Le Mans

Steve McQueen's Famed 1970 Porsche 911S at Auction

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions, The Classicist

RM Auctions, the world's largest collector car auction house, will offer Steve McQueen's iconic 1970 Porsche 911S, featured in his epic Hollywood film Le Mans, at its highly-anticipated Monterey sale in California on August 18 – 20. Built to the highest 1970 specification, complete with air conditioning and a full complement of factory options, the slate grey 911S stars in the film's legendary opening sequence as McQueen's character, hotshot Porsche driver Michael Delaney, drives through the French countryside reflecting on life, death, and racing.

In addition to its starring role in the film, the Porsche 911S was used as Steve McQueen's personal transport during the movie's production, later joining his own stable of extraordinary motor cars in California – a collection that over the years included everything from a Jaguar XK-SS, multiple Ferraris, Porsches, airplanes, motorcycles and everything in between. Today, the 911S is presented in exceptionally original condition, and is offered from the collection of one of America's foremost Porsche aficionados.

Tags: 1970+911s, 1970+porsche+911s, 1970911s, 1970porsche911s, amelia+island, ameliaisland, auctions, California, car collection, celebrity car, classic cars, king of cool, king of cools cars, Le Mans, McQueens Machines, Porsche, Porsche 911, Porsche 911S, porsche+911+auction, porsche911auction, RM Auctions, Steve McQueen, Steve McQueen cars, Steve McQueen Porsche, steve+mcqueen+911, steve+mcqueen+911s, steve+mcqueen+car+auction, steve+mcqueen+porsche+911, stevemcqueen911, stevemcqueen911s, stevemcqueencarauction, stevemcqueenporsche911

Steve McQueen's 'Le Mans' Racing Suit for Sale

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Men's Style, The Classicist

Steve McQueen's 'Le Mans' Racing Suit for Sale

The racing suit worn by the great Steve McQueen in his epic 1971 motorsports film Le Mans is being offered for sale by Toronto's Collector's Studio. The iconic two-piece flame resistant Nomex cream uniform made by Hinchman of Indianapolis bears the name of McQueen's character in the movie, Michael Delaney. It also features the insignia of Gulf, Heuer, Firestone, and the American flag. While the company has not put a firm price on the suit, there have been several serious offers so far, the highest of which is $140,000. The suit shows good signs of use and is fully documented, having been donated by Solar Productions / MGM to a British newspaper for a Le Mans themed contest in 1971. It was presented to the winner by British racing legend Richard Attwood, who won Le Mans in 1970 driving the famous Porsche 917K with Gulf livery made famous by McQueen. McQueen memorabilia is of course a proven earner; Antiquorum sold the actor's Rolex Submariner at auction last year for $234,000.

[via JamesList]

Tags: celebrity, Collectors Studio, entertainment, Heuer, Le Mans, memorabilia, motor racing, movies, Porsche, race car, racing, racing+suit, racingsuit, Steve McQueen

Le Mans-Winning Aston Martin That Inspired Bond's DBS for Sale at $1.5 Million

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

The incredible Aston Martin DBR9 race car (above) that was the 2008 Le Mans GT1 class winner and fifth vehicle overall is a pretty mean piece of machinery in its own right. But the car, which was built in 2006, has an even more impressive item on its resumé: the DBR9's styling lead to the ultra-cool Aston Martin DBS driven by Daniel Craig as James Bond in Casino Royale. Now the iconic DBR9 has been listed for sale in the UK for about $1.5 million. Based on the DB9 road car, the name DBR9 is derived from the original 24 Hours of Le Mans-winning DBR1 car which not only won the 24 Hour race in 1959 but also the World Sportscar title. The DBR9 features custom carbon fiber composite body panels for racing to help make the most of the 600 hp engine along with some other modifications built for speed. The racing history of the car with its famed blue and orange Gulf livery is varied and successful with 3 wins and 2 second places in the 2006 American Le Mans Series, and a win in the FIA GT1 Championship at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps as well.

Tags: Aston Martin, Aston Martin DBR9, Aston Martin DBS, carbon fiber, Casino Royale, Daniel Craig, James Bond, Le Mans, race car, supercar, UK

Historic Jaguar C-Type to Fetch $3.7 Million in London

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions

A rare 1950s Jaguar C-Type has been added to the lineup at RM Auctions' Automobiles of London event on October 27, where it joins the famed 1964 Aston Martin DB5 driven by Sean Connery as James Bond in Goldfinger and Thunderball as we reported in June. The 1952 C-Type (above), which was taken to victory at the Golden Gate Nationals, San Francisco, by well-known driver of the period, Masten Gregory, boasts successful racing history and an unbroken chain of ownership.

