Blue-Chip Classics and Legendary 50s and 60s Sports Cars Added to Gooding & Company's Amelia Island Auction

By: Gooding & Company

Gooding & Company is revving up for its upcoming Amelia Island Auction with a stellar lineup of offerings. The auction house today announced yet another spectacular group of consignments, consisting of iconic sports and racing cars from the 1950s and 1960s, along with collector favorites and blue-chip classics. The company's live auction, set to take place at the Omni Amelia Island Resort on Friday, March 4, at 11:00 AM EST, will also offer online, mobile, and telephone bidding capabilities for collectors worldwide.

'This latest selection of consignments to Amelia Island will be exciting from a market standpoint, as many of these cars come to auction for the very first time,' said Gooding & Company Senior Specialist, David Brynan. 'These are all high-quality, unique cars, representing some of the most iconic and sought-after models from marques like Porsche, BMW, and Ferrari. Several models, like the OSCA MT4 and Porsche 904/6, are rarely offered for public sale and yet, they are exactly the type of cars that today's collectors are looking for – event-eligible sports cars that are both thrilling to drive and historically important.'

1965 Porsche 904/6 (Estimate: $2,500,000 – $3,250,000)

Designed by F.A. 'Butzi' Porsche, the groundbreaking 904 was a state-of-the-art sports car featuring a boxed steel chassis, lightweight fiberglass body, four-wheel disc brakes, five-speed transaxle, and race-tuned Type 587/3 engine. With a design uniquely purposed for outstanding aerodynamic qualities, the 904 proved to be an extremely successful race car, capturing a stunning 1-2 finish at the Targa Florio, and clocking class wins at Goodwood, Le Mans, Monza, and more. This remarkably versatile car was also the last Porsche developed as a true dual-purpose car, equally at home on the road or on the track. For the 1965 season, Porsche built 12 new cars for factory use, including several ultra-lightweight hillclimb cars, as well as updated six-cylinder versions called the 904/6, or Carrera GTS6. Just six of these 904/6 coupes were built, and they came equipped with a competition-ready version of the new Type 901 six-cylinder engine, along with distinguishing rectangular-shaped air intakes on the rear deck, a centrally located fuel filler, and short doors with pull-up windows.

The example presented here, chassis 906-011, made its debut at the Le Mans test weekend in April 1965, and later that year was entered in the Mont Ventoux Hillclimb and the Grand Prix of Solitude. After this season, the car was retired from Porsche's racing department, and in 1967–1968, sold to Southern California-based Porsche dealer and racer Vasek Polak, who campaigned the Porsche in various SCCA events through 1972. After trading hands several times, 906-011 underwent a complete restoration by Gunnar Racing in 1985, when it was refinished in its correct silver livery and fitted with a proper two-liter, six-cylinder engine rebuilt by Porsche specialist Jerry Woods. Since then, 904/6 has been owned by knowledgeable American collectors, successfully campaigned in historic races, and carefully maintained by the renowned Emory Motorsports. Beautifully presented and mechanically unmatched, this 904/6 represents the ultimate evolution of this landmark Porsche model.

1967 Toyota-Shelby 2000 GT (Estimate: $2,750,000 – $3,500,000)

In producing one of the most significant Japanese cars ever built, Toyota established its presence on the world's automotive stage with the introduction of the 2000 GT. With an extremely low center of gravity, a neutral weight balance, and a top speed of 137 mph, the legendary 2000 GT produced a satisfying and exhilarating driving experience. A total of 351 of these exotics were built, with only about 60 exported to the US. The 1967 Toyota-Shelby 2000 GT presented here, chassis MF10-10001, is the very first serial-numbered example built, and the first of just three cars that Shelby prepared for SCCA C-Production racing, Toyota's first foray into American motor sports. Originally finished in Solar Red and configured in right-hand drive, MF10-10001 is one of the original show cars used by Toyota Motor Sales USA to introduce and promote the 2000 GT publicly. After its promotional duties, Carroll Shelby persuaded Toyota executives to work with his team, and both Shelby and Toyota engineers went to work fitting this example with mechanical and aesthetic modifications to prepare it for SCCA racing.

