 Group B Rally Sedan; S/N ZLA038AR000000207; White, “Martini”/Blue cloth; Estimate $861,840 – $1,077,300; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $797,202 plus commission of 13.18%; Final Price $902,239. – Twincharged (supercharger and turbocharger) inline four, 1,759/483hp, 5-speed, fully rally equipment, SIEM headlights and six driving lights. – 2nd in the 1985 WRC Lombard RAC rally with Marku Alen and Ilkka Kivimaki for the factory Lancia/Martini team. Rallied in 1986 also in Martini livery by Jolly Club and through 1988 in the European Autocross Championship. Restored to its 1985 appearance with meticulous mechanical presentation and attractive cosmetics showing some usual competition car nicks and scrapes. – RM sold s/n 202 in 2019 in London for $979,164, also a Lancia team car and winner of the 1985 RAC Rally with Toivonan and Neil Wilson where this car finished second. This restoration is in better condition, accounting for some of the $100,000 difference in value but arguably the biggest difference is between finishing second and winning. RM sold this Delta S4 in its Online Europe Summer auction in 2020 for $880,726 (Euros 770,000 all-in at the time, this result is Euros 837,500 all-in). “Killer Bee” rally car values since 2020 have appreciated, at least in Euros, but this US$ price reflects a more favorable US$ exchange rate since then.
Lot # 244 2022 Alfa Romeo Giulia GTAm 4-Dr. Sedan; S/N ZAREAEHV9M7666907; Red, White accents, carbon fibre roof/Black; Estimate $161,595 – $215,460; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $150,822 plus commission of 15.00%; Final Price $173,445. – 2,894/540hp twin turbo V-6, 8-speed AutoManual, black alloy centerlock wheels, paddle shift. – 838 km from new and pristine. – This is a gentrified GTAm, “modificata” to make it somewhat acceptable for road use in contrast to the original Giulia GTAm that was alloy and fiberglass bodied, stripped and “modificata” to be an all-out track weapon in the 1960s. This transaction is the benchmark from which others will be judged.
Lot # 250 1958 Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet Series I, Body by Pinin Farina; S/N 0849GT; Engine # 0849GT; Bianco/Turquoise Green leather; Estimate $4,847,850 – $5,386,500; With Reserve; Reported sold but not confirmed $4,524,660 plus commission of; Final Price $5,095,629. – 2,953/240hp, 4-speed, covered headlights, chrome spoke Borrani wire wheels, Michelin Pilote X tires, disc brake upgrade, front fender vents, front bumperettes, Marchal fog lights. – Represented as the numbers-matching (but Classiche-stamped) engine internal number 0214C, gearbox and rear axle. Restored in 2017, original front fender vents re-created in 2021, repainted in the original Bianco. Ferrari Classiche Red Book certified. A distinctive 250 GT Cabriolet that is aging gracefully and wears its newly applied original exterior color with distinction. – Twenty-six years ago this Ferrari fell flat at Barrett-Jackson in 1996 with a bid of $275,000 after being sold at the Monte Carlo auction for $766,488 in 1990, the end of the first “etceterini” run when the US$ was worth about 41 cents. 22 years later it showed up at Artcurial’s Retromobile auction where it was passed on the block (in black) at a reported high bid of $6,724,300 (Euros 5.5 million hammer, this result is Euros 4.2 million hammer). RM sold it at their auction of the Guikas collection in 2021 for $5,003,264 all-in (Euros 4,420,625 at the time). It has been repainted in its original Bianco since then and was bid to this hammer result in Monaco where it was subsequently reported sold by RM at an undisclosed price reflected here with the commission included. A lovely car with a sketchy history.