2017 Bonhams Scottsdale Sale (Ferrari 340 Press Release)

1952 Ferrari 340 America Vignale Spider
1952 Ferrari 340 America Vignale Spider © Bonhams

An ex-Scuderia 1952 Ferrari 340 America Vignale Spider with Mille Miglia and Le Mans racing history is on sale at the Bonhams Scottsdale 2017 auction.

Bonhams Scottsdale Sale 2017

Bonhams is holding its sixth annual collector car auction during the Scottsdale Car Week in 2017 on 19 January 2017 at the Westin Keiland Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona.

In 2016, Bonhams earned $18 million with a strong sell-through rate of 84% at the Scottsdale auction.

1952 Ferrari 340 America Vignale Spider

1952 Ferrari 340 America Vignale Spider
© Bonhams

The 1952 Ferrari 340 America Vignale Spider consigned to Bonhams’ January 2017 sale in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a very special automobile. It is an ex-factory team entry to amongst others the 1952 Mille Miglia and 24 Hours of Le Mans races.

This rare and historic Scuderia Ferrari sports racer, replete with pedigree and provenance, is to be one of the featured stars at the Bonhams Scottsdale Auction in January. Well documented by foremost marque expert Marcel Massini, number 0196A, was a Ferrari works team entry in the 1952 Mille Miglia, driven by Piero Taruffi, raced in the 24 Hours of Le Mans by Louis Rosier, and campaigned in that year’s Targa Florio, Grand Prix of Bern, Pescara 12 Hours, Maloja-Saint Moritz Hill Climb, Grand Prix of Bari and more.

Just one of five original specification cars built by Carrozzeria Vignale and only one of three uprated to factory team specifications – enjoying nearly 40 more horsepower than its siblings, #0196A features many authentic distinctions that set it apart, such as the specially integrated air intakes, portholes and brake vents on the body, as well as its 340 MM performance specifications.

After its Scuderia Ferrari racing career, the car went back to both the Ferrari and the Vignale factories and was fitted with a bespoke coupé body for delivery to its first private owner. Subsequently rebodied back into its original racing form, #0196A is an exceptional and important car representing Ferrari’s early efforts on the road to world domination.

Not only has this historic sports racer competed in period in some of the world’s greatest motor races, but it has also participated in the Mille Miglia Storica, Monterey Historic Races and Monaco Historic Grand Prix. The gorgeous open-top Spider configuration and powerful Lampredi V12 4.1-liter engine ensure an exhilarating ride in what surely must be one of the most attractive if not practical early Ferrari factory team cars extant.

The 1952 Ferrari 340 America Vignale Spider will join many other cars of note, such as a highly original 1964 Porsche 904 GTS, an exquisite 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB, and a 1963 Jaguar E-Type Lightweight Competition at Bonhams Scottsdale 2017 auction.

More on Scottsdale, Arizona 2017: