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Snapshot, 1954: Such is life in racing…

It’s 1954, and at Le Mans, the Count Innocente Baggio is desperately trying to dig out his Ferrari 375 MM from the sandbank at Tertre Rouge. But despite the quandary, the Italian nobleman still manages to cut a dash in his grey alpaca suit…

Entered under Luigi Chinetti’s N.A.R.T. banner, Baggio has been paired up with the Dominican playboy Porfirio Rubirosa, who’s famously been accompanied at the great endurance race by his glamorous girlfriend, the actress and socialite Zsa Zsa Gabor. But despite the duo’s charisma and charm, their race lasted a mere five laps before Baggio beached the Ferrari at Tertre Rouge. For a whole hour, dressed for the occasion in a finely tailored grey suit and bowtie, Baggio has dug furiously to try and release the car, but alas his efforts have been in vain. Dejected, there is nothing for him to do but dust off his attire, place his hat back on, light a cigarette and ponder what might have been. Well, either that or the no-doubt elaborate antics that will follow away from the track this evening.

Photo courtesy of Aguttes © 2017

This limited edition print will be sold at Aguttes’ Gentlemen Only sale on 22 April in Paris, along with a plethora of intriguing lots, from furniture and art to watches and classic cars.