RM Sotheby’s to sell ‘last of the line’ Ferrari 275 GTS/4 NART Spider at its Monaco sale, during the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique weekend

• RM Sotheby’s offers the ‘last of the line’ Ferrari 275 GTS/4 NART Spider at its Monaco sale, 14 May, during the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique weekend
• The only NART Spider sold new in Europe, and the third-to-last 275-series Ferrari built, chassis no. 11057 is set to be one of the most valuable automobiles offered at auction in 2016
• Additional highlights for RM’s exclusive, biennial Monaco auction include rare endurance racers such as a Peugeot 908 Le Mans Prototype and a road-going Porsche 911 GT1 Evolution
• Quattroruote Collection joins RM Sotheby’s diverse Monaco docket and will be offered as a prelude to the main sale
• RM Monaco digital catalogue now available online: http://bit.ly/1WDaJ1m   

RM Sotheby’s, the world’s leading collector car auction house for investment-quality automobiles, is delighted to announce the addition of an ultra-rare and highly desirable 1968 Ferrari 275 GTS/4 NART Spider to its Monaco auction, 14 May. 

Held during the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique weekend, the single-day auction features over 100 handpicked automobiles and select motorcycles, as well as the stand-alone, bespoke sale of the Quattroruote Collection. 

The 1968 275 GTS/4 NART Spider, chassis no. 11057, is unquestionably one of the most important road-going Ferraris in history, substantially rarer than virtually all of its iconic colleagues. Only ten were ever built as part of an ingenious collaboration between American Ferrari importer extraordinaire Luigi Chinetti and Enzo Ferrari, bearing the race-winning moniker of Chinetti’s North American Racing Team. 

A fixture in the most glamorous, jet-setting locales around the world, the model itself also catapulted itself to instant automotive immortality as a result of its association with Steve McQueen, whose dapper character Thomas Crown, drove one on screen. 

The example on offer is all the more special, as it is not only Ferrari Classiche certified and matching numbers, it is the last of the ten built, the only one delivered new to Europe, and the third from last 275-series Ferrari of any kind constructed. 

The dark red metallic finish and beige interior are paired beautifully with the throaty 330-horsepower V-12 engine, and the car will stun onlookers when set against the dramatic backdrop of Monaco’s skyline. 

This incredible Ferrari will be one of the most valuable automobiles offered at auction in 2016 (Est. expected to fetch in excess of €19 million).

“It is a privilege to present this NART Spider, not only because of its importance and rarity, but also because its offering at auction is such an extraordinary event. 

Ownership of a NART Spider represents membership in a club of only nine other enthusiasts around the world,” said Rob Myers, Chairman and CEO, RM Sotheby’s. “If a Ferrari is the choice of car connoisseurs, then the NART Spider is the choice of Ferrari connoisseurs.” 

No less than 21 Ferraris, including the 275 NART Spider, are poised for RM’s upcoming Monaco event. Among other notable entries ready to bask in the Monaco sunshine is a 1952 Ferrari 212 Inter Cabriolet, chassis 0227 EL, one of just four bodied by Vignale. 

Painted in black with a distinctive red leather interior, this handsome 212 has led a jetsetter lifestyle and is eligible for such prestigious events as the Mille Miglia Storica and the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este (Est. €1.250.000 – €1.500.000). 

Meanwhile, another V-12-powered drop-top also set for RM’s Monaco stage is a stunning Ferrari Classiche-certified 1972 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spider,chassis no. 15535. One of just 18 original LHD European-specification spiders, the featured Daytona has covered just 27,000 km from new (Est. €2.400.000 - €2.800.000). 

For the ultimate Ferrari aficionado looking to stand out in Monaco’s yacht-lined harbour, RM’s Monaco catalogue also includes an ultra-rare, avant-garde 1990 Riva Ferrari 32, hull no. 28; striking in its F1-inspired, signature Ferrari Rosso Corsa red hull, the boat was designed to reach speeds of up to 100 kph (Est. €180.000 - €220.000).

RM’s biennial Monaco sale has quickly become one of Europe’s leading collector car auctions, with the very best automobiles lining the principality’s famous Le Sporting venue. In keeping with the location and the event’s timing during the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique weekend, motorsport greats are always a strong feature of the sale. 

Highlighting this year’s catalogue are the previously announced 1951 Ferrari 340 America Barchetta(Est. expected to fetch approximately €7.500.000) and the road-going 1997 Porsche 911 GT1 Evolution (Est. €2.700.000 - €3.000.000), both of which have spectacular endurance racing provenance. Newly announced for the sale is an incredible La Sarthe legend, the ex-Team Peugeot Total 2008 Peugeot 908 HDi FAP Le Mans Prototype, chassis no. 908-05. 

