Cars of the 1960s
See also : Cars Cars II Cars 1960s II Ferrari TR to GTO Ferrari after 1962 Italy US cars British cars British cars II Movies
Chronology : 1962 1966 1967
Chronology : 1962 1966 1967
1961 Oggi the Ferrari
2016 SOLD for $ 17.2M including premium
On March 11 in Amelia Island, Gooding sells a California Spider. Such event is not unusual but this specific example has many qualities that make it one of the most desirable Ferrari cars. It is estimated $ 15M, lot 069. Here is the link to the press release.
This car built in 1961 has the two outstanding aesthetic achievements by Scaglietti : the bodywork on the shorter frame and the covered headlights. Its color is the best symbol of the brand: it is painted in red and the leathers are black.
It had only three owners from new who carefully maintained and serviced it without modification and it so remains one of the most original from that model. It had probably never left Italy.
This California Spider is the dream car in the film Ieri, Oggi, Domani released in 1963. The movie is composed of three episodes of the Italian life unconnected in location or time, whose only common point is the leading couple, Sophia Loren and Marcello Mastroianni.
The central story, Oggi, was inspired from a short novel by Moravia whose title Troppo Ricca demonstrates the intention of social criticism. The woman drives with her lover the Rolls-Rolls of her husband and suddenly considers that she must make a choice between man and car. Relationships become nervous and Sophia crashes the Rolls.
The woman leaves on the road both car and lover and makes hitchhiking. They are near to Milan and the car that boards Sophia is our Ferrari, lent by its owner of that time to the film producer. Italy did not need to rely on concept cars to show on screen the ideal car : they had the 250 GT SWB California Spider.
This car built in 1961 has the two outstanding aesthetic achievements by Scaglietti : the bodywork on the shorter frame and the covered headlights. Its color is the best symbol of the brand: it is painted in red and the leathers are black.
It had only three owners from new who carefully maintained and serviced it without modification and it so remains one of the most original from that model. It had probably never left Italy.
This California Spider is the dream car in the film Ieri, Oggi, Domani released in 1963. The movie is composed of three episodes of the Italian life unconnected in location or time, whose only common point is the leading couple, Sophia Loren and Marcello Mastroianni.
The central story, Oggi, was inspired from a short novel by Moravia whose title Troppo Ricca demonstrates the intention of social criticism. The woman drives with her lover the Rolls-Rolls of her husband and suddenly considers that she must make a choice between man and car. Relationships become nervous and Sophia crashes the Rolls.
The woman leaves on the road both car and lover and makes hitchhiking. They are near to Milan and the car that boards Sophia is our Ferrari, lent by its owner of that time to the film producer. Italy did not need to rely on concept cars to show on screen the ideal car : they had the 250 GT SWB California Spider.
1961 The Rest of a Spider
2015 SOLD for $ 16.8M including premium
Until last year, I believed that the top prices among the Ferrari 250 GT California Spiders rewarded the examples in perfect condition. The highest result recorded so far on this model at auction, € 16.3M including premium by Artcurial on February 6, 2015, definitely contradicts such a view.
This car released from factory in 1961 was in the same collection since 1971. Hidden in a barn since 1975 after the bankruptcy of its owner, it had been retrieved under stacks of magazines that had distorted its hood. Ferraris are vehicles of an exceptional robustness: it had valiantly withstood four decades of neglect in the wet French countryside.
More important : it has never been disassembled. Despite its pitiful look, it has everything to become through a careful restoration the best car in its glorious class. Its short belonging in 1963 to a movie star, widely reported by the media before and after the sale, probably had no impact on its price.
Another wonder of the same model and same year is estimated $ 16M for sale by Gooding in Pebble Beach on August 16, lot 129. Here is the link to the press release.
This car has the same highly desirable original characteristics as the Artcurial specimen : SWB chassis, covered headlights. Its early history is less documented but it also remained untouched, until an engine overhaul in 2014. Moreover, it has never been forgotten by its owners.
The SWB spider is a great achievement by Scaglietti. Its differences with the LWB spider are not spectacular but are extremely important, including a road handling that reaches perfection, a better suspension and luxurious comfort. Cars earlier than the excellence of the SWB can no longer claim the highest prices on the overall Ferrari second hand market.
