To be offered without reserve in Monterey, CA. in August 17-19th, 2023. Chassis number 0406 MD is a 1954 Mondial 500, a 4- cylinder marvel with a storied racing history. Now being auctioned by Sotheby’s, the world’s largest, most trusted and dynamic marketplace for art and luxury, this special bit of Ferrari’s past is expected to be bid well past the $1.5 million mark, due to its provenance and rarity. No matter how badly this car looks, it’s a bit like a dropped Faberge Egg; even another million in restoration costs will be more than offset by the worth of the finished product.
Sotheby’s Story & Numerous Photos Here
- The second Mondial built; one of 13 examples originally completed with Pinin Farina spider coachwork
- Raced in 1954 by ex-Scuderia Ferrari team driver Franco Cortese, a driver famous for piloting the first Ferrari built to the marque’s first overall victory
- Period Italian racing career including appearances at the Mille Miglia, Targa Florio, and Imola Grand Prix
- Accompanied by correct-type Mondial replacement engine while retaining matching-numbers gearbox
- Documented with copies of factory build sheets and CSAI homologation papers
- Domiciled under current ownership for nearly 50 years; prime candidate for an intriguing restoration project
Claiming period racing use and initial ownership by one of Italy’s better-known Scuderia principals, this long-secluded 500 Mondial has the history to warrant a thoughtful restoration. Chassis number 0406 MD is sequentially just the second Mondial built, and one of 13 first-series examples originally bodied as Pinin Farina spiders.
In April 1954 the Ferrari was piloted by former factory driver Franco Cortese. Cortese was a particularly significant driver for Ferrari during its earliest years, boasting the distinction of piloting the first Ferrari built to the marque’s first overall victory.
