Collectibles

Duemila Route Auction: Iconic boys toys collection set for auction

Duemila Route Auction: Iconic boys toys collection set for auction
Luigi Compiano's collection will be the largest single automotive collection ever offered for auction in Europe
Luigi Compiano's collection will be the largest single automotive collection ever offered for auction in Europe
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This gorgeous creature is a 1946 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Barchetta
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This gorgeous creature is a 1946 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Barchetta
Four Vintage Bobsleds
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Four Vintage Bobsleds
This is a Popoli Selva #94 Formula 3 Hydroplane
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This is a Popoli Selva #94 Formula 3 Hydroplane
Luigi Compiano liked E-Types. Indeed, he like E-Types so much that he had 21 of them. This his 1963 Jaguar E-Type S1 3.8
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Luigi Compiano liked E-Types. Indeed, he like E-Types so much that he had 21 of them. This his 1963 Jaguar E-Type S1 3.8
Luigi Compiano's collection includes the whole gamut of very expensive and desirable four wheelers, with more than a dozen Ferraris, the most valuable of which is expected to be a matching-numbers 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB/6C Alloy.The car is the first of seven long-nose, six-carburetor, alloy body, torque tube 275 GTBs built and will be one of the prizes of the auction.
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Luigi Compiano's collection includes the whole gamut of very expensive and desirable four wheelers, with more than a dozen Ferraris, the most valuable of which is expected to be a matching-numbers 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB/6C Alloy.The car is the first of seven long-nose, six-carburetor, alloy body, torque tube 275 GTBs built and will be one of the prizes of the auction.
Another high-priced item is expected to be this 2005 Porsche Carrera GT
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Another high-priced item is expected to be this 2005 Porsche Carrera GT
Another car expect to sell in the top 10 of the auction is this 1992 Ferrari F40
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Another car expect to sell in the top 10 of the auction is this 1992 Ferrari F40
This 1988 Porsche 959 'Komfort' is one of the most valuable Porsches of many at the auction. Compiano really liked Porsches. He had over 70 of them and they're all worthwhile models, from a 1953 Porsche 356 1100 Coupé (he had five 356 Porsches) through 23 different 911 specimens, a 912, 928, three 930 Turbos, two 944s, nine 964s, three 968s, eight 993s, seven 996s, five 997s, a Boxster, a Cayman and a 550 replica.
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This 1988 Porsche 959 'Komfort' is one of the most valuable Porsches of many at the auction. Compiano really liked Porsches. He had over 70 of them and they're all worthwhile models, from a 1953 Porsche 356 1100 Coupé (he had five 356 Porsches) through 23 different 911 specimens, a 912, 928, three 930 Turbos, two 944s, nine 964s, three 968s, eight 993s, seven 996s, five 997s, a Boxster, a Cayman and a 550 replica.
This 1959 Ferrari 250 GT Coupé by Pinin Farina is expected to be one of the highest-priced cars at the sale.
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This 1959 Ferrari 250 GT Coupé by Pinin Farina is expected to be one of the highest-priced cars at the sale.
Luigi Compiano loved Italian cars, and apart from owning 50 Ferraris, he had over 40 Alfa Romeos, eight FIATs, six Lamborghinis, 30 Lancias, and 22 Maseratis, the most valuable of which is probably the 2004 Maserati MC12, which is one of only 50 examples made and has just 6,000 kilometers on its odometer.
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Luigi Compiano loved Italian cars, and apart from owning 50 Ferraris, he had over 40 Alfa Romeos, eight FIATs, six Lamborghinis, 30 Lancias, and 22 Maseratis, the most valuable of which is probably the 2004 Maserati MC12, which is one of only 50 examples made and has just 6,000 kilometers on its odometer.
Luigi Compiano loved Rally Cars and this 1989 Lancia Delta HF Integrale 16V 'Ufficiale' is a factory works rally car like many other significant racing models with provenance in the collection.
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Luigi Compiano loved Rally Cars and this 1989 Lancia Delta HF Integrale 16V 'Ufficiale' is a factory works rally car like many other significant racing models with provenance in the collection.
1994 Bugatti EB110 GT
