2017 MONTEREY PORSCHE AUCTION PREVIEW

GOODING & CO.

1970 PORSCHE   917K   Estimate: R195million – R240million

1970 PORSCHE   917K   Estimate: R195million – R240million

Gooding brings a collection of top-shelf offerings to Monterey this year, and among their crop are two gems which will turn every single head which passes them. Both iconic racing cars of decades gone by, this remarkable pair ought to have the spectators salivating; not just for the eras which these cars helped define, but for their incredible spec and the fortunes they'll command at auction.

Arguably the most iconic machine to go on auction this year, this Gulf-liveried 917K is a stunner with a past spent on the silver screen. Not only was 917-024 leased to Steve McQueen's Solar Productions for use in the making of the seminal film Le Mans (1971), but it was used extensively for testing in 1970 at Le Mans in the talented hands of Mike Hailwood and Brian Redman. Part of Jo Siffert's personal collection, 917-024 spent decades in a dusty warehouse outside of Paris until its discovery in 2001.

The ultimate barn find was meant to go to auction back in 2014, but the detailed restoration process prevented it from doing so. Now, with the restoration complete and every detail carefully documented, the car is ready to make its auction debut, where, with its provenance, should have no problem finding a new owner.

1994 PORSCHE 964 CARRERA 3.8 RSR

Estimate: R13, 5million – R16, 5million

Estimate: R13, 5million – R16, 5million

This immaculate 1994 Carrera RSR, finished in Grand Prix White, won the IMSA GT2 Championship, came second in the Exxon Championship, and clinched Second in Class in the World Porsche Cup in 1994. Powered by a 3.8-liter M64/04 RSR-specific engine, this svelte road course marvel can sprint to 60 mph in a mere 3.7 seconds thanks to the advertised 325 horsepower on tap, though, in reality, that figure is closer to 375 horsepower. That grunt, matched with a chassis weighing roughly 2,600 pounds, allowed for performance that put it at the sharp end of the pack in IMSA GT2, SCCA and PCA events for well over a decade. Despite its colourful history and race results, Chassis 81 has been well-preserved and comes with an extensive spares package including original wheels, electronic control units, suspension parts, and bodywork options, and other documentation such as a Porsche Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin, Porsche Motorsport North America invoices and correspondence, race history, and period photographs.

HIGHLIGHTS

·         Rare and Desirable 964-Based Factory Racing 911

·         Matching-Numbers Example; One of Only 51 Built

·         Campaigned with Distinction; 1994 IMSA GT2 Overall Title Winner

·         Accompanied by Extensive Spare Parts Package and Rare Documentation

·         Impressive Example of a Porsche Racing Legend

BONHAMS

Estimate : R675000 – R900000

Estimate : R675000 – R900000

Bonhams brings a stable of delectable 356s to Monterey in 2017, and one tractor. Yes, you read that correctly—on auction is a classic piece of agricultural machinery which might take the dedicated Porschephile by surprise. This 1961 Porsche Junior 108 tractor might be one of the few unknowns which can offer a unique blend of whimsy, exclusivity, and a glimpse into Porsche's foray into the agricultural segment. Powered by a 14-horsepower diesel engine, this quirky little gem might be the least powerful machine at Monterey 2017, but it ought to be a crowd pleaser.

RM  SOTHEBY'S

Of all the cars on offer from this house, the one which ought to garner the most attention is their pristine 993 GT2. This monster, nicknamed "The Widowmaker," struck fear in the hearts of many and was Porsche's last turbocharged 911 homologated for motorsports, most notably for the BPR Endurance Series, and later for FIA GT. Due to the cult appeal of this car, the limited numbers (only 57 road cars were ever built), and the rising value of the 993 market, this GT2 shouldn't have any problem selling north of R15million

MECUM

Mecum brings a wide variety of Porsche to Monterey this year. Perhaps the most striking of their group is the 4.0-liter Brumos Edition Cup Car, which is a must-have for any die-hard 911 racer. This 2012 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup 4.0 is one of the last five U.S.-specification GT3 Cup cars built by Porsche that year, all of which were offered by Porsche’s long-time American racing partner, Brumos Porsche. Test driven and approved for delivery by Hurley Haywood, this very exclusive Brumos Commemorative Edition Porsche GT3 qualifies for SCCA, Porsche Club of America, and Porsche Owner’s Club competition.

