The chance to buy a historic competition Ferrari from the Maranello brand’s first decade of automobile production does not come along often. If you have been waiting for such an occasion, look no further than RM Sotheby’s 2022 Monaco auction. The sale, scheduled for May 14 at the Grimaldi Forum, is set to include a stunning 1953 Ferrari 340 MM Spider by Vignale.
In the early days at Ferrari, cars destined for competition were given even-numbered chassis designations. This car, chassis 0350 AM, is one of those special racers. One of 10 built, the Spider was first delivered to Sterling Edwards, an American sportsman and car builder.
A potent performer from day one thanks to its Lampredi “long-block” V12 engine producing some 300 horsepower, 0350 AM had a successful competition career from 1953 to 1955. Among many notable finishes, the Ferrari recorded wins at the 1954 Pebble Beach and Palm Springs Races.
The original Lampredi “long-block” that carried Mr. Edwards to victory some 70 years ago does accompany the car, though it is not currently fitted. Instead, power comes from what is believed to be the engine block from chassis 0032MT, a 1950 Scuderia Ferrari sports racer — an important car in its own right.
Today, this 340 MM is one of just four survivors from the original 10. The car spent 30 years as part of the Sherman Wolf Collection and was acquired by the current owner in 2012. 0350 AM was then given a sympathetic refresh in 2013 before being shown at the 2015 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, where it was awarded the Phil Hill Cup. It is now being offered after a decade as part of the consignor’s American collection. RM Sotheby’s estimate for this storied racer is €6,000,000 to €8,000,000.
Find more about the 340 MM and all of RM Sotheby’s Monaco consignments here
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