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Luigi Compiano liked Yamahas, particularly road racing Yamahas. The sale will include a TZ750, TZ700, TZ500, TZ350, two TZ250s, a TZ125 and an RG500 Suzuki. Luigi liked Yamaha dirt bikes too, with a 1976 Yamaha YZ125X, 1982 Yamaha YZ250J, 1982 Yamaha YZ490J and a 2003 Yamaha YZ450F Supermoto. Luigi liked Yamaha trials bikes too, with a 1975 Yamaha TY125, 1975 Yamaha TY175, and 1974 Yamaha TY80. He also seemed to be a fan of Yamaha's big 500 single having an original Yamaha 500 Enduro, 1973 SC500, a 1984 XT500 and a 1983 XT600 Ténéré. All are available at the auction.
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Luigi Compiano liked Yamahas, particularly road racing Yamahas. The sale will include a TZ750, TZ700, TZ500, TZ350, two TZ250s, a TZ125 and an RG500 Suzuki. Luigi liked Yamaha dirt bikes too, with a 1976 Yamaha YZ125X, 1982 Yamaha YZ250J, 1982 Yamaha YZ490J and a 2003 Yamaha YZ450F Supermoto. Luigi liked Yamaha trials bikes too, with a 1975 Yamaha TY125, 1975 Yamaha TY175, and 1974 Yamaha TY80. He also seemed to be a fan of Yamaha's big 500 single having an original Yamaha 500 Enduro, 1973 SC500, a 1984  XT500 and a 1983 XT600 Ténéré. All are available at the auction.
Luigi Compiano loved speedway bikes and there are numerous historically-significant bikes with an important provenance going to auction – JAPs, Jawas, Weslakes, a
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Luigi Compiano loved speedway bikes and there are numerous historically-significant bikes with an important provenance going to auction – JAPs, Jawas, Weslakes, a
Luigi Compiano loved vintage racing bikes, with this 1962 Norton Manx 40M a perfect example. There's also an AJS 7R "Boy Racer" in the sale.
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Luigi Compiano loved vintage racing bikes, with this 1962 Norton Manx 40M a perfect example. There's also an AJS 7R "Boy Racer" in the sale.
This WW2 era BMW R 75 has a Steib Sidecar
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This WW2 era BMW R 75 has a Steib Sidecar
Luigi Compiano likes Ducatis. This is his limited production 2008 Ducati MotoGP Desmosedici Replica, one of seven Ducatis going to auction. He seemed to like Moto Guzzis even more - he had 10 of them.
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Luigi Compiano likes Ducatis. This is his limited production 2008 Ducati MotoGP Desmosedici Replica, one of seven Ducatis going to auction. He seemed to like Moto Guzzis even more - he had 10 of them.
Jaguar D-Type childrens car and Alfa Monoposto childrens car
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Jaguar D-Type childrens car and Alfa Monoposto childrens car
Another work-in-progress in the garage was this bare metal 1963 Lancia Flavia Sport Zagato
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Another work-in-progress in the garage was this bare metal 1963 Lancia Flavia Sport Zagato
Luigi Compiano liked pure racing cars and this 1991 March CG911B Formula 1 car is just one of many racing cars on offer with such offerings including a 1985 Ralt RT30 Formula 3, 1993 Reynard 93D, 1975 March 753 Formula 3, 1990 March 90C Indianapolis, 1979 March BMW 792 Formula 2, 1982 Dallara 382 Formula 3, 1998 Tatuus RC 98 Formula Eurocup, 1968 Chevron B10 Formula 2 and an array of racing Go-Karts.
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Luigi Compiano liked pure racing cars and this 1991 March CG911B Formula 1 car is just one of many racing cars on offer with such offerings including a 1985 Ralt RT30 Formula 3, 1993 Reynard 93D, 1975 March 753 Formula 3, 1990 March 90C Indianapolis, 1979 March BMW 792 Formula 2, 1982 Dallara 382 Formula 3, 1998 Tatuus RC 98 Formula Eurocup, 1968 Chevron B10 Formula 2 and an array of racing Go-Karts.
An inkling of Luigi Compiano's passion for all things mechanical can be gleaned from many of the items in the collection. This 1960 Moto Guzzi Autoveicolo Da Montagna "Mulo Meccanico" (Mechanical Mule).
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An inkling of Luigi Compiano's passion for all things mechanical can be gleaned from many of the items in the collection. This 1960 Moto Guzzi Autoveicolo Da Montagna "Mulo Meccanico" (Mechanical Mule).
Luigi Compiano liked Norton Commandos, so much that he had four of them, with model years from 1969 through to 1972. All will go to auction.
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Luigi Compiano liked Norton Commandos, so much that he had four of them, with model years from 1969 through to 1972. All will go to auction.
There are signs of intense activity in restoring this collection, with numerous bare metal bodies of significant cars involved. This is a replica Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider body but there are bodies in the collection for two Ferrari 250 GTE 2+2, a Porsche 550 Spyder, and a Ferrari 250 GT SWB.