Eligible for the world's most prestigious events, it is expected to fetch up to $3.7 million. "Specifically designed to win the Le Mans 24 hour race, the legendary C-Type Jaguar is one of the most desirable sports racing cars ever built," notes Max Girardo, Managing Director of RM Europe. "Powered by a 210bhp, 3,442 cc six-cylinder engine, Jaguar C-Types have an enviable racing heritage from the glory days of 1950s motorsport. The example on offer, XKC-015 is a wonderful illustration and an exciting addition to our London sale."

Gallery: 1952 Jaguar C-Type

Tags: auctions, classic cars, Jaguar, Jaguar C-Type, Le Mans, London, race car, RM Auctions, UK

Cars Owned by Ian Fleming and Duchess of York on Offer at Bonhams

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions

A 1962 AC Aceca Coupe (above), once owned by James Bond's creator Ian Fleming, will be offered by Bonhams at its Goodwood Revival sale in Sussex, UK on Sept. 17. One of only six surviving Ford-powered Acecas in the world, the dashing sports car worthy of 007 has attracted a pre-sale estimate of $150,000 – $200,000. The two-seater, which is dark blue with a burgundy leather interior, was purchased by Fleming the year he wrote The Spy Who Loved Me. Also on offer at the auction is a 1988 Jaguar XJ-S V12 Convertible that belonged to Sarah, Duchess of York, estimated at $30,000 – $38,000, though the highlight is undoubtedly a 1953 Jaguar C-Type, the same make and model that won Le Mans 24-Hours race twice in 1951 and 1953, which could fetch up to $1.5 million. Extensively restored between 1985 and 1991 it's described as "outstandingly usable and potentially extremely competitive." See the gallery for pix.

Gallery: Bonhams Goodwood Revival 2010

Tags: AC, auctions, author, Bonhams, celebrity cars, classic cars, Duchess of York, Goodwood, Goodwood Revival, Ian Fleming, Jaguar, Jaguar C-Type, James Bond, Le Mans, royalty, UK

World's Most Expensive Porsche Sells for $4 Million in Monterey

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions

A rare 1970s Porsche racecar just fetched $4 million at Bonhams' sale in Monterey, setting a new world record for the most expensive Porsche ever sold at auction. The stunning and historic car, the ex-Jurgen Neuhaus/Jurgen Barth 1972-73 European Interserie and David Hobbs/Mike Hailwood Gulf-JW Automotive team 1972-73 Porsche 917 Interserie Spyder, neé 1970 Gulf-JWA Le Mans 917K Coupe (above), was hammered down after fierce bidding. The car is similar to the famed model driven by Steve McQueen in Le Mans. Many other strong prices were attained for Bonhams' rarest offerings, including a 1930 Mercedes-Benz 7.1 Liter SS Tourer for $2.5 million, and the ex-works, Gerhard Mitter/Lucien Bianchi Nurburgring 1000 kms-leading 1967 Porsche 910 Endurance Racing Works Coupe for $800,000. Earlier we reported on the nine Ferraris which each fetched over $1 million at RM Auctions' own Monterey sale.

Tags: Bonhams, California, classic cars, Ferrari, Le Mans, Mercedes-Benz, Monterey, motor racing, motorsports, Porsche, Porsche 917, racecar, RM Auctions, Steve McQueen, world record, worlds most expensive

Porsche Design P'6612 Dashboard Le Mans 1970 Limited Edition

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

With 16 overall wins, nobody has won the 24 Hours of Le Mans more times than Porsche. The journey started in 1970 when Hans Herrmann and Richard Attwood led a 1-2-3 finish for the German team behind the wheel of the iconic Porsche 917 K. Forty years later, Porsche Design has released a special-edition chronograph to commemorate the occasion in the grandest of style.

Bearing a dial styled after the 917 K's dashboard instruments and offset by the number 23 that adorned the triumphant 917 K and which followed Herrmann throughout his career, the Porsche Design P'6612 Dashboard Le Mans 1970 Limited Edition features an automatic chronograph movement and a tachometer scale around the bezel can be used to calculate overall speed, etched into the brushed and polished titanium case and affixed with a perforated calfskin strap with red topstitching reminiscent of the 917's steering wheel. Only 917 examples will be made, each accompanied by a scale model of the 917 K and a booklet signed by Herrmann and Attwood.

