1957 Ferrari 500 TRC: Sculpted Speed, Legendary Soul

Widely celebrated as one of the most visually stunning sports car designs ever conceived, the 1957 Ferrari 500 TRC offered by RM Sotheby’s is more than just a beautiful machine; it’s a foundational piece of Ferrari racing history. This particular example, one of only sixteen remaining 500 TRCs, boasts an impressive pedigree, including participation in the 1957 12 Hours of Sebring during the second round of the World Sportscar Championship. Its competitive spirit is further underscored by its participation in 20 period races between 1957 and 1963, achieving an impressive tally of 10 class victories and 13 total podium finishes. A testament to its enduring appeal, this 500 TRC is also a veteran of 21 editions of the Mille Miglia Storica between 1993 and 2014.

For the last 33 years, this exquisite example has been cherished by just two discerning owners. Its authenticity is confirmed by a Ferrari Classiche Red Book certification obtained in 2005, verifying the retention of its original chassis, body, engine, and rear axle. This remarkable car is eligible for many of the world’s most prestigious motoring events, including the Mille Miglia Storica, Le Mans Classic, Goodwood Revival, and the Colorado Grand.

The lineage of the 500 TRC traces back to 1952 with the development of the Lampredi-designed Tipo 500 2-litre, four-cylinder engine. While smaller in capacity than some of Ferrari’s V-12 counterparts, this engine was a potent force, propelling Alberto Ascari to Ferrari’s first F1 driver’s title in 1952, a pivotal moment for the Prancing Horse. The four-cylinder powerplant continued its success in Sports Car racing between 1953 and 1957.

The 1956 season marked a significant evolution with the introduction of the 500 “Testa Rossa,” replacing the Mondial. Distinguishable by its iconic red cam covers and elegant Scaglietti coachwork, the TR featured a more contemporary coil spring suspension and a live axle with hydraulic dampers, while remarkably shedding weight to just 680 kilograms, allowing its 180 horsepower to deliver spirited performance.

The 1957 FIA Appendix C regulations spurred Ferrari to create the 500 TRC, with the “C” suffix denoting its compliance. The TRC showcased significantly refined Scaglietti bodywork, including a wider cockpit, a passenger-side door, a full-width windscreen, and those breathtakingly curved fender lines. A new “C” specification engine featured stronger internals and a lighter flywheel, while fuel capacity was increased. Despite these enhancements, the weight remained the same. Although intended for privateer teams, the TRC enjoyed a stellar debut season, securing class wins in prestigious races like the 12 Hours of Sebring, Mille Miglia, Nürburgring 1,000 Kilometres, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Only 17 examples were ever produced, making it the final four-cylinder Ferrari Sports Racing Car.

The example offered by RM Sotheby’s, chassis number 0658 MDTR, holds the distinction of being the very first 500 TRC constructed. Its assembly was meticulously documented in early 1957. Its early racing history includes participation in the 1957 12 Hours of Sebring. Over its competition life, it achieved notable class wins and podium finishes in SCCA racing events. After passing through several owners, it returned to Europe in 1992 and underwent a full restoration in the mid-1990s. It then participated in the Mille Miglia Storica an impressive 19 times over two decades.

The late 1950s represent a golden era for racing car aesthetics, where visual impact often took precedence. The Ferrari creations by Scaglietti and Pininfarina from this period are true mechanical works of art, and the 500 TRC, a precursor to the legendary 250 Testa Rossa, stands out as one of the most exquisitely proportioned sports racers of its time. This inherent beauty, combined with its remarkable performance, relative ease of maintenance, and versatility, makes it ideally suited for a wide range of prestigious motoring events. This particular 1957 Ferrari 500 TRC, with its impeccable provenance and compelling race history, is expected to fetch upwards of $7 million, representing a rare opportunity to acquire a truly significant piece of Ferrari history.

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