Gooding & Company announced that the 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa Prototype (s/n 0666 TR) and the 1963 Shelby Cobra 289 Factory Team Car (s/n CSX2129) will be offered at auction at their upcoming Pebble Beach Auctions on August 20-21, 2011.
“Being in the presence of the 1957 Ferrari Testa Rossa Prototype is a visceral and breathtaking experience unlike anything I’ve ever known,” says David Gooding, President and founder of Gooding & Company. “We will all witness a historic day when this incredible car – one of the greatest race cars of all time – crosses our stage in Pebble Beach this August.”
The 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa Prototype, Chassis 0666 TR started it all as the prototype and test-bed for the Testa Rossa line. Based on the 290MM, the prototype TR was assembled in 1957 featuring the classic V12 engine, de Dion rear axle and right-hand drive. The car debuted at the Nurburgring 1000kms where Masten Gregory and Olindo Morolli finished in 10th place. As a factory team car, 0666 TR practiced in Sweden and ran the GP of Sweden. After receiving pontoon-fender coachwork by Scaglietti, Ferrari campaigned the car in the Venezuelan Grand Prixand the 1000kms of Buenos Aires, where it placed an impressive 3rd and 2nd, respectively. It has been raced at all of the major events worldwide including Sebring, Nurburgring and Le Mans, as well as SCCA events.
Restored to superb condition with its original, matching-numbers engine and 1958 NART livery, the historic racer has won two Best in Class trophies from Pebble Beach, a Platinum Award and the TR Cup at Cavallino, and it is one of only two factory Classiche-certified TRs in existence. With just two owners in 40 years, this car’s presentation at auction this August is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Gooding & Company estimates that the Testa Rossa will break the all-time auction record of $12,402,500, currently held by the 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa 0714TR sold by RM Auctions in 2009.
1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa Prototype Photos
1963 Shelby Cobra 289 Factory Team Car, CSX2129 – Completed in May 1963, CSX2129 was built by Shelby to full ‘Sebring’ specification as a Factory Team Car. In what would become an unprecedented year for Shelby, CSX2129 competed through the 1963 USSRC season at the hand of Bob Bondurant and, predominantly, Ken Miles. Numerous class victories and pole positions marked CSX2129’s successful 1963 season playing a major role in Shelby America’s win of the USRRC Manufacturer’s Championship, USRRC Driver’s Championship and an SCCA Championship. Successfully raced by Graham Shaw in 1964, the 289 team car returned to Shelby and was displayed at the 1964 New York World’s Fair. Offered in its authentic 1963 team livery, the Cobra Team Car has an estimate of $2.4 million – $2.8 million.
“Leading Shelby American in one of its most successful racing periods ever, the 1963 Shelby Cobra 289 Factory car is undoubtedly one of the most significant cars in American motorsport history,” says David Gooding.
The Gooding & Company 2011 Pebble Beach Auctions will take place on Saturday and Sunday, August 20 & 21 at the Pebble Beach Equestrian Center, located at the corner of Portola Road and Stevenson Drive. Preview days will start on Wednesday, August 17 continuing through Sunday, August 21. The auctions will commence at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday and 6:00 p.m. on Sunday. Catalogs are available for $100 and admit two to the viewing and the auctions. General admission tickets to the viewing and auctions may be purchased on site for $40.
For more information, visit www.goodingco.com or phone (310) 899-1960.
[Source: photo credit: Pawel Litwinski © 2011 Courtesy of Gooding & Company]
Lets see back straight, head up, hands at 10 & 2…………….perfect form!