RUSSO AND STEELE

Russo and Steele's eclectic collection of Porsches ought to have any stripe of automotive fan interested, but those with an eye for appreciation will take note of the exclusive 911 R in their stable. Like all their offerings, the estimate for the 911 R is not listed, but expect this thoroughbred to fetch north above the R5million mark.

Some Other Highlights and Notables

1973 Porsche 911 RS Lightweight Estimate R19,5 million - R21 million 

1973 Porsche 911 RS Lightweight Estimate R19,5 million - R21 million 

1996 Porsche 911 GT2 1 of 194 Produced Estimate R24 million - R28 million

1996 Porsche 911 GT2 1 of 194 Produced Estimate R24 million - R28 million

1998 Porsche 959 KOMFORT 1 of 329 959S Produced Estimate R18 MILLION - R21 million 

1998 Porsche 959 KOMFORT 1 of 329 959S Produced Estimate R18 MILLION - R21 million 

1994 Porsche 911 Turbo 1 of 17 Produced Estimate R17 million - R19 million

1994 Porsche 911 Turbo 1 of 17 Produced Estimate R17 million - R19 million

1995 Porsche 911 RS 1 of 274 Produced Estimate R7,5 million to R9 million

1995 Porsche 911 RS 1 of 274 Produced Estimate R7,5 million to R9 million

1989 PORSCHE 911 TURBO CABRIOLET ESTIMATE R4 MILLION – R5, 2 MILLION  

1989 PORSCHE 911 TURBO CABRIOLET ESTIMATE R4 MILLION – R5, 2 MILLION  

1984 PORSCHE 930 RUF BTR     ESTIMATE R3 MILLION – R3, 75 MILLION

1984 PORSCHE 930 RUF BTR     ESTIMATE R3 MILLION – R3, 75 MILLION

1989 Porsche 911 Speedster 1 of 823 delivered to the United States Estimate R3,0 Million - R3,75 million    

1989 Porsche 911 Speedster 1 of 823 delivered to the United States Estimate R3,0 Million - R3,75 million    

1996 PORSCHE 911 TURBO    ESTIMATE R3 MILLION – R3, 8 MILLION

1996 PORSCHE 911 TURBO    ESTIMATE R3 MILLION – R3, 8 MILLION

The Best of SA's Gordon Murray

50 YEARS OF RACE-WINNING DESIGN AT GMD'S NEW STUDIO

If you’ve designed some of the world’s best supercars and F1 race winners over the past 50 years, why not bring examples of each together? That’s what British car designer Gordon Murray will do for a week in November to celebrate the opening of a new, bigger design studio for his Gordon Murray Design company.

·         1967 IGM Ford Special (T1)

·         1967 IGM Ford Special (T1)

Murray is also promising to make “an exciting announcement concerning an all-new, ground-breaking vehicle” at the opening.

1967 IGM Ford Special (T1)

1967 IGM Ford Special (T1)

Murray plans to put 40 iconic race and road cars on display at Dunsfold aerodrome in southern England, including a 1978 Brabham BT46B "Fan Car," 1981 Brabham BT49C championship winner and 1988 McLaren MP4/4 championship winner. The latter was the car driven by Ayrton Senna to his first F1 title.

“It will be a very proud and emotional day to see all these cars brought together,” said Murray, “as they chart my professional life as well as my perspective over the decades on complex challenges in vehicle design and engineering.”


Race versions of road cars in the exhibition will include at least two examples of the McLaren F1 -- the 1995 GTR Le Mans winner and a 1996 LM -- although it’s reasonable to expect a few other examples of the F1 surfacing from various collections.

·         1978 Brabham BT46B "Fan Car" (T9)

·         1978 Brabham BT46B "Fan Car" (T9)

“Making this event happen presents a huge logistical challenge, as many of the vehicles are in private collections all around the world, and I’m hugely appreciative of their owners,” admits Murray.

1981 Brabham BT49C Championship Winner

1981 Brabham BT49C Championship Winner

Car buffs hope an example of the tandem two-seat Light Car Company Rocket from 1991 will make a rare appearance at the exhibit.

Murray was born and studied engineering in South Africa and moved to the U.K. in 1969 in search of a job as a race-car designer.

He had already built and raced the IGM Ford, a car to his own design, a replica of which has just been completed. The 1967 IGM was the starting point for Murray’s 50-year career as a car designer.

The IGM was given the code-name T1, and Murray has given all his designs a T-number since. The MP4/4, for example, was T19 and the latest design, the flat-pack Global Vehicle Trust OX utility truck is T34.

