Remember Juan Manuel Fangio’s record-breaking Mercedes W196 Formula 1 car? For only a tiny fraction of the $30 million paid for the famous F1 racer you can now own another car driven by the legendary Argentine driver, albeit a much more modest one.
Silverstone Auctions will put one of Fangio’s old road cars under the hammer at the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show (November 15-16), with the vehicle to be offered without reserve. The car is a 1970 IKA Torino 380S that was driven by the four-time Formula 1 world champion in his life away from the race track.
The automobile has an interesting story, as it was gifted to Fangio by IKA for his contribution to the creation of Argentina’s national car, the Torino. Just 1,558 units of this model were built between 1968 and 1970, which makes Fangio’s car all the more exclusive.
Industrias Kaiser Argentina (IKA, later IKA-Renault) wanted to thank Fangio for his input in the design and creation of the Torino. Fangio also contributed to the racing success of the car, as he was team manager of the factory works team that entered the 1969 84 hour Nürburgring race and managed to finish fourth with one of their Torinos.
Available as a sedan and coupe, the IKA Torino was based on the AMC Rambler American, but featured a restyled bodywork by Fangio’s friend, Battista “Pinin” Farina. Powered by a 155hp 3.8-liter straight-six gasoline engine, the car is in original condition and “exceptionally good order”, and has been untouched by his family since Fangio passed away in 1995. However, Silverstone Auctions reckon it requires light cosmetic rectification in places on the paint and brightwork.
The car is offered with many documents related to Fangio’s ownership of the car, including insurance papers, an Argentinian vehicle green card, handbook, service card and Fangio’s international license.
By Dan Mihalascu
PHOTO GALLERY
