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Chassis:
One of the very last 8C 2900s built, this example's history can be traced back to 1949 when it was imported to Brazil by an amateur racer from Italy. It was raced extensively and modified along the way. By the late 1950s, it was shortened, powered by a Chevrolet V8 and fitted with a single seater body. Eventually, the chassis was retrieved from South America by David Llewellyn. It passed through several hands awaiting a full rebuilt and was finally acquired by Sam Mann in 1994. He also bought an original Touring Spider body with number 2027 to take the place of the original Spider body, believed to be number 2026. The replacement body had also been brought back from South America. He also managed to track down the original engine, so he had all the crucial components. The work was entrusted to marque specialist Tony Merrick. After lengthening the chassis, he found that all the holes in the body and chassis lined up. This would suggest that body 2027 may in fact have been fitted on the chassis as all the holes to connect the body and chassis were usually drilled freehand, so no two bodies would be totally alike. Upon completion, Mann had the car painted black and fitted with additional chrome trim, similar to that of a different Touring Spider. The car was finally ready in 1997. Not only was it shown at various events, it was also enjoyed on the road by Mann for two decades. He has now consigned the car to the RM Sotheby's Monterey Sale, where it could very well become the most expensive pre-War car ever sold at auction.
Chassis details |
Manufactured in |
1939 |
Engine number |
422042 |
Last known location |
Sam Mann |
Appearances |
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Most recent auction(s) |
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