It’s not every day you have the opportunity to add a famous, historically significant Formula One car to your collection, which is why this 1979 Ferrari 312 T4 heading to auction is a big deal. Not only is it a bonafide F1 racer, it’s the last one of Enzo Ferrari’s to win the Formula 1 Drivers’ World Championship.
The car that started it all for Lamborghini turns 60.
When looking at adding a racecar to your collection, while some buy because of personal preferences for a specific team or driver, which is fine, the record of the car is of high importance. Not only did this particular 312 T4 clench the top spot in the Formula 1 Driver’s World Championship in 1979, it also earned the top spot for the Formula 1 Constructors’ World Championship that year.
In addition, this was the winning car at the Belgian, Monaco, and Italian Grand Prix for 1979. Its impressive record only fuels its collectability.
Designed by the great Mauro Foghieri, some consider this F1 car one of his greatest achievements. It was the first full ground-effect Grand Prix car for Ferrari. It also is powered by an innovative 3.0-liter flat-12 engine, providing keen balance and immediate power delivery, key items for giving the best drivers an edge in races.
However, only one driver has been behind the wheel of this racecar, Jody Scheckter. He piloted it during nine races in 1979. And after it retired from F1 competition it’s participated in historic motorsports events, like the 2019 Monza Grand Prix weekend, but only with Scheckter at the wheel.
From the Jody Scheckter Collection, this 1979 Ferrari 312 T4 should fetch a handsome top bid while on the auction block. It comes with the original bill of sale from 1982 and has been maintained in completely original form, including the worn steering wheel, seatbelts, and other components.
RM Sotheby’s estimates this car will go for €5,250,000 to €6,500,000 at the auction house’s upcoming Monaco event.
See the lot listing here.
Images via RM Sotheby’s
Shawn Henry