Gallery: Porsche Design P'6612 Dashboard Le Mans 1970 Limited Edition

Tags: 24 heurs du mans, 24 hours of le mans, chronometer, hans herrmann, le mans, porsche, porsche 917, porsche 917 k, Porsche Design, Porsche Design P6612, Porsche Design P6612 Dashboard, Porsche Design P6612 Dashboard Le Mans 1970 Limited Edition, richard attwood, watch

Rolex Names Le Mans Champ Tom Kristensen New Brand Ambassador

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches, Luxury Cars & Autos, Sports

Danish racecar driver Tom Kristensen, winner of Le Mans a record-breaking eight times, has been named as Rolex's newest ambassador following the longstanding practice of the famed Swiss watch brand's association with world-class athletes. Rolex has never before made an official announcement naming an ambassador, but Danish Rolex retailer Klarlund persuaded them to make an exception this time. "Not only are we proud of Tom Kristensen's victories, we are also very proud hosts of such a rare and special occasion," Klarlund managing director Stig Andersen told Worldtempus after presenting the new ambassador with a Rolex Daytona Everose, one of Rolex's gifts to its new sporting face. Kristensen will also receive a Rolex Milgauss outfitted with a green sapphire crystal.

[via LuxuryLaunches]

Tags: Denmark, Le Mans, motor racing, racecar, racecar driver, racing, Rolex, Rolex Daytona, Swiss watch

McLaren Art Car by César Tipped to Top €2 Million at Auction

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions

When automobiles break the seven-figure mark at auction, they're usually pre-war or even post-war classics. But a sportscar from the 90s? This one is an exception.

As it is, the McLaren F1 remains a highly coveted collectors item, pristine examples still commanding seven-figure price tags in their own right. A race-spec McLaren F1 GTR is an even more sought-after rarity. But even in this field, this particular example is rarer still.

After racing it at Le Mans in 1994, French industrialist Jean-Luc Maury-Laribiére handed his McLaren over to famed artist César. The result has a similar effect as BMW's own art cars, which makes sense considering that the McLaren is powered by BMW engines and enjoyed factory backing in its motorsport exploits. This one-of-a-kind example is set to cross the auction block during the Le Mans Classic on July 9, where auctioneers Artcurial Motors anticipates it will fetch between $2.5 and 3 million.

Gallery: McLaren F1 GTR art car by César

Source

Tags: art car, art cars, artcurial, artcurial motors, bmw art car, bmw art cars, césar, cesar, f1, f1 gtr, le mans, le mans classic, mclaren, mclaren F1, mclaren f1 gtr

Stunning '59 Ferrari 250 Tour TdF Race Winner for Auction in Monterey

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions

Some classic automobiles are sought after for their beauty. Others for their pedigree. This particular example is making headlines for both.

Stunning as it is in pristine condition with its original red and orange livery with original racing number, that only conveys the racing heritage behind this particular 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB Tour de France. In the same year as its construction, chassis number 1321 took first in its class and third place overall at Le Mans and won the 1000km Nurburgring race as well.

Since then it's only changed hands a handful of times, and will now be auctioned off by Mecum in Monterey, California, during the Pebble Beach concours weekend, following its first public showing in nearly twenty years.

Gallery: 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB Tour de France

Source

Tags: 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB Tour de France, auction, ferrari, le mans, mecum, monterey, nurburgring, pebble beach

BMW M3 GT2 Art Car by Jeff Koons

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Art, Sports

There's a great history to BMW's art cars. Over the past 35 years, sixteen such collaborations have been undertaken between the German automaker and famous artists. Among them were none other than Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein. And now BMW has unveiled its latest.

The work of American artist Jeff Koons, this M3 GT2 race car was unveiled in Paris before heading to the 24 Hours of Le Mans next week where it will actually compete as one of the two cars BMW is fielding during this year's iconic race.

This isn't the first time, however, that a BMW art car has been used in an actual race: other notable examples included Alexander Calder's 1975 3.0 CSL and Jenny Holzer's 1999 V12 LMR. In fact many of the original art cars competed at Le Mans. Let's just hope that, like it predecessors, this one doesn't crash during the race.

Tags: 24 heures du mans, 24 hours of le mans, art car, art cars, bmw, bmw art car, bmw art cars, bmw m3 gt2, gt2, jeff koons, le mans, m3, me gt2

The Classicist: Caracalla Bagaglio Commemorative Motorsport Collection

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Men's Style, The Classicist

Caracalla Bagaglio Commemorative Motorsport Collection

Simon Jordan takes his supercars seriously. He is the director of Cortese, an independent Ferrari and Maserati showroom located in Bath, UK on the Priston Mill Estate, where you can pick up an F430, Testarossa or GranSport as well as classic and racing models. It also houses his vast collection of Ferrari and Maserati memorabilia, including a library of books, pictures and models dating back to 1947. For Jordan, thoroughbred automobiles are a way of life. Hence he has also created Caracalla Bagaglio, a line of Italian leather goods designed to complement the world's greatest cars. The line takes its name from the Terme di Caracalla race circuit in Rome, where Ferrari won its first race in 1947, and its main range is the Commemorative Motorsport Collection featuring leather bags and holdalls dedicated to pivotal moments in racing history.