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There are signs of intense activity in restoring this collection, with numerous bare metal bodies of significant cars involved. This is a replica Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider body but there are bodies in the collection for two Ferrari 250 GTE 2+2, a Porsche 550 Spyder, and a Ferrari 250 GT SWB.
The entire 'Duemila Ruote' (2000 Wheels) will be sold in Milan, Italy, on 24 & 25 November, coinciding with the giant Milano AutoClassica, Italy's equivalent of Germany's Techno Classica and France's Retromobile, and attendance this year is bound to skyrocket due to this unprecedented additional attraction. Apart from a renewed interest in classic cars (attendances topped 125,000 in Paris and 200,000 in Essen this year, both new records), such a large and comprehensive collection being sold without reserve means there will be a few bargains to be had and an entire show to take in too. We expect it will be standing-room-only and they'll all be die-hard enthusiasts.
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The entire 'Duemila Ruote' (2000 Wheels) will be sold in Milan, Italy, on 24 & 25 November, coinciding with the giant Milano AutoClassica, Italy's equivalent of Germany's Techno Classica and France's Retromobile, and attendance this year is bound to skyrocket due to this unprecedented additional attraction. Apart from a renewed interest in classic cars (attendances topped 125,000 in Paris and 200,000 in Essen this year, both new records), such a large and comprehensive collection being sold without reserve means there will be a few bargains to be had and an entire show to take in too. We expect it will be standing-room-only and they'll all be die-hard enthusiasts.
Luigi Compiano liked racing hydrofoils, and his collection of historic racing hydrofoils is amazing. They are all, of course, for sale to the highest bidder.
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Luigi Compiano liked racing hydrofoils, and his collection of historic racing hydrofoils is amazing. They are all, of course, for sale to the highest bidder.
A small part of Luigi Compiano's quite large vintage hydrofoil collection that will be auctioned in Milan in November
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A small part of Luigi Compiano's quite large vintage hydrofoil collection that will be auctioned in Milan in November
Luigi Compiano really liked Porsches. He had over 70 of them and they're all worthwhile models, from a 1953 Porsche 356 1100 Coupé (he had five 356 Porsches) through 23 different 911 specimens, a 912, 928, three 930 Turbos, two 944s, nine 964s, three 968s, eight 993s, seven 996s, five 997s, a Boxster, a Cayman and a 550 replica.
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Luigi Compiano really liked Porsches. He had over 70 of them and they're all worthwhile models, from a 1953 Porsche 356 1100 Coupé (he had five 356 Porsches) through 23 different 911 specimens, a 912, 928, three 930 Turbos, two 944s, nine 964s, three 968s, eight 993s, seven 996s, five 997s, a Boxster, a Cayman and a 550 replica.
Luigi Compiano's collection will be the largest single automotive collection ever offered for auction in Europe
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Luigi Compiano's collection will be the largest single automotive collection ever offered for auction in Europe
Luigi Compiano liked bicycles, specifically Italian bicycles, and almost certainly as exotic as was possible when they were made. Any road transport museum will find plenty to covet here.
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Luigi Compiano liked bicycles, specifically Italian bicycles, and almost certainly as exotic as was possible when they were made. Any road transport museum will find plenty to covet here.
Luigi Compiano liked BMW Motorcycles, with a particular bent to the parallel-twin variants and ranging from a WW2 vintage R75 with Steib sidecar, to the very latest exotica.
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Luigi Compiano liked BMW Motorcycles, with a particular bent to the parallel-twin variants and ranging from a WW2 vintage R75 with Steib sidecar, to the very latest exotica.
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The term "like a kid in a candy store" captures a feeling that resonates with all of us and that's exactly how you will feel looking through the exhibits of RM Sotheby's Duemila Route Auction, knowing it was all owned by the same person. The sheer magnitude of this collection will overwhelm you – 430 cars, 150 motorcycles, 60 boats and racing hydrofoils, 117 bicycles, bobsleds, and so many other diverse big boy's toys.

