106-Year-Old Ballot Racing Car Expected to Sell for €6 Million (10 photos)

At the end of January, a Ballot 3/8 LC racing car, built in 1920, will be auctioned at Gooding Christie's in Paris. Of the three surviving examples, this one is considered the most original. Experts believe the lot's price could reach €6 million during the bidding process.





For this car, engineer Ernest Henry developed an engine with four valves per cylinder, two camshafts, and hemispherical combustion chambers.

It is believed to be the world's first engine with this combination of technologies. The three-liter inline-eight produces 108 hp and is fed by two Zenith carburetors. Power is transmitted to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual gearbox. Drum brakes are used on all wheels, and the suspension is leaf spring.

The three Ballot 3/8 LCs built made a name for themselves in races in 1920 and 1921. They came close to victory on several occasions, and one of the cars took first place in the 1921 Italian Grand Prix. However, due to the passage of time, it is difficult to determine with certainty which car crossed the finish line first. The average speed of the winner was 144 km/h.

After that, the car changed hands several times and competed in dozens of races, winning several times. Several years ago, the car underwent a complete restoration. For its 106 years, it is in excellent, fully functional condition.