Ferrari from LWB to GTO
1957 Prototipi for the Mille Miglia
2016 SOLD for € 32M including premium
The Prototipi class in endurance racing enables Ferrari to develop in the mid-1950s a range of powerful and spectacular vehicles made in very small quantities. The top goal is to win the Mille Miglia.
In 1956, Ferrari's efforts were rewarded by a return to victory with a 290 MM driven by Castellotti. Another 290 MM driven by Fangio went fourth. This latter car was sold for $ 28M including premium by RM Sotheby's on 10 December 2015.
In 1957 the 315 S with a 3.8-liter engine and the 335 S with a 4-liter engine appear as the successors to the 290 MM. A 315 S driven by Taruffi won the race ahead of another 315 S driven by Von Trips. Unfortunately the most prestigious Italian endurance competition is forbidden by the Italian government following the accident of the 335 S of De Portago.
Other competitions continue and the cars are subject to the improvements necessary to maintain their competitiveness. The Ferrari 315 S which had been used by Von Trips receives a 4-liter engine, becoming a 335 S. It is also equipped with the fender pontoon front intended to reduce the overheating, which makes the glory in the same year of the 250 Testarossa .
After a very good competition history, the 315 S / 335 S enters the collection of Pierre Bardinon who restores it in its spider configuration while separately keeping the pontoon fender that still accompanies the car today. It is estimated € 28M for sale by Artcurial in Paris on February 5, lot 170. Here is the link to the press release.
In 1956, Ferrari's efforts were rewarded by a return to victory with a 290 MM driven by Castellotti. Another 290 MM driven by Fangio went fourth. This latter car was sold for $ 28M including premium by RM Sotheby's on 10 December 2015.
In 1957 the 315 S with a 3.8-liter engine and the 335 S with a 4-liter engine appear as the successors to the 290 MM. A 315 S driven by Taruffi won the race ahead of another 315 S driven by Von Trips. Unfortunately the most prestigious Italian endurance competition is forbidden by the Italian government following the accident of the 335 S of De Portago.
Other competitions continue and the cars are subject to the improvements necessary to maintain their competitiveness. The Ferrari 315 S which had been used by Von Trips receives a 4-liter engine, becoming a 335 S. It is also equipped with the fender pontoon front intended to reduce the overheating, which makes the glory in the same year of the 250 Testarossa .
After a very good competition history, the 315 S / 335 S enters the collection of Pierre Bardinon who restores it in its spider configuration while separately keeping the pontoon fender that still accompanies the car today. It is estimated € 28M for sale by Artcurial in Paris on February 5, lot 170. Here is the link to the press release.
1957 The Prototype of the Testa Rossa
2011 SOLD 16.4 M$ including premium
The Ferrari 250 TR is perhaps the most prestigious model of post WW-II car history . I have already told this group how Ferrari got in 1957 a lasting benefit from changes in race regulations that had been made necessary by a series of terrible accidents.
In that article, I presented one of 22 copies of the 250 TR. Announced in advance by RM Auctions as prepared to break the record at auction, it had fully met its promises: € 9M including premium on May 17, 2009 in Maranello.
Gooding publishes similar ambitions for another 250 TR, presented in their sale of Pebble Beach on 20 and 21 August. Mid-August sales organized by the major specialized auction houses in California are those that offer the most prestigious vehicles.
The new wonder offered by Gooding is the prototype of the Ferrari 250 TR. No less. With an outstanding racing pedigree, it has had only two owners in the last 40 years and has been maintained in superb condition with its original engine. The reserve price is certainly set to target a new car auction world record.
There is one month still left to the auctioneer to entice potential buyers, and success is quite possible. Gooding, one of the best specialists in the high-end collection cars, is the company that made the private sale of the most expensive car in the world in all categories: the Bugatti Atlantic from Dr. Williamson collection that was sold in May 2010 for an undisclosed price possibly in the vicinity of $ 30M.
Here is the image of the Ferrari 250 TR prototype, shared by Gooding on Ow.ly.
POST SALE COMMENT
The result confirms that Gooding is the specialist for selling the most outstanding vehicles by private sale or, as here, at auction. The Testa Rossa prototype was sold $ 14.9 million before fees, 16.4 million including premium.
In that article, I presented one of 22 copies of the 250 TR. Announced in advance by RM Auctions as prepared to break the record at auction, it had fully met its promises: € 9M including premium on May 17, 2009 in Maranello.
Gooding publishes similar ambitions for another 250 TR, presented in their sale of Pebble Beach on 20 and 21 August. Mid-August sales organized by the major specialized auction houses in California are those that offer the most prestigious vehicles.
The new wonder offered by Gooding is the prototype of the Ferrari 250 TR. No less. With an outstanding racing pedigree, it has had only two owners in the last 40 years and has been maintained in superb condition with its original engine. The reserve price is certainly set to target a new car auction world record.