·         1983 Brabham BMW BT52 World Championship Car (T15)

·         1983 Brabham BMW BT52 World Championship Car (T15)

The exhibition also marks the 10th anniversary of the creation of Gordon Murray Design, set up after Murray finished with the team that created the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren.

GMD has designed a three-seat city car -- the T25 -- designed around a new low-cost manufacturing process called iStream.

·         1988 McLaren MP4/4 Championship winner (T19)

·         1988 McLaren MP4/4 Championship winner (T19)

The T25 and iStream have spawned a project with Yamaha for a compact city car, and the T26 concept will be at the exhibition.

Murray is also consulting on the revival of TVR and a two-seat sports car powered by a Cosworth-modified Ford Coyote V8. Although it’s unclear if the new TVR will be exhibited.

1995 McLaren F1 GTR Le Mans Winning Car

1995 McLaren F1 GTR Le Mans Winning Car

The location of the new studio is interesting, too -- Dunsfold is also home to the Top Gear TV track and studio.

Once the exhibits return to their collections, GMD will install new design, development and production equipment.

 

·         1996 McLaren F1 LM

·         1996 McLaren F1 LM

Cars confirmed:

·         1967 IGM Ford Special (T1)

·         1978 Brabham BT46B "Fan Car" (T9)

·         1981 Brabham BT49C Championship Winner

·         1983 Brabham BMW BT52 World Championship Car (T15)

·         1988 McLaren MP4/4 Championship winner (T19)

·         1995 McLaren F1 GTR Le Mans Winning Car

·         1996 McLaren F1 LM

·         2013 Yamaha City Car (T26)

·         2016 GVT OX (T.34)

·         2016 GVT OX (T.34)

·         2016 GVT OX (T.34)

·         2013 Yamaha City Car (T26)

·         2013 Yamaha City Car (T26)

Concourse SA Sun City 3-6 August 2017

A superb collection of classic and vintage cars, representing some of the finest restorations in South Africa, will grace the lawns of the Sun City Hotel this weekend, with about vehicles vying for top honours in Concours South Africa 2017.

They include a 1913 Buick, the oldest Volkswagen Beetle in South Africa (built in 1949), a late 1980s Ferrari F40, a 1970 Lamborghini Miura, and many other extremely rare classics of all ages and genres.

Organizer Paul Kennard said: “We hosted the first Concours South Africa here at Sun City only 11 months ago and we're gratified that the numbers have increased to over 80 cars this year, some of them representing marques that are rarely seen outside private collections anywhere in the world.”

The winning car of the 2016 Concours, a mid-1980s De Tomaso Pantera GT5, will also be on display.

One intriguing entry is an SS 100 from 1939 - the first sports-car from William Lyons' Swallow Side Car Company. After the Second World War, the SS name had nasty connotations, so Lyons reformed the company as Jaguar Cars Limited, in Coventry, England, after first politely checking with Armstrong Siddeley that its 14-cylinder air-cooled radial Jaguar aircraft engine was indeed out of production.

There will be several examples competing for the overall Concours prize of the iconic E-Type Jaguar, which was touted as “sex on wheels” in the Swinging Sixties, and was famously described as “the most beautiful car I have ever seen” by no less an expert than Enzo Ferrari. Other famous British marques being judged on the Saturday and Sunday will include a pair of Austin Healeys, one of which is said to already boast a World Austin Healey Concours prize in its portfolio.

“In addition to the bigger entry, up 60 percent for only our second Concours, we're delighted that we're already attracting international personalities to Sun City this glamourous event,” said Kennard. “We have South African Robert Coucher, now UK-based, the founding Editor of Octane magazine, as one of the judges, and he'll be joined by Chris Routledge, the head of international auction house Coys of Kensington

“Dietrich Hatlapa, founder of the Historic Automobile Group International, will be addressing our conference on international classic car values, which will open the Concours weekend on Friday morning at Sun City. Other famous personalities at this conference will include economist and political analyst JP Landman, and racing drivers Sarel van der Merwe and Ian Scheckter.

The cars will assemble at the Sun City parking lot adjacent to the main entrance at noon on Friday, 4 August, and between 2.30 and 3.00pm will form up for the Grand Parade, which will see them drive up to the lawns outside the main hotel, to their allotted parking spaces, where they will be protected from grubby fingers by picket fencing for the duration; visitors to Sun City are, however, welcome to view the cars from behind the fences.

