RM Sotheby's auction house is preparing for a record revenue. On December 10, the Ferrari 290 MM from 1956 is auctioned in New York. It is the car with which five-time world champion Juan Manuel Fangio drove the Mille Miglia that year. Auctioneers, candidates and interested parties can wet their breasts. The yield of the rare Ferrari is estimated at an amount of more than 28 million dollars (almost 25 million euros).
Chassis number 0626. A concept
The Ferrari 290 MM carries chassis number 0626. 0626 chassis was specially built by the Ferrari factory. More specifically: it was built for Juan Manuel Fangio's participation in the 1956 edition of the Mille Miglia. Considered by many to be the greatest driver ever in the Italian 1000-miles event, the Argentinian was in fourth place in the overall overall classification. He achieved his result with the car that was equipped with the all-new 3.5 liter V12 engine. In addition, the 290 MM was one of only four built Ferraris of this type.
Illustrious career, big names
Not only Juan Manuel Fangio rode the 290 MM. During his illustrious career, chassis number 0626 was also paired with other legendary names, including Alfonso de Portago, Peter Collins, Olivier Gendebien and Jo Bonnier. Wolfgang von Trips and Phil Hill are other illustrious sounds from a distant past, which were driven by 0626. The Ferrari was used in the 1000 miles of Buenos Aires, the GP of Rouen, the GP of Portugal, the Rally of Sweden and the 1000 miles of the Nurbürgring.
Culture maker of Ferrari
"The 290 MM has been incredibly important to Ferrari's history," says Peter Wallman, RM Sotheby's automotive specialist. “The car was driven by the greatest drivers of the 1950 years. And it is built for perhaps the best driver in history. Enzo Ferrari was personally involved with the car. The 290 MM is a fundamental part of the Ferrari culture. His originality - in combination with his origin and history - is truly unparalleled. It can only lead to the conclusion that it is one of the most sought after and valuable cars on the open market. "
34 year part of collection
After the sporty farewell, 0626 was part of the Mas du Clos collection by Pierre Bardinon. The latter sold the car to the current owner. On December 34 it will become clear in New York whether this unique Ferrari will realize the highest auction revenue for a car in the history of the auction house.