The collection was the property of Italian Luigi Compiano and was confiscated by the Italian Government to recoup around €14 million owed in back taxes. Compiano had inherited the leadership of the family's private security companies in 2010, finding himself employing 700 people. Some newspaper reports suggest there was €40 million missing from the company's vaults, but there are many conflicting reports about the circumstances. When the authorities moved in, they also seized Compiano's numerous villas and holiday houses which have now either been sold or are being sold.

Apart from this collection being conservatively worth €20 million, when authorities seized the company, there was €22 million in cash in the safe. That's gone and it appears the empire has crumbled and Compiano's astonishing collection is to be sold at auction to the highest bidder.

Luigi Compiano liked E-Types. Indeed, he like E-Types so much that he had 21 of them. This his 1963 Jaguar E-Type S1 3.8
Luigi Compiano liked E-Types. Indeed, he like E-Types so much that he had 21 of them. This his 1963 Jaguar E-Type S1 3.8

The Government has already auctioned quite a few of Compiano's personal effects, including a dozen Berkel meat slicers (one fetched €6,800), his collection of 469 model cars, 243 model trains, his collection of pornography (2,187 DVDs and videotapes) right down to two lots comprising an assortment of sex toys, one lot fetching €1,000 and the other €550. Sadly, we don't have more details than that. They sure know how to hurt a guy, as the lots of those sales combine to tell the story of a hedonistic lifestyle with extravagance beyond comprehension.

Apart from superbly illustrating the old adage "never piss off the tax man," it also clearly shows that Compiano didn't do things by halves. As you'll also see from the extensive and superbly curated collection, he knew his boys toys. The monolithic jumble of lots contains at least a dozen different collections of historically significant power sports machinery that would do a museum dedicated to that sport proud.

Luigi Compiano liked bicycles, specifically Italian bicycles, and almost certainly as exotic as was possible when they were made. Any road transport museum will find plenty to covet here.
Luigi Compiano liked bicycles, specifically Italian bicycles, and almost certainly as exotic as was possible when they were made. Any road transport museum will find plenty to covet here.

The authorities finalized the various legal appeals to the seizure earlier this year, and signed a contract with RM Sotheby's, the world's largest auction house of collectible automobiles, to sell the collection. Then came appeals to the authorities from other major auction houses and the process was stopped, finally being unlocked just recently and hence the hurried preparation of the largest single automotive collection ever to be sold in Europe.

The entire 'Duemila Ruote' (2000 Wheels) will be sold in Milan, Italy, on 24 & 25 November, coinciding with the giant Milano AutoClassica, Italy's equivalent of Germany's Techno Classica and France's Retromobile, and attendance this year is bound to skyrocket due to this unprecedented additional attraction. Apart from a renewed interest in classic cars (attendances topped 125,000 in Paris and 200,000 in Essen this year, both new records), such a large and comprehensive collection being sold without reserve means there will be a few bargains to be had and an entire show to take in too. We expect it will be standing-room-only and they'll all be die-hard enthusiasts.
The entire 'Duemila Ruote' (2000 Wheels) will be sold in Milan, Italy, on 24 & 25 November, coinciding with the giant Milano AutoClassica, Italy's equivalent of Germany's Techno Classica and France's Retromobile, and attendance this year is bound to skyrocket due to this unprecedented additional attraction. Apart from a renewed interest in classic cars (attendances topped 125,000 in Paris and 200,000 in Essen this year, both new records), such a large and comprehensive collection being sold without reserve means there will be a few bargains to be had and an entire show to take in too. We expect it will be standing-room-only and they'll all be die-hard enthusiasts.

