Phil Hill’s personal automobilia collection to be auctioned by Gooding

A series of three online auctions, each of them dedicated to pieces of automotive and racing history collected by the late Phil Hill, one of the world’s most acclaimed racing drivers, has been announced by Gooding & Company.

Called the Phil Hill Automobilia Collection, the auctions will be held on Gooding’s Geared Online platform. The first one starts December 2 with lot closings beginning on December 11, and the subsequent auctions will take place February 8-19, 2021, and March 15-26, 2021.

Hill was one of the most accomplished drivers to ever compete on a race track, reigning as America’s only World Champion in Formula 1, on the overall-winning team three times at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and racking up a host of other significant victories in the 1950s and ’60s.  In his later years, he was a gracious ambassador for motorsports and the collector car world. He passed away in 2008.

“While Phil Hill needs no introduction among car enthusiasts, his automotive passions beyond racing are perhaps less known,” David Gooding, founder and president of the auction company, said in a news release. “After a long and successful racing career, with his crowning achievement being America’s first World Champion driver, he then focused on his famed restoration business.

“Both a collector and a world-class restorer, Phil’s passion for cars and collectibles was extraordinary. It is our honor to present these cherished possessions from The Phil Hill Automobilia Collection.”

The first sale will feature rare automotive literature including sales brochures, posters, prints, signs, scale models, artwork and photographs from such brands as Ferrari, Packard, Pierce-Arrow, Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Alfa Romeo, Aston Martin and Jaguar.  Items from his extensive library and archive will include uncommon motoring books and magazines, car club publications and event programs.

“My father was prone to keeping things he treasured, liked or found useful,” said Hill’s son, Derek. “From his unbelievable racing career with years of success at Ferrari to his post-racing life as a professional classic car restorer at his company Hill & Vaughn, he amassed a unique collection which reflects a golden era in motor sports and automobiles, while also including items from his diverse hobbies and love for music.

 “Opening up my father’s archive to part with so many of his coveted treasures is a momentously sentimental event. Even though I grew up around all these things which were simply a part of our family home or stored away in a garage or two, it leaves me very excited to finally bring so much of this to light and to see it move on to folks who will absolutely cherish these long-held objects.”

For more information about the Geared Online auction, visit the Gooding website.