The car for sale in Pebble Beach has all the assets to be submitted to a full restoration according to the best current practice and to start a new career at the highest level in the Concours d'Elegance.
This car released from factory in 1961 was in the same collection since 1971. Hidden in a barn since 1975 after the bankruptcy of its owner, it had been retrieved under stacks of magazines that had distorted its hood. Ferraris are vehicles of an exceptional robustness: it had valiantly withstood four decades of neglect in the wet French countryside.
More important : it has never been disassembled. Despite its pitiful look, it has everything to become through a careful restoration the best car in its glorious class. Its short belonging in 1963 to a movie star, widely reported by the media before and after the sale, probably had no impact on its price.
Another wonder of the same model and same year is estimated $ 16M for sale by Gooding in Pebble Beach on August 16, lot 129. Here is the link to the press release.
This car has the same highly desirable original characteristics as the Artcurial specimen : SWB chassis, covered headlights. Its early history is less documented but it also remained untouched, until an engine overhaul in 2014. Moreover, it has never been forgotten by its owners.
The SWB spider is a great achievement by Scaglietti. Its differences with the LWB spider are not spectacular but are extremely important, including a road handling that reaches perfection, a better suspension and luxurious comfort. Cars earlier than the excellence of the SWB can no longer claim the highest prices on the overall Ferrari second hand market.
The car for sale in Pebble Beach has all the assets to be submitted to a full restoration according to the best current practice and to start a new career at the highest level in the Concours d'Elegance.
1961 A California Spider at the Salon de l'Auto
2014 SOLD 15.2 M$ including premium
The Ferrari 250 GT California Spider is one of the models that are the most often found in the auctions of luxury cars and in my column. Released in 1958, it targeted the market of wealthy Californians customers wishing to have a vehicle usable altogether for city and sport. The body was designed by Pininfarina and executed by Scaglietti.
In 1960, a significant improvement is made on the chassis for both spiders and berlinettas : a shortened wheelbase improving the driving stability when cornering. The SWB supersedes the previous chassis now designated LWB.
Prices go up at auction. The highest price reported up to now for a 250 GT California Spider is $ 11.3 million including premium by Gooding on August 18, 2012 for a 1960 LWB in Competizione configuration.
In the usual configuration, the top price is € 7M including premium on May 18, 2008 by RM Auctions and Sotheby's for the 1961 SWB that had belonged to the actor James Coburn from 1964 until his death in 2002.
Another 1961 SWB is estimated $ 13M, for sale by Gooding at Pebble Beach on August 16, lot 18.
This car was exhibited at the Salon de l'Automobile at the Grand Palais in October 1961. It briefly belonged to actress Barbara Hershey. Owned by a suite of careful collectors since 1974, it has been from 1993 one of the most regular stars of the Concours d'Elegance.
This spider has a rare option, the removable hardtop, which allows if needed to use it as a coupe.
POST SALE COMMENT
The estimate was ambitious and the result, $ 15.2 million including premium, confirms the rising of the prices, but this car had been maintained in exceptional condition.
In 1960, a significant improvement is made on the chassis for both spiders and berlinettas : a shortened wheelbase improving the driving stability when cornering. The SWB supersedes the previous chassis now designated LWB.
Prices go up at auction. The highest price reported up to now for a 250 GT California Spider is $ 11.3 million including premium by Gooding on August 18, 2012 for a 1960 LWB in Competizione configuration.
In the usual configuration, the top price is € 7M including premium on May 18, 2008 by RM Auctions and Sotheby's for the 1961 SWB that had belonged to the actor James Coburn from 1964 until his death in 2002.
Another 1961 SWB is estimated $ 13M, for sale by Gooding at Pebble Beach on August 16, lot 18.
This car was exhibited at the Salon de l'Automobile at the Grand Palais in October 1961. It briefly belonged to actress Barbara Hershey. Owned by a suite of careful collectors since 1974, it has been from 1993 one of the most regular stars of the Concours d'Elegance.
This spider has a rare option, the removable hardtop, which allows if needed to use it as a coupe.
POST SALE COMMENT
The estimate was ambitious and the result, $ 15.2 million including premium, confirms the rising of the prices, but this car had been maintained in exceptional condition.
