Race and classic pictures

Andretti's iconic Lotus 79 set for Abu Dhabi auction

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©Bonhams

Ahead of next week's sealed auction in Monterey of Michael Schumacher's race-winning Ferrari F2001b, another high-profile sale of an iconic F1 car has been announced.

At next November's 'On the Grid' auction that will take place at Yas Marina during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend, a legendary Lotus 79 that carried Mario Andretti to the world title in 1978 will go under the hammer, and likely at a hefty price.

The iconic ground-effects marvel that won four races in Andretti's skilled hands and one race with teammate Ronnie Peterson at the wheel stands as a testament to the ingenious craftsmanship of the legendary Colin Chapman, who also founded the esteemed Lotus marque.

©Bonhams

Introduced at the fifth round of the '78 season in Belgium, this championship-winning masterpiece revolutionized Formula 1 engineering thanks to its innovative design that harnessed the concept of ground effects, utilizing intricate underbody aerodynamics to generate unparalleled downforce and grip.

The groundbreaking approach showcased Chapman's unparalleled vision and ushered in a new era of high-speed precision on the racetrack.

As this historic machine prepares to grace the auction stage in Abu Dhabi next November, its legacy as a symbol of engineering brilliance and racing prowess continues to captivate enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike.

©Bonhams

Auction house Bonhams, which is handling the sale, has estimated Super Mario's 79 at anywhere between $6.5 million and $9.5 million.

The auction will take place at Yas Marina on November 25 and will also include Kimi Raikkonen's 2006 McLaren MP4/21 which the Finn drove from F1's season opening round in Bahrain until the French Grand Prix at Magny-Cours in July.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.