1953 Ferrari Le Mans Race Car Fetches $12.7 Million
A rare 1953 Ferrari 340/375 MM Berlinetta Competizione by Pininfarina was sold at a recent RM Auctions at Villa Erba for a cool $12.7 million (€9.856.000).
Powered by a 4.5-liter V12 engine, the Ferrari was one of three works 375 MM competition cars that competed in the 1953 24 Hours of Le Mans. It was also an integral part of the Italian automaker’s 1953 Manufacturer’s Championship and also participated in the 24 Hour of Spa, the Carrera Panamericana, and won the 12 Hours of Pescara. Built on a late 340 MM chassis, the race car’s Lampredi V12 powerplant was derived from 375 Formula One cars.
After its racing campaign, the vehicle was sold and shipped to America in 1954 and changed hands several times before it was restored in 1974 by Steve Griswold. Nearly two decades later in 1993, Jerome Sullivan had the vehicle refurbished by the region’s premier Ferrari restorer, Wayne Obry. From there, it captured many prestigious titles at shows including Best of Show at the 2000 Louis Vuitton Concours d’Elegance.
The vehicle was auctioned off at RM Auctions with its correct livery design, as it appeared at the 1953 Le Mans.
GALLERY: 1953 Ferrari 340/375 MM Berlinetta Competizione
[Source: RM Auctions]
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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