Here we stand along the track for the 22nd edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, on Saturday, June 12, 1954, almost 70 years to the day from the date of this auction.

The temperature is 21°C, with 57 teams and 116 drivers, engaged in the inaugural edition allowing a trio to rotate behind the wheel. After completing 302 laps, victory will be claimed by José Froilán González and Maurice Trintignant in their Ferrari 375 Plus, visible in the background in this photo.

The fate would be less kind to the Ferrari 375 MM chassis 0380AM bearing the number 18. Entered by Luigi Chinetti, founder of the North American Racing Team, for the renowned Dominican playboy Porfirio Rubirosa and Count Innocente Baggio, the latter spins off the track at the Mulsanne corner on only the 5th lap, bringing his car to a halt in the sand trap. Dressed in a light gray suit, a linen shirt, and black boots, he endeavors to free his Ferrari for over an hour. Upon conceding defeat, he washes his hands, brushes off the dust from his pants and shoes, dons his hat, and lights a cigarette!

The piece offered here, as a one-of-a-kind artist's proof, is the culmination of Art Speed Gallery's nearly 15-year endeavor in researching and restoring photographic negatives to create top-tier art prints.