2001 Ferrari 360 Spider on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Le Mans-raced 1953 Ferrari 340/375 MM headed to auction

Vintage Ferrari models show up on the auction circuit all the time, but few can match this particular '53 340/375 MM Berlinetta Competizione in terms of historical significance. Not only did the machine compete in the 1953 24 Hours of Le Mans, but this particular model managed to finish in second place before being disqualified for taking on extra brake fluid during a stop. More importantly, a total of three Formula One world champions have driven this car in competition at events like the Spa 24 Hours, Pescara 12 Hours and the Circuit of Guadeloupe.
The coolest part for us? Umberto Maglioli managed to set a public road stage record with this machine during the Carrera Panamericana by averaging 138 miles per hour over 223 miles. The effort was good enough to land the team a sixth place finish overall, and the record still stands to this day for any road stage anywhere. The 340/375 MM Berlinetta Competizione is up for auction in restored condition at the RM Auction event in Paris this week. Check out the full press release below for more information.

Early Ferrari F40 prototype destroyed in roadside fire

The people behind Tax the Rich have made a name for themselves by doing the sort of things with six and seven-figure supercars that Ken Block does with rally-prepped Subarus and Fords. The group's last video, released just over a year ago, features a rare prototype Ferrari F40. According to Ferrari Chat and IVG.it, another car from that collection is no more, having been reduced to a thin, black crisp. It's a terrible thing to see cars end up in such a state, especially one with such a storied history. It's unclear how the fire started, but old Italian supercars don't exactly have the best reputation for reliability. Hell, even some new Ferraris have had issues with catching fire. This particular F40 is believed to be the sixth prototype ever built by Maranello, going on display at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1987. According to Motor 1, the car was converted to GT spec in 1991 and raced continually over its life. While some rare supercars have been brought back from the brink and fully restored, it's hard to imagine there is any way to salvage what's left. A Facebook video from Patrich Poggi shows a broken, sullen husk, parked on the side of the road and covered in fire retardant. If you didn't already know, it would be difficult to tell what sort of car you'd be looking at. At least this F40 spent its life on the road and on the track rather than sitting in the back of a garage in someone's collection. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. News Source: IVG.it via Motor 1, Ferrari ChatImage Credit: Patrich Poggi Ferrari Coupe Supercars

Skip Barber's favorite car is a Ferrari 275 GTB

"My name is Skip Barber," says the voice at the end of this Petrolicious video, "and I'm fortunate to drive a variety of cars. My favorite car is a Ferrari 275 GTB." If you've ever heard that name before, you'll know it carries a lot of weight, and if you've ever seen a 275 GTB up close – or driven one – you know what he's talking about. Barber is a multiple Sports Car Club of America national champion and one of only a handful of American drivers to have competed in Formula One. But he's arguably better known as the founder of his namesake racing and driving schools, which operate at dozens of locations across the country. He's usually linked most prominently to the iconic Lime Rock race course. Barber rescued the Connecticut circuit when its previous owners pulled out, putting the investment together with some alumni from his school. These days Skip is the sole remaining proprietor, but as you can see from the way he talks about it, he's justifiably proud with what he's done with the place. It's one of the few automotive race tracks in the country recognized on the US National Register of Historic Places, and still hosts top-level racing – including the United SportsCar Championship that will return for the Northeast Grand Prix this summer. Between the racing career he's had, the schools he's started, and the track he's preserved, it's safe to say that Barber has left an indelible impact on the motor racing scene in America. And at 79 years old, he's showing no signs of slowing down. Related Video: