Tag: Vintage Cars

The Man Who Knew Shelby: An Exclusive Interview with Wallace Wyss on the American Racing Legend and His Art

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Wallace Wyss is a man of many talentsโ€”writer, historian, and artistโ€”whose passion for automobiles, particularly the legendary AC Cobra, has defined his career. From his early days as a journalist to his transformation into a fine artist, Wyss has spent decades documenting the machines and personalities that shaped automotive history. In this interview, he reflects on his journey, his encounters with racing icon Carroll Shelby, and his enduring fascination with the artistry of high-performance cars.

Just Like James Deanโ€™s! Ultra-Rare $4 Million 1956 Porsche 550RS Spyder to Hit Auction Block

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On October 6, automotive enthusiasts and collectors will turn their attention to the Bonhams|Cars Zoute Sale in Knokke-Heist, Belgium, where a true gem of racing history will be up for auction: the ex-‘ECURIE NATIONALE BELGE’ 1956 Porsche 550RS Spyder, Chassis 550-0082, just like the one that once belonged to Hollywood legend James Dean. While this iconic vehicle, with a storied past on European racing circuits, has no direct connection to the American actor who tragically lost his life in a similar model, it is still expected to fetch between โ‚ฌ3,500,000 and โ‚ฌ4,000,000, reaffirming its status as one of the most expensive classic sports cars in the world.

Rare 1959 Aston Martin DB4 Prototype ‘DP2155’ Set to Hit Auction with an Estimated Value of Over $1.5 Million

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Automotive enthusiasts and collectors are eagerly anticipating the Bonhams|Cars Zoute sale, set for October 6 in Knokke-Heist, Belgium. One of the highlights of the auction is the Works Prototype Design Project ‘DP2155’ 1959 Aston Martin DB4, which carries an estimated value of โ‚ฌ1,300,000 to โ‚ฌ1,600,000. This engineering marvel, distinguished as the last to bear the DP prefix, represents a significant chapter in Aston Martinโ€™s storied history.

$1.5 Million 1926 Bugatti Type 35 Grand Prix Two-Seater to be Auctioned in Belgium

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The Bugatti Type 35, produced at Bugatti’s Molsheim factory between 1924 and 1930, is renowned for its innovative design and racing prowess. The car’s distinctive arch-shaped radiator and tapered ‘Bordino tail,’ possibly influenced by the Fiat 804 driven by Pietro Bordino, are emblematic features. The Type 35 was also pioneering in its use of cast alloy wheels, a first in automotive history.

Historic First-Ever Formula 1 Lotus Climax Type 12 Chassis โ€˜353โ€™ to be Sold for Nearly Half a Million in Monaco

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Racing aficionados and collectors are gearing up for an electrifying moment at The Bonhams|Cars Monaco Sale, ‘Les Grandes Marques ร  Monaco’, on May 10th, as one of the most historically significant Formula 1 cars makes its way to the auction block. The 1957-58 Lotus-Climax Type 12 chassis โ€˜353โ€™, estimated at โ‚ฌ290,000 โ€“ โ‚ฌ390,000 ($308,000 โ€“ $415,000), is poised to steal the spotlight, offering enthusiasts a chance to own a piece of motorsport history.

Painting Bizzarrini into Automobile History

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I had never seen a car so wanton, so rakish, almost obscene. It was like a streetwalker in 8-in high heels. What amazed me then was that it had a Chevy V8 as an engine, iron block, pushrod. Detroit crudity in an exotic. I forgot poetry and instantly became a car guy.

A couple years later I was writing car ads in Detroit and a boss mentioned an obscure Italian car was down at a Corvette shop; I might want to take a look at it.

It was a Bizzarrini Targa.

Now,ย in 2022, Iโ€™d say itโ€™s worth what โ€” 2ย  toย  3 million?ย Give or take.