1961 Aston Martin for Competizione
2015 SOLD for $ 14.3M including premium
It seemed difficult to compete with Ferrari without using Italian coachbuilders. In 1960, Aston Martin chose Zagato to equip 25 DB4 GT chassis.
The DB4 GT Zagato is a lightweight car in which most of the elements previously in steel have been replaced by aluminum. With its rounded forms specially designed for aerodynamics, it looks like an Italian car without being close to a Ferrari.
Designed for the road with a willingness of compatibility with the competition, it is stripped of all unnecessary equipment and can be directly compared with the 250 GT SWB Berlinetta Competizione developed by Ferrari in 1959.
The racing success did not meet the expectations of Aston Martin and the release of the Ferrari 250 GTO diverted from the English brand the customers of high-end Italian cars. The production of the DB4 GT Zagato is stopped after the 19th unit. Due to the popularity of cars from this prestigious period, the six remaining Zagato bodies are assembled from 1988 on old DB4 chassis upgraded to DB4 GT specification.
On December 10 in New York, RM Sotheby's sells the 14th Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato, completed in December 1961 to prepare for the 1962 season in which it had a significant racing history in Australia. It was restored in 2002 with the collaboration of the Carrozzeria Zagato.
This car is estimated $ 15M, lot 215. I invite you to watch the short video shared by the auction house.
The DB4 GT Zagato is a lightweight car in which most of the elements previously in steel have been replaced by aluminum. With its rounded forms specially designed for aerodynamics, it looks like an Italian car without being close to a Ferrari.
Designed for the road with a willingness of compatibility with the competition, it is stripped of all unnecessary equipment and can be directly compared with the 250 GT SWB Berlinetta Competizione developed by Ferrari in 1959.
The racing success did not meet the expectations of Aston Martin and the release of the Ferrari 250 GTO diverted from the English brand the customers of high-end Italian cars. The production of the DB4 GT Zagato is stopped after the 19th unit. Due to the popularity of cars from this prestigious period, the six remaining Zagato bodies are assembled from 1988 on old DB4 chassis upgraded to DB4 GT specification.
On December 10 in New York, RM Sotheby's sells the 14th Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato, completed in December 1961 to prepare for the 1962 season in which it had a significant racing history in Australia. It was restored in 2002 with the collaboration of the Carrozzeria Zagato.
This car is estimated $ 15M, lot 215. I invite you to watch the short video shared by the auction house.
1962 Opening the Club of the 250 GTO Owners
2014 SOLD 38 M$ including premium
The Ferrari 250 GTO (Gran Turismo Omologato) is the skilled union of the 250GT SWB chassis and of the 250TR engine, designed to win endurance and hill climbing competitions. It was coachworked as a berlinetta by Scaglietti. Its perfect geometry has also been improved after wind tunnel tests.
39 cars were manufactured between 1962 and 1964, which is a high figure for a commercial upscale Ferrari. Some have been modified. 28 units remain with the 3-litre engine from its original design.
Extremely competitive without being exceptionally rare, the 250 GTO is the preferred model of the auto enthusiasts from the high society, functioning as an informal club with media covered exclusive meetings. Cars are transmitted like a talisman by each owner to his handpicked successor.
For this reason, the history of the 250 GTO at auction is null. Sports Car Digest retrieved two events: a car unpaid after it was sold by Sotheby's in Monaco in 1990 and another one unsold by Brooks at Gstaad in 2000.
The sale by Bonhams at Quail Lodge on August 14 of a 250 GTO is a great event in the history of automobile auctions. Coming from a deceased estate, it had not changed hands for nearly half a century and is offered without reserve, lot 3.
This car has accumulated an interesting competition record after a bad start. Made in 1962, it was much damaged at Montlhéry on 7 October of the same year, killing one of its co-owners the ski champion Henri Oreiller. Repaired in 1963 at a time when the production chain of the 250 GTO was in full operation, it is an authentic unit.
POST SALE COMMENT
Such an event was expected for many years: a Ferrari 250 GTO sold at auction! The result, $ 38 million including premium, enters the price range expected by Bonhams.
39 cars were manufactured between 1962 and 1964, which is a high figure for a commercial upscale Ferrari. Some have been modified. 28 units remain with the 3-litre engine from its original design.