The categories for cars competing at Concours South Africa range from cars built before 1920 to cars built until 1995. The exception to this age cut-off is in category for modified vehicles, which will include some more modern renditions. As always, the emphasis will be on attention to detail.

Other cars of interest will include a 1959 Cadillac convertible (yes, it's pink!), a freshly-restored Dino 246 GTB (the Ferrari that was never badged as a Ferrari) and a number of Porsches, both in early 356 and the classic 911 format.

 Prize-giving

The final judging will be completed by noon on Sunday, and, after being verified by the auditors, the results will be announced at the prize-giving on the Sun City lawns from 2.30pm.

Volkswagon Bus Market Growing

By : Jonathan ( Gas Monkey Garage)

Mecum Denver delivered quite a treat in the form of a 1960 Volkswagen 23-window Samba bus. Not only did it end up being one of the most expensive cars sold at the auction, it helped to further solidify the VW bus as an icon.

Ever famous in modern culture from a representation of the ‘60s to dads across the U.S. pointing them out with an anecdote on road trips, the VW bus has remained popular through the years. However, popularity in the automotive world is not always synonymous with value… until now. Going for a cool $120,000 in Denver, this bus is a perfect example of their increasing value.

In fact, over the past three years the value of a 1960 concours level restoration 23-window samba has increased nearly from $70,000 to $154,000. And over $20,000 of that was in the first-quarter of 2017 alone. While concours lever cars aren’t always the most common, this VW model is showing growth across the board, according to Hagerty, especially in the first quarter of 2017, as well.

Hard to say for sure without seeing the Mecum Denver bus in person if it was a bargain at $120,000 or if on the high-end of the “excellent” condition market, but at either cost the market doesn’t seem to be slowing on the Volkswagen 23-window Samba bus.

Single Owner Ferrari Collection For Sale

RM Sotheby’s has announced that it will auction 13 of the most iconic road-going Ferraris as part of its flagship Monterey sale on 18-19 August.

Spanning over 50 years of Ferrari’s rich heritage, all cars boast low-mileage, carefully maintained status, coming directly from a single-owner collection.

The collection spans 50 years of Ferrari heritage from 1961 to 2011 and includes numerous brand icons, like the F40. However, the main attraction, and only one of three that has a reserve, is the 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta. Having undergone a concours-level restoration this award winning Ferrari is one of the last made that was eligible to run events such as the 24 Hours of LeMans practically as is.

Dubbed the Ferrari Performance Collection, the group is headlined by a concours-level restored 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta. Chassis no. 2985, a GT variant, is the 110th of 165 ever built. Benefitting from Ferrari Classiche certification and with notable history, including a Platinum award at Cavallino in 2016, the SWB is expected to fetch $8,500,000 – $10,000,000 next month.

1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta by Scaglietti

1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta by Scaglietti

Also up for grabs is another respected and famed Sixties Ferrari road car, a 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 Berlinetta by Scaglietti, chassis no. 10147. Imported to the USA in 1967, and presented in factory-correct Rosso over Pelle Nera with matching-numbers status, this example is complete with original tool roll, handbook and Ferrari Classiche certification ($2,750,000 – $3,250,000).

1967 Ferrari 275 GTB:4 by Scaglietti

1967 Ferrari 275 GTB:4 by Scaglietti

On the more modern end of the scale, a two-owner, 2,800-mile 1991 Ferrari F40, chassis no. 87895 will join the lot. One of just 213 U.S.-specification F40s ever produced, complete with luggage, tools, books, its original invoice and in exemplary condition, it will cross the block with an estimate of $1,300,000 – $1,500,000 (offered without reserve).

1991 Ferrari F40

1991 Ferrari F40

No road-going Ferrari collection would be complete without a Ferrari 512 BBi, of which the Ferrari Performance Collection has two. Leading the pair, and following the low-mileage theme, is a 1982 Ferrari 512 BBi, which was imported to the USA from new and has covered just 553 miles. Collecting many Concours-related silverware including the 2006 Coppa GT, Platinum and Coppa Bella Macchina awards from the Ferrari Club of America Annual Meeting at Chantilly, this car, chassis no. 48723, has an enviable history file and with such low mileage, is estimated to bring $375,000 - $450,000 (offered without reserve).

