The 1955 Ferrari 500 Mondial Series II with coachwork by Scaglietti that has been in persistent proprietorship for just about 60 years is to be sold off at Pebble Beach.
Listing with Gooding and Company, the 500 Mondial will be a highlight in the August auction, running nearby the celebrated Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
Most Mondials were sold to and raced by privateers. This auto, chassis 0556, was given new to François Picard and was completed in the light blue national racing shade of France
After various appearances in hill climbs, later in 1955, it was sold back to Ferrari. With the industrial facility offered free transportation of its vehicles to the inaugural Grand Prix of Venezuela, the 500 Mondial was one of three autos Ferrari entered.
In this way, it made a few competition rounds, including an additional class win at the 1956 12 Hours of Sebring before a seized rear differential prompted its retirement. In 1960 it was bought by Naval officer Robert Phillips for $2,225 – about $18,000 today – and has stayed in his garage from that point onward.
‘We are grateful and honoured to be entrusted with selling Admiral Phillips’ Ferrari Mondial. This Ferrari epitomizes the highest of quality and pedigree, as well as illustrates the Admiral’s deep understanding and reverence for the marque, as he has researched every last detail of his beloved sports racer.’, David Gooding, president and organizer of Gooding and Co, stated.
The 500 Mondial highlights an unusual (for Ferrari) four-cylinder motor akin to that of the 553 thousand Prix car. The two-litre unit produces 170bhp, cordiality of two Weber carburettors. That goes through a five-speed crash gearbox with no synchromesh. Presently, it is imagined that lone three 500 Mondials stay with the original period motor.
Following an eight-year reclamation by David Carte, the 500 Mondial won its class at the 2008 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and was declared the best Ferrari in the show.
Gooding and Company esteems case 0556 amongst $5,500,000 and $7,500,000.
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