Extremely competitive without being exceptionally rare, the 250 GTO is the preferred model of the auto enthusiasts from the high society, functioning as an informal club with media covered exclusive meetings. Cars are transmitted like a talisman by each owner to his handpicked successor.
For this reason, the history of the 250 GTO at auction is null. Sports Car Digest retrieved two events: a car unpaid after it was sold by Sotheby's in Monaco in 1990 and another one unsold by Brooks at Gstaad in 2000.
The sale by Bonhams at Quail Lodge on August 14 of a 250 GTO is a great event in the history of automobile auctions. Coming from a deceased estate, it had not changed hands for nearly half a century and is offered without reserve, lot 3.
This car has accumulated an interesting competition record after a bad start. Made in 1962, it was much damaged at Montlhéry on 7 October of the same year, killing one of its co-owners the ski champion Henri Oreiller. Repaired in 1963 at a time when the production chain of the 250 GTO was in full operation, it is an authentic unit.
POST SALE COMMENT
Such an event was expected for many years: a Ferrari 250 GTO sold at auction! The result, $ 38 million including premium, enters the price range expected by Bonhams.
1962 The Shark Nose Berlinetta
2015 SOLD for $ 16.5M including premium
Enzo Ferrari would never cooperate with Carrozzeria Bertone. The reason is simple: this workshop in Turin had contributed to the success of the Giulietta range of Ferrari's arch-rival Alfa Romeo.
Enzo Ferrari had also friends. When he developed the chassis 250 GT SWB in 1959, he accepted that one of the first units should be reserved to Dr. Wax. This Italian industrialist loved the spectacular coachworks. Rather than going to regular contributors of Ferrari, Pinin Farina and Scaglietti, he selected Bertone for creating a one-off berlinetta.
The choice was significant. Nuccio Bertone was one of the visionaries of the Italian design. The Wax Ferrari was conceived by Giorgetto Giugiaro, hired in the same year by Bertone at the age of 21, who was to become one of the most famous designers.
This first SWB by Bertone and Giugiaro already displays their vision to create berlinettas with the aggressive shapes of a Grand Prix car. This car was sold for $ 7M including premium by RM Auctions on November 21, 2013.
In 1962 Nuccio Bertone purchases a 250 GT SWB chassis with the target to demonstrate to Enzo Ferrari that he is able to create a product competing through its modernity with Pinin Farina's classic design.
In the previous year in Grand Prix, the Ferrari 156 F1 had inaugurated a new angular shape with a shark nose front side. From drawings by Giugiaro, Bertone built a berlinetta inspired by the 156 F1. It may be considered in its daring as a precursor of the road supercars.
Bertone exhibits his car extensively throughout 1962 but fails to be entrusted with additional chassis by Enzo Ferrari. Each one of the two Berlinetta Speciale bodied by Bertone will remain unique. Both have been certified by Ferrari Classiche in 2009.
The 1962 Speciale is estimated $ 14M for sale by Gooding in Pebble Beach on August 15, lot 039. Here is the link to the press release.
Enzo Ferrari had also friends. When he developed the chassis 250 GT SWB in 1959, he accepted that one of the first units should be reserved to Dr. Wax. This Italian industrialist loved the spectacular coachworks. Rather than going to regular contributors of Ferrari, Pinin Farina and Scaglietti, he selected Bertone for creating a one-off berlinetta.
The choice was significant. Nuccio Bertone was one of the visionaries of the Italian design. The Wax Ferrari was conceived by Giorgetto Giugiaro, hired in the same year by Bertone at the age of 21, who was to become one of the most famous designers.
This first SWB by Bertone and Giugiaro already displays their vision to create berlinettas with the aggressive shapes of a Grand Prix car. This car was sold for $ 7M including premium by RM Auctions on November 21, 2013.
In 1962 Nuccio Bertone purchases a 250 GT SWB chassis with the target to demonstrate to Enzo Ferrari that he is able to create a product competing through its modernity with Pinin Farina's classic design.
In the previous year in Grand Prix, the Ferrari 156 F1 had inaugurated a new angular shape with a shark nose front side. From drawings by Giugiaro, Bertone built a berlinetta inspired by the 156 F1. It may be considered in its daring as a precursor of the road supercars.