1984 Ferrari 512 BBi

1984 Ferrari 512 BBi

1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta – Est. $8,500,000 – $10,000,000
1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 Berlinetta by Scaglietti – Est. $2,750,000 – $3,250,000
1969 Ferrari Dino 206 GT – Est. $650,000 – $750,000
1991 Ferrari F40 – Est. $1,300,000 – $1,500,000 (Offered without reserve)
2011 Ferrari 599 GTO – Est. $700,000 – $800,000 (Offered without reserve)
1984 Ferrari 512 BBi – Est. $375,000 – $450,000 (Offered without reserve)
2005 Ferrari 575 Superamerica – Est. $375,000 – $450,000 (Offered without reserve)
2009 Ferrari 16M Scuderia Spider – Est. $350,000 – $400,000 (Offered without reserve)
1984 Ferrari 512 BBi – Est. $275,000 – $325,000 (Offered without reserve)
2004 Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale – Est. $275,000 – $325,000 (Offered without reserve)
2009 Ferrari 430 Scuderia – Est. $250,000 – $300,000 (Offered without reserve)
1976 Ferrari 308 GTB ‘Vetroresina’ – Est. $175,000 – $225,000 (Offered without reserve)
1989 Ferrari 328 GTS – Est. $90,000 – $120,000 (Offered without reserve)

Dodge Viper dies forever on the 31 August

It's over: the Dodge Viper dies forever on August 31

The end is nigh for an American sports car icon: the Dodge Viper will officially exit production on August 31, 2017, and the Connor Avenue Assembly plant where all Vipers have been built will be closed for good.

Phase SR I (1992-1995)

Phase SR I (1992-1995)

Previously, designer Ralph Gilles let the date slip during a speech at the 2017 Chicago auto show held in February, but this is the first time Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has made the date official, according to ClickOnDetroit.

Phase SR II (1996–2002

Phase SR II (1996–2002

The Dodge Viper and its 8.4-liter V-10 engine have been hand-assembled at the facility since the car was launched in 1992, with the current team composed of 87 remaining employees. Fun fact: the short-lived Plymouth Prowler was also built in the assembly plant during its production span from 1999 to 2002. FCA says it anticipates every employee will be offered work at another assembly plant.

The Connor assembly plant's Detroit zip code has also made the Viper the only American sports car actually built in "Motor City." The Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro are built elsewhere in Michigan, while Chevy Corvette production now emerges from Bowling Green, Kentucky. The Challenger isn't as American as you'd believe, either—it's assembled in Canada. So is the Ford GT.

Phase ZB I (2003-2007)

Phase ZB I (2003-2007)

Phase ZB II (2008–2010)

Phase ZB II (2008–2010)

The Viper has left an oversized imprint on the automotive industry for the past 25 years. Long known for its untamed nature, the coupe and convertible have always represented a raw piece of American performance, and they've taken on the world in the process.

The Connor assembly will finish building Viper orders specced through the One-of-One program until the plant's closure. Those seeking one last chance to own a piece of history will then have to locate their Dodge Viper through a dealership.

Thanks for the memories, Viper.

 

Phase VX I (2013-2017)

Phase VX I (2013-2017)

Notable Sales from Goodwood of Speed Festival 2017

Greg MacLeman

The Goodwood Festival of Speed plays host to some of the world’s most incredible classic cars, but not all of them go charging up the hill. For years, the Bonhams auction has featured a mouth watering array of classics, and this year was no different with more than £10m of collector cars getting away during the event. Here is a roundup of the biggest hitters. 

 

1973 Porsche 911RS Lightweight Carrera – £830,300

Undeniably the highlight of the sale, the car is one of just 17 right-hand-drive examples to make their way to the UK in the early 1970s. It was delivered new to Isaac Agnew, the official Porsche dealer in Belfast, and was entered into a number of competitions by David Agnew, including the Donegal International Rally in 1973. The Porsche was fully restored to its original specification in the 1990s, and had its engine completely rebuilt by marque specialist Porsche Wilmslow in 2007. 

1962 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster – £897,500
Built very late in 1962, the 300SL roadster was shipped to the USA in January 1963 and sold that month to a New York doctor as a '63 model. He kept the Mercedes for three years before selling it to Robert E English of Colorado. Three generations of the English family enjoyed the 300SL over the next 22 years, during which time the car was maintained by ex-factory mechanic, Heinz Nichol.

1911 Mercedes Simplex 28/50hp ‘Roi des Belges’ – £359,900
Reputedly, the Mercedes was first owned by an English family who bought it in Paris in 1912. The current vendor's father acquired the car in 1957, and a note on file states that a previous owner informed him that it had been in their family for many years. Dated July 1957, a letter on file from that previous owner's son states: 'I do not yet know what year my father bought the chassis, but we were always told that this particular model was drilled to carry a light gun in the first war. The bus body was built by S&A Fuller of Bath...'