The entire "Duemila Ruote" (2000 Wheels) will be sold in Milan, Italy, on 24 & 25 November, coinciding with the giant Milano AutoClassica, Italy's equivalent of Germany's Techno Classica and France's Retromobile, and attendance this year is bound to skyrocket due to this unprecedented additional attraction. Apart from a renewed interest in classic cars (attendances topped 125,000 in Paris and 200,000 in Essen this year, both new records), such a large and comprehensive collection being sold without reserve means there will be a few bargains to be had and an entire show to take in too. We expect it will be standing-room-only and they'll all be die-hard enthusiasts.

Hence the back story is very relevant because it means you're unlikely to get the history of any of these cars and motorcycles or the warm and fuzzy anecdotes which normally accompany such machinery ... and as the authorities want the money NOW, the whole lot will sell on the fall of the hammer.

A small part of Luigi Compiano's quite large vintage hydrofoil collection that will be auctioned in Milan in November
A small part of Luigi Compiano's quite large vintage hydrofoil collection that will be auctioned in Milan in November

There is always the possibility that a buyer might retrace and compile the history of the car, bike or boat purchased at this auction and restore it's provenance, and that might be the fun part of a toy obtained here.

There are signs of intense activity in restoring this collection, with numerous bare metal bodies of significant cars involved. This is a replica Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider body but there are bodies in the collection for two Ferrari 250 GTE 2+2, a Porsche 550 Spyder, and a Ferrari 250 GT SWB.
There are signs of intense activity in restoring this collection, with numerous bare metal bodies of significant cars involved. This is a replica Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider body but there are bodies in the collection for two Ferrari 250 GTE 2+2, a Porsche 550 Spyder, and a Ferrari 250 GT SWB.

In many ways, it's half a Noah's Ark for men (one of everything), as the cars alone range from hyper expensive sports cars from post-war until recently, through an array of single seater racing cars and works rally cars, through to luxury limousines.

Compiano liked Rollers too. He had four Corniches (two bodyworked by Mulliner) a Silver Shadow and a 1930 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Windovers Limousine.

His collection includes the whole gamut of very expensive and desirable four wheelers, with more than a dozen Ferraris, the most valuable of which is expected to be a matching-numbers 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB/6C Alloy (below).

Luigi Compiano's collection includes the whole gamut of very expensive and desirable four wheelers, with more than a dozen Ferraris, the most valuable of which is expected to be a matching-numbers 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB/6C Alloy.The car is the first of seven long-nose, six-carburetor, alloy body, torque tube 275 GTBs built and will be one of the prizes of the auction.
Luigi Compiano's collection includes the whole gamut of very expensive and desirable four wheelers, with more than a dozen Ferraris, the most valuable of which is expected to be a matching-numbers 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB/6C Alloy.The car is the first of seven long-nose, six-carburetor, alloy body, torque tube 275 GTBs built and will be one of the prizes of the auction.

The car is the first of seven long-nose, six-carburetor, alloy body, torque tube 275 GTBs built and will be one of the prizes of the auction.

There's also a Plexiglas-headlight 1969 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona

Another car expect to sell in the top 10 of the auction is this 1992 Ferrari F40
Another car expect to sell in the top 10 of the auction is this 1992 Ferrari F40

... and a 1992 Ferrari F40.

Luigi Compiano really liked Porsches. He had over 70 of them and they're all worthwhile models, from a 1953 Porsche 356 1100 Coupé (he had five 356 Porsches) through 23 different 911 specimens, a 912, 928, three 930 Turbos, two 944s, nine 964s, three 968s, eight 993s, seven 996s, five 997s, a Boxster, a Cayman and a 550 replica.
Luigi Compiano really liked Porsches. He had over 70 of them and they're all worthwhile models, from a 1953 Porsche 356 1100 Coupé (he had five 356 Porsches) through 23 different 911 specimens, a 912, 928, three 930 Turbos, two 944s, nine 964s, three 968s, eight 993s, seven 996s, five 997s, a Boxster, a Cayman and a 550 replica.

