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McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

A classic Ferrari Dino 246 GT is elegantly parked on a concrete surface, framed by lush grass and towering trees in the background, hinting at its storied past with Sotheby Motorsport and its allure at auction events.

By Tyler Rampersaud – March 19, 2025

SOMO's Auction For This Ferrari Dino 246 GT Ends Today

Own one of the most influential Ferraris, even though it wore a different badge. Ferrari is known and celebrated all over the world for its incredible performance cars, especially ones that brandish a roaring V12 engine under the hood. The 12-cylinder engine has long been a celebrated staple and a tradition for Ferrari, but other powertrains, including a V6 engine, have been incredibly important to Ferrari’s history, as well. The original roadgoing Ferrari with a V6, however, wasn’t a Ferrari. It was part of the Dino sub-brand, named after Enzo Ferrari’s late son, who designed and championed the engine for racing. View Auction Listing The V6-powered Dino was Ferrari’s first model that was produced in large numbers, and it was also the first mid-engined roadgoing Ferrari model. Today, many Ferrari models have sported a mid-engined layout, and recent innovative performance icons like the powerful Ferrari 296, and the new halo car from Ferrari, the Ferrari F80, feature V6 engines. While models including the Ferrari Dino 246 GT have already been lauded as cherished classics, the increased presence of V6 engines in Ferrari’s lineup today cement the V6 Dino’s status as one of the most influential historic models in Ferrari’s heritage, and a highly desirable model for collectors. Sotheby’s Motorsport is currently featuring this beautiful 1971 Ferrari Dino 246 GT for auction, with bidding ending today. This model features the larger 2.4-liter V6 engine than the original 2.0-liter engine in the 206 GT, making it significantly more powerful, and it’s stiffer and lighter than its predecessor, as well. This specific example was delivered new in Monaco, and was given a bare metal restoration by Italy’s Toni Auto. Original accessories, including the tool kit, books, and keys are included. With 32,860 miles on the odometer, the owner of this 1971 Dino 246 GT for auction can drive it and enjoy it to the fullest. Finished in an iconic Rosso exterior color, with Nero leather upholstering the interior, bidding on this stunning piece of Ferrari history is ending soon. Click the button to view the listing on SOMO and bid on this historic automotive masterpiece. View Auction Listing Source: Sotheby's Motorsport

A sleek red Ferrari F50 sports car with a convertible top is parked indoors, featuring a shiny exterior and stylish rims, ready to dazzle at RM Sotheby's Miami auction and potentially set a world record price.

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 03, 2025

1996 Ferrari F50 Sets A New World Record Price At RM Soth...

The Ferrari F50 lives on. Finally receiving the proper attention it deserves as one of Maranello's most coveted creations, the Ferrari F50 has continued to skyrocket in value, with recent sales reaching well past the $4 million mark. Manufactured from 1995 to 1997 with an original $450,000 MSRP as one of Ferrari's limited production cars, the F50 aged like a fine wine with only 349 examples produced worldwide. And in taking a pressured position as the successor to the F40 and the predecessor to the Enzo, it took some time before the F50 paved its own lane into the collector car market. Today, the legendary Ferrari F50 is making waves in the collector car world as RM Sotheby's announced a new record-breaking sale during its Miami auction event at ModaMiami. Darin Schnable/RM Sotheby's In a packed room full of anticipated collectors looking to score some of the most prestigious automotive examples, the Ferrari F50 (#154 of 349) appeared on the auction display for an intense few minutes of bidding. After quickly climbing well past the $4 million mark and into the $5 million range, the Ferrari F50 was sold to its new owner for a record-breaking $5,532,500. The massive auction sale outperformed the previous record-holding 1995 example sold at RM Sotheby's Monterey Car Week 2024 event for $5,505,000. Darin Schnable/RM Sotheby's Chassis number 105768 is the 154th example built, and it was completed by the factory in June 1996, finished in Rosso Corsa paint over a Nero interior with Rosso seat bolsters. The European spec was owned by a Monaco-based racecar driver and collector for over 16 years, showcasing its showroom quality with only 2,174 km (1,351 miles) on the odometer. The F50 became certified in 2013 with a Ferrari Classiche Red Book that authenticates the matching-number engine, transaxle, and body, which provides added value for collectors in search of a pristine example. Imported to the US in the early 2020s, this factory-original Ferrari F50 also comes with owner's manuals, fitted luggage, a toolkit, and the removable hardtop in the proper factory-issued flight case as a complete delivery set. Setting the mark for future sales, we can't wait to see the next record-breaking Ferrari F50 sale soon. View all RM Sotheby's inventory for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View this post on Instagram A post shared by RM Sotheby's (@rmsothebys) Source: RM Sotheby's

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By Jordan Aquistapace – November 07, 2024

RM Sotheby's Set To Auction Michael Schumacher's 2006 Scu...

