De La Chapelle is an independent manufacturer of French motor cars. The company was founded in the 1970s by a family descendant and former Venturi director who started building Bugatti replicas. The roadster that was introduced in 1998 was, in fact, the company’s second model of its own design, following the Stimula marque of the pre-war era. In addition to a variety of BMW-, Peugeot-, and Mercedes-powered replicas, roadsters, and prototypes, the company also makes a variety of gasoline-powered “Junior” replicas. These children’s cars have been so successful that the BMW factory itself has twice requested a limited series of 328s, while the Automobile Club de l’Ouest, the organizers of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, ordered a series of Ferrari 330 P2s to train children on a special track close to the actual circuit.

This particular Junior is a very faithful miniature recreation of Ferrari’s famed 330 P2 racing car, of the type that won a number of endurance races in the mid-1960s at such fabled tracks as Monza, the Nürburgring, the Targa Florio, and Reims. Like every other De La Chapelle Junior built since 1979, it was made entirely to special-order by its original owner, satisfying any custom request for color, upholstery, or optional equipment. The level of intricacy found on the car is remarkable, from the four-stroke engines with throttle and braking to the headlights, indicators, and upholstered interior. This is so much more than a mere child’s car. De La Chappelle’s specification sheet suggests that the original owner requested a number of options, including cast aluminum wheel covers with three-eared knock-offs and red-varnished paint with #3 racing roundels.

Most importantly, proceeds from the sale of this extraordinary little child’s car will go directly to benefit the wonderful work of the Spina Bifida Association of Jacksonville. RM Sotheby's extends its gratitude to the consignor, as well as the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance Foundation, for their generosity.