A 1991 Ferrari 643 car driven by folk hero Jean Alesi has sold for an incredible €3.66million at an auction in Paris, France.
The 643 made its Formula 1 debut in the 1991 French Grand Prix three decades ago, while chassis number 127 was entrusted to Jean Alesi. Born in France to Sicilian parents, Jean Alesi had caused a sensation when he arrived in Formula 1 two years earlier, and his giant-killing performances in the nimble Tyrrell soon brought him to the attention of the top teams.
Jean Alesi initially agreed to sign for Frank Williams’ team, but the chance to then join Scuderia Ferrari arrived and the passionate Ferrari fans came to adore his hard-charging style in the car and his emotional character outside the challenger.
The striking car was driven by Frenchman Jean Alesi and Gianni Morbidelli at the Australian, British and French Grands Prix, powered by a 3.5-litre naturally aspirated V12 producing over 700bhp. The 643 was one of the best-looking Formula 1 cars of its era—and its V-12 engine made it one of the best-sounding, too.
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The car has been presented in full running order and is eligible for historic racing events, including Formula Legends 3.5L and Ignition GP. It has therefore become the second high-profile sale of a 1991 Formula 1 single-seater in Paris this month after Michael Schumacher’s debut Jordan 191 sold for €1.3million [£1.15million approx] through Bonhams.
However, Jean Alesi’s Ferrari sold for much more, fetching €3.66million [£3.27million approx] thanks to the auction organized by RM Sotheby’s.
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