The FIA (Federation International Automobile) sports prototypes were some of the most exciting purpose-built racing cars ever designed. They competed under the regulations set forth by the FIA in the International Championship of Makes from 1964–1971, and the World Championship of Makes from 1972–1981. The regulations changed somewhat as the years passed, 5.0-liter engines, then 3.0-liter engines, etc., but the concept remained the same—to allow manufacturers to design the most fascinating, technically advanced sports racing cars the world had seen. These cars were built to compete in a world championship, which included racing in the great endurance races such as the Le Mans 24 Hour, Nürburgring, Spa and Monza 1000 km and the Targa Florio. Alfa Romeo, Alpine Renault, Ferrari, Ford, Lola, Matra, and Porsche, all designed very lightweight, successful, sports prototypes to compete in the world championship. From this came the Alfa Romeo Tipo 33/12, Ferrari 512M, Ford GT40, Matra 670, and Porsche 917. These fantastic cars were driven by the world’s best drivers at a time when Formula One drivers still enjoyed driving in sports car races. Today FIA sports prototypes qualify to race in many great historic events such as the Le Mans 24 Hour Classic and Monterey Historics. Due to their technology, great designs, eligibility, and low production number, FIA sports prototypes have steadily been increasing in value.
1970 Porsche 908.02 Long Tail Spyder
Porsche, having won the 1969 World Manufacturers Championship had a goal of winning the Le Mans 24 Hour race and so took a multicar approach. The 4.9-liter, 12-cylinder 917K was now setting the pace but surprisingly the 3-liter, 8-cylinder 908 Long Tail Spyder which was lighter and more fuel efficient—and quite streamlined—was also reaching lap times close to those of its more powerful teammate. In the hands of Helmut Marko and Rudi Lins, the Martini-sponsored 908.02 LT Spyder moved up the leader board and finished in 3rd place overall at the 1970 Le Mans 24 Hour. It also took 1st place in the Sports Prototype class, 1st in the Index of Performance, 1st in the 3-liter class, and 3rd in the Index of Efficiency. Quite an accomplishment for Porsche’s 908 Spyder. The short chassis version .03 Spyder went on to win the Targa Florio and Nürburgring 1000 km’s that year making the 3-liter 908 one of the most successful racing Porsches. Today, these great cars are exciting to see and a reminder of the Porsche design and engineering excellence of that era.
1972 Ferrari 312PB
Ferrari’s last great sports prototype (for nearly 25 years) was the 312PB. It was built for the new 3.0-liter formula for FIA sports prototypes. The design was taken from the then-current Formula One car. The engine was a 3.0-liter, flat-12 cylinder with fuel injection. This car was unique in that Ferrari built all components, chassis, engine, gearbox, wheels, bodywork, etc…while most Formula One teams and sports car teams shared components from other suppliers. The engineer for the project was Mauro Forghieri, while the team manager was respected driver Peter Schetty. The drivers were none other than Mario Andretti, Jacky Ickx, Ronnie Peterson, Brian Redman, Clay Regazzoni, and Tim Schenken. The 312PB won races at the Targa Florio, Nürburgring 1000 km, Monza 1000 km, Daytona and Sebring on the way to winning the World Championship of Makes for Ferrari. These stunning sports prototypes are beautiful to the eyes and their sounds are music to the ears. They were built during a time when manufacturers willingly put their resources toward designing and engineering sports cars solely for the purpose of winning races.
Criteria Used For Assessing Valuations for this Guide:
- Degree of Originality
- Overall Condition, Restoration
- Technology, Design, Coachbuilder
- Production Numbers/Rarity
- Competition History
- Ownership History, Documentation
- Modern Event Eligibility
Regional Variances
The prices stated in this guide are based on U.S. values. The values of historic racing cars can vary as much as 25%-35% in other countries, depending on local market appeal, currency rates, import duties, and VAT. Most of the time, we are able to document known sales or closed escrows, as they say in real estate. When this is not possible, a logical estimate of the car’s value is given, based on its sales history and relationship to cars of its type.
The prices stated in this guide are based on U.S. values. The values of historic racing cars can vary as much as 25%-35% in other countries, depending on local market appeal, currency rates, import duties, and VAT.
LEVEL | VALUATION CATEGORIES |
|---|---|
I | The best combination of all criteria. |
II | Satisfies mid-range of criteria. |
III | In need of restoration. Meets only a few points of criteria |
