From the very beginning of the automobile, man built cars to compete with a passion for speed and technology. These early innovators are in an elite club with their place in automotive history guaranteed as the creators of a true classic sports car, a genuine thoroughbred.
The development of the racing sports car can be traced to specific manufacturers, who at one time in history dominated motor racing, in particular, the world’s most challenging road races, such as the Mille Miglia, Targa Florio and endurance contests such as the Le Mans 24 Hours.
The creation of an automobile which could win in international competition was usually the inspiration of one passionate man, an engineer, a genius, who put all of his design and engineering skills toward his goals.
Part one of this pre-war market guide will feature some of these exciting cars, their founders and designers:Bugatti — Ettore Bugatti, and Alfa Romeo — Nicolo Romeo.
Today, these pre-war masterpieces are highly sought after by the sophisticated collector.They and their current owners are often invited to partake in the most prestigious historic racing venues world wide — the Le Mans 24 Hour Classic, Mille Miglia Storica, Monaco Historique Grand Prix and the Targa Florio, to name but a few.
Due to the age of these cars and their racing heritage, their value is determined by their originality and provenance. Old cars built up from parts are not the same as true complete survivors. In many cases, this attrition can bring the remaining total down to less than ten good surviving examples of a particular model.
Make | Model | Level III | Level II | Level I |
| AC | 12/24 | $100,000 | $125,000 | $175,000 |
| 12/40 | $100,000 | $125,000 | $175,000 | |
| Ace 16/56 | $125,000 | $175,000 | $225,000 | |
| Ace 16/66 | $150,000 | $200,000 | $250,000 | |
| Ace 16/80 – 16/90 | $175,000 | $225,000 | $275,000 | |
| Alfa Romeo | RL Targa Florio | $1,000,000 | $1,200,000 | $1,500,000 |
| 6C 1500 SS/SC | $1,000,000 | $1,200,000 | $1,500,000 | |
| 6C 1750 GS/SC Zagato | $1,500,000 | $2,500,000 | $3,000,000 | |
| Tipo B Monoposto P3 | $8,000,000 | $9,000,000 | $11,000,000 | |
| Tipo C Monoposto 8C35 | $6,000,000 | $8,000,000 | $10,000,000 | |
| Tipo 8C 2300 | $6,000,000 | $8,000,000 | $10,000,000 | |
| Tipo 8C 2300 Lungo (Le Mans) | $8,000,000 | $10,000,000 | $12,000,000 | |
| Tipo 8C 2300 Corto (Mille Miglia) | $8,000,000 | $11,000,000 | $13,000,000 | |
| Tipo 8C 2300 Spider Corsa (Monza) | $9,000,000 | $11,000,000 | $14,000,000 | |
| Tipo 8C 2900B Lungo | $14,000,000 | $17,000,000 | $19,000,000 | |
| Tipo 8C 2900B Corto | $14,000,000 | $17,000,000 | $19,000,000 | |
| Alvis | 4-Cyl., FWD | $250,000 | $300,000 | $350,000 |
| Amilcar | 6C | $200,000 | $250,000 | $300,000 |
| Aston Martin | Ulster Mk II | $600,000 | $700,000 | $800,000 |
| Lemans | $700,000 | $800,000 | $900,000 | |
| 2-Liter Speed Model | $400,000 | $500,000 | $600,000 | |
| Bentley | 3-Liter Speed Model | $1,000,000 | $1,300,000 | $1,500,000 |
| Big Six | $2,000,000 | $2,300,000 | $2,500,000 | |
| 4.5-Liter | $2,000,000 | $2,300,000 | $2,500,000 | |
| Speed Six | $5,000,000 | $5,500,000 | $6,500,000 | |
| 4.5-Liter Blower | $6,000,000 | $7,000,000 | $8,000,000 | |
| BMW | 328 | $1,000,000 | $1,200,000 | $1,300,000 |
| Bugatti | Type 35 | $2,000,000 | $2,500,000 | $3,000,000 |
| Type 37A Supercharged | $2,500,000 | $3,000,000 | $3,500,000 | |
| Type 51 | $4,000,000 | $5,000,000 | $5,500,000 | |
| Type 57SC Atalante | $7,500,000 | $8,500,000 | $9,000,000 |
Alfa Romeo 6C1750 Supercharged Grand Sport
Alfa Romeo was well known for its excellent handling eight-cylinder sports cars and Grand Prix cars during the 1920’s and 1930’s. They were designed by an engineering genius, one Vittorio Jano. However, Jano also designed a successful six-cylinder car, the 6C1750 supercharged Grandsport. The engine was an inline six-cylinder of 1750 cc displacement with twin overhead camshafts, dual Memini carburetors and supercharged to produce about 100 bhp. The racing team was managed by one Enzo Ferrari. Several great drivers piloted the superb handling 6C1750 to competition successes in the Mille Miglia, Targa Florio, Monza, and even Le Mans. Coachwork was available from different companies but the later 5th and 6th series Zagato-bodied cars are the most popular. The 6C1750 is an excellent car to run in the pre-war category of all events for a fraction of the price of an 8C.
AC ACE 16/90
It has been over 100 years since AC cars built the Auto Carrier, a single-cylinder, three-wheeler delivery vehicle in 1904. The name AC was taken from the initials of the first vehicle, and has been in use since. Through a variety of company owners, AC built some wonderful pre-war, rally, and touring cars, including the post-war, six-cylinder AC Bristol roadster and the 1960s V8-powered AC Cobra.
The 1936 AC ACE 16/90 was an elegant and sporting two-seater, open-tourer known for its great road holding and sporting characteristics. It used a variant of the in-line, 6-cylinder engine designed by founder John Weller, mated to a four-speed gearbox. This unique AC engine was used by AC for decades.
The 16/90 was a supercharged version of the 16/80 and it produced about 100 bhp. During its four-year life, the 16/80 and 16/90 series had great success in competition including winning the 2.0 liter class in the Alpine Trials. When tested by Autocar it achieved 90 mph with the windscreen folded down.
AC, this great car company in Thames Ditton, contributed to the war effort by making shells and fuses. After WWII, car production continued, but in a different style and direction with a more conservative sedan. Then the beautiful AC Roadster was produced and a partnership with Carroll Shelby and the famous AC Cobra was born. The pre-war 16/90 was a well-built, supercharged, elegant sporting car along the lines of the Jaguar SS100. Today it is a rare sight to see an AC 16/90. It is an example of the beauty and craftsmanship of the AC cars of the pre-war era.
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
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. Values for special examples or car’s with exceptional provenance can vary significantly. Values listed here are purely for general reference and do not represent absolutes.
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.