Bertone exhibits his car extensively throughout 1962 but fails to be entrusted with additional chassis by Enzo Ferrari. Each one of the two Berlinetta Speciale bodied by Bertone will remain unique. Both have been certified by Ferrari Classiche in 2009.
The 1962 Speciale is estimated $ 14M for sale by Gooding in Pebble Beach on August 15, lot 039. Here is the link to the press release.
1964 The Race against the Regulations
2014 SOLD 26.4 M$ including premium
For automobiles, it often happens that history is not repeated. The extraordinary domination of the Ferrari 250 in all categories from 1955 was reinforced by an excellent adaptation to competition regulations.
The 250 GTO, produced mostly in 1962 and 1963, is registered in the Grand Touring class. In retrospect, it is clear that the O letter in GTO, which means Omologato, reveals the problems met by Ferrari to maintain their competitiveness while respecting all the rules.
The new models, the 250 LM in prototype class in 1963 and the 275 GTB in GT class in 1964, are technically formidable cars that can not maintain the wide success of the GTO. The competition is fierce. Remind that the failed negotiations between Ford and Ferrari happened in 1963 and the release of the GT40 in 1964.
The ambition in competition of the 275 equipped with a new 3.3-liter engine is embodied in three grand touring competition prototypes identified as 275 GTB/C Speciale with a bodywork by Scaglietti.
The super-light aluminum body, different from the road specification in the catalog, does not please the officials of the Gran Turismo. Yet one of the three cars managed to reach the third place in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1965 behind two Ferrari 250 LM.
The 275 GTB/C Speciale is extremely rare on the market. The first of the three is for sale by RM Auctions at Monterey on August 16, lot 239.
This is undoubtedly one of the most important cars in the history of automobile auctions. It paved the way for the limited series of the 275 GTB/C (without the word Speciale) of which a unit made in 1966 was sold for € 5.7 million including premium by RM Auctions on May 10, 2014.
I invite you to play the video shared on YouTube by RM Auctions.
POST SALE COMMENT
The special series of 275 GTB are confirmed as the most prestigious Ferrari cars after the 250 GTO. This 275 was sold for $ 24M before fees, 26.4M including premium.
It achieves a similar price as the 275 GTB / 4 NART that was sold for $ 27,5M including premium by RM Auctions on August 17, 2013.
The 250 GTO, produced mostly in 1962 and 1963, is registered in the Grand Touring class. In retrospect, it is clear that the O letter in GTO, which means Omologato, reveals the problems met by Ferrari to maintain their competitiveness while respecting all the rules.
The new models, the 250 LM in prototype class in 1963 and the 275 GTB in GT class in 1964, are technically formidable cars that can not maintain the wide success of the GTO. The competition is fierce. Remind that the failed negotiations between Ford and Ferrari happened in 1963 and the release of the GT40 in 1964.
The ambition in competition of the 275 equipped with a new 3.3-liter engine is embodied in three grand touring competition prototypes identified as 275 GTB/C Speciale with a bodywork by Scaglietti.
The super-light aluminum body, different from the road specification in the catalog, does not please the officials of the Gran Turismo. Yet one of the three cars managed to reach the third place in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1965 behind two Ferrari 250 LM.
The 275 GTB/C Speciale is extremely rare on the market. The first of the three is for sale by RM Auctions at Monterey on August 16, lot 239.
This is undoubtedly one of the most important cars in the history of automobile auctions. It paved the way for the limited series of the 275 GTB/C (without the word Speciale) of which a unit made in 1966 was sold for € 5.7 million including premium by RM Auctions on May 10, 2014.
I invite you to play the video shared on YouTube by RM Auctions.
POST SALE COMMENT
The special series of 275 GTB are confirmed as the most prestigious Ferrari cars after the 250 GTO. This 275 was sold for $ 24M before fees, 26.4M including premium.
It achieves a similar price as the 275 GTB / 4 NART that was sold for $ 27,5M including premium by RM Auctions on August 17, 2013.
1964 Prototype or Grand Touring
2015 SOLD for $ 17.6M including premium
Ferrari improves his models, but the high end is too elitist. Race regulating organisms harden against him the rules of Grand Touring, which must be based on a commercial production exceeding 100 units. Unqualified cars enter the Prototype category which is less in view from the public.
