It is said that there is no greater thrill (or challenge) in contemporary motorsport than tackling the Monaco Grand Prix circuit in a competition car, and we’re sure the same applies to historic motorsport. Every other May, a number of lucky professional and amateur drivers get to realise the experience during the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique, one of the most prestigious events on the historic calendar.
There was a new face on the rostrum at Le Sporting – Sotheby’s European managing director Maarten ten Holder – after RM’s popular auctioneer Max Girardo moved on to pastures new last week. And a commendable job ten Holder did, too.
On Thursday, some 450 entrants will drive their classic cars over the starting ramp in Brescia, and set off on an unforgettable four-day, 1,000-mile journey towards Rome and back, stopping only for much-needed sleep and challenging time regularity trials. The Mille Miglia is quintessentially Italian in its organisation and execution, and all the more charming for it. Red lights are waived, police escorts are employed and enthusiastic crowds line the route, just as they did all those years ago.
Headlining the sale is the ex-Ecurie Francorchamps Jaguar C-type (XKC 011) that was revealed by the Bond Street auction house way back in November. Though its history is perhaps not as stellar as originally believed, the C-type is wonderfully original, and has resided in the same family ownership for the last 53 years. It’s estimated to fetch 4-5m euros.
“If I were going to buy a Land Rover, I’d want it to last 60 years – and that’s just what this car has done,” says Richard Burton, the son of this 86” Series 1’s original owner, F. B. Burton, whose sign-written name can still be found on the front wing. It was delivered in CKD (Completely Knocked Down) form to Grenville Motors’ Sydney assembly plant in 1955, and subsequently sold to Burton Senior. A farmer from Jindabyne in New South Wales, he soon put the car to good use on the family farm.