One of two chassis built for the 2008 season, the featured Peugeot was driven to second place at the 24 Hours of Le Mans that year by Jacques Villeneuve, Nicolas Minassian and Marc Gene, before winning the Petit Le Mans in 2009. 

Boasting a groundbreaking HDi FAP clean-exhaust diesel-power V-12 engine, its upcoming sale provides serious collectors and historic racing participants the opportunity to acquire one of the Le Mans prototype class’ most successful and unique entrants (Est. €1.200.000 - €1.600.000).

As a prelude to the main auction on 14 May, RM will present the Quattroruote Collection during a separate sale session earlier in the day. An eclectic group of 39 vehicles, including automobiles, motorcycles and carriages, the Quattroruote Collection represents the carefully curated cars of one of the most famous names in Italian motoring journalism, Gianni Mazzocchi, and his family. 

The founder of Quattroruote magazine, the late Mr. Mazzocchi was an automobile enthusiast who appreciated fine engineering, eventually bringing together his purchases in a museum at his publishing company headquarters in Milan. 

Reflecting the family’s desire to tell the history of the automobile, the selection of cars on offer spans everything from a beautiful Bugatti Type 57 Cabriolet to a humble 1951 Fiat 500 C ‘Topolino’. Featuring coachwork by Gangloff, the Bugatti T57 is an historically important car, having been the company demonstrator of Bugatti racing legend Jean-Pierre Wimille, as well as one of the 11 late-production chassis produced in the autumn of 1938 as a 1939 model. 

Currently finished in cream and dark green, it remains in authentic order with its original engine (Est. €500.000 – €600.000). 

The collection also features a rare 1930 Hispano-Suiza H6B Coupé Chauffeur, an imposing pre-war car from the great Spanish company, well-known for its large and luxurious cars built for the wealthiest of pre-war society (Est. €220.000 – €280.000). 

The Quattroruote Collection will cross the podium at 12 noon on 14 May, followed by RM’s traditional evening Monaco sale from 18.00. 

An end of an era, the final McLaren P1 comes of the production track to complete the 375 model Limited Edition.

• 375th and final example of the McLaren P1™ produced
• Completion of the first production model in the McLaren range-topping Ultimate Series
• First full-body visual carbon conversions now in build with McLaren Special Operations (MSO)

The final chapter in the production of the McLaren P1™ has now been written as the 375th and final example was completed, bringing the curtain down on the most technologically advanced and dynamically accomplished supercar ever made.  From launch, the groundbreaking model was designed with one key goal: to be the best drivers’ car on road and track.

Since headlining the debut motor show appearance for McLaren Automotive at the 2012 Paris Motor Show as a design study, the first model in the McLaren Ultimate Series has been writing headlines, breaking lap times and thrilling owners the world over.

Production commenced during the summer of 2013, with all cars sold prior to the first car being delivered, and the first car – finished with Ice Silver paintwork and extensive levels of visual carbon fibre – rolled off the production line during the 50^th anniversary celebrations of McLaren in September 2013. A fitting tribute to Bruce McLaren; the man whose dream it was to produce the ultimate drivers’ car. 

Following this, each and every car was custom-built to the exacting specifications of its owner, in consultation with the team at McLaren Special Operations (MSO), ensuring that no two cars are the same. Running at full capacity, the bespoke Ultimate Series production line within the McLaren Production Centre (MPC) finished one car per day, with each individual model taking 17 days to complete on average.

The final production example of the McLaren P1™ is finished extensively in stunning pearlescent orange, achieved through a unique tinting process. 

The colour echoes the shade of the 64th and final McLaren F1 roadcar, chassis #075, which went on to inspire Volcano Orange, available today across the McLaren Automotive range. It features subtle styling elements in raw carbon fibre weave, with the finish only visible externally on the splitter, diffuser and the aerodynamic blades along the lower body, while the super-lightweight wheels are finished in silver. 

A blend of refinement and purposeful intent is evident inside the cabin with bespoke styling touches by the team at McLaren Special Operations (MSO) including gloss black detailing for the switchgear, instrument bezels and air conditioning vents. 

The lightweight carbon fibre-shelled racing seats include further MSO craftsmanship, with the final McLaren F1 roadcar again the inspiration for the final design. Upholstered in black and orange Alcantara®, the contrasting details are carried across to the stitching on the steering wheel. 

Mike Flewitt, Chief Executive Officer at McLaren Automotive commented: ‘The McLaren P1™ has achieved more than we ever expected of it since it was first previewed little over three years ago, both as a new generation of supercar, and in enhancing the McLaren brand globally.

