Equipment
RHD. Painted Dunlop centerlock alloy wheels, wraparound drives windscreen, head fairing, fin. West Coast raced from new, tested by Road & Track, raced at Sebring in 1957 by Pete Woods and Bobby Unser and won the Pomona Enduro in 1958 driven by Carlyle Blackwell and Ken Miles. Freshly restored (its second) in its original livery. Excellent paint, etc. Original engine. Restored to better than new condition with a little subsequent use (but it would be fun to see it with Blackwells bumble bee paint and Halibrand wheels.)
Market commentary
Aside from being one of the most svelte, sexy, swoopy sports racers in history, this D type has excellent history and a meticulous restoration. Its worth every penny of the not inconsiderable price paid for it. What a difference a few years makes. It was offered here at Pebble Beach by Christies in 2001 with a $900,000 low estimate and a high bid of $800,000 and reported sold by RM downtown in 2002 for $924,000 ($840,000 hammer.) Even with the subsequent restoration the seller got a handsome return on the investment and the enjoyment of several years ownership.