London, England, February 5, 2009
RM Auctions, in association with Sotheby’s, will present one of the most
historically significant and valuable Ferrari racing cars ever offered at
auction, the legendary 1957 Ferrari 250 TR (chassis no. 0714TR), when
the famed Ferrari Leggenda e Passione event returns to Maranello, May
17, 2009. Held during the final stretch of the famous Mille Miglia
retrospective, the exclusive annual event will offer an unprecedented
collection of historic Ferraris for auction.Considered one of the most
alluring, competitive and iconic of all Ferrari racing cars, the beautiful and
immediately recognizable Scaglietti-designed, ‘pontoon-fender’ 250 TR
was produced from 1957 to 1958 during which only 22 were constructed.
The Ferrari 250 TRs entered 19 international championship races from
1958 through 1961 emerging with 10 victories and earning them legendary
status among discerning collectors, as well as the honor of being one of
the most desirable and competitive racing Ferraris ever built.
“This legendary 250 TR is one of the most exciting motor cars ever to be
presented in auction history,” said Max Girardo, Managing Director of RM
Europe.
“The Ferrari Leggenda e Passione event, now in its third year, is firmly
established as the place to sell important road and race going Ferraris, and
we are delighted to present this stunning 250 TR at its Maranello
birthplace,” he added.
0714TR was extensively campaigned in its day with significant finishes at
the world’s most important racing events and is now being offered at
auction for the first time. The car is resplendent in its period race-correct
black livery and red nose.
In December 1957, this car was delivered to its first owner, racing driver
and future coachbuilder, Piero Drogo in Modena, Italy. Drogo debuted the
car as a privateer in the celebrated 1000 km Buenos Aires in January 1958
with a respectable fourth place finish competing with such legendary
drivers as Phil Hill, Peter Collins, Wolfgang von Trips and Olivier
Gendebien. Following entries in the Grand Prix of Cuba and Portugal, the
car was sold by American Ferrari agent Luigi Chinetti to Texas rancher and
entrepreneur Alan Connell whose competitive driving skills and affluence
afforded him several wins on the 1959 North American racing circuit.
0714TR continued its prowess on the track with subsequent owners and
competed in its last professional race in June 1963 at the Elkhart Lake
500.
The Ferrari 250 TR has become an enduring and exceedingly valuable
classic whose soaring lines and sculptural elegance give it a sense of
speed even when standing still. The legendary s/n 0714TR is by far the
most campaigned of the 250 TR cliente series cars with a fascinating
ownership and racing history, establishing its rarified place in the collector
world as one of the most beautiful and valuable Ferraris ever offered in
auction history.
For further information or to discuss consignment opportunities, please
contact RM’s London Office on +44 (0) 20 7293 6336 or visit
www.rmauctions.com .
All cars presented at the Ferrari Leggenda e Passione event will be
certified by Ferrari Classiche.
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