In addition to its competition pedigree, 0058M boasts a distinguished ownership record, having been carefully
maintained by some of the hobby’s most discerning collectors, including more than two decades with
respected Ferrari Club of America Chief Judge, Ed Gilbertson. During his custodianship, Gilbertson actively
enjoyed the car, presenting it at a string of FCA events to great acclaim. Over the years, 0058M has also
enjoyed a decorated concours career, including no less than five appearances at the Pebble Beach Concours
d’Elegance, where in 1979, it was awarded the coveted Hans Tanner Trophy. Testament to its incredible
originality, it has also garnered multiple Platinum awards at the Cavallino Classic, FCA National Meet and
Concorso Italiano.
Beyond its provenance, 0058M’s extreme desirability lies in its incredible purity and authenticity.
Extraordinarily original, it is matching numbers throughout, including its original Touring body, V-12 engine,
gearbox and differential, and comes to Amelia Island complete with the all-important Ferrari Classiche
certification (Est. $8,000,000 - $10,000,000 €7,550.000 - 9,430,000).
“The 166 MM is, unequivocally, one of the most important sports cars ever constructed; it is essentially the
cornerstone on which Ferrari built their successful formula, or if you like, the padrino of all the short-block
based competition cars that followed, from the 195 and 212 Exports to the 225 S, the 250 GT Tour de France
and Testa Rossa. As such, its significance in the marque’s history cannot be overstated,” says Shelby
Myers, Car Specialist, RM Sotheby’s.
“In the rarefied air that is Ferrari’s 166 MM, 0058M is one of the best of the very best,” adds Myers. “It
possesses all of the critical attributes a collector wants in a Ferrari sports racer: rarity, period racing history in
Italy and the U.S., a high level of originality, as well as a successful show career. A very special car and
extremely eligible for the world’s top concours and driving events, we’re thrilled to bring it to market in Amelia
Island.”
The Pride and Passion of Orin Smith
Beyond a fantastic stable of Ferraris, all eyes will be on RM Sotheby’s presentation of ‘A Gentleman’s
Collection: The Pride and Passion of Orin Smith’ – a superlative group of 63 automobiles offered largely
‘without reserve’ during an exclusive evening sale on Friday, 10 March. In addition to previously announced
feature cars, catalogue highlights include a spectacular 1936 Lancia Astura Cabriolet Series III “Tipo
Bocca” by Pinin Farina, the centerpiece of the Smith Collection, along with a virtually flawless 1958
Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I Drophead Coupe "Honeymoon Express" by Freestone & Webb.
With its aerodynamic profile, the Lancia Astura, chassis no. 33-5313, is the pinnacle of pre-war Lancias.
Sporting unique coachwork by Mario Revelli di Beaumont for Pinin Farina, it is believed to be the first of three
or fewer PF cabriolets built on the sporting, ‘Corto' short-wheelbase chassis from a total six cabriolets
including the long wheelbase 4-seater. A masterpiece of Italian design and engineering, it first wowed
audiences on Pinin Farina’s stand at the 1936 Milano Motor Show, where it was awarded the President’s Cup
from the Registro Ancetre Club Italia. This was closely followed by a class award at the inaugural Concorso
d’Eleganza San Remo in May 1937. A cherished part of the Orin Smith Collection since 2011, in recent years
the Astura has been restored to international concours standards, the quality of which has earned it
accolades both sides of the pond, including special awards at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, and
the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. Most recently, it was exhibited at the Petersen Automotive Museum in
Los Angeles as part of their “Rolling Sculpture” exhibit of advanced streamlined design. Notably, a sister car
to this lovely Astura, in long-wheelbase form, was awarded Best of Show at the 2016 Pebble Beach Concours
d’Elegance, cementing its importance to design and elegance for the era (Est. $2,000,000 - $2,600,000).
The “Honeymoon Express” is another magnificent automobile reflecting Orin Smith’s incredible eye for
automotive artistry, and represents the most extravagant, streamlined “Jet Age” design on a Rolls-Royce
chassis; never before had such modern styling been seen on a conservative British luxury automobile. The
example on offer, chassis no. SGE270, is one of only two built to the “Honeymoon Express” design, and, with
its sister car in long-term ownership, the only example available or likely to become so. The recipient of a
superb, award-winning restoration by marque specialists, it has enjoyed a known history with three, private
long-term owners from new (Est. $1,300,000 - $1,800,000).
Additional notable attractions for RM Sotheby’s two-day Amelia Island sale include:
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