For the ninth consecutive year, Bonhams will take to the slopes this Christmas, to line up a hand-picked selection of the finest Italian machinery for the annual sale at the Palace Hotel, Gstaad, Switzerland, on Sunday 17 December 2006. For the first time this year the sale will feature Maserati as well as Ferrari collectors' cars. Star attractions will be racing cars that formed part of the splendid Rosso-Bianco Museum in Germany, a collection assembled through many years by noted Maserati enthusiast Peter Kaus, and now being sadly dismantled. The ultimate in desirable Christmas presents on offer this year include:

The ex-Masten Gregory, Grand Prix of Lisbon-winning 1955 Ferrari 750 Monza Spider Corsa; Chassis no. 0554/M; Engine no. 0554/M

Ferrari's four-cylinder sports-racing cars have for many years been relatively underrated and undervalued. Today, however, they are recognised as a particularly practicable and relatively economical group of pure-blooded racing Ferraris, designed and tailored for private owner racing and thus perfect for the contemporary historic scene or continued preservation. To the forgoing manifest virtues '0554/M' adds significant in-period race history with one of the most accomplished sports car drivers of the day - Masten Gregory.

One of only 27 cars built, Ex 12 hours of Reims; 1952 Ferrari Tipo 212 Export Berlinetta; Coachwork by Carrozzeria Vignale; Chassis no. 0190ED

Fully restored in Italy and painted deep red, '0190ED' is one of the most desirable examples of Maranellos' earliest cars, from a period when when every Ferrari was bespoke and the difference between a car capable of winning at Le Mans or in the Mille Miglia and one that a customer ordered for road use was minimal. This Ferrari 212 Export is typical of this supremely versatile breed, and wants for only a new owner to continue in the finest traditions of the marque. '0190 ED' has period racing history and is presented in excellent condition, runs well and is ready for the Le Mans Classic, Mille Miglia or the Historic Ferrari/Maserati Challenge. Estimate CHF1,500,000-2,000,000

The Ex-Bill Kimberly/Dr Dick Thompson/Augie Pabst, Briggs Cunningham Le Mans Team; 1962 Maserati Tipo 151 Sports-Racing Berlinetta; Chassis no. 151/006
 
The only complete surviving Maserati 151 of three constructed, this V-8-engined, 195mph Maserati raced wheel-to-wheel at Le Mans with some of the classic car world's most iconic racing legends. Chassis '006' was supplied with '004' to American multi-millionaire sportsman Mr Briggs Cunningham for what was his famous racing team's 13th quest for victory at Le Mans.
 

Later flown to New York by Cunningham, this extremely rare competition car also has Bridgehampton and Road America racing provenance. Estimate CHF1,200,000-1,350,000

The Ex-Walt Hansgen/Augie Pabst and Bruce McLaren; Cunningham team Bridgehampton and Road America '500'-winning; 1961 Maserati Tipo 63 Sports Racing-Prototype; Chassis no. 63.010

Another historic Cunningham team Maserati, this beautiful rear-engined sports-prototype won the 1961 SCCA National event at Bridgehampton, Long Island as well as the Road America 500-Miles classic at Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, driven on both occasions by the great veteran American road racing star, Walt Hansgen. The car also ran at Le Mans in the 1961 24-Hours race, driven by Hansgen and New Zealand star, Bruce McLean. Estimate CHF 1,100,000 - 1,400,000

The Ex-Maserati France, Jo Siffert/Jochen Neerpasch, Le Mans; 1965 Maserati Tipo 65 Sports-Racing Prototype; Chassis no. 65.002

This is the last in a long line of Maserati competition cars built during the Gruppo Orsi empire's long ownership of the Italian marque. The car was commissioned by Colonel Johnny Simone for the 24-Hours Le Mans endurance race, after the 151/4 that the company had planned to use had been involved in a fatal crash during testing. The Tipo 65 was built in 30 days using a Tipo 63 chassis, and proved highly competitive during practice sessions, finishing 21st fastest. Despite a brilliant start to the race which saw Siffert storm through to 4th place during the first lap, the team were forced to retire the car following a minor accident. The car was modestly updated for further competition, but didn't take to the track again until 1971 when HSCC racing secretary Bob Owen bought and raced it regularly in various British events. Estimate CHF 650,000 - 950,000.

Other highlights are set to include: 1991 Ferrari F40 GTE Competition - estimate CHF400,000-450,000; 1962-63 Maserati 151 Coupe (Red) - estimate CHF250,000 - 350,000
1970 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Spider - estimate CHF300,000-350,000; 1971 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona - estimate CHF270,000-290,000; 1956 Maserati A6G/2000 Allemano Coupe - estimate CHF175,000-225,000;  1963 Ferrari 250GT Lusso - estimate CHF 400,000 - 450,000.
 
Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world's oldest and largest auctioneers of fine art and antiques. The present company was formed by the merger in November 2001 of Bonhams & Brooks and Phillips Son and Neale UK. In August 2002, the company acquired Butterfields, the principal firm of auctioneers on the West Coast of America and in August 2003, Goodmans, a leading Australian fine art and antiques auctioneer with salerooms in Sydney, joined the Bonhams Group of Companies.

Today, Bonhams is the third largest and fastest growing auction house in the world with a global network of offices and regional representatives providing sales advice and valuation services in 20 countries. It offers more sales than any of its rivals, through two major salerooms in London: New Bond Street, and Knightsbridge, and a further 10 throughout the UK. Sales are also held in San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York and Boston in the USA; and Switzerland, Monaco, and Australia.