To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' Villa Erba event, 25 May
2019.
Estimate:
€350.000 - €450.000
- Delivered new to H.S.H. Prince Rainier III and Princess
Grace
- A cherished piece of Mon�gasque history
- Fully restored to original specifications by Riva
specialists
In early 1958, Carlo Riva received a special order for a pair of
Tritones from a wealthy Milanese textile industrialist, Mr
Gianoglio. A close relative of H.S.H. Prince Rainier III, the
reigning prince of Monaco, Mr. Gianoglio wished to bestow the
prince with a Tritone, as a show of his admiration and gratitude.
Thus, hull no. 62, Via, was born.
Via, adorned with red and white stripes, in the livery of the
Principality, was powered by two Chris-Craft MCL, 5.5-litre,
six-cylinder engines, each capable of 175 hp at 3,400 rpm and both
equipped with the automatic diverter dubbed the 'Chris-O-Matic',
which was launched at a time when the pushbutton automatic
transmission fascinated the American auto industry.
Via proved to provide great fun for the young family that formed
after his marriage in 1956 to Princess Grace. A frequent sight in
the waters surrounding the Principality, Via served as the prince's
flagship in keeping with naval etiquette and protocol, flying both
the flag of Monaco and the personal flag of the prince.
Prince Rainier III eventually replaced his Tritone with a smaller
Riva Junior, used for short trips and water-skiing with Princess
Grace and their children. Yet, Via would continue to remain in its
home port, always maintained by Riva in Monaco under the long-term
custodianship of its second owner.
Several years ago, after deciding to restore the faded craft to its
original condition, a previous owner entrusted Via to a renowned
Dutch specialist. An exemplary restoration of several years was
then undertaken, returning the Tritone to its original
specification, including both original engines, which were
completely rebuilt and refurbished. The latest technology enabled
the famous Chris-O-Matic transmission to be rebuilt with added
reliability. In 2014, the beautifully restored craft was purchased
by its current owner and has returned to its home port of Monaco,
where it has been regularly looked after by Monaco Boat Service and
remains ready to use and enjoy at a moment's notice.
Today, Riva is still a symbol of wealth and glamor, and there is
perhaps no more glamorous Riva than Via, which continues to embody
the spirit of Prince Rainier III and the stunning Princess Grace.To
view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/ve19.
