Mecum Auctions will offer collectors a piece (or two) of American racing history at the 2012 Monterey auction, scheduled for August 16-18 at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel in Monterey, California. The 4th annual sale will be headlined by STP Lotus Type 56/3 Turbine driven by Graham Hill at the 1968 Indianapolis 500 and the 1972 Can-Am Championship-winning Porsche 917/10-003 Spyder.
For the 1968 Indianapolis 500, STP boss Andy Granatelli commissioned Colin Chapman and Team Lotus to build four cars utilizing Pratt and Whitney turbine engines and Ferguson four-wheel drive systems. Chapman and his team developed the Lotus 56, which was the most technologically advanced race car of its era. The popularity and attention that the Lotus Turbine cars received during the Indy 500 helped to turn STP into a household name, and solidified the synergy between racing and brand marketing. After the 1968 racing season concluded, chassis 56/3 made its way to First Brands (STP) corporate headquarters where it remained in their lobby until 1996, and was then acquired by racing great Richard Petty, who owns the car to this day. The 2012 Mecum Monterey sale will be the first time an original, authentic Lotus Type 56 has been offered for sale at public auction.
The Team Penske Porsche 917/10-003 Spyder, driven by George Follmer and Mark Donahue, won the 1972 Can-Am Series Championship. Mecum expects the Can-Am Champion L&M Porsche 917 to sell at a world record price for a Porsche at public auction, topping the $4.4 million price paid for the Porsche 917/30 at the Gooding Amelia Island sale.
Mecum at Monterey Auction – Additional Information
August 16-18, 2012
Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa
On Del Monte Golf Course
One Old Golf Course Road
Monterey, Calif. 93940
Gates open daily at 8:00 a.m. Thursday thru Saturday
Auction will begin at 10:00 a.m. daily
Live on Velocity 12:00-6:00 p.m. Thursday thru Saturday
(All Times Pacific)
For additional information, visit Mecum.com or call 262.275.5050.
[Source: Mecum]