1914 Rolls-Royce 40/50hp Silver Ghost Open Tourer – £550,300

This Derby-built Silver Ghost, chassis number ‘64AB’, was ordered in 1913 by His Highness the Maharana Sir Fateh Singh Bahadur of Udaipur and built on the high ground clearance ‘Colonial’ chassis. It was completed with torpedo coachwork by Hooper & Co, and remained with the Maharana until he was deposed by the British for refusing to receive the Prince of Wales. The car became well travelled, making its way to the UK via owners in Pakistan, South Africa and Scotland before undergoing a nut and bolt rebuilt to its original specification that was completed in 2012. 

1957 Aston Martin DB MkIII prototype – £337,500
Painted Moonbeam Grey, with green leather interior, DP193 wasn't officially road-registered, as 63 KMY, until the 11th of March 1957, during the same month that DB Mark III production began. A few days later DP193 would be on hand as the Mk III demonstrator for the model's public launch at the Geneva Motor Show; records state it had also acted as a demonstrator at the Brussels' Motor Show in January, although this was two months before the Geneva launch. 

1974 Ferrari Dino 246GT Spyder – £253,500
This 246GT Spyder was built to European specification and sold new via the official Ferrari dealer Motor S.a.s di carla Allegretti of Rome, Italy. The car was delivered finished in Rosso Dino with Nero interior, and was sold to its first owner (in Italy) in September 1973. It passed through three further owners before undergoing recommissioning in 2016, which included a bare metal repaint, an interior retrim and a set of replacement wheels.

 

Steve McQueens Le-Mans Starring 917 Up For Grabs

The 1970 917K that starred in Steve McQueen's Le Mans will go up for auction at Pebble Beach in August.

 

BY BRIAN SILVESTRO

During Monterey Car Week this August, perhaps the most famous Porsche 917 in the world will cross the auction block. This 1970 Gulf-liveried 917K was used as a test car for Le Mans before becoming the star car in Steve McQueen's legendary racing movie legendary racing movie Le Mans film. After being sold and left to sit in a barn for over two decades, it emerged in 2001, and now after a full restoration, it's going on the market.

Gooding & Company, the firm offering chassis 917-024, expects the car to rake in anywhere from $13 to $16 million. The car, which was once set up for vintage racing with the original frame stashed away in storage, was fully restored by Swiss specialists Graber Sportgarage using all the original pieces.

If you're not familiar with the 917K, it was the first Porsche to win Le Mans outright, and features a stunning design and a lovely-sounding flat-12 engine.

Thanks to it’s on-screen presence, and its famous orange and blue Gulf livery, this is arguably the most iconic 917 of all time. And provided you've got entire truckloads of money to spare, it could be yours.

Le Mans 2017- Porsche Overcomes 1 Hour long Repair to Win

The last hybrid standing was 19 laps down with six hours to go. Aston Martin Racing, Jackie Chan DC Racing, and the JMW Motorsports Ferrari join the #2 Porsche 919 Hybrid as class winners

 

With Toyota setting a lap record and taking pole by nearly three seconds, many expected this year's battle for the overall win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans to be little more than a formality, a coronation for a Toyota program that has patiently waited for its turn to win here since returning in 2012. The race was supposed to be straightforward, and even if one Toyota had issues, they were bringing three TS050s. Unfortunately for that program, what followed was a race that was equal parts unexpected and unpredictable, one that unfolded in three acts.

Before sunset on Saturday, Toyota comfortably lead the field. The #2 Porsche 919 Hybrid had trouble early, and the blazing speed of the #7 TS050 seemed like more than enough to dampen any hopes the Porsche team still may have had for their quick #1 entry. As night fell, disasters picked cars off one by one. First it was the #8, which spent nearly two hours in the garage undergoing hybrid system repairs in the early evening. Hours later, it was the leading #7 that fell, as a clutch issue that started as the car entered turn 1 got progressively worse over the course of the 8-mile trek back to the garage. Just a few short minutes later, the #9 car made contact with an LMP2 car in the same corner, with the damage sustained causing suspension damage (and, eventually, a fire) as it dragged on over the same journey home. The #8 was able to salvage a finish nine laps down, but by hour 12, Toyota's race was all but over.

