1953 Ferrari 340 MM Spider by Vignale

Chances are you probably don’t have a spare €6-8m burning a hole in your pocket right now but if you do, then you might just want to throw it in the direction of this extraordinary 1953 Ferrari 340 MM Spider by Vignale that is going under the hammer with RM Sotheby’s. It is the last of ten 340 MMs built by Ferrari on their way to winning the 1953 World Sportscar Championship – one of the main reasons for the lofty price tag – and it is a true even chassis number, purpose-built competition Ferrari that looks as good as it drives.

The 1953 Ferrari 340 MM Spider by Vignale from RM Sotheby’s one of only 4 surviving 340 MM Vignale Spiders so you’ll be breathing rarified air if you’re the one lucky enough to get your hands on this breathtaking contraption when the hammer goes don’t on the Monte Carlo Auction. It is an immensely powerful vehicle for its era with 300 h.p., equivalent to the 300 SLR and 250 TR and it was sold new back in the 50s to the famed American sportsman and sports car builder Sterling Edwards so it has an impressive backstory as well.

EXCEPTIONAL RACE HISTORY

It’s not just aesthetically that this Ferrari excels, it’s also done mighty well on the race track to boot. It campaigned to great success between 1953 and ’55 including overall victory at the 1954 Pebble Beach and Palm Springs Road Races which is testament to both its eye-catching speed and handling for the era. It boasts a well documented provenance from new, and this includes nearly 30 years in the noted Sherman Wolf collection and the last 10 years in a prominent American collection which is why it is presented in such exemplary condition.

The 1953 Ferrari 340 MM Spider by Vignale from RM Sotheby’s is extremely eligible for virtually every historic racing, rally and concours event including the Mille Miglia, Monaco Historics, Le Mans Classic, Cavallino Classic, and the Colorado Grand so whoever is lucky enough to add this to their car collection, they will have plenty of opportunities to show it off. Chassis number 0350 AM is fitted with what is believed to be the original engine block from chassis 0032MT, a very important 1950 Scuderia Ferrari Works sports racer, and is also accompanied by its original Lampredi V-12 long-block engine, the same motor that captured Sterling Edwards four victories in eight racing appearances from 1953 to 1954.

This incredibly desirable, albeit eye-wateringly expensive, Spider is undoubtedly the car that first introduced many American enthusiasts to the brilliance of Aurelio Lampredi’s legendary racing engine. 0350AM’s historical significance, in conjunction with the fact that it is one of only a very few select Ferrari examples that is eligible to all of the most important vintage racing and rally events in the world, will ensure it is a crowning addition to any collection, ideal for both display and further touring enjoyment.

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