A racing car is more beautiful than the Victory of Samothrace.
On 2 October, auction house Wannenes will present their prestigious 'Classic and Sports Cars' auction, which will take place in Hall 13 at the renowned Milano Autoclassica in Italy.
As Filippo Tommaso Marinetti declared in the Futurist Manifesto of 20 February 1909, “A racing car is more beautiful than the Victory of Samothrace”. The car is the essence of modernity, the very icon of speed and simultaneity, two key elements of artistic and literary movements that perpetually look to the future.
The thirty-nine lots that make up the catalogue are divided into 28 cars, two memorabilia objects and nine motorcycles. What unites these selected lots is their beauty and uniqueness. In the world of cars, as well as motorcycles, passion must always be in first place.
Among the lots in the catalogue, it is worth mentioning the 2005 Mercedes C55 AMG Performance Pack. Built in the AMG factories in Affalterbach, it is one of the nine that were ever produced. Furthermore, it is one of only three that have been approved for road use. The exclusive Performance Pack includes the assembly of a V8 propulsion unit revised in many components with an overall power upgrade of 410hp, up from 365hp. The exhausts are dedicated to this very rare version, with the manifolds separated and welded by hand and wrapped one by one. The package also includes an increase in the speed limiter from 250km/h to 280km/h and the installation of an AMG self-locking differential. Finally, it features 19” rims that are fitted to harmonise with the exclusive front spoiler with increased air intakes.
The 1969 Alfa Romeo GT Junior 1300 'Scalino' was presented in 1963 as a replacement for the Giulietta Sprint. Built on the platform of the Giulia sedan with a wheelbase shortened to 235 cm, it is an elegant 2+2 coupe (two front seats and two smaller rear seats) designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro for Bertone. The model coming to auction at Wannenes was first registered in 1969, but is part of a production batch from 1968. In fact, it is one of the last examples of the so-called 'first series'.
Another striking lot is the 1969 Alfa Romeo Spider 1300 Junior 'Osso di Seppia', which is part of a beautiful collection of Alfa Romeos belonging to an Italian gentleman who has taken excellent care in conserving his cars over the years.
One of the most significant vehicles, both from a historical and a collector's point of view, is the 1927 Fiat 509 S Zagato. There are only three examples in the world, and the car coming to auction with chassis 32022673 was purchased by Rigoletto Belli, a Fiat dealer in Terni and a fairly successful gentleman driver in races of the time. The car was registered TR1000, the number it has kept until today. Belli made his successful debut with his Fiat in the Terni Passo Sum, winning first place and finishing in the Italian Auto of June 1926. Subsequently, in 1927 he raced with the 509 S at the Coppa della Perugina (finishing in fifth place), at the Terni Passo Somma (first place), and at the Vermicino Rocca di Papa and the Tolentino Colle Paterno.
Another highlight, the 1973 Porsche 911 2.7 Carrera is in competition condition and comes with its original India Red colour and black leatherette interior. The car is one of the few 2.7 Carreras delivered in Italy in 1973 and has its original engine (matching number), the legendary 210 hp 2.7 with mechanical injection of the classic 6-cylinder boxer engine, exactly the same engine that mounted the legendary 911 Carrera RS from 1972, with a small difference on the gearbox.
Wannenes’ passion for speed doesn't end with cars, as there will also be a selection of classic motorcycles. One splendid example is the 1976 MV Agusta 750 S America, one of only 212 produced that year. The 750 America was born at the request of the American importer, Chris Garville's Commerce Overseas Corporation, who in 1974 asked MV to produce a motorcycle suitable for the overseas market. Sold new in Great Britain, it was modified at the time by the owner, who had the bike’s frame painted red to match the Ferraris in his collection. Imported about ten years ago by Alessandro Altinier, it has never been restored and is an important collector's item for any enthusiastic motorcyclist.
