1957 Ferrari 500 TRC
To keep up with the dominating Maseratis, Ferrari’s new chief engineer Vittorio Jano set out to design a new 2-litre racer, but still using the Lampredi four cylinder engine. One of the visible new features of the new car were its engine’s red cylinder heads, after it was named Testa Rossa or TR, Italian for red head. The 500 TR’s body was a development of the Scaglietti design used for the second series of 500 Mondials. It made a victorious debut at the 1956 Monza Supercortemaggiore, where Peter Collins and Mike Hawthorn beat the Maseratis. Development continued throughout the year, which culminated in a special 2.5 litre version for Le Mans. Fitted with a Touring body, these Le Mans cars are commonly referred to as 625 LM. Rule changes forced Ferrari to update the 500 TR to comply with the ‘Appendix C’ for sports cars. These required the cars to be fitted with a full-width windscreen, a passenger door and a fuel tank mounted outside of the cockpit. Dubbed 500 TRC, the new car was fitted with a slightly restyled body, which was considerably lower than its predecessor’s.

(Photographs by Ultimatecapage.com)

Jaguar E2A
For many enthusiasts the Jaguar D-Type and E-Type are household names. The former is the three times Le Mans winner, while the latter is one of the sexiest road cars ever constructed. Few though realize just how closely these two seemingly completely different machines are related. The similarities are not immediately visible, but the semi-monocoque chassis used in both cars is virtually identical in design. During the transformation of the D-Type racing car into the E-Type production car, Jaguar built various prototypes. The most famous and sole survivor is dubbed E2A. Underlining its competition heritage, E2A was extensively raced in 1960 by the likes of Jack Brabham, Dan Gurney, Walt Hansgen and Bruce McLaren. After its testing and racing duties, the unique machine was destined to be scrapped like all other Jaguar pre-production prototypes. Fortunately the current owner stepped in and managed to pry the fabulous machine away from Jaguar before it was destroyed. This Friday and for the first time ever the ‘missing link’ between the D-Type and E-Type will be offered to the public. Auctioneer Bonhams will offer the very original machine during their Quail Lodge auction in Monterey, California. Considered one of the most important Jaguar’s in existence, it is expected to sell for over $7 million, which would mean a new record for Jaguar motor car.

Concorso Italiano
As the name suggests, this concours d’elegance focuses on Italian machinery. This year’s edition is held at a brand new location; the Marina Airport, some 10 miles north of Monterey. In addition to the annual ‘Celebration of Italian Style’, the 2008 edition celebrates ’45 years of Lamborghini’, ’40 years of the Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona’ and the ‘Creations of Designer Marcello Gandini’. One of the absolute highlights will no doubt the presence of the very first Lamborghini, the unique 350 GTV.
In addition to the cars displayed on the show field, there are numerous corrals for interesting Italian and non-Italian vehicles. This event is highly recommended for fans of exotic machinery and supercars.