‘As the direct ancestor to the fabled McLaren F1 – and the first in a new breed of hybrid-powered supercars – it had big shoes to fill, and it has more than succeeded. It has established itself as a true contender, proving to be more than a worthy rival on both road and track against long established rivals. 

It has done a fantastic job of becoming the halo product for the McLaren Automotive brand as we have grown the business into the three tiered, profitable outfit that we are today.’

THE McLAREN P1™: THE ULTIMATE SUPERCAR

Combining a highly efficient petrol engine and lightweight electric motor, the McLaren P1™ was the first of a new breed of supercars, debuting in production form at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. 

The strictly limited production supercar was the first model in the exclusive Ultimate Series, which crowns the recently announced three McLaren model tiers, above the Super Series and the Sports Series. It rewrote the rulebook and challenged what people believed was possible, as the iconic McLaren F1 had done 20 years previously.

The McLaren P1™ introduced a number of new technologies to the supercar world, using techniques and developments from the world of motorsport to enhance performance. Through the pioneering use of weight-saving technologies and materials, including the extensive application of carbon fibre, the McLaren P1™ has a dry weight of just 1,450kg. 

The carbon fibre MonoCage chassis – which incorporates the roof and lower structures, roof snorkel air intake, battery and power electronics housing – weighs just 90kg making it one of the lightest carbon fibre full-body structures used in any road car to date. 

The aerodynamic design, coupled with the groundbreaking RaceActive Chassis Control suspension system, offers a stiffer and more track-focused set up at the press of a button. ‘Race’ mode stiffens the suspension by 300 percent, pulls the car 50mm lower to produce ground effect aerodynamics, and extends the large active rear wing by 300mm. 

The result is 600kg of downforce at well below its maximum speeds (257km/h / 161mph) , which is considerably higher than most other high performance supercars, and more in line with the levels of downforce generated by a GT3 racing car. This downforce improves cornering ability, especially in high speed corners. 

The powertrain comprises a 3.8-litre twin turbo V8 petrol engine with a lightweight, highly powerful electric motor which, together, produces 916PS (903bhp) at 7,300rpm, and 900Nm (664lb ft) of torque. Through the seamless integration of the 179PS (176bhp) electric motor, 130Nm (96lb ft) of torque is available immediately, providing  ‘torque fill’ to offset any turbo lag as a result of the larger turbos fitted to the combustion engine. 

Through this innovative approach, the McLaren P1™ is propelled from a standstill to 100km/h (62mph) in 2.8 seconds, with 200km/h reached in 6.8 seconds and 300km/h achieved in just 16.5 seconds – a full five seconds quicker than the legendary McLaren F1. 

Top speed is limited to 350km/h (217 mph). This performance is kept under control through a bespoke braking system, developed specifically for the McLaren P1™, using materials previously used on the Ariane space programme. 

Formula 1™ technology and expertise ensure optimal performance in every area, providing progressive and predictable braking in the most extreme of conditions, such as high speed track work. 

The groundbreaking powertrain also excels with regards to efficiency, returning 34.0mpg (8.3l/100km) on the EU combined cycle with CO2 emissions of just 194g/km. The McLaren P1™ can also run solely on electric power, with a range of 11km (6.8 miles) and emissions reducing to zero. As with all models in the three McLaren model tiers, the McLaren P1™ is exempt from gas guzzler tax in the US.

THE MOST BESPOKE McLAREN TO DATE

Since the first production example was completed at the McLaren Production Centre (MPC) in 2013, the McLaren P1™ has proved to be the most popular vehicle with regards to bespoke tailoring. 

The specification of every one of the 375 production models has been built in consultation with the team at McLaren Special Operations (MSO). The world-class levels of craftsmanship ensured owners’ requirements could be realised – whether it was an individual interior colour scheme or a highly detailed exterior paint finish.

Paul Mackenzie, McLaren P1™ Programme Director and Executive Director - McLaren Special Operations, explains: ‘The McLaren P1™ has proved itself to be the most individualised model ever produced by McLaren Automotive. 

In the same way the engineering and design teams have pushed what is possible in terms of performance, our customers have pushed MSO to challenge what is possible and ensure that each example is finished to their specific tastes and exacting requirements. 

The level of bespoke work, paint finishes and tailoring has ensured that no two cars are the same, making every one truly unique.’

In a fitting coincidence, as the finishing touches were being made to the 375th production model, the team at MSO has started work on the first full-body visual carbon fibre examples. This specialised conversion will see all painted panels replaced, with the finish being an example of the highest level of craftsmanship.

