The official auction house of the Pebble Beach Concours
d’Elegance®, Gooding & Company, is honored to present The
William M. Wonder Collection at its world-renowned,
record-setting signature event this August. The late Mr. Wonder,
who was a legendary and well-respected name in the world of
American privateer racing, collected a number of significant
competition cars, which will cross the block at Gooding &
Company’s Pebble Beach Auctions taking place on Friday,
August 19 and Saturday, August 20.
A strongly passionate enthusiast, William M. Wonder was a racer
at heart, and dedicated over 50 years to his craft, partaking in
some of the most legendary American races, including Sebring,
Daytona, and Bridgehampton, and he raced in FIA, SCCA, Trans
Am, and Can-Am events. Throughout his robust driving career, Mr.
Wonder participated in over 75 races, working and acquainting
himself with some of motor sport’s greatest names, including A.J.
Foyt, Juan Manuel Fangio, Carroll Shelby, and Ken Miles. During
this time, Mr. Wonder raced some of the most famous and diverse
cars, including MG competition cars and the Ford GT40.
In his daily life, Mr. Wonder was a skilled commercial air pilot, where he served for over 38 years since
beginning his flying career in 1951. However, Mr. Wonder was self-admittedly “addicted to racing,” and had
a keen eye and deep interest for some of the world’s most innovative and significant competition cars.
“Bill Wonder was well known in racing circles as the ultimate privateer and gentleman racer, successfully
competing with the greatest drivers of his era and leaving a broad and accomplished on-track resume during
his 50-plus years behind the wheel,” said Gooding & Company President and Founder, David Gooding. “His
incredible taste and persistent curiosity led him to own a wide range of remarkable automobiles, from the
ultra-desirable Ferrari 333 SP, to a German icon in the 300 SL Gullwing, and it is our great honor to offer
many of them at this year’s Pebble Beach Auctions.”
1999 Ferrari 333 SP Estimate: $4,500,000 – $5,500,0000
As the first competition prototype introduced since the development of the 312 P, the 333 SP signified
Ferrari’s return to endurance racing as its last sports racing prototype. Developed in partnership with
Dallara, the car was an important hallmark in the legacy of the Italian marque, particularly in the late 1990s.
This car, chassis 025, was delivered new to Fredy Lienhard, the Swiss gentleman racer who owned LISTA,
the Swiss-based cabinet manufacturer and major motor sport sponsor. Chassis 025 was prepared and run
by Kevin Doran, who entered the car under Doran-Lista Racing. The Ferrari was subsequently raced during
the 1999 and 2000 seasons, primarily in the US, where it was driven by some of the era’s greatest drivers,
including Didier Theys, Mauro Baldi, Arie Luyendyk, Ross Bentley, and of course, team owner Fredy
Lienhard.
During its active racing career, this 1999 Ferrari 333 SP wore LISTA sponsorship and racked up several
notable results, including 8th Overall at the 1999 24 Hours of Daytona, 2nd Overall at the 1999 ALMS Grand
Prix of Road Atlanta, 1st Overall at the USRRC Grand Prix at Lime Rock, as well as 5th Overall at the 12
Hours of Sebring. It also achieved 1st Overall finishes at Homestead and Road America in 2000. Following
its accomplished racing career, this 333 SP was completely restored by Kevin Doran, and has been a
fixture in the William M. Wonder Collection since it was acquired in 2004. During its time in Mr. Wonder’s
collection, it has not been displayed publicly, and has seen limited use, primarily consisting of private track
days. As an incredibly important late 1990s sports car, and an outstanding example of the last endurance
racing car built by Ferrari, this 333 SP proves an exceptional opportunity for collectors passionate about
motor sport history.
The epitome of Mercedes-Benz design and engineering excellence, the Gullwing variant was the ultimately
refined version of the 300 SL race car. This unique 1955 Gullwing was built to order for young American
sports car enthusiast Richard Wolfe of Columbus, Ohio. The Wolfe family owned a number of major media
outlets, including The Columbus Dispatch newspaper, and several television stations in Columbus and
Indianapolis, as well as a number of midwestern radio stations and other corporate interests. In addition to
this special Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing, Wolfe also went on to own several exclusive Ferraris,
including a 410 Superamerica and a 365 GTB/4 Daytona.