There is one month still left to the auctioneer to entice potential buyers, and success is quite possible. Gooding, one of the best specialists in the high-end collection cars, is the company that made the private sale of the most expensive car in the world in all categories: the Bugatti Atlantic from Dr. Williamson collection that was sold in May 2010 for an undisclosed price possibly in the vicinity of $ 30M.
Here is the image of the Ferrari 250 TR prototype, shared by Gooding on Ow.ly.
POST SALE COMMENT
The result confirms that Gooding is the specialist for selling the most outstanding vehicles by private sale or, as here, at auction. The Testa Rossa prototype was sold $ 14.9 million before fees, 16.4 million including premium.
1959 Aluminum for Chinetti
2017 SOLD for $ 18M including premium
Designed on the 250 GT chassis as a cabriolet to please American customers, the California Spider (or Spyder) was not expected by Ferrari to compete in endurance racing against the berlinetta nicknamed TdF built on the same chassis.
It was however tempting to push the California into the competition. Luigi Chinetti is acting between Ferrari and American customers. Having been at the origin of the California project, he obtains from Ferrari the delivery of aluminum alloy bodied spiders.
In 1959 the 250 GT chassis is still in its long version which will later be identified as LWB. For the 24 hours of Le Mans in that year Chinetti and his NART team enter three Ferraris : a 250 Testa Rossa, a 250 TdF and a California Spider.
Released from the factory under pressure from Chinetti five days before Le Mans with a simple flash of paint and a far from completeinterior layout, this 250 GT LWB California Spider is the second of its kind in the Competizione configuration. Driven by its first owner and a co-driver, this brand new car ends the event with a very good result : 5th overall and 3rd in class. It was afterward honorably participating in various American competitions in 1959 and 1960.
This high-end car with a competition history is still more desirable since it was restored in 2011 by Motion Products Inc., the company of Wayne Obry. It is for sale by RM Sotheby's in New York on December 6, lot 141 estimated $ 14M.
One of the seven (or eight) other LWB aluminum bodied Spiders was sold for $ 18M including premium by Gooding on August 20, 2016. Ferrari and NART did not push this solution much further : only three SWB Spiders will be built for competition.
It was however tempting to push the California into the competition. Luigi Chinetti is acting between Ferrari and American customers. Having been at the origin of the California project, he obtains from Ferrari the delivery of aluminum alloy bodied spiders.
In 1959 the 250 GT chassis is still in its long version which will later be identified as LWB. For the 24 hours of Le Mans in that year Chinetti and his NART team enter three Ferraris : a 250 Testa Rossa, a 250 TdF and a California Spider.
Released from the factory under pressure from Chinetti five days before Le Mans with a simple flash of paint and a far from completeinterior layout, this 250 GT LWB California Spider is the second of its kind in the Competizione configuration. Driven by its first owner and a co-driver, this brand new car ends the event with a very good result : 5th overall and 3rd in class. It was afterward honorably participating in various American competitions in 1959 and 1960.
This high-end car with a competition history is still more desirable since it was restored in 2011 by Motion Products Inc., the company of Wayne Obry. It is for sale by RM Sotheby's in New York on December 6, lot 141 estimated $ 14M.
One of the seven (or eight) other LWB aluminum bodied Spiders was sold for $ 18M including premium by Gooding on August 20, 2016. Ferrari and NART did not push this solution much further : only three SWB Spiders will be built for competition.
1959 A California Spider in Lightweight Alloy
2016 SOLD for $ 18M including premium
The Ferrari 250 GT California Spider in the wheel base later identified as LWB is a series of 50 sports cars produced to please American customers between 1957 and 1960. The SWB is its successor. The brand continually works to improve its products and remains attentive to specific needs, which can create significant disparities from one vehicle to another.
Nine 'LWB' were originally built for competition with a lightweight body in aluminum alloy. A California Spider 'LWB' Competizione built in 1959 is for sale on August 20 by Gooding in Pebble Beach, lot 033. It is illustrated in the post shared by Forbes.
The settings of this model had been specially effective, including some engine components from the Testa Rossa to achieve a compression ratio of 9.8: 1, the highest of all the LWB, and a power of 275 hp about 50 hp over the basic model. Its features include from the origin the disc brakes, a rarity at that time, and its headlights are covered.
Sold to Chinetti for George Reed who was Ferrari's agent in Illinois and Wisconsin, it was raced with some parsimony until 1964 and remains in a matching numbers configuration for all its major elements.
This car is exceptional when considering that it is the best performing from all the LWB and that only three SWB California Spider Competizione were later assembled. It is estimated $ 18M.
