LEGEND ON WHEELS
Rarest F1 car once owned by heroic driver seen in ‘Ferrari’ film up for sale for more than £3million
For the past 21 years, the car was owned by a mysterious German collector
A RARE F1 car which was once owned by a heroic driver seen in a "Ferrari" film is set to go under the hammer for more than £3million.
The incredible Ferrari Tipo 625 Monoposto was driven during racing events across the world.
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The 1954 vintage gem belongs to the early Formula 1 racing cars and the golden age of the Grand Prix.
The impressive car boasts a 2-liter developed by Ferrari engineer Aurelio Lampredi.
The classic model was part of six factory cars and five customer versions manufactured by the iconic firm.
The Ferrari is also the sister car to the one that took Italian motorsport hero Alberto Ascari to the World Championship titles in the 1950s.
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It has been owned by a secretive German collector for the past two decades.
Experts at RM Sotheby's auctioneers said: “It is eligible for some of the most exclusive vintage racing events worldwide, and can expect a warm welcome at premiere concours d’elegance.”
The valuable vehicle comes with its authentication given by Ferrari Classiche in 2022.
It is stamped with the correct chassis and engine numbers - including the correct type of gearbox, auctioneers said.
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RM Sotheby’s Private Sales Vice president Jarrett Rothmeier added: “The 625 F1 is a rare survivor of the model linked to Ferrari’s first Formula 1 World Championship–winning car.
“It would be a truly unique addition to any Ferrari-focused collection.”
Like most of the surviving 500 F2 cars, the initial Swaters car was initially sent back to Ferrari in 1954 to be upgraded to the 625 Formula 1 spec.
With the upgrade complete, it was then sold to Alfonso de Portago in early 1955.
During the same season, Portago drove behind the Ferrari car during Formula 1 races at Turin, Pau, Bordeaux, and Silverstone.
He scooped an eighth-place at the Pau Grand Prix - which was his best performance behind its wheel.
The Spanish aristocrat came second to Peter Collins at the British GP in 1956.
And in 1957, de Portago won the bronze medal at the world championship of bobsleigh in two.
But the famous racer died in a horrific accident while driving Ferrari during the 1957 Mille Miglia.
His tragic end at just 28 years old has been featured in the recent Michael Mann film 'Ferrari'.
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It comes as classic Ferrari that has had just one cautious owner in the last 38 years was sold for a record fee at auction.
The 1962 330 LM 250 GTO was one of just 34 ever made and has been dubbed the "holy grail" of collector cars.
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