Latest news with #AlbertoAscari
TimesLIVE
14-05-2025
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
Rare classic Ferrari racing car expected to sell for up to R165m
One of the most beautiful Ferraris ever created is going on auction later this month. The 1957 Ferrari 500 TRC racing car, one of only 16 remaining examples, is expected to fetch between $7m and $9m (R128m — R165m) at a Sotheby's sealed auction on May 27 in California. The Scaglietti-designed car was created during one of the most aesthetically beautiful eras for racing cars, where coachbuilders were guided by form rather than function, and visual impact took precedence over downforce and aerodynamics. Ferrari creations by Scaglietti and Pininfarina are mechanical works of art that have stood the test of time and the 500 TRC is a prime example. It was the genesis to the legendary 12-cylinder 250 Testa Rossa, a race car that has achieved $51.7m (R942.78m) on auction. The 500 TRC was introduced in 1957 as Ferrari's four-cylinder racing car in endurance events and enjoyed a stellar maiden season, taking class wins in the 12 Hours of Sebring, Mille Miglia, Nürburgring 1,000km and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. A total of 17 examples were built and the 500 TRC marked the end of an era as it was the last four-cylinder Ferrari racing car constructed. The 2.0 l Lampredi engine, while not as large in capacity as some of its V12 cousins, packed a punch and carried Alberto Ascari to win Ferrari's first Formula One driver's title in 1952. After repeating the feat in 1953, the four-cylinder engine was used in sports car racing between 1953 and 1957. Bearing the chassis number 0658 MDTR, this example was the first 500 TRC built. With its provenance and race history it is one of the most historically significant four-cylinder Ferraris to be offered for sale in recent times. It was raced in 20 events between 1957 and 1963, achieving 10 class victories and 13 podium finishes. It was also driven in 21 editions of the Mille Miglia Storica between 1993 and 2014. The car is Ferrari Classiche Red Book certified and retains its original chassis, body, engine and rear axle.
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Maserati GT2 Stradale Hits the Streets With Race-Bred Performance
Read the full story on Modern Car Collector Maserati has officially introduced the GT2 Stradale, a road-legal evolution of its GT2 race car, bringing high-performance motorsport engineering to the streets. After making its global debut at The Quail during Monterey Car Week last August, the GT2 Stradale is now set for European deliveries starting in April. The new model builds upon the track-only Maserati GT2, which has made an impact in the Fanatec GT2 European Series. While refined for road use, the Stradale retains its race-inspired DNA, blending elements from the MC20 supercar with competition-grade aerodynamics and power. To celebrate its arrival, Maserati hosted an exclusive test-drive event in Andalusia, Spain, where select customers and stakeholders experienced the GT2 Stradale's capabilities firsthand. The journey began in Marbella, winding through the scenic Sierra de las Nieves National Park, and concluded at the Ascari circuit—named after Formula 1 champion Alberto Ascari, who once competed with Maserati. Under the hood, the GT2 Stradale features Maserati's twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter Nettuno V6, now tuned to deliver 640 horsepower—10 more than the MC20. The car's lightweight construction enables a blistering 0-62 mph sprint in just 2.8 seconds, with a top speed of 201 mph. A rear-wheel-drive setup, advanced aerodynamics, and race-tuned handling ensure the Stradale remains true to its motorsport roots while offering surprising road-going comfort. Maserati's Fuoriserie personalization program allows GT2 Stradale buyers to select bespoke liveries, reinforcing the car's exclusivity. At the Andalusian launch event, Maserati showcased its motorsport history alongside the GT2 race car, emphasizing the lineage that inspired the Stradale's design. By bringing track-level performance to the road, the Maserati GT2 Stradale signals a bold new chapter for the brand, redefining what a road-going Maserati can achieve. With limited production and deep racing pedigree, this high-performance machine is set to become a sought-after collector's piece for enthusiasts and speed aficionados alike. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