THE ULTIMATE TESTING PROGRAMME

As the most extreme model in the McLaren line-up, it was only fitting that the testing programme for the McLaren P1™ was the most extreme. 

The three stages of development prototype – eXperimatal (XP), Validation (VP) and Pre-production (PP) – were tested extensively on the frozen lakes in Northern Sweden during an Arctic winter at temperatures of as low as -30˚C before being baked in the desert heat of Arizona, California and Nevada. Temperatures soared as high as 52°C / 126°F, as the western coast of America experienced some of the hottest temperatures on record.

The development programme also saw the McLaren P1™ testing extensively on circuits across the world. The testing phase was focused on durability, refinement and performance, and the final challenge of the development programme was arguably the toughest of the entire programme – a lap time of the fearsome Nürburgring-Nordschleife in less than seven minutes. 

The Nürburgring provides the ultimate test of any car, all 20.8 kilometres (13 miles) of twisting and undulating tarmac, and to achieve a sub-seven minute lap, an average speed in excess of 178km/h (111mph) is required – along some of the longest straights, tightest bends, steepest inclines, and more changes in road surface than any other circuit. 

In achieving this final objective, the McLaren P1™ joined the exclusive sub-seven minute club, underlining the goal of being the ultimate drivers’ car on road and track.

Chris Goodwin, Chief Test Driver explains: ‘The testing and development programme for the McLaren P1™ was one of the most rigorous and challenging, but also one of the most rewarding. 

We had learnt a lot through previous projects, and coupled with the unparalleled experience in motorsport, this programme truly was the culmination of everything McLaren has ever achieved. 

The integrated IPAS petrol-electric powertrain has been developed to provide seamless power delivery, while the latest in aerodynamics, lightweight materials and technology has been used to create a car which is as at home in the city as it was setting lap times.’

Overall, during the development programme, the McLaren P1™ covered in excess of 620,000 kilometres (385,250 miles) of testing, equivalent to more than 15 times around the world. With a focus on both road and track, more than a third of these test kilometres were on tracks around the world.

THE ULTIMATE SERIES: THE FUTURE

With the completion of the final McLaren P1™, the Ultimate Series continues in production with the limited-edition McLaren P1™ GTR. Production of the track-only, 1,000PS (986bhp) model is due to complete early in 2016.

Commenting on the next stages of the top model tier within the McLaren range, Mike Flewitt concludes: ‘We are in the final stages of production for the McLaren P1™ GTR, with the last car due to complete build in the coming weeks. 

The McLaren P1™ has already established itself as an icon and any car that is to continue the lineage of the Ultimate Series will need to be a worthy successor - a significant step change in technology or performance is required to ensure this is the case. The future is undecided at this stage, which is an exciting proposition.’

THE McLAREN P1™  IN NUMBERS

Number built:	13 x eXperimental Prototype
	5 x Validation Prototype
	3 x Pre-Production
	375 x production cars
Build time	800 hours
Number of people involved in the build	105
Paint	5-8 litres of base coat colour (dependent on colour). 8-9 litres of lacquer
Paint process duration	up to 5 days depending on specification
Most popular colour	Volcano Yellow
Development mileage	620,000kms – 15.5 times around the world
Global split	The Americas – 34 percent
	Europe – 26 percent
	Middle East & Africa – 13 percent
	Asia Pacific – 27 percent

                                                           

Anglia Car Auctions set a new auction house record in its June Classic Car Sale.

Anglia Car Auctions set a new auction house record in its June Classic Car Sale with the sale of a 1962 Maserati 3500 GT for £117,600 including premium, more than three times its highest estimate.

With 263 classic vehicles on offer, the matching numbers exhumed Maserati was just one of 72 per cent of lots sold with an overall sales total of £1,955,860 as the hammer dropped for the final time on Saturday 13^thJune.

Proprietor Lyn George said: “It was a great auction with a diverse catalogue and we’d like to thank all the vendors and bidders who came and supported the sale. We still have some outstanding provisional bids, which we feel confident will take the final figure to over £2,000,000.”

Other estimate busters included a genuine 59,000 miles 1987 Ford Sierra RS Cosworth barn find, with an estimate of £15-20,000, which saw the hammer down at £47,250 including premium.

ACA’s success with Mercedes ‘Pagoda’ sales continued with a two-owner 1967 250 selling at the higher end of its estimate at £81,900 including premium, while a 1957 190SL rested at the lower end, selling at £61,950 plus premium.

The limited edition BMW E30 M3 Europameister sold at £38,850, with all but one of the dozen BMWs on offer also finding new homes.

With its biggest-ever Capri offering, the Kings Lynn auction house saw the last off the line 280 Brooklands sell for £14,910 including premium.