Skilled artisans hand make each bag in Tuscany from the finest leather in a process of craftsmanship passed down over generations. Each piece relates to the history of famous race car marques, drivers and racing numbers, and are endorsed by racing legends such as Sir Stirling Moss, Niki Lauda and Emerson Fittipaldi. Each piece closely matches the color (interior or exterior) and racing livery of the car it's designed to celebrate. The Moss No. 7 bag (priced at £295) for example, commemorates Sir Stirling Moss's victory at Goodwood in 1961 driving the legendary Ferrari 250 SWB bearing the number 7, Moss' favorite. Finished in dark blue leather to match the original paintwork it features Moss' official signature embossed into the white center panel, and Moss himself owns one of the bags.

Gallery: Caracalla Bagaglio Motorsport Collection

JPS Fittipaldi No. 6 (1972 'Type 72' Lotus F1)

Cortese 56 (1947-2007 Ferrari 60th Anniversary)

Tags: bags, Caracalla Bagaglio, Ferrari, Italy, Jaguar, Le Mans, leather, leather goods, leathergoods, Lotus, Maserati, motor racing, motorsports, Porsche, racecar, racing, Simon Jordan, Sir Stirling Moss, Stirling Moss, supercar, Tuscany, UK

Continue reading “The Classicist: Caracalla Bagaglio Commemorative Motorsport Collection”

Tequila Patron becomes Title Sponsor of American Le Mans Series

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Spirits, Luxury Cars & Autos

Premium brands have been moving to secure the naming rights in racing series around the world. Rolex sponsors the Daytona sportscar championship. IZOD recently took center stage in the IndyCar Series. But while liquor brands have been sponsoring individual cars and teams for decades – think Martini, Crown Royal or even the various breweries active in NASCAR – premium tequila distiller Patron has taken it a step further.

The tequila brand has been sponsoring cars in the American Le Mans Series (the U.S. affiliate of the famous French endurance race) for years, including the championship-winning Acura prototypes of Highcroft Racing. Now the company has secured the naming rights for the entire series, which will henceforth be known as the American Le Mans Series Presented by Tequila Patron. The company's president will even be driving a Ferrari F430 GT2 in this year's championship, bearing the ironically lime-green color scheme of the Patron brand.

The involvement of liquor companies in car racing has drawn considerable controversy, as advocates point out that drinking and driving don't mix. Some spirit purveyors, however, have used their sponsorship as part of drunk-driving awareness programs.

Source

Tags: american le mans series, AmericanLeMansSeries, auto racing, AutoRacing, car racing, CarRacing, le mans, le mans series, LeMans, LeMansSeries, motorsport, motorsports, patron, racing, tequila, tequila patron, TequilaPatron

1959 Aston Martin DBR1 Cufflinks Are a Piece of Motor Racing History

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Jewelry, Luxury Cars & Autos, Men's Style

UK-based TMB Art Metal is launching a limited edition set of cufflinks handmade from metal taken from the Aston Martin DBR1 race car that won Le Mans and the World Sportscar Championships in 1959. TMB's exclusive Aston Martin DBR1/2 Essence of Form links are crafted using original pieces of aluminum body panel removed from the the famous car that was driven by Carroll Shelby, and was victorious with Sir Stirling Moss behind the wheel in the 1959 World Sportscar Championship. Two versions of the cufflinks, with arms and drivers made of solid 18ct gold, are being issued accompanied by certificates of authenticity signed personally by either Shelby or Moss. Each version is limited to just 50 pairs worldwide, priced at £1,795 or about $3,000 each. The winning Aston Martin, one of the most famous cars in the world, is today believed to be worth around $25 million.

Tags: Aston Martin, AstonMartin, cufflinks, gold, Le Mans, LeMans, racing, Sir Stirling Moss, SirStirlingMoss, TMB Art Metal, TmbArtMetal, UK

The Racing Life of Paul Newman

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Books

A new book on the late Paul Newman tells the story of how one of the world's greatest actors escaped the pressures of Hollywood by sitting behind the wheel of a race car.

As with most things he attempted in life Newman excelled at it. Winning: The Racing Life of Paul Newman is an illustrated history of Newman's racing career both as a driver and team owner. His interest in racing began while preparing for his role in the movie, Winning, in 1968 and blossomed into several championships competing in the Sports Car Club of America.

The actor also competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, finishing second in 1979, and in 1995 at the age of 70 he became the oldest driver to be part of a winning team in a major sanctioned race, winning in his class at the 24 Hours of Daytona, capping his long association with the Rolex model of that name.

The book features a foreword by Mario Andretti and many first person remembrances from those who raced against him and admired him, along with many previously unpublished photographs documenting his career at the track. Newman's personal car collection including Porsches and Ferraris is also featured.

Tags: celebrity, Daytona, Ferrari, Le Mans, LeMans, Mario Andretti, MarioAndretti, Paul Newman, PaulNewman, Porsche, racing, Rolex, Rolex Daytona, RolexDaytona