The William Wonder Collection including a 1999 Ferrari 333 SP, a special 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing, and several American racing cars are on sale in the Gooding Pebble Beach 2022 classic car auction.
The highlight of the William Wonder Collection announced for the Gooding Pebble Beach 2022 sale is the 1999 Ferrari 333 SP (Estimate: $4,500,000 – $5,500,0000) — a fine example of the last endurance competition car built by Ferrari. It was successfully raced by the Doran-Lista team and in addition to overall victories in smaller races, finished fifth overall at the 12 Horus of Sebring and eighth at the 24 Hours of Daytona. The 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing (Estimate: $2,000,000 – $2,500,000) has a unique, high-performance specification. Other cars in the Wonder Collection are mostly late 20th-century American competition racing cars.
Gooding Pebble Beach Sale 2022
Gooding & Company Pebble Beach classic car auction 2022: 19 and 20 August 2022 at the Pebble Beach Parc du Concours during the annual Monterey Motoring Week in California, USA.
Previous Gooding Pebble Beach sale results during Monterey Week:
| Year | Earnings ($ million) | Million-Dollar Cars | Lots Sold & Sell-Through Rate |
| 2022 | $109 | 28 | 135 of 158, 85%, average price of $810,758 |
| 2021 | $107 | 24 | 115 of 132, 87%, average price of $930,829 |
| 2020 | – | 5 | 55 of 77, 71% (online-only auction) |
| 2019 | $76.8 | 17 | 108 of 140, 77% |
| 2018 | $116.5 | 25 | 123 of 147, 84%, average price of $947,174 |
| 2017 | $91.5 | 22 | 110 of 135, 81%, average price of $832,670 |
| 2016 | $129.8 | 26 | 115 of 138, 835, average price of $1,128,606 |
The Pebble Beach auction record is $22,000,000 paid for the 1935 Duesenberg SSJ in 2018. It is the most expensive car ever sold by Gooding, the most expensive American car ever, the most expensive pre-war car ever, and of course the Duesenberg marque record holder.
William Wonder Collection at Gooding Pebble Beach 2022
The William M. Wonder Collection will be on sale at the Gooding & Company’s Pebble Beach classic car auction during the annual Monterey Motoring Week in August 2022 in California, USA. The collection of cars on offer from the estate of Mr Wonder include a 1999 Ferrari 333 SP, a very special 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing, and several American competition cars.
A strongly passionate enthusiast, William M. Wonder was a racer at heart, and dedicated over 50 years to his craft, partaking in some of the most legendary American races, including Sebring, Daytona, and Bridgehampton, and he raced in FIA, SCCA, Trans Am, and Can-Am events. Throughout his robust driving career, Mr. Wonder participated in over 75 races, working and acquainting himself with some of motor sport’s greatest names, including A.J. Foyt, Juan Manuel Fangio, Carroll Shelby, and Ken Miles. During this time, Mr. Wonder raced some of the most famous and diverse cars, including MG competition cars and the Ford GT40.
In his daily life, Mr. Wonder was a skilled commercial air pilot, where he served for over 38 years since beginning his flying career in 1951. However, Mr. Wonder was self-admittedly “addicted to racing,” and had a keen eye and deep interest for some of the world’s most innovative and significant competition cars.
1999 Ferrari 333 S
The most expensive car on offer from the Wonder Collection in the Gooding Pebble Beach 2022 sales is the 1999 Ferrari 333 SP, chassis 025 (Estimate: $4,500,000 – $5,500,0000).
As the first competition prototype introduced since the development of the 312 P, the 333 SP signified Ferrari’s return to endurance racing as its last sports racing prototype. Developed in partnership with Dallara, the car was an important hallmark in the legacy of the Italian marque, particularly in the late 1990s. This car, chassis 025, was delivered new to Fredy Lienhard, the Swiss gentleman racer who owned LISTA, the Swiss-based cabinet manufacturer and major motorsport sponsor. Chassis 025 was prepared and run by Kevin Doran, who entered the car under Doran-Lista Racing. The Ferrari was subsequently raced during the 1999 and 2000 seasons, primarily in the US, where it was driven by some of the era’s greatest drivers, including Didier Theys, Mauro Baldi, Arie Luyendyk, Ross Bentley, and of course, team owner Fredy Lienhard.
During its active racing career, this 1999 Ferrari 333 SP wore LISTA sponsorship and racked up several notable results, including 8th Overall at the 1999 24 Hours of Daytona, 2nd Overall at the 1999 ALMS Grand Prix of Road Atlanta, 1st Overall at the USRRC Grand Prix at Lime Rock, as well as 5th Overall at the 12 Hours of Sebring. It also achieved 1st Overall finishes at Homestead and Road America in 2000.
Following its accomplished racing career, this 333 SP was completely restored by Kevin Doran and has been a fixture in the William M. Wonder Collection since it was acquired in 2004. During its time in Mr. Wonder’s collection, it has not been displayed publicly and has seen limited use, primarily consisting of private track days. It is an important late 1990s sports car and an outstanding example of the last endurance racing car built by Ferrari.
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing
The 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing (Estimate: $2,000,000 – $2,500,000) from the Wonder Collection comes with excellent provenance but more importantly, a very special original specification.
