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Rare MCA Centenaire Supercar Expected to Fetch Over $1.29 Million at Auction

A remarkable piece of automotive history, the 1990 MCA Centenaire supercar, is poised to achieve a staggering sum at an upcoming auction. This vehicle, celebrated for its groundbreaking carbon fiber construction and powerful V12 engine, represents a pivotal moment in supercar development, combining Monegasque innovation with Italian engineering prowess. With only five units ever manufactured, its exclusivity makes it a highly coveted item among collectors, reflecting its significant heritage and performance capabilities.

Pioneering Monaco Supercar, The MCA Centenaire, Heads to Auction

Broad Arrow Auctions is preparing to present an exceptionally rare 1990 MCA Centenaire at its prestigious Zoute Concours Auction. This particular model, which played a foundational role in the Centenaire project, is anticipated to reach a sale price ranging from $967,000 to $1,290,000 (€900,000 to €1,200,000). The auction is scheduled for October 9, 2026, at the picturesque Approach Golf in Knokke-Heist, Belgium, coinciding with the esteemed Zoute Grand Prix Car Week. This event promises to be a focal point for elite car enthusiasts and collectors eager to acquire a unique automotive treasure.

The Monte Carlo Automobile (MCA) Centenaire project was spearheaded by Fulvio-Maria Ballabio, a former Formula 2 and CART driver, who assembled a formidable team. Technical director Carlo Chiti, renowned for his work with both Scuderia Ferrari and Autodelta, and ex-Alfa Romeo sporting director Pierluigi Corbari were instrumental in its creation. They designed the Centenaire around a carbon fiber monocoque, a revolutionary construction method at the time for a production road car. Power was derived from a 5.2-liter Lamborghini V12 engine, akin to that found in the iconic Countach 5000 QV, channeling its immense power through a ZF six-speed manual gearbox to the rear wheels. Named to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Automobile Club de Monaco, the vehicle received the endorsement of Prince Albert II, solidifying its status as Monaco's homegrown supercar.

Production of this exclusive model was limited to a mere five vehicles between 1990 and 1991. Notably, two of these were adapted for Le Mans trials, where they reportedly achieved speeds of up to 220 mph on the Mulsanne Straight, a testament to their advanced engineering. This specific Centenaire spent its initial years in development, testing, and promotional duties before being retained by Lamborghini at their Sant'Agata Bolognese factory for approximately a decade. It was eventually gifted to Ballabio in the early 2000s. The car reappeared at Rétromobile 2007, showcasing a striking blue finish, alongside the unique Lamborghini Pregunta concept. Broad Arrow had previously auctioned the Pregunta concept at the inaugural Zoute event. Following a comprehensive bodywork restoration around 2016, the car was returned to its original Ivory White exterior with a red leather interior, a color scheme thoughtfully chosen to mirror the flag of Monaco. Documentation accompanying the sale confirms the pristine condition of the red interior, which remained untouched during the restoration, and includes the original supply contract for the Lamborghini V12 engines, along with period photographs from the factory and Rétromobile. Gregory Tuytens, Broad Arrow's Head of Consignments for Belgium and the Netherlands, emphasized the unparalleled exclusivity of this car, stating that "Today's collector demands exclusivity and this car is unrivaled in that regard." The meticulous historical records and factory ties are expected to significantly influence bidding, drawing interest from specialist collectors and automotive museums.

The upcoming auction of the MCA Centenaire provides a unique opportunity to own a significant piece of automotive history. Its pioneering use of carbon fiber, collaboration with legendary figures in motorsport, and extreme rarity make it a standout. For collectors and enthusiasts, this event is more than just a sale; it's a chance to preserve a legacy. The outcome of this auction could also set new benchmarks for other rare, boutique supercars in the market, highlighting the growing appreciation for vehicles that combine innovation, performance, and a compelling backstory.

Volkswagen and Audi have issued a recall affecting over 200,000 SUVs in the United States due to a potential defect in a steering-rack mounting bolt. This bolt, if it corrodes, can fracture and compromise the steering system, leading to a loss of control. The affected models include certain ranges of the Volkswagen Atlas, Volkswagen Tiguan, and Audi Q3. Dealers will replace the faulty component with a newly designed, corrosion-resistant polymer-coated bolt at no cost to vehicle owners. While no related incidents or injuries have been reported in North America, owners are strongly encouraged to verify their vehicle's status through the NHTSA's VIN lookup tool and to respond promptly to recall notifications for safety.

This widespread recall highlights the importance of timely maintenance and responsiveness to manufacturer safety notices. The issue, stemming from moisture affecting a critical steering component, underscores the rigorous standards vehicle manufacturers must uphold. The proactive approach by Volkswagen and Audi, offering a free and improved replacement part, aims to mitigate any potential risks and ensure the safety of their customers. Owners should be vigilant for any changes in steering performance and seek immediate service if concerns arise, prioritizing safety on the roads.

Affected Models and Identification of the Issue

Volkswagen has announced a recall campaign for approximately 208,724 SUVs in the United States, targeting a specific problem with a steering-rack mounting bolt. The defect, identified as corrosion caused by moisture, affects a shared component across three distinct product lines. Vehicles impacted by this recall include the Volkswagen Atlas from the 2018 to 2019 model years, the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan, and the Audi Q3 produced between 2019 and 2021. The total number of vehicles involved underscores the broad scope of this safety concern. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has published details of the recall, confirming that extensive corrosion of this particular bolt could lead to its fracture. A fractured bolt could severely impair the steering rack's attachment to the vehicle's chassis, potentially resulting in compromised steering responsiveness or an outright loss of directional control, posing a significant safety hazard to drivers and passengers.

The specific production periods are crucial for identifying affected vehicles, rather than just the model year. For the Atlas, the relevant manufacturing dates span from November 30, 2016, to September 22, 2018. The Tiguan models at risk were built between March 22, 2017, and June 18, 2018. For the Audi Q3, the affected units were produced from May 21, 2019, to July 16, 2021. It's important to note that not every vehicle manufactured within these date ranges is necessarily equipped with the faulty bolt, as some may have utilized different, non-corrosion-susceptible hardware. To ascertain if their specific vehicle is part of this recall, owners can use the VIN lookup tool available on the NHTSA's official website. This allows them to quickly confirm their vehicle's status without having to wait for a mailed notification, which is scheduled to be dispatched around November 10th. This immediate verification option empowers owners to take swift action if their SUV is identified as having the defective component.

Safety Implications and Repair Solutions

The steering-rack mounting bolt is a critical component responsible for securing the steering rack to the vehicle's right side structure. Should this bolt corrode to the point of fracture, the integrity of the steering system is compromised. This can manifest as a degradation in steering response, making it difficult for the driver to accurately control the vehicle's direction, or in severe cases, a complete failure of the steering mechanism. Such a scenario could lead to perilous driving conditions, increasing the risk of accidents. Despite the severity of the potential defect, both Volkswagen and Audi have confirmed that, to date, they have not received any reports of incidents, crashes, or injuries related to this particular steering rack issue within the North American market, suggesting that the recall is a proactive measure to prevent future occurrences and ensure driver safety.

The rectification process for this recall is designed to be straightforward and convenient for affected owners. Authorized dealerships will perform the necessary repair, which involves replacing the problematic bolt with an upgraded component. This new bolt features a specialized "highly corrosion-resistant polymer coating," intended to prevent future corrosion and ensure the long-term reliability of the steering system. This repair will be provided free of charge to all eligible vehicle owners, irrespective of their vehicle's warranty status, emphasizing the manufacturers' commitment to safety. Owners will begin receiving official recall notification letters on November 10th. Dealerships are being given ample time, approximately seven weeks, to procure and prepare the necessary parts inventory before these notifications are sent out. Owners are advised to monitor for these letters and, if any steering anomalies are detected, to immediately cease driving and contact their dealership for an urgent inspection, ensuring their safety and the safety of others on the road.