Purpose

I will try my best to provide detailed info on various cars and what is like to live with them, I have already produced a few for Jaguar-car-forums, I will do my best to be unbiased, but it will be hard for some cars. I will re-produce press releases and copy from other motoring news.
Showing posts with label Monterey car week. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Monterey car week. Show all posts

Wednesday, 17 August 2016

BMW delivers 100 years of spectacular cars and bikes, including touring cars, Art cars, Elvis Presley's 507 and many more.

During the Monterey Car Week and the Concours d’Elegance in Pebble Beach, BMW Group Classic is celebrating not only the rebirth of the roadster once driven in Germany by the “King of Rock’n’Roll”, but also the motor racing history of the BMW brand and the company’s 100th anniversary in 2016.
From 18 to 21 August 2016, during the Monterey Car Week and the Concours d’Elegance in Pebble Beach, BMW Group Classic will be celebrating under the Californian sun the company’s 100th anniversary and the most  significant successes in the racing history of the BMW brand. 
The event held on the US west coast is popular with classic car enthusiasts all over the world and provides a perfect stage for numerous milestones in BMW’s history – including the brand’s first motorcycle and the legendary BMW 328 sports car, the BMW 2002 – an ambassador of driving pleasure in the USA too, the racetrack-proven works of art from the BMW Art Cars Collection and several models currently used in  racing. 

The presentation of classic competition vehicles at the “BMW Living Legends Garage” is in the focus of the show on the premises of the Laguna Seca racetrack, which is serving as the location for the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion. 
One of the highlights of the Concours d’Elegance in Pebble Beach is the presentation of the BMW 507 that was once driven by Elvis Presley during his term of military service in Germany and can now be seen for the first time by the general public following its complete restoration. 
For many decades, the roadster of the “King of Rock’n’Roll” was regarded as a mystery on wheels. Not until after painstaking investigation by the US journalist Jackie Jouret and enquiries made by experts from the archives of BMW Group Classic was it possible to solve the mystery of the identity and whereabouts of the car. 
For many years, Elvis’s BMW 507 had been “dormant” at a warehouse in Half Moon Bay, south of San Francisco, and thus not far from the location at which its rebirth is now being celebrated. 
And it has an eventful history in which the “King” played the most crucial role, but not the only major one.
It begins at the Frankfurt International Motor Show, where the BMW 507 was exhibited in September 1957, having being produced shortly beforehand. 
The works driver Hans Stuck, also known as the “Bergmeister”, then completed several races in the white two-seater car, which was also used for press test drives and film shots. 
In December 1958, a BMW dealer in Frankfurt mediated the sale of the roadster to probably the most prominent US soldier ever stationed in Germany. Elvis Presley drove the BMW 507 until he finished his term of service in March 1960. 
After that, the car, which by then had been painted red, was transferred to the USA, where it changed owners several times and was converted for further racing use, only to soon be forgotten.
In 1968, engineer Jack Castor bought the car and decided to put it into storage for restoration at a later time. By means of the chassis number 70079, the avid classic car enthusiast was able to see the connection to Hans Stuck. 
However, it wasn’t until many years later that this connection introduced him to BMW Group Classic, and a comparison with historic documents then gave him the certainty that not only the “Bergmeister”, but also the “King” had once sat behind the wheel of his BMW 507. 
Castor and BMW Group Classic concluded an agreement that regulated not only the purchase, but also restoration of the roadster in Munich. 
Thus, around two years of restoration work produced a reconstruction that has preserved as much of the original substance as possible and restored the overall vehicle to its former condition in the year 1958.
In Pebble Beach, the BMW 507 will shine in Feather White, with a black and white interior, just like when it was sold to Elvis Presley. 
This was Jack Castor’s wish and is now his legacy, as the keeper of Elvis’s BMW 507 died in November 2014 shortly before restoration work commenced, which in addition to the “King’s” roadster also comprises a further project – Castor owned a second BMW 507. 
The blue car bearing the chassis number 70089 had also waited for many years alongside Elvis Presley’s car to be rediscovered. 
Likewise, this car was completely restored under the direction of BMW Group Classic and will now be handed over at the start of the Concours d’Elegance to Ron Gilmartin, a long-time friend and companion of Jack Castor.
Many other vehicles being displayed in Pebble Beach take an important place in the 100-year history of BMW. 
These include the BMW 328 Touring Coupe, in which Fritz Huschke von Hanstein and Walter Bäumer became overall winners of the Mille Miglia in1940, and the BMW 328, also known as the “Bügelfalten-Roadster” and already the fastest in its class in the same race in 1938. 
Furthermore, the general public will be able to see the first and latest models to date in the BMW Art Cars Collection. Both the BMW 3.0 CSL designed by Alexander Calder in 1975 and the BMW M3 GT2 from 2010, upon which Jeff Koons left his artistic handwriting, were on the starting grid in the 24-hour race at Le Mans. 
The presentation of the concept car BMW 2002 Homage underscores the ongoing effective impact of the BMW 02 introduced 50 years ago. This is complemented by a reunion with many successful models on two wheels. 
An early version of the BMW R 32 reminds us of BMW’s debut as a motorcycle manufacturer in the year 1923, and numerous other models describe motorcycle development up to the present day.
In addition to the show presenting exclusive and spectacular rarities in Pebble Beach, the programme at the Monterey Car Week also comprises a review of outstanding eras and vehicles in motor racing history. 
And together with BMW of North America, BMW Group Classic is also making a special contribution this year. On the occasion of the company’s anniversary, BMW will be honoured as “featured marque” at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion. 
More than 60 historic and current racing cars of the brand are being presented at the “BMW Living Legends Garage” and at the Laguna Seca circuit.
A field of BMW M1 models from the 1979 and 1980 European Procar Series as well as five works cars of the type BMW 3.0 CSL, which took part in the US IMSA series in 1975 and 1976, will provide for that authentic racetrack feel in the style of yesteryear. Moreover, several versions of the BMW M3 will be present. 
Their series of touring car racing successes began in 1987, remained ongoing over several model generations and are now being continued by the BMW M4. Three legendary vehicles featuring a BMW twelve-cylinder power unit will set both a visual and acoustic highlight. 
Not only does the BMW V12 LMR, winner of the 12-hour race at Sebring in 1999, meet up with a McLaren F1 GTR used at Le Mans in 1996, but also with the prototype of a BMW X5 with V12 engine. In 2002, Hans-Joachim Stuck drove round the Nürburgring-Nordschleife in a BMW X5 in less than eight minutes, a time previously only considered achievable by high-calibre sports cars.

