Vehicle Description
Vehicle to be offered for Auction sale January 19th - 22nd, 2017 at Russo and Steele's 17th Annual Scottsdale Arizona Auction at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. Please contact us for more information.
Named after company founder, Ilario Bandini, Bandini Automobili was founded in 1946 and operated from Forl in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. While little-known to many racing enthusiasts, this sports-car manufacturer and racing constructor remain in business through 1992. Bandini's advanced, lightweight manufacturing methods and construction techniques extracted every ounce of performance from their small-displacement engines and the small firm would go on to profoundly influence other post-war Italian sports car companies to do the same.
Mr. Bandini's keen mind, deep racing roots, and sense of detail and quality ensured that Bandini cars were fierce competitors on the track and the cars to beat in both Europe and the United States. Interest from the rabid American market reached a fever pitch when Bandini Siluros translated from Italian as 'torpedo', with their wailing 750 cc engines and radically flared front fenders, won SCCA class championships during 1955 and 1957. Sig. Bandini himself entered and drove his own cars in more than 60 races, including the legendary and deadly Mille Miglia from 1947 until 1965, during which time he achieved immense success with 19 first-place finishes and 18 podiums.
This incredibly captivating Bandini 750 Sport Siluro is believed to have been imported to the United States during 1953 by Italian-car importers Tony Pompeo and Perry Fina, most likely with the intention of using the car for racing. Subsequent known history states the car was acquired by the late Raymond Milo in 1992, with the Bandini requiring a complete restoration. The restoration work was performed in Pisa, Italy, by the Faralli Restauri shop.
As offered, this Bandini 750 Sport Siluro presents exceptionally well, with its gorgeous lightweight aluminum racing body most appropriately finished in Rosso Corsa, Italian Racing Red. Wonderful details abound, from the lightweight chassis design and construction, to the competition suspension layout, Alfin-type drum brakes, and intricate wire-spoke wheels. The Bandini's egg-crate grille, cooling louvers, and miscellaneous racing fittings are quite reminiscent of Maserati, Ferrari, or Lancia Grand Prix cars of the era. The Spartan and purposeful racing cockpit includes beautiful white-faced racing instruments and gauges to match the rest of the car. An American Crosley 750 cc engine powers the car and provides period American flavor to match its interesting provenance, which includes a letter of certification from Bandini. A highly delightful and engaging Italian competition car form the postwar Golden Age of motorsports, this delightful Bandini is eligible for a multitude of vintage racing and driving events around the world, including the popular modern edition of Italy's legendary Mille Miglia.