A chance to own a piece of F1 history. Throughout Formula 1's illustrious history, more than 777 drivers have graced racing grids worldwide to compete at the highest level of motorsport. Of those who have dedicated their lives to the sport, a few names carry monumental significance among past, present, and future fans of F1. Alongside icons like Ayrton Senna and Niki Lauda, Michael Schumacher established legendary status with a 19-year career that includes a record-setting seven Formula One World Drivers' Championship titles. The 2006 F1 season stands out as Schumacher's most memorable, as it was his last year racing for Scuderia Ferrari F1 before retiring for the first time. To this day, the Schumacher name echoes throughout the halls of the team's HQ in Maranello with trophies, race cars, and other accolades that honor the former German racing driver. Today, the auction professionals at RM Sotheby's are proud to announce the upcoming sale of Michael Schumacher's 2006 Ferrari 248 F1 as part of its event in New York City. The 2006 Ferrari 248 became part of Schumacher’s five incredible Grand Prix wins during his last season with Ferrari, including memorable victories at San Marino, the European Grand Prix, and his final home win in Germany. For Schumacher fans and F1 memorabilia collectors, this is a piece of racing history loaded with achievements and milestones that made Schumacher’s career so legendary. What makes this Ferrari 248 F1 even more special? For starters, it’s the exact car Schumacher drove to break Ayrton Senna’s record for pole positions and achieve his final career pole and win. This example is also Ferrari Classiche certified, meaning it retains all its original, matching parts, just as it was back in 2006. With Scuderia Ferrari's V8 capable of hitting an impressive 20,000 rpm, the 248 chassis represents an era of raw power and peak performance limits in racing that we'll never witness again. Notably, it’s been in private ownership since 2007, meaning it’s preserved some serious Ferrari magic. If you’re a collector or just love the excitement of F1 racing, RM Sotheby's will be auctioning the iconic F1 car on November 14. A rare chance to connect with Schumacher’s legacy, it’s not every day that a car like this comes along. With the anticipation of selling for a jaw-dropping price, stay tuned into duPont REGISTRY for the upcoming auction results of Michael Schumacher's 2006 Ferrari 248 F1 car. View all RM Sotheby's inventory for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All RM Sotheby's Inventory Source: RM Sotheby's

By Jordan Aquistapace – August 20, 2024

1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California By Scaglietti Sells Fo...

Meet the classic Ferrari that fetched seven-figures at Monterey Car Week! While the automotive world is accustomed to modern Ferrari supercars and hypercars like the Daytona SP3, LaFerrari, SF90 Stradale, and Purosangue, it's important to recognize and honor the early pioneering models that shaped the brand into what it has become today. During this year's Monterey Car Week, the auction professionals at RM Sotheby's honed in on that belief with 204 lots that featured some of the most coveted collections of classic Ferraris. And even alongside multiple Italian prancing horses that brought massive six and seven-figure price tags, RM Sotheby's was able to outshine itself with a very special 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California by Scaglietti that sold for a whopping $17,055,000. Of the only 56 SWB Califonia Spiders ever produced, this example (Chassis 1795 GT) stands out as the very first to leave Ferrari's Maranello facility. This particular model features a competition-specification Tipo 168 engine, referred to as "Motore competizione," along with distinctive characteristics like covered headlights and a factory removable hardtop. Originally finished in Grigio with a red leather interior, it was prominently displayed at the 1960 Geneva Motor Show before being delivered to its first owner, John Gordon Bennett, a respected British-born racing driver. The car's journey includes ownership by Ferrari racer Bob Grossman and appearances at significant events like the Le Mans Classic and West Coast Concours, highlighting its importance as an automotive icon. Over its lifetime, the 1795 GT has been carefully maintained by just five owners, with three in the last 60 years, preserving its original specifications. This Ferrari retains its original engine, gearbox, and drivetrain, as confirmed by its Ferrari Classiche Red Book certification, which adds to its significance. Its long-lasting appeal lies in its blend of historical importance, engineering excellence, and a well-documented history, making it a noteworthy example of the 250 GT SWB California Spider for any passionate car collector. View all RM Sotheby's inventory for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All RM Sotheby's Inventory Source: RM Sotheby's

By Edward Jones – March 29, 2024

300-Mile Ferrari 812 GTS Looking For New Owner on SoMo On...