That left Porsche's #1 in a lonely position throughout the night. With the lone privateer LMP1 car retired by lap 2 and the admittedly-quite-fast LMP2 field more than ten laps behind, the #1 had no real reason to run at a hard pace. However, the car's conservative drive to victory wasn't enough to stop it from an engine issue. With four hours to go, that car's telemetry reported a significant issue with the car's traditional source of power, a problem that would prove to be more catastrophic than the hybrid system issues on the #2 when it forced the #1 to retire. Twenty hours in, the LMP2 leader from Jackie Chan DC Racing was leading overall, and Porsche's race seemed run.

Oliver Jarvis, Thomas Laurent and Ho-Pin Tung won the LMP2 class in the #38 Jackie Chan DC Racing ORECA-Gibson 07 after recovering from early delays.

Oliver Jarvis, Thomas Laurent and Ho-Pin Tung won the LMP2 class in the #38 Jackie Chan DC Racing ORECA-Gibson 07 after recovering from early delays.

However, the #2 lost just nineteen laps to the overall leader during its early repairs and never got off pace to catch the LMP2 leader, a goal the team initially had solely to grab as many FIA World Endurance Championship points as possible. Once the Toyotas faltered, that team kicked into high gear, and the projected time for that car to pass the LMP2 leader moved from the end of the race to the middle of hour 23. Thanks in no small part to minimal safety car interruptions throughout the race, long-tenured factory Porsche driver Timo Bernhard closed a gargantuan gap and passed the Jackie Chan DC Racing Oreca with just over an hour remaining.

The GTE Pro battle went down to the wire as the polesitting #97 Aston Martin shared by Jonny Adam, Daniel Serra and Darren Turner prevailed against

The GTE Pro battle went down to the wire as the polesitting #97 Aston Martin shared by Jonny Adam, Daniel Serra and Darren Turner prevailed against

Bernhard, along with teammates and New Zealand natives Earl Bamber and Brendon Hartley, has taken what is the third consecutive win at Le Mans for Porsche's 919 Hybrid platform. That car now joins the 936, 956, and 962 in the pantheon of Porsche prototypes that can boast three or more overall wins at the 24 hour classic, and fittingly, it brings Porsche what is their record-extending 19th overall victory in the race. The #8 Toyota TS050, also repaired extensively early in the race, is the only other finisher in LMP1.

In GTE Am the #84 JMW Motorsport Ferrari driven by Will Stevens, Dries Vanthoor and Robert Smith rose from seventh on the class grid to win by a complete lap.

In GTE Am the #84 JMW Motorsport Ferrari driven by Will Stevens, Dries Vanthoor and Robert Smith rose from seventh on the class grid to win by a complete lap.

While the reliability concerns of all six LMP1 entries made for an interesting and unique race for that class, the greatest beneficiaries of the situation were the top contenders in LMP2. The class, running a new set of regulations in 2017 that requires all manufacturers to use the same powerful Gibson engine, had proven both faster and more reliable than in past years, and while many GT drivers lamented the overall speed of cars designed to be driven by amateurs, it was that speed that allowed the top LMP2 cars in the field to contend for an overall win when the #1 Porsche retired. Separation in the field meant that the #2 had to pick those cars off one-by-one over the race's final four hours, with each contender acting like a new folk hero that bravely stood against a titan despite knowing the inevitability of its demise.

24 Hours of Le Mans 2017 – Race Results

24 Hours of Le Mans 2017 – LMP1 Results

1. Bernhard/Bamber/Hartley, Porsche 919 Hybrid, 367 laps
2. Buemi/Davidson/Nakajima, Toyota TSO050 Hybrid, 358 laps
3. Jani/Lotterer/Tandy, Porsche 919 Hybrid, 318 laps

24 Hours of Le Mans 2017 – GTE-Pro Results

1. Turner/Adam/Serra (GB/GB/BRA), Aston Martin, 340 laps
2. Priaulx/Tincknell/Derani (GB/GB/BRA), Ford GT, 340
3. Magnussen/Garcia/Taylor (DK/E/USA), Chevrolet Corvette, 340
4. Lietz/Makowiecki/Pilet (A/F/F), Porsche 911 RSR, 340
5. Rigon/Bird/Molina (I/GB/E), Ferrari 488 GTE, 340
6. Hand/Müller/Kanaan (USA/D/BRA), Ford GT, 339
7. Briscoe/Westbrook/Dixon (AUS/GB/AUS), Ford GT, 337
8. Gavin/Milner/Fässler (GB/USA/CH), Chevrolet Corvette, 335
9. Thiim/Soerensen/Stanaway (DK/DK/NZ), Aston Martin, 334
10. Mücke/Pla/Johnson (D/F/USA), Ford GT, 332

