One of the most beautiful race cars of all time has gone under the hammer in one of the quietest auctions. The 1957 Ferrari 500 TRC, with the benefit of an impressive race pedigree and a superb restoration, was offered in a secretive “sealed” sale at the end of May.

Bidders competed online over two days with auctioneer RM Sotheby’s promising “final sale results remain confidential, ensuring no impact on future market offerings,” while buyers and sellers remained anonymous. The company claims this is “quickly becoming the preferred choice for discreet collectors”.