This Gullwing was special-ordered by Richard Wolfe with a number of noteworthy features, including Rudge
knock-off wheels, a high-performance NSL engine, sport suspension, and a Becker Mexico radio. In effect,
Mr. Wolfe created a steel-bodied Gullwing with the special mechanical features typical of an alloy-bodied
variant. The car was finished in the same classic color combination as seen today, silver with blue leather.
In the present day, the car remains in lovely condition, appearing to have been well maintained, but never
needing a full restoration. Serious collectors will surely appreciate this uniquely specified Gullwing coming
to auction with exceptional provenance.
1986 Ford Mustang Probe GTP Estimate: $350,000 – $450,000
This exceptionally rare 1986 Ford Mustang Probe GTP is one of just six cars built as part of a collaboration
between Ford and German racing team Zakspeed, founded by Erich Zakowski in 1968. This example, chassis
GTP 86 - 05, was the fifth car built, and was driven by Klaus Ludwig, Doc Bundy, Lyn St. James, Tom Gloy,
and Pete Halsmer during its time on the track. As a noteworthy and special competition car, it enjoyed a
robust racing career, and was crowned the winner of the Monterey Triple Crown Camel Grand Prix event at
Laguna Seca in 1986. Powered by a potent 2.1-liter four-cylinder engine, this 650 hp example wears
eye-catching 7-Eleven livery.
1990 Spice SE90P GTP Estimate: $400,000 – $500,000
In the 1980s and 1990s, British racing team Spice Engineering, founded by Gordon Spice and Raymond
Bellm, developed several successful competition cars, including this 1990 SE90P GTP. Initially sold new to
Hotchkis Racing, this car was then purchased by Mr. Wonder directly from Hotchkis in 2006, giving it just two
owners from new. Powered by a 6.5-liter Pontiac V-8 engine and wearing vibrant livery, this special sports car
will make a unique addition to the next collection it will call home.
1985 March 85G GTP Estimate: $250,000 – $350,000
This 1985 March 85G GTP, a model designed by legendary British engineer Adrian Newey, is a
Chevrolet-powered example finished in iconic Budweiser livery. Sold new to DeAtley Racing, the team of
businessman and financier Neil DeAtley, this mid-80s competition car holds an impressive period race
history. A veteran of the 1985 12 Hours of Sebring, this March 85G GTP also participated in races at
Daytona, Laguna Seca, and Road Atlanta. In 1985, this chassis achieved a career highlight by placing 2nd at
the 1985 Grand Prix of Miami. Having been driven by notable names in motor sport, including David Hobbs,
Darin Brassfield, and Arie Luyendyk, this distinctive March 85G GTP is a competition thoroughbred in all
respects.
1972 AAR Gurney Eagle Indy Car Estimate: $250,000 – $350,000
As the definitive 1970s USAC Championship Race Car that revolutionized the sport entirely, the Eagle Indy
Car developed by Dan Gurney’s All American Racers is integral to American motor sport history. Designed
by Roman Slobodynskyj, the 1972 Indy Eagle was the fastest car of the year, and without a doubt the most
popular customer Indy car of its time. This particular example, chassis 72-11, is one of only 28 believed to
be built, and was driven by Mel Kenyon in the 1973 and 1974 Indianapolis 500 races, finishing a respectable
4th in 1973. Powered by the legendary Ford four-cam V-8 engine, this remarkably historic Indy Car is sure
to be a favorite among racing enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Pebble Beach Auctions Date Friday, August 19, at 5 p.m. PDT, and Saturday, August 20, at 11 a.m. PDT Location Pebble Beach Parc du Concours Public Preview Wednesday, August 17 through Saturday, August 20 Auction Catalogues $100, includes admission for two to the viewing and the auction General Admission $40, includes admission for one to the viewing and the auction
