Storied 1957 Ferrari 335 S To Star At Salon Privé Concours 2024

Published: Tuesday, June 25, 2024, 17:36 [IST]

An American collector is entering a renowned 1957 Ferrari 335 S into the Salon Privé Concours at Blenheim Palace, scheduled for 28-31 August. This car, chassis number '0674', boasts a rich racing history and was driven by notable 1950s motorsport figures. It spent over four decades in Pierre Bardinon's collection before its current ownership.

Salon Privé Concours guests will have a rare opportunity to see this iconic car up close. The event, presented by Aviva, marks its 19th year in 2024 and is often referred to as "the UK’s most exclusive automotive garden party." Tickets for the event are available on the official website.

The Ferrari 335 S is celebrated as one of the greatest Ferraris ever made. It featured prominently in the 1957 World Sports Car Championship, competing against other front-engined, lightweight aluminium-bodied two-seaters with unlimited engine sizes. Its exceptional four-cam engine was Ferrari's first of its kind.

This car began as a 290 MM Spyder Scaglietti with chassis number '0626'. Driven by Juan Manuel Fangio in the 1956 Mille Miglia, it finished fourth. Later, Phil Hill and Ken Wharton drove it to third place in the Nurburgring 1000km. Wolfgang von Trips then secured second place in the Swedish GP with it.

After the Swedish GP, the car was converted to a 315 S Barchetta with a new 3.8-litre engine and renumbered '0674'. It debuted in this form at the 1957 Sebring 12 Hours, where Peter Collins and Maurice Trintignant finished sixth. Wolfgang von Trips later drove it to second place in the final Mille Miglia.

For the 1957 Le Mans race, it was upgraded to its current 335 S guise. Despite an early strong performance by Mike Hawthorn and Luigi Musso, an engine issue prevented them from finishing. However, they achieved fourth place in the Swedish GP on 11 August.

Further Modifications and Achievements

Later that year, Scaglietti modified '0674' to a 'pontoon' style for better brake cooling during the season finale in Caracas. The car finished behind Peter Collins and Phil Hill's winning duo in a Ferrari-dominated race. Subsequently sold to Luigi Chinetti’s NART operation, it won the Cuban Grand Prix with Stirling Moss and Masten Gregory driving.

Chinetti repainted it blue with a white stripe for NART before selling it to Mike Garber for SCCA events. After two seasons of competition, Garber sold it to Robert Duesk, who eventually sold it to Pierre Bardinon in 1970 after lengthy discussions.

Restoration and Current Ownership

Bardinon’s team restored '0674' at Carrozzeria Fantuzzi in Modena, reverting its nose back to original while retaining the pontoon nose for display. The bodywork was repainted red, and it was frequently driven on Bardinon's private track despite rarely leaving his museum grounds.

The current owner acquired this historic Ferrari at a 2005 auction for nearly £25 million. Since then, it has been showcased at numerous prestigious events like Finali Mondiali Daytona and Ferrari Classiche Concours.

Cinematic Connection

This Ferrari also played a role in Michael Mann's film "Ferrari," which focused on the 1957 season where '0674' starred. The production team examined this car closely before building replicas for filming, cementing its place in cinematic history as well.

"I’m thrilled this exceptional Ferrari is to join us at Salon Privé Concours this summer," said Concours Chairman Andrew Bagley. "It has a truly remarkable history, piloted by some of the most iconic racing drivers in the world."

Entries are closing soon for Salon Privé Concours presented by Aviva's upcoming edition. Spaces are still available for classes such as Pre-War Closed/Elegance Bugatti – From Grand Prix to Grand Touring Porsche ‘Rennsport’ Legendary Liveries.

Those interested in entering their cars should contact Concours Coordinator Nick Wilkes via phone or email provided on the official website.