The epitome of Mercedes-Benz design and engineering excellence, the Gullwing variant was the ultimately refined version of the 300 SL race car. This unique 1955 Gullwing was built to order for young American sports car enthusiast Richard Wolfe of Columbus, Ohio. The Wolfe family owned a number of major media outlets, including The Columbus Dispatch newspaper, and several television stations in Columbus and Indianapolis, as well as a number of midwestern radio stations and other corporate interests. In addition to this special Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing, Wolfe also went on to own several exclusive Ferraris, including a 410 Superamerica and a 365 GTB/4 Daytona.
This Gullwing was special-ordered by Richard Wolfe with a number of noteworthy features, including Rudge knock-off wheels, a high-performance NSL engine, sport suspension, and a Becker Mexico radio. In effect, Mr. Wolfe created a steel-bodied Gullwing with the special mechanical features typical of an alloy-bodied variant. The car was finished in the same classic color combination as seen today, silver with blue leather. In the present day, the car remains in lovely condition, appearing to have been well maintained, but never needing a full restoration.
If Mr Wolfe opted for the alloy body, this Gullwing would of course be significantly more expensive than the already relatively high estimate. RM Sotheby’s sold a rare 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Alloy Gullwing for a model record $6,825,000 at the RM Sotheby’s 2022 Arizona. A further 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Alloy Gullwing, estimate $7,000,000 to $9,000,000, is on offer at RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2022. Of course, still relatively cheap compared to the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé that RM Sotheby’s sold for a world record €135 million ($143 million) as the most expensive car ever.
American Competition Cars from the Wonder Collection
Further cars from the Wonder Collection on sale at the Gooding Pebble Beach 2022 classic car auction are mostly late-20th-century American competition racing cars:
The 1986 Ford Mustang Probe GTP (Estimate: $350,000 – $450,000) is one of just six cars built as part of a collaboration between Ford and German racing team Zakspeed, founded by Erich Zakowski in 1968. This example, chassis GTP 86 – 05, was the fifth car built and was driven by Klaus Ludwig, Doc Bundy, Lyn St. James, Tom Gloy, and Pete Halsmer during its time on the track. As a noteworthy and special competition car, it enjoyed a robust racing career and was crowned the winner of the Monterey Triple Crown Camel Grand Prix event at Laguna Seca in 1986. Powered by a potent 2.1-liter four-cylinder engine, this 650 hp example wears an eye-catching 7-Eleven livery.
The 1990 Spice SE90P GTP (Estimate: $400,000 – $500,000) was developed by British racing team Spice Engineering, founded by Gordon Spice and Raymond Bellm. Initially sold new to Hotchkis Racing, this car was then purchased by Mr. Wonder directly from Hotchkis in 2006, giving it just two owners from new. It is powered by a 6.5-liter Pontiac V-8 engine.
The 1985 March 85G GTP (Estimate: $250,000 – $350,000), a model designed by legendary British engineer Adrian Newey, is a Chevrolet-powered example finished in iconic Budweiser livery. Sold new to DeAtley Racing, the team of businessman and financier Neil DeAtley, this mid-80s competition car holds an impressive period race history. A veteran of the 1985 12 Hours of Sebring, this March 85G GTP also participated in races at Daytona, Laguna Seca, and Road Atlanta. In 1985, this chassis achieved a career highlight by placing 2nd at the 1985 Grand Prix of Miami. Having been driven by notable names in motor sport, including David Hobbs, Darin Brassfield, and Arie Luyendyk, this distinctive March 85G GTP is a competition thoroughbred in all respects.
The 1972 AAR Gurney Eagle Indy Car (Estimate: $250,000 – $350,000), the definitive 1970s USAC Championship Race Car that revolutionized the sport entirely, was developed by Dan Gurney’s All American Racers and is integral to American motorsport history. Designed by Roman Slobodynskyj, the 1972 Indy Eagle was the fastest car of the year, and without a doubt the most popular customer Indy car of its time. This particular example, chassis 72-11, is one of only 28 believed to be built and was driven by Mel Kenyon in the 1973 and 1974 Indianapolis 500 races, finishing a respectable 4th in 1973. Powered by the legendary Ford four-cam V-8 engine, this remarkably historic Indy Car is sure to be a favorite among racing enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Monterey Week 2022 Classic Car Auctions
Top classic car auctioneers with sales during Monterey Week 2022 include Gooding (Pebble Beach), Bonhams (Quail Lodge), RM Sotheby’s, Broad Arrow, and Mecum.
Monterey Week 2022 Auction Results:
Monterey Week 2022 Auction Previews:
Monterey Week 2022 Pre-Auction Announcements
- Bonhams: 1938 Bugatti Type 57C Atalante
- Bonhams: 1963 Jaguar E-Type Lightweight Competition (ex-Brigg Cunningham)
- Gooding: Top Bugattis (incl: Type 57SC Atalante & Type 35 Grand Prix)
- Gooding: Top Ferraris — classics and modern supercars
- Gooding: Top British Cars (incl: Bentley Blower and Eight Litre Sports Tourer)
- Gooding: Wonder Collection including 1999 Ferrari 333 SP
- Gooding: 1930s Classics from the Vincent Estate
- Mecum: Ferrari Prototypes and Marmon Classics
- RM Sotheby’s: 1955 Ferrari 410 Sport Spider by Scaglietti
- RM Sotheby’s: Schumacher 1998 Ferrari F300
- RM Sotheby’s: Masterworks of Design Collection (1924 Hispano-Suiza H6C “Tulipwood” Torpedo, 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Special Roadster)
- RM Sotheby’s: 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Alloy Gullwing
- RM Sotheby’s: 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB/C
- RM Sotheby’s: The Oscar Davis Collection of 27 vehicles valued at $100 million
Previous Monterey Week Auction Results
