With the final countdown well underway to Sunday’s much anticipated Ferrari Leggenda e Passione auction event in Maranello, Italy, RM Auctions  is delighted to announce an important inclusion to the auction line-up – a legendary, grand-prix winning 1964 Ferrari 250 LM.

Designed by Pininfarina, with coachwork by Scaglietti, this magnificent example, chassis no. 5845GT, was the fourth of only thirty-two 250 LMs built. The highlight of its extensive racing history occurred in 1965 when, capably driven by Jochen Rindt, s/n 5845GT claimed one of the most interesting victories for the 250 LM, taking first place at the esteemed Austrian Grand Prix.

The 1965 Austrian Grand Prix was a 200 mile race that was widely expected to be won by Mike Parkes in the Maranello Concessionaires 365 P2. With its exceptional balance and handling, Jochen Rindt was able to make the tyres (and fuel) last the full race, and without a pit stop he had a 31 second lead over Parkes when the chequered flag fell.

In September 1969, the car was shipped to Boston, Massachusetts in the US and later converted for road use. The dashboard was covered with leather, sliding windows replaced with wind-up windows, and Seat belts and carpets were added. During the ensuing years, the car changed hands numerous times, during which it was, at one stage, a common sight on New York  freeways, being used by its then owner for regular commutes into the city.

The car was purchased by its current owner in 2002, at which time it underwent a comprehensive restoration.

“The 250 LM is one of the most highly sought after of all Ferraris, and the example offered here is one of the best examples of the 250 LM and the first to be offered by RM Auctions since 2002,” says Max Girardo, Managing Director of RM’s European Operations in referring to s/n 5845GT.

“Eligible for the most prestigious competitions, such as the Shell/Ferrari Historic Challenge series, it is certainly one of the most desirable, exciting Ferraris in existence. Its upcoming sale presents an exclusive ownership opportunity,” he added.