Sotheby's Motorsport is poised to auction off an exquisite Ferrari 812 GTS that has clocked just 300 miles on its odometer. It comes with a clean title, Rosso Corsa exterior finish over a Beige interior. You can learn more about this V12 beauty below by reading SoMo's auction lot description and by clicking the button to view the lot for yourself. Ferrari’s storied lineage has, in part, been defined by the marque’s continued dedication to the V12 engine. Iconic rear-drive poster cars featuring cylinders by the dozen have long captured the essence of a prancing horse. On the semi-centennial of Ferrari’s first open-top V12 production car, the Daytona Spyder, a new foal was welcomed at its Modena stables. Announced in 2019, the 812 GTS arrived ready to take the reins. A hardtop convertible counterpart to the 812 Superfast, the new car’s vogue married versatility with wide acclaim among a devout following. The GTS packed 785 horsepower, dispatched by deft shifts of a 7-speed F1 dual-clutch transmission. Its first-string agility made no compromise to finesse with electric four-wheel steering, Virtual Short Wheelbase 2.0, and Side Slip Angle Control 5.0 / E-DIFF 3 systems. Fine cabin appointments and sure-footed chassis tech including magnetorheological suspension and CCM4 carbon ceramic brakes masked the car’s brutal capability—eager to please. Power operation of its retractable hardtop tallied just 14 seconds and left ample room for weekend luggage top-up or down. Rosso Corsa over Beige, this 2022 Ferrari 812 GTS presents in winning trim. Supple leather, body-color Cavallino headrest embroidery, and black carpets complete its picturesque appeal. From the driver’s seat, an optional yellow rev counter and special stitching throughout complete a sumptuous vantage point. A Mannetino steering wheel, Infotelematic audio, dual-zone climate control, advanced front driving, and parking cameras round out convenience features. Fit to wear its colors, Scuderia Ferrari shields sit just aft the front Matte Grey 20” wheels mounted over ceramic brakes w/yellow calipers. Accompanied by an 8,500rpm redline, this 812’s 6.5L motivation offers a rewarding thrill. Single ownership from new and an odometer reading of just 300 miles make this Ferrari worth the wait. This vehicle’s title is in transit and will arrive approximately three weeks after the conclusion of the auction. View Online Auction Lot

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 09, 2024

Sotheby's Sealed Preps To Auction Off "The Most Beautiful...

Sotheby's Sealed is set to auction a true masterpiece of automotive history: the world-renowned 1958 Ferrari 250 "Pontoon Fendered" Testa Rossa. With its breathtaking motorsport design and successful racing pedigree, this Ferrari truly stands out as a pinnacle of Maranello's craftsmanship. Regarded as "The Most Beautiful Ferrari Ever Built," the auction marks a milestone as it will be the first time this 250 Testa Rossa will be offered for sale in over a decade. Chassis no. 0738 TR, engineered and crafted by the legendary Italian coachbuilder Sergio Scaglietti, is among the most elite collector cars to ever grace the automotive world. It is one of only 19 of its kind, making it a jewel in the crown for any passionate collector willing to bid on its estimated $34,000,000 and $38,000,000 value. This museum-grade example boasts an impressive track record, with nearly 20 races and four major victories to its name. It also shines as a testament to Ferrari's engineering expertise, having maintained its original engine and gearbox, a rarity in the world of classic cars. Under the meticulous care of Ferrari Classiche, this Testa Rossa was restored to its former glory and honored with the prestigious Red Book certification. This recognition is a seal of authenticity, reserved for Ferrari's most historically significant models. Its inclusion in a prominent Ferrari collection has only added to its appeal, meticulously cared for to ensure its longevity as a piece of automotive history. The 250 Testa Rossa is a work of art and a symbol of Ferrari's golden age of racing. The sale of chassis 0738 TR offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a piece of Ferrari's legendary lineage. It's an invitation to preserve and participate in the legacy of one of the most beautiful and successful racing cars ever to grace the tracks. This immaculate Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa will be available as part of RM Sotheby's Detroit, Michigan auction from February 21st -24th. View all RM Sotheby's inventory currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All RM Sotheby's Inventory Source: Sotheby's Sealed

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 14, 2023

Ferrari 250 GTO Sells For $51.7M, Becomes Most Expensive ...

