The instantly recognisable 1957 Ferrari 250 TR (chassis no 0714TR), with its Scaglietti-designed ‘pontoon-fender’ bodywork, is a potential world record-breaker.

RM Auctions, in association with Sotheby’s, is offering the car at its ‘Ferrari Leggenda e Passione’ sale on May 17, in Maranello – and the auction house believes this legendary Testa Rossa could fetch an even higher bid than the 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spyder, which RM sold last year for $US10,894,400 (£5,598,208).

It certainly has rarity value. Only 22 of these TRs were produced, from 1957 to 1958, and this example is magnificently presented in its period race-correct black livery and red nose. It was delivered new to its first owner, racing driver and future coachbuilder Piero Drogo, in Modena, in December 1957.

Extensively campaigned in its day, the car recorded significant finishes at some of the world’s most important racing events. Drogo debuted the car as a privateer in the 1000km Buenos Aires in January 1958, finishing fourth against such worthy opponents as Phil Hill, Peter Collins, Wolfgang von Trips and Olivier Gendebien. He then ran the car in the Grands Prix of Cuba and Portugal, before selling it (via Luigi Chinetti) to Texas rancher and entrepreneur, Alan Connell, who enjoyed several wins on the 1959 North American racing circuit. 0714TR competed in its last professional race in June 1963, at the Elkhart Lake 500.

All cars presented at the Ferrari Leggenda e Passione sale will be certified by Ferrari Classiche. For more details, www.rmauctions.com.

Text: Charis Whitcombe
Photos: RM Auctions