Press Release By RM Auctions
With the countdown underway to this weekend’s much-anticipated Ferrari Leggenda e Passione event,
RM Auctions is excited to announce the inclusion of a race winning 1964 Ferrari 250 LM, s/n 5845GT, to the auction line-up. This ultra-desirable example will be just one of over 45 of the world’s rarest and most sought after road and race Ferraris to cross the block on Sunday 18th May at the legendary Ferrari factory in Maranello, Italy.
The auction will also present a series of memorabilia from the famed Jacques Swaters’ Ferrari Francorchamps Collection.
Designed by Pininfarina, with coachwork by Scaglietti, this magnificent example, chassis no. 5845GT, was the fourth of only thirty-two 250 LMs built. The highlight of its extensive racing history occurred in 1965 when, capably driven by Jochen Rindt, s/n 5845GT claimed one of the most interesting victories for the 250 LM, taking first place at the esteemed Austrian Grand Prix.
The 1965 Austrian Grand Prix was a 200 mile race that was widely expected to be won by Mike Parkes in the Maranello Concessionaires 365 P2. With its exceptional balance and handling, Jochen Rindt was able to make the tires (and fuel) last the full race, and without a pit stop he had a 31 second lead over Parkes when the checkered flag fell.
The car’s racing history continued up until September 1969, when it was shipped to Boston, Massachusetts in the US and converted for road use. The dashboard was covered with leather, sliding windows replaced with wind-up windows, and seat belts and carpets were added. During the ensuing years, the car changed hands numerous times, during which it was, at one stage, a common sight on New York freeways, being used by its then owner for regular commutes into the city.
The car was purchased by its current owner in 2002, at which time it underwent a comprehensive restoration.
“The 250 LM is one of the most highly prized sought after of all Ferraris, and the example offered here is one of the best examples of the 250LM and the first to be offered at auction since RM sold a similar car in 2002,†says Max Girardo, Managing Director of RM’s European Operations in referring to s/n 5845GT.
Other notable highlights set to cross the block at RM’s Maranello auction this weekend include, but are not limited to:
A pair of rare and ultra-desirable California Spyders, in short and long wheelbase configuration
A 1951 Ferrari 212 Inter Coupe, owned by film director Roberto Rossellini and Ingrid Bergman
A 1951 Ferrari 340 America Ghia Coupe with a superlative racing history
An ultra-collectible, award-winning 1971 Ferrari GTS/4 Daytona Spyder
A 1999 Ferrari 333SP, one of the greatest sports racing cars to have been produced by Ferrari
A pair of factory F1 Michael Schumacher raced cars – a 1997 Ferrari F31OB and a 2000 Ferrari F2000
Two Ferrari Enzos from the consecutive 2003 and 2004 production years
A special India Tour model 2008 Ferrari 612 Scaglietti to be sold without-reserve for charity.
The event will be proudly presented by RM Auctions, in association with Sotheby’s. All of the cars attending the event will be certified by Ferrari Classiche.