AN ULTRA-rare Ferrari 275 which was modelled on the legendary Le Mans-winning model is set to go under the hammer for £40,000.
The impressive Italian car is one of only 12 models manufactured to honour the iconic vehicle.
But motorists shouldn’t expect to hit the open road in this unique piece – as it’s actually a 30mph kids’ toy.
The miniature marvel up for grabs is named the Ferrero Le Mans Children’s Car.
The scaled-down version can only reach up a maximum speed of 30mph – with a modest 4bhp engine.
The collector’s item, which has been reduced to just a third of the original size, is powered by a 50cc engine and a 12v battery.
The mini Ferrari is a tribute to the iconic 1964 Le Mans-winning car that once roared at 155mph.
The classic vehicle boasted an impressive 370bhp thanks to a four-litre engine.
The unique model is being offered by RM Sotheby’s auctioneers.
A spokesperson said: “This handsome one-third scale Ferrero Le Mans is one of 12 miniature tributes handcrafted in 1992 by Eugenio Ferrero at his Carrozzeria Eugenio in Briosco, Italy.
“Styled after the Le Mans-winning 1964 Ferrari 275 P, it is built with a tubular steel chassis, and has a one-piece fibreglass body.
“And is powered by a 50cc, two-stroke Piaggio engine, which is mated to a four-speed gearbox with reverse gear, and full 12-volt battery and electrics.”
Le Mans is an endurance-focused sports car race held every year near a French town with the same name.
The contest is considered to be one of the world’s most prestigious races along with the Monaco Grand Prix.
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24 HOURS of Le Mans is an endurance-focused sports car race held annually in France.
The motors competition is considered to be one of the world’s most prestigious races – including the Monaco Grand Prix and Indianapolis 500.
It has been running since 1923 and it is the oldest active racing event in the world.
Winners are determined according to timing, meaning whoever covers the greatest distance in 24 hours snaps the crown.
Teams need to run for a full day without any mechanical failures.
Sports cars can reach up a speed of up to 227mph.
The top record currently stands at 253mph by the Mulsanne Straight in 1988.
Auctioneers said the car still captures the essence of the original model that took part at the 1964 Le Mans.
The controls are located to the driver’s left to be easily handled – even by the smallest hands.
They added: “Finished in red and white livery, the car has a tan leather seat for the monoposto driving position.
“Controls, to the driver’s left, fall easily to the hand, be it a small one.
“Overall, this delightful little Ferrero is very clean and correctly detailed.”
“Though not legal for road use, nor homologated for FIA competition, it is ideal for fast laps around the driveway.”
It comes as a student picked up a new world record after blitzing a breakneck top speed on a toy car.
Marcel Paul, who is taking a degree in electrical engineering in Germany, modded out the miniature motor to achieve a frankly terrifying pace.
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A RARE 12-inch child’s toy car version of one of the world’s most successful Grand Prix racing cars could sell for £10,000.
The rare mini motor was modelled on a 1920s Alfa Romeo P2 and is highly detailed with black spoked wheels and hand operated steering.
The replica, produced by French toymaker CIJ, is a faded dark purple colour with a brown interior and even comes with a brake lever.
It will go under the hammer on Friday at auctioneers Lacy Scott & Knight of Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk.
It’s not known where the model came from.
Embellished with the number two, it has now been cosigned by a Suffolk collector.
CIJ made Citroen and Renault toys before it ventured out and modelled the Alfa Romeo, hoping to cash in on its racing success.
Alfa Romeo is widely known to have dominated Grand Prix motor racing – until 1934, when the German Mercedes and Auto Union cars emerged.
