A 1955 Ferrari 750 Monza Spider raced by Phill Hill, Carroll Shelby and Jim Hall is a highlight of the forthcoming RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2016 classic car auction. This Ferrari 750 Monza finished second in its debut race – 12 Hours of Sebring in 1955 – and won the Del Monte Trophy at Pebble Beach. This Ferrari is considered one of the most original 750 Monzas in existence and with its excellent provenance and race history has an estimate of $4,000,000 to $5,500,000.
1955 Ferrari 750 Monza Spider at RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2016
One of the highlights of the 2016 RM Sotheby’s Monterey classic car auctions on August 19 and 20, 2016, in California is likely to be the 1955 Ferrari 750 Monza Spider, chassis no. 0510 M (Est. $4,000,000 – $5,500,000). A superlative example of the breed, 0510 M boasts a significant American racing provenance having been successfully campaigned in period by the ‘Big Three’ of the American racing scene – Phil Hill, Carroll Shelby and Jim Hall.
Sold new to Allen Guiberson of Dallas, Texas, who owned and campaigned multiple early Ferraris, 0510 M was finished in the distinctive color combination of white with a dark blue triangle stretching from the car’s nose to its windshield. The car retained this unique color scheme for the 1955 season, where it achieved great success at the hands of some of motor racing’s great drivers.
1955 Ferrari 750 Monza Spider Racing History
Among the highlights of the 1955 Ferrari 750 Monza Spider, chassis no. 0510 M, racing career were a 2nd overall at its debut event, the 12 Hours of Sebring, with Phil Hill and Carroll Shelby behind the wheel, closely followed by a 1st place finish for the Del Monte Trophy at the Pebble Beach road races in April 1955. At the end of the 1955 season, 0510 M was sold to brothers Richard “Dick” Hall and Jim Hall, who continued to campaign the car to strong finishes through 1956, including 1st overall at Pebble Beach with Carroll Shelby at the helm.
Prior to the start of the 1957 season, Jim Hall purchased the car outright from his brother, continuing to successfully race the car, mainly in his home state of Texas.
1955 Ferrari 750 Monza Spider at Historic Events
After its retirement from the racing scene, 0510 M remained carefully preserved in storage with Hall for nearly 40 years, before being expertly restored in the mid-1990s. This process saw the car return to its former glory, including its recognizable blue and white livery.
It has since been a popular sight at various car events around the country, including the 1997 Monterey Historics, where it appeared as part of a tribute to Carroll Shelby, and later, the 2005 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, where it was part of a special display honoring Phil Hill and Sir Stirling Moss.
1955 Ferrari 750 Monza Spider at Auction
Offered complete with its original drivetrain, 0510 M comes to market following an incredible 60 years in the ownership of Jim Hall. Monterey is considered a highly fitting location for the car’s sale following its earlier success at the Pebble Beach road races, and display at some of the area’s most prominent car events (Est. $4,000,000 – $5,500,000).
“A fantastic piece of motorsport history, chassis 0510 M is likely the most original 750 Monza in existence; its provenance and importance are second to none,” states Jack Boxstrom, Car Specialist, RM Sotheby’s. “While many four-cylinder Ferrari sports racers fell to the crucible of motorsport or general neglect following their racing careers, this particular example has been incredibly preserved. It’s highly successful competition history—which includes three legends of American racing—coupled with its superb condition, and the fact it is offered directly by its owner of 60 years, no less, one of the drivers who campaigned it in period, place it in a class of its own.