Classic Car of the Week: 1956 Ferrari 290 MM by Scaglietti

Classic Ferrari’s have been reaching record values in auction rooms for as long as most gentlemen with an eye on the market care to remember. And so they should, many are some of the finest and most sought-after machines in the business. But ex-Ferrari Works (Scuderia) cars, especially those piloted by the legendary Juan Manuel Fangio – a five-time, world champion racing driver – are another matter altogether.

Introducing Enzo Ferrari’s 1956 Ferrari 290 MM. This car, one of only four examples ever made, was designed for Fangio to drive in the Mille Miglia, the 1,000-mile race around Italy. Seeing him through to a respectable fourth place-finish, the car was taken on and raced by Phil Hill at the Nürburgring, by Alfonso de Portago at the Rouen Grand Prix, by Wolfgang von Trips during the early days of his career at Ferrari and it won the Buenos Aires 1,000km in 1957.

Other than the hugely impressive list of pilots and racing entrances, perhaps the most surprising discovery about this 290 MM is that it escaped unscathed throughout its whole racing career. After retiring from Scuderia, the car found its way into the hands of numerous collectors and racers on both sides of the Atlantic.

It’s time, however, for a new chapter as the 290 MM will be offered as part of the RM Sotheby’s upcoming Drive by Disruption sale in New York on December 10, where it’s expected to achieve a record value. Click here for more details.

Guide price: £18,500,000