As one of only 16 ever produced, the 1960 Maserati Tipo 61 “Birdcage” that headlines Mecum Auctions’ offerings during this year’s Monterey Classic Car Week, August 10-17, is among the rarest of the rare. This particular example (chassis 2459) made its initial competition outing at the 12 Hours of Sebring in 1960 where it was entered by Jaguar Distributors of New York for Walt Hansgen and Ed Crawford, but they retired with transmission trouble after 149 laps. Entered by Briggs Cunningham thereafter, it contested five subsequent races that year, all with Hansgen at the wheel. Now, following a complete restoration by Steve Hart Racing in Norfolk, England, it will be among the vehicles crossing Mecum’s auction block during its three-day event. www.mecum.com
Last year at Quail Lodge, Bonhams set a world record for any Porsche sold at auction when a 1972 917 Interserie Spyder from the Michael Amalfitano Collection brought in nearly $4 million. This year Bonhams has assembled another fine lineup of racing Porsches, the most notable being a 1966 906 Carrera Competition Coupe that won its class that year in the Targa Florio, Monza 1000, Spa 1000, Austrian 500 and 24 Hours of Le Mans, and the 1986 962 (962-121) originally fielded by Bruce Leven’s Bayside team that won the 12 Hours of Sebring back-to-back in 1987 and ’88, as well as scoring GTP victories at Laguna Seca, Mid-Ohio, Sears Point, Columbus and Del Mar. www.bonhams.com/usa/carsusaquail
This year RM Auctions continues its trend of offering numerous significant racing Ferraris at its two day Monterey auction. This year’s slate includes the famous “No Hay Dos” 1952 Ferrari 340 Mexico Coupe, as well as a 1955 750 Monza Spyder and a 1960 250 GT SWB Berlinetta. More details can be found on these and other interesting historic racecars for sale at www.rmauctions.com