MF10-10001 enjoyed a brief racing career, after which it went on to join several key collections. In 1980, the consignor, a gentleman widely regarded as the foremost 2000 GT specialist, acquired this example, and spent the next decade performing a complete body-off restoration in his workshop with the goal of returning this significant car to its original splendor. Years of research and meticulous preparation culminated in the Toyota being faithfully restored to its original 1968 SCCA configuration, including its unique Shelby mechanical components and historic white and metallic blue racing livery. Following its restoration, MF10-10001 was exhibited at a number of key events, including the Goodwood Festival of Speed and the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance, where it won First in Class. Given its unique status as the first serial-numbered 2000 GT ever built, and its important role in the Carroll Shelby-run SCCA racing program, MF10-10001 is surely among the most significant Toyotas ever built, and arguably, one of the most influential Japanese automobiles of all time. Coming from single ownership since 1980, and never before offered for public sale, this 2000 GT is a truly remarkable machine worthy of only the finest collections.

1967 Ferrari 330 GTS (Estimate: $2,000,000 – $2,400,000)

Revealed at the Paris Motor Show in 1966, Ferrari's 330 GTS combined iconic Pininfarina coachwork with a large 4.0-liter engine, beating out contemporaries in both style and performance. The Italian marque produced just 99 examples of the GTS between 1966 and 1968, ensuring the exclusivity of these V-12 Spiders, even to this day. Their nimble handling, impressive acceleration, and luxurious appointments reiterated Ferrari's reputation as a master constructor of open-top sports cars. The example offered here, chassis 10173, is a US-market car delivered new in July 1967 to Luigi Chinetti Motors of Greenwhich, Connecticut in the stunning combination of Amaranto (Amaranth) over a Pelle Beige (Beige Leather) interior. Cherished by long-term owners throughout the years, the 330 GTS was restored by respected Ferrari specialists at Wayne Obry's Motion Products Inc. in 2014. This painstakingly detailed process was well documented with extensive receipts, correspondence, and photographs. Following its restoration, 10171 was chosen for a very special display class at the 2017 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance® to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of Ferrari, where each of the selected cars were required to be both 'Classiche certified' and 'pristine.' Recognized as being worthy of such an honorable distinction, this 330 GTS is a particularly handsome example of Ferrari's most dashing, celebrated roadsters and is a delightful auction addition for any serious collector.

1959 BMW 507 Series II (Estimate: $2,000,000 – $2,400,000)

The 1959 BMW 507 Series II presented here is one of the most exciting automotive discoveries in recent memory as an unrestored sports car that has been parked for decades in the garage of its original owner. This late-production Series II model, of which a mere 218 examples were built, was originally finished in the rare and striking color scheme of Schwarz (Black) with red leather upholstery and factory-equipped with the optional hardtop. Of the 254 BMW 507s built in total, just 15 were originally painted black, while the vast majority were finished in either white or red. Recently acquired by the consignor, this 507 is an incredible find, and remains unrestored, save for an older repaint, in largely original order, possessing a fantastic, charismatic patina. Considering its rare factory color scheme and six decades spent in the hands of its original owner, this 507 is a deserving candidate for either a concours-quality restoration, or a sympathetic mechanical recommissioning. Significant 1950s sports cars in this condition do not come along very often, and with the passing years, it is increasingly unlikely that further unrestored 507s will be found. As one of the most iconic, beautiful, and desirable European sports cars of its era, and undoubtedly the most important postwar BMW sports car, this unrestored 507 offers interested collectors the chance of a lifetime.