24 Hours of Le Mans 2017 – GTE-Am Results

1. Smith/Stevens/Vanthoor (GB/GB/B), Ferrari 488 GTE, 333 laps
2. Cameron/Scott/Cioci (GB/GB/I), Ferrari 488 GTE, 331
3. Yoluc/Hankey/Bell (TR/IRL/GB), Aston Martin, 331
6. Ried/Cairoli/Dienst (D/I/D), Porsche 911 RSR, 329
9. Long/Al Faisal/Hedlund (USA/KSA/USA), Porsche 911 RSR, 329
10. Wainwright/Barker/Foster (GB/GB/GB), Porsche 911 RSR, 328

 

Found : 1979 Yamaha RD400F :- Brand New Still in a Crate

Yamaha heaven: Hiding inside this never-opened crate is a brand new 1979 Yamaha RD400F 

Yamaha heaven: Hiding inside this never-opened crate is a brand new 1979 Yamaha RD400F 

Motorcycle Classics reader Scott Lees stumbled across a brand new, still in the never-opened crate 1979 Yamaha RD400F, the last year for this collectible 2-stroke classic.  

Scott found the bike at Britt Motorsports in Wilmington, N.C., resting just inside the front door of the motorcycle dealership, pushed up against a wall and being used as a table to hold racing trophies. A reading couch sits in front of it, all but obscuring it from view. It’s not for sale, and we’re told it never will be. That it exists at all is delightful, that it’s never even had its straps cut is incredible. Maybe someday it will be uncrated and set up on display. Until that day, we can all daydream about the opportunity to find a treasure like this of our own. Scott Lees writes:

Here's where the RD normally sits, barely visibly behind a couch in the showroom at Britt Motorsports in Wilmington, N.C. 

Here's where the RD normally sits, barely visibly behind a couch in the showroom at Britt Motorsports in Wilmington, N.C. 

Not For Sale at Any PriceIf it can be said that two large buildings, one each on either side of a main thoroughfare, are “tucked away,” then tucked away on the outskirts of Wilmington, N.C., are the shops of Britt Motorsports. To the right, the smaller of the two buildings houses the metric cruiser and metric custom side of the company, while the shop to the left displays myriad offerings from most of the Japanese manufacturers, including as my first sight on entry the Rossi R1 replica.

Also on display are a pair of old Yamaha two-strokes in passable street-ready condition, though one is clearly more passable than the other. As explorations continue, my eye notices an old Yamaha shipping crate, nestled in behind a couch and topped with an impressive collection of trophies. My examination reveals the banding has never been cut off; this crate still protects its original cargo, never yet revealed to light of day or human eye.

Keeping the RD company is this 1970 Yamaha DS6 250. A 1975 RD250 is also on the showroom floor. 

Keeping the RD company is this 1970 Yamaha DS6 250. A 1975 RD250 is also on the showroom floor. 

By now, I’ve attracted one of the store’s very attentive salesmen, and as the conversation builds the history of this virgin crate begins to unfold. Mr. Scott Britt, the proprietor, is the son of a long-ago-retired Yamaha dealer who’d had this crate among the items in his inventory. Unsold when new, the crate languished in the proverbial corner until the store, and its inventory, were sold. Although the fate of our treasure becomes less clear at this point, the crate turned up years later in an auction. An old friend/associate of the senior Mr. Britt was in attendance, recognized the crate, purchased it in the auction, and promptly delivered it back to its rightful ‘home.’

Close up of the RD400F's crate. Does anyone know what color "NPW" is? 

Close up of the RD400F's crate. Does anyone know what color "NPW" is? 

Offered compensation, the gentleman refused, wanting only the satisfaction of returning the crate to his old friend’s son. Over the years the son built quite an enterprise; judging from the posters on the walls he has earned a national reputation in the metric custom business. But, he never lost his love for the bikes that started it all, as his in-store collection illustrates. None of the collection is for sale, apparently, and The Crate most especially is not for sale, not under any circumstance, and not at any price. Indeed, blank check offers have been politely declined.

And, as the man says, it is Not For Sale … Not At Any Price. – Scott Lees 

Britts Motorsports in Wilmington, N.C., home to the crated RD400F. 

Britts Motorsports in Wilmington, N.C., home to the crated RD400F.