What these two bidders were drinking is anybody's guess. In one of the greatest displays of egos getting in the way of common sense at an auction in the past seven years, a 1957 fuel injected Corvette sold for an astonishing $222,500 at Christie's at Pebble Beach in August! In nicely restored condition, the Corvette was part of the Mel & Noel Blanc Collection, and had a pre-auction estimate of $45,000-65,000. Undoubtedly, the following morning two people were likely smiling: the Vette's former owner, and the under-bidder. Other significant sales included a 1953 Ferrari 340/375 MM for $1,080,500; an unrestored 1954 D-Type Jaguar for $1,014,500; a law mileage 1973 Daytona Spider for $486,500, and a 1957 T-Bird F-Type (with factory supercharger) for $145,500 versus a pre-auction estimate of $70-90,000.
Lamborghini Countach s/n 1120001 has surfaced in Italy, and is undergoing a complete restoration. Believed to be the second Countach made (after the 1971 showcar) and the 1973 Geneva showcar, according to Lamborghini's Valentino Balboni. In the 1 970s the LP 400 was modified to Countach S configurations. The factory then lost track of it until it reappeared in Sant' Agata a number of years ago. "Someone, I don't recall whom, brought it to us, wanting it to restore it," Balboni recalls. "The car was practically only a body and chassis with severe damages. But because of the cost, the person refused to have the work done." After disappearing and being discovered in Sweden, it is now at Bacchelli, a well known coachbuilder and restorer in the Modena area. Helping rebuild this historic Countach is Orazio Salvioli, one of the first mechanics hired by Ferruccio Lamborghini in 1962-63.
From the great autostrada in the sky, Enzo Ferrari and Nuccio Bertone must be smiling: In early September, Ferrari 250 Shortwheelbase s/n 3269 GT with custom coachwork by Bertone won Best of Show at the renowned Bagatelle Concours d'Elegance in Paris, France. First shown at the Geneva Auto Show in 1962, this Ferrari's original owner was Nuccio Bertone. It also appeared at that year's Turin Show, now repainted a deep, lustrous blue. Imported intro the U.S. in the 1960s, for many years this special Ferrari resided in southern California. Approximately three years ago, it was restored for a prominent Central American collector by Bob Smith Coachworks. After coming in second in class and winning the Luigi Chinetti Memorial Trophy at this year's Pebble Beach, it was flown to France for Europe's most prestigious show. This special SWB beat out a 1950s Rolls-Royce with custom coachwork to win the honors.
A Ferrari Dino 166/206 P has surfaced after many years out of the limelight. Built in 1964, s/n 0834 history includes Le Mans, the Targa Florio, A Nurburgring and Monza and numerous hillclimbs. Competing under the SEFAC Ferrari banner from 1965 ho 1967, 0834 was then sold ho Mr. L. Terra of Italy Mr. Terra campaigned it into 1971, then parked it in his garage, where it has remained since. It was then purchased in 1997 by Symbolic Motors in southern California and sent to America. When viewed, the Ferrari was completely untouched and in wonderfully authentic condition, with 30-year-old inspection hags hanging from the steering column.
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