1957 Maserati 250F Monoposto Child's Car

One of only two non-identical examples - and confirmed to be the last one he produced - the model car you see here was hand-built by a German enthusiast in around 2018/2019.

At 3.2 metres long, it’s a faithful replica of the legendary racing car and carries competitor number '32', the same number used on Fangio's 250F at the Monaco Grand Prix in 1957, a race he won on his way to his fifth and final World Championship.

Powered by a Lifan 6.5bhp engine, this is the racing car you dreamed of owning when you were a child, and while it might be too late for you now (although an adult could – just – squeeze in), it isn’t too late for your children…

What can we say? It’s utterly gorgeous, isn’t it? Completely and utterly gorgeous. 

It’s made of metal rather than the more usual GRP we tend to see used to construct cars like this, and it’s 3.2m length was sufficient for the builder to get the proportions spot on, something smaller versions sometimes struggle with.

The wire wheels are shod with very good tyres and it also features a faux exhaust pipe, air intake, and fuel filler in addition to a small windscreen.

The rear engine cover lifts completely away for easy access and maintenance.

Only lightly patinated, it presents very well indeed and is easily good enough to be displayed as a piece of art if you didn’t want to use it.

The cabin features a detailed, albeit non-functioning, dashboard. The three instruments - fuel level, engine revs, and coolant temperature - are set in an alloy dashboard.

The dash sits behind a lovely three-spoke sports steering wheel, and the driver sits in a tan leather seat. 

There is plenty of room for children of most ages to sit in there comfortably. Adults too, if they don’t mind being a bit cramped

The Lifan four-stroke engine is mounted at the rear and is said to start and run as it should. 

Of course, 200cc and 6.5bhp is bever going to give performance to rival the 220-270bhp straight-six (and later 310bhp V12) of the real thing but it’s easily fast enough to be fun.

The rest of the mechanical specification is just as impressive and includes chain drive, electric start, and a disc brake.

The single-gear transmission makes it much easier to drive than the five-speed gearbox of the real thing, and the twin pedals for braking and acceleration mean the junior racer can quickly get to grips with nailing their apexes and braking points from the very first without having to worry about juggling a clutch. 

Just like a modern F1 driver, in fact.

Films of it running and being driven are available.

The seller hasn’t started the engine since buying it in March 2021, so it may need some servicing and/or limited recommissioning.

Look, we know that spending somewhere between £18,000 and £24,000 on a child’s toy makes little sense.

And yet, if you can afford it then what a memory to give them! 

It’s also unique and widely coveted, so that initial investment might be repaid with a strong residual value. 

For example, we sold this very car in Paris in March 2021 for €20,700 (including premium), and if it meets its estimate then the seller will have had three years’ enjoyment at minimal cost.

Kids grown up and flown the coop? In that case it would make a helluva centrepiece in your classic car collection until the grandchildren arrive.

Or tucked away in your man cave – or, if your partner is supportive enough, in the house, maybe hung on the wall.

Makes you think, doesn’t it?

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located with the vendor in Virginia Water, Surrey. Viewings are strictly by appointment.  To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.