1965 Ferrari 275 GTB (Estimate: $1,300,000 – $1,600,000)

In 1964, Ferrari introduced the 275 GTB as the replacement for its highly successful 250 SWB Berlinetta at the Paris Motor Show. All in all, Ferrari built just 453 examples of the original 275 GTB, before introducing the revised four-cam GTB/4 in October 1996. Renowned coachbuilder Carrozzeria Scaglietti built only 248 examples of the two-cam 275 GTB in the original short-nose body style, the purest expression of this iconic design. The 1965 Ferrari 275 GTB presented here, chassis 07529, is a relatively late-production short-nose Berlinetta, originally finished in Giallo Stemma Ferrari (Ferrari Crest Yellow) over gray Connolly leather upholstery. Eventually making its way to Michigan in 1978, the 275 GTB has remained in single ownership for over four decades. During this time, the consignor planned to do a full restoration, preparing the car for various modifications throughout the years, but not seeing the complete work come to fruition. Due to its rare factory color scheme and well-documented provenance, this 275 GTB is an ideal restoration completion candidate, and can be prepared for both concours events or competitive vintage racing. Coming to auction for the very first time, this short-nose 275 GTB awaits a Ferrari enthusiast keen on writing the next great chapter in its history.

1954 OSCA MT4 2-AD 1500 Spider (Estimate: $1,100,000 – $1,400,000)

Officine Specializzate Costruzione Automobili, or OSCA, was established in Bologna, Italy by Bindo, Ernesto, and Ettore Maserati in 1947 when they left the company that bore their name. Over the next two decades, OSCA produced, in extremely limited numbers, an astonishing variety of sports racing, grand touring, and formula cars with advanced engineering and sharp attention to detail. Of the many models produced by OSCA, the most recognizable is without a doubt the MT4. From 1953 to 1955, an updated twin-cam model, known as the 2-AD, was produced in various displacements, from 1,100 to 1,500 cc. The MT4 2-AD Spider presented here, chassis no. 1148, was originally supplied with an ultra-desirable 1,500 cc engine. Road tested in the August 1955 issue of Road & Track magazine, this example enjoyed a colorful career campaigning in various West Coast motor sport shows and events. When purchased by a local collector in Washington, the car underwent a restorative attempt in a home garage, but has yet to be restored to its former glory. Recently acquired by the consignor following four decades in single family ownership, 1148 is an ideal candidate for restoration, as the most desirable specification of the definitive OSCA model that possesses a fascinating West Coast racing history. MT4s are among the most coveted Italian sports cars of the 1950s, and they are rarely offered for public sale. This auction opportunity to acquire a historic OSCA and return it to its original splendor is one not to be missed by any serious enthusiast of vintage motor sports.

Also joining the auction is a desirable, early production 1965 Shelby 427 Cobra (Estimate: $1,200,000 – $1,400,000), as well as a 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing (Estimate: $1,100,000 – $1,300,000) with exceptional provenance. The Amelia Island Auction will also include a 1968 Bizzarrini 5300 GT Strada (Estimate: $700,000 – $900,000) featuring coachwork by Bertone, and a beautifully restored 1962 Alfa Romeo Giulietta SZ Coda Tronca (Estimate: $700,000 – $850,000).

Amelia Island Auction

Date: Friday, March 4, at 11:00 AM EST

Location: Racquet Park, Omni Amelia Island Resort

Public Preview: Thursday, March 3 through Friday, March 4

Auction Catalogue: $75, includes admission for two to the viewing and the auction

General Admission: $30, includes admission for one to the viewing and the auction

Bidder Registration: www.goodingco.com/register

Live Auction Broadcast: www.goodingco.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/GoodingandCompany

Twitter: @goodingandco #AmeliaIsland #AmeliaIslandAuction #GoodingAmelia

Instagram: @goodingandcompany #AmeliaIsland #AmeliaIslandAuction #GoodingAmelia

YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/GoodingandCompany

Phone: +1 310.899.1960

Website: goodingco.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/GoodingandCompany

Twitter: @goodingandco

Instagram: @goodingandcompany

YouTube: www.youtube.com/GoodingandCompany

Photo credit: Gooding & Company
posted on conceptcarz.com

Related Posts