Thursday, 20 August 2015

Lamborghini Aventador LP 750-4 Superveloce roadster makes global debut in California at The Quail.

Automobili Lamborghini unveils the new Lamborghini Aventador LP 750-4 Superveloce Roadster in occasion of the Monterey Car week in California. 

The Roadster, presented at the famous event ‘The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering’, is available in a limited series of 500 units worldwide and is the first series produced, open-top Lamborghini to bear the name Superveloce.

‘‘The Superveloce is the purest, most sports-oriented and fastest series production Lamborghini ever. 

The Roadster version represents our commitment to satisfying our passionate clients with immensely emotional driving dynamics combined with an extraordinary open air experience,’’ Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini said during the press conference at The Quail.


As a member of Lamborghini’s storied Superveloce family, the car offers greater performance with a power increase of 50 hp to 750 hp and a dry weight of 1,575 kg (3,472 lb), that is 50 kg (110 lbs) lighter compared to the Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster. This leads to an exceptional power-to-weight ratio of just 2,1 kg/hp (4,6 lb/hp).

The Roadster maintains the coupe’s breathtaking acceleration, sheer power and handling prowess. In an enhancement to the Superveloce coupé experience, the Superveloce Roadster’s features a power rear window that allows the free-flowing engine sound to fill the cabin with invigorating tones and harmonics during spirited driving.

The naturally aspirated, 6.5-liter V12 produces 552 kW (750 hp) at 8,400 rpm and 690 Nm (509 lb-ft) of torque. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) happens in 2.9 seconds with a top speed of more than 350 km/h (> 217 mph).

Lamborghini’s highly innovative 7-speed ISR transmission delivers an incomparably emotional gear shift and transfers the engine’s power to all four wheels through a Haldex Generation IV 4WD system. Of course, as in the SV coupé the car takes advantage of adaptive Magneto Rheological Suspension, a pushrod damping system and Lamborghini Dynamic Steering (LDS) for improved driving dynamics.

