OM Superba 665

1930 OM 665 SS MM Superba Tourer by Carrozzeria Sport

Offered by Bonhams | Goodwood, U.K. | September 13, 2014

Photo - Bonhams

Photo – Bonhams

Officine Meccaniche (OM) was founded in 1899 as a merger of two existing companies. Based in Milan, their business was railway stock. But in 1918, they opened up an automotive branch in Brescia after acquiring car manufacturer Brixia-Zust.

OM built four-cylinder cars until 1923 when they introduced their six-cylinder 665 model. It was called “Superba” because it was as fine an example of mechanical excellence as you could get. Over the years, a number of models were built, but things got more serious in 1928 upon the debut of the Type S Mille Miglia. In 1929, a supercharger was added, and the SS MM was born. It’s a 2.3-liter straight-six and power isn’t listed, but I’d bet that this car moves.

The first outing for chassis #1095 (this car) was the 1930 Mille Miglia. Here’s some quick competitive highlights:

  • 1930 Mille Miglia – 5th, 1st in class (with Aldo Bassi and Carlo Gazzabini)
  • 1930 Targa Florio – 6th (with Nando Minoia)

Participation in those two races alone guarantees a car legendary status, finishing in the top 10 in both is an even greater accomplishment. After the Targa Florio, this car went to Milan where it had this four-seater body attached, making it eligible to compete in races in the U.K. and Ireland.

This car was rediscovered in England in 1950 and the man who bought it in 1966 owned it for over 30 years. The current owner has had it for about five. A class winner in the Mille Miglia is a big deal, and the price reflects it: $1,300,000-$1,600,000. Click here for more info and here for more from this sale.

Update: Sold $2,038,669.

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