A Prestigious event like the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este deserves a similarly upscale auction, and RM has assembled a lot-list that seems to do justice to its first sale at what is considered to be Europe’s most exclusive concours.

Heading the lots in terms of visual drama at least is the 1953 Ferrari 250MM Pinin Farina Berlinetta, chassis no 0352 MM/0239 EU. It’s powered by a 2953cc V12, and was ordered new by well-known Mexican racer Efrain Ruiz Echeverria, who bought it to replace his trusty 212 Inter Berlinetta for the 1953 Carrera Panamericana. Privateer Echeverria’s seventh place was a credible achievement in a race that was won by Fangio.

After Echeverria’s ownership, the car passed through various collectors’ hands, generally staying in North and Central America. In recent years it has been restored by Tillack & Company, and it was shown at Pebble Beach in 2002. Estimate is €2,600,000-3,200,000.

Other Villa d’Este stars include the 1938 Talbot-Lago T150C-SS Teardrop Coupé featured in the May issue of Octane, and a 1965 Ford GT works prototype roadster, chassis number GT/111 (est €2,400,000-3,200,000).

See www.rmauctions.com.