As part of a significant event that will be remembered for generations, RM Sotheby’s has successfully auctioned the only factory-owned Series I 250 GTO for a staggering $51.7 million making it the most expensive Ferrari ever sold at auction. This jaw-dropping sale, conducted on November 13, 2023, at Sotheby’s New York during its Marquee Week Sales of Modern and Contemporary Art, marks a momentous milestone in automotive auction history. The Ferrari GTO, known for its remarkable prestige in the classic car world, attracted an affluent group of global bidders, concluding in a historic sale that embodies automotive excellence. This exceptional GTO (Chassis 3765) tells a storied history that transcends outside of traditional ownership. It’s the sole GTO Tipo 1962 raced by Scuderia Ferrari, making it a unique treasure in the world of vintage sports cars. Its renowned racing legacy includes a class win and 2nd overall at the 1962 Nürburgring 1000 KM, participation in the 1962 24 Hours of Le Mans, and a runner-up title in the 1965 Sicilian Hillclimb Championship. The GTO's rich heritage is further enhanced by its previous ownership by a chairman of the Ferrari Club of America, along with numerous awards including an FCA Platinum Award and a Best of Show at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. The sale of this Series I GTO, often regarded as the Holy Grail of sports cars, offers its new owner not only a remarkable piece of Ferrari's legacy but also the opportunity for further enjoyment in vintage racing, touring, or showcasing at prestigious concours d’elegance and marque gatherings worldwide. View all RM Sotheby's inventory currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All RM Sotheby's Inventory Source: RM Sotheby's

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By Tyler Rampersaud – August 22, 2022

A 1955 Ferrari 410 Sport Sold For $22 Million At RM Sothe...

This past Monterey Car Week was a very special one, even for Monterey Car Week. With the best of automotive luxury, performance, and history coming together for one epic week of automotive excellence, Monterey Car Week is full of some of the most expensive cars on show and for sale that the world has ever seen. But this past Monterey Car Week has been one of the best ones yet, with million-dollar cars being bought and sold throughout the week. The biggest seller this past Monterey Car Week happened at the RM Sotheby’s auction, and it was a truly incredible 1955 Ferrari 410 Sport, which sold for an incredible amount of just over $22 million. MUST READ: RM Sotheby's Auctions The Porsche 911 Sally Special For A Record $3.6 Million The car is a classic Ferrari racer with a body done by Scaglietti, and its legend earned it a value more than double the second highest seller of the week, which was in fact a 1937 Bugatti Type 57 Atlante, which sold for over $10 million. With famous drivers including Carroll Shelby, an incredible V12 engine, and 8 Shelby-driven race wins to its name, the car has an incredible history, and it definitely earned its place as one of the highest-selling cars in Monterey Car Week and automotive history in general. View All Race Cars For Sale Source: RM Sotheby's

By Tyler Rampersaud – August 04, 2022

The Only Ferrari Testa Rossa J Pebble Beach Edition Will ...

This year’s Bonhams Quail Lodge Auction will show that big things come in small packages. The Little Car Company is known for creating smaller replicas of classic and iconic cars that are just as fun to drive as their larger counterparts, recapturing the splendor of masterpieces by Bugatti, Aston Martin, and other brands with its creations. The 2022 Ferrari Testa Rossa J is The Little Car Company’s fully-electric, 75% scale replica of the 1958 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa that competed in the 1958 24 Hours of Le Mans race. MUST READ: Manny Koshbin Takes Delivery Of His Little Car Company x Bugatti Baby II ‘Rembrandt Edition’ Selling at the Bonhams Quail Lodge Auction later this month is the Pebble Beach Edition of the Testa Rossa J, which is a one-off version of the vehicle which features a replica of the “Lucybelle II” livery with its white body and blue stripes that competed in the 1958 24 Hours of Le Mans. Not only is it the only one existing with its livery, but the highest bidder in the auction will also be able to own the first Testa Rossa J to appear at auction and skip a year-long waiting list to secure one. The replica is authentic to the 250 Testa Rossa that won Le Mans four times and the World Sportscar Championship three times. It features the same steering and suspension geometry, as well as wheels and tires that are authentic as possible. The car also honors modern Ferraris with pedals derived from the current F8 Tributo, real Ferrari paint, and leather upholstery, and the car has a racing spirit with four available driving modes and a top speed of almost 50 miles per hour. This Pebble Beach Edition Ferrari Testa Rossa J from The Little Car Company might be small, but it’s very special. View All Ferraris For sale Source: The Little Car Company

