Breitling

BREITLING, GIFTED TO LUIGI 'GIGI' VILLORESI BY SCUDERIA FERRARI, YELLOW GOLD CHRONOGRAPH 'MILLE MIGLIA'

CIRCA: 1950 CASE NO: 755'123 CASE MATERIAL: Yellow gold CASE DIAMETER: 37 mm. DIAL: Silvered MOVEMENT: Manual FUNCTIONS: Chronograph BUCKLE: Later gold tone Breitling buckle BOX: No PAPERS: No REMARK: Commissioned by Scuderia Ferrari and gifted to Luigi 'Gigi' Villoresi upon his victory in the 1951 Mille MigliaBreitling 'Mille Miligia' Gifted to Luigi ‘Gigi’ Villoresi by Scuderia Ferrari in 1951 The present lot was made for Ferrari and presented to Luigi ‘Gigi’ Villoresi, the famed Champion of Italy upon his victory in the 1951 Mille Miglia. Villoresi’s victory marked the fourth in what would be six consecutive Mille Milgia wins for Enzo Ferrari and solidified Ferrari’s apex position in the world of motorsports. Villoresi enjoyed a long storied career in motorsports, racing fiats as early as 1933. By the time Ferrari signed him in 1950, he was already a major Grand Prix driver, having won several championships alongside his brother Emilio Villoresi, and was previously signed by Alfa Romeo and Maserati. That same year, Villoresi became the first ever subject in the editorial magazine Pit & Paddock published on 25 August 1950. Villoresi won the 1951 Mille Milgia in the Ferrari 340 America Berlinetta Vignale, one of four brand new cars produced by Ferrari. Of special note, Gigi had specifically requested a roof modification to his vehicle in order to mitigate noise during the race. Though controversial, Ferrari agreed and its’ incredible victory solidified the design for later Formula 1 models. Villoresi completed the race in 12 hours, 50 minutes, and 18 seconds beating Bracco by 20 minutes, who took second place for Lancia. The present lot is one of a trio of watches in our auction that represents a strong and positive relationship between Enzo Ferrari and Luigi Villoresi. Though originally strained, their partnership blossomed and their successes propelled each other into motorsports history. For other watches gifted to Luigi ‘Gigi’ Villoresi, please see lots 338 and 339.