LONDON.- The historically significant 1930 OM 665 SS MM Superba is to be offered at Bonhams Goodwood Revival auction on Saturday 13th September 2014.

Boasting an impeccable competitive career, the pre-war sports racing car began life with class winning success in the gruelling Mille Miglia 1000 mile race around Italy in 1930. It continued with entries in a number of the most noted endurance races of its day including the Targa Florio and Tourist Trophy.

Perhaps lesser known than other Italian thoroughbreds, OM, which stood for Officine Meccaniche and translates as 'Mechanical Workshops' brought its engineering expertise from the manufacture of locomotives and rolling stock into motor car production in 1917 with the acquisition of Brescia based car builder Zust. The four and six cylinder cars that they built through the 1920s and 1930s were proven to be particularly competitive, achieving numerous wins in National and Regional events, firmly establishing their reputation with first, second and third place finishes in the 1927 Mille Miglia.

After its career in international racing the OM was stored away in the Midlands of the United Kingdom, until decades later reappearing when discovered in the 1960s. Recognition of its importance today can be attributed to the exhaustive research made by its owners in this period who have systematically pursued any leads to its history in an age when those associated with the car in the 1930s were still alive.

James Knight, Bonhams Global Head of Motoring, said: “the Bonhams Goodwood Revival sale is an annual spectacular of classic motoring – with this year is set to be no different. Bonhams motoring department is again set to display some spectacular cars, today announcing the first of this intriguing list: the OM.

“Of most interest for the SS MM - or SS Mille Miglia model - is its automatic acceptance for the legendary Mille Miglia race, by way of having originally competed in this event in period. This hallowed status enables its next custodian to relive successes of the likes of Bassi and Gazzabini on the arduous 1000 mile course as well as numerous other events.

“Initial thoughts are that the OM should realize a high six-figure sum. It has been sympathetically restored and comes with one of the most comprehensive history files we have seen, having passed through a handful of noted collectors all the while being actively campaigned as it had in period.”

Viewing for the auction commences on Thursday 11th September and entries are still welcome.