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The 1957 Ferrari 500 TRC stands as a pivotal and exceptionally beautiful sports racing car, widely admired for its elegant Scaglietti coachwork and significant racing heritage. As the foundational example of only sixteen remaining 500 TRCs, chassis number 0658 MDTR boasts a remarkable history, including participation in the 1957 12 Hours of Sebring during the World Sportscar Championship and an impressive record of 20 period races with 10 class victories and 13 total podium finishes between 1957 and 1963. This exceptional machine is also a veteran of 21 editions of the Mille Miglia Storica between 1993 and 2014 and has been cherished by only two discerning owners for the last 33 years. Certified by Ferrari Classiche in 2005, confirming its original chassis, body, engine, and rear axle, this 500 TRC is eligible for the world’s most prestigious motoring events.
The Genesis of a Racing Legend: The story of the 500 TRC began with the development of the Lampredi-designed Tipo 500 2-litre, four-cylinder engine in 1952. Despite its smaller displacement compared to Ferrari’s V-12 engines, the Lampredi powerplant was potent, propelling Alberto Ascari to Ferrari’s first Formula 1 driver’s title in 1952. This engine’s success led to its application in Sports Car racing from 1953 to 1957. The 1953 625 TF marked Ferrari’s first four-cylinder sports racer, utilizing an enlarged 2.5-litre version of the Lampredi engine. While producing around 20 horsepower less than the V-12 powered 250 MM, the 625 TF benefited from a significant weight reduction of approximately 130 kilograms. This trend of balancing power with lower weight continued in four-cylinder derivatives like the 500 Mondial and 750 Monza.
The Arrival of the Testa Rossa: The 1956 season marked a significant evolution with the introduction of the 500 “Testa Rossa” (red head), distinguishable by its iconic red cam covers and sleek Scaglietti bodywork. The TR replaced the Mondial’s transverse leaf spring suspension with a more modern coil spring arrangement and switched from a de Dion rear suspension to a live axle with hydraulic dampers. Remarkably, the car’s weight was further reduced to just 680 kilograms (1,500 lb), allowing its 180-horsepower engine to deliver spirited performance.
The 500 TRC: Compliance and Beauty: The FIA’s new Appendix C regulations for 1957 prompted Ferrari to introduce the 500 TRC, with the “C” suffix indicating compliance with the new rules. The TRC featured significantly improved Scaglietti bodywork, including a wider cockpit, a passenger-side door, a full-width windscreen, and exquisitely curved fender lines. The “C” specification of the Tipo 131 engine incorporated a stronger crankshaft and connecting rods, along with a lighter flywheel, while fuel capacity was increased to 120 litres. Importantly, the car’s weight remained the same as its predecessor. Although intended for privateer teams, the TRC achieved remarkable success in its debut season, securing class wins at the 12 Hours of Sebring, Mille Miglia, Nürburgring 1,000 Kilometres, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Only 17 examples of the 500 TRC were produced, making it the final four-cylinder Ferrari Sports Racing Car ever built.
Chassis 0658 MDTR: A Documented Beginning: The example offered, chassis number 0658 MDTR, holds the distinction of being the very first 500 TRC constructed. Its assembly was meticulously supervised and documented by legendary Maranello foreman Amos Franchini between November 19, 1956, and February 1, 1957. It was initially sold through Luigi Chinetti to Carl Haas of Chicago, Illinois, who later co-founded the renowned Newman-Haas Indycar team. Haas retained the car briefly before it was acquired by Edmund P. Lunken of Cincinnati, Ohio, in March 1957.
Sebring Debut and Early Racing Career: Just weeks after arriving in the United States, Lunken entered 0658 in the 1957 12 Hours of Sebring on March 23. Lunken had previously achieved a class win at Sebring in 1953, and for 1957, he partnered with Chuck Hassan in the new TRC. Against a strong field of 66 cars, including factory-entered Ferraris and other 500 TRCs, Lunken and Hassan showed promising early pace. However, their race was cut short by a serious fuel leak after 143 laps. Following Sebring, Lunken continued to race 0658 in SCCA events, achieving notable success with a first in class and third overall at Louisville, Kentucky, followed by another first in class and second overall at Elkhart Lake. He secured two more class victories at Marlboro, Maryland. In the Road America 500 miles, Lunken finished first in class and seventh overall in a high-quality field. Although entered in the season-closing Nassau Trophy Race, neither Lunken nor the car participated. Lunken concluded his Ferrari racing career at the end of 1957 and sold 0658 in 1958.
A History of Passionate Ownership and Competition: Following Lunken, 0658 was owned and raced by Roy Cherryholmes and Todd Aikens, who achieved multiple class victories in Texas and Louisiana. By 1960, the car had returned to Carl Haas, who also raced it. In 1961, it was acquired by early Ferrari collector Ken Hutchison, followed by General Motors engineer Fred Leydorf and then prominent Ferrari collector Jack P. Reuter in 1974. Remarkably, Reuter traded the ex-works Ferrari 330LM/250 GTO #3765 for the TRC. After a few short-term owners, 0658 returned to Europe in 1992, joining the collection of Claudio Caggiati in Italy. Caggiati actively campaigned the car in 21 editions of the Mille Miglia Storica between 1993 and 2014. He also entrusted the car to Carrozzeria Brandoli for a full restoration in 1994-1995. In 2005, the car received Ferrari Classiche Red Book certification, confirming its originality. After over two decades with Caggiati, 0658 joined its current world-class collection, where it has been sparingly used and never publicly shown to preserve its originality.
A Timeless Masterpiece: The late 1950s are celebrated as a golden age for racing car design, where aesthetic beauty guided coachbuilders. Ferrari’s creations by Scaglietti and Pininfarina from this era are considered mechanical works of art. The 500 TRC, a precursor to the legendary 250 Testa Rossa and a contemporary of the mighty 315/335 Sport models, is undoubtedly one of the most exquisitely proportioned sports racers ever conceived. Its appeal, combined with its remarkable performance, relative ease of maintenance, and versatility, makes it ideal for prestigious events worldwide. Chassis 0658’s impeccable provenance and compelling race history further elevate its significance, making it one of the most historically important four-cylinder Ferraris to be offered in recent times, with an estimated value between $7,000,000 and $9,000,000 USD.
Summary:
- One of only sixteen remaining 1957 Ferrari 500 TRCs.
- Raced at the 1957 12 Hours of Sebring.
- Participated in 20 period races with 10 class victories.
- Veteran of 21 Mille Miglia Storica events.
- Retained by two owners for the last 33 years.
- Ferrari Classiche Red Book certified.
- Eligible for top motoring events globally.
- Meticulously documented history with continuous ownership.
- Foundation for the legendary 250 Testa Rossa.
- Estimated value of $7,000,000 – $9,000,000 USD.
Disclaimer: Information provided is for general informational purposes only and is based on available details. Potential buyers are advised to conduct their own thorough inspection and verification of any high-value classic automobile, including a review of its provenance, certification, and condition reports, to ensure its authenticity and suitability for their intended purpose meet their expectations.
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