Hundreds of Italian classics to be sold with no reserve

By Greg MacLeman

| 22 Nov 2016

More than 430 classics are set to be auctioned without reserve at Milano AutoClassica from 25-27 November, with hundreds of other fascinating lots ranging from vintage speedboats and bicycles through to period enamel advertising signs.

The vehicles and motoring ephemera form RM Sotheby’s Duemila Ruote sale, an auction of assets formerly belonging to businessman Luigi Compiano and seized by the Italian government three years ago.

With rock-bottom estimates, no reserves on even the priciest lots and, in many cases, cars being sold with no documents, this auction represents an unprecedented opportunity to pick up a bargain. Here are a few of the highlights:

1966 Ferrari 275GTB/C Alloy
€2,400,000-2,800,000

The first of seven long-nosed, six-carburetor, alloy-bodied 275GTBs is expected to be the star of the sale. Recently serviced by a marque specialist within sight of the Ferrari factory and boasting an impressive history including single-family ownership for 36 years, all eyes will be fixed on this car. It’s result could set the tone for the sale.

2004 Maserati MC12
€1,100,000-1,300,000

With just 50 examples ever built, Maserati’s take on the Ferrari Enzo is a rare beast indeed. This example was delivered new to Verona and has covered less than 6000km throughout its lifetime. It as sent to the official Maserati dealership in Modena for a full service and check over to ensure it’s ready for the road. It’s expected to be the second biggest seller.

1992 Ferrari F40
€725,000-875,000

This Ferrari F40 was originally delivered to Switzerland, and in its time was fitted with non-standard wheels, a new nose, flared arches and uprated suspension. It returned to Italy in 2007, when it received its 30,000km service – though it’s got less than 26,800 on the clock – and was recently serviced prior to the sale.

1969 Ferrari 365GTB/4 Daytona Berlinetta
€650,000-800,000

Expected to be the fourth best-seller at the auction, this desirable Plexiglass specification Daytona is sure to draw plenty of attention. Despite going through a number of guises since being delivered to Maranello Concessionaires in 1969 (it left the factory in Blu Dino, was then painted grey and, later, red), it retains its original matching numbers engine and gearbox, making it a prime candidate to return to its factory specification.

1994 Bugatti EB110 GT
€275,000-325,000

Ferrari’s F40 may have grabbed the headlines, but with just 139 examples having ever been built, it’s the Bugatti EB110 that will offer greater exclusivity. This example is finished in Blu Electtrico and retains its original ANSA exhaust system.

1991 Lancia-Ferrari LC2 Group C
€240,000-280,000

Lancia’s Ferrari-engined LC2 hails from one of the most exciting periods in motorsport history: Group C. Running alongside Porsche’s 956, the cut-down 2.6-litre V8 Lancia more than held its own thanks in part to its brutal 650bhp, twin turbocharged power plant. Even with recommissioning and running costs, chassis 0009 looks like incredible value for money.

1935 Fiat 508 S Balilla Aerodynamica
€45,000-55,000

Arguably the prettiest car of the 508 range, the two-seater Aerodynamica was also one of the most competitive, running in endurance races throughout the 1930s. Ripe for restoration, expect this charming berlinetta to be gracing the Mille Miglia entry list in years to come.

1971 Fiat Dino Coupé
€10,000-15,000