Compiano really liked Porsches. He had over 70 of them and they're all worthwhile models, from a 1953 Porsche 356 1100 Coupé (he had five 356 Porsches) through 23 different 911 specimens, a 912, 928, three 930 Turbos, two 944s, 959, nine 964s, three 968s, eight 993s, seven 996s, five 997s, a Boxster, a Cayman and a 550 replica.

Luigi Compiano loved Italian cars, and apart from owning 50 Ferraris, he had over 40 Alfa Romeos, eight FIATs, six Lamborghinis, 30 Lancias, and 22 Maseratis, the most valuable of which is probably the 2004 Maserati MC12, which is one of only 50 examples made and has just 6,000 kilometers on its odometer.
Luigi Compiano loved Italian cars, and apart from owning 50 Ferraris, he had over 40 Alfa Romeos, eight FIATs, six Lamborghinis, 30 Lancias, and 22 Maseratis, the most valuable of which is probably the 2004 Maserati MC12, which is one of only 50 examples made and has just 6,000 kilometers on its odometer.

Compiano loved Italian cars, and apart from owning 50 Ferraris, he had over 40 Alfa Romeos, eight FIATs, six Lamborghinis, 30 Lancias, and 22 Maseratis, the most valuable of which is probably the 2005 Maserati MC12, which is one of only 50 examples made and has just 6,000 kilometers on its odometer.

Luigi Compiano loved Rally Cars and this 1989 Lancia Delta HF Integrale 16V 'Ufficiale' is a factory works rally car like many other significant racing models with provenance in the collection.
Luigi Compiano loved Rally Cars and this 1989 Lancia Delta HF Integrale 16V 'Ufficiale' is a factory works rally car like many other significant racing models with provenance in the collection.

Compiano loved Rally Cars and this 1989 Lancia Delta HF Integrale 16V "Ufficiale" is a factory works rally car like many other significant racing models with provenance in the collection.

Luigi Compiano liked Yamahas, particularly road racing Yamahas. The sale will include a TZ750, TZ700, TZ500, TZ350, two TZ250s, a TZ125 and an RG500 Suzuki. Luigi liked Yamaha dirt bikes too, with a 1976 Yamaha YZ125X, 1982 Yamaha YZ250J, 1982 Yamaha YZ490J and a 2003 Yamaha YZ450F Supermoto. Luigi liked Yamaha trials bikes too, with a 1975 Yamaha TY125, 1975 Yamaha TY175, and 1974 Yamaha TY80. He also seemed to be a fan of Yamaha's big 500 single having an original Yamaha 500 Enduro, 1973 SC500, a 1984 XT500 and a 1983 XT600 Ténéré. All are available at the auction.
Luigi Compiano liked Yamahas, particularly road racing Yamahas. The sale will include a TZ750, TZ700, TZ500, TZ350, two TZ250s, a TZ125 and an RG500 Suzuki. Luigi liked Yamaha dirt bikes too, with a 1976 Yamaha YZ125X, 1982 Yamaha YZ250J, 1982 Yamaha YZ490J and a 2003 Yamaha YZ450F Supermoto. Luigi liked Yamaha trials bikes too, with a 1975 Yamaha TY125, 1975 Yamaha TY175, and 1974 Yamaha TY80. He also seemed to be a fan of Yamaha's big 500 single having an original Yamaha 500 Enduro, 1973 SC500, a 1984  XT500 and a 1983 XT600 Ténéré. All are available at the auction.

If only I could go on, but I can't show you this 750-lot auction from your particular perspective. I'm afraid it's just gonna be a lot of sorting through the candy store to find what you and Compiano have in common. I feel for Compiano. Look through the lots and no doubt you will too.

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1 comment
1 comment
Future3000
So we will see how the Italians dump the highly overpriced Oldtimer market in the world!