The 250 GTO was narrowly GT homologated. Ferrari's argument that it is a variant of the 250 GT SWB Berlinetta is technically difficult to counter. The history of the 250 LM will be different and this car just as effective as the 250 GTO will not reach the same prestige.
Ferrari is unable to obtain the GT homologation for the LM. Officials have not been duped. It is not really a GT because it is derived from the 250 P prototypes with a 3-liter engine launched in 1963 for track competition. The LM should also not be a 250 because its 3.3-liter engine is better ranked in the new Ferrari 275 class opened at the same time.
32 Ferrari 250 LM are built, most of them in 1964. The body is made by Scaglietti on a design by Pinin Farina. They are primarily intended for the track. One of them wins the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1965, driven by Jochen Rindt.
A 250 LM manufactured in 1964 remained in an exceptional original condition after a racing history without incident. It was sold for $ 14,3M including premium by RM Auctions on November 21, 2013. Another one that had burned in 1969 was sold for $ 11,6M including premium by RM Auctions on August 15, 2014.
On August 13 in Monterey, RM Sotheby's sells a 250 LM, also from 1964, lot 113, which is one of the best preserved of this model after an intensive racing history.
The 250 GTO was narrowly GT homologated. Ferrari's argument that it is a variant of the 250 GT SWB Berlinetta is technically difficult to counter. The history of the 250 LM will be different and this car just as effective as the 250 GTO will not reach the same prestige.
Ferrari is unable to obtain the GT homologation for the LM. Officials have not been duped. It is not really a GT because it is derived from the 250 P prototypes with a 3-liter engine launched in 1963 for track competition. The LM should also not be a 250 because its 3.3-liter engine is better ranked in the new Ferrari 275 class opened at the same time.
32 Ferrari 250 LM are built, most of them in 1964. The body is made by Scaglietti on a design by Pinin Farina. They are primarily intended for the track. One of them wins the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1965, driven by Jochen Rindt.
A 250 LM manufactured in 1964 remained in an exceptional original condition after a racing history without incident. It was sold for $ 14,3M including premium by RM Auctions on November 21, 2013. Another one that had burned in 1969 was sold for $ 11,6M including premium by RM Auctions on August 15, 2014.
On August 13 in Monterey, RM Sotheby's sells a 250 LM, also from 1964, lot 113, which is one of the best preserved of this model after an intensive racing history.
1966 Ferrari versus FIA
2017 SOLD for $ 14.5M including premium
The tussle between Enzo Ferrari and the FIA begins in 1962 with the 250 GTO whose very name, O meaning Omologato, indicates Ferrari's challenge to force the hand regarding the compliance with the rules. The best car can not be excluded from competitions, can it ? The FIA gives up. Momentarily only : in 1964 the approval of the 250 LM in GT is rejected.
Also in 1964 the 275 range with a 3.3 liter engine succeeds the 250 without interrupting the development of competition models in small or very small series.
The 275 GTB/C Speziale (C meaning Competizione) was realized in 1964 to prepare for the 1965 season. It was essentially an adaptation of the engine of the 250 LM on a shortened chassis of the 275 GTB. The effort is already focused on any possibility of weight gain. The FIA accepts its homologation with reluctance.
In 1966 another 275 GTB/C model goes further for a new weight gain of about 150 kg. The engineer Forghieri, who had developed the 250 GTO, now designed a chassis and body in very thin aluminum while the robustness of the rear is managed with fiberglass. The realization of the bodywork is a tour de force by Scaglietti. Its Achilles heel is the wire wheel. The approval is partial due to inconsistencies in the dossier concerning the carburetors.
Twelve 275 GTB/C are produced. Most of them will have a good competition history. One of them, maintained in great condition and considered as the most original of the group after a limited use, was sold for € 5,7M including premium by RM Auctions on May 10, 2014.
Collectors prefer cars with a racing history in period. The skill of Wayne Obry and his MPI company in Wisconsin enables to restore the used Ferraris in their original ex-factory configuration and performances. A 275 GTB/C restored by Obry is estimated $ 12M for sale by Gooding at Pebble Beach on August 19, lot 120.
