A masterpiece of automotive conservation, and a true artifact of racing history, chassis no. 0424 MD pictured here, is perhaps the most original 500 Mondial in existence. Offered as part of RM Sotheby’s creatively-styled Driven by Disruption sale, December 10 in New York City, this Italian racer survived a period in motorsport competition that many cars don’t, and would make an ideal preservation class and historic racing entrant for its next enthusiastic caretaker.
Until only recently, enthusiasts of vintage automobiles have placed a premium upon exquisitely restored vehicles. As fully restored examples began to heavily outnumber those left in their original condition, collectors developed a newfound appreciation for automotive patina. Much like examining the rings on an old tree, each mark, blemish, and crease tells a story and illustrates the effects of time, something that cannot be purposefully duplicated.
These “preservation class” automobiles are often road-going vehicles that spent much of their time hidden away, seldom seeing the light of day. It is virtually impossible that a car born into motorsport would survive intact for the duration of its first season of racing, let alone another 60 years.
