14-12-88 A 1953 photograph of the famous P3 Alfa Romeo, winning the 150-mile motor race at Mairehau. it was driven by Ron Roycroft, shown in the inset. Vintage By DAVID CLARKSON A historic racing car, a P3 Aifa Romeo, has left New Zealand to be sold, probably just before the Мопасо Grand Prix in May. Similar models have reportedly been selling overseas for more than El million (2.9 million). But the Tai Tapu company director whose family trust owns the vehicle, Mr Bill Clark, said he was not sure about the accuracy of those figures. He would give no indication of ine reserve price that has been set for either an auction at Monaco, or an earlier private sale. He said the reserve was high enougi: 1o dissuade any buyers who migh: •ini to modify the vehicle. The cur, probably built in 1934, won the Lady Wigram Trophy Race in Christnurch in 195l. 1952 and racer leaves N.Z. 1953. It came to New Zealand from Britain in 1950, after successes in the Grand Prix circuit in the 1930s. It quickly established its racing reputation in New Zealand, but within a few years it was no longer competitive. Mr Clark found it in 1960, and bought it for 2350. along with a trailer waich he then sold for 450. The car needed restoration but in time it returned io the racing tracks. Is last appearance on a circuit was at a Country Gentlemen's race meeting at Wigram air base last summer. Mr Clark was noi driving it. however. "The cor has over te years. particularly the latter years. become a fairi! valuable commodity No longer has it become the sort of fun thing, to race it, or to take it cown the road. It is tco much of a risk. and it also • certain security probiem," he sard. After 28 years, Mr Clark was very sad to part with the Alfa, but the tamily trust had decided to sell. He did not have any nostalgic last drive before the car was shipping to Britain a forinight ago. it was decided. in consultation with the auction house, Christies. that tie Monaco Grand • Prix car auction iould be the best venue for a sale. The auction is expected to concentrate on Ferraris and Alta Romens inis year. On!! aboui 12 of the P3 Alfa Romeos remain in existence. ACcording to Mr Clark, only two were in the Southern Hemisphere, and up to i fortnight ago they were only abou 12km apart.