Chocolate Drop
What its vendor is billing as the most famous Chevron sports car of them all, this B26 – affectionately known as ‘Chocolate Drop’ thanks to its brown livery – was a Works entry for 1974 and driven by the likes of Peter Gethin, Brian Redman, and John Watson. In more recent times, the car has been a regular feature on the European historic racing circuit and is a veteran of several Le Mans Classics. Having stood at Arnage in the dead of night and had the earth beneath our feet shaken by these shrill two-litre sports cars, we can only imagine how special it must feel from behind the wheel.
Marrone 1971
It’s believed that only one Ferrari F430 Spider was ordered in this special shade of Marrone 1971, and for the life of us, we can’t understand why. More commonly seen on Dinos and Daytonas, the shade lends the modern V8 a distinguished and luxurious appearance, particularly when coupled with the beige leather interior and understated black brake callipers. What’s more, this F430 has travelled fewer than 4,000 miles in its life.
Hot potato
Low-mileage and highly original youngtimers from the 1980s and 1990s are hot property right now – you only have to look at the impressive pre-sale estimates of the vast collection of youngtimers consigned by RM Sotheby’s to realise that. This 1991 BMW M5 that’s currently for sale in Philadelphia looks to be a fantastic example of the hand-assembled E34-generation super saloon. Its Brilliant Red paintwork is contrasted with of-the-era Silver leather and it’s fitted with the ‘Executive Seating’ package – perfect for the fledgling hedge fund manager. Best of all, the car shows just 31,000 miles on the clock.
The end, full stop?
Some very special cars pass through the Classic Driver Market but seldom do we see those with the sort of provenance boasted by this particular machine. It’s an ex-Works Alfa Romeo Tipo 33 TT 12 in which Arturo Merzario and Nino Vaccarella claimed pole position, fastest lap, and outright victory in the 1975 Targa Florio. And there’s more! Sports car racing’s true greats including Jacky Ickx, Jochen Mass, Mario Andretti, Brian Redman, and Vittorio Brambilla all raced this very car, helping to secure five further victories and Alfa Romeo the 1975 World Championship. It begs the simple question, does it get any better?
39 PH
Among its numerous other feats, this ex-Works 1963 AC Cobra – known by its registration ‘39 PH’ – starred in the now infamous ‘Black Flag’ race at Brands Hatch in 1964. Driving the Cobra for John Willment’s privateer outfit, the great British racer Jack Sears was incorrectly black-flagged at the beginning of the race for allegedly assuming the incorrect grid position. So commenced one of the greatest comeback charges in motorsport history – Sears drove with remarkable aplomb, eventually taking the lead from Jackie Stewart’s E-type Lightweight on lap 15, much to the joy of the crowds. Suffice to say, ‘39 PH’ is among the most famous European competition Cobras.
Photos: William I’Anson Ltd, RM Sotheby’s, LBI Limited, Girardo & Co., Fiskens