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 13, 2021

RM Sotheby’s Guikas Collection: 1981 Ferrari 512 BB/LM

Presented by RM Sotheby's - In the early 1980s, the 512 BB/LM was Ferrari’s ticket back into endurance sportscar racing. Replacing the 365 GT4/BB, the 512 BB/LM was equipped with a larger 5.0-liter, DOHC, flat-12 engine, capable of generating 550 horsepower. These engines had twin overhead camshafts per bank and this unique feature allegedly led, according to legendary Ferrari engineer Mauro Forghieri, to the creation of the “BB” acronym. Often associated with “Berlinetta Boxer”, in this context “BB” stands for “Berlinetta Bialbero”, Italian for dual camshaft. Chassis number 35529 was purchased on 13 January 1981 directly from Ferrari by Fabrizio Violati’s Scuderia Bellancauto. It was supplied as a rolling chassis with a purchase price of 63,250,000 Italian lire. The chassis was assembled under the watchful eye of Ferrari’s Assistenza Clienti division at Scuderia Bellancauto’s workshop in Rome and completed in April 1981. The car is one of 16 BB/LM Series Three competition cars built between 1980 to 1982. Several BB/LMs entered private collections but this example was purpose-built for competitive endurance racing. Chassis number 35529 made its racing debut on 26 April 1981 at the Monza 1,000 Kilometers, driven by Violati, Maurizio Flammini and Spartaco Dini. Sporting race number "15", the trio finished first in their class. Chassis number 35529 would race under Violati, Flammini and Duilio Truffo at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1981, bearing number "45" on its livery. Unfortunately, they were forced to withdraw due to transmission issues. On 28 June 1981, the car competed at the Enna 6-Hours, with Violati and Truffo taking the Ferrari to place 5th overall and another 1st in class victory. On 19 September 1982, the pair raced again in the Mugello 1,000 KM race, crossing the finish line in 10th overall position and taking a third-class victory. When the 1984 24 Hours of Le Mans approached, the 512 BB/LM was racing under Bellancauto racing team colours and was recognised as a highly competitive car. Driven by Marco Micangeli, Roberto Marazzi and Dominique Lacuad as number “27”, there were high expectations. Unfortunately, the car was side-lined after six hours of racing due to gearbox issues. Finally on 19 September 1984, Maurizio Micangeli, Marco Micangeli and Cristiano del Balzo co-drove at the Imola 1,000 Kilometers, yet were forced to bow out after lap 91 due to engine failure.In June 1985, Violati raced chassis number 35529 for the final time at the Ferrari Club Italia meeting in Alessandria, Italy. It was then inducted into the Collezione Maranello Rosso museum in San Marino on extended display, where it remained for 23 years. The car transferred to the Collezione’s new museum in Rimini, Italy, where it remained for seven more years.Having recently gone through Ferrari Classiche’s certification process, this highly original 512 BB/LM is now presented with its Red Book confirming it retains its matching numbers engine and correct-type transmission. Further, the car is presented with an extensive history file, including copies of the original Ferrari invoice for the chassis, technical specification documents, invoices for mechanical components, the Carrozzeria Auto Sport quote for the body and various digital historic photographs. As one of the most original and well-documented 512 BB/LMs with one-off bodywork, chassis number 35529 is highly eligible to be enjoyed by its next caretaker on either the racetrack or preservation concours field. RM Sotheby’s will present this vehicle as part of a single-owner collection comprised of 75 of the finest racing and road cars in the world, offered entirely without reserve. The Guikas Collection, to be sold at Paul Ricard Circuit in France in November 2021, presents pedigrees spanning from the endurance racing of the 24 Hours of the Le Mans to the world stage of Formula One and nearly everything in between. The collection of race cars will provide modern racing enthusiasts an introduction into virtually all vintage racing series worldwide, including GT and road cars that are equally impressive which offer a wide selection of Pre- and Post-War sports cars. View Listing

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