And as with the Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster, the SV Roadster comes with a two-piece hardtop made from carbon fibre featuring technologies such as RTM and Forged Composite®, which deliver a perfect surface finish, allow complex design shapes and the highest possible component stiffness combined with extremely low weight. 

Thus, the two roof parts each weigh less than six kilograms (13.2 lb) and can be stowed easily in the luggage compartment. They provide the perfect complement to the monocoque, which is entirely made from carbon fiber.

Deliveries of the Aventador LP 750-4 Superveloce Rodster begin in early 2016 with base pricing of 357,000.00 Euros (excl. VAT) or USD 530,075.00 MSRP.

Thursday, 21 August 2014

Lamborghini Huracán LP 620-2 Super Trofeo


Automobili Lamborghini presents its new generation racecar developed by its Motorsport department: the new Huracán LP 620-2 Super Trofeo. Unveiled in a world preview a few days ago during the prestigious Monterey Car Week (California, USA), the car will debut in all three series (Europe, Asia and North America) of the 2015 Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo.

The Huracán Super Trofeo marks a new benchmark for the race series. According to Maurizio Reggiani, in charge of Lamborghini’s Research and Development Department and motorsport activities, “The Huracán LP 620-2 Super Trofeo is an all-new car built from scratch with a clear racing concept. Every feature is engineered for sophisticated high performance, complying with the strictest motorsport safety standards.”

The chassis features an exceptionally light roll cage at just 43 Kg that extends to the rear axle, and impressive torsional stiffness that represents a massive 45% improvement compared to the previous model. The frame is a hybrid carbon/aluminum construction with modified geometries to house an improved radiator up front and better accommodate the racing gearbox at the rear, which also provides better aerodynamics. The dry weight of the Huracán Super Trofeo is 1,270 Kg, with a weight distribution of 42/58%.



The bodywork is in composite materials and, along with the aerodynamics, has been developed in collaboration with Dallara Engineering with the direct involvement of the founder Gian Paolo Dallara. Refinements to the Huracán Super Trofeo include new bodywork ‘fast fittings’, and a new oil radiator providing even more performance than that found on the Gallardo.

The new Huracán Super Trofeo adopts the V10 direct injection engine mounted on the road car, managed by a Motec control unit that delivers a maximum output of 620 hp and an astonishing weight/power ratio of 2.05 Kg/hp.

A significant feature of the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo is the rear-wheel drive choice as already adopted in the GT classes. This will allow Super Trofeo drivers to gain important experience of this traction system to facilitate their motorsport careers.

Further technical features on the Huracán Super Trofeo include new engine supports, a new three-disc clutch and an XTrac sequential gearbox developed  specifically for the  Huracán Super Trofeo with an electric actuator designed by the Magneti Marelli Motorsport division.

Electronics represent a significant leap forward in development, and now include new lightweight cables and connections specifically for racing. The control unit is the MOTEC M182 that controls data, gear changes and the new TFT display mounted on the dashboard. Special features are the traction control and the Bosch Motorsport ABS. This system features 12 different settings that can be actioned directly on the steering wheel for ideal set-up in any weather/track conditions. Front and rear lights are now LED only as on the road going version. A new, race-oriented steering wheel has been developed jointly with OMP.

Aerodynamics have been refined for better drag efficiency and maximum traction and downforce in any track conditions. More balanced than before, the aerodynamics now benefit from a rear wing with ten different settings, front and rear diffusers, and adjustable front air intake ducts.

The new Lamborghini Huracán Super Trofeo will be exclusively equipped with Pirelli tyres. Pirelli has followed every phase of the new car’s development - from the first drawings to final road tests - in order to create tyres that are perfectly matched to the Lamborghini’s specific characteristics. In particular, the decision to go with two-wheel drive for the new Huracan Super Trofeo has led to new tyre sizes: 305/660-18 at the front, and 315/680-18 at the back.

The Huracán Super Trofeo is mounted with fully adjustable anti-roll bars and two-way adjustable Ohlins dampers. The hydraulic power steering enhances steering sensitivity and adopts an electric power pump.

In the racing-specific interiors the Alcantara® in Nero Ade colour is used throughout the car, on the dashboard and central tunnel and also on fundamental driving parts, such as the steering wheel, gear selector and ergonomic seats.

Lamborghini’s newest raging bull supercar already made its track debut last month in development tests. For the occasion, under the supervision of the Chief Test Driver Giorgio Sanna and along with the two official Automobili Lamborghini test drivers Fabio Babini and Adrian Zaugg, all the Young Drivers Program pilots were involved and provided their feedback.

