Later this month, during the celebration of the 60 year anniversary of Ferrari, dozens of rare and desirable Ferraris and early Alfa Romeos will make an unprecedented journey to the legendary home and headquarters of Ferrari in Maranello, Italy for RM Auctions’ Leggenda e Passione auction event on May 20, 2007. 

This historic sale will be highlighted by one of the most aggressive sports cars ever produced by Ferrari - the impressive 512 S. Expected to bring more than US$3 million, the 512 S was the fastest car that Ferrari had ever built, capable of speeds over 235mph. The 1970 Ferrari 512 S (Chassis 1006) offered at this sale was entered by Luigi Chinetti’s N.A.R.T. (North American Racing Team) at Sebring twice, Buenos Aires, Le Mans, as well as two CanAm races. In 1971 at the gruelling 24-Hours of Daytona, the car placed an admirable second place. Race marque experts have called this 512S “one of the most original and unmolested examples to exist”.  This extraordinary car will be offered without reserve.

Another historical sale highlight of the Maranello event is the original 1987 Ferrari F40 Prototipo (Chassis 74049).  This is the actual F40 prototype built to honor Ferrari’s 40th anniversary, and was the last car unveiled by Enzo Ferrari himself in Maranello in August 1987 to the anxious press. The F40 then made its public debut at the 1987 Salon de l’Auto de Paris. Still an impressive supercar today, the F40 Prototipo features many unique traits including a Michelotto 600hp engine and adjustable ride suspension. Having covered less than 600kms from new, chassis 74049 is the one-off prototype of one of the most exclusive and outlandish Ferraris of the late eighties.

The unprecedented sale lineup will also include a rare 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 (Chassis 9803). With only two owners from new it remains one of the most original 275 GTB/4’s ever offered at auction. With its 300 hp, four-cam DOHC engine with six carburetors, the GTB/4 can hit 165 mph. A desirable example of the definitive, 12-cylinder, front engine, road-going Ferrari built by Scaglietti.
 

RM Auctions’ “Leggenda e Passione” sale will be held at the legendary Ferrari factory in Maranello, Italy in conjunction with international auction house Sotheby’s.  The cars offered here are early entries in the impressive collection of factory-certified vintage Ferrari and Alfa Romeo automobiles to be offered, along with more than 100 lots of treasured racing and sports car memorabilia from Ferrari’s own archives.

Max Girardo, managing director of RM Auctions new London based European division remarks, “This auction represents a milestone in RM’s continued success in the international world of vintage automobiles.”  “We are honoured to share this important and historic event during the 60^th anniversary of the legendary Ferrari marque.” Entries are still available for this event, and collectors are invited to contact RM Auctions Inc. for a confidential market appraisal and consignment information.

Celebrating nearly 30 years in the collector car industry, RM Auctions Inc. and its sister companies are responsible for acquiring, restoring and selling the world’s rarest and most valuable vintage automobiles. In 2006, RM Restorations achieved unprecedented accolades, when its restorations earned “Best of Show” honours at the world’s top three collector car events in a single year. RM’s recent record breaking sales included the Le Mans winning 1962 Ferrari Testa Rossa 330 TRI at $6.5 million, a 1958 Ferrari 412 S at $5.6 million. Sotheby's Holdings, Inc. is the parent company of Sotheby's worldwide auction, private sales and art-related financing activities. The Company operates in 34 countries, with principal salerooms located in New York and London. Furthermore, in 2005 Sotheby’s held the very first official Ferrari auction.