Bonhams to sell NART at Monaco

| 12 May 2011

A 1981-'82 Ferrari 512 BB/ LM Berlinetta driven by the North American Racing Team at Le Mans 24 hours is one of the highlights of Bonhams' Le Grandes Marques a Monaco, taking place in Monte Carlo on 20 May.
 
Considerable investment and refinement had been made to the car’s technical specifications, ensuring Ferrari as a serious player in endurance racing. The car was driven by the Chinetti family's celebrated NART, which included Alain Cudini, John Morton, John Paul and Philippe Gurdjian.
 
This car competed twice, in 1981 and 1982. Weighing-in at just 1,100kg rather than the normal BB/LM model's 1,200kg, it proved to be the quickest of all BB/LMs competing in the International Grand Prix d'Endurance, around the legendary Sarthe circuit outside Le Mans. It is estimated to sell for €1.25-1.45million.

Another highlight of the sale is a 1958 2-litre Walker Cooper-Climax Type 45 Formula 1 Racing “interim” single-seater, estimated to sell for €150-200,000. Driven by French pilot Maurice Trintignant, it won the 1958 Monaco Grand Prix, receiving a tumultuous reception from Prince Rainier and the French crowd. This car was also driven by Maurice Trintignant when he was 82 years old in the Grand Prix Historique de Monaco event when he signed it  on the nose.
 
An ex-Sir Malcolm Campbell 1933 Rolls-Royce 40/50hp Phantom II Continental Touring Saloon is estimated to sell for €145-175,000.