With the new Huracán LP 620-2 Super Trofeo the historic partnership between the brand founded by Ferruccio Lamborghini back in 1963 and Gian Paolo Dallara, now becomes even closer. The same Dallara was among the first engineers who worked on Lamborghini cars and had a key role in the development of the legendary Miura.

"For Dallara Engineering, it has been very rewarding to be involved in the aerodynamic and body development of a high performance car such as the Huracán Super Trofeo. From my personal point of view it has been for me a kind of ‘homecoming’," said Giampaolo Dallara.
"50 years ago, Lamborghini gave me the opportunity to challenge myself in ambitious and successful projects, and this new collaboration allows me to feel part of a company in which I have experienced moments of intense personal and professional achievement."

Technical Data

Engine Power    620 CV
Weight    1270 Kg
Weight/Power Ratio    2.05
Trasmission    2WD Racing Gearbox by XTRAC
Gearbox Actuator    Electric Actuator by MMarelli
Chassis    39870 Nm/deg (+45%) Increased safety structure
Aerodynamics    Drag: -15%, Downforce: +43%, Efficiency: +69%
Electrics/Electronics    Racing Loom/Electronics

Powertrain

Engine    Longitudinal – V10
IDS (NO MPI)
Air Intake by BMC
Displacement    5204
Power    620 CV @ 8250 rpm
Torque    570 Nm @ 6500 rpm
ABS    Racing ABS (12 positions)
ESP    NO
Traction control    9 positions TC
Trasmission    2 WD, Six gear sequential gearbox by Xtrac
Clutch    3 discs racing clutch, Light weight flywheel

Size and weight

Front track    1695 mm
Rear track    1660 mm
Wheelbase    2620 mm
Fuel Tank    118 L
Weight w/out fuel    1270 kg

Suspension

Suspension    Double wishbones with rigid bushing
Wheel fixing    Monolock System
Anti Roll Bar    Front: 6 positions
Rear: 2 positons
Dampers    Ohlins TTX 36 2 ways
Front: in-line
Rear: piggy back type
Brake Discs
Brembo Racing    Front: Steel 380x35 mm, Rear: Steel 355x32 mm
Brake Caliper
Brembo Racing    Front: 6 pot monoblock, Rear: 4 pot monoblock

Rims and wheels

Rims    Front: 11x18” ET 28.8
Rear: 12x18” ET 32
Tires (Pirelli)    Front: 305/660-18 DH, Rear: 315/680-18 DH

Electrics/Electronics

ECU    M182 by MOTEC
TCU    M182 by MOTEC
Power Box    PDM 30 by MOTEC
Car Loom    Motorsport Loom
Dashboard    TFT Dashboard by MOTEC
Steering wheel    Racing and multifunctional steering wheel

Other features

Aero kit    Complete aero kit with quick fixing (DZUST)
Speed Limiter    Yes, adjustable speed
Safety Equipment    Seat 8855 FIA Spec or Seat 8866 FIA Spec (OPT)
6 pts safety belt
7 pts Fire Extinquisher

Sunday, 17 August 2014

Rolls joins the fun at Pebble Beach with Phantom Drophead Coupe Waterspeed collection.

The Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé Waterspeed Collection, which was conceived to celebrate Sir Malcolm Campbell’s act of setting a new world water-speed record in 1937, has made its North American debut following its presentation at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering Event this morning. On Sunday, it will appear by the water at the Concours D’Elégance at Pebble Beach – the world’s premier celebration of the automobile and a fitting backdrop to the latest Collection car from Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.
It was on the morning of 1 September 1937 that Campbell established his legend, setting a world-record speed of 126.33mph on Italy’s Lake Maggiore in the famous Bluebird K3 boat powered by a Rolls-Royce R-Engine. The following day he went one better, piloting his craft to 129.5mph, emphatically breaking the United States’ five-year stranglehold on the world water-speed record. Campbell’s momentous achievement captured the world’s attention and reaffirmed the Rolls-Royce R-Engine’s record-breaking superiority after triumphs on land and in the air.
To celebrate this incredible act of British heroism, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars’ Bespoke Department created the Waterspeed Collection, 35 specially designed Phantom Drophead Coupés. One of these superlative motor cars was displayed at The Quail on 15 August and will appear on the concept car lawn at Pebble Beach on 17 August.

