The 1951 Veritas Meteor, an iconic Formula 1 car steeped in motorsport history, is set to cross the auction block in Munich on Saturday, November 23, 2024. Estimated to fetch between €250,000 and €350,000, this remarkable machine comes from The Aumann Collection and is offered without reserve. Its story, marked by the ownership of renowned Belgian racing driver Arthur Legat, is a fascinating journey through post-war motorsport.
A Meteoric Entry into Formula 1
Designed by Veritas co-founder Ernst Loof in 1949, the Veritas Meteor was crafted for Formula 2 regulations and produced between 1951 and 1954. Powered by a 2.0-liter Veritas-designed inline-six engine, this car exemplifies the spirit of early post-war racing. Chassis 502, the subject of this auction, was first purchased by Belgian racer François Vermeulen in May 1951. Shortly after, the car was loaned to Vermeulen’s friend and famed co-driver, Arthur Legat.
Arthur Legat: A Storied Career
Arthur Legat, then 53 years old, was already a celebrated racing driver, particularly known for his back-to-back victories at the Grands Prix des Frontières in 1931 and 1932. With a long racing career stretching back to the pre-war era, Legat piloted the Meteor into five races from 1951 to 1954, including his notable debut in the 1952 Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps. At that race, Legat became the oldest driver to debut in Formula 1, finishing 13th—an achievement that solidified his name in racing history.
Legat later purchased the Meteor in 1953, and it remained in his possession until his death in 1960. Throughout his ownership, Legat competed in various races, and his personal history with the car is well-documented with newspaper clippings, photographs, and race charts, all preserved in a detailed history file.
The Aumann Collection and Restoration
After Legat’s passing, the car’s history is somewhat obscure until the early 1980s, when it was acquired by The Aumann Collection. Under its new ownership, the Meteor underwent a complete nut-and-bolt restoration, reviving the car to its former glory. The car was even raced again at the Nürburgring in 1987, and has since been exhibited as a testament to its racing heritage.
Today, this 1951 Veritas Meteor, still bearing engine number “502” matching its chassis, stands as a symbol of vintage motorsport excellence. It comes with a wonderful history file, including period documentation, photographs, and race results that showcase its illustrious racing past.
A Rare Opportunity
This is a rare opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts to own a significant piece of Formula 1 history. The Veritas Meteor is not only an impressive racing machine, but also a vehicle eligible for various historic racing events, offering its next owner the chance to continue its legacy on the track.
This stunning example of motorsport engineering and design, with its unique racing pedigree, is sure to captivate collectors when it crosses the block at Munich’s auction.
Source: rmsothebys.com
This article was crafted with assistance from Chatgpt
