Actually, any time of the year would do but the month of May is nirvanna for motoring enthusiasts. It begins with the 7th Historic Grand Prix of Monaco on May 1st, when vintage Grand Prix and sporting cars from earlier eras take to the streets in a weekend of spectacular racing. It concludes with the F1 event on May 24th; always a race not to be missed, even if only viewed on your TV screen. But if motor racing is not your passion don't despair, for there is now another reason to be in the principality.
RM Auctions is launching its inaugural Sporting Classics of Monaco event at the Grimaldi Forum on 1st May, featuring 105 of the best examples of pre- and post-war European cars, including eight automobiles with estimates in excess of €1,000,000. RM has placed a strong emphasis on French, Italian, German and British marques for its Monaco debut, and its team of specialists has sourced quality consignments from 10 countries around the world.
From Britain we can anticipate several outstanding Rolls-Royce motor cars but for this event RM has outdone itself with one of the most significant Rolls ever built. It's a one-off, the first and only of three special town cars that still retains its original coachwork. Winner of numerous Best of Show and Elegance awards this handsome beauty instantly caught my attention when perusing the catalog. Which explains why I highlighted it in the photo up top.
From France, along with a selection of rare beauties, comes a 1938 Delahaye 135 MS Competition Cabriolet, featuring custom cabriolet coachwork by Figoni et Falaschi and a custom red leather interior and upholstery by the renowned French firm, Hermès.
From Italy, a rare 1960 Maserati Tipo 61 "Birdcage" will surely be attracting bidders. The third-to-last Birdcage built, it was originally sold to Jack Hinkle, who finished on the podium every time excepting two DNFs. In 1961, he won three of seven races, followed by an additional three the following year. Other former owners include Tracy Bird, one of the founders of the Can Am series, and F1 team owner Lord Alexander Hesketh.
From Germany comes a one-of-a-kind 1937 BMW 328 MM, manufactured in 1937 for the racing division. The following year it participated in the Mille Miglia, winning a victory in the 2.0-litre class. In 1939 it was dismantled by the racing division and modified into an all-new open streamliner destined for use as a factory entry in the 1940 Mille Miglia.
The most eye-catching sale on offer is not a car at all. It's the world's largest single-owner collection of Shell Oil Company automobilia, comprising 1,000 different items, to be sold as a single lot. From porcelain and enamel signs to oil cans and tins, glass pump globes and oil bottles, it is the result of 35 years of judicious collecting by long-term Shell employee, Mr. Gilles Warning. I'd expect serious bidding for this collection, which would make a fabulous centerpiece for an automotive museum.
And so, my friends, you will surely agree that during the month of May, there could be no finer place to be than Monaco. After all, in the unlikely event that the cars don't excite you, there's always the wine, the women, the food, the luxurious boats, the spectacular scenery, the weather, and the sheer glamor of it all.
Great report! Not a loser in the bunch, and Monaco is such a great place. Was there for the race in ’64.
April 16, 2010 @ 2:08 am