August is nearly here and for us that means the focus is now firmly on the Monterey car week with its host of events and auctions. Especially the latter have created the most headlines during the last few years and browsing through the massive catalogs, it is obvious that this year will be no exception. Today we take a first look at what RM Auctions have on offer and our attention was immediately drawn to the one-owner Ferrari 275 GTB/4 NART Spyder, which has an astronomical estimate of $14 - 17 million. This particular example is one of just ten built and was picked up new at the Ferrari factory by the late Eddie 'George' Smith, and it is his family that have now consigned the car for auction. All proceeds of what could be the biggest sale of the week will go to charity. In addition to the car on offer at RM, our 35-shot gallery also features pictures of two other examples, including the first one built, which was both raced at Sebring and used by Steve McQueen in the original 'Thomas Crown Affair'. When this car was last offered, it changed hands for just under $4 million. Among the many other noteworthy machines due to cross the block in downtown Monterey are the Mercedes-Benz 680 S Saoutchik Torpedo Roadster, which won Best of Show at Pebble Beach last year and the 1974 Indy 500 winning McLaren M16C/D Offenhauser.
Ford announced their attention to enter the 2014 Dakar Rally with a purpose-built Ranger. The program is spearheaded by Ford of South Africa and will feature two of the V8-engined machines. These will be driven by South African Chris Visser and South American Lucio Alvarez. The five-litre, eight-cylinder engine used produces a relatively modest 348 bhp, which transferred to all four wheel through a sequential, six-speed gearbox.
Enjoy the links:
2013 RM Auctions Monterey - Ultimatecarpage.com
1967 - 1968 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 Nart Spyder - Images, Specifications and Information
1928 Mercedes-Benz 680 S Saoutchik Torpedo Roadster - Images, Specifications and Information
1973 - 1974 McLaren M16C/D Offenhauser - Images, Specifications and Information
2013 Ford Ranger Dakar - Images, Specifications and Information
2013 Suzuki iV-4 - Images, Specifications and Information