Please watch the video in still views shared by the auction house. Here is also the link to the press release.
Also in 1964 the 275 range with a 3.3 liter engine succeeds the 250 without interrupting the development of competition models in small or very small series.
The 275 GTB/C Speziale (C meaning Competizione) was realized in 1964 to prepare for the 1965 season. It was essentially an adaptation of the engine of the 250 LM on a shortened chassis of the 275 GTB. The effort is already focused on any possibility of weight gain. The FIA accepts its homologation with reluctance.
In 1966 another 275 GTB/C model goes further for a new weight gain of about 150 kg. The engineer Forghieri, who had developed the 250 GTO, now designed a chassis and body in very thin aluminum while the robustness of the rear is managed with fiberglass. The realization of the bodywork is a tour de force by Scaglietti. Its Achilles heel is the wire wheel. The approval is partial due to inconsistencies in the dossier concerning the carburetors.
Twelve 275 GTB/C are produced. Most of them will have a good competition history. One of them, maintained in great condition and considered as the most original of the group after a limited use, was sold for € 5,7M including premium by RM Auctions on May 10, 2014.
Collectors prefer cars with a racing history in period. The skill of Wayne Obry and his MPI company in Wisconsin enables to restore the used Ferraris in their original ex-factory configuration and performances. A 275 GTB/C restored by Obry is estimated $ 12M for sale by Gooding at Pebble Beach on August 19, lot 120.
Please watch the video in still views shared by the auction house. Here is also the link to the press release.
1967 The North American Ferrari
2013 SOLD 27.5 M$ including premium
Ferrari has always endeavoured to flatter its American customers. The designations America, Superamerica and California attributed to high end variants are a convincing evidence of that fact.
Former winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Luigi Chinetti was a skilled agent of Ferrari in the United States. In 1958, he created the North American Racing Team (NART) that got very good results, in Europe also.
For his network of passionate customers, Chinetti negotiated in 1967 with Ferrari a special order for a new sports model to be built by Scaglietti on the 275GTB chassis.
Ten Ferrari 275GTB / 4 NART Spider cars were produced, a quantity certainly lesser than Chinetti's demand. Times are tough for Ferrari, who had to put an end to the 250GTO and escaped very narrowly an acquisition by Ford.
This rare NART Spider appears as an outstanding post-GTO model fitted to arouse passions. This small convertible is very efficient and highly elegant, and would later be imitated. Some owners of 275GTB in more standard variants will even wish to rebuild their car as a NART Spider.
One of the ten original 275GTB / 4 NART Spider cars remained in the family of the original owner who adored it. It is sold for the benefit of charities by RM Auctions in Monterey on 16 and 17 August.
I invite you to play the video shared on YouTube by Petrolicious for RM Auctions.
POST SALE COMMENT
This Ferrari was sold for $ 25M before fees. It is in very good condition and was sold to benefit charities, but this price is especially recognizing one of the best models that followed the 250 GTO.
Former winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Luigi Chinetti was a skilled agent of Ferrari in the United States. In 1958, he created the North American Racing Team (NART) that got very good results, in Europe also.
For his network of passionate customers, Chinetti negotiated in 1967 with Ferrari a special order for a new sports model to be built by Scaglietti on the 275GTB chassis.
Ten Ferrari 275GTB / 4 NART Spider cars were produced, a quantity certainly lesser than Chinetti's demand. Times are tough for Ferrari, who had to put an end to the 250GTO and escaped very narrowly an acquisition by Ford.
This rare NART Spider appears as an outstanding post-GTO model fitted to arouse passions. This small convertible is very efficient and highly elegant, and would later be imitated. Some owners of 275GTB in more standard variants will even wish to rebuild their car as a NART Spider.
One of the ten original 275GTB / 4 NART Spider cars remained in the family of the original owner who adored it. It is sold for the benefit of charities by RM Auctions in Monterey on 16 and 17 August.
I invite you to play the video shared on YouTube by Petrolicious for RM Auctions.
POST SALE COMMENT
This Ferrari was sold for $ 25M before fees. It is in very good condition and was sold to benefit charities, but this price is especially recognizing one of the best models that followed the 250 GTO.
