This 1959 DB HBR5 (chassis 1283) raced three times at Le Mans in two different configurations, most notably in 1960 when it placed 19th overall. Beginning in 1959 and run for two further consecutive years, the car first raced as a factory built, aluminum bodied barchetta but retired with a broken clutch at the 9th hour. Sold on afterwards, it returned with the hardtop and distinct V-shaped windshield shown here. A beautifully built car with a fascinating history, it is now offered in its most successful form following a 12 year plus restoration by ex-Matra craftsmen. Find it here at Artcurial who will auction it along with many other wonderful old exotics at the 2014 Le Mans Classic on July 5th.

​In addition to an impressive overall finish in a field of much faster, larger capacity machines, the car also scored 3rd overall in the index of energy during its second outing at Le Sarthe. The following year it returned again, and in the hands of a third owner would take 21st place overall. Afterwards it went on to race in many less high profile competition including both endurance and hill climb events. Rebodied a second time in 1965—this time by René-Bonnet–it would continue racing until 1970 and was finally purchased by a US-based Deutsch Bonnet collector in 1984. Six years later the car began an extensive and impressive sounding restoration that would take more than a decade to complete—be sure to read the listing for full details.

​We think it looks fantastic, slightly odd proportions and detailing included. The tapered Kamm tail and split level rear screen lend it real presence, and the bisected, steeply angled flat panes of the windshield are strongly evocative of aircraft building techniques. Displayed at both Retromobile 2002 and the 2008 Paris-Deauville Rally (where it also ran), the car was awarded best restoration at the latter and still looks to be in excellent condition throughout.

​Originally powered by a 744CC Panhard flat twin, the car received a 104 cubic centimeter bump in displacement following the fitment of a larger motor during its initial 1960 rebody, a configuration we gather it retains today.

​Similar to many high end vintage race cars, this one offers a feast of interesting and beautifully executed engineering and construction fine points, and is listed with a large photo gallery perhaps even more interesting than its intriguing past—we wish we could run ten photos here, at minimum.

​Sold with no reserve, Artcurial estimates it will fetch between 120-160k euros (~$163,151-217,531 today)—no small sum, but a ton of history and character (if not many horsepower) per coin nonetheless. We hope its raced often and spends little time resting.