Equipment
RHD. Three 4-barrel downdraft Weber carbs, 5-speed, full width windscreen, outside laced painted Borrani wire wheels, Simpson aircraft-style belts, Dunlop Racing tires.
Condition
1953 Mille Miglia 3rd in class driven by Alberico Cacciari and Bill Mason and throughout the 1953 Italian season by Cacciari. Entered in the 1954 MM by Ferrari but used as a "hero car" (the "Spyder Burano") for the movie "The Racers" driven by de Graffenried, Parravicini, John Fitch and Kirk Douglas. It did not finish. Came to the U.S. to finish filming, then sold to Tom Carstens and Pete Lovely. Shown at Pebble Beach in 1961. Ran the historic MM 2008-10 with John Megrue. Modified with an alternator, electronic ignition and gearbox synchromesh. Very clean, orderly and correct, with its original frame, engine, gearbox, rear axle, steering box and carburetors. Recently reworked to recreate the 1953 nose configuration but said to be 80% original bodywork. Very good paint. Engine compartment and chassis are like new. An exceptional early Ferrari competition car.
Market commentary
A 2-time Mille Miglia participant, movie "hero car", U.S. racing history with Pete Lovely, highly original in all important respects, it all adds up to an exceptional Ferrari that would have been a sound value even at the low estimate.