Echoing the cutting-edge technology employed in the construction of Sir Malcolm Campbell’s Bluebird K3 craft, only the finest contemporary materials furnish the Waterspeed Collection. Brushed steel perfectly complements an exclusively developed ‘Maggiore Blue’ colour scheme, whilst hand-crafted Abachi wood inlays evoke the sense of a boat effortlessly gliding through water at pace. The exterior coachline and laser etchings inside the car bring Campbell’s ‘Bluebird’ motif back to life.
At the North American debut of Waterspeed at the Concours d’Elegance in Pebble Beach, California, Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars said, “Sir Malcolm Campbell’s successful pursuit of world-speed records on land and water were the result of his commitment to the most exacting standards of British design and engineering excellence. Such attributes are hallmarks of every Rolls-Royce motor car. This special Collection serves to display the breadth of Bespoke personalisation available to every Rolls-Royce customer. We are thrilled to celebrate excellence in automotive design and showcase the Collection at the crown jewel of automotive events here at Pebble Beach.”
The Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé Waterspeed Collection:
The Phantom Drophead Coupé Waterspeed Collection features a number of exclusive Bespoke design and engineering features, perfectly executed to create a thoroughly contemporary tribute to Campbell’s famous craft.  
A specially created ‘Maggiore Blue’ colour scheme flows like water over all the surfaces of Waterspeed, outside and in. Nine layers of paint are applied before an exhaustive process of hand-sanding and the application of a cutting-edge powdered lacquer is undertaken to ensure an impeccable finish. For the first time in Rolls-Royce history, the exterior finish extends to the engine, creating a visually striking homage to the power behind Campbell’s records. The finish also adorns the car’s specially developed, fully-polished eleven-spoke wheels, providing a subtle decorative accent. The exterior is completed with a hand-painted coachline that culminates in a Bluebird motif with the design taking Rolls-Royce’s master coachline painter four hours to apply by hand.
Phantom Drophead Coupé’s traditional teak decking to the rear makes way for brushed steel, with each piece of material individually beaten by hand for 70 hours and then hand-brushed for a further 10.
The car’s exterior finish is subtly echoed via accents on the dashboard that perfectly complement the ‘Windchill Grey’ interior leather scheme. The marque’s hallmark attention-to-detail extends to the application of laser-engraved door armrest tunnel caps featuring a new interpretation of Campbell’s famous Bluebird motif.
Abachi wood also makes its Rolls-Royce debut in Waterspeed. By nature, the material is cool to the touch with a satin-like tactility, and is bookmatched at an angle to echo the wake left by a boat moving at speed.
Further reference to Campbell’s craft is made via a new interpretation of the famous ‘power reserve’ dial. As the driver presses on, the dial moves backwards towards a yellow and blue zone, echoing Campbell’s original K3 boat’s ‘going into the blue’ at maximum engine revolutions. A Bespoke clock adorned with Bluebird’s infinity symbol and dials hewn from a billet of aluminum further evoke K3.
Direct tribute to the records is paid in the glove compartment, with a debossed panel expressing the records Campbell achieved on Lake Maggiore and on Coniston Water. Finally, the steering wheel is presented in two-tone for the very first time, with ‘Maggiore Blue’ accents balancing perfectly with traditional black leather to complete a beautifully conceived interior design scheme.
“This very special motor car serves to pay a perfect homage to my grandfather’s remarkable acts of British daring and endeavour,” said Donald Wales, grandson of Sir Malcolm Campbell. “The extraordinary attention-to-detail and commitment to engineering excellence so evident in these motor cars perfectly echoes the lengths my grandfather and his colleagues went to in their pursuit of the water speed records.” 
Further Rolls-Royce Bespoke presentations at Pebble Beach: 
In addition to the unveil of Waterspeed today, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars was pleased to present Mr. Michael Fux with the keys to the latest addition to his collection, a 2014 Wraith. Mr. Fux, one of Rolls-Royce’s most prolific Bespoke customers, received his car today at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering Event.  
The two-tone car is presented in two specially developed colours; Aequus Green and Cornish White with Jade Pearl accents. Once inside, the vibrant colour theme continues with matching green across the interior, including leather seats, floor mats and carpets, leather covered stalks and steering wheel, with veneer parts complementing in Pearl Green. In true Michael Fux style, attention has been paid to even the smallest details with the speakers, front and rear vents and rear view mirror casing finished in the car’s unique green hue.
“I look forward to Pebble Beach every year,” said Michael Fux. “It’s such a great honour to be receiving my new bespoke Rolls-Royce at such a special place. This year is no different; I’m very excited about this new addition to my collection and look forward to designing more creations with the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Bespoke team in the future.”

Bugatti showcases all six Legends at Monterey car week.

  • One-off presentation of all six Bugatti Legends at the Monterey Car Week
  • Successful Legends: the whole edition is sold out
  • Bugatti Legends are valued collectors’ items
When thousands of automobile enthusiasts arrive in Monterey, California to attend at the well-known events including “The Quail: A Motorsports Gathering” and the 2014 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, they will admire and enjoy beautiful, older collectibles and exclusive, luxurious new vehicles, while a very special and unique presentation awaits them. For the first and only time, Bugatti will be showing all six of the “Les Légendes de Bugatti” (Bugatti Legends) models. The occasion marks the successful completion of the series that honors key personalities and vehicles from the company’s history. The edition will be celebrated at the world première of the sixth and final Legends model “Ettore Bugatti” at “The Quail: A Motorsports Gathering” on Friday, August 15. Each Legend was limited to three vehicles and now all 18 vehicles have been sold.
“The Legends edition is a great success, “said Wolfgang Dürheimer, President of Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S., at the presentation of the Legends models. “The edition shows that history can be authentically clothed in contemporary design. In addition, we have the technical excellence and luxurious comfort of a modern Bugatti. The Bugatti Legends have already proven to be highly-valued collectors’ items.”

All 18 vehicles of the edition were sold – even before the sixth and final model “Ettore Bugatti” has been revealed. Customers come from all corners of the earth.
On Friday, on the lawns of “The Quail – A Motorsports Gathering” in Carmel and on Saturday and Sunday at the famous “Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance” venue, Bugatti is showing all six Legends that together have a value of €13.18m net.
Exactly one year ago, the sports car manufacturer presented the Legends model “Jean-Pierre Wimille” in California to inaugurate the series. The “Jean Bugatti” then followed at the IAA in Frankfurt and the “Meo Costantini“ at the Dubai Motorshow. Continuing the series, this year saw the world première of the “Rembrandt Bugatti” at the Automobile Salon in Geneva and “Black Bess” at Auto China in Peking. Bugatti is completing the series with the presentation of the final Legend “Ettore Bugatti”.

Ferrari sold at auction commands highest ever price, over $38 million.

1962/63 Ferrari 250 GTO Auctioned for Record-breaking $38,115,000 USD Among the Landmark Sales so far at Monterey Car Week
At the Bonhams auction, records were shattered as the 1962/63 Ferrari 250 GTO, chassis number “3851GT”, sold for $38,115,000 USD. This is the most ever paid for an automobile at auction, underscoring the unrivalled desirability for Ferrari in the collector car market and the continued dominance of the brand at auctions worldwide.
This Ferrari 250 GTO is now, effectively, the most valuable and coveted car in the world.
This car was the 19th Ferrari GTO to be completed and was invoiced on September 11, 1962.  It was most recently owned by Italian enthusiast Fabrizio Violati and was the centerpiece of his Collezione Maranello Rosso of precious Ferraris previously on view to the general public in the Republic of San Marino.

Violati acquired this 250 GTO in 1965 for 2,500,000 Lire, then around $4,000 USD or £1,400 Sterling, equating to around £22,000/$33,500 today. It was originally finished in metallic pale grey with lengthwise red, white and blue centerline stripes when acquired by its first owner, French privateer Jo Schlesser.
No other mark is commanding attention and achieving such spectacular values so far in Monterey like Ferrari, with total Ferrari sales today at Bonhams totalling just under $65 Million USD.  Additional notable sales today at Bonhams include:
1958 Ferrari 250 GT Series 1 Cabriolet – $6,820,000 USD
1953 Ferrari 250 Mille Miglia Berlinetta – $7,260,000 USD
1969 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 ‘Daytona’ Berlinetta Competizione – $935,000 USD
1962 Ferrari 250 GT Short-Wheelbase Speciale Aerodinamica – $6,875,000 USD
1978 Ferrari 312 T3 Formula 1 Racing Single-Seater - $2,310,000 USD