A masterpiece from The Aumann Collection, this 1948 Veritas RS, priced between €550,000 – €750,000 EUR, is a rare and significant example of early post-war racing innovation. This car, built on a BMW 315/1 chassis and equipped with a BMW 328-sourced 2.0-liter inline-six engine, represents the pinnacle of craftsmanship and motorsport history.
Racing Pedigree and Unique Provenance
The car was originally delivered to renowned Belgian racer Johnny Claes, founder of Équipe National Belge. Claes raced the Veritas RS at prestigious events such as the 1948 12 Hours of Paris, finishing 8th overall, and the 1949 Brussels Grand Prix. Claes later sold the car to Marcel Balsa, and it eventually found its way to American racer John Biehl, who campaigned it in SCCA West Coast events during the 1950s.
The Veritas RS was later acquired by Californian racer Walter “Watsie” Roach, who competed in numerous SCCA events. Roach modified the car by fitting a Siata 8V engine before it retired from racing in 1957. The car was then stored for nearly 30 years before being rediscovered in 1980, still bearing its race-worn body and remnants of its original yellow paint.
A Meticulous Restoration
In 1991, the car was purchased by Dieter Aumann, who embarked on a complete nut-and-bolt restoration. To preserve the integrity of its period bodywork, Aumann commissioned a new identical body and meticulously restored the mechanicals, completing the project in 1993. Since then, the Veritas RS has participated in high-profile events such as the 1994 Mille Miglia and the 2006 Silvretta Classic.
A Rare Opportunity
With its rich competition history, stunning restoration, and documented provenance, this 1948 Veritas RS represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own one of the most significant early post-war racing cars. It’s not just a collector’s dream but a truly iconic piece of motorsport history.
Source: rmsothebys.com
This article was crafted with assistance from Chatgpt