Another LWB California Spider Competizione was sold for $ 11.3 million including premium on 18 August 2012, also by Gooding. Made in 1960, it had been used by Reed as a show car. It was in excellent condition but with no racing history.
Nine 'LWB' were originally built for competition with a lightweight body in aluminum alloy. A California Spider 'LWB' Competizione built in 1959 is for sale on August 20 by Gooding in Pebble Beach, lot 033. It is illustrated in the post shared by Forbes.
The settings of this model had been specially effective, including some engine components from the Testa Rossa to achieve a compression ratio of 9.8: 1, the highest of all the LWB, and a power of 275 hp about 50 hp over the basic model. Its features include from the origin the disc brakes, a rarity at that time, and its headlights are covered.
Sold to Chinetti for George Reed who was Ferrari's agent in Illinois and Wisconsin, it was raced with some parsimony until 1964 and remains in a matching numbers configuration for all its major elements.
This car is exceptional when considering that it is the best performing from all the LWB and that only three SWB California Spider Competizione were later assembled. It is estimated $ 18M.
Another LWB California Spider Competizione was sold for $ 11.3 million including premium on 18 August 2012, also by Gooding. Made in 1960, it had been used by Reed as a show car. It was in excellent condition but with no racing history.
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.
1962 The Two Series of the 250 GTO
2018 SOLD for $ 48M including premium
It is not enough to be the prettiest berlinetta of its time to win Grand Touring competitions, especially when Jaguar, Aston Martin and Shelby apply ambitious development programs. The Ferrari250 GT SWB is no longer competitive with its oblique front that lifts at 250 km/h.
A team around Giotto Bizzarrini designs a low body with a tapered front hood. To facilitate the homologation, the new chassis has the same size as the SWB. The studies are validated in wind tunnel. The lowered engine remains a 3-liter Colombo V12 while incorporating several improvements from the 250 TR.
Thus was born the 250 GTO at the beginning of 1962. 33 cars are built according to this model. They immediately dominate endurance and hill competitions. However Bizzarrini had left the company after a disagreement with Enzo Ferrari.
The technological challenge goes on. The approval of the 250 LM will be refused. While waiting for better days, Ferrari requires Mauro Forghieri and his team to modify the 250 GTO according to the aerodynamic improvement of the LM. Three 250 GTO Series II are built in 1964.
Four Series I cars are upgraded in 1964 to the Series II specifications. One of them is estimated $ 45M for sale by RM Sotheby's in Monterey on August 25, lot 247. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
This car was in 1962 the third GTO produced. Tested in May by Phil Hill at the Targa Florio, it is sold by Ferrari a few days later to a friend of Enzo Ferrari, Edoardo Lualdi-Gabardi, who gets excellent results in hill climbing with this car. In April 1964 Corrado Ferlaino leads it to First In Class in the Targa Florio, thus brilliantly validating the transitory concept of the Series II.
The price of a Ferrari 250 GTO depends on its results in period and on its crash history. The car for sale was not damaged. For reasons of preservation, the original engine was removed a few years ago. It is sold with the car.
In May 2018 a price of $ 70M in a private transaction was reported for a 250 GTO with a better race history including the victory at the 1964 Tour de France.
A team around Giotto Bizzarrini designs a low body with a tapered front hood. To facilitate the homologation, the new chassis has the same size as the SWB. The studies are validated in wind tunnel. The lowered engine remains a 3-liter Colombo V12 while incorporating several improvements from the 250 TR.
Thus was born the 250 GTO at the beginning of 1962. 33 cars are built according to this model. They immediately dominate endurance and hill competitions. However Bizzarrini had left the company after a disagreement with Enzo Ferrari.
The technological challenge goes on. The approval of the 250 LM will be refused. While waiting for better days, Ferrari requires Mauro Forghieri and his team to modify the 250 GTO according to the aerodynamic improvement of the LM. Three 250 GTO Series II are built in 1964.
Four Series I cars are upgraded in 1964 to the Series II specifications. One of them is estimated $ 45M for sale by RM Sotheby's in Monterey on August 25, lot 247. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
This car was in 1962 the third GTO produced. Tested in May by Phil Hill at the Targa Florio, it is sold by Ferrari a few days later to a friend of Enzo Ferrari, Edoardo Lualdi-Gabardi, who gets excellent results in hill climbing with this car. In April 1964 Corrado Ferlaino leads it to First In Class in the Targa Florio, thus brilliantly validating the transitory concept of the Series II.
The price of a Ferrari 250 GTO depends on its results in period and on its crash history. The car for sale was not damaged. For reasons of preservation, the original engine was removed a few years ago. It is sold with the car.
In May 2018 a price of $ 70M in a private transaction was reported for a 250 GTO with a better race history including the victory at the 1964 Tour de France.
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.
