Trio of Significant Postwar European Sports Cars Announced for Auction at Gooding & Company’s Geared Online Sale on May 3-7


1957 BMW 507 Series II s_n 70073 Est. $2,250,000 – $2,750,000

1957 BMW 507 Series II s_n 70073 Est. $2,250,000 – $2,750,000

 

Santa Monica, 21st April, 2021

Renowned auction house Gooding & Company, known for consistently selling the world’s most desirable and prized collector cars, is presenting three incredibly rare and exclusive European sports cars for its next Geared Online sale. From Monday, May 3, to Friday, May 7, 2021, the auction house will conduct its next installment of the successful, online only sale series, offering serious collectors the opportunity to own these prestigious classics which represent the pinnacle of postwar sports car production.

The highlights of the sale include a rarely seen 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 Alloy, an elegant 1957 BMW 507 Series II, and a highly desirable disc-brake 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster.

“This trio embodies some of the most exclusive, rare, and highly sought-after cars revered and admired by car collectors and vintage racers alike,” states Gooding & Company President and Founder, David Gooding. “We are pleased to bring these pedigreed cars to market –– a rarity in and of itself, let alone at an online sale –– and offer the opportunity to showcase the longstanding value of these European icons.”

1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 Alloy (Estimate: $3,750,000 – $4,500,000)
The 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 Alloy is among the most exclusive and valuable of all 275 variants, with an incredibly limited production of just 16 cars. Combining the advanced race-bred mechanicals of the already potent GTB/4 with lightweight aluminum Scaglietti coachwork, this dual-purpose Ferrari represents the ultimate in 1960s sports car design. Several of these alloy-bodied GTB/4s saw use in period competition, and today they are sought after by the most discerning Ferrari collectors.  

This particular alloy four-cam, chassis 10025, is the 9th example built and was delivered new to Switzerland finished in the elegant color scheme of Celeste over blue leather. During the early 1970s, well-known Ferrari dealer and customizer Tom Meade acquired the 275 GTB/4 and upgraded it, fitting an external fuel filler and competition-style Borrani wire wheels – features the car still retains to this day. Later exported to the U.S., 10025 was eventually sold to respected collector and vintage racer Pat Hart of Seattle, Washington, who conducted an extensive decade-long, show-quality restoration that resulted in the exquisite Ferrari seen today. 

Presented in outstanding condition, and retaining its matching-numbers engine, this desirable, alloy-bodied Ferrari is tastefully presented in a dark red livery with light beige upholstery. It is accompanied by a proper set of owner’s handbooks, tool roll, jack, and report produced by Ferrari historian Marcel Massini. 

This top-tier Ferrari has never before been exhibited or judged since its restoration was completed, and it has been over twenty years since it was last offered for sale. Very rarely does a 275 GTB/4 Alloy appear on the open market, let alone at public auction, making this an especially exciting opportunity for collectors to acquire the ultimate version of a revered classic Ferrari model. 

1957 BMW 507 Series II (Estimate: $2,250,000 – $2,750,000)
The elegant 507 roadster is one of the most iconic and collectible postwar BMW models despite an extremely limited production run. Designed by Count Albrecht von Goertz, the 507 was an instant sensation and has since come to be regarded as one of the all-time greatest automotive designs. Featuring sweeping, harmonious lines, a purposeful rendition of the classic kidney grille, bold side vents, and aggressive rear haunches, the 507’s aluminum body stretched over the mechanical underpinnings, evoking speed at every angle.

The 507 did not just look like a true sports car, it performed like one, too. Equipped with a 3.2-liter V-8, independent suspension, finned aluminum drum brakes, and a four-speed manual gearbox, these BMWs successfully competed in major racing events including the legendary Mille Miglia. As one of the most sought-after cars of its day, it attracted celebrity customers as diverse as pop icon Elvis Presley and motor sports hero John Surtees. Undoubtedly the most important BMW sports car of the postwar era, the 507 roadster represents the finest achievement of this legendary German marque.

Between 1956 and 1959, only 254 examples of the 507 were manufactured. The desirable Series II models, such as the car presented here, were originally developed as a separate model for the American market and became the production standard in mid-1957. They boasted a revised dashboard layout, more streamlined stowage for the convertible top, and a relocated fuel tank that increased interior space. This 507, chassis 70073, was originally delivered new to Rome, finished in Silbergrau (Silver Grey). Later imported to the U.S., this 507 had a well-documented history and has been owned by noted car collectors including software mogul Frank Pritt. 

Today, the BMW remains in beautiful condition, with attractive metallic blue paint paired with beige upholstery and a dark blue top. Beyond its elegant presentation, this is an unusually correct example, which features its original data plate, body tag, and under-hood tool kit with proper Hazet components. A rarity among 507s, this Series II car is still powered by its matching-numbers engine per BMW Classic records. 

1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster (Estimate: $1,100,000 – $1,300,000)
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster is regarded as one of the most beautiful and well-rounded sports cars ever produced. This stunning 1961 Roadster is a highly sought-after disc-brake, iron-block example, of which approximately 270 were produced. Delivered new to Southern California, this low-mileage, black-plate 300 SL was completely restored under the ownership of Dr. Philip Lutfy, an esteemed Mercedes-Benz collector who has owned over 100 high-quality examples of the marque. 

The SL’s restoration was carried out by leading Mercedes-Benz experts and the process is well documented in an album of detailed photographs. Significantly, a copy of the original factory data card confirms that this 300 SL retains important original components, including its chassis, body, and engine. 

Beautifully presented in Anthracite Gray Metallic (DB 172) over red leather upholstery, this magnificent 300 SL is ideally outfitted with an optional hardtop, Becker Mexico radio, Hepco-style fitted luggage, as well as books and tools. A striking example of one of the finest German sports cars ever built, this 300 SL is being offered from a major private collection and eligible for some of the most exclusive concours and driving events.

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Additional highlights of the May sale include a 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder (Estimate: $900,000 – $1,000,000), a prime example of hybrid supercar technology with only 1,400 miles from new. The sale also features a Blood Orange 1993 Porsche 968 Turbo S (Estimate: $1,000,000 – $1,250,000, Without Reserve), an ultra-rare, road-going version of the Turbo RS competition car. One of only 14 ever built, this Turbo S is the first of its kind ever offered for public auction. There is also a sensational Speed Yellow 1997 Porsche 993 Turbo S (Estimate: $600,000 – $700,000, Without Reserve), a low-mileage example with an extremely rare combination of factory options.

All of these vehicles offered in the upcoming Geared Online Auction will be stored in Gooding & Company’s Southern California facility, allowing for on-site inspection opportunities and engagement with specialists by interested bidders. Gooding & Company invites interested parties to speak with a staff member for details on how to view these vehicles and consign for upcoming auctions.


Geared Online | May 2021
Online Catalogue Available

Monday, April 26, 2021
Auction Begins
Monday, May 3 at 9:00 AM PDT
Lots Begin Closing
Friday, May 7 at 9:00